Adult Ministry

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…

If you are an experienced pickleball player, you are welcome to join the players in the Good Samaritan Gym during any of the following sessions:

• Mondays – 3:30-5:00 p.m. [Winters only]
• Thursdays – 3:30-5:00 p.m. [Winters only]
• Saturdays – 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Bring your own paddle. Balls are provided. Contact Robin Strangis with questions or for seasonal scheduling information – RSTRANGIS12@GMAIL.COM

A current list of prayer items, along with a short devotional reflection, are sent out weekly to over 100 prayerful supporters.  If you have a prayer of joy, concern, or praise you would like lifted to the Lord, simply send a note to Pastor Jim Beard (Jim@Good.org), Director of Congregational Care, by the end of the day Tuesdays.   Or if you are one who would like to pray for others and be included in these weekly notifications, simply let Pastor Jim know.  You need not be a member of Good Samaritan UMC to be included in this life-giving ministry.

There will be times throughout our lives when hardship and struggles will come.  You need not feel alone when such things occur.  Good Samaritan has three on-going support groups which each meet monthly.  Our Caregivers Support Group is especially for those who provide care to others with long-term illnesses or similar conditions.  Our Compassion Collective offers a safe, supportive space to personally share stories for those going through health struggles and the like.  Finally, Good Samaritan also has an active Caring Ministries Team who stay in contact with those going through difficulties, especially those who may find themselves less able to get to church, are facing long-term recovery or rehab, or who are feeling isolated for whatever reason.  The Lord will never leave your side; Good Samaritan aims to be there for you and your loved ones as well.

2024 will mark Good Samaritan’s 43rd year of participation in ASP. The need in the Appalachia area has not diminished and neither has our commitment to serving the wonderful people in that area.

According to the ASP website, “each year, more than 15,000 volunteers serve with ASP, providing critical repairs for more than 350 families.” Projects can include roofing, flooring, shoring up foundations, digging drainage ditches, making rooms or homes wheel-chair accessible, or other projects that help make homes warmer, safer, and drier. In addition to building and improving homes, ASP is also a relational ministry for both the families we serve as well as those serving.

This ministry is about lifting the spirits of Appalachian families and reminding them that God’s love knows no boundaries. In the process of putting your faith in action, God acts in your heart. And when you change the lives of others, they have a way of changing you.

All students who have completed the 8th grade or higher are invited to serve with families in Central Appalachia. Students who are not members of or otherwise affiliated with Good Samaritan church are also invited to participate in the ASP trip. Bring a friend.

For more information contact Amy Manolis or  Jan Russell.