A North American Lutheran Congregation on FM 359
Joy Lutheran Church gathers on FM 359 on the southern edge of Richmond, Texas. The congregation is affiliated with the North American Lutheran Church (NALC) and holds four core values: Christ Centered, Mission Driven, Traditionally Grounded, and Congregationally Focused. Lutherans, the church notes, make up one of the largest segments of Protestant Christianity in the world.
Members of Joy believe they are saved by faith in Jesus Christ through God's grace, and they live that grace through works of service and love. A verse from John 15:11 frames the church's identity: "These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full." The church's name and byline come from Acts 13:52: "And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit."
Two Sunday Services, One Family
Sunday morning at Joy offers two distinct services. At 8:00 a.m. the sanctuary fills with traditional hymns and liturgical worship. At 10:30 a.m. the same room comes alive with contemporary Christian music and modern liturgy. Holy Communion is celebrated at both services every Sunday, and the congregation stays afterward for fellowship and connection.
Between those services, at 9:30 a.m., Sunday School meets for all ages. Bible study with the pastor also gathers at 9:30. Senior Pastor Randall Conley teaches and is available throughout the week for spiritual conversations, counseling, and ministry appointments.
Holy Baptism and Confirmation
Joy provides Holy Baptism for adults, youth, children, and infants - a once-and-forever welcome into God's family. Children whose parents feel they are ready, usually in fourth or fifth grade, take a four-week class to receive First Communion. Middle-schoolers and older prepare for Confirmation through a two-year course before affirming their baptism.
Bible Study in the Middle of the Week
The midweek rhythm centers on the Word. A Tuesday night Bible study meets at 7:00 p.m., exploring biblical prophecy in depth. Pastor Randy's Sunday study continues between the worship services. Both studies are open to anyone who wants to dig deeper.
Music From Organ to Praise Band
Music carries the worship at Joy in two complementary ways. The 8:00 a.m. service features traditional hymns accompanied by organ and choir under the direction of Choir Director Darin Mielke. The 10:30 a.m. service is led by a five-piece Praise Band under Praise Band Director Jeanette Patrick, playing modern Christian songs. Anyone who wants to sing or play is invited to join either group.
Women's Ministry, Prayer, and Pastoral Care
Joy's Women's Ministry is multi-faceted. A Woman's Bible Study and a Prayer Shawl Knitting group meet weekly, and the women regularly feed the community and support the Pregnancy Resource Center in Richmond. The Prayer Chain is a long-standing practice: whenever a need arises, an email goes out and the congregation prays together. Anyone can ask the church for prayer.
Pastoral Support from Pastor Conley is available for spiritual visits, life-situation appointments, and counseling. Visitation disciples, also called Eucharistic Ministers, bring Holy Communion to people who are homebound, recuperating, or simply in need of a visit. The church reaches out to first-time guests with the same warmth.
Christmas Morning with the Homeless
Among Joy's outreach efforts, the Christmas Homeless Outreach stands out. The congregation gathers items through the season, then on Christmas morning Joy Disciples take the gifts directly to Houston's homeless population. They sit, talk, and pray with the people they meet. The church calls it one of the most powerful ministries it has, full of Christian love and giving.
The Dunes Project
Each January, Joy partners with the wider community to restore the dunes lost to tropical storms and hurricanes along the Texas Gulf coast. Church members collect used Christmas trees and deposit them on nearby beaches. Over the years they have placed thousands of trees, a hands-on way of being good stewards of God's creation.
A Doorway into Local Help
Joy Lutheran Church is dedicated not just to its members but to anyone in need who walks through the door. The church points neighbors toward a network of local services. Catholic Charities' Mamie George Community Center, Fort Bend Social Services, United Way of Fort Bend, Second Mile Mission Food Bank, and East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry are listed for food, financial, and basic needs. Texana Center is recommended for mental health support, and the Pregnancy Resource Center of Fort Bend for pregnancy services. The church's commitment is to pray with people in need and walk them to the resources that can help.
Joining the Joy Family
Anyone who wants to get involved can fill out a Serving Opportunities form. It lists everything from audio and visual technology and publicity to Bible study, cooking, gardening, photography, music, construction, hospitality, teaching, and pastoral care. Members of all ages - preschool through senior adults - can find a fit. After submission, the Joy Planning Board reviews the answers and suggests ministries that match the person's gifts.
Joy Lutheran Church is pastored by Senior Pastor Randall Conley. Darin Mielke directs the choir, and Jeanette Patrick leads the praise band. Services are livestreamed, and music and teachings are available on the church's YouTube channel. The phone rings at (281) 762-3310, the office email is office@joyrichmond.org, and the address is 717 FM 359, Richmond, TX 77406.