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  1. RESOURCES
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MINISTRY BLOG

Welcoming LGBTQ+ People BECAUSE of Jesus, not IN SPITE of Jesus

Welcoming LGBTQ+ People BECAUSE of Jesus, not IN SPITE of Jesus

March 6, 2023 March 7, 2023 Pastor Chris Duckworth Ministry Blog

SESSION 4 LGBTQ+ Welcome and the Bible. The fourth and final session explores why explicit welcome of LGBTQ+ people is faithful to the Gospel. Continue reading→

The Clobber Verses

The Clobber Verses

March 1, 2023 March 7, 2023 Pastor Chris Duckworth Ministry Blog

SESSION 3 LBGTQ+ and the Bible. Today we are looking at the “clobber verses” – the small handful of Bible passages that are frequently used to reject, shame, and condemn homosexuality and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Continue reading→

Hospitality in the Bible at New Joy

Hospitality in the Bible and at New Joy

February 28, 2023 March 7, 2023 Pastor Chris Duckworth Ministry Blog

SESSION 2 LGBTQ+ and the Bible. The second session of this series looks at hospitality in both the Bible and also in New Joy’s history. Continue reading→

LGBTQ+ Welcome & The Bible

Overview of Christianity and Human Sexuality

February 13, 2023 March 7, 2023 Pastor Chris Duckworth Ministry Blog

SESSION 1 LBGTQ+ and the Bible. The first session offered an initial overview of Christianity and human sexuality. Continue reading→

Radical Welcome Bible Study

Radical Welcome Next Steps

January 24, 2023 March 7, 2023 Pastor Chris Duckworth Ministry Blog

New Joy is planning a four-week Bible Study and a few experiences to learn from members of the LGBTQ+ community and from members of LGBTQ+ affirming congregations. Continue reading→

Reconciling Works logo

Radical Welcome

December 6, 2022 March 7, 2023 Pastor Chris Duckworth Ministry Blog

New Joy’s vision was to be a congregation that “welcomes, accepts, values, and nurtures all people wherever they are in their relationship with God.” “God does not discriminate, and neither do we. New Joy happily welcomes all, without regard to race, income, or sexual orientation.” Continue reading→

The Jews in the Gospel of John

The Jews in the Gospel of John

May 11, 2022 May 11, 2022 Pastor Chris Duckworth Ministry Blog

*Image above: ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton thanking Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism and Senior Vice President of the Union for Reform Judaism. He spoke at the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. Grace to you and peace, from the One who is, who was, and who is to... Continue reading→

Dear Band Director & Team Coach

Dear Band Director & Team Coach: An Open Letter

May 4, 2022 May 4, 2022 Pastor Chris Duckworth Ministry Blog

Dear Band Director & Team Coach An Open Letter Dear Sports Coaches, Marching Band Directors, And All The Other Wonderful Adults Who Guide Our Youth In Amazing, High Commitment Experiences That We Cannot Provide For Our Youth At Our Churches: Grace to you and peace, from the one who is, who was and who is... Continue reading→

A New Candle and a New Creed

April 13, 2022 April 13, 2022 Pastor Chris Duckworth Ministry Blog

A New Candle and a New Creed The Paschal Candle At our Easter Bonfire on Holy Saturday, we will light a tall candle called a Paschal Candle. Set on a large candlestick and placed near the baptismal font, this candle is a traditional symbol of the light of the risen Christ. While every gathering of... Continue reading→

The Hope of Leviticus 25, Part 2

The Hope of Leviticus 25, Part 2

January 28, 2022 January 26, 2022 Pastor Chris Duckworth Ministry Blog

The Hope of Leviticus 25, Part 2 As I stated in my previous post, in order for us to understand Jesus’ mission, it really helps if we understand Leviticus 25. When Jesus first preaches publicly in the Gospel of Luke, he claims that the “year of the Lord’s favor” is here! The year of the... Continue reading→

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New Joy Lutheran Church & Preschool
316 W 156th Street
Westfield, IN 46074

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