Pastor`s Note - New Song Church

New Song
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF NEW SONG CHURCH
MARCH 2015
notes
Church Events
March 3rd - 1st Communion Classes
Pastor’s Note
March 6th – NCG Elder Forum
Blessings to you all during this season of Lent. Let me thank Deb Bowers for the
beautiful quilt made of crosses which adorns the wall in our sanctuary. We will
have that hanging for us to admire during Lent. Thank you also for the many
crosses you have brought to be placed on our altar wall. How gracious of Glenn
Panning to design and craft wooden crosses and place them on our sanctuary wall
sconces. Those crosses perfectly mimic that cross which hangs above our
chancel. They are beautiful!
March 14th/15th – Tribute to Pr. Marta
Thank you also for inviting your friends and family to New Song. How often I
have had members introduce guests from out of town, in town, or, introduce family
members visiting from afar. I want you to know how much that means to all of us.
Let me also share with you the joy of the announcement of the wedding of our
Parish Assistant, Nicole Hernandez and her fiancé, Anthony Manno. I know how
grateful she has been for your thoughtful gifts and prayers as these two begin their
life together. Many thanks to several people who stepped to help in the office while
Nicole was away: Robin Christian, Mary Basha and Linda Mardorf! One thing I
am learning is that New Song folks are always there when you need them the most.
I am getting around to visiting many of you. I love to do this. If you would like
me to come and share a cup of coffee and conversation it would be my pleasure. I
am in the office almost always from Tuesday through Friday. Please call Nicole or
call me in the office if you’d like me to make an appointment. Diane and I have
been so impressed by your hospitality and kind support. You have made us feel
very much at home. Please know our prayers remain with you.
Faithfully,
Pr. Tom Anderson
sed diam nonummy nibh euismod
tinc idunt ut laoreet dolore magna ali
March 14th – Women’s Spring Tea
March 17th - NCG Cluster Meeting
March 20th – Friends of Sloan Meeting
March 28th – Palm Saturday Service
March 29th – Palm Sunday Service
March 30th – Academy Spring Break
New! “The Armor of
God” Bible Study
Ephesians 6:11-17
Begins Monday, April 27th at 10 AM or 6:30 PM
An all new eight session Bible study,
“The Armor of God”, will be offered
beginning Monday, April 27th at either
10:00 AM or 6:30 PM at New Song,
with Teaching Pastor David Miller
leading the study. This study will focus
on Paul’s letter to the Ephesians,
especially chapter six where the full
armor of God is discussed. The 90minute study session will feature a 30minute DVD on the piece of equipment
the Romans used in Jesus’ time
followed by a discussion on how these
items speak to us today at New Song.
We start with the Belt of Truth, continue with
the Breastplate of Righteousness, and on
through to the Sword of the Spirit. There is no
cost to be part of this study. Just show up with
an eagerness to be armed with God’s
equipment for the days in 2015 and beyond!
You will be blessed by this study. Any
questions, please call Pastor David Miller at
home at (702) 270-0113 or (702) 526-7849 or
email [email protected].
Women’s Bible
Study
Wednesdays at 10:00 AM
The Wednesday morning bible study will be starting a new
study called “Christian Community,” by Rob Suggs. As a
group of ladies going though the transition period at our
church, we thought this would be a great study. Christian
Community: One of the greatest gifts that Christ has given
us in each other. Through Christ’s body, the church, we
discover our unique gifts and experience worship, healing
and power. In ten studies, Rob Suggs leads us to grow in
community – loving and nurturing one another, and in
reflecting Christ’s love to the world around us. Now
available in IVP’s revised LifeGuide Bible Study format,
“Christian Community” features questions for starting
group discussions and for personal reflection, as well as a
new “Now or Later” section following each session. For
further information, or to obtain a book, contact Julie Joly
(714) 496-1710, or email [email protected].
Women’s Home Study
Tuesdays at 10:00 AM
This Tuesday morning Bible study is held at New Song member,
Esther Rostow’s house, 1601 Heritage Springs Dr., located in Sun
City Anthem. They are beginning a new study on Thessalonians,
which begins on Tuesday, March 10th. New members and guests
are always invited to join.
Put on the whole armor of God,
that you may be able to stand
against the schemes of the devil.
For we do not wrestle against
flesh and blood, but against the
rulers, against the authorities,
against the cosmic powers over
this present darkness, against the
spiritual forces of evil in the
heavenly places. Therefore take
up the whole armor of God, that
you may be able to withstand in
the evil day, and having done all,
to stand firm. Stand therefore,
having fastened on the belt of
truth, and having put on the
breastplate of righteousness, and,
as shoes for your feet, having put
on the readiness given by the
gospel of peace.
Adult Bible Studies
We are continuing with The Story, but the good news is that
we have made it through the Old Testament! Starting this
month, we will be focused on learning about Jesus and
seeing how God’s Upper Story and our Lower Story meet
together through the coming of Christ into our world. If
you’ve taken a break from The Story, and grown weary of
the cycle of sin in the Old Testament, now is the perfect
time to return to it and hear the Good News of Jesus! Adult
men and women meet on Wednesday nights at 6:30 PM
(following worship) and the women’s group is on Thursday
mornings at 10:30 AM!
Children’s Ministry
First Communion Classes are starting!
Tuesday, March 3rd, 5:30 PM
If your child is interested in learning about Holy Communion
and is at least 5 years old, we invite them to join us for a
three-week class on Tuesday nights at 5:30 PM. We will
meet March 3rd, 10th and 17th, and will be celebrating their
First Communion on Thursday, April 2nd. The kids will learn
about the history and importance of communion as they
experience holy meals from the Old Testament and the New
Testament and create their own ceramic cups/chalices. There
is a cost of $20, which is for the cups they will make. Parents
are invited to attend with their children, but it is not required.
Please contact Pastor Kathy if your child is ready to celebrate
this wonderful milestone of faith.
God’z Kidz meets on Thursday nights at 5:30 PM in the
community room! Join us for dinner, fun, games, crafts and
Bible time! All kids are welcome!
Children’s Church meets on Sunday mornings at 10:30 AM
in the modular building. Children ages 4 through 5th grade
are invited to join us for music, Bible time and special
projects.
God’s Global Barnyard
During the season of Lent (the month of March), families are
encouraged to fill up a special barn bank with their spare
change and contributions. Families can work toward raising
money to buy a specific animal to help a family in need. Or
you have the option of pulling all of our resources together
and purchase a larger animal, which will benefit an entire
community. Barns will be collected and offered to God on
Sunday April 12th. For more information, check out:
www.elca.org/goodgifts or talk with Pastor Kathy. Barns are
available from Pastor Kathy!
Wednesday Night Worship
We will be having a 30-minute worship service with prayers,
music and mediations to help us be focused throughout the
season of Lent. Families with children are welcome to
attend! Worship will be on Wednesday nights at 6:00 PM.
5th/6th Grade Ministry
I am waiting for some details on this, but want to send it to
you as a place holder!
Summer Camps
Registrations Now Being Accepted
We’ve got a busy summer planned with a variety of camps for kids at
New Song!
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June 15-19 – Vacation Bible School from 4:30-7:30 PM
June 22-26 – Performing Arts Camp from 9 AM-3 PM
June 29-July 3 – Camp Hope (Week 1) from 9 AM-3 PM
July 6-10 – Camp Hope (Week 2) from 9 AM-3 PM
July 20-24 – Camp New Song from 9 AM-3PM
Registration forms are available in the lobby and online! We are also
putting together our teams of leaders for all the camps, so if you are
interested in helping with one or more of the camps, please contact
Pastor Kathy at [email protected]. We are looking for
both youth and adults who want to spend some time this summer helping
kids grow in their faith!
Youth Ministry
Every Thursday, New Song’s middle school students gather from 4:006:00 PM for an afternoon of discovery and fun! From 4:00-5:00 PM,
they participate in Confirmation class. It’s a weekly journey through the
Scriptures that happens September through May. Over a two-year
period, the students study key stories in the Old and New Testaments,
the Lord’s Prayer, the Apostles Creed, the Ten Commandments, and the
sacraments. For more details on Confirmation, Creation, and W.I.T.T.,
please contact our Youth Pastor, Pastor Jennifer Zahnow at (702) 4921771, extension 207 or email [email protected].
Chris Tomlin Concert & Lock-In
Friday, April 17th at 7PM
On Friday, April 17th, New Song’s middle school and high school will
be headed to the Henderson Pavilion (200 S. Green Valley Parkway,
Henderson, 89012) to enjoy a concert with contemporary Christian
music artist, worship leader, and songwriter, Chris Tomlin. Afterwards,
they will have a Lock-In at a nearby church (to be determined), where
they will play games, watch movies, eat food and snacks and have fun.
Youth are welcome to bring friends to both events. A permission slip
will need to be filled out and signed by parents. The cost of the event is
$10 and an RSVP is required by Sunday, March 15th. Please contact
New
Song
Youth
Pastor
Jennifer
Zahnow
at
[email protected] to volunteer, inquire and RSVP.
Scholarships are available.
Healing & Support Ministries
Join GriefShare & Heal!
GriefShare is a ministry that provides Bible-based support for the grief suffered when an individual loses a loved one
through death. It is a 13-week course involving videos, reading and personal reflection with “homework.” Since the
fall of 2006, three times a year, New Song Church as provided facilities for the GriefShare ministry where almost a
hundred men and women have received assistance for their loss. If you have lost a loved one, do not hesitate; drop
by the class that meets every Wednesday at 2:30 PM at New Song Church. For more information, or if you’re
interested in becoming a facilitator, please contact Linda Graham at (702) 492-1771 or email
[email protected].
DivorceCare Support Group
Divorce ranks as one of the most stressful life events that anyone can face. If you are going through or recovering
from a divorce, separation or failed relationship New Song’s DivorceCare is for you! This 13-week divorce recovery
seminar and support group includes presentations on DVD featuring top experts on divorce, real-life stories of people
who have been through divorce and recovery topics from a Christian perspective. DivorceCare is a place where
participants gain knowledge and can share their feelings with others, while addressing their emotional, spiritual and
practical needs in a strictly confidential environment. In a time of great pain and stress, let us help you find an oasis
of comfort and peace on the road to healing. DivorceCare meets on Thursdays at 2:00 PM at New Song Church. For
more information, or if you’re interested in becoming a facilitator, please contact Linda Graham at (702) 492-1771 or
email [email protected].
Blood Pressure Checks
First Sunday of Every Month
New Song’s Health and Wellness team provides blood pressure checks to worshipers on the first Sunday morning of
each month. Retired nurse, Liz Rippelmeyer, may be found in the Community Room after worship services with a
blood pressure cuff ready to help you monitor this important health number! Next month, blood pressure checks will
be on the second Sunday, April 12th, due to Easter. For more information, contact Liz Rippelmeyer at: 316-9042.
Stephen Ministry
IS YOUR LIFE MOVING IN THE DIRECTION YOU WANT IT TO?
We all experience changes as our lives move forward, but sometime these changes can be disturbing, frightening, or just
not in a direction we like. This can be especially true if you're alone, or ill, or have suffered any of the losses we face
along life's path. If you're going through a difficult time right now, remember that our Stephen Ministers are ready to
provide confidential, one-to-one Christian care. They will listen, care, encourage, pray with and for you, and support you
for as long as your need persists. If you or someone you know is hurting, find out more about Stephen Ministry by
talking with one of our Stephen Leaders: Art Clayton (702) 460-8888 or Paul LaChance (702) 837-9924. Our Stephen
Ministers are there to care!
Military Ministry
“Love our Troops” Silent Auction a Success
We just completed our “Love Our Troops” Silent Auction this
past month and it was our best year ever! We had 71 items and
services to auction off. We had 15 restaurant gift cards, 1
casino/hotel package, 6 prints/paintings, 20 business gift
cards/certificates and 29 items and services from New Song
members. This year, we were able to match the amount that was
donated. This is the first time that has happened, which is
wonderful, since the bidding for all the articles started at half the
value of the items donated. So, again, I can't say this enough,
Thanks to all members and friends who supported New Song’s
Military Ministry Silent Auction. The week-long auction raised
$3,000, which was donated $3000 of the proceeds to the U.S.
Vets Initiative Organization here in Las Vegas. We are one of the
major sponsors of the stand down that the US Vets has this year.
That is two years in a row that we are a major sponsor. The U.S.
Vets Initiative Organization helps the veterans during this event
which is held on March 18th and 19th at the Cashman Center.
Some of the assistance includes: haircuts, showers, counseling,
employment and finding housing.
Nevadans for the
Common Good
Henderson Cluster Meeting
Tuesday, March 17th at 6:30 PM
Join with other Henderson residents whose congregations are
affiliated with Nevadans for the Common Good, for a
discussion of the issues and bills before the 2015 Nevada
Legislature. As people of faith, we care about the quality of
life in Nevada! The current legislative session is focusing on
key initiatives that will impact the lives of seniors and families
whose children are a part of the Nevada public education
system. With the Governor's proposals to substantially
increase the funding for public education, there is a lot
happening this spring. Come learn about how congregations
like ours, affiliated with Nevadans for the Common Good, are
speaking up to make Nevada a better place to live! For more
information, contact New Song Council member and NCG
congregational
coordinator,
Ellen
Fiore:
[email protected] or (702) 467-4442 or Pastor Marta
Poling-Goldenne: [email protected] or (702) 4609851.
Pastor Tom Anderson and Pastor Kathy
Morris with Shalimar Cabrera, Executive
Director of the United States Veterans
Initiative Organization in Las Vegas, NV
Advocate for Keeping Seniors in their
Homes!
Friday, March 6th, 9 AM
Nevadans for the Common Good (NCG) is seeking people to be
present in the audience for a hearing of the Nevada Health and
Human Services budget on Friday, March 6th, at 9 AM, at the
Grant Sawyer State building (555 East Washington Avenue).
One of the proposed changes to the Aging and Disability
Services Division's budget is to increase the number of "slots" or
cases for seniors to remain in their homes to receive non-medical
services, rather than being admitted to a nursing care facility. On
average, Medicaid dollars can support almost three (3)
individuals with home and community-based services to every
one (1) person placed in a nursing home. By increasing the
number of recipients of home-based services, we help lower the
overall costs of these services as required by federal guidelines.
Because of the growing number of seniors in the state of
Nevada, the current wait-list for these programs is 8-12 months.
The current shortage of "slots" sends seniors into nursing care
facilities who could remain in their homes to receive these
services. The Governor's budget calls for an increase of only 173
more "slots" or cases. NCG supports this change and is
advocating for the increased funding necessary for the Home and
Community-Based Waiver Programs managed by the Aging and
Disability Services Division and the Medicaid Division of the
state of Nevada. You don't have to be an expert on the topic to
be at the hearing. Your presence in the audience will
communicate your advocacy for seniors across the state! For
more information, contact Church Council member and NCG
congregational coordinator, Ellen Fiore: [email protected]
or (702) 467- 4442 or Pr. Marta Poling-Goldenne:
[email protected] or (702)460-9851.
Welcome
New Members!
Through baptism, and by reception into membership
that is rooted in baptism, the family of faith makes
for more! These families joined New Song on
March 1st: John & Mary Hales and Robert &
Valerie Traum. We welcome them warmly into this
part of the body of Christ!
Order Your
Name Tags Here
Since transitioning to a new name tag system in
2014, we realize some of you may not have received
one and want to make sure you have an opportunity
to order one. Our new tags are one inch by three
inch magnetic ones that allow you to wear them
near your shoulder without harming your clothing
from pins. The tag will have your name embossed
next to New Song’s logo. Each tag costs $10,
making the cost prohibitive to the church budget. If
you would like one ordered, we can do so through
the church office. Please place a check in the
offering plate or give on-line at New Song’s website
and indicate that the funds are for the ordering
of a new magnetic name tag for you. Our parish
assistant, Nicole Manno, will regularly order sets of
new name tags for those interested in having them.
For more information, contact Nicole: (702) 4921771 or [email protected].
LSSN
Food Donations
March: The I(s) of March
As you grocery shop each week, don’t forget our neighbors in
need. Your food donations to the pantry of Lutheran Social
Services of Nevada help keep local families from starvation.
Donations may be brought to the “house” that graces the
entrance to the office hallway at the church. Looking forward
to St. Patrick’s Day, our theme for March will be “The I(s) of
March,” focusing on Italian and Irish dishes. Suggested food
items will include potatoes (fresh, boxed, or canned), corned
beef, canned hash, mixed veggies, canned carrots, and any
non-perishable Italian food items (such as pasta, sauce,
Italian green beans, and cannelloni beans).
April: Spring Fling of Food
As you shop in April and we enter the Easter and Passover
season, be on the lookout for groceries with the theme “Spring
Fling with Food.” Suggested Easter dinner items include:
canned hams and turkeys, meats, fish, and vegetables, Jell-O,
instant potatoes and stuffing, canned yams and canned
pineapple. Remembering also the Passover season, any nonperishable foods from the kosher specialty food section would
be appreciated.
Women’s Ministry
Thank Your Lucky Stars!
Spring Women’s Tea, March 14th, 2-4 PM
The women of New Song will be holding their annual tea on Saturday, March 14th, from 2 to 4 PM. The tea's theme, "Thank Your
Lucky Stars," will focus on gratitude, with a touch of the stars and a little bit of a St. Patrick's twist. Tickets are $15. Tickets are on
sale now. We are still looking for women who would be willing to "host a table" (provide the various items of tea china and facilitate
the activities at your table). If you’re interested in hosting a table, please contact Women’s Ministry Director, Debbie Romboletti at
(702) 875-2013, or by email at [email protected] no later than Saturday, February 28th.
Laundry Brigade Seeks Volunteers
The women of New Song are currently looking for volunteers to assist with the tender loving care of the church tablecloths and other
linens each week. Volunteers would be asked to sign up for, at a minimum, 1/2 of a month. The linens would be collected either
Sunday after the last worship service or on Monday, and returned prior to the following Sunday. Care of the linens is easy, simply
wash and dry with no particular cleaning processes. If you can help with this very important ministry, a signup sheet is on the
Women's Ministry bulletin board in the Narthex. For additional information, please contact Debbie Romboletti at (702) 875-2013, or
by email at [email protected].
Tribute Event for Pastor Marta
Saturday, March 14th and Sunday, March 15th
As you know, so much has happened in the New Song family these last few months. Pastor Marta resigned in early December of last
year to be near Pastor Dave. Then, suddenly the sad news of Pastor Dave’s death so close to Christmas stunned all of us. A beautiful
memorial service for Pastor Dave ensued in mid-January. Thank you for those who attended and all those who sent notes to Pastor
Marta and the family. The Council strongly felt that we have some unfinished business. We want to celebrate Pastor Marta’s
ministry here at New Song. We are planning a tribute event following each of the four services on Saturday, March 14 th and March
15th. At the end of each service, we will have a special Litany of Thanksgiving, followed by Pastor Marta’s benediction. Then, we
will meet in the Community Room for coffee and treats and there we will have an opportunity to give thanks to her at each of those
gatherings. Pastor Marta has requested that no gifts be given. The Council, though, hopes we can shower her with cards and
remembrances. We know that some of you may be out of town, but please send a card if you are able. You can send your cards of
thanks to: New Song Church, 1291 Cornet Avenue, Henderson, NV 89052.
Evensong Continues through Lent
The Lenten season is perfectly designed for spiritual growth. The season always begins
with Ash Wednesday and that first step toward allowing God's grace to enter into our
hearts. During lent, on Wednesday evenings at 6 PM, come and enjoy an evening service
of music, prayer and silence. Our Evensong service is designed to help you to lean into
the power of Christ.
Passion/Palm Saturday and Sunday
March 28th and 29th
Join us for a worship celebration focused on Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The
crowds had heard about this amazing man and gathered to welcome him as a King.
Waving palm branches and stripping their cloaks from their backs, they created a parade
route not unlike rolling out the red carpet at the Academy Awards. But Jesus was not to
be the kind of king they expected. Rather than throwing over the oppressive Roman
government, he threw over the tables of the money changers and animal vendors in the
Jerusalem Temple courtyard. Within hours, the mood changed from cheers to jeers. This
day set the stage for all that was to come.
New Song Staff
Interim Lead Pastor: Tom Anderson
Associate Pastor for Youth Ministry: Jennifer Zahnow
Associate Pastor for Children’s Ministry: Kathy Morris
Teaching Pastor: David Miller
Parish Assistant: Nicole Manno Director of Worship Arts: Jason Manlapaz
Custodial Engineer: Tom Davis Church Administrator: Linda Graham
New Song Christian Academy Director: Pr. Jennifer Zahnow
Teachers: Birgit Drowanowski, Annette Kindell,
& Pr. Jennifer Zahnow
Teacher’s Asssistants: Bessie Demetriou & Tamara Comandatore
Ministers: All the people of New Song Church