New Here
Welcome, friend. Every Sunday I invite people to share in Holy Communion with these words:
Wherever you are in your spiritual journey, however you found your way to this place, whether you are rich or poor, whatever the color of your skin, whomever you love, whatever your abilities, you are welcome in this place and you are welcome at this table. There is food enough for all. Come and be fed.
I can issue this invitation confidently because we trust that you are made by God and loved by God just as you are. I pray that at Good Samaritan you find a place of welcome and rest, a place for healing and growth.
We are unabashed followers of Jesus and lovers of the God that he reveals. We express this through our Sunday and special worship services, we offer fantastic music both in our worship and in our Sundays @3 Concert series, and we offer classes and opportunities for fellowship and service. Guided by the Holy Spirit, we learn from one another, and we would love to learn from you.
May your time at Good Samaritan, however long that may be, bless your soul.
David+
What to Expect
Do I have to be Episcopalian to attend?
You do not need to be an Episcopalian to attend Good Sam. We welcome everyone regardless of their beliefs. Our hope is that you leave our services enriched and refreshed.
How long are worship services?
The 8:00 AM spoken service is 55 minutes long and the 10:30 AM service with music is approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes in length. Our Sung Compline evening prayer is about half an hour in length.
How do I become a member?
Name it and claim it. If this is your spiritual home, where you come to praise God and practice your spiritual life, then you are a member. What this means for most people is that you attend worship regularly, contribute financially by way of a yearly pledge, and get involved in our common life. Our Parish Life Minster, Dan McGinnis, can help you figure out what exactly this looks like for you. Contact him at Daniel-McGinnis@live.com.
May I bring my children to a worship service?
Children are ALWAYS welcome at Good Sam. We offer a Montessori style Sunday school lesson, called Godly Play, at 10:30 each Sunday from September through May in the Narthex (entry hall to the church) and we have a children’s area in the sanctuary with carpet and toys. Parents are always welcome to join their children in children’s activities. We welcome the sounds and presence of children in our worship.
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What should I wear?
You may wear whatever you feel comfortable in to worship at Good Samaritan. Whether you wear jeans or a suit, you are welcome here.
I grew up Catholic. What should I expect?
Services are very similar to what you grew up with except we have women priests and married priests. Another difference is that all people are welcome to receive communion. You will see some people genuflecting and/or crossing themselves during the service, and some not. We do have confession, but it is not required to take communion. Standard days for confession are Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, but other times can be scheduled with a priest if you like. Please do what you are comfortable with. Our church governance is a little different, and we encourage you to take a class to find out more about the Anglican/ Episcopal history and polity.
I grew up Evangelical. What should I expect?
Worship in an Episcopal Church invites participation in different ways, from kneeling to pray to spoken ritual responses to coming together at the altar rail to receive the bread and wine (real wine) at communion. One friend with an Evangelical history said, “Episcopal worship doesn’t demand that you have a ‘high on Jesus’ feeling. One can trust that the liturgy over time brings a more gentle peace.”
Who can take communion?
Anyone! If you are who you are, which is created by God as a child of God, then you are welcome to receive the bread and wine at Good Samaritan. The technical, theological term is Open Table, meaning all people regardless of religious background are welcome to receive communion. Gluten free wafers are available. If you are not comfortable receiving communion, you can also come forward for a blessing.
I am a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. Am I welcome at Epiphany?
Yes! You are welcomed here, because we know that God made you, and God made you very well, just the way you are; and if you are good enough for God, you are certainly good enough for Good Samaritan! Come give us a try.
