LSF’s Good Samaritan Initiative is a celebration of that which unites us – the mission of sacrificially loving and serving our neighbors in the name of Jesus Christ. It is our desire to partner with you to honor a Good Samaritan in YOUR congregation who stands out for their service to others, and, by extension, help to fuel a spirit of SERVICE in the Church.
HOW CAN YOU PARTICIPATE?
Interested churches need to simply nominate an individual (or couple) who embodies the spirit of the Good Samaritan. LSF will coordinate with you to honor your nominee with a presentation and nicely framed Good Samaritan Award before your congregation during a Sunday Service, and will recognize them on our webpage and social media.
This is an exciting opportunity to unify around the mission of bringing God’s healing, hope and help to people in need in the name of Jesus Christ.
Faith Lutheran Church of Rotonda
Pastor Brian Armen Nominee: Linda Schultz
Linda has been focused on outreach for many years. She started our Love and Serve Ministry, which supplies meals and other services to folks in the church. Then, her heart for children led her to work with a local group, Kids’ Needs, to supply clothing and school supplies for Englewood’s children. But her major efforts center on our outreach to a local group of homeless folks. She oversees a group of ladies who prepare bag lunches every Tuesday, and also takes care of donated clothing, laundry supplies and toiletries, making sure it all goes to the needy. She is a true inspiration!
Trinity Lutheran Pembroke Pines
Pastor: Rev. Dr. Keith Spencer Nominee: Daniela Vega
During the pandemic, Daniela "DANY" Vega coordinated food distribution to thousands of local neighbors to ensure that those who were in need did not go hungry. If they did not drive, she and her husband delivered. During this food distribution, Dany discovered that many also needed clothing, so she put out a call to the congregation and a flourishing clothing closet was born.
When a neighborhood family arrived who had lost everything in a fire, she went to work to provide many necessities to help them get a fresh start. When she realized that a number of hungry families could not make the scheduled distribution times, she made herself available on an appointment basis throughout the week.
Last year, Dany took it upon herself to apply for a large grant from the Domestic Hunger Unit of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. This application process involved a detailed application and two interviews and in every case, Dany excelled at making a case for the outreach ministries here at Trinity Lutheran and was successful in receiving the grant which will enlarge the church’s capacity to serve your neighbors both in the near term and well into the future.
Faith Lutheran Church
Lehigh Acres, FL
Pastor Jhon Freddy Correa Nominee: Barry Moll
Thanks for being a good Samaritan. Thanks for paying attention and giving your time and talents to those in desperate need. Thanks for meeting people on the road during the week, taking them to doctors' appointments, shopping and even having fun. Thanks for providing us with drinks, coffee, and food, and taking care of the places we meet. Thank you for paying attention to the many details! Thanks, Barry for being a good Samaritan.
Faith Lutheran Church
Lehigh Acres, FL
Pastor Jhon Freddy Correa Nominee: Chuck Emery
Chuck Emery is a dedicated and hard-working member of Social Ministry, who volunteers his time at Bread Ministry and our Faith Food Pantry. He is always available to support our community by loading and unloading supplies, creating bags of food for distribution, delivering items to local facilities that we partner with, and by helping in any other way that is asked of him. We truly appreciate that care and love that Chuck puts into every opportunity to support those in need in our area. To highlight one of the many times Chuck has provided for our community, we think back to the weeks following Hurricane Ian where many of the communities, not more than 30 mins from our church were struggling to find basic supplies for their families. Chuck Emery was one of the volunteers from Social Ministry who helped unload trucks of supplies, organize the items into categories, reload the supplies into our own vehicles, and then spent a day distributing those supplies out in our neighboring community of Cape Coral. Thank you, Chuck, for all that you do to help those in our community and we at Faith Lutheran truly feel you are a Good Samaritan.
Faith Lutheran Church
Lehigh Acres, FL
Pastor Jhon Freddy Correa Nominee: Frances Vandivier
Frances is a very caring and giving person. She is always there to give a helping hand. She amazes us at everything she does and how she can keep up with everything. Age for her is a number. It does not stop her to work towards God’s kingdom. She volunteers at the Bread Ministry. She helps at the church, and she has a memory like you would not believe. She knows everyone's birthday and anniversary and she makes a point of saying that to everyone. At the Bread Ministry, Frances not only helps our clients but takes the time to talk with them and even in most cases she knows the kind of bread the client likes. She even goes the extra mile to find the bread for them. It’s just little things that make Frances a Good Samaritan.
Reformation Lutheran Church
Lakeland, FL
Pastor: Rev. Lois Ann Sorensen Nominee: Karen Hamilton
Karen Hamilton actively participates on almost every committee at Reformation Lutheran Church, including outreach, evangelism, stewardship, and fellowship. Her ability to organize processes and analyze information helps maximize the effectiveness of these committees; for example, she established an assembly line for the monthly lunch-packing effort that serves 25 local homeless people and their dogs (which began as a "God's work, Our hands" project under her leadership in 2021), and she maintains a record-keeping system for the assignment and collection of Christmas presents for over 70 local Guardian Ad Litem clients. One of her responsibilities within the fellowship committee is to coordinate a monthly "lunch bunch" outing for women which patronizes various local restaurants. Karen also serves on the congregational council, holding the office of treasurer, and is one of the congregation's most generous givers. Beyond the congregation, Karen is also active in her retirement community, including the ordering and installation of bricks for the pathway in its memorial garden.
Rock Of Ages Lutheran Church
Wildwood, FL
Pastor: Pastor Don Erickson Nominee: John Stahl
John Stahl has been a vital contributor in many ways to Rock of Ages since the very beginning in 2006. John is a model for welcoming visitors and making them feel welcome. He is often one of the first to make contact with guests. As a retired electrical engineer from Motorola, John has taken the lead in setting up, maintaining and operating our audio-visual functions. As we have grown and moved into our new facility, John was the lead on designing and implementing a state-of-the-art AV system in the new sanctuary and fellowship hall. He also runs the audio and streaming functions from the tech booth each Sunday. Not only does he do this for worship he also provides this service for memorial services, volunteering his time on his days off. In addition to his ample AV contributions, John has been for years the go-to person for handyman needs around the church. If something needs to be done John is the man. He makes supply runs to the stores and his truck has been invaluable. It is not possible to easily list all of the ways John has been essential to the function of ROA. But, perhaps the most notable aspect of John Stahl is his kind, patient and understanding manner with everyone. Many years ago, John attended a Via de Christo weekend. In my estimation, he has lived out that commitment to serve the church in a major way.
Concordia Lutheran Church
Sarasota, FL
Pastor: Pastor Stephen Gaulke Nominees: Dawn Mowery, Junne Ulbrich, Sue Wiedeman, Cathy White
Although many men and women volunteer for Concordia Sarasota's annual Rummage Sale, four women dedicate countless hours to this vital outreach project. Dawn Mowery, Junne Ulbrich, Sue Wiedeman, and Cathy White organize, publicize, recruit teams of volunteers, and sort donations during the months prior to the event. Each year, they creatively design the layout based on the ever-changing space available. They never lose sight of the ultimate purpose: serving God's people. On each morning before the doors open, they assemble the workers praying - asking God's blessing on all who work and all those who visit the sale. The results of this year's efforts blessed nine charities-both local and international, including Missionary Lawson in Russia (Latvia), Meals on Wheels, and Redeeming Life Ministries. These women truly model the ideals of the Good Samaritan who gives to be sure that God's children in need are loved and served.
Joy Lutheran Church
Ocala, FL
Pastor: Rev. Arthur Wuertz Nominee: Joy Olsen
Joy not only bears the name of our congregation, she exudes this all the time. In addition to all the volunteering she does at church, she serves regularly at Interfaith Caregivers and truly goes out of her way to not only help someone she sees in need, but following up with the person, staying with them when other help sources have moved on. She is a true Christian caregiver.
Faith Lutheran Church of Punta Gorda
Punta Gorda, FL
Pastor: Pastor Dana Narring Nominee: Ellen Jodway
Ellen Jodway is the caring and super energetic volunteer that we'd all like to be! With a Christ-centered approach to all whom she meets (and for all that she does), Ellen Jodway is exceptionally worthy to be honored as Faith Lutheran, Punta Gorda's Good Samaritan. Her impact is felt both within our church and equally by so many of our neighbors, friends, and various organizations within the Charlotte County, FL community. At Faith Lutheran, Ellen is an active LWML member who: Co-ordinates the December Cookie Walk, organizes and co-ordinates our Spring Flea Market (including signs/advertising/and working the event from beginning to end). Ellen also enjoys being a Sunday Morning Worship Greeter as well as assisting at the Coffee Bar, helping with ushering, and wherever else she is needed. Beyond Ourselves: Ellen is a member of the Punta Gorda Civic Association - Their mission is "To serve others in the community." Ellen is also Vice President responsible for scheduling "Share the Love" for the “Kids Home Tour” visits, for the scheduling of volunteers, and also for directing monies to "Children's Charities of Charlotte County." Weekly Ellen is helping at the Charlotte County Homeless Coalition - gathering/sorting personal toiletries for the homeless and raising funds. Ellen works with and regularly provides support for the following: Backpack Kids, Healthy Start Baby Shower, and Peace River. Well done, good & faithful servant! - Rev. Dana Alan Narring, Pastor
Family of Christ Lutheran Church
Tampa, FL
Pastor: Pastor Landon Ledlow Nominee: Jim Littrell
Jim is a faithful and committed volunteer here at Family of Christ Church. He is a retired Naval officer and his honor and commitment to service are evident in all he does here as a volunteer. Jim serves on our Board of Deacons. He counts our offering money weekly and greets/ushers each week. Jim is our grillmaster for church barbeques and special events. He is involved in planning and serving at many of our weekly events and special events such as our annual Bonfire and chili cook-off. We are blessed to have him as a part of our congregation. He is a faithful servant of the Lord in all he does.
St. Paul Lutheran Church
Miami, FL
Pastor: Pastor William Sielk Nominee: Marcia Rowley
Marcia is one of the most pleasant people you will meet at St Paul Lutheran Church. She is the first to greet you after church with a smile and a warm HELLO. She has offered her unending enthusiasm and artistic talents to our after-school program and to the ladies ministries. She has served on the fellowship committee and our flea market teams. Marcia and her husband, Kevin, have an out of their house business. They have produced beautiful creations for our prayer garden. She organizes and runs our “Getting To Know You” after church get together, where we meet selected members of the church and they reveal interesting individual histories of their lives. It has been a great success, due in a large part to her work. Also, she is a transportation secretary for some of our less mobile members, ready to take them to and fro for needed and wanted excursions. Finally, her love of animals is well known. This has been manifested in her willingness to care for members loved creatures of God when they have to go for medical procedures and leave their animals at home. She is a great, loving member of our family. And it is a great honor for us, the St Paul Lutheran Church family, to nominate Marcia Rowley as our Good Samaritan representative for 2023. God bless all the nominees.
Iglesia Luterana San Pablo Apóstol
Miami, FL
Pastor: Pastor William Sielk Nominee: Lidia Somoza
Lidia Somoza is a tireless member of our church, a dedicated mother and wife. Her goal is to become a Lutheran deaconess. She has a heart that is overflowing with the love of God for her community. A community that extends from Hialeah to her native Nicaragua. She has been instrumental in raising needed items for the less fortunate. She raises awareness in our church, raises needed funds, and raises hope as she answers the call "as you do for the least you do for me." She is part of our education team in teaching Bible Studies and devotions for women. Also, she has been a vital part or making our after-church fellowship so attractive and delicious with organizing a feast for the attendees. San Pablo applauds Lidia in her tenacity for dealing with the legal system in Nicaragua and her family issues there and aiding the migrants here trying to find their way in a new land. She is an immediate friend, confident, and spiritual guide to all who she meets. She is always, no matter how tired, ready to jump in and help with any God pleasing task the church family asks of her. She prays constantly without ceasing and reminds all that what we do is for the glory of God. So, she is truly a blessing for our church. San Pablo, church to the Gentiles, joyfully nominates Lidia Somoza as our blessed Good Samaritan for 2023. Amén
Grace Lutheran Church
Tampa, FL
Pastor: Rev. John Hillmer Nominee: Kipp Van Pay
There are many reasons why Kipp Van Pay is deserving of this award. He has been a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Tampa since October 16, 2011. He is an usher for worship services, memorial services, and funeral services. He sets up crosses and helps arrange plants for Easter. He is a veteran with the US armed services. He collates and staples bulletins. He preps and decorates for Christmas. He assists with janitorial duties when needed and helps with light bulb replacements. He waters and plants the plants outside. He has pew angel duties and turn key responsibilities. He also sets up and takes down furniture for meetings.
More importantly than the many tasks and countless hours that Kipp has logged, is the spirit in which he does them; the character and spirit by which he lives. Kipp is gracious and welcoming to all. He greets and assists those with special needs: walkers, wheelchairs, the unsighted, the unhoused who come to church not just on Sunday, but any/every day of the week. Kipp is the ‘face of Grace’! He helps make this place dance, shine, and exude the message: “You are valued and you are welcome here!”
Calvary Lutheran Church
Ruskin, FL
Pastor: Pastor Gary Grindeland Nominee: Paula Sabo
Paula received inspiration from the Holy Spirit. About 30 years ago, Paula was standing on the church’s new property. The only structure on the 25-acre parcel was a dilapidated mobile home. But the Spirit whispered, “Thrift Store”. From that whisper, Community Cupboard has grown to feed an average of 500+ underprivileged people per week. The old mobile home was replaced in 2005 by the Angel Attic Thrift Shop, whose proceeds are used to buy food for Community Cupboard. Calvary is now known as “the church that feeds the community” and Paula has been leading this amazing mission every step of the way – for over 20 years. Paula’s faith in listening to the Holy Spirit, plus her keen business sense, organizational skills, and ability to energize volunteers, has made the Angel Attic/Community Cupboard ministries of Calvary the cornerstone of the congregation’s outreach. Through these ministries, countless people, many of whom seem to have been discarded by society, have found smiles, a kind touch, food, blankets…and have experienced the love of Jesus Christ. When food is distributed, the church parking lot is packed with cars. Others ride bicycles. Some walk – carrying all their possessions on their backs. The homeless people also receive sunscreen, bug spray, socks, and tents…the things that most people take for granted, but that are priceless to those without homes. This is what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ!
All Saints Lutheran Church
Port Orange, FL
Pastor: Pastor Kari Niedermaier
Nominees: John Scholtens & Kathy Dzuris
The ASLC Leadership team nominates John Scholtens & Kathy Dzuris for the LSF Good Samaritan Award. John and Kathy work tirelessly to facilitate ASLC, sharing God’s love and our daily bread with our neighbors. Kathy has facilitated the summer feeding program for school aged kids with Volusia County, is the ministry lead for our annual food drive with Jerry Doliner Food Bank and was instrumental in organizing community meals and a variety of assistance for our neighbors when they flooded during the storms this fall. John assists Kathy in all she does, often delivering the food collected to the food bank or helping organize donations and food. But he is also an amazing Good Samaritan in his own right. He stewards the campus so we can be as hospitable as possible and has outfitted the church with amazing audio-visual and streaming capabilities that have allowed us to share worship services and community events, like our Aging and Dying Well Forums, with neighbors near and far. We recently hosted a Recovery Pop-up Summit with Volusia Recovery Alliance and Faces & Voices and the organizers and facilitators noted that the AV set-up was top notch and they facilitate workshops all over the nation. Thank you both for helping us love our neighbors so well!
Immanuel Lutheran Church
Brandon, FL
Pastor Miguel Sanabria and Pastor Dan Ritter Nominee: Neoda Dumke
Neoda is a huge blessing to our church. She takes on so many responsibilities with joy and grace. She has been our Sunday School Director and Vacation Bible School Leader for years now. She helps with the music in the Contemporary and Hispanic services and plays the guitar for the Contemporary Service. She makes sure all the people involved in playing or singing for these services have sheet music and sets up practice times. She teaches and leads the children to sing for special services.
She also manages the coffee cart every week, making sure the coffee is made and cookies or donuts are out. If not enough people contribute, she pays for the items herself.
She has started a Family Night one night a month and is always there for that. She manages a meal for Lent and Advent night services and manages the entire meal herself.
We cannot even name all the things she does for the church. All this along with the many things she does for the community. Her family owns a blueberry farm and she takes very good care of her migrant workers by collecting items they may need. She collects any leftover food from events at the church and drives them to a homeless shelter. She works with ECHO, and homeless shelters and children's homes. She has the energy of a 30-year-old. She does everything with joy and a smile on her face. We call her our church Angel.
Spirit of Life Lutheran Church
Jacksonville, FL
Pastor: Pastor Jim Young Nominees: Gary and JoAnn Strysick
Nominee Text: Gary and Jo are exemplary members of God's church. Gary and Jo run our Food Pantry. Part of their Food Pantry mission is to coordinate distributions with two other churches. Gary and Jo coordinate food ordering, delivery, and sorting at the church. They are instrumental within the church as well. They tirelessly assist wherever needed. Gary is our church deacon, and both assist within the weekly services. Gary and Jo coordinate pastoral assistants, lectors, and service assistants. They are highly thought of by the church community and it was multiple congregants that asked them to be nominated for the Good Samaritan Initiative.
Lutheran Services Florida