History of Joy of Discovery

From Then (2005) Until Now

Joy of Discovery moves to the Milner Memorial Presbyterian Church for Sunday study and services.

Joy of Discovery's delegation to the 2015 Synod Assembly in Greensboro participates in the election of the Rev. Timothy Smith as bishop of the North Carolina Synod.
A new logo is designed for Joy of Discovery.
The Rev. Timothy L. Poston is called as Mission Developer of Joy of Discovery

Owen Davis and Asia Richards attend the ELCA Multicultural Youth Leadership Empowerment Event (MYLE) and Youth Gathering.
Pastor Julius Carroll is affirmed as the second Mission Developer of Joy of Discovery.
Two Community Jazz Vespers are held on The Kappa Center's Great Lawn.
Joy of Discovery's website is reconstructed (Twiggy Sanders) and a new website administrator (George McDowell) is identified.
A new logo is designed (Twiggy Sanders) and electronically produced (Dorion Washington).
Jay Wright resigns as music director.
Fran Brar becomes interim music director.
A new and updated sign is posted at the King Richard cul-de-sac.
Joy of Discovery becomes involved with the Worthdale Neighborhood Association.
Joy of Discovery becomes involved with the tutoring and mentoring program “Loaves and Fishes.”
Newspaper advertisements are run in The Carolinian.

First Youth Fashion Show (Amina and Asia Richards, Pastor Beth).
(July) Pastor Beth Brashear appointed as interim pastor.
(Jan) Joy of Discovery begins NC Women’s Prison Ministry (Leaders: Rev. Willie Brazil and Donna Robey).

First Health Fair at Kappa House: 26 vendors and over 120 attendees.
Owen Davis and Pastor Charlene attend Music Workshop at Valparaiso University in Indiana.
First election of Joy of Discovery Mission’s Leadership Council: Ostine Swan, Rose Reubel, Judy Baumbach, Bob Robey, Lenny Davis, Desireè Peterson, Marge Bailey, Jaye Wurtzel and Pr. Charlene Limenih.

(July) First attendance at the ELCA Multicultural Youth Leadership Event (MYLE) & Youth Gathering in New Orleans: Asia and Amina Richards, Evan Wachter, Jeremy Davis. Silena Davis and Kyla Tresvant (adult companions).
Kyla Tresvant elected Secretary of the congregation.
Joy of Discovery begins tradition of Martin Luther King, Jr. celebrations for the Triangle Lutheran Conference (1st: Joy of Discovery; 2nd: Holy Trinity; 3rd: Good Shepherd; 4th: Abiding Savior).
(Jan) Joy of Discovery Neighborhood Evangelism Canvass: seven churches, 50 volunteers.

First congregational Sunday School Rally Day (organized and facilitated by Denise and Paul Tilden at their home).
(Jun 29) Lay preacher tradition begins with first preacher, James (Twiggy) Sanders.
Jay Wright is hired as Director of Music.
First Leadership Retreat at Camp Agape: Pastor Charlene, Rose Reubel, Francis Knight, Desireè Peterson, Damon and Alisa Washington, Kyla Tresvant.

Nine members of Joy of Discovery attend African American Lutheran Association’s churchwide gathering in Chicago (where John Cooper was elected Youth Director for Region Nine).
(Nov.) Pastor Charlene renews Damon and Alisa Washington's wedding vows (25 years).
(May) First Confirmation.
First Team Leaders’ Meeting with Bible study (Pastor Charlene’s home).
(Feb) First Black History Program (Joy of Discovery begins a tradition).
One-Year-Anniversary Celebration.

Damon Washington elected Treasurer and Alisa Washington elected Secretary.
Weekly Bible Studies began, rotating in homes of mission members.
(Oct) First Baptism: Chana Ricks and son Montel Harris.
(May 13) Thirteen Worshipers commit to Joy of Discovery’s ministry: Charlene Limenih, Marge Bailey, Rose Reubel, Ostine Swan, Desireè Peterson, Lisa Wachter, Evan Harris, Nathan Harris, Chana Ricks, Montrelle Harris, Olga Torres, Linda Lee Ward and Linda Barrier.
(May 7) First formal worship at Kappa House with 105 attending.
(April) Worship facility located by Rose Reubel and Carlton Fellers. Lease signed for Kappa House. (Pastor Limenih and Marge Bailey)
(Mar) First planning session, held at Pastor Charlene’s home. (Attending: Ostine Swan, Olga Torres, Rose Reubel, Lisa Wachter, Marge Bailey, Pastor Charlene)
(Feb) Pastor Limenih proposes name for new church: Joy of Discovery.
(Feb) First worship service and offering collection at home of Pastor Limenih (attending: Rose Reubel, Marge Bailey and Pastor Limenih)

Pastor Charlene Limenih receives call as Mission Developer for Southeast Raleigh.
African Descent Strategy Team receives approval for new start in Southeast Raleigh.