Great Coffee, Greater Purpose: Spirit of Joy Reimagines Ministry in the Southeast Valley
View reports for our 2026 assembly on our assembly mission and ministry stories page or in this collection of blog posts.
View this report as a PDF. Since selling our church property in north Gilbert in the fall of 2021, Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church in Chandler has been on a quest to live out discipleship and reach people in new and different ways with the gospel. After completing a two-year engagement with the ELCA Congregations Lead initiative, we have launched Mobile Ministry taking ministry to the streets and meeting people wherever they are.
In addition, we have also launched Mission Coffee & Tea in Chander as a new platform for ministry. Again, our vision is to reach people where they are - and we saw them drinking coffee! Mission Coffee & Tea is a ministry of hospitality and is the center of all of Spirit of Joy’s Outreach and partnerships supporting local, national and global ministry, making connections and forging new partnerships bringing the love of Christ to those in need. Our slogan: “Great Coffee Greater Purpose”. Additionally, we will be starting new worship and learning opportunities in 2027 with an appeal to those who are not currently engaged in the traditional church. This ministry of hospitality lends itself to the church meeting people in new and inviting ways as they meet, work, and relax. Through Direct Sourcing of our coffee and roasting locally, we ensure quality while building relationships that will benefit farmers with a fair and sustainable wages.
Through Mission Coffee & Tea we support organizations such as AZCEND, LSS, Seeding Mercy, and Christmas toy drives, inviting our coffee community to participate in great causes that share the love of Jesus. Everyone is welcome here—a space to gather, learn, work, and give back with gratitude and thanksgiving.
Finally, this year we also founded the Southeast Valley Children’s Choir. By hosting rehearsals and events in our space, we help nurture students’ musical talents and passion for vocal music, believing that “When Kids Sing the World Smiles.” Collaborations like this deepen our commitment to fostering growth, creativity, and joy for all ages.
We are grateful for the ways God has blessed us to be a blessing. The community of Spirit of Joy, while small, truly strives with passion to be good Stewards of the gospel and the amazing message of God’s grace, love and hope in Jesus that we are so fortunate to share.
