Announcements

The 2012 Annual Meeting Minutes

February 11, 2012

The 2012 annual meeting minutes are now available. For more information, please download.

Options to Consider for Our Future

January 29, 2012

The Options to Consider for Our Future is now available. For more information, please download.

Good Samaritan Lutheran Church 2012 Annual Meeting

January 10, 2012

Sunday, February 5, 2012
Time: 12:30 p.m.
(Potluck)

Next Steps Discussions January–March

January 10, 2012

Good Sam's Next Steps: Spring Potluck Conversations and Decisions

January 8, 2012
12:15 p.m.–2:15 p.m.
Getting Started
What Options?
Options for Lenten Vespers
January 29, 2012
12:15 p.m.–2:15 p.m.
Exploring the Options
(Part I)
February 5, 2012
12:30 p.m.–(no time specified)
Congregational Annual Meeting
February 26, 2012
12:15 p.m.–2:15 p.m.
Exploring the Options
(Part II)
March 11, 2012
12:15 p.m.–2:15 p.m.
Narrowing the Options
March 25, 2012
12:15 p.m.–2:15 p.m.
Choosing Options and Determining the Next Steps

Volunteers needed for Safe Haven Men's Homeless Shelter February 12-19

January 10, 2012

Safe Haven: Homeless Shelter for Prince George's County Men

From Melissa Steiner—Safe Haven Coordinator Our congregation, for the last 17 years or so, has taken part in helping area churches take care of men in our county who are homeless. For those of you who are new to the idea, this is what it is all about:

Safe HavenGood Samaritan (as well as 15 other churches) takes a week in a rotating schedule. We are responsible for feeding and housing the 15 men participating in the program during that time. The men come into the church around 6 p.m., with dinner served at 7 p.m. The program provides cots and pillows for the men to sleep, and each church is responsible for providing sheets, towels, washcloths, blankets, etc. In the morning, the men arise around 5:30 a.m., are served breakfast at 6 a.m., and leave the church by 7 a.m. Some men are looking for work, some have jobs, but all leave the premises during the day. They are able to get a hot lunch at Community Café in Hyattsville. Then we start over again. At some point during the week, we make a trip to the Laundromat. If people volunteer, we offer rides to AA meetings during the week as well. Some churches offer a Bible study, which we have tried with some success. At the end of the week, we move the men and all of their equipment to the next church on the list. Then we must do a thorough cleaning of the church before services begin.

Much help is needed for this program to continue. While people sign up to serve dinners almost instantly, few jump in to spend the night. This always has been our biggest need. I ask that each of you prayerfully consider spending a night.

Homelessness is on the rise with the economy being in bad shape. There is a great need for shelters. When we provide food and shelter to those in need, we are giving the guys a chance to concentrate on finding work and taking care of everyday needs without the added concern of how to simply live day to day. God tells us to feed the hungry and house those with no shelter. Here is your chance!

To get the latest information on what jobs need to be filled, please contact Melissa Steiner at 301-552-8996 or melissasteiner@verizon.net. The dates our church is participating this year are February 12-19.