Sermon Outline - November 28/29, 2015

“Balance” Sermon Series - Week 1

There is a time for everything

• “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

• “Thanksgiving dinners take eighteen hours to prepare. They are consumed in twelve minutes. Half-times take twelve minutes. This is not coincidence.” (Erma Bombeck)

Priorities. What are yours? Take some time to write down your top three.

1. _________________________2. __________________________3. __________________________

• “I believe that being successful means having a balance of success stories across the many areas of your life. You can't truly be considered successful in your business life if your home life is in shambles.” (Zig Ziglar)

• “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42)

Real life balance is impossible without Jesus.

• ““I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

• “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. “ (Matthew 6:33)

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.

• We begin a short three week look at “balance” today. How would you define “life balance?”

• Spend some time talking about how (or how you don’t) balance: job, family, health, finances and faith.

• Where does most of your time go? Is this what you want? Why or why not?

• Church attendees were asked to jot down their top three priorities. If you weren’t there; take some time to do that now. Share with one another what you have written down.

• Now the hard part: look at the priorities you have written down and think about the discussion so far. Do your priorities get the attention they deserve or not? Why or why not?

• Luke 10: 38-42 contains the well-known story of Martha and Mary. Take time to read it and talk about it. Why did Jesus say that Mary got it right?

• In John 15, Jesus says that without him we can do nothing. If that is true, how do we prioritize our lives so that worship of the Savior is central to what we do?

• In Matthew 6:33, Jesus says that when we seek God’s kingdom first the other things we worry about will be taken care of. Do you believe that? Have you experienced that?

• Go over any other points in the sermon outline and share your questions, answers and thoughts with each other.

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

Operation Christmas ChildSpecial THANK YOU to everyone who

participated in this ministry. Our site collected over 540 boxes for children to receive this Christmas and half of those were from our

congregation alone! Thank you for truly loving God, loving people, and making a difference!

Holiday Bible Study ScheduleWednesday Evening and Thursday Morning Bible Studies will not be meeting on the following dates: December 16/17, December 23/24, and December 30/31. If you have not yet joined us, we invite you on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 PM or Thursday morning at 10:30 AM in the Youth Room for fellowship and study with Pr. Scott. Angel Tree MinistryHelp us bring Christmas morning wonder to a local family in need. Visit our Angel Tree in the entry area and select a tag. These tags will have all the information you need to shop for your child or family. Please have all gifts wrapped and returned by Wednesday, December 16th with the tag attached to the outside of the package. For more information please contact Heidi Marley at 702.280.3823 or heidimarley1@gmail.com. Handbell ChoirThank you so much to all who joined to help us start this ministry! If you are interested in joining our new handbell choir contact Darin Bradford at darin@goodsamlv.com.Battle Born ChoraleThe Battle Born Chorale presents “Our First Noel.” Journey to the Emerald Isle for a Christmas celebration featuring the music of Michael McGlynn. The concert will be at Good Samaritan in the Worship Center on Wednesday, Dec. 16th at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $10 at the door. Calling all crafty people!If you are interested in showing off and selling your creations at the Good Samaritan table during the Rhodes Ranch Craft Fair on December 12th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM sign up in the entry area or contact Pr. Don at dlorfing@goodsamlv.com or 702.873.3589.Mountains Edge Winter FestivalCome visit our table at the Winter Festival in the Mountains Edge community! We will be out there meeting our neighbors from 10:00 AM- 3:00 PM.

Decking the Halls!It’s that time of year! Ever wonder how and when the magic takes place that transforms our church into a

winter wonderland? It’s not with the help of little elves, it’s with the help of folks just like YOU! Join us on December 1st from 6-9 PM as we Deck the

Halls to get our campus ready for Christmas.

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

November 29, 2015 9:35 & 11:00 AM

Back to the Manger Children's Christmas Musical December 12th at 5:00 PM

December 13th at 8, 9:35, & 11 AM We Need Teachers!

We are looking for a volunteer to teach in the k-2 room during the 9:35 AM service twice a month. If you are interested please

contact out Children’s Director, Jamie. Children's Christmas Party

Join us on Saturday, December 5th at 5:00 PM for a night of making Christmas cards, decorating ornaments, and having fun

together celebrating the birthday of Jesus! 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 Decking The Halls!

Join us during TNT on Dec. 1st from 6-9 PM to help decorate our campus for Christmas! 2nd Saturday Christmas Party

Saturday, December 12th 6-8 PM in the Youth Room

Open to all Jr/Sr High. Please bring your favorite dish or dessert to share for the potluck!

We will have a White Elephant Gift Exchange! Bring a goofy gift all wrapped up if you would like to

participate! For more information on these and other Youth Ministry

events please contact Natalee Graham at 702.308.5298 or natalee@goodsamlv.com.

Children’s Ministry

Sunday, November 29, 2015 9:35 & 11 AM Hearing devices are found in the entry area or ask the sound booth technician.

Opening Song: Rise And Sing

Welcome & Opening Prayer

Ritual Of Friendship

Song: Like A Lion This Is Amazing Grace

Children’s Message

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”.

Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 Sermon: Pr. Scott Hove Sermon Song: O Come All Ye Faithful Sharing Of The Peace

Prayer & Lord's Prayer Benediction

Song: Hark The Herald Angels Sing

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 Wednesday: Weight Watchers 9:00 AM - Youth Room Card games 10:00 AM - Classroom #1 Bible Study 7:00 PM - Youth Room 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 Nov 21-22, 2015

5 PM = 31 8 AM = 36 5 PM SS = 4 9:35 AM =109 9:35 AM SS = 50 11 AM = 38 11 AM SS = 16 Youth = 49 Music & Techs = 13 TOTAL = 346

Cancer - JoEtta W., Lisa K., Derek M., Debbie D., Megan C., Ben N., Ninha (cancer and heart), Tom H., Patsy H. and son (health, cancer)

Other Health Concerns - Melissa B. (recovery from heart surgery), Ms. Jerri and family (hospital, illness), Tara (recovery from back surgery), Susie (healing after surgery), Taite and Trevor (Type 1 diabetes, find a cure), Dale (accident recovery), Sofia (healing from asthma attacks), Ruth W. (back pain), Kim (healing from chronic pain)

Health and Healing - Virgil M., Jordan, Ingrid, Amie, Chad, Cameron, Shane, Norm, Judy, Keith, Noah, Axel, Alex, Brittany P., Betty M., Jorge, Dan G., Ed G., Charlie, Ruth V., Carol T., Lorrie A., Douglas A., John K., Crosby and Dawson, Benny W. (continued health), Lynn and Dorothy

Spiritual - Dennell (guidance), Natalia (return to faith in Jesus), pray that our country can express God's love to refugees from around the world, Sandy (my daughter's faith), Mindy (spiritual healing; surrender to Jesus), Crystal (to know Jesus), Matthew (to know Jesus), Susan and Linda (peace), Christopher (peace), Anne (peace), Michelle (peace), Jessica (peace)

Employment - Christy L. (job), Nancy G. (job soon), Kyle (hard life decisions; got a new job - praise Jesus!)

All Other Prayer Requests - Darin V., Jan, Darin T., Betty, Lonnie, Haileigh (college and health), Christy (strength), Doug (patience), safety to those traveling for the holidays, Nancy G. and family (love, hope, faith, and good health), pray for the safety of our country, prayers that adult children will reconcile and forgive each other, Patrick and Lilyanne (adoption), Matt E. (auto accident), Matt (anxiety)

Prayer Ministry SHARING GOD’S CARE THROUGH FRIENDSHIP AND PRAYER

The alter flowers are donated by Sanford and Mary Swenson in loving memory of

Donni Swenson &

in loving memory of Millie Parr by daughter, Tena Allen and granddaughter Kristen Tschopp.