Church News

Take a Hike

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 monthlyyou 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 encourageto 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 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…

Take A Hike-Week 01: Water
May 5-11, 2024

Hyland Lake Park Reserve
8737 East Bush Lake Road
Bloomington, MN 55438
Ph: 763-694-7676

Take A Hike - Week 1 handout.

Take A Hike-Week 02: Friendship
May 19-25, 2024

Minnehaha Regional Park
4801 S Minnehaha Drive
Minneapolis, MN 55417
Phone: 612-230-6400

Take A Hike - Week-2-handout.

Take A Hike-Week 03: Gardens
June 2-8, 2024

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Bloomington Ferry Trailhead
11255 Bloomington Ferry Rd.
Bloomington, MN 55438
Park Office Phone: 952-854-5900

Take a Hike Week 3 Handout

Take A Hike-Week 04: Picnics
June 16-22, 2024

Lake of the Isles/Bde Maka Ska
Lake of the Isles Parking (meet near parking kiosk)
2700 W. Lake St.
Minneapolis, MN 55405
Park Office Phone: 952-854-5900

Take a Hike Week 4 Handout