J.O.Y.

Just Older Youth

Lunch, old friends, and new ones, one Thursday a month.

When we gather Questions
J.O.Y. members gathered around tables decorated in red, white, and blue in the Fellowship Hall

“They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green.”

Psalm 92:14

What is J.O.Y.?

J.O.Y. is a monthly gathering for those in our congregation who might fit the category of "elderly," "old fogeys," "senior citizens," or "geezers"... you get the picture! We decided a better description for this time in our lives is Just Older Youth.

We create some space to eat a meal together, make new friends, visit with old friends, and simply enJOY each other. You don't have to bring a thing, just yourself.

  1. Practicing the Way of Jesus,Still growing and still bearing fruit, at every age
  2. in community,Sharing a table and catching up on each other's lives
  3. for the sake of others.Making room for someone new and bringing a friend along

When we gather

Pull up a chair.

Lunch is ready when you arrive. Come early or come late, sit wherever there's a seat, and stay as long as you like.

J.O.Y. lunch Fourth Thursdays
Time
11:30 am
Where
The Fellowship Hall
Bring
Just yourself
Next
October 22 and November 19

Around holidays the date can shift. November moves up a week because of Thanksgiving.

See the church calendar

A new theme every month

Our J.O.Y. leaders do an amazing job of planning each lunch around a theme, with the food, the tables, and the decorations all to match. One month it's red, white, and blue. Another it's Viking helmets.

They even encourage dressing up. Costumes are never required, but they're always welcome, and they make for a lot of laughs.

  • Two J.O.Y. friends dressed in German costume, one in a red bonnet and apron, one in lederhosen and a black hat
  • Two J.O.Y. friends dressed in kimono-style robes, one holding a folding fan
  • Two J.O.Y. friends in the church kitchen, one wearing a Viking helmet and a Norway shirt
  • A J.O.Y. member in a stars and stripes hat at the front of the Fellowship Hall
  • Three J.O.Y. friends next to the J.O.Y. welcome sign
  • Three J.O.Y. leaders in aprons in the church kitchen
  • A buffet table covered in a red and white striped cloth, set with hot dog toppings
  • J.O.Y. members visiting around a table decorated in red, white, and blue
  • A J.O.Y. member sharing with the group from the front of the Fellowship Hall
  • J.O.Y. members eating lunch at round tables in the Fellowship Hall
  • J.O.Y. members talking over lunch at round tables
  • A full Fellowship Hall of J.O.Y. members at lunch
  • J.O.Y. members sharing a meal around a table with a flower centerpiece
  • J.O.Y. members enjoying lunch together at a full table
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Frequently asked questions

Am I old enough?

There's no age cutoff. If you think you might be a Just Older Youth, you probably are.

Do I need to sign up or bring anything?

No. Lunch is provided, and you don't have to bring a thing. Just come.

Do I have to dress up?

Not at all. Come as you are. But if you've got a costume that fits the month's theme, we'd love to see it.

Can I bring a friend or my spouse?

Please do. Making new friends is half the point.

Where is the Fellowship Hall?

It's on our campus at 2650 Montello Ave in Hood River. If you're not sure where to go, anyone at the church can point you there.

Who do I talk to?

Email the church office and we'll help you get connected.