Getting to know Good Sam!
Whether you are new, returning, or searching, we welcome you to Good Samaritan!
Our main service on Sunday is at 9:30am in the Worship Center.
It lasts approximately one hour and fifteen minutes with music of varying styles. Currently, children attend either Children's Chapel, an educational worship session for children 8-13, or Sunday School. They are dismissed to class before we begin the readings of the day.
We also have Adult Christian Education on Sundays after the main service.
A quick note about dress code: we don't have one. Come clothed! Some celebrations entice us to dress up a bit more, like Easter, but generally we have everyone wearing anything from t-shirt and shorts and flip-flops, to jeans, to beautiful hats and high heels.
Holy Eucharist is celebrated each Sunday and all who are baptized and wish to receive communion are welcome at the Lord's Table. Communion consists of bread and wine, representing the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. In the Episcopal Church, it is both a remembrance of Jesus' last supper with his disciples as he commanded us to do and a thanksgiving for his continued work in the world. It's more than that too, but the theology starts to get complicated. Our rector (aka the priest) leads a great course on what it means to be Episcopalian leading up to our annual confirmation service.
Upon arriving at church, greeters will answer any questions, give you a name tag and you may sign the guest book. This is so we can contact you during the following week. This may be via mail, email or a phone call.
Most parishioners prefer to sit or stand during certain parts of the service. Kneelers are available on each side of the sanctuary, for those who prefer that.
The usher will hand you a bulletin for that day's service. You will need it to follow along with the service. In the bulletin you will see "codes" next to each song title: for the Hymnal (H- or Hymnal-) or the Renew Songbook (Renew). Also included in the bulletin is the Good Sam Notes. This gives you a glimpse at our church life with current and upcoming activities.
Once you find a seat, you will find copies of The Book of Common Prayer (red cover), The Bible (black or dark blue cover), The Hymnal (blue cover) and the Renew Songbook (light grayish cover) conveniently located in front of you. We encourage you to fill out the "Welcome Card" so we can get to know you and how we might serve you in your spiritual journey. The yellow "Prayer Request Card" is available if you would like to request prayers for anyone. We have prayer teams that take these cards and pray for the concerns listed for you.One more thing that you might find a little disconcerting. When we
sing the Lord's Prayer, we join hands. This can make it a little tricky
to follow along if you don't know the words. Just offer your elbow
instead. If holding hands with strangers makes you uncomfortable or if
you have a cold, just shake your head, we'll understand.
At the end of the service, we go over to the hall for refreshments (coffee and a variety of treats). Don't forget to pick up a Newcomers packet on the way out of church from the Greeters Table!
A newcomers brunch is offered quarterly for newcomers to become acquainted with the rector and other church members. Look for the upcoming date in the Good Sam Notes. If you've signed the guestbook or filled out a "Welcome Card", you will also receive an invitation to this event in the mail.
We have a variety of church activities. We are a fellowship-oriented church with ever increasing opportunities for outreach and community service. For listings of the various programs, please explore the rest of this website.
