Working with Joy is fun, here are some people who can tell you first hand!
“Joy was my youth leader and I’m so glad to still have a connection with her today. I’ll never forgot the sermons and Bible studies she gave on a retreat at Camp Don Lee. She is patient, kind, and has more compassion for her students than I’ve ever seen. She has helped me grow not only in my faith but as a person in general. Joy has been such an influential person in my life, and I highly recommend connecting and learning with her if you have the opportunity.”
-Olivia, Raleigh, NC
“Through careful communication with parents and teens, personal invitations and attention, Joy was able to draw in both our regularly attending teens and our ‘fringe’ teens for confirmation preparation. Sessions were well-organized, engaging, comprised of both in-person and Zoom meetings, and fun. The subjects covered were appropriate for confirmation (i.e. Scripture, Sacraments, the Trinity, etc.), and Joy made them accessible and relevant to the teens’ everyday lives. She incorporated other adults from the congregation as helpers, organized fun fellowship events, and engaged the teens in thoughtful, creative ways.
From limited involvement to functioning youth presence and engagement: RESULT! And we are very thankful as Joy continues to organize and lead this vital ministry.”
-Rev. Jenni Pridmore, Rotterdam
“Thank you, Joy. Thank you for being there for me when I needed someone the Most. You and your podcast have helped me in my darkest days. The days when I thought I couldn’t make it out of bed and when my eyes could barely open from crying so much. You were there for me. Thank you.”
-Molly, Wilmington, NC
“Joy was my youth leader when I was in middle school! Not only did she help me better my faith but she also helped me through one of the darkest times in my life. The amount of love and support I received from her changed my life! I’m forever grateful that she was my youth leader!”
-Lily, Raleigh, NC
“A key advantage of Joy’s online youth sessions, is in her skills as a youth worker. She understands our young people and has established a good rapport with them. Her degree in theology, her teacher training and her passion for nurturing faith in young people, all contribute to her creative, knowledgeable and engaging sessions.
With a clear focus on Confirmation – Joy was able to steer a group of 9 young people towards this sacrament, with regular online sessions to explore the Christian faith. The young people were motivated, despite many other demands in their lives. In addition, we encouraged the youth to attend services at least on a monthly basis, to participate with readings, serving, music, PowerPoint, welcome and refreshments.
Rev. Carolyn Cooke, Geneva