Getting to know Good Sam!
Whether you are new, returning, or searching, we welcome you to Good Samaritan!
There are two church services on Sunday, 8:00 AM and 10:15 AM. The early service lasts one hour, with a few hymns.
The 10:15 AM service lasts approximately one hour and fifteen minutes with music of varying styles.
Between the two services, at 9:15 AM there is Sunday School and Adult Christian Education. (Click on these two links to learn more.)
Holy Eucharist is celebrated at both services 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. The theology starts to get complicated (our rector (aka the priest) does a great course on what it means to be Episcopalian), but for a quick answer, go here.
Upon arriving at church, greeters will answer questions, will give you a nametag and you may sign the guest book. This is so we can contact you during the following week.
Most parishioners prefer to sit or stand during certain parts of the service. However, kneelers are available on the far sides of the sanctuary.
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 for the coming week. 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 (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.
At the end of the service, we go over to the hall for refreshments. 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 may 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.