GOOD SAMARITAN CHURCH THE MESSENGER VOLUME 108 ISSUE 6 JUNE 2019 FROM THE PASTOR S DESK CLOTHING OURSELVES IN JESUS Christ are supposed to look like feels deeply uncomfortable dysphoric even It does not feel like them at all They try to be Christian and feel like they lose themselves Surprise surprise the more they try to cram themselves into other s ideas of what a Jesus follower should look like act like be like the more and more distant they feel from God Sadly Christians have often thought if we all clothe ourselves in Jesus we will all look the same but I ve come to believe the clothing of Jesus is far more diverse than that Sadly Christians have often thought if we all clothe ourselves in Jesus we will all look the same but I ve come to believe the clothing of Jesus is far more diverse than that It happened a few days before Easter Our kids and yes even us moms are into the cheesy matchy family outfits Finding a great sale Julie had ordered adorable Easter dresses in the same print for Joelle Lizzie and herself a coordinating polo shirt for Jacob and a shirt for me in the same print as the girls I tried the shirt on and knew right away that as much as I wanted to match my family there was no way I could preach and lead worship in that shirt There was nothing wrong with it Many women preachers could wear that shirt and stand in front their congregation just fine Easter morning but not me I didn t feel like myself in it It was a pretty shirt floral with flowy ruffle things on the sleeves but definitely not me Though I identify as female on the gender spectrum I am definitely more toward the middle or you might say just a bit gender queer There are some days I enjoy expressing my more feminine side and many days I lean more masculine or at least more gender neutral I have never really worried about it I just try to be me not fit into socially constructed norms for masculine or feminine However there are some things I try on and I start to feel a little dysphoria an almost out of body experience looking in the mirror and taking in an image that does not reflect who I am inside at all This was one of those days Julie seeing the look on my face immediately gave me permission not to match the family and to wear whatever was going to make me feel like me Grateful I took the shirt off So what s all this about clothes have to do with God faith and church Well it occurs to me that try as we might we can t really come near to God or others in anything other than our authentic selves The apostle Paul talks in Ephesians about clothing ourselves in Christ But I think for many people trying to cloth themselves in what other people their church has told them the clothes of Clothing yourself in Jesus shouldn t feel so dysphoric that you don t feel like you or see yourself in the person looking back at you in the mirror However neither should it feel like putting on your favorite comfy lounge wear A doctor can probably tell you about the first time they put on a doctor s lab coat a preacher about their first time in a collar or robe a transgender woman about their first time in a dress and make up a toddler about their first time in underwear Sometimes we don something that stretches and morphs us into something new We look in the mirror and think Wow there I am This is who I am meant to be and yet we also feel a bit like an imposter The sensation is so surreal and awkward that we might at first mistake it for dysphoria because we still need to live into this new us that is more us than anything we have ever worn or been before That is what clothing ourselves in Christ should feel like 1 The recent American Idol winner Laine Hardy a down home Louisiana boy who usually likes to wear ripped jeans baseball hats and rubber rain boots decided early on in the competition that he was going to wear a suit each time he performed He said the suits made him feel confident Sure at first putting on the suits was a fake it until you make it kind of thing for him a mind trick to boost his confidence but eventually he sunk into them and filled them out until it really became him inside and out When we cloth ourselves in Jesus we may be faking it until we make it and yet it should always feel like us more us than ever before As we sink into that divine clothing we should become the most authentic beautiful version of ourselves someone who is able to live into our purpose even more fully If that has not been your experience of following Jesus you may not have been following the real Jesus or you may have been putting on the Jesus clothes meant for someone else but not you The clothes of Christ give us humility compassion pride the good kind which is the antidote for shame passion love and hope They comfort us but they aren t comfortable they push us out of our comfort zone so that we can become even more fully who we are and were made to be This month we will celebrate Pentecost which is when we say the Spirit came to a huge diversity of people and all together turned them into the fabulous rainbow technicolored glittery body of Christ So I invite you to come celebrate with us on Sunday June 9th as your most authenticself and wave your unique Jesus flag The Pentecost story isn t about conformity but learning to understand and see the uniquely wonderful part of Jesus in each of us and together become the body of Christ in the world Pastor Jen
BIRTHDAYS TODAY Maggie McAllister 6 1 Meghan Masyada 6 5 Rainey Madison 6 5 Pastor Jen Daysa 6 19 Adelyn Elizabeth Rivera 6 19 Laylonnie Randle 6 21 Bev Kelly 6 22 Donna Knight 6 28 If your birthday or anniversary is not being listed in the newsletter and you would like for it to be please contact Carolyn Woodard ANNIVERSARIES James Anderson Rafael Catala 6 25 FELLOWSHIP Available 6 2 Available 6 9 Available 6 16 Available 6 23 Breakfast Church 6 30 We are looking for volunteers to sign up to sponsor or provide food for fellowship FLOWERS If you d like to place flowers in the sanctuary in honor or memory of someone or some event please contact the office or Robin Becker Steve Crist 6 2 Available 6 9 Carolyn Woodard in honor of her father Harvey and Jean s father Walt 6 16 Available 6 23 Available 6 30 OFFICE HOURS Pastor Jen s Hours Sunday Thursday Days Off Friday and Saturday Church Office Open Tuesday Thursday 10 00 3 00 ATTENDANCE April 28 50 May 5 49 12 46 19 46 26 44 PERSONAL TESTIMONIES On Sunday April 28 four congregants Anita Cape Rachael Wells Chris Osberg and Carolyn Woodard participated in an interview to share some of their spiritual background and answer questions about how they share the Good News with others Because Good Sam welcomes all we have folks from many doctrinal backgrounds and faiths Sometimes we refer to ourselves as spiritual refugees that have come together to worship in a place where we ve all been made to feel welcome and safe 2
MARK YOUR CALENDARS O Synchrony Arts Productions is going to Orlando s Family Cafe conference on June 8th to give an encore performance of Mary Poppins M These images were taken in 2018 when Synchrony Arts Productions did their performance of Mary Poppins in the Brockus Fellowship Hall at Good Samaritan Church It was a dinner theater event with a scrumptious meal and a dazzling performance If you have not seen the play you should attend this encore performance in Orlando Una Aventura Espa ola A NIGHT IN SPAIN Lunch a Show July Oasis Trip Saturday July 27th 11 30am Enjoy lunch at the historic Columbia Restaurant Ybor City Then attend the musical A NIGHT IN SPAIN featuring La Verbena de la Paloma the sizzling zarzuela with the Opera Tampa Singers On a hot humid carnival night in Madrid the people gather to celebrate the miracles of La Virgen the famed statue and centerpiece of Paloma Street This religious revelry includes the cast of characters found in Madrid at the turn of the 19th century the fashionable young girls a bevy of lecherous tradesmen barkeeps and well educated laborers Friends lovers strangers and devotees collide in this steamy mix of Spanish style music as the Opera Tampa Singers perform Tomas Breton s zarzuela La Verbena de la Paloma as well as Spanish dancing flamenco guitar and other tantalizing surprises We will meet at Good Sam at 11 30am to carpool over to the Columbia Restaurant see lunch menu next to the sign up sheet in the Narthex After lunch we will drive over to the Straz Center for the Performing Arts to attend the 3 00pm show of A Night in Spain Show tickets cost 30 00 If you would like to attend this show please sign up in the Narthex and give ticket money to Eric Johnson as he will be pre purchasing tickets to ensure everyone gets a seat before selling out Contact Eric Johnson if you have any questions 727 319 6970 3
LETTER OF THANKS On May 6 after teacher appreciation week Good Sam received a thank you from Linda Bell Site Manager of Head Start She began by saying Today was one of those days when you have to love what you do not to scream just as I was about to scream members of Good Sam knocked on the door with flower pens for each staff member that said You make Children Bloom Linda went on to talk about how much the gifts brought in each day meant to the teachers and staff She said It feels so awesome to have a little love token for everyday this week The most endearing is that the messages keep us encouraged while we continue to love our children Letter from Linda Bell of Head Start BREAKFAST CHURCH IN JUNE Our tradition at Good Sam is to have meal centered worship on the months with five Sundays Guess What June has five Sundays Our next Breakfast Church is Sunday June 30th We need table hosts If you are willing to volunteer your time and talents to host a table please let me know We are trying a couple of new things in June First we will have a Kids table As usual the children will eat with us and then go to Godly Playtime The second thing we will try is to seat those who arrive after church has started at a table rather than the overflow table For instance tables will have six place settings so if all seats at the tables are taken and a person comes in rather than place that person at the overflow table we will add a chair and another place setting to a table they will join This new process will only happen when one person at a time comes in If more than one comes in after church starts then we may seat them at our overflow table If this happens at your table tell me what you think I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who graciously give of their time and talent to be table hosts And a special shout out to Robin Becker who consistently helps us on Sunday morning with last minute details Submitted by Debbie Rasmussin M Each day of the week a gift was presented to the staff and teachers at Head Start and on Friday a pizza and salad lunch was presented with the prayer on the right Thank you to Judy Friend who coordinated this effort to make our Head Start family feel special TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK CELEBRATED AT HEAD START The week of May6 10 was Teacher Appreciation Week We at Good Sam chose to recognize the staff of our local Head Start On Monday they received an ink pen flower that said You make the children bloom On Tuesday they received a bag containing post a notes and was labeled Educators are noteworthy Wednesday the staff was given a little box of Kit Kats It was entitled You deserve a break Thank you for being on the staff Thursday two hands which held lotion and sanitizer were given and tagged We are thankful for the hands that help a child learn Friday The week ended with a pizza salad lunch being served along with the teacher prayer pictured Thank you all who donated funds and prayers for this recognition Submitted by Judy Friend Coordinator VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR OUR THIRD ANNUAL M Please go ahead and mark this date on your calendar and reserve the morning of August 3 to help with our third annual Back2School Festival The past two years have been great successes and lots of fun It has been well received by the community and we ve provided lots of free hair cuts and school supplies to children and families who were very appreciative of the financial help Watch the newsletters for more info to come 4
interfaith Tampa Bay 5th ANNUAL INTERFAITH PRIDE WORSHIP SERVICE Thursday June 20 2018 at 7 PM King of Peace MCC 5th Avenue North St Petersburg FL 2019 INTERFAITH PRIDE WORSHIP The 5th annual Interfaith Pride Worship service will be Thursday June 20 2019 at King of Peace MCC 3150 5th Avenue North St Petersburg This years service will be extra special not only because its our 5th annual service but also 2019 is the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots which served as the catalyst for the gay rights movement in the United States and the world The actual service starts at 7 00 PM but those who are able can meet at the Metro Wellness Center 3251 3rd Avenue North at 6 30 PM At 6 45 we will then march the three blocks to King of Peace waving our rainbow flags The St Petersburg police will assist in traffic control Our keynote speaker will be Mr Scott Robbe film producer director and social activist He is co supervising producer of the hit television show Queer Eye for the Straight Guy He is an inspiring and motivational speaker and we are excited that he will be our keynote speaker Those interested in being part of the choir should meet at King of Peace MCC on June 18 2019 from 7 00 PM to 9 00 PM for a practice session In additions proclamations from U S Representative Charlie Crist and St Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman will be read Submitted by Rich Feigel WELCOME DINNER On Monday evening May 6 the Fellowship and Outreach Team sponsored a Welcome Dinner for anyone who was interested in learning more about Good Samaritan Church Two inquirers Lois Wilder and Carlos Marquez Sterling came and enjoyed a time of fellowship food and fun They have been asked to consider becoming members but there is never any pressure to do so We were thrilled to have them participate in this event Thank you to Ginger Breitkreutz Beryl Fruth and Debbie Rasmussin for coming to talk about their ministry team involvement in the church Also thank you to Pastor Jen and the Fellowship and Outreach team members who provided a great meal helped set up participated in the program and helped clean up afterwards As always you did a great job 5
TREASURER S REPORT M Fellowship fun Gretchen Ackerson shows Jeffrey Isler how to knit cables F A S T JOSHUA ASSEMBLY ON MAY 13 Good Sam was represented by 15 enthusiastic justice seekers at the JOSHUA ASSEMBLY the FAST final event of the season Successes in obtaining funds for affordable housing creating a plan to establish a central pathway for receiving mental health services and enlisting the support of at least two School Board Members for a full implementation of the Restorative Justice program were celebrated Kathryn Driver of the Housing Finance Authority was present and will oversee the use of Penny for Pinellas funds earmarked for affordable housing At several of our House Meetings the problem of racial profiling was raised During the Nehemiah Action Law Enforcement Interaction Cards were distributed to record interaction with law enforcement These were presented to Police Chiefs Holloway and Slaughter and to Sheriff Gualtieri in person Several recorded positive interaction Those with negative experiences were given to the appropriate law enforcement heads who promised to investigate and report back The Joshua Assembly is also the time when investments are reported Each network member is asked to invest 200 or more in the work of FAST Many are investing much more Good Sam has usually exceeded its goal each year and is on its way to repeating it again FAST will continue to have a presence at School Board Meetings and meetings dealing with affordable housing throughout the summer Our next church involvement will be this fall when we will be conducting house meetings Our goal is to have each of you attend a meeting where you will have an opportunity to share some injustice in our community that upsets you From these concerns FAST will determine which to focus on in 2020 When we unite as God s people we make a major difference in our community There is power is numbers Is God calling you to work for justice Come to a house meeting this fall and learn how you can join with others to make things happen How do we stand FAST TOGETHER Submitted by Bev Kelly DEADLINE FOR JULY 2019 MESSENGER IS JUNE 15 PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY BEV KELLY PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY GRETCHEN ACKERSON Through the end of April the total income was under budget by 6 999 The total expenses paid was under budget by 1 339 resulting in a deficit of 5 660 As our budget for 2019 was developed late in 2018 the Session approved withdrawing about 9 500 from the church s investment with United Church Funds to cover repairs In April we withdrew half of the 9 500 4 794 plus another 5 206 to reimburse the Building Improvement Fund for the new LED lighting in the Fellowship Hall and to fund the new ceiling tiles for a total of 10 000 The One Great Hour of Sharing Offering taken at Easter totaled 550 A check for 275 was sent to both The Florida Conference United Church of Christ and The Presbytery of Tampa Bay We have now paid of the Per Capita to each denomination It is now possible to make donations to Good Sam by using the Donate button found on the church website This is meant for donations from visitors or those wanting to make a memorial donation at the time of a memorial service Donations to the Food Pantry Fund can be made through the website as well The Small Change for May was 43 05 plus a generous member gave a check for 100 for the Pastor s Fund Submitted by Kate Hall Send all information for submissions to carolyn woodard 130 gmail com 6
SALES TAX HOLIDAY FOR STORM SUPPLIES 2019 HURRICANE SEASON TO BE BELOW AVERAGE One of the most respected hurricane forecasts is the one done by Colorado State University Department of Atmospheric Science each year in early spring This year they are forecasting a below average hurricane season According to their forecast there will be 13 named storms 5 hurricanes and 2 major hurricanes The forecast also predicts 50 days of named storms 16 hurricane days and 4 major hurricane days The forecast s lead researcher Phil Klotzbach said cool waters in the Atlantic and an El Nino in the Pacific are setting the conditions for limited activity Warm water in the Atlantic he said acts as fuel for building storms crossing the ocean Currently the tropical Atlantic is cooler than normal and the North Atlantic is anomalously cool meaning they may not have the chance to strengthen as they enter the Caribbean and Gulf The researchers also stated that the cold Atlantic waters are reflecting warming trends around the globe What does this forecast mean for the Gulf coast Mathematically there is generally a 31 chance the Florida peninsula will get hit with a major hurricane going back 100 years This year that chance falls to 28 However just one hurricane can have a monumental impact on Florida For 10 years the state escaped major hurricanes then saw 2017 bring Irma and Maria with Hurricane Harvey devastating Texas In 2018 Hurricane Michael a category 5 storm hit the Florida Panhandle In June more specific forecasts will be available from a number of agencies and governmental entities People living in the coastal areas of the Gulf need to pay close attention to forecasts and weather related information HURRICANE NAMES FOR THE 2019 SEASON Andrea Humberto Olga Barry Imelda Pablo Chantal Jerry Rebekah Donan Karen Sebastian Erin Lorenzo Tanya Fernand Melissa Van Gabrielle Nestor Wendy Submitted by Clarence Wilkinson Florida legislators approved a sales tax holiday again for the 2019 storm season The sales tax holiday is May 31 to midnight June 6 The week long exemption for hurricane supplies includes Portable Self Powered light sources like flashlights selling for 20 or less Tarps other waterproof sheets ground anchors or ties also for 50 or less Portable self powered radios including two way radios or weather band radios selling of 50 or less Gas or diesel fuel tanks that are sold for 25 or less AA AAA C D 6 volt or 9 volt batteries sold for 30 or less car and boat batteries are excluded Non electrical coolers up to 30 Portable generators sold for 750 or less Reusable ice sold for 10 or less Most major retailers will have a complete list of all tax exempt items Hurricane season is June 1 to November 30 Be prepared for the storm season The time to put together a hurricane survival kit is now The 2019 Disaster Response Guide will be distributed in June to the Good Samaritan Church family Part of the guide will include the 2019 all hazards publication produced by the Pinellas County Department of Emergency Preparedness Submitted by Clarence Wilkinson An Ounce of Prevention Is Worth a Pound of Cure Ben Franklin NEW DIRECTORY PHOTOS TO BE TAKEN SOON During the month of June we will be setting up to take photos for the new church directory If you want an updated photo or if you have not been photographed before for this purpose we hope that you will get in line It is not a formal photo so no need to be nervous Relax have fun and smile a lot Submitted by Carolyn Woodard 7
LETTER CARRIERS FOOD DRIVE 2019 ORDINATION OF BEVERLY FINN On Sunday April 28 Beverly Finn one of our newest Session members was ordained as an elder at Good Samaritan She stepped in to take over for Mickey Moore who was stepping down from the last portion of her term on the session We were delighted to have Beverly Finn step into that position She is very capable and has shown wisdom and dedication in the short time she has been on the session Beverly is also involved with our wonderful Care Team and has been involved with helping with our welcome ministry when needed Welcome Elder Beverly MEETING SCHEDULE MINISTRY TEAMS Care Team Meets 1st Wednesday 10 00 noon Spiritual Formation Team Meets 1st Wednesday 6 00 8 00 p m Saturday May 11 2019 was the day for the 27th Annual Letter Carriers Stamp out Hunger Food Drive Our volunteers began to gather at 10 AM in the library parking lot Good Sam had 3 drivers out with maps of mail routes picking up groceries left at mail boxes by Pinellas Park residents As our teams and those from other pantries began to return with the plastic tubs filled with food other volunteers unloaded the cars and removed the groceries from the bags and dumped it into other mail tubs Again this year there were 4 food pantries participating in the food drive Fortunately there were enough volunteers from the 4 pantries to do the unloading and filling of the tubs By 2 00 p m after the letter carriers came in for lunch and dropped of the food they had collected on their morning routes we were able to start bringing food to our pantry Anita Cape volunteered her pickup truck again this year Anita drove the truck and had to make 3 trips to get all of the food to the Good Sam pantry The total of the mail tubs filled with grocery items this year was 100 There was enough food collected that we could have taken another 20 tubs but we were already full to overflowing Our pantry work crew filled every shelf cabinet closet and cubbyhole in the Annex Building and still had many tubs untouched By 5 15 p m we were exhausted We decided to put the remaining tubs in the former Sunday School rooms to be worked on during the next week Volunteers this year were Mickey Moore Jim Moore Robin Becker Clarence Wilkinson Judy Friend Bev Kelly Rich Feigel Kate Hall Anita Cape Tom Fauquet Lisa Ware Ginger Breitkreutz Jacob Spencer Lewis Hill Submitted by Kate Hall Fellowship and Outreach Team Meets 2nd Wednesday 6 30 8 30 p m Justice and Mercy Team Meets 2nd Wednesday 6 00 8 00 p m PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY BEV KELLY Resource Development Meets 3rd Wednesday 10 00 a m Session Team Meets 4th Wednesday 6 00 8 00 p m Many teams take a month or two off from meeting in the summer please check with the team moderator about summer schedule if you are hoping to attend 8
Our Godly Play curriculum in Sunday School tells the children that the mystery of Easter is so grand that we have six weeks of Lent to prepare and then six more weeks of the Easter season to further explore all our wonderings This year Pastor Jen planned that wonder time for the adults as well During the Lenten season Good Sam friends shared their Stories of Forgiveness with the congregation bearing their personal experiences with courage humor and Spirit To bring the dark into the Light was truly a healing reflection of Lent for all of us On Palm Sunday we journeyed with Jesus from his joyful procession into Jerusalem to his arrest and crucifixion Two presentations during service captured the elation and the tragedy of Holy Week the Triumphant Entry skit and the readings in Things We Thought We Knew where eyewitnesses to Jesus suffering reflected on their own pain and confusion Our traditional Maundy Thursday service brought us to the night of Jesus betrayal and relived his final hours through Scripture readings special music and finally the shrouded sanctuary And at last we arrived at Easter Sunday Overflowing with Love and Hope Dramatic videos a sacred dance soul inspired special music and our surprise guests the baby chicks who were originally brought for the children but were embraced by everyone The Good News was reflected in all we said and heard and saw that Spirit filled morning May it continue in our lives and into our community and world Submitted by Chris Osberg Thank You to those who participated Many of you enjoyed our Palm Sunday and Easter services The positive feedback was awesome The success of both services is due in large to those who gave their time and talents From those who participated in the dramas to coordinating the beautiful flowers palms and music even those who purchased those flowers all contributed to wonderful services A special thank you to Pastor Jen Jeffrey Ofiera Rachael and Katie for allowing us to peek into your lives as you shared your personal stories of forgiveness Spiritual Formation says Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Spiritual Formation for your time and dedication planning our Lent Services There was a lot of positive feedback on how meaningful the services were to people Thank you Pastor Jen for organizing the flow of worship services and providing valuable feedback And feedback in our one on one meetings to pare down ideas resulting in our SF meetings staying focused and creative And a Shout Out to Pastor Jen Chris Osberg Sarah Butz and Carolyn Woodard Thank you all for the extra meetings and side bar conversations on how we could transform our Sanctuary into a place that radiated all the emotions in Lent from the difficult journey Ash Wednesday to Maundy Thursday to the celebration on Easter Sunday The Communion Table and Narthex Branches different transformations through Lent and Jesus Is all evoked so many emotions and positive feedback I value your honest feedback as we brainstorm how to best bring messages to life without saying words Thank you for your dedication creativity and enthusiasm And last but not least Thanks to my wonderful wife Lisa Ware who toted bins climbed ladders and suffered through my cluttering up our dining room with stuff to make a visual impact Thank you for your wonderful support Submitted by Debbie Rasmussin 9 M Eric Johnson our coordinator for this event won a prize as a bingo winner INTERFAITH PRIDE DRAG QUEEN BINGO FUNDRAISER On Monday April 29 congregants and friends Bev Kelly her grandson Dylan Barlowe Bev s friend Vie Thompson Lisa Ware Eric Johnson and Lisa s friend Kathy Moll gathered at Punkys Bar in St Pete to help raise funds for the upcoming Interfaith Pride Service which takes place in conjunction with the St Pete Pride events The Interfaith Service was initially the brainchild of our own Rich Feigel and Lisa Ware and is now in its fourth year Around 450 was raised M Dylan Barlowe and Lisa Ware also won prizes for being bingo winners M Participants Kathy Moll Lisa Ware Eric Johnson and Vie Thompson all seemed to have a great time O Dylan Barlowe seemed to be having an especially great time sharing that buck for a good cause PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY ERIC JOHNSON THE JOYFUL MYSTERY OF EASTER
BIRTHDAY AND ANNIVERSARY CLUBS As part of Stewardship we ask that those celebrating birthdays and anniversaries donate to Good Sam a dollar per year The following are the names of those in the Birthday and Anniversary Club for 2019 The total collected for both categories so far this year is 459 BIRTHDAY CLUB Jane Gaylord Joelle Daysa Jean Cooley Kate Hall Judy Friend Martha Taylor Bill Cooley Thank you to all who participate Submitted by Kate Hall SESSION SUMMARY APRIL 24 2019 FOOD PANTRY REPORT APRIL 2019 Number of days open to serve clients 14 Number of clients served Adults 163 Children 91 Total 254 Volunteers during April were Bev Kelly Ginny Thompson Ginger Breitkreutz Kate Hall Carol Diehm Linda Rupp Tom Fauquet and Clarence Wilkinson The number of family members for clients coming to our pantry for the first time in April was 103 The number of individuals served through April of 2019 was 871 The May Messenger had an article about the 1 000 donation from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints They also gave us 16 frozen turkeys On the Tuesday before Easter we had a client with a family of 5 who told us that the food we gave her that day had to last until she got her SNAP benefits on May 1 We asked her if she could use a turkey and she said that would be their Easter dinner plus leftovers We also packed up stuffing mix mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce The book and magazine table needs your used books magazines There are very few books available If you have books that you have read taking up space on your shelves please consider donating them any type or subject is welcome Your weekly donations of food are very important Soups vegetables spaghetti sauce and canned meats tuna are most needed Watch for the BOGO features in the grocery store ads each week Food and money donors in April Patricia Waloga Sue Palmeri Cindy Pugh Michelle Lowery St Nicholas Orthodox Church Good Will Industries Trinity United Church of Christ All the Good Sam weekly donors Pezzella Family Dentistry donated a case of small tubes of toothpaste Submitted by Kate Hall Requesting grants for the 2019 Backto School event was discussed Local businesses will be asked to help support the event financially Pastor Jen submitted a proposal for her 2020 Sabbatical Progress on the long term goals that were approved at the January 2019 Annual Church meeting were discussed Each ministry team is urged to keep the goals in mind during each team meeting Submitted by Rich Feigel ST JAMES LIST Pray for one another that you may be healed James 5 16 Let us remember those members and friends who have asked for our prayers and those who are unable to attend worship Paul Brockus Jacob Daysa Bruce Fullerton Katie Fullerton s brother Rich Feigel Edna Smith Dottie Boake Nancy Rudasill Dorothy Morton Eddie Kosinski Jenny Wilson Carolyn Jean s Neighbor and Good Samaritan Church 10
JUNE 2019 DAILY LECTIONARY Sunday June 16 2019 Trinity Sunday Proverbs 8 1 4 22 31 Psalm 8 Romans 5 1 5 John 16 12 15 Sunday June 2 2019 Seventh Sunday of Easter Acts 16 16 34 Psalm 97 Revelation 22 12 14 16 17 John 17 20 26 Monday June 17 2019 Psalm 124 Proverbs 7 1 4 Ephesians 4 7 16 Monday June 3 2019 Psalm 29 Exodus 40 16 38 Acts 16 35 40 Tuesday June 18 2019 Psalm 124 Proverbs 8 4 21 Ephesians 5 15 20 Tuesday June 4 2019 Psalm 29 2 Chronicles 5 2 14 Acts 26 19 29 Wednesday June 19 2019 Psalm 124 Daniel 1 1 21 Luke 1 46b 55 Wednesday June 5 2019 Psalm 29 Ezekiel 3 12 21 Luke 9 18 27 Thursday June 20 2019 Psalm 42 and 43 Genesis 24 1 21 Romans 2 17 29 Thursday June 6 2019 Psalm 104 24 34 35b Isaiah 32 11 17 Galatians 5 16 25 Friday June 21 2019 Psalm 42 and 43 Job 6 14 30 Galatians 3 15 22 Friday June 7 2019 Psalm 104 24 34 35b Isaiah 44 1 4 Galatians 6 7 10 Saturday June 22 2019 Psalm 42 and 43 Proverbs 11 3 13 Matthew 9 27 34 Saturday June 8 2019 Psalm 104 24 34 35b 2 Kings 2 1 15a Luke 1 5 17 Sunday June 23 2019 1 Kings 19 1 4 Psalm 42 and 43 Isaiah 65 1 9 Psalm 22 19 28 Galatians 3 23 29 Luke 8 26 39 Sunday June 9 2019 Day of Pentecost Acts 2 1 21 Psalm 104 24 34 35b Romans 8 14 17 John 14 8 17 25 27 Monday June 24 2019 Psalm 59 2 Kings 9 1 13 1 Corinthians 1 18 31 Monday June 10 2019 Psalm 48 Joel 2 18 29 1 Corinthians 2 1 11 Tuesday June 25 2019 Psalm 59 2 Kings 9 14 26 Ephesians 2 11 22 Tuesday June 11 2019 Psalm 48 Ezekiel 11 14 25 1 Corinthians 2 12 16 Wednesday June 26 2019 Psalm 59 2 Kings 9 30 37 Luke 9 37 43a Wednesday June 12 2019 Psalm 48 Numbers 24 1 14 Luke 1 26 38 Thursday June 27 2019 Psalm 77 1 2 11 20 1 Kings 22 29 40 51 53 2 Corinthians 13 5 10 Thursday June 13 2019 Psalm 8 Proverbs 3 13 18 Ephesians 1 17 19 Friday June 28 2019 Psalm 77 1 2 11 20 2 Kings 1 1 12 Galatians 4 8 20 Friday June 14 2019 Psalm 8 Proverbs 3 19 26 Ephesians 4 1 6 Saturday June 29 2019 Psalm 77 1 2 11 20 2 Kings 1 13 18 2 3 5 Luke 9 21 27 Saturday June 15 2019 Psalm 8 Proverbs 4 1 9 Luke 2 41 52 Sunday June 30 2019 2 Kings 2 1 2 6 14 Psalm 77 1 2 11 20 1 Kings 19 15 16 19 21 Psalm 16 Galatians 5 1 13 25 Luke 9 51 62 PHOTOGRAPHY AND INFO PROVIDED BY JANE GAYLORD JUST FOR FUN M All the Royals don t live in castles Jane experienced a true ROYAL reception when she visited her family in London last month seeing playing with her GREAT GRAND CHILDREN L R Cecile Eppie Ianthe Emmeline Charlie and Harry children of Grand children Richard Jamie and Carrie 11 PHOTOGRAPHY AND INFO PROVIDED BY GRETCHEN ACKERSON Saturday June 1 2019 Psalm 97 Exodus 33 18 23 John 1 14 18 JUST FOR FUN M Katie Fullerton and Gretchen Ackerson posing with a Latavian Bear in the heart of Riga Latvia s Old Town Riga was not on the tour itinerary but the weather prohibited docking in Germany What a great alternative This was the first time we d seen snow since we ve visited the Grand Canyon in 2005 Brrrr SESSION SUMMARY MAY 22 2019 Kate Hall gave a presentation on the Church Balance Sheet detailing all bank accounts liabilities and fund balances Pastor Jen led a review on the progress being made on the long term goals approved during the January 2019 annual church meeting This included answering the following questions What is creating a glass ceiling at Good Samaritan What is leading to burnout What currently is building energy What is outdated Carolyn will review purchasing of rainbow flags to be displayed on the front of the church to distinguish us by drivers on Park Boulevard Approval was given for Justice and Mercy to seek outside grant money to continue funding the Pack A Snack program for Head Start Submitted by Rich Feigel
THIS NEWSLETTER MUST BE PLACED INTO A STAMPED ENVELOPE TO BE MAILED THE MESSENGER of Good Samaritan Church 6085 Park Boulevard Pinellas Park FL 33781 727 544 8558 Email goodsam church tampabay rr com Web Site goodsam church org Our Mission PREPARED WITH LOVE FOR To Build The Beloved Community A Ministry of Hospitality Vision and Justice A Global Mission Church Check out Good Sam on FACEBOOK SESSION Rich Feigel Clerk Kate Hall Treasurer CLASS OF 2019 Gretchen Ackerson Beverly Finn Linda Rupp CLASS OF 2020 Beryl Fruth Chris Osberg Sophia Stringer CLASS OF 2021 Lisa Ware Carolyn Woodard Vacant Jesus didn t reject people Neither do we CELEBRATING OVER 100 YEARS THE MESSENGER Newsletter of Good Samaritan Church Presbyterian Church USA More Light and United Church of Christ Open and Affirming Sunday Worship 10 30 a m Fellowship Coffee Hour Following Worship GOOD SAMARITAN CHURCH STAFF Rev Jen Daysa Pastor Rev Jean Cooley Parish Associate Gregory Allen Director of Music Ministries Rebecca Kessel Office Administrator Shelby Lamb Nursery Assistant Mirko Bratic Custodian Rev Dr Harold M Brockus Pastor Emeritus GOOD SAMARITAN MINISTRY TEAMS Resource Development Team Clarence Wilkinson Moderator Beryl Fruth Gretchen Ackerson Kate 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 Crist Fellowship and Outreach Team Eric Johnson Moderator Carolyn Woodard Barb Steger Robin Becker Sandy Badger Annie Gambino Martha Taylor Personnel Committee Clarence Wilkinson Jim Moore Robin Becker Gretchen Ackerson Kate Hall Pastor Relations Committee Carolyn Woodard Moderator Chris Osberg Clarence Wilkinson Ginger Breitkreutz Lisa Ware Bev Kelly