Ministries
Our mission at Spirit of Joy is to be a community where lives are transformed by the love of Jesus. Our values are Worship, Inclusion, Community, and Service. All of our ministries are directly tied to these core aspects of our identity. You can find a few of the ways we live into this identity here. We have ministries that connect us to each other and to our community – serving those around us in need.
Community Groups
Community groups are small groups of people (~8-12) who commit to serving, studying and having fun together from September to May. They meet for intentional conversation twice per month, meet for an agenda-free time of fellowship once per month, and use their time the remaining week of the month to serve Fort Collins, partnering with such organizations as CROP Walk, Faith Hospitality Network, Lutheran Family Services, Mosaic, and the Food Bank. Community groups are always open to new members including adults and youth (middle school and older).
Middle School & High School Community Group
During the school year, Middle school and high school youth are invited to participate in our Middle School and High School Community Group, which meets at 11am on Sundays. We rotate through faith-based discussions, service projects, and social outings. We have additional opportunities to participate in our Confirmation program, including mentoring and a series of topical discussions with the pastor. During the summer, many of our children and youth attend camp at Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp
Interested in learning more? Email Luckia.
MultiGENERATIONAL MINISTRY
We live into our value of Service in many ways, with members volunteering with a wide variety of agencies meeting needs throughout Fort Collins and beyond. Additionally, we often join in a multi-generational, church-wide service service project after worship on the first Sunday of the month during the school year. Multigenerational fellowship activities include: SoJ Mountain Retreat (at Sky Ranch) each summer, along with pot lucks, Faith Fires, and a range of other activities.
faith, family, Fellowship (f3) ministry
Faith formation begins at birth. We offer staffed nursery during worship every week which you can read more about on the “I’m New” page. Families with children 0-5 years gather monthly for Faith, Family, Fellowship (F3). This ministry combines a first introduction to church, prayer, and faith with play! This group gathers on the 2nd Sunday of each month from 4:00-5:30pm.
KIDS OF JOY {Elementary Kids}
Kids of Joy is our fun-filled program for lower school children that meets monthly from September through May. Kids from pre-K through 5th grade are invited and we enjoy songs, Bible stories, crafts, games, activities, and conversation in community to develop our faith.
Kids of Joy meets after worship 3 times/month (whenever we do not have a Multigenerational activity - see above).
WORSHIP
Liturgy is the work of the people. We are not consumers; we are participants. All are invited to get involved in the worship life of Spirit of Joy. There are many vital roles for Sunday morning, such as readers, communion servers, and more.
To be part of our music ministry, such as band, vocals, sound board or projection, click here.
REJOICING SPIRITS
On the first Sunday of each month, Spirit of Joy hosts a monthly “shush-free“ worship service intentionally structured to welcome and include those with cognitive disabilities and their families. We invite any and all to make a joyful noise with us during this inclusive service.
Joyful Hands
We have beautiful hand knit or crocheted prayer shawls distributed to those facing a time of crisis. The SoJ Joyful Hands group provides these shawls with a prayer that those who wear them will be wrapped in God’s love as surely as they are wrapped in the comfort of these shawls.
Columbarium & Memorial Walk
The Spirit of Joy Columbarium and Memorial Walk provide a peaceful place for remembrance, reflection, and prayer. This sacred space offers a lasting connection between loved ones and the faith community, while serving as a reminder of God's promise of resurrection and eternal life.
Quilting
Spirit of Joy Quilters is a group of caring women who gather twice monthly to make quilts for those in need. These quilts are distributed throughout the world through Lutheran World Relief, and locally to refugees and asylees through Lutheran Family Services. Our quilters meet regularly on the second and fourth Wednesdays at 9:30 am.
Women’s Ministry
Our Women’s Ministry meets monthly for uplifting conversations, friendship, and fun. Whether you're new to the area, exploring faith, or simply looking to connect with other women, you'll find a warm and welcoming community here.
Men’s Happy Hour
The men at Spirit of Joy get together monthly to connect, converse, and enjoy local beer. The location rotates around the various craft breweries in Northern Colorado