Good Samaritan Outings to Connect with Creation and Each other

God’s creation calls to many of us this time of year, along with a desire for more time with friends.  “Take a Hike” simply offers you opportunities to do both simultaneously!  Good Samaritan offers here a bit of structure, a spiritual focus, an open invitation, and some easily-accessible-resources to make it happen.  Twice monthly, you are invited to meet at a designated park, share a quick devotional thought, and head out to look anew at God’s creation either alone or in groups.  Whoever shows up will be encouraged to reconvene afterwards to share their discoveries and journeys along the trails.

You won’t need to commit each week, nor worry about letting someone know if you can’t make it.  Whoever shows up will be the group of the day.  If no one else shows up, enjoy a hike with just you and God!

As a participant you will receive:

• Updates as to where and when Good Samaritan gatherings are taking place
• Links to short devotional podcasts by Pastor Jim
• Address and contact information (if available) of the designated park, along with a general Google map of the area and parking options
• Trail map of the park (when available digitally) showing hiking options

Summer schedules are often busy and ever-changing for folks; therefore, three gathering times are being offered each week:

Gathering #1 … Monday Evenings 6:00 – 7:00 PM

Gathering #2  …  Thursday Afternoons 2:00 – 3:00 PM

Gathering #3 … Saturday Mornings 9:00 – 10:00 AM

Feel free to join any of the times being offered, or simply use the resources and go take a hike whenever it best fits your availability.  Hiking sessions will take place the FIRST and THIRD FULL WEEKS in each month, from May – September.

Plan to meet at the designated location 10 minutes before the session begins.  Park Hosts are being sought who will help get the group gathered and started; if none are available that week, do your best to find each other and prepare for your time together on your own.  Recognizable symbols (sign, flag, pinwheel, etc.) are also being sought to help you to easily identify the Good Samaritan Hikers.

Most parks offer paved and unpaved trails of various distances and difficulties; choose the trail which is right for you.  It is recommended that you wear good hiking shoes and a hat, and bring along a water bottle, sunscreen, and insect repellent.  If you are into photography bring a camera too!  Restroom facilities are usually available, along with benches.  Pets may or may not be allowed in every park.

In case of inclement or questionable weather, we will NOT be sending out any cancellation notices.  You will need to make your own judgement in each case.  We recommend staying home if any conditions arise which might threaten your health or safety.

If questions or concerns arise, please contact Pastor Jim (Jim@Good.org) and find the answers together.  Feel free to invite friends, grandchildren, or neighbors to take a hike with you.  Best of all, use this opportunity to take a hike with God!  So let’s get started…