May 2015
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GOODNEWS Love God. Love People. Make A Difference.
In This Issue
Faith In Action Pg.2 A Word From The Pastor Pg.3 Church Calendar Pg.4 Church Events Pg. 5 Sponsors Pg.6 Youth & Sunday School Pg. 7 Birthdays Pg. 8 Prayers Pg. 9 Funnybone Pg. 10 Stewardship Pg. 11 Summer Events Pg. 12
YOUTH TRIPS Mission Trip June 16-21 Beach Camp July 7-11 Registration Ends May 10 Details on Page 12
GOOD SAM 101 Info & Membership class May 3 12:15pm See Page 4
VBS (2 Weeks; Mon-Fri) Aug 3-14
FROM THE PASTOR …there are many reasons to look Details on Page 12 up to heaven, call on the Source of it all and just say thank you that’s truly remarkable. See Page 3
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May 2015!
Church Staff
Pastor Don Lorfing, Senior Pastor dlorfing@goodsamlv.com Scott Hove, Executive Pastor shove@goodsamlv.com Office & Finance Administrator Michelle Childers office@goodsamlv.com Good Samaritan Christian Academy Administrator Miriam Dake 702-407-6749 info@goodsamcan.org Contemporary Music Director Chris Childers! chris@goodsamlv.com Choir Director Michelle Childers office@goodsamlv.com Children’s Choir-Dir. Lori Hansen !
Family & Youth-Pastor Don Lorfing & Natalee Graham natalee@goodsamlv.com Children’s Ministry-Nita Borchardt nita@goodsamlv.com Nursery - Sandy Markham 702-206-3336 sandymarkham@yahoo.com
Church Council
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Worship Hours
Saturday Worship 5pm! Sunday Worship 8, 9:35 & 11 Sunday School 9:35 & 11am Nursery available for Sunday Services
Office Hours
Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm 702-873-3589 - FAX 702-873-8437 www.goodsamlv.com
Average Attendance
Q1= 374 April 1-19 = 546
•To have items considered to be published in the monthly newsletter, please submit them to the church office by no later than the 15th of each month •The sponsors of this newsletter help us to defray the cost of printing. Please give them your consideration when possible. See page 6.
Please pray for Pastor Don as he takes his well-deserved sabbatical!
Faith In Action Good Samaritan raised $4000 to build a new well in Uganda, and $1500 was raised to benefit the Walter Hoving Home for young women whose lives have been shattered by drugs and alcohol.
Rick Byrnes - President! Barry Tschopp - Vice President Paul Eckhart - Secretary Joe Killoran - Treasurer! Dan Reese Shane Calendine Pete Peterson! Rudy Johnson Catherine Daruwalla Christy Wollin Jane Forbes 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, they are the 2nd Monday of the month).
CHURCH PICNIC Thank you to all who contributed to the church picnic in April. A huge thank you to the organizers, especially Gail Bates, and to our BBQ chefs who flame-broiled the burgers and dogs. Thank you to all who helped set up and clean up afterwards. It was wonderful weather, food and fellowship!
May 2015
From the
Pastor by Pastor Don Lorfing Dear Friends and Family of Good Samaritan Something happened a few weeks back that could be filed in the “Remarkable” folder. I was playing basketball at Faith Lutheran Jr./Sr. High on Sunday afternoon. Usually 12-20 guys show up each weekend. Some are flat bellies—guys in their 20’s who can still jump and run without gasping, there are the fatbellies, guys in their 40’s and 50’s who are within eyesight of, if not over the top of the hill in their basketball playing days, and then there are some of us who fall in between. We can still see our toes and remember how to jump, but somehow there has been a short circuit between our brains and our muscles. But the flat-bellies don’t mind letting the rest of us play, because they need us to fill out the teams and well, the fat-bellies have the keys. Anyway, a few Sunday’s back we were in the middle of a game, when in the midst of a contested play for the basketball one of the fat-bellies dropped to his knees and yelled out for everyone to stop. So stop we did. I began to calculate how long it would take an ambulance to make it to the gym and began trying to remember my CPR training. But instead of a heart attack, my teammate was holding his eye and told us he thought he had lost his contact. So we all carefully lowered ourselves to the ground and began to scan the floor, it was not until
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about 5 minutes later that someone noticed the lens on the shoe of another player. Even more remarkable was that it was on the shoe of a flat-belly. It has fallen and stayed there as he jumped all around trying to get the ball. “Remarkable”. The more I thought about this event, the more remarkable it became, the more remarkable it became the more I thought about remarkable things that happen everyday. It occurred to me that remarkable things usually occur in unremarkable situations, like a Sunday afternoon basketball game. I also noticed that there are more remarkable things going on than those I usually see. In fact, as I began to look around, I found more and more remarkable things that I’d labeled “ordinary” that actually deserved to be moved to the remarkable folder. Just about every morning I climb into a truck that weighs half a ton and take it out on the interstate, where I and thousands of others turn our vehicle into 70 mph missiles. While I have had a few scares, I still sing along with the radio as I drive at speeds that would have caused my great-grandfather to pass out. Remarkable. Every day, I have the opportunity to sit down with a book that contains the words off the One who created me. Every day through that book, or in a moment of prayer I have the opportunity to let him give me a thought or two on how to live. And if I don’t, he doesn’t strike me down with lightening or take my name off the Holy list. Instead He forgives me, calls me his son, and keeps trying to instruct me. Remarkable. During the day, I have the honor of working with committed, awesome people who are sharing
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God’s love and expanding God’s kingdom in our community in so many great ways. And I think God has ordained one such as me to help lead them. Remarkable At the end of the day, I get to walk into a house, that many in the world would consider a palace, and spend time with two great children and a beautiful wife. And I wonder why in the world He would entrust a stumbling bumbling fellow such as myself with the task of loving and leading such treasures. Remarkable. In the morning I will do it all again, I’ll drive the same road, go to the same office, read the same book, and end my day with the same family. But I am trying to learn not to take these everyday miracles for granted. Just think, it came out of a basketball game. Ever since we found that contact, I’ve seen things a lot clearer. I’m discovering many things: traffic jams usually clear up, sunsets are for free, most planes take off and land on time, youth volleyball is a work of art, and most people are good caring folks. I meet people every day who love their God and their church, who do their best for their families, for others, and who want to make a difference in the world. I’m learning that if I look…if I open my eyes and observe…there are many reasons to look up to heaven, call on the Source of it all and just say thank you that’s truly remarkable. -Pastor Don Lorfing
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May 2015
SUNDAY
May 2015
MONDAY 26
TUESDAY 27
WEDNESDAY 28
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THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
30
1 9am - Quilting • 1:30 Gamblers Anonymous • 6pm - Jujitsu
3 8am - Worship • 9:35am Worship, Bible Study, Sunday School, Hot Church • 10:45am - Kings Kids Rehearsal • 11am -Worship, Sunday School • Good Sam 101 Class
10 8am - Worship • 9:35am Worship, Bible Study, Sunday School, Hot Church • 10:45am - Kings Kids Rehearsal • 11am -Worship, Sunday School • Mothers’ Day
17 8am Worship• 9:35am Worship, Bible Study, Sunday School, Hot Church • 11am Worship, Sunday School • New Member Installation
24 8am Worship• 9:35a m - Worship, Bible Study, Sunday School, Hot Church • 11am -Worship, Sunday School 31 8am Worship• 9:35a m - Worship, Bible Study, Sunday School, Hot Church • 11am -Worship, Sunday School
4 1:30pm Gamblers Anonymous • 6pm - Daisy Troop Girl Scouts
5 1:30pm Gamblers Anonymous • 6pm - Boy Scouts
11 1:30pm Gamblers Anonymous • 6pm - Daisy Troop Girl Scouts •6pm Council Meeting
18 1:30pm Gamblers Anonymous • 6pm - Daisy Troop Girl Scouts
10am - Card Players • 6pm Cub Scouts • 7pm - Band Rehearsal
12 1:30pm Gamblers Anonymous • 6pm - Boy Scouts
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1:30pm Gamblers Anonymous • 6pm - Daisy Troop Girl Scouts • Memorial Day • Church Office Closed
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1:30pm Gamblers Anonymous • 6pm - Boy Scouts
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21 10:30am - Adult Bible Study • 1:30pm Gamblers Anonymous
27 10am - Card Players • 6pm Cub Scouts • 7pm - Band Rehearsal
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14 10:30am - Adult Bible Study • 1:30pm Gamblers Anonymous
10am - Card Players • 6pm Cub Scouts • 7pm - Band Rehearsal
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5PM - Worship Service
10:30am - Adult 9am - Quilting • 1:30 Gamblers Bible Study • Anonymous 1:30pm • 6pm - Jujitsu • Gamblers 6:30pm Youth Anonymous • 2nd Friday Event
10am - Card Players • 6pm Cub Scouts • 7pm - Band Rehearsal
1:30pm Gamblers Anonymous • 6pm - Boy Scouts
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28 10:30am - Adult Bible Study • 1:30pm Gamblers Anonymous
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9 8am - Men’s Breakfast • 5pm Worship Service • 10am Layette Ministry
16 5pm - Worship Service
9am - Quilting • 1:30 Gamblers Anonymous • 6pm - Jujitsu • 5pm School Carnival
22 9am - Quilting • 1:30 Gamblers Anonymous • 6pm - Jujitsu
23 5pm - Worship Service
29 9am - Quilting • 1:30 Gamblers Anonymous • 6pm - Jujitsu
30 5pm - Worship Service
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May 2015
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EVENT S & A C TI VI T IE S Bible Studies
Sundays at 9:35am in room #2 of the education building. Thursday Mornings - All are invited to join an informal Bible study with Pastor Scott from 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM in the Youth Room. Do not feel like you don’t know enough to come! The purpose is to open God’s Word and learn … not to feel guilty!
Quilters
Gather on Friday mornings at the church in the youth room at 9-11am to assemble ‘quilts of love’. You can also sew at home. Pick up an assortment of cut squares ready to sew into quilt tops. Contact the church office for more info at 873-3589 or office@goodsamlv.com.
Layette Ministry The layette ministry assembles baskets of supplies for new born babies of mothers in dire situations. Donations of baby items are accepted! Diapers, onesies, booties, blankets, etc. Contact Lynda Bennes, the coordinator, to help! 873-7637. Layette meets on the odd numbered months on the second Saturday at 10am in Classroom #1. Next meeting is May 8 at 10am. Men’s Breakfast Saturday May 8th at 8am. All men are invited and bring a friend or relative. Join us for great food and fellowship.
Card Ministry Group
Meets Wednesdays at 10am. They play ’Hand & Foot’ and everyone is invited to join us! Meet in Classroom #1. Bunko Night First Thursday of each month at 6:00pm in Classroom #1. Everyone is invited. Nar-Anon A support group for families of those addicted to narcotics meets every Wednesday evening from 6:30 - 7:30 pm at GSLC the youth room. Kings Kids Choir Half hour practices begin at 10:40 in room #2 of our ed. building. Children ages 3 yrs – elementary school are welcome. A great way to kids to learn Christian songs, & help them learn how to perform in front of others, while instilling God’s love in their hearts through song. Will not be held during the summer. Last performance will be May 10, and will resume in the fall.
GOOD SAM 101 FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR CHURCH
Sunday, May 3, 12:15 - 3:00 PM in the Youth Room • Child Care Available • Light Lunch Provided • Sign up on the friendship forms in the bulletin
For more info: Contact Pr. Scott at: shove@goodsamlv.com or call the church office at: 702-873-3589.
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G O O D S A M A R I TA N L U T H E R A N W O U L D L I K E T O T H A N K T H E S E B U S I N E S S E S F O R M A K I N G O U R N E W S L E T T E R P O S S I B L E
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May 2015
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YOU TH & F A M I LY NEW S
Congratulations!
Sunday School
To all the Sunday School children who participated in our 8 weeks, 8 Scripture Verses! The following students memorized all 8 of our verses! Michael Maggio, Vivien Waldner, and Logan Peterson
2nd Friday Event
Join us for an evening of fun and fellowship at Redridge Park as we enjoy the last of the spring weather at the park! Dine on hot dogs fresh off the grill, join in flag football, soccer, frisbee, etc. Carpool will meet at GSLC at 5:30pm. Bring a side or snack to share. Contact Natalee at 702-308-5298 or natalee@goodsamlv.com for more info.
Beach Camp - June 22-26
A Fun, Relaxing trip to Southern California. Days on the beach, a day trip to Knotts Berry Farm, service to the local community, with lots of great fellowship, and activities. For middle school and high school youth. Cost is $130 that includes tickets to Knotts Berry Farm. Registration forms available online at GoodSamLV.com or pick one up at hot church or confirmation class. For more information contact: Natalee Graham at 308-5298 or natalee@goodsamlv.com or Pastor Don at 241-7392 or dlorfing@goodsamlv.com.
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May 2015
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May Birthdays 4 Donovan Koch, Maribeth Bolster, Lisa Waldner, Alexa Willeford, Donovan Koch 5 Irma Butler 7 Leah Chaffin, Kelly Peitsch, Jacob Ray 8 Olivia Hess, Erika Noltie 9 Mary Jones, Devin Cratty 10 Colt Calendine, Anne-Marie Somers 11 Douglas Owens 12 Ken Miller 13 Tristen Lorfing, Megan Scharar 16 Takis Axas, Nicholas Peterson 17 Albert Weiss 18 Frank Valle 19 Renee Blackwell 20 Rudy Johnson, Tom LaViolette 21 Patrick Panknin 22 Clara Valladares, Savanna Davis, Tori Krebs 23 Susan Gentry, Douglas Wollin, Larry Lorfing 24 Dave Larson, Mason Camilletti , Kristin Poteet 25 Kalli Krebs, Santino Romano, Abbie Hazel 27 Michelle Childers 28 Michelle Weiss, Arianna Ulate 29 Kathy Antonino 31 Stephanie Foster (McKenzie)
May Anniversaries 5/6/1978 Cliff & Sheila Anderson 5/6/1978 Paul & Barbara Eckhart 5/19/2001 Korbi Carrison 5/22/1999 Brian & Kim Niehaus 5/30/1987 Steve & Mary McCrary
May 10
church! o t r e h t o m Bring your rs will receive a All mothe ift! g
May 2015
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P R A Y E R
M I N I S T R Y
SHARING GOD’S CARE THROUGH FRIENDSHIP AND PRAYER Offering prayers for these individuals and their needs
Cancer - Earl H., Steve, Kevin, Don R., Derek M., Betty and Chuck (son's cancer), Dan (liver cancer), Charlie, Megan C., Debbie D., Judy Other Health Concerns - Don H. (ALS), Tom (hand), Chad and Diane (medical situation), Gene H. (stroke), Kathy (surgery), Jim K. (increase in appetite, healing), Denise (medical treatments) Health and Healing - Ron B., Karen G., Pat H. (continued healing), Brian C., Ron Jr., Barbara, Karen M., Dale, Susie (healing of infection), Bonnie (healing of back), Douglas A., Crosby, Ginger, Alex, Axel, Noah, Keith, Joyce, Duane, Norm, Ariana, Cameron, Shane, Tracey, Chad, Anne, Ingrid, April, Michelle, Darlene, Ron H. (healing from auto accident), Benny W. Sr., Lorrie A., Heidi, Robert (continued recovery) Loss of a Loved One - Valerie B. (loss of father), Diane (loss of mother), Mrs. Arlund (loss of husband), Kevin D. (loss of wife and father), Jeremy
(loss of sister), Fernandez Family (loss of father, strength) Spiritual - peace and forgiveness in our family, John L. (faith and hope), pastors (God to continue to work and strengthen their lives), Christians persecuted by ISIS, Boko Horam, the Chinese government and elsewhere All Other Prayer Requests - Mayinn and Family (salvation, safety, peace), Jessica (come home), Kevin, Andrew and Sarah (jobs), Dorothy (health and new home), KC (career direction), Ed P., Dennell, Ruth V., Dan G., Ed G., Grant S., Pete T., John K. (travel), Jeremy (hope / discernment in work and life), Haileigh (academics and clarity), Kyle (life decisions), Joane (wisdom in her business), Mike (good decision-making), David (job), John (job), Josh (sale of home), Roy, Doug (patience), Christy (strength), Carlene (pregnancy), Joe (healing and transportation issues), Jeremy (work, tests to remain negative).
Memorial Day Monday, May 25
We are grateful for the service and time that the veterans game. We recognize their sacrifice on this day.
The family of
Janice Mae Evans
acknowledges with deep appreciation your kind expression of sympathy. Special Thank You Thanks so much to everyone for all of the wonderful food and support during this tough time. It was truly amazing the amount of love you showed me and my family! -Robert Evans
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May 2015
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Funnybone
got College Student: “Hey, Dad! I’ve some great news for you!” Father: “What, son?” t College Student: “Remember tha the $500 you promised me if I made Dean’s list?” Father: “I certainly do!” keep College student: “Well, you get to it.”
Diag nose this patie nt… The psych ol finish ed a ogy instru l was givin ecture on ctor had g just ment Spea an or a king a l l h test. ealth spe depre and ssion cifically , she abou diagn tm as os forth e a patie ked, “How anic n s one m creaming t who wa would yo u lks b at th inute a , unco ntrol then sit e top of ck and si hi lab A yo ung m ly the n n a chair s lungs ex weep a rear ing raise n in the t?” d and a his h n a baske swered, “ nd A tball coach ?”
em blog ould have thed! Though I w u o y s a rs amm othe “Blog unto pam not, lest ye be spdow of death, I S a . sh u o e y of th unto h the valley surf througo ” s… u vir shall fear n
Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. People come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Embrace all equally!
May 2015!
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STEWAR DSH I P & DI S C I P L E S HI P
Stewardship Nugget Money is Everything!! Money plays a major role in our personalities...The way money exerts these enormous influences in our lives is determined less by how much of it we have than by the philosophy we have adopted regarding money. That personal philosophy determines how we think and behave regarding money, and tends to fall into one of four general patterns. ! ! 1. Some people insist money !is not important. "Money does not buy happiness," they often say. ! ! 2. Other people insist that money is the most important thing in life. !"Money is not the key to happiness," they say, "but if you have enough of it, you can have a key made."
! ! 3. Still other people say that life is like two lanes of traffic. "Money is important in the material lane but not in the spiritual lane," they seem to say. !"To connect with God, you move to the spiritual lane--you pray. !To be in touch in the real world, you move to the material lane--you run in the rat race, trying to make a buck." ! ! 4. Jesus held a fourth view. !Jesus said money is everything--not in the usual sense of that term but in the spiritual sense. !Jesus did not divide reality into two parts--the material and spiritual. !He said that the way we think and behave with regard to money impacts us both physically and spiritually. !Its use and misuse affect our relationship with God and the quality of our life. !'For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.' !Luke 12:34, illustrating his point with a story about a rich man who tried to achieve a quality life by building more barns to hold his wealth. !The punch line says, 'So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God' (Luke 12:21) Which of those four views describes your philosophy of money?
BIBLE STUDIES
•Sunday Mornings - at 9:35am in room #2 of the education building.
• Thursday Mornings - All are invited to join an informal Bible study with Pastor Scott from 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM in the Youth Room.!! Do not feel like you don’t know enough to come!! The purpose is to open God’s Word and learn … not to feel guilty!!
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If you have youth or children in your house, consider setting aside time in your summer schedule for one or more of our great camps. These camps are great experiences for youth and children and could be the highlight of their summer.
Beach Camp
June 22-26
Beach Camp
June 22-26 (Mon-Fri) A fun and relaxing trip to Southern California. Days on the beach, a day trip to Knotts Berry Farm, service to the local community and lots of great fellowship and activities. For Middle School and High School Youth. Cost is $130 and includes tickets to Knotts Berry Farm. Registration forms are online at GoodSamLV.com (click on “Beach Camp”) or pick one up at Hot Church or Confirmation class.
Mission Trip
July 5-11 (Sun-Sat) Mission Trip to Los Angeles. A truly powerful week in which participants will serve God and others by working alongside local ministries in downtown L.A. For Middle School and High School youth as well as adult volunteers. Cost is only $200 for the week with fundraising opportunities available. Registration forms are online at GoodSamLV.com (click on “Mission Trip”) or pick one up at Hot Church or Confirmation class.
Vacation
Bible School August 3-14
Mission
Trip
July 5-11
Vacation Bible School
(2 Weeks; Mon-Fri) Aug 3-14 Sign up for one or both weeks of our awesome Vacation Bible School.Trained Counselors will lead kids ages 4 yr old – 5th Grade in worship, music, bible stories, and games. A great way to end your summer vacation. 9am-3pm Cost is $95 per week. Before and after care available. Registration forms are online at GoodSamLV.com (click on “VBS”) or pick one up in the church office.
For more information about these trips contact: Natalee Graham at 308-5298 or natalee@goodsamlv.com or Pastor Don at 241-7392 or dlorfing@goodsamlv.com.
8425 W. Windmill Ln. Las Vegas NV 89113 • www.goodsamlv.com • 702-873-3589