Caring
Joy has many opportunities for you to give of your gifts. Alternatively, Joy has many ministries in place to provide help and support to you in times of need. The ongoing ministries are listed here, but you will find that there are many other opportunities that come up throughout the year.
Shepherd Groups
As a member of Joy, you belong to a Shepherd Group, which is a
neighborhood group that provides support for those within the neighborhood (such
as providing meals after the birth of a child or during difficult times,
including hospitalizations). Shepherd Groups also act as a telephone tree is
case of emergency church closure.
Compassionate Visitors
The Compassionate Visitors are a group of individuals who are trained to
provide support and service to our congregation in times of need. The
Compassionate Visitors visit the sick and elderly and provide other support such
as driving to and from medical care, calling shut-ins for fellowship, and, of
course, prayer. Training for Compassionate Visitors is provided. Compassionate
Visitors are trained Eucharistic ministers bringing communion to shut-ins and
ones hospitalized in collaboration with and support of the pastors.
Community Outreach Joy’s outreach includes the following services:
CASA – Court Appointed Special Advocate
Trains volunteers to speak up for children who are abused, neglected, or abandoned by their families
CANA – Caring Association for Native Americans
Dedicated to bringing comfort and assistance to Native Americans who travel to Denver for medical treatment from western United States Indian reservations.
ELCA World Hunger
Provides immediate relief for people affected by chronic hunger and poverty; assists whole communities through long-term, sustainable development to help alleviate chronic hunger and poverty; advocates for justice by changing laws and systems; and educates members of the ELCA in awareness of issues relating to hunger, poverty, and justice.
Habitat for Humanity
Joy is a congregational member of the Holy Hammers Building on Faith Coalition in the Denver Metro Habitat for Humanity Chapter which provides affordable housing for low income families.
Lutheran Family Services
Provides community services which include foster care, pregnancy counseling, adoptive services, refugee and asylee services, senior outreach, and disaster response programs.
Mile High Ministries – Joshua Station
Mobilizes and equips people to connect their lives to God’s active concern for the poor. Joshua Station provides transformation housing for homeless families.
Parker Task Force for Human Services
Primarily a Food Bank but also provides monetary assistance in the form of gas, grocery certificates as well as rent and utilities support on an emergency, one-time basis to those in need in Parker, Elizabeth, and Franktown.
Praying Hands Ranch
Programs for children and adults with handicaps; programs include therapeutic riding, harness driving, and Hippo-therapy with occupational and speech therapists. A petting farm and horticultural therapy are also available.
Women’s Crisis Center and Family Outreach Center
Provides safety and empowerment for abused women and children who are victims of domestic violence through direct service and community outreach.
Prayers
See
Prayer.
Mission Opportunities