The seed for Joy Lutheran Church was planted, when mission planners of LCA Division for Outreach saw that the growing population in the SW Ocala area of SR 200 could be served by a Lutheran Church and sent Pastor Dean L. Swenson to Ocala a Pastor-Developer. First interest meeting was held in November of 1987.
On March 6, 1988 the first child was baptized at Joy Lutheran Church. In the spring of 1988, the present property was selected and a contract to purchase was signed by the ELCA. In September of that year Joy's Women of the ELCA was organized.
In 1989 the Lutheran Men in Mission was organized, our Mission statement and financial program for the church were planned. In November of 1989, "Tidings of Joy" the parish newsletter was first published. Christmas Day Service was the first service held in the remodeled house which served as Joy's temporary Sanctuary which is now Swenson Hall.
Regular Sunday morning worship services began on January 14, 1990 in the remodeled house on the property on SR 200. The charger statement and congregational constitution were adopted; the first Congregational Council was elected. In April, one hundred twenty charter members and six associate members signed the Charter. Pastor Swenson was called to serve Joy Lutheran Church. Joy's mission statement was approved and we registered as a non-profit corporation in Florida. In September, 1990 a second Sunday service was added with one hundred fourteen persons worshipping.
By 1993, the Memorial Gardens had been built and dedicated. In March, 1993 a successful "Vision for Joy" fundraising campaign was held using the services of Lutheran Laity Movement. In October the Congregation voted to commit to a loan of $700,000 from the ELCA to pay for the existing property and construction of a new building.
Ground breaking took place on March 27, 1994. Construction began in May and was completed in December of that year as the 10 foot light bronze sculpture, titled "The Risen Christ" was lifted up and set in place on the front of Joy. The display includes a six foot statue of Jesus Christ with his arms outstretched and a dove resting upon a circular wreath framework. The sculpture was made by Candice Knapp.
January 15, 1995 the new Sanctuary of Joy Lutheran Church was dedicated, to the glory of God. June 8th, the stained glass windows were installed in the church and in October 1995 the original painting of Noah's Ark scenes in the Joy Church Nursery was completed by Joy member and artist Betty Legg. From October 1997 through February 1999 the pipe organ installation took place.
Pastor Dean Swenson retired and his last service was on June 27, 1999. The congregation welcomed Interim Pastor, Rev. Dr. Marvin Seemann. Pastor Marvin Seemann leaves as interim Pastor of Joy Lutheran Church in June of 2002. Pastor Edward Holloway, Jr. was called to be the new Pastor for Joy Lutheran Church. The Installation of Pastor Edward Holloway, Jr. was held at Joy on July 14,2002.
Pastor Sean L. Forde was ordained as Joy's Assistant Pastor on April 1, 2006. In November, 2007 a German Service began at Joy, held on the First Sunday of every month. July 1, 2009 Pastor Sean Forde left Joy to go to develop a church in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
January 17, 2010 Joy Lutheran Church celebrated their 20th Anniversary with a special service. Joy became a Stephen Ministry Congregation.
January 30, 2016 Pastor Edward Holloway, Jr. retires from Joy Lutheran Church.
Pastor Arthur Wuertz was called to be Joy’s new pastor and installation was held at JOY with the Bishop and guest Pastors present on February 19, 2017.
September 1, 2019 - Silas Daniel became our new Organist/Pianist. September 1, 2020 Melissa Daniel became our Handbell Director.
The 2019-2021 pandemic challenged Joy Lutheran as all services had to be cancelled for some time, followed by a long and slow new normal. Parishioners continued to support Joy through the worst of times. Joy began to broadcast services during this time. 2021 was a year of returning to regular Worship and Church business.
In the Fall of 2022, the congregation developed a three phase plan to “Refresh” the Church Narthex, Sanctuary, and to develop an accessible entry and parking for the Sanctuary building. The Phase 1 “Refresh” was completed in January 2023 with a whole new modern and fresh look to the Narthex, restrooms and repurposing the Nursery as an Outreach Resource Center. A new organ was dedicated January 22, 2023 with Joy’s first Seasons of Joy Concert Series. Phase 2 & 3 of the Refresh are scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.