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THE MESSENGERGOOD SAMARITAN CHURCH NEWSLETTER • VOLUME 109 • ISSUE 4 • APRIL 2020Dear Beloved Community,Life has changed radically for the moment and change is really hard for some of us. Not only that, but our world will forever be changed, and it will continue to be hard for years to come as we try to adapt. Frankly, some of us are old and don’t want to have to spend the energy adapting in our last few years, and others of us are young and terrified that we can’t see what the future will look like.These are traumatic times. We are living in a constant state of uncertainty right now. Many of our bodies are showing signs of the stress and trauma. We are tired, foggy-brained, not as productive as we feel we should be, on edge, easily triggered, you name it. Still many of us are putting so much pressure on ourselves to keep doing and producing... or our employers, kids’ teachers, or others are.We can’t yet see the way into resurrection. Death seems to be all around us.It occurs to me that while Jesus was always pushing the disciples hard, challenging them to get out of their comfort zones, to do and be more than they thought possible, on that last week when their world turned upside down and everything became uncertain – when trauma and grief were close at hand, Jesus got down on his knees and tenderly, gently, lovingly washed their feet. He broke bread and poured wine, shared it with them, and reminded them to eat. Perhaps he understood Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and that we must start at the bottom.So, I encourage you to be gentle with yourself. Give yourself time to be still, to process everything you are feeling and experiencing, and to know that God is God. Paul once compared the life of faith to a race, but this is a marathon, not a sprint. So pace yourself. Take care of yourself. Feed and rest your body, your mind, your heart, your soul. And don’t forget to laugh, sing, dance, and play! Do all those things that feel so inappropriate to the context right now. Do them because that is how we tell death that it doesn’t get the last word, that life goes on, and that love lives again. Peace,Past JenFROM THE PASTOR'S DESK:A NOTE ABOUT TREATING YOURSELF WITH GENTLENESS AS WE ENTER HOLY WEEK“Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden” Mt. 11:281Pastor Jen is back in the United States with her family and has come back into full service as our pastor. Her sabbatical has been abandoned for now and hopefully plans for next year will ensue in the coming months. She and her family suered through some very harrowing experiences trying to get back home from Europe where doors were closing at every turn. Our prayers for the Daysa family continue as they deal with the loss of a very special time that took months to plan, a lost opportunity that may never come again. All of us are suering losses at this time: some of our regular life habits, some of family or friends who have gotten sick or have died, and the physical touches of friendship and love from our families, friends and support systems. We need to be loving and patient with each other and give whatever support we can to those we love and know. Reach out to your church family members, watch for opportunities to meet virtually or by phone when possible. We are all God’s beloved family! God has promised to never leave us or forsake us and clinging to those promises now, is more important than ever!
BIRTHDAYS Mickey Moore ......................................... 4/2Martha Taylor .........................................4/5Dotti Boake .......................................... 4/18Judy Friend ...........................................4/22Georgann Schlosser ............................4/23Kate Hall.................................................4/6If your birthday or anniversary is not being listed in the newsletter and you would like for it to be, please contact Carolyn Woodard.2FAST JUSTICE NEWSUnfortunately FAST had to cancel this year’s Rally and postpone the Nehemiah Action. However work continues on all three of our issues. The Criminal Justice and Mental Health Committee is looking at ways to expedite plans for a Central Receiving System that prevents those with mental illness from being arrested and directs them to specific help. Law Enforcement ocials are urged to reduce arrests based on racial profiling. The Aordable Housing Committee is advocating our County Commission and County Manager to define “aordable housing” as housing for the 70,000 families in Pinellas County who make less than 80% of the Area Median Income. These are the families just one paycheck away from being homeless. And finally, our Youth Suspensions and Arrests Committee is pressuring the School Board to fully implement the Restorative Practices Program with sta and students so they focus on restoring trust and communication in our schools and prevent suspensions and arrests. We will find a way to demonstrate the number of people we have contacted that are concerned about these issues and ask our ocials to support our recommendations.How do we stand? FAST TOGETHER! –Submitted by Bev KellyDear Beloved Community,Who could have imagined just a month ago when I set o on my travels and you set o on your journey of church renewal that all of our plans would so soon grind to a halt? Our world was plunged into a global pandemic seemingly overnight. We had set out to learn about and experience how community is formed in the hopes that we could become even better beloved community builders. In particular, we were exploring how beloved community is formed at table through shared meals. Who would have known that such activities would be outlawed or that the life-giving activity from which we wished to learn would turn out—at least during this time—to be so death-dealing?Sadly, churches, religious communities, choirs, and even fellowship potlucks worldwide have been the epicenters of many of the outbreaks of Covid-19, and it is no wonder to me because what this virus feeds on is community. The church has long understood that there is a physicality to community, to love. We call it incarnational. It is what God did in Jesus: crept in close to us–so close that we could see, touch, smell and share a meal with the God of the universe. What are we to do now that the physical closeness quite literally brings death? What are we to do now that loving our neighbor no longer means reaching out or coming together (at least physically), but keeping our distance, staying away? All of our usual patterns of forming and being community have been flipped on their head and tossed in the trash.Many of us find ourselves asking: How are we to form community—the kind of rich community that is felt not just in the heart, but in the body? How are we to recreate virtually the profound experience of being held in an embrace or embracing, or squeezing another’s hand, or noticing the salty tear slipping down their check and oering a tissue? Will it, could it ever be the same?Perhaps not, but perhaps there is opportunity in this—opportunity to learn how to be community in new ways. As those who have lost one of their senses discover, their other senses grow stronger to compensate. Maybe we have relied too much on the physical to form community and need to strengthen our other ways of forming community. Maybe that will help us in the future to be better at building community even with those not physically present with us, like shut-ins at home. We are being asked to get creative at this current moment—to put all of our expertise about community building to use and figure out new ways to eat together, to worship, pray, and sing together, to check-in with each other and look out for each other, to be vulnerable, lean on one another and support each other, to advocate for one another, and put each other first.We can do this, church! We were made for such a time as this! Let’s show up! Let’s be the church!. Peace,Past JenMORE FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK“For we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to her purpose.” Rom. 8:28DEADLINE FOR MAY 2020MESSENGER IS APRIL 15Send all information for submissions to carolyn.woodard.130@gmail.com
3STAY CONNECTED TO YOUR CHURCH FAMILY!WE ALL NEED EACH OTHER MORE THAN EVER!
4IN THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES, DON’T HESITATE TO REACH OUT TO OTHERS IN THE CHURCH FOR COMFORT AND STRENGTH!
5HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN VIRTUAL WORSHIPFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSWhat is Zoom?Zoom is an online soware that Good Samaritan Church will be using during the COVID-19 Health situation. Zoom allows people to connect over landlines, cell phones, and computers. We will be using it for virtual worship on Sundays and for other events and meetings. This page of FAQ is here to help you with Zoom so that you can stay connected to the church and each other. What equipment do I need?Phone (landline): You will be able to hear audio only. OR Computer or Smart Cell Phone Connected to Internet:You will be able to hear audio and see video of everyone else in worship with us. If you have a camera on your device, they will be able to see you too! How do I connect?Phone: shortly before the event start time, dial +1 646 558 8656 US (New York). Then enter the meeting ID # for your event. We are including those ID #’s every time we send out information about an upcoming Zoom event (see below).Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US +1 301 715 8592 US Computer or Smart Phone:Go to zoom.com. Click on “Join a meeting” on the upper right side and enter the meeting ID #. We are including those ID #’s every time we send out information about an upcoming Zoom event (see below). The first time you will be prompted to download the soware. I forgot the meeting ID # for an upcoming event?Not to worry! Here are the meeting ID #’s for currently scheduled events. Godly Play & Family Check-in: 204-480-055Online Worship: 237-556-792Maundy Thursday Online Worship: 738-736-332Good Friday Online Worship: 919-616-494 What if I just want to watch the online worship later?Sure. Click here to be see the latest online services (please note that we are not recording our first online service, our March 29th Breakfast church service.) Visit our youtube channel anytime to see the latest worship services, which should be available following our April 5th online worship. Video or Audio is not working?Start by adjusting the settings on your own device and checking that it is not muted or that your camera or microphone are not disabled.When you enter a zoom event, you will automatically be muted. The host (most oen pastor Jen) will unmute you when it is time for sharing. Troubleshooting Speakers in Windows:Right-Click on the Windows start button. It looks like a square flag or a window in the bottom le corner of your screen. A grey menu appears with options. Click on “Control Panel”. IF you do not see this option use your windows search bar instead of the windows button. This feature is present on newer windows systems. In the search bar, type “Control Panel.”In the Control Panel window, click on the “Sound” setting.A sound screen will pop-up. Notice there are several “tabs” in this screen at the top. In the “Playback” tab, look for “Speakers.” Once you have located “Speakers” right click on that word. You should now have another grey menu. If you have external speakers, make sure they are plugged in and turned on with the volume up. If your computer has built-in speakers, make sure they are turned up by going to the bottom right corner of your desktop task bar. Look for a speaker icon, click the speaker icon, and slide the volume slider up. Now in the grey menu on your computer click the “Test” option. If your computer plays a sound (likely it will sound like a chime) then your speakers are working correctly. If your speakers are not working and you are having problems, please contact our oce administrator. Troubleshooting Microphones in Windows:1. Follow steps 1-3 above. 2. Instead of using the “Playback” tab you will use the “Recording” tab to check your microphone. Dierent connected or built-in computer microphones may oer dierent options. Therefore, as a guide, make sure if it is an external microphone, it is plugged in and turned on. If it is internal you should not need to turn it on. 3. Right-Click on your microphone in the “Recordings” tab. A grey menu should appear. You will see options such as “Set as Default.” Click this option to make your microphone the default microphone if your computer has more than one. Additionally, you should be given the option to “Test” the microphone. 4. When you click “test,” a small window may appear. Speak into your microphone or just in the general area of your computer. There is typically a visual representation of your voice raising a sound bar. If you see no prompt to test your microphone and receive no audio or visual feedback suggesting your microphone is working, please call the oce administrator to give you more personalized help. Troubleshooting Cameras in Windows:1. If you have a built in web camera, programs will usually ask you to allow the computer to turn on the camera for you if the program will need access to the camera to function correctly. 2. If you have an external web camera, make sure it is
6“Courage is being scared to death… and saddling up anyway.” – John Wayneconnected properly, and turned on as well as any soware installed that it requires to run. It too should ask you for access or it may turn on automatically if a program requires a camera to operate. For more help contact our oce administrator. Troubleshooting Speakers for Macs: 1. In the Upper le corner of your Mac’s toolbar right -click the Apple Icon. 2. Select “System Preferences.” 3. Click on the “Sound” icon. 4. In the Sound window, click on the word “Output.” 5. You should now see a list of your available sound devices made for audio output. 6. Click on the device you wish to use are your default speaker. Near the bottom of this window, you can see a setting for “Output Volume:.” Use the slider to adjust your volume level or deselect mute if your speaker has been muted. Troubleshooting Microphones for Macs: 1. Repeat sets 1-3 from the “Troubleshooting Speakers for Macs” section. 2. Click on the word “input.” 3. Here you will see a list of externally connected or internal microphones. With this window up, just start talking. You will see a visual representation of sound by a moving set of grey ovals. If the ovals are moving while you are talking than your microphone is picking up your voice/sound. If there is nothing showing for the input level, then you will need to call our oce administrator for additional help. Troubleshooting Cameras for Macs:There is no dedicated “camera settings” window so to speak, but you can tell mac to ask for your permission when a site wants to use your camera. To check this setting: 1. Repeat steps 1 and 2 from the speakers section of the this page for Mac. 2. In the “System Preferences” window use the search bar. Type in “Camera” and hit the enter key on your keyboard to search. 3. You should now see “Camera and Microphone settings.” Click the bubble that says. “Ask me when a site wants to use the camera or microphone (recommended).” For other help and questions please call our oce administrator. Need Tech Support?If you call our oce administrator and leave a voicemail outlining your problem, she will call you to help you work through your issues during her normal oce hours. T-TH 10am-3pm. HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN VIRTUAL WORSHIP (Continued)
7IF YOU DON’T KNOW HOW TO JOIN THESE MEETINGS, GIVE US A CALL AT THE OFFICE AND SOMEONE WILL GET BACK TO YOU!
8BE SURE TO STAY CONNECTED. MANY OPPORTUNITIES FOR VIRTUAL MEETINGS WITH PHONE OR COMPUTER ARE AVAILABLE.
REV. DR. MIKE GRAVESOn Saturday, February 29, we enjoyed a great pot-luck meal with Rev. Dr. Mike Graves in our sanctuary. Many brought their favorite dishes to share and we heard a lecture about communion in the early church. Aerwards we all shared in a question and answer time that brought out new perspectives from the congregation.On Sunday morning, March 1, Rev. Graves again ministered to us and taught us about how to have a joyous communion. At each table we had bread and sparkling cider and we were encouraged to serve each other as we tried to see and experience communion as the early church might have done it. Aer the benediction it was so wonderful to see the people at the tables stay for a while to talk and truly “commune!” DURING OUR SHORT SABBATICAL WE ENJOYED THE MINISTRY OF...TEÑA NOCK-HOPEOn Sunday, March 8, Teña Nock-Hope brought a message to us of hope and encouragement. She shared how God blessed Abraham with promises and how we can also believe in the promises of God to sustain us. God truly used her to bless our congregation duirng the service and aerwards when she stayed to minister to someone who was especially needing God’s presence. REV. JEAN COOLEYOn Sunday, March 15, our congregation was faced with the challenge of making a hard decision to close our church to all worship services and to all meetings. During her message, Rev. Jean Cooley shared the story of the woman at the well and how she faced Jesus and learned about the living water. She told stories of events that had happened in today’s setting and then Judy Friend read from the scriptures of Jesus’ encounter with the woman and paralleled the stories of today.Jean moderated a special called session meeting before service so we could make the needed decisions to close. 9
10FOOD PANTRY REPORT FEBRUARY 2020Number of days open to serve clients: 12Number of clients served: Adults 159, Children 49, Total 208Volunteers during February were Bev Kelly, Ginny Thompson, Ginger Breitkreutz, Kate Hall, Carole Diehm, Tom Fauquet, Clarence Wilkinson and Sarah Butz.The number of family members for clients coming to our pantry for the first time in February was 73. The pantry has served 467 individuals through February 2020.A man brought a very large donation of mostly paper products that his parent had stocked-up on over several years. We shared some of the first aid supplies and Kleenex tissues with the Head Start Director. Some of the tissue was taken to our oce for use in the church and plastic wrap and bags given to the Fellowship Hall. There was enough toilet tissue that we have been giving out rolls to our pantry clients.Currently, the pantry could use vegetables, soups, canned meat and fruit. Food and money donors in February: Patricia Waloga Sue Palmeri Cindy Pugh Goodwill Industries Trinity United Church of Christ All the Good Sam weekly donors – Submitted by Kate HallPICS FROM ASH WEDNESDAY...GOOD SAMARITAN CHURCH CONTINUES TO PARTNER WITH THE HEART GALLERYPLEASE PRAY THAT THE FEATURED CHILD WILL BE ADOPTED INTO A LOVING HOME! THANK YOUTO EACH PERSON WHO CONTRIBUTED TO PROVIDING GROCERIES AND SUPPLIES FOR THE PASTOR’S FAMILY WHEN THEY RETURNED HOME! WHETHER YOU PROVIDED MONEY OR PURCHASED OR DELIVERED, IT ALL MEANT A GREAT DEAL TO THEM!
Wednesday, April 1, 2020: Psalm 143; Jeremiah 32:1-9, 36-41; Matthew 22:23-33Thursday, April 2, 2020: Psalm 31:9-16; 1 Samuel 16:11-13; Philippians 1:1-11Friday, April 3, 2020: Psalm 31:9-16; Job 13:13-19; Philippians 1:21-30Saturday, April 4, 2020: Psalm 31:9-16; Lamentations 3:55-66; Mark 10:32-34Sunday, April 5, 2020: Liturgy of the Palms: Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29; Matthew 21:1-11 Monday, April 6, 2020: Monday of Holy Week: Isaiah 42:1-9; Psalm 36:5-11; Hebrews 9:11-15; John 12:1-11Tuesday, April 7, 2020: Tuesday of Holy Week: Isaiah 49:1-7; Psalm 71:1-14; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; John 12:20-36Wednesday, April 8, 2020: Wednesday of Holy Week: Isaiah 50:4-9a; Psalm 70; Hebrews 12:1-3; John 13:21-32Thursday, April 9, 2020: Maundy Thursday: Exodus 12:1-4, (5-10), 11-14; Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; John 13:1-17, 31b-35Friday, April 10, 2020: Good Friday: Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Psalm 22; Hebrews 10:16-25; Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9; John 18:1-19:42Saturday, April 11, 2020: Holy Saturday: Job 14:1-14; Psalm 31:1-4, 15-16; 1 Peter 4:1-8; Matthew 27:57-66; John 19:38-42Sunday, April 12, 2020: Resurrection of the Lord: Acts 10:34-43; Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24; Colossians 3:1-4; Matthew 28:1-10Monday, April 13, 2020: Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24; Exodus 14:10-31; 15:20-21; Colossians 3:5-11Tuesday, April 14, 2020: Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24; Exodus 15:1-18; Colossians 3:12-17Wednesday, April 15, 2020: Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24; Joshua 3:1-17; Matthew 28:1-10Thursday, April 16, 2020: Psalm 16; Song of Solomon 2:8-15; Colossians 4:2-5Friday, April 17, 2020: Psalm 16; Song of Solomon 5:9-6:3; 1 Corinthians 15:1-11Saturday, April 18, 2020: Psalm 16; Song of Solomon 8:6-7; John 20:11-20Sunday, April 19, 2020: Second Sunday of Easter: Acts 2:14a, 22-32; Psalm 16; 1 Peter 1:3-9; John 20:19-31Monday, April 20, 2020: Psalm 114; Judges 6:36-40; 1 Corinthians 15:12-20Tuesday, April 21, 2020: Psalm 114; Jonah 1:1-17; 1 Corinthians 15:19-28Wednesday, April 22, 2020: Psalm 114; Jonah 2:1-10; Matthew 12:38-42Thursday, April 23, 2020: Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19; Isaiah 25:1-5; 1 Peter 1:8b-12Friday, April 24, 2020: Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19; Isaiah 26:1-4; 1 Peter 1:13-16Saturday, April 25, 2020: Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19; Isaiah 25:6-9; Luke 14:12-14Sunday, April 26, 2020: Third Sunday of Easter: Acts 2:14a, 36-41; Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19; 1 Peter 1:17-23; Luke 24:13-35Monday, April 27, 2020: Psalm 134; Genesis 18:1-14; 1 Peter 1:23-25Tuesday, April 28, 2020: Psalm 134; Proverbs 8:32-9:6; 1 Peter 2:1-3Wednesday, April 29, 2020: Psalm 134; Exodus 24:1-11; John 21:1-14Thursday, April 30, 2020: Psalm 23; Exodus 2:15b-25; 1 Peter 2:9-12APRIL 2020 DAILY LECTIONARY11TREASURER'S REPORTIn February the total income was under our 2020 budget by $1,539. The total expenses were under budget by $1,800. This was due to delaying payment of the first half of our Per Capita dues to our denominations until March. In 2019 we changes insurance carriers aer many years with Church Mutual Insurance. We now have our multi-peril insurance through The Insurance Board, an aliate of the United Church of Christ. We are now being billed on a quarterly basis that is over $3,700 per quarter. The Workers’ Comp insurance is now with The Hartford Insurance Company and is paid monthly by EFT directly to our checking account. As I write this article, the stock markets are experiencing wild fluctuations due to the fears of the Covid-19 pandemic. Of course the Resource Development Team is concerned about the church’s investment with United Church Funds. I received notice in late February that our portfolio advisor would be in the Tampa area in mid-March. I was able to schedule a meeting with her on the aernoon of March 17 with the RD Team. Now that Pastor Jen is on her sabbatical, the session voted to have the Small Change oering on the last Sunday of the month go to fund the Baxter Fund. This fund was established by the late Virginia Baxter to assist Good Sam members who find themselves in emergency situations.The February Small Change was $129.51. – Submitted by Kate HallST. JAMES LIST “Pray for one another that you may be healed.” James 5:16Let us remember those membersand friends who have asked for our prayers and those who are unableto attend worship.Kirsten (Ginger Breitkreutz’s daughter), Harold Brockus, Paul Brockus, Dottie Boake, Nancy Rudasill, Dorothy Morton, Eddie Kosinski, Sandy Badger, Donna Knight, the Daysa family while they are on Sabbatical and Good Samaritan Church.
GOOD SAMARITAN CHURCH STAFFRev. Jen Daysa ......................................................................................................................... PastorRev. Jean Cooley ....................................................................................................Parish AssociateGregory Allen ...................................................................................... Director of Music MinistriesRebecca Kessel ...............................................................................................Oce AdministratorShelby Lamb ........................................................................................................Nursery AssistantMirko Bratic ........................................................................................................................ Custodian GOOD SAMARITAN MINISTRY TEAMSResource Development Team ................................................Clarence Wilkinson (Moderator), Beryl Fruth, Gretchen AckersonKate Hall (Treasurer Liaison)Care Team .................................................................................... Ginger Breitkreutz (Moderator), Mickey Moore, Jim Moore, Beverly Finn, Jane Gaylord,Clarence Wilkinson (Disaster Preparedness Liaison), Justice and Mercy Team ............................................................ Rev. Jean Cooley (Moderator), Gretchen Ackerson, Lewis Hill, Linda Rupp, Sarah Butz, Rachel Wells, Judy Friend, Rich Feigel, Clarence Wilkinson, Kate Hall (Food Pantry Liaison), Bev Kelly (FAST Liaison)Spiritual Formation Team ........................................................Debbie Rasmussin (Moderator), Chris Osberg, Sarah Butz, Rev. Bill Cooley, Lisa Ware, Steve CristFellowship and Outreach Team .........................................................Eric Johnson (Moderator), Jean Adams, Carolyn Woodard, Barb Steger, Robin Becker, Sandy Badger, Annie Gambino, Martha TaylorPersonnel Committee ........................................................... Clarence Wilkinson, Robin Becker, Gretchen Ackerson, Kate HallPastor Relations Committee .................................................... Carolyn Woodard (Moderator), Chris Osberg, Clarence Wilkinson, Ginger Breitkreutz, Lisa Ware, Bev KellyTHE MESSENGER — Newsletter of Good Samaritan ChurchPresbyterian Church (USA) “More Light” and United Church of Christ “Open and Arming”Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m. • Fellowship/Coee Hour Following WorshipTHE MESSENGER of Good Samaritan Church • 6085 Park Boulevard, Pinellas Park, FL 33781727-544-8558 • Email: oce@goodsam-church.org • Web Site: goodsam-church.orgOurMissionTo Build TheBelovedCommunityA Ministry ofHospitality, Vision,and JusticeA Global MissionChurchJesus didn’t reject people. Neither do we!CELEBRATING OVER 100 YEARSRev. Dr. Harold M. Brockus – Pastor EmeritusCheck out Good Sam onFACEBOOK!PREPARED WITH LOVE FOR:THIS NEWSLETTER MUST BE PLACED INTO A STAMPED ENVELOPE TO BE MAILEDSESSIONBeryl Fruth, ClerkKate Hall, TreasurerCLASS OF 2020Beryl FruthSarah ButzSophia StringerCLASS OF 2021Lisa WareCarolyn WoodardJudy FriendCLASS OF 2022Clarence WilkinsonBeverly FinnLinda Rupp