dec-newsletter-2013-gslc

Volume 38 Issue 12

December 2013

The Goodnews is a monthly publication of the Good Samaritan Lutheran Church

GOODNEWS Empowering People Through Christ’s Love

giving•sharing•loving•caring

Christmas Pageant Unspeakable Joy Dec 8 at all Sunday Services Page 9

Greening of the Grounds Dec. 7 Decorating the Church Grounds with music and food. Page 11

Angel Tree

Cookies with Santa

Spread Christmas Spirit and Joy to both children and adults who are in need. Page 11

Dec. 14th Santa, Cookies, and Petting Zoo! Page 9

Christmas Eve Worship

Christmas Day Worship Inside this Issue

12.24.13 | 5pm • 6:30pm • 8pm • 10pm •5pm - Birthday Party for Jesus: a

12.25.13 | 10:00am Traditional worship service with Christmas Carols & Communion.

service especially for kids & families.

•6:30pm & 8pm : Candlelight and Carols •10pm: Candlelight, Carols & Communion

Please note we will have regular worship the weekend of Dec 21 & 22.

Worship Hours pg.2 Faith in Action, Prayers Pg. 2 A Word From The Pastor Pg.3 Weekly/Monthly/Activity Pg.4 Calendar Pg. 5 Sponsors Pg.6 Funny Bone, Birthdays & Anniversaries Pg.7 Youth Pg. 8 Sunday School Pg. 9 Ministry Spotlight Pg. 10 Fellowship Opportunities Pg. 11 Silent Night Pg. 12

Good Samaritan Lutheran Church • 8425 W. Windmill Ln • Las Vegas • 702.873.3589 • www.goodsamlv.com

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Volume 38 Issue 12

December 2013

GOOD SAMARITAN LUTHERAN CHURCH Worship Hours

Saturday Worship 6pm Sunday Worship 8, 9:35 & 11 Sunday School 9:35 & 11am Nursery available for Sunday Services

Office Hours Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm 873-3589 - FAX 873-8437 www.goodsamlv.com

Church Staff Pastor Don Lorfing, Senior Pastor dlorfing@goodsamlv.com Pastor Scott Hove shove@goodsamlv.com Office & Finance Administrator Michelle Childers office@goodsamlv.com New Hope Christian Academy Administrator Miriam Dake dake@newhopechristianacademylv.org Contemporary Music & Choir Director Chris Childers chris@goodsamlv.com Adult Choir Director Michelle Childers office@goodsamlv.com Children’s Choir-Dir. Lori Hansen Organist - Dan Sheeran Family & Youth-Pastor Don Lorfing Children’s Ministry-Nita Borchardt Nursery - Samantha Jewell

Attendance Q1=344 Q2=305 Q3=284 Oct=318 Nov=333 •Newsletter deadline is the 15th of each month •The sponsors in this newsletter help us to defray the cost of printing. Please give them your consideration when possible.

Faith In Action

Care Ministry

A letter of gratitude from a member of our church family:

SHARING GOD’S CARE THROUGHFRIENDSHIPAND PRAYER

Hello, my name is Don Koch and I just wanted to say thanks to all of the wonderful beautiful people of G.S.L.C. for all of the prayers that were said for me. I believe with that being done and through God hearing all of you, I am able to tell the congregation Thank You so very much from the bottom of my heart and may God bless all of you every day of your life.

Please join us in keeping our congregation & their loved ones in our thoughts & prayers. We offer prayers for the following with individual specialized needs.

-Don Koch

Sips 4 Scholarships We would like to extend our appreciation to all who attended and served at this great event! Thousands of dollars were raised to benefit the scholarship fund. A very special thank you to Lisa Cordes and Carolyn Weaver. One attendee commented that he had been to many of these type events, and this one was the by far the nicest one! Great job everyone, for a great cause!

Operation Christmas Child Over 60 boxes were packed by our Sunday School, and the children prayed for each individual box and recipient child! Over 335 shoeboxes were taken in from neighbors and the community by our relay center here at Good Sam. Thank you to all of the people who donated supplies for the packing party, donations for shipping; volunteers who helped receive boxes from the community and pack into cartons, drivers who took the cartons to the Collection Center across town; and to each person who packed a box for a child.

Jacqui - stroke Jeremy - Saving Grace Mrs. O’Brien Alex - College Aly - health Vivian - healing Robert - Surgery Brian - Job Sylvia - Work Ailene - Pregnancy Elsa - Cancer and Employment Vina - Surgery/Cancer Ana-Cancer Douglas - Health Lorrie - Health Jeff - Surgery Derek - Cancer Dorothy - Health Randy - Surgery Jerry V - Surgery Chad, Norm, Judy, Keith, Duane, Axel, Noah, Diane, Ingrid, Megan, Michelle, Mike, Yogi, Marcia, John, Tony, Bianca

Church Council Carl Bates - President Dan Reese - Vice President Catherine Daruwalla - Secretary Joe Killoran - Treasurer Rick Byrnes Lisa Carson Paul Eckhart Tara Hanna Rudy Johnson Christy Wollin Barry Tschopp Council meetings are open to the congregation If you are a member of Good Samaritan and have any questions or concerns you would like put on the agenda, please contact the church office a week prior to the meeting, or if you would just like to attend, the are the 2nd Monday of the month).

Good Samaritan Lutheran Church • 8425 W. Windmill Ln • Las Vegas • 702.873.3589 • www.goodsamlv.com

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Volume 38 Issue 12

December 2013

GOOD SAMARITAN LUTHERAN CHURCH

Christmas Season Reflections As I sat down to write this column for the December newsletter I felt the need to reflect on the upcoming Christmas season. If your home is anything like mine, already you are in the midst of gearing up for the season; where are the Christmas decorations? How can I drape lights from the second story of the

There was so much that needed to be done. At that point Amy and I made a wise decision, rather than

the world. In the joy of the people helping with the Christmas Angel Tree ministry, in the twinkle of the

try to catch up with all the activity, we would just enter into the flow of Christmas and leave many of the things which were not done yet, undone. As a result of not getting so

eyes of a grandmother who told me of the upcoming visit of her grandchildren, in the emotion of the father and mother who welcomed their son home from

caught up in the busyness of the season we found ourselves able to be more focused on the reason for that season. We slowed down, we strolled through December instead

overseas, and in the worshipful faces of those who gathered to hear the story of God coming to us in flesh.

John 1:14 tells us, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling

of dashing. And I believe it was that simple modification that allows me to look back on that Christmas so fondly.

We entered into the season with a

among us. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only , who came from the father, full of grace and truth ” Jesus became touchable, reachable,

different perspective and it minimized my compulsion with winning, wooing, and accomplishing. I put away my ladder, backed off on the lights,

approachable. As it was then, it is still today. For a few precious weeks his glory and grace become tangible like at few other times.

My hope and prayer for all of us

house? How can the Christmas services be extra special this year?

We should put together a gift list, I hung up my stopwatch. I stepped better be sure and get the parties on off the racetrack, and was able to look outward and upward toward my calendar so I don’t disappoint anyone. As the list gets longer and the star of Bethlehem and the cradle underneath. the activities begin to build I think fondly back to a Christmas our family had several years ago.

We went out of town the first week in December for a vacation, when we came back it seemed as if Christmas had started without us.

And the result-I beheld much more clearly the Christ child. Suddenly the one I was responsible for proclaiming on Sundays became the one I was spending time with daily, and I was able to see around me the results of His influence on

this Christmas season, is that in the midst of everything taking place we will behold the Christ child. We will pause, slow down, and use our lips to praise him, our eyes to see him in the world and in those around us, and our hearts to marvel at his majesty that fills our world each day.

Emmanuel—God with us.

Good Samaritan Lutheran Church • 8425 W. Windmill Ln • Las Vegas • 702.873.3589 • www.goodsamlv.com

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Volume 38 Issue 12

December 2013

GOOD SAMARITAN LUTHERAN CHURCH

Weekly & Monthly Activities Bible Study - on Sundays at 9:35am in room #2 of the education building and at 11:00am in the large meeting area of the education building.

Kings Kids Choir - Practice begins at 10:40 in room #2 of our ed. building and goes for about 30 minutes.

Children ages 3 yrs – elementary school are welcome. A great way to kids to learn Christian songs and help them learn how to perform in front of others, while instilling God’s love in their hearts through song.

Quilters The Quilters have been making comforters and baptism quilts for 12 years now! They donate quilts to Lutheran Social Services in support of their programs for seniors and families in need. However, their numbers have decreased, yet need for these beautiful quilts have increased! If you have 2 hours a week on Fridays, and can sew at home, please join this amazing group!

Contact Carol Heiderman 876-7736 for more info.

NEW!! !! - Lunch h And A d Learn Lunch and Learn - Launches Thursday, December 5 at 11:30 A.M. Pastor Scott Hove will lead this new eating and Bible study opportunity! What’s better than digging into God’s Word and a little food at the same time?

Bring a dish to share and an eagerness to learn.

Meetings will be in the Youth Room next to the Church Office on the east side of our

Card Ministry Group - every Wednesday at 10am-we play ’Hand & Foot’ and everyone is invited to join us!

We meet in the youth room.

building. Ending time is 1:00 P.M. December meeting dates will be the 5th, 12th and 19th. After the holidays, we will

Bunko Night - the first Thursday of each month at 6:30pm in the youth room. Everyone is invited.

resume on January 9.

Mom “Me” Time - A place to find the support and friendship you need to help make the road of motherhood a little easier. All moms are invited (working moms, stay-at-home moms, moms with young kids or older kids, single moms, etc.) to form friendships, share advice, have a good laugh and relax! Please join us on December 5 & 19 from 6pm - 8pm at Good Samaritan Lutheran Church.

RSVP on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/goodsammommetime or email Carrie at Carrie.Larson@thrivent.com Men’s Breakfast Saturday Dec. 14th at 8am. All men are invited and bring a friend or relative.

Join us for great food and fellowship.

Choir- ages 10 and up - Wednesdays 6:15pm in the Sanctuary

Nar-Anon - A support group for families of those addicted to narcotics meets every Wednesday evening from 6:30 - 7:30 pm at GSLC in the youth room.

Beginning Sunday Dec 15, the meetings will be on Sundays from 6:30-7:30pm.

Good Samaritan Lutheran Church • 8425 W. Windmill Ln • Las Vegas • 702.873.3589 • www.goodsamlv.com

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Volume 38 Issue 12

December 2013

GOOD SAMARITAN LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEC EMBER 2 0 1 3 SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

1 8am, 9:35 & 11am - Communion & Worship 11-2:30 - Korean Worship - Ed Bld & Sanctuary 3:30 - School SetUp - Sanctuary

2 1:30 GA - youth room

3 1:30 GA - youth room

4 10am Card Players - youth room 6pm Boy Scouts Ed Bld 6:15pm Choir Sanctuary 6:30pm Nar-Anon 7:15 Band Sanctuary

5 11:30am Lunch & Learn - youth room 1:30 GA - youth room 3pm Girl Scouts youth room 6pm Mom’s Group - conference room 6:30 Bunko - youth room

6 9am Quilting 1:30 GA - youth room 6pm Jujitsu

7 9am German School 9:45 Pageant Reh. 12pm Greening the Grounds 5pm Band Reh Sanctuary 6pm Worship Service

8 8, 9:35, & 11amWorship& Christmas Pageant 11-2:30 - Korean Worship - Ed Bld & Sanctuary 3:30 - School SetUp - Sanctuary

9 1:30 GA - youth room 6pm Council Meeting

10 1:30 GA - youth room

11 10am Card Players - youth room 6pm Boy Scouts Ed Bld 6:15pm Choir Sanctuary 6:30pm Nar-Anon 7:15 Band Sanctuary

12 11:30am Lunch & Learn - youth room 1:30 GA - youth room 3pm Girl Scouts youth room

13 9am Quilting 1:30 GA - youth room 6pm Jujitsu

14 8am - Mens Breakfast 9am German School 11:30am - Cookies with Santa 5pm Band Reh Sanctuary 6pm Worship Service

15 8, 9:35, & 11Communion & Worship 11-2:30 - Korean Worship - Ed Bld & Sanctuary 3:30 - School SetUp Sanctuary6:30pm Nar-Anon - youth room

16 1:30 GA - youth room

17 1:30 GA - youth room

18 10am Card Players - youth room

19 11:30am Lunch & Learn - youth room 1:30 GA - youth room 3pm Girl Scouts youth room 6pm Moms Group - youth room

20 9am Quilting 1:30 GA - youth room 6pm Jujitsu

21 9am German School 5pm Band Reh Sanctuary 6pm Worship Service

22 8, 9:35, & 11amWorship 11-2:30 - Korean Worship - Ed Bld & Sanctuary 3:30 - School SetUp - Sanctuary

23 1:30 GA - youth room

24 CHRISTMAS EVE OFFICE CLOSED 5pm - Birthday Party for Jesus 6pm -Candlelight Service 8pm - Candlelight Service 10pm - Candlelight & Communion Service

25 CHRISTMAS 10am Worship OFFICE CLOSED

26 11:30am Lunch & Learn - youth room 1:30 GA - youth room 3pm Girl Scouts youth room

27 9am Quilting 1:30 GA - youth room 6pm Jujitsu

28 5pm Band Reh Sanctuary 6pm Worship Service

29 8, 9:35, & 11amWorship 11-2:30 - Korean Worship - Ed Bld & Sanctuary 3:30 - School SetUp - Sanctuary

30 1:30 GA - youth room

31 NEW YEAR’S EVE OFFICE CLOSED

Good Samaritan Lutheran Church • 8425 W. Windmill Ln • Las Vegas • 702.873.3589 • www.goodsamlv.com

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Volume 38 Issue 12

December 2013

GOOD SAMARITAN LUTHERAN CHURCH December Birthdays & Anniversaries

Luke 2:16-20 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Birthdays 1 - Mike Hanna, Nadia & Natasha McBride 2 - Robert Bennes, Donna Olmsted, Kiprotich Koech, Brian Sibiski 4 - Shawn Connolly, Jazmine Cratty 5 - Eric Johnson 6 - Romaine Kinsey, Mahren Ludacer 7 - Letha Carter, Sandy Swenson, McKenna Ludacer Mia Camilletti, Scott Poteet Joachim “Joe” Woerner 8 - Frank Arrington, Brian Maley, Tegan Stover 10 - Amy Dame, Norma Mac Adam, Emily Gilbert 11- Abigail Hess 12 - B.J. Willeford, Lisa Maxwell 13 - Jeremy Hare 14 - Elizabeth Hare 15 - Rory Frolick, Susan Crawford 16 - Jace Starbird 17 - Brad Keaton, Tom Willngham, Patricia Keene 18 - James Stover, Kendra Calendine,

Mum, can I please have a cat for Christmas:

Why would you invite a mushroom to a Christmas party?

No. You'll have turkey the same us the rest of us.

He's a fun guy to be with.

What's the most popular Christmas wine?

'I don't like Brussels sprouts!'

How do chickens dance at the

Where do sheep get their hair cut?

At the baa baa shop.

David Anderson 21 - Mark McCrary, Cole Dame Julia Berry), Ron Beatty, James Hess 22 - Sonny DuShane, Tyler Cataneso 23 - Tena Allen, Linda Bell/Valladares 24 - Sheila Bradley, Scott DuChateau, Nancy Lorfing 25 - Donald Albanito, Roc Pucci 27 - Val Connor, Kathleen Bronson 28 - Brooke Camilletti, Kathleen Beatty, K Chad Miller, Randal Hammer, H Steve Waldner 29 2 - Brianna Carlin, Kelsey Gerdon, Shannon K Sibiski S Kristen Cataneso, Joe Gilbert G 30 3 - Wes Parker, Brenda Hunting, H Taylor Barbour 31 3 - Adam Dame Anniversaries A 1 Dennis & Natasha Connor 27 Rachael & Matthew Beatty 27 Brad & Rebecca Keaton

Dear Sant a, Please tex t my dad.

He has m y whole Christmas List.

-Sam

What happened when the snowman annoyed the snow-woman?

She gave him the cold shoulder.

Christmas party?

Chick to chick!

Good Samaritan Lutheran Church • 8425 W. Windmill Ln • Las Vegas • 702.873.3589 • www.goodsamlv.com

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Volume 38 Issue 12

December 2013

GOOD SAMARITAN LUTHERAN CHURCH

Youth Events Christmas Pageant Sunday, December 8th Some Youth will be helping with Christmas Pageant.

YYouth Christmas Party Saturday, December 14th 5 – 10 pm For Middle and High School youth. This event will start with serving some local area residents by caroling, handing out gifts and visiting at an area nursing home. After that time we will head out to Danny and Kathy Antonino’s house for the party. Cost—One fun or funny gift under $10 for exchange.

SKI-TRIP Do you like to ski or just relax by the fire? Do you enjoy sledding or tubing? On Feb. 7-9 We will be going up to Brian Head. We leave the church Friday the 7th as close to 5pm as possible, ski Saturday and Sunday and return Sunday evening about 9pm. Cost for the event is $100 not counting lift and tubing tickets.

Registration forms and $50 Deposit is due by Jan27. Remainder of the trip fee is due by Feb 5th. If you would like ski lessons, contact Pastor Don 241-7392 As Soon As Possible.

Hot Church rch & C Confirmation onfir mation Sixth Grade - Senior High Sundays, all high school and middle school youth (6th grade - 12th grade) begin in worship service at 9:35am. Just before the children’s message the 9th-12th graders will go into the youth room for Bible related discussions. 6th-8th grade will go to the ed building for Confirmation Class.

For all youth activities to occur, parental or interested adult assistance is needed. Please contact Pastor Don if you are interested in helping with any of these activities.

Good Samaritan Lutheran Church • 8425 W. Windmill Ln • Las Vegas • 702.873.3589 • www.goodsamlv.com

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Volume 38 Issue 12

December 2013

GOOD SAMARITAN LUTHERAN CHURCH

Sunday School Events Christmas Pageant “Unspeakable Joy” Sunday, December 8th

Performances are at 8am, 9:35am & 11am.

We are delighted to join the Kings Kids, New Hope Christian Academy, and Praise Team to perform “Unspeakable Joy” a story of the t first Christmas with song, scripture, drama, and video. We s welcome our special actors and w dancers to take us on the d adventure of this exciting story! a Don’t forget to invite family, D neighbors, and friends! n

Cookies C ookies W With it h S Santa an t a Operation Christmas Child Over 60 boxes were packed by our Sunday School, and the children prayed for each individual box and recipient child! Over 335 shoeboxes were taken in from neighbors and the community by our relay center here at Good Sam. Thank you to all of the people who donated supplies for the packing party, donations for shipping; volunteers who helped receive boxes from the community and pack into cartons, drivers who took the cartons to the Collection Center across town; and to each person who packed a box for a child.

Saturday Satu Sa tu u rd rday d ay y December D ec ecem embe berr 14 14th th at at 11:30am-3:30pm 11 1 :30a 0 m-3: 3 30 30pm Avoid Malls!

Avoi Av oid d th the e Ma M lls! ll s

C Come meett Santa S t in i a comfortable f t bl setting, tell him what is on your Christmas list, share some cookies and check out the petting zoo, too!

For more information, contact the Sunday School Director, Nita Borchardt: nmborchardt@yahoo.com or 885-2686.

Good Samaritan Lutheran Church • 8425 W. Windmill Ln • Las Vegas • 702.873.3589 • www.goodsamlv.com

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Volume 38 Issue 12

December 2013

GOOD SAMARITAN LUTHERAN CHURCH

Ministry M inistry Spotlight Spotlight

by G Gail aill Bates ai Bate Ba tess

Fast many some F Fa ast st forward ffor orwa or orw ward rd m aan ny ye yyears ear ars rs an aand nd som so om mee things tth hin hin ngs g have hav ave changed cch hang ha nggeed abo aabout ab boou ut ut Communion, Commun union,, at least leas le ast for me. What Wha hatt a wonderful concept that everyone can enjoy a meal of God's love and forgiveness...no strings attached. One thing has not changed, though. We still have special people who prepare the Communion meal for us.

filled with ccandles ca and ndl dllees es are arre fil fi fill lle led ed wi w ith th oil. oiill. And, An A nd, d, of of ccourse, co our urs rse se, the se, th he meal meal me al is is prepared p ep pr pared d for for all allll ooff share. us to shar re. e Whyy such ssuc uch uc h attention atte at tent te ntio nt ion io n to detail? “We are honoring Him by making the gifts of God ready for the people of God,” says Altar Care volunteer Jo Ann Reese.

We are fortunate to be part of a church community where people are willing to As a child growing up in the work "behind the scenes" to make each The Altar Care Ministry is one of Catholic Church, Communion always those quiet ministries that no one hears worship service special. If you would had a certain mystique about it. In fact, much about. But, if you take a few like to be a part of the Altar Care I can still remember kneeling at the Ministry, rest assured, they will set a minutes on any given Saturday or altar, white doily pinned in my hair, Sunday to look closely at the altar, you place for you at the table. waiting patiently for the priest to place will see their hard work and meticulous a communion wafer on my tongue. attention to detail. The linens are Certainly, no "regular" person could cleaned, pressed, and color “We are honoring Him by ever be allowed to hand out coordinated, depending upon the Communion or prepare such an church calendar. The flowers look as if making the gifts of God important meal. You had to be they've been freshly picked from the ready for the people of God.” someone "special" to do that job. garden. They are never too close to - Altar Care Volunteer Jo Ann Reese. the front or pushed too far back. The

Service Volunteers Needed We invite you to become a Service Volunteer. Your could be a Greeter before services begin. You could be an Usher who helps with various things throughout the

service to help it run smoothly. You could be a Reader who reads the bible and gospel lessons during service. You could be a Communion Assistant who serves the communion. You could be an Altar

Care Volunteer who organizes and beautifies the altar in preparation for service. We thank all of you who have served in these capacities, who are currently serving, and we invite more of you to participate!

Good Samaritan Lutheran Church • 8425 W. Windmill Ln • Las Vegas • 702.873.3589 • www.goodsamlv.com

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Volume 38 Issue 12

December 2013

GOOD SAMARITAN LUTHERAN CHURCH

Angel Tree Ministry

Christmas Eve Worship

Sunday, December 22nd It is time to start thinking about the Christmas angels among us for the Good Samaritan Christmas Angel Tree! If you know of a deserving family or senior that could use some help with Christmas gifts please nominate them by contacting Heidi Marley: 818-4135.

Tuesday December 24th 5:00pm is the Birthday Party for Jesus - a service especially for kids & families. At 6:30pm, 8:00pm, We will have a service filled with Christmas Carols & Candlelight and at 10:00pm we will also have Communion.

We will be gathering in the youth room to wrap the donated Christmas presents. If we get a good group this should only take and hour or so. Then those that want to participate can help deliver the presents to needing families. This is a simple and great opportunity to get a child into the spirit of giving or to help an adult remember to be thankful as we help the less fortunate in our midst. If you have any questions you may contact Heidi Marley, the coordinator at 818-4135 or Pastor Don at 241-7392.

Our Good Samaritan Angel Tree will be up November 30 and we will add families through the season. Gifts will be wrapped and delivered on Sunday, December 22th. We need lots of help wrapping and delivering gifts. If you can help please contact Heidi.

Christmas C hristmas D Day ay W Worship orsh hip Wednesday December 25th , 10:00am Traditional worship service with Christmas Carols & Communion.

Please note we will have regular worship the weekend of Dec 21 & 22.

Greening of the Grounds Saturday, December 7th 12-2pm

Spread Christmas Spirit and Joy to both children and adults who are in need.

Heidi Marley is our coordinator: 818-4135

Come one, come all to Good Samaritan’s Greening of the Grounds. This event will help get our campus ready for the Christmas season. This is a great family event as well as a wonderful fellowship opportunity for the entire congregation. We will be starting at noon and have some snacks and drinks like hot chocolate, coffee, and lemonade available. If several of us pitch in we can be done by 2pm. We will be setting up the tree, decorating the entry area, putting lights up outside, and generally making our campus as beautiful as possible. There will be Christmas music playing while we work, mixed with lots of laughter and fun. So come on out and help us green up the grounds for the Christmas season.

Good Samaritan Lutheran Church • 8425 W. Windmill Ln • Las Vegas • 702.873.3589 • www.goodsamlv.com

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Volume 38 Issue 12

December 2013

GOOD SAMARITAN LUTHERAN CHURCH

Silent Night In 1818, a roving band of actors was

longer path took him up over a hill

the following evening at their Christmas

overlooking the village.

eve service. The one problem was that

From that hilltop, Mohr looked

he didn't have any music to which that

performing in towns throughout the

down on the peaceful snow-covered

poem could be sung. So, the next day

Austrian Alps. On December 23 they

village. Reveling in majestic silence of

Mohr went to see the church organist,

arrived at Oberndorf, a village near

the wintry night, Mohr gazed down at

Franz Xaver Gruber. Gruber only had a

Salzburg where they were to re-enact

the glowing Christmas-card like scene.

few hours to come up with a melody

the story of Christ's birth in the small Church of St. Nicholas.

which could be sung with a guitar.

Instead of walking straight to his

However, by that evening, Gruber had

house that night, Mohr took a

managed to compose a musical setting

church organ wasn't working and

longer way home. The longer path

for the poem. It no longer mattered to

would not be repaired before

took him up over a hill overlooking

Mohr and Gruber that their church

Unfortunately, the St. Nicholas'

Christmas. (Note: some versions of the

the village.

story point to mice as the problem;

Christmas carol that could be sung

others say rust was the culprit) Because the church organ was out of commission, the actors presented their Christmas drama in a private home.

That Christmas presentation of the events in the first chapters of Matthew and Luke put assistant pastor Josef Mohr in a meditative mood. Instead of walking straight to his house that night, Mohr took a longer way home. The

organ was inoperable. They now had a

His thoughts about the Christmas play he had just seen made him remember a poem he had written a couple of years before. That poem was about the night when angels announced the birth of the long-awaited Messiah to shepherds on a hillside.

Mohr decided those words might make a good carol for his congregation

12

without that organ.

On Christmas Eve, the little Oberndorf congregation heard Gruber and Mohr sing their new composition to the accompaniment of Gruber's guitar.