Every month provides opportunities for ministry and witnessing for Jesus Christ. For the Joy of Troy church in Troy, New York, the month of May was exceptionally busy as church members reached out and touched not only those outside the church family but inside, as well.
On May 6, Joy of Troy was scheduled to sing to residents living in a senior housing center. The place had recently come under new management, and they didn’t realize Joy of Troy was supposed to be on the calendar. Undeterred, the volunteers visited a Joy of Troy member living there and filled her tiny apartment with fellowship and songs. Her home health caretaker was there and also received a blessing from the unexpected visit.
The following Sabbath was Mother’s Day weekend, and Joy of Troy used that as a time to recognize the women of the church. They expressed appreciation for all women as individuals whom others look up to as mother figures, whether biological or not. The Men’s Ministries department honored all the women by decorating the church, preparing a special meal, and presenting the ladies with music, a poem, and roses. In the afternoon, several men visited women who could not attend church that day and brought them food and cheer.
Joy of Troy is blessed to worship in a building listed on the New York Historic Registry. On May 20, the church participated in the Sacred Sites Open House, an annual event hosted across the state by the New York Landmarks Conservancy for the community to enter these beautiful religious edifices listed on the registry. Visitors can view the unique architecture, stained glass, mosaics, and more and hear about the ministries and community programs provided by many of the religious institutions. Joy of Troy featured a day filled with music that included a hymn-sing, a mini-concert by “Five to Life,” an Adventist group from the Syracuse area, and an organ concert by a Joy of Troy student who is studying engineering at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Folks from the neighboring community toured the church, took photos, and sat in the sanctuary to enjoy the music. The church also opened the windows so passersby could experience the music, too.
On the same Sabbath, two groups from Joy of Troy visited the Lansingburgh Fire Department and the Troy Police Department. They delivered cakes made by a church member who is a professional baker and handmade cards created by the children. They did this in honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day, which was on May 15.
Joy of Troy members consider it a privilege to reach out to others and be positive participants in their community.
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—Annette Barnes, elder, Joy of Troy church
