Small Groups and Courses
At Good Samaritan, we seek to provide a variety of opportunities for fellowship with other Christians and for spiritual growth. These opportunities include Sunday school classes, small groups, and ministries for men, women, college students, and young adults.
Like all human relationships, our relationship with God needs to be nurtured so that it can grow. We can nourish that relationship by learning more about God, living in community with other Christians, encouraging each other in our faith, listening to biblical teaching, and sharing the burdens and triumphs we experience in our faith journeys. As we do these things, we grow into more mature disciples, or students, who love and follow Jesus faithfully.
For more information about these opportunities, please contact the office. If you're not already connected to a small group, we encourage you to join one and enjoy the blessings of friendship and spiritual growth that come from this kind of community life.
Small Groups
Small Groups provide the environment for connection, community and spiritual formation. They are the place where authentic Christian relationships develop through the encouragement and support of one another while studying God’s word together. At Good Samaritan it is our desire that everyone be connected into some type of small group. There are many different types of small groups that meet almost every day and evening of the week at a variety of locations such as homes, restaurants, and at the church. Joining a small group will help you to feel more connected and part of the church community here at Good Samaritan. If you are interested in joining a small group please contact the office.
Adult Ed September - May
Adult Christian Education and Faith Formation will be offered from 10:15-10:55 between the 9:00 and 11:15 services on Sunday mornings.
Alpha
The Alpha Course is a practical introduction to the Christian faith, a place where guests have an opportunity to explore the meaning of life in a relaxed friendly setting. The course meets once a week for 10 weeks and includes a day away. Each session people enjoy great food, laughter and learning about the teaching of Jesus in a fun and friendly atmosphere were no question about life or God is too hostile or too simple. The Alpha course runs September–November. Read more.
Living the Christian Life
Six key principles from the greatest sermon ever told
Our culture today is filled with many messages on how to live our lives. There are so many conflicting messages that it can be overwhelming and confusing. But in the midst of all the voices clamoring for our attention, there is the voice of Jesus. Over 2,000 years ago, Jesus sat on the mountainside, teaching his followers how to live out the life he was calling them to. In Living the Christian Life, we will look at the six key principles from the Sermon on the Mount (The Beatitudes) in the Gospel of Matthew. This 6 week course includes dinner, teaching and time to discuss the teaching in a small group setting.
Belonging To The Church Course - Membership and Adult Confirmation
This is a 5 week course for new members, current members of anyone who would like to learn more about what it means to be an Episcopalian and a member at Good Samaritan. This course is required for those who are interested in being confirmed. The evening includes dinner, worship, talk and discussion. Topics include Anglican History, Holy Communion, Liturgical Worship, The Holy Spirit, Baptism and Confirmation, Membership at Good Samaritan. The Belonging To The Church course runs in the spring of each year.
Freedom in Christ Retreat
The Freedom in Christ Retreat is a place where people of all backgrounds, ages, faith journeys and life stories gather together to begin a life changing process. The retreat takes place at the beautiful Harvey Cedars Bible Conference Center in February of each year and combines biblical teaching, personal testimony, small group activities, private time and most importantly, prayer. We invite God to soften our hearts, heal our wounds, and free us from the bondage of sin in a safe, loving, and non-judgmental environment. Led by Father Richard and facilitated by a trained team, we invite you to come, experience, and participate in this transformative opportunity to experience God’s love for you.
Women’s and Men’s Bible Studies
There are a variety of women’s and men’s Bible studies throughout the year occurring during the day and in the evenings. Visit the Women’s Ministry page or the Men’s Ministry page for more information.
Leadership Development and Ministry Training
There are a variety of opportunities at Good Samaritan to encourage leadership development and ministry training to equip individuals to serve. They are offered at different times throughout the year. Opportunities such as Education for Ministry, MacNutt School of Healing Training, Small Group Leaders Training and a variety of retreats and conferences.