About ShareJoy

For the first five years, a specific non-profit ministry was clearly meant to be the recipient of ShareJoy's tithe.  2025 was a bit different . . . 2025 financial support raised for three community-minded ministries totals: $2,844,91.

As the Lord continues to bless others through the ministry of ShareJoy, the direction this year has been to share the loaves and fish and 'watch what He can do'. [If you haven't read about this miracle Jesus performed, be encouraged to go read the Bible! You could even google-search 'Loaves and Fishes scripture'.] 

What does this mean for the proceeds of whatever you choose to purchase from ShareJoy?

It means you will be a part of spreading the love and joy of Jesus through one of several ministries having a profound impact on the lives of people both now and for eternity.  For now, three ministries are sure to receive support from ShareJoy in 2025:

1. St James Coffee shop (the same beneficiary as our 2024 tithe)
2. Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch (the same beneficiary as our 2021 tithe)
3. Resurrection Lutheran School 

Through your purchases in the ShareJoy shop, you will also be a part of these meaningful ministries rooted in the love of Christ!

Once again, ShareJoy tithed proceeds collected throughout the year; in 2024 proceeds were given to St James Coffee shop - yes! A coffee shop!  Everyone impacted by this organization was blessed by a minimum of 20% of every purchase! Yes - an increase from our 4 previous years' commitments. 2024 financial support raised for St James Coffee Shop: $2,033.02.

About this very unique coffee ministry, St James Coffee shop

St. James Coffee is a unique response to the Church’s call of the New Evangelization in that it brings the Church into the world and into the everyday lives of its customers and the local community. It is a place where people encounter Jesus Christ through its products (including events/programs) and the hospitality of its volunteers and staff. "Our mission is to be a place where people encounter Christ and his Church." "Our vision is to develop disciples and equip evangelizers."

But, why a coffee shop?

God has woven so many amazing encounters together at this one-of-a-kind non-profit in Rochester, MN. Delicious coffee, uplifting music, kind people, family-friendly, free wi-fi . . . In short, I (owner, Nicole) have found myself working remotely from the space, meeting more colleagues and friends there, recommending it to others, and in the last 2 years, displaying and fundraising through the sale of ShareJoy items in a symbiotic relationship with the coffee shop. In gratitude, and with a strong sense of 'this is right' (God, is that you?!), I've not only landed on SJC as the beneficiary, but upped the tithe to 20% of sales. 

One unique aspect of this particular coffee shop is that, other than 1 full-time manager, the entire rest of the staff (baristas, bakers, launders, janitors, etc) are all volunteers! To keep non-profit status and be able to contribute to local faith-building and community-loving.

You don't have to be catholic to experience the glory of God, wonderful people, and great coffee in this place! I'm not catholic and neither are several of my friends in the JoyRisers Bible Study. In fact, I've even started volunteering as a barista (!) a couple times per month. 

Learn more by visiting http://stjamescoffee.com/ or by visiting their Facebook page

Each year, we have the opportunity to listen closely and learn where God leads ShareJoy proceeds. For 2023, Salt & Light Partners is where God has directed our tithe.  Everyone impacted by this organization will be blessed by a minimum of 10% of every purchase. 2023 financial support raised for and donated to Salt & Light: 1055.00 and $1355.00

About Salt & Light
Salt & Light is a partnership of board members, advisors, and chaplains who are diverse and woven throughout the community and responsive to the cares and concerns of our city. The mission of this group is to provide emotional and spiritual support through workplace chaplaincy in our community. "In today’s world, there is a growing realization of the difficulty and trauma our first responders are experiencing and how it affects their personal lives. Thankfully, a focus-driven organization such as Salt & Light Partners exists—a motivated group with a mantra of “Serving those who serve us.”

Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God ~Micah 6:8

Learn more by visiting https://www.saltandlightpartners.org/

In ShareJoy's third year of business, Guide Your Heart is where God has directed our tithe.  Everyone impacted by this organization will be blessed by a minimum of 10% of every purchase. 2022 financial support raised for Guide Your Heart: $1200.00

About Guide Your Heart

Guide Your Heart was founded to cut through the clutter of bad relationship advice and equip people with practical resources to empower them to navigate the complexities of marriage, divorce, and blended families. Guide Your Heart Founders, Kristine and Mike Stensland, directly experienced the pain of divorce and its lasting impact. Over the last two decades of their marriage, they have worked tirelessly to give purpose to their pain by volunteering to support marriages and blended families.  Read about the impact they have already made at https://www.guideyourheart.org/.

In ShareJoy's second year of business, Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch is where Spirit directed us.  This organization and everyone who visits benefited from a minimum of 10% of every purchase made throughout the year. 2021 financial support raised for Ironwood Springs: $855.00

About Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch

Bob Bardwell's vision of starting a youth camp ranch spurred the founding of Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch in 1976; today, the ranch specializes in programs that support youth, military, families impacted by autism and for individuals with physical and cognitive challenges.  As well, Ironwood offers a unique opportunity for guests to connect with horses with guidance from our Equine team.  Find out more about the organization at https://www.ironwoodsprings.com.

In ShareJoy's inaugural business year, The Landing MN was chosen as the beneficiary of a minimum of 10% of every purchase made! 2020 financial support raised for The Landing MN: $984.50.

About The Landing MN's Services

The Landing MN offers a soft landing place for those in need. What began as a couple's heart-felt desire to serve others has grown into a community-wide collaboration.  The kindness, love, practical assistance, relationship building, and resource sharing is inspiring and humbling.  Find out more about the organization at https://www.thelandingmn.org/.