Good Samaritan News
This Sunday’s Livestream Link
Sunday, November 15, 10:00 a.m. Worship – https://youtube.com/live/a-
2026 and 2027 Pledges and Donations
Thank you to all who have already paid off their 2026 pledges! A gentle reminder to please turn in any donations you want credited to tax year 2026 by the first week of December to help the office process everything for year-end. Our mail delivery has been very unreliable, so if you are mailing a donation, please allow plenty of time.
And thank you to those who have turned in 2027 pledges. You can turn in a pledge anytime via a pledge card (extras are on the Welcome Table in the Narthex) or online at https://good.org/give/give/
Thursday Afternoon Book Group
Our next meeting will be held in the Fireside Room on November 12 at 1:00 p.m. The discussion title is Theo of Golden by Allen Levi. The arrival of a stranger in the quaint Southern town of Golden stirs curiosity and intrigue among its residents. Please join us for the discussion, refreshments and fellowship! Contact Vicki Dunn with questions at victoria.dunn@myctl.net or 651-249-6948.
Harvest Time Meets & Eats
This Sunday, November 15, following worship. Back by popular demand, Meets & Eats returns for a fall feast to share together. Like those that kicked things off last summer, this Harvest Time Meets & Eats will take place immediately following worship, and there is no need to register in advance. The “Meets” pattern will continue with “reserved seating” to aid in meeting new people, and a table game or activity to break the ice. And instead of cookout fare, the “Eats” this season will focus on warm bowls of deliciousness. People will need to help with set-up, cooking/serving, and clean-up duties, and half a dozen folks are sought to provide some delectable side dishes (soups and breads will be provided). If you are willing to help, sign up at the table in the Gathering Space, scan the QR code, or visit https://tinyurl.com/
Nursery Volunteers Needed
Jan is looking for a Nursery volunteer to join the staff person this Sunday, November 15, and December 13. Contact her if you can help: jan@good.org or 952-452-9398.
Thursday Morning Small Group Update
The Thursday morning small group, led by Serena Steffenhagen, will begin “The Politics of Jesus”, by Obery M. Hendricks, Jr. on Thursday, November 19, at 10:00am in the lower lobby. If you are planning to participate, please read the Introduction for our first gathering.
Help Prepare Books for Baiwalla School!
After our service on Sunday, November 22, the Missions Team is offering a service project in Aldersgate Hall to prepare books to be shipped to the school in Sierra Leone, Africa. The books are sorted but need cards written, pockets attached, and date-due slips added. It’s an easy job but a lot of books! The more the merrier and the faster we can get done. Sign up to help in the Narthex this Sunday, email joannknutson@hotmail.com, or just show up!
And to protect the books in the shipping barrels, bring a bag of beans – the cost of shipping is by volume, not weight. So, the school will get books and extra food to add to the school lunches!
Hanging of the Greens
Our annual tradition of decorating the Sanctuary for the Christmas season is coming up! Join us on Sunday, November 29, at 4:00 p.m. for this family-friendly service.
We will be collecting unwrapped gifts for infants through 8-year-olds to donate to STEP (St. Louis Park Emergency Program). Target gift cards in amounts $5 to $25 will be collected as well. Bring items to the service or contact Jan at jan@good.org or 952-452-9398.
Music will be provided at this service by our own Orchaband. Anyone who plays a band or orchestra instrument (young or old) is invited to join. Pick up the music ahead of time from the reception area by the church office. We will rehearse right before the service at 3:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. It’s great fun! Contact Sarah Kumagai with questions - 952- 944-2683.
Upcoming Class: “The Two Roads to Bethlehem: Journeying to the Christ Child”
Which road will you take to the babe in the manger this year? The Gospels describe two distinct yet equally powerful routes. Instead of getting lost in the mall madness this Christmas, find your way to the Holy Child along the road that speaks most deeply to your needs. Registration is now open and will continue until the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Sign up using the paper form in the Gathering Space, scan the QR code, or visit https://tinyurl.com/
Feed My Starving Children Meal Packing
Join other Good Samaritan folks at Feed My Starving Children for meal packing Friday, November 30, 5:00–6:30 p.m. The Chanhassen site is at 18732 Lake Dr E. Contact Jane Heimerl today at jane.heimerl@yahoo.com to sign up.
Feed My Starving Children Meal Packing
Join other Good Samaritan folks at Feed My Starving Children for meal packing Friday, November 30, 5:00–6:30 p.m. The Chanhassen site is at 18732 Lake Dr E. Contact Jane Heimerl today at jane.heimerl@yahoo.com to sign up.
Poinsettias
Order a poinsettia for display in the Sanctuary during Advent in honor or memory of a loved one. The cost is $22 each. Use an order form from the Welcome Table in the Narthex, or email cindy@good.org with your order. The options are red and white, subject to availability. Payment can be via check with “Poinsettia” in the memo line, or online at good.org/give/give-gift – choose the Fund “Purchase or Event Fee” and write “Poinsettia” in the ”Payment For:” box. Please have orders in to the office by Sunday, December 6.
Daily Devotional
As a means of increasing a personal faith practice, many people use a daily devotional. One such devotional is The Upper Room Disciplines, Daily Devotions Based on the Revised Common Lectionary. Each week of this book has daily reflections, based on the revised common lectionary, written by a different faith leader - clergy from United Methodist and other faiths, faithful leaders from various vocations, etc., that provide thoughtful commentary on the scriptures for the week. It includes an outline for small group use, and a guide to daily prayer, as well.
For several years, Becky Hart has placed a single order for those of the Aldersgate congregation who wanted a copy of this devotional, so as to share the shipping costs. It is now time to place an order for the 2027 edition. She will be placing an order before the end of the year, so it will be received by 2027. The regular cost is $19.99, plus whatever the shipping cost is, split among the number of people who want a copy. The church will pay up front, and you can reimburse Good Samaritan upon delivery. If you are interested in getting a copy of this devotional or have questions, contact Becky, either at church on Sunday mornings, or directly at rxhart1@gmail.com. She will be accumulating orders until at least the end of November.
Reading Helpers Needed
There is a sign-up in the Narthex for volunteers to tutor reading at Stonebridge World Elementary School in Minneapolis. You can make a difference in these kids' lives! Spend two to three hours per week and sit with four to six kids for a half hour each while they read to you. If you can read...you can tutor! Subs are also needed to fill in when the regular tutors cannot make it. Contact JoAnn Knutson at joannknutson@hotmail.com.
Item Donations Needed
Thanks to your donations, the Missions Team is helping three Stonebridge families this month. There will be a list of their needs and a sign-up to provide them on Sunday in the Narthex. You can also find the list and sign up to donate at https://tinyurl.com/GSMissionsItems. Contact JoAnn Knutson with questions: joannknutson@hotmail.com.
Pickleball
We welcome everyone to join the fun in the Good Samaritan Gym for Pickleball! We open the doors for play every Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until around 1:00 p.m. for all levels of play. Emergency contact information is required and a free will offering is accepted.
Contact Robin Strangis with questions - rstrangis12@gmail.com or 612-618-6730. We hope to see some new faces there!
All of Me - Neon Stories
Tomorrow, Thursday, November 12, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Coffman Memorial Union • www.neonstories.org
Neon is a student group ministry at the University of Minnesota that is a program of the Wesley Foundation, sponsored by the United Methodist Church. The group is committed to social justice and empowering LGBTQ+ and BIPOC folks.
Join them for a powerful night of stories about the beauty of intersectionality, the experiences that tie us all together, and a chance to celebrate our whole identities. All are invited - whether you’re a college student or a community member, we can all show up for each other, share a meal, and find strength in our solidarity.
Parking at East River Road Garage - 385 E River Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55455 - https://maps.app.goo.gl/DfvR6A3SFG8QdG1S6