Our plan is to begin this summer with Preview Worships set for June 15th, July 20th and August 17th. Every Sunday worship will begin Sept. 7th.  Worships will all be at 10:30 AM.  We will worship at our new worship center 38079 Center Ridge Road just west of Kim's Restaurant.  We will be leasing space from the New Life Community Church.

2.      What will worship be like?

The type of worship will depend upon the people who have interest in SOJ.  Initially we will most likely offer a worship in the Christian Praise format.  When interest warrants a more traditional worship with hymns we will offer that as well.

Christian Praise worship includes singing songs from Contemporary Christian Music often found on the Fish Radio Station.  This would be very upbeat and aimed at getting people into the Spirit of God’s Presence.  Use of drama, puppets and other forms of expression will be greatly encouraged. Occassionaly we will sing a traditional hymn using the Praise band.

All worships will involve the use of media in both song and teaching (message).  Children will be openly welcomed and worship will include a message especially for children.

A second type of worship, Hymn Sing Worship will take place as interest warrants. 

3.      Who can come?

Spirit of Joy is a Christian-Lutheran church in our approach but is welcome to anyone who is eager and willing to grow in their love for Jesus.   We welcome people who have never been to church, people who have a church connection in the past and those that might be Lutheran-Christians who have moved into Ridgeville.  We want to be open to anyone God is willing to love!

4.      What does it mean to be ELCA Lutheran?

As Lutherans we talk about radical grace.  Grace is the surprise of joy by God where we deserve death but God grants us life.   Think of the cross to the resurrection.  We are saved by God’s grace, not by anything we do.  Our salvation is through faith that the death on the cross is good enough for our salvation.  We love the world because God first loved us.  Grace means we don’t have to be perfect, in fact God understands when we are human and mess up.  That is a comforting thought!  Then join with us in a movement to turn our world into a fantastic and wonderful kingdom.  You can check out the national ELCA website at www.elca.org

5.     What will be offered for families with children?

We hope to offer Christian education for children via Bible Blast (known to some as Sunday School) which will take place on Sunday morning.  As we grow as a church youth and other children’s programming will be added.  Children will be encouraged and welcomed on Sunday morning.

6.      What will be offered to singles and those without children?

We hope as the need presents itself to have Huddles aimed at Young Adult, Seniors, Men and Women’s Ministries.  Essentially we will develop ministries as God directs and provides!  Adult education will be offered on Sunday mornings as well.   Name yet to be decided!

7.      How does Messiah Lutheran Church fit into the picture?

Spirit of Joy is a satellite ministry of Messiah Lutheran Church, Fairview Park.   We are on a 3 year ministry together and after 18 months will decide whether to continue the relationship with Messiah and be a second ministry site for Messiah or to be a single church.  That decision will be based on prayer and direction from the Holy Spirit and what makes sense for the sake of Spirit of Joy.

8.      How do I get involved? 

If you have an interest in being a part of this dynamic new church in The Ridge the first step is to contact the Mission Developer, Pastor Glenn.  He can be reached via email at pastorinjeans@gmail.com or by calling Spirit of Joy at 440-865-3989 and he will get in touch with you.  You may also download a brochure to give to friends and family.