“JOY” Sermon Series - Week 5 (Jan. 16/17, 2016)

Finding Joy in the Midst of Life’s Storms

Storms happen • Dear brothers and sisters,when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an

opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. (James 1:2-4; NLT)

Face the storms … don't avoid them.

• Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)

• I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)

• Prepare your Spiritual Emergency Preparedness Kit

• Don’t stop living … cling to joy

Know that God will give you the power you need.

• God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)

Storms happen … hold your head up high • I lift up my eyes to the hills—from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord,

who made heaven and earth.  (Ps. 121:1-2)

Devotional - Discussion Guide

• Begin your time with prayer. Ask God’s Holy Spirit to guide your time together as you study His Word. Pray that the stresses and concerns of the week can be put aside so you can focus properly.

• Today’s topic is “Finding Joy in the Midst of Life’s Storms.” What kinds of storms have you faced: 1) Literally - that is, weather-type of storms; and 2) other storms … health, relationship, employment, etc.

• Pastor Scott shared what he learned from a weather-related storm his family faced. What did you learn from your life storms?

• Read from James 1-24 on the other side under the first point. How do you see “troubles of any kind” becoming opportunities for joy? How have storms in your past taken on a different perspective with the passage of time?

• Why do you think it is important to face our storms rather than avoid them? Have you done that? Has that been easy to do or not? Share why if you would.

• What items do you think you have in your Spiritual Emergency Preparedness Kit today? What items do you need to add?

• How had God given you power to face your storms? Please share as you are able in order to encourage others.

• Paul in Romans 8 asked “If God is for us, who is against us? Knowing God is FOR you; how can that assist you in facing life’s storms? How has God been FOR you so far in life?

• If the joy we have been talking about is far-deeper than happiness; and, in fact, comes out of knowing God’s grace; are you beginning to see how it is possible to have joy even in the midst of storms? Please discuss.

• Close with prayer. Pray about what you have discussed and pray for each other.

WELCOME We pray you will experience the presence of Jesus

with genuine, heartfelt warmth this day.

Church Office Mon - Fri 9am-5pm

office@goodsamlv.com 702.873.3589

www.goodsamlv.com 8425 W. Windmill Ln. Las Vegas, NV 89113

Don Lorfing, Senior Pastor dlorfing@goodsamlv.com

Scott Hove, Executive Pastor shove@goodsamlv.com

January 17, 2016 8:00 AM

Children’s Ministry (Elementary Age)

Family Fun Night Thank you to everyone who joined us at Pump It Up! Be on the

lookout for future Family Fun Night events! For more information on these and other Children’s Ministry events

please contact Jamie Rosas at 702.704.4350 or jamie@goodsamlv.com.

Youth Ministry (Jr. & Sr. High)

Join us for TNT! Join us every Tuesday from 6:30- 8:30 PM for Tuesday Night

Teens! This week we will be looking at Matthew 5:27-30. Questions to get you thinking:

Do you have a reason to cut off your hand?

For more information on these and other Youth Ministry events please contact Natalee Graham at 702.308.5298 or

natalee@goodsamlv.com.

Family Winter Ski Trip!Families and youth are invited to our retreat in Brian Head the weekend of February 12-15, 2016. Cost is $100 per person which includes food, lodging, and transportation. Winter activities (skiing, tubing, etc) will be additional costs. You do not need to know how

to board or ski to enjoy this trip! Registration is available at www.goodsamlv.com. Must be registered by January 29th.Sandwich MinistryEvery fourth Sunday, the students at Good Samaritan make over 250 sandwich lunches to be delivered to the homeless community of Downtown Las Vegas. We are looking for volunteers to pick up the supplies (funds are available for reimbursement) and assist in delivery of the lunches on just one of those Sundays. Join us in this ministry as we learn to truly Love God, Love People, and Make a Difference. For more info or to sign up please mark it on your friendship form. Congregational MeetingPlease join us at the Congregational Meeting on Jan 31st at 10:40 AM in the Worship Center.Interested in Church Council?Have you ever wondered about being on the Church Council? For information on being a council member contact Kim at 702.873.3589 or kim@goodsamlv.com. We will be voting for new council members at the congregational meeting.Service Opportunity - Thursday February 4thWe will be serving dinner at the Las Vegas Rescue Mission on February 4th from 4:30 - 6:30 PM. If interested, please sign up on your friendship form or email Kim at kim@goodsamlv.com. Space is limited to the first 20 people.Church Directory PhotosWe need your help updating our church directory! Our photographer will be on campus Jan 29-31 and Feb 6-8. Please visit the information table in the entry way or go to www.goodsamlv.com to reserve a time slot (please note the website link will not be available to use on Saturdays and Sundays). For more information contact Heidi Marley at 702.280.3823 or Sarah Birch at gingerkissez@gmail.com.

Good Sam 101 Information Class

The Pastors and staff invite you to join us January 31st from noon to 2:00 PM in the Education Building for Good Sam

101. We would love to take this opportunity to meet you, tell you more about Good Samaritan, and fellowship together.

You will have the opportunity to become a member at the end of this class if you choose to do so.

For more information contact Pastor Scott Hove at shove@goodsamlv.com or sign up on your friendship form.

Star Wars Movie EventAll are welcome to join us on Jan 24th for an afternoon of fun, fellowship, and popcorn as we enjoy a showing of Star Wars: The Force Awakens! Meet at Red Rock Casino at 1:00 PM (movie starts at 1:20). Tickets are $9.50 for adults and $8.50 for children/seniors.

Help Support Good Samaritan Christian AcademyAuthor Glen Carlson has generously donated copies of his children’s book Angie the Aviator to be given to families and individuals who donate $20 or more to Good Samaritan Christian Academy. Donate today with “Angie the Aviator” noted on the check (made out to Good Samaritan Christian Academy) or envelope. Thank you!

Handbell ChoirStarting January 16th, our Handbell Choir will meet every Saturday from 12:30-2:30 PM in the Worship Center. All are welcome to join! For more information contact Darin at darin@goodsamlv.com. If you have already signed up, we look forward to seeing you!

Via De Cristo RetreatTerry Lizotte, Secretary of the local Via de Cristo chapter, will be available following all services in the Welcome Center to answer your questions about potential attendance at an upcoming retreat.Via de Cristo is a movement to inspire, challenge and equip local church members for Christian action in their homes, churches and communities. It’s a great way to grow in your love of God, people and making a difference!

Sunday, January 17, 2016 8:00 AM Hearing devices are found in the entry area or ask the sound booth technician.

Welcome & Opening Prayer Ritual Of Friendship

Opening Song: Come, Thou Almighty King

Confession

Kyrie: This Is The Feast

Prayer of the Day: God of heaven and earth, who carries our lives in your hands, be with us in the storms of this life. Help us to release our anxieties and fears into those same caring hands, knowing in faith that your will for us is life and everlasting good. Send your holy angels to watch over us and guard us. May they spread their holy wings to give us shelter against the storm. For you alone, O God, are all good, all life, and all love; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  (adapted from Rev. Thomas L. Weitzel)

Announcements & Offering: Members and friends of Good Samaritan are invited to participate in this time of offering in response and thanksgiving to God for their varied blessings! If you are a visitor or guest, know that we regard your presence here as your offering.

Online giving is available at www.goodsamlv.com - click GIVE. If you prefer writing out checks, they should be made out to “Good Samaritan Lutheran Church”.

Scripture Song: Special Music - John Slocum Bible Reading: Matthew 8:23-27 Sermon: Finding Joy Through Life’s Storms Pr. Scott Hove

Sermon Song: You’ll Never Walk Alone Sharing Of The Peace

The Great Thanksgiving - Holy Communion

Prayer & Lord's Prayer

Communion Song: Let Us Break Bread Together

Benediction

Song: Now Thank We All Our God

Sending: What happens at Good Samaritan is not meant to stay at Good Samaritan. May you now leave here better able to go into the world seeking to Love God, Love People, and Make a Difference. Congregation: Thanks be to God.

WORSHIP INFORMATION Worship Times and Styles

Saturday - 5:00 PM - Blended Sunday - 8:00 AM - Traditional Sunday - 9:35 AM - Contemporary Sunday - 11:00 AM - Contemporary

Nursery Care (under 3 years old) Located through the stained glass doors.

Sunday School (3 years old - 5th grade) Available at 5:00 PM, 9:35 AM and 11:00 AM services. Begin at worship, then after the Children’s Message, Sunday School leaders will escort them to class. You will need to pick them up in the classroom following the worship service.

Confirmation (6th - 8th grade) Meets during the 9:35 AM service. Begin at worship, then dismissed for learning time.

Hot Church (9th - 12th grade) Meets during the 9:35 AM service. Begin at worship, then dismissed to the Youth Room.

Youth Bible Study (6th - 12th grade) Meets during the 11:00 AM service in Youth Room.

Communion (1st and 3rd weekends) All are welcome to receive the sacrament.

Adult Bible Study Sunday’s at 9:35 in Classroom #2 of the Education Building.

WEEKLY EVENTS Monday: GA Meeting 1:30-3:00 PM - Classroom #1 Tuesday: GA Meeting 1:30-3:00 PM - Classroom #1 Boy Scouts 6-8 PM - Worship Center Tuesday Night Teens 6:30-8 PM - Worship Center Bible Study 7:00 PM - Classroom #1 Wednesday: Weight Watchers 9:00 AM - Youth Room Card games 10:00 AM - Classroom #1 Cub Scouts - Education Building Room #3 and Multi-Purpose Room Thursday: GA meeting 1:30-3:00 PM - Classroom #1 Bible Study - 10:30 AM - Youth Room Friday: GA meeting 1:30-3:00 PM - Classroom #1 Quilters - 9-11:00 AM - Youth Room Jujitsu 6-8:30 PM - Sanctuary

ATTENDANCE Jan 9-10, 2016

5 PM = 38 SS = 7 8 AM = 58 9:35 AM = 105 SS = 49 11 AM = 38 SS = 20 Youth = 40 Music/Techs = 17 TOTAL = 382

Cancer - JoeEtta W. (remain cancer free), Dan (liver cancer), Maureen, Scott (colon cancer), Byron (cancer recovery), Vicky and Chuck (cancer, peace, comfort), Charles, Megan C., Elizabeth (stroke, cancer)

Other Health Concerns - Robert (help with knee rehab), Marjorie W. (peace of mind, has dementia), Kurt (healing from severe food poisoning), Kim (healing and relief from chronic pain), Bill (heart disease), twins (Grace and Kingston born prematurely), Benny W. (healthy heart), Joe (health issues), Sharon (hospitalization), Mark (fainting spells), Doug (healing, atrial fibrillation), Lynda D. (health issues), Lacrecia, Audrey M. (surgery Jan. 25), Sandee B., John W.

Health and Healing - Virgil M., Chad, Cameron, Shane, Norm, Judy, Keith, Jordan, Ingrid, Amie, Noah, Axel, Alex, Julie (healing and strength), Gums family, Karen V., Barbara; Dorothy, Dale, Kevin, Lynn M. (continued healing and recovery); Landon; Bill and Billy K.

Loss of a Loved One - Adams family (grief), Carter family (grief), family of Paul P. (Paul's death), family of James B. (James's death), Shelby and family (sudden loss of her mother), Linda (comfort at the loss of her dad)

Spiritual - Jessica (peace), Michelle (peace), Anne (peace), Christopher (peace), Sandy (bring daughter back to God), Chris (pray that he may be welcomed to the heavens), Dennell (guidance), Rasmussen family (peace and guidance), Crystal (belief in God and salvation; good life choices), Matt (come to church, new beginnings from divorce, healing, salvation)

All Other Prayer Concerns - Nicole (pregnancy), Kyle (help and guidance raising an infant daughter), Tom and Susan (sale of rental house; purchase of new house), Haileigh (health, college), Dan G., Ed G., Charlie, Ruth V., Karen V., Pete T., Living Grace Homes, pray that adult children reconcile and forgive each other and have a relationship, Nancy G. and family (health, hope, and happiness), Mike (help to make good choices and to listen), Joane (help with sushi business), Michael (ease his struggles and frustration), Linda

Prayer Ministry SHARING GOD’S CARE THROUGH FRIENDSHIP AND PRAYER

The altar flowers are donated in celebration of

Gabriella Taravella’s birthday