Our Mission
Our Story
Our History
Early in 1983, Pastor Charles Schmitz of Peace Lutheran church of Palm Bay, Florida asked six families who were members of Peace to commit themselves for six months to regularly meet together for the purpose of establishing a new Lutheran church west of Interstate 95. At that time, the city was experiencing tremendous growth in the south east portion of Palm Bay.
On September 11, 1983, the first service of what was then called "Community Evangelical Lutheran Church" was held in the Library of Lockmar elementary School, with Pastor Schmitz presiding. In January of 1984, the Rev. Ronald Ryckman came from Wisconsin to serve as the first Pastor. The church's name was changed to "Joy Lutheran Church." On Palm Sunday, April 15, 1984, Joy was officially received and recognized as a congregation of the American Lutheran Church.
Joy, (now a Congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America-ELCA) is located on the corner of Jupiter and Eldron Blvd. Joy's diverse membership lends itself to an active caring family, and a vital and vibrant outreach partner in the community.
Our Mission
Joyfully Reaching Out to Others in Christian Love and Service