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JOY Lutheran celebrates opening of new church

Courtesy photo The four clergy members who led the JOY Lutheran grand opening worship service on April 25. Shown from left to right are Rev. Craig Nehring, Dean of NALC Wisconsin/Upper Michigan District; Rev. Len Gilly; Rev. Stephen Cowen; and Lay Minister Cynthia Cowen.

ESCANABA — On Sunday, April 25, 80 people gathered to celebrate the beginning of a new congregation. It has been a seven-month journey through COVID-19 and an organized effort of many faithful people to bring the new JOY Lutheran congregation together. Rev. Craig Nehring, dean of the NALC Wisconsin and Upper Michigan District, brought a message to the congregation and installed JOY’s church council: President Deb Wayne, Vice President Carrie Boudreau, Secretary Patty Lindstrom, Treasurer Donna Orzel, and council members Sam LaMarche, Sharon Pascoe, John Hendrickson, and Dave Stasewich. Rev. Len Gilly, Rev. Stephen Cowen and Lay Minister Cynthia Cowen assisted during the service. The service was filled with joy and excitement for the future. Following the worship service everyone enjoyed a meal of celebration.

JOY Lutheran is a congregation in the North American Lutheran Church (NALC). As a NALC congregation their core values are to be Christ-centered, mission-driven, traditionally-grounded, and congregationally-focused. JOY looks to the Holy Scriptures as the authoritative source and norm for guidance in life’s journey.

Salem Lutheran Church of Bark River, a NALC congregation, will join JOY Lutheran in a sharing ministry. Together, supporting and encouraging one another, they will join other faithful Christians in proclaiming the good news of Jesus, our Savior and Lord.

All are welcome and invited to join JOY Lutheran for worship on Sunday mornings with faith development (Sunday School) starting at 10 a.m. followed by worship services beginning at 11 a.m. All services are currently held at 1001 North Lincoln Rd, Escanaba, MI 49829 (inside the Delta County Commerce Building).

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