The Samaritan
Warm Christmas greetings to everyone. Behind the
commercial push, the present buying and the party
planning is, of course, the greatest story ever told. The
news of God become man.
As I reflect of the significance of that story - of the
meaning of the ‘Incarnation’ - I’m above all aware that
it is God’s story. It’s the story of who God is, of his plan
for the world and of his love shown in the gift of himself
in the person of Jesus. It’s all about Jesus. In a world
where we’re tempted to place ourselves at the center
of our story, it’s good to be reminded that the centre of
the story is not me - it’s Jesus. My faith is not centered
on myself - it’s centered on him.
In the incarnation, God comes to be where I am. In a
simply human-based religion I would, of course, strive
to become like God out of my own initiative. The incarnation declares that effort redundant and futile. My
effort, my striving, my attempts to ‘do better’ will never
reach the heights of divinity. I’m not even required to
meet God half-way. Exchanging the splendor of heaven
for the poverty of a manger, Christ comes all the way
to meet me in my own condition - just as I am. The incarnation teaches me that my faith is based entirely on
gift - on grace. It’s based on God’s action in the person
of Jesus - his story - in which I am invited to take a part
but in which I am not able nor required to be the central
character.
The incarnation also teaches me that God is involved
in my pain. Jesus is not born with a silver spoon in his
mouth living some kind of protected and privileged
Richard Morgan
January 2015
existence in this world. God doesn’t only ‘seem’ to be
human in the person of Jesus - he shares the struggle of
human existence as well as its joy. Jesus is not ‘unable
to sympathize with our weaknesses’, says the writer to
the Hebrews, ‘but has been tempted in every way, just
as we are - yet was without sin. Let us then approach
the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may
receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of
need.’(Hebrews 4:15,16)
Finally, the incarnation offers the possibility of transformation. God, in Christ, comes to be where I am - but
he does so in order that in Christ I might be where he
is. There is a wonderful exchange that takes place - not
only in the incarnation does Christ take my place as a
human being - but in Christ, I can be raised up with
him to take my place - ‘seated with him in the heavenly
realms’ (Ephesians 2:6).
I like the slogan ‘Come as you are, but don’t stay
as you are.’ There’s no need to become someone we’re
not in order to meet Christ. He comes to us where we
are, just as we are. But in encountering him, in being
included in his story, a new possibility is opened up.
We don’t need to remain ensnared by the habits and
selfishness that constrains us. While we couldn’t rescue
ourselves from our own condition - God in the person
of Jesus has come to do just that. Found in him, as part
of his story, the potential is provided for us to allow our
own stories to lose their hold on us and for us to find
our identity, direction and hope by our inclusion is him.
The Samaritan
What is Alpha?
Parents, Pins and PASTRIES
The Alpha course is a practical introduction to the
Christian faith that gives guests an opportunity to
explore the meaning of life. Alpha is fun, relaxed and
totally non-pressured (that’s probably why over 19
million people around the world have already done it!).
Sunday, January 11
3:00-5:00pm
Devon Bowling Lanes
A Parent Meeting AND a meeting about the Youth
trip to Bolivia will take place during the event. The
entire family is invited. We are asking for a $5 donation
per person to cover costs. For more information, please
contact Jonathan Hobbs (610-644-4040 x238, jonathan.
[email protected]).
Listen, learn, discuss, and discover. Ask anything.
Alpha is a place where no question is off limits.
Alpha’s Three Main Elements
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Each Alpha course session begins with food, followed by a short talk looking at a different aspect of the
Christian faith. After that, there is a time for discussion
in a friendly small group.
WHO IS ALPHA FOR?
Alpha is for everyone, especially those who have
given up on church, those wanting to investigate
Christianity, those who are new to the Christian faith,
and those wanting to grow in understanding and faith
High School Winter Retreat
January 23-25
Lake Champion Young Life Camp
For 9th-12th graders
$150 if forms and payment are in by January 11
$175 after January 11
Young Life’s Lake Champion is a premier 370-acre
year round retreat center located in the foothills of the
southern New York Catskill Mountains. The facilities
are nestled amongst towering pines, peaceful streams,
and overlook a spectacular 50 acre lake. Activities
iclude two 800’ Zip Lines, High Ropes Course, 70’ Three
Person “Screamer” Swing, Climbing Wall, and a new
Game Room.
WHAT IS THE COST?
There is no charge for the Alpha course, although
you may be asked to make a contribution toward food.
The Spring 2015 Alpha Course
Sundays, March 1–May 10
6:30pm-8:30pm
at the Home of Hartley and Barbara Connett
Chester Springs, PA
Bring a friend! For more information or to register
contact Jacki Tase 610-644-4040 x 212, Jacki.Tase@
good-samaritan.org or go to www.good-samaritan.
org/alpha
For details and registration information, contact
Jonathan Hobbs (610-644-4040 x238, jonathan.hobbs@
good-samaritan.org).
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The Samaritan
Stephen Ministry
Greetings from Stephen Ministry at Good Samaritan! We are
writing to those involved in caring ministries at Good Samaritan
to share with you what Stephen Ministry does, how it benefits
those involved, and ways it can be an aid and complement to
your ministry.
The national Stephen Ministry organization was founded in
1975 to provide congregations worldwide with resources and
training to equip and empower lay caregivers (Stephen Ministers) to provide high-quality, confidential, Christ-centered care
to people who are hurting. For almost 25 years Good Samaritan
has served as a Stephen Ministry congregation, providing training and supervision for Stephen Ministers, who walk besides
care receivers who are suffering, grieving, hurting or lonely, or
just need someone to listen.
Stephen Ministers receive 50 hours of initial training and
participate in regular supervision sessions to insure they have
the tools and support needed to provide the best possible care.
Everyone praises the training as a great investment of time because the skills they learn make them more effective as caring
Christians for the rest of their lives. The supervision meetings
provide ongoing structure and support so that no one walks
the walk alone.
Men’s Ministry
Man-Up Dinner
Wednesday, January 7
Ashton Hall 6:00-8:00pm Speaker: Dr. Chris Hall
Chris’ topic will be “The Vine and the Branches: Growing into the Future with Christ.” We
will look at John 15:1-4, Jesus’ well-known
teaching on him as the true vine and us as his
branches. He urges us to “remain in him” and
this discipline and art will be the evening’s
focus.
RSVP to [email protected].
So what does any of this have to do with you?
Perhaps someone you know or work with, or even you, might
benefit from having a Stephen Minister to walk along side. What
should you do and what happens after that? Let us know. Contact Pastor Beverly or one of the other clergy, or call the Stephen
Ministry voice mail at 610-644-4040 x777. Everything is strictly
confidential. Once a potential care receiver expresses interest,
further discreet conversation with them will determine if this
is the best course of action to pursue.
The one-on-one focus of Stephen Ministry and the training,
along with the ability of our care givers to provide short or longer term care, makes it a wonderful complement to other caring
ministries in the church. Please know that whoever is referred
to Stephen Ministry will be treated in a caring, compassionate
and effective manner.
We hope to offer a training class for new Stephen Ministers
beginning in January 2015. We are currently interviewing
potential Stephen Ministers to participate in this class. If you
know someone, including yourself, who might be interested in
this opportunity, please contact Pastor Beverly (610-644-4040
x213, [email protected]) or Mike Wolford
([email protected]) for details. It is a wonderful chance
to improve your life as well as that of others.
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Chris Hall
Dr. Hall has served over the past nine years
in a number of administrative roles at Eastern:
Dean of the Templeton Honors College, Dean
of Palmer Theological Seminary, Provost, and
Chancellor of Eastern University. He recently
moved back into full-time teaching and is happy to be back in the classroom. He and his wife Debbie have three grown
children, Nathan, Nathalie, and Joshua and are
Good Samaritan parishioners.
The Samaritan
Super Heros at Good Sam Day School
by Laurie Chiambalero
Our daughter Lucy was meant to be at the Good Samaritan Day School because our beliefs really matched
the mission, vision, values and practices of the school.
I do intend to focus on one dynamic thing that is really
precious to my husband and me – character development in the classrooms.
not to say that Little Captain America is her “second
choice” in any way (she has proposed to both boys, so
obviously they mean a lot to her). She just knows that
he is someone who is stable for her when she might be
struggling. He models that you do not have to succumb
to fears. He demonstrates strength when he tries new
things. His considerate, boisterous character has made
my daughter a better person. Their parents are raising
four boys and all of them treat my daughter with respect, grace and delight. What an inspiration!
Last year Lucy was placed in a class with wonderful
friends including two amazing little boys who are fraternal twins. *Little Captain America has autism and
*Little Thor does not. Lucy adores Little Thor because
she can always count on him to engage in imaginative
play like “hospital,” “superheroes” or “grocery store.”
He already shows signs of being discerning, logical and
loyal. Lucy adores Little Captain America because he
makes her laugh every day, includes her in games at
recess, and consistently affirms her. He already shows
signs of being clever, charming and creative. The boys
show such integrity and love in how they treat my
daughter. My husband and I want her to be able to be
exposed to as many unique experiences that she can
see in life, so that her life is that much richer. Also, we
want her to develop an “us vs. them” mentality in any
circumstance. I do have to say that these friendships
have fully convinced me how valuable our teachers are
for creating positive, nurturing classrooms and how
influential our children are on each other when parents
teach them to be people of true substance. We are blessed by the parents of these super twins by how they are
raising their boys to share their unique strengths and
treat others with esteem.
We are honored to be friends with another family
that values character development so much. Lucy has
a tiny inkling of what autism is, and as she meets more
people, I know her understanding (and hopefully all of
our understandings) of autism will grow. Little Captain America’s autism is something that his family has
to work with every day. They work hard to give him
everything he needs. I want everyone to see that the
more parents and teachers invest in building up honest,
compassionate and inclusive children, the more our
children have the chance to really make a kinder, fair
and enlightened environment for themselves.
I am no expert on autism but I can recognize genuine
people. Little Thor and Little Captain America are two
of those people. Little Thor, Little Captain America and
her other friends have spurred her on to be steadfast,
sympathetic, honoring, patient and inclusive. What she
has received in these friendships is better than what
you could wish for before you blow the candles out on
your own birthday cake.
This year, Lucy is not in the same classroom as
Little Thor but playdates still happen! However, Lucy
and Little Captain America are in the same classroom.
Little Captain America’s sincere actions have helped
her with her occasional social insecurity. She is a true
extrovert but she also has moments when she questions
her worth as a friend. Sometimes he will give her a
hug. He picks up on when she feels apprehensive and
he will make her smile. In my presence, Little Captain
America is consistently kind, joyful and committed
to Lucy. She tells me he is always her true friend and
when a kid talks about something like this, I think it is
a big sign to listen up. Although Lucy is so devoted to
her best friend *Pepper, she knows that Little Captain
America is always there for her during the times when
Pepper is appropriately engaging with others. That is
So, thank you teachers, Little Captain America and
Little Thor. Lucy is a better friend because of things she
has learned from you.
*Except for my daughter, all of the children are referenced
as characters from the Avengers.
Why?
I know that both boys really enjoy those characters and I
am sure that in just about every classroom at the Day School
there are similar stories of kids showing remarkable character
attributes while experiencing their own challenges. Kids
showing moral fiber are our hope of real life superheroes.
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The Samaritan
Lenten Series Small Groups
Thinking about participating in a small group in
2015?
Not currently a part of a small group?
Sign up for a Lenten Sermon Series Small Group!
New small groups will be forming for the five-week
Lenten Sermon Series, “Jesus, Our Great High Priest.”
This sermon series will be based in Hebrews and study
questions will correlate with the scripture each week. If
you are not currently in a small group and would like
to participate in one during this five-week series, sign
up now by contacting Jacki Tase at 610-644-4040 x212
or [email protected]. You can also sign up
online at www.good-samaritan.org.
Freedom in Christ is a three-day retreat led by clergy
and lay leaders from The Church of the Good Samaritan, and is under the spiritual leadership of Reverend
Richard Morgan. The program was developed by the
Lazarus Center in Ambridge, PA. The retreat combines
biblical teaching, small group activities and private time
to study and reflect. FIC is a retreat for those who are
serious about growing in their relationship with Jesus
as Savior and Lord.
Freedom in Christ ...
· works to dislodge things that block us you from realizing
our true passion and purpose.
· provides a rich environment for Jesus to speak and work
in your life.
· has a team of dedicated caregivers to help guide you in
your next steps of growth.
Whether you feel like you’ve been dead for years,
stuck in the mud of your spiritual life or are on your
journey and just ready to take the next step, we invite
you join us for this truly unique weekend.
Jubilee Fundraiser
Every February, the Coalition for Christian Outreach
sponsors a weekend conference in Pittsburgh called
Jubilee. For over 35 years, Jubilee has been a place
for college students to come together to hear keynote
speakers and attend break-out sessions that give us
tools to serve God in our majors, in our extracurricular
interests, and in our families and relationships. Experience Freedom in Christ for yourself.
Friday, February 20-Sunday, February 22
Where: The Bayview Lodge at Harvey Cedars Bible
Conference on Long Beach Island, NJ.
Cost: $270/ person, double occupancy; $335 single
The Church of the Good Samaritan will be sending
a group of college students this year and would like
to invite you to a spaghetti dinner fundraiser to help
raise funds for the trip and give you an opportunity
to hear more about the conference and what students’
experiences have been like in the past. Partial scholarships are available.
Register online at www.good-samaritan.org or pick
up a brochure in the church office or at the Greeters’
desk in the atrium and outside the chapel entrance on
Sundays.
A 10% discount is available for Registration forms
received prior to January 27, 2015.
Jubilee Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser
January 17, 2015
6:00-8:00pm
Ashton Hall
$12.50 per person
For tickets and information contact Ben Capps
[email protected]. Registration deadline: February 8, 2015
Questions? Contact Jacki Tase at 610-644-4040x 212,
[email protected]
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The Samaritan
Vestry Corner
Dear Good Samaritans,
We have enjoyed being members of Good Samaritan for
24 years and are most thankful for the ministries of Richard,
Geoff, Beverly, Carolyn and Jeff. They are precious saints. We
are also grateful for your wonderful support of Chris’ ministry with Inter Varsity Christian Fellowship. In December,
2013 Chris retired from IVCF after 30 years of service. This
summer, he was offered a position as an Assistant Minister
at Proclamation Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Bryn Mawr
and immediately began service there in August. This transition occurred quickly and we feel we didn’t properly say
goodbye to all you dear friends. So we are writing now to
say farewell and we hope to see you from time to time as we
return for special occasions. We miss you and ask our dear
Lord to bless you and the church. Love In Christ,
Franny and Chris Keidel
The Vestry met on Monday, December 8, 2014 for
their monthly meeting. Highlights of the meeting follow:
Father Richard called the meeting to order and
taught a Bible lesson on the Gospel of John Chapter
1 beginning with the 35th verse in which Jesus called
his disciples by saying “come and see” or “follow
me.” Some disciples, such as Andrew and Philip then
went and extended the invitation to Simon (Peter) and
Nathanael. Personal invitations were fundamental to
drawing all the disciples to Jesus.
• After the Bible lesson, meditation and prayer, several
items of business were discussed. The minutes from the
November Vestry meeting were approved.
• A report from the Nominating Committee was presented to the Vestry and the Vestry accepted the report.
Upcoming Women’s Ministry Breakfasts
• A provisional budget was approved to run the church
The breakfasts are held in Walton Hall from 8:30–
10:30 and are a time of good fellowship and drawing
closer to God as we share our stories on the many
different ways God is at work in our lives. Come and
be blessed!
financially from January 1 until the 2015 budget has
been fully developed and presented and approved by
the Vestry in January.
• January 31: Deacon Dorothy Jessup is an accomplished
• A Treasurer’s interim report was given.
• Housing allowances for clergy for 2015 were approved.
artist and will speak to us about how God has used this
gift in her life. • February 28: Joy Schauer will talk about God’s work
of encouragement and healing of childhood abuse.
• March 28: Therapists Dawn Marple Gise and Nancy
Conway will will speak about the “disease” of busyness
and stress, and offer some practical suggestions to cope!
• April 25: Follow up to InSight 2015 retreat; speakers
TBA.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Questions? Contact Pastor Beverly 610-644-4040 x213,
[email protected]
SAVE THE DATE
InSight 2015 Women’s Retreat
April 17-19
Eden Resort Hotel, Lancaster, PA
We had such an overwhelmingly positive response to
the Eden Resort Hotel last year, we’ve decided to return
to that venue! Our speaker will be author, national
speaker and counselor, Paula Rinehart.
The remainder of the time was devoted to small
group discussions on ideas for Evangelism and attracting Newcomers. Small groups focused on several questions: “Who brought you?”; “Who have you brought?”;
“What holds you back?” and “What have you learned?”
A larger group discussion followed and ways we can
be more intentional and effective in our invitations
were discussed. Father Richard reflected on the earlier
Bible lesson and noted the role that personal invitations
played in calling the Disciples to Jesus. Today, each of
us have the opportunity to tell people where we work,
play, commute, shop, and live to “come and see” at the
Church of the Good Samaritan. It shouldn’t be hard or a
“big deal.” We just do the easy work, Jesus does the rest.
Respectfully submitted,
Kevin Hicks
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The Samaritan
Women’s Ministry Devotional
“We Have Seen Fire”
by Christie Purifoy
“Answer me, Lord, answer me, so these people will
know that you, Lord, are God, and that you are turning
their hearts back again.” 1 Kings 18:37
My children sat mesmerized. It was as if we could
see that frantic, bloody dancing. It was as if we could
hear the deafening silence of heaven. I kept reading.
Our family Advent observance began well, though
I cannot take credit for this. It is due almost entirely to
the Good Sam friend who gave us a complete Jesse Tree
collection. We had everything handed to us: beautifully
crafted ornaments for each day, a printout of readings
tied up with a green silk ribbon, even a large glass vase.
We supplied a bare branch from our yard, and we were
in business.
Elijah sets up the stones and the wood for his own
altar. He douses it in water. And more water. There is so
much water, and the impossibility is doubled. Tripled.
Elijah prays: “Answer me, Lord, answer me, so these
people will know that you, Lord, are God, and that you
are turning their hearts back again.”
We sat – each of us – with eyes large and breath
caught, until: God came. He heard. He came. And there
was fire. “The Lord – he is God! The Lord – he is God!”
But the wait for Christmas can be long and heavy,
and our observance has cracked a bit around the edges. Perhaps worse than that. I may have exploded one
recent evening after yet another argument over who
would hang the ornament. I may have called the whole
thing off and sent them to bed, one of them crying those
enormous, guilt-inducing crocodile tears.
Inviting God’s presence into my home sometimes
feels about as back-breaking as hauling stones. My
husband and I stack those stones while the little people
we love bicker around our ankles. Too often, I lose my
temper. Until, I have filled our home, our altar of stones,
with so much water. An impossible flood of water.
Still, a recent night found us gathered, again, around
our Jesse tree. I wasn’t optimistic. I was tired. When I
glimpsed the evening’s reading – two and a half pages
from the book of I Kings?! – I panicked.
Yet God’s presence in my home is also a free gift. It is
like a beautiful and complete family Advent collection
handed to me by a friend.
Seeking the presence of God is impossible and
messy, and it is also grace freely given. It is both, and
my children and I have seen fire. Because God came.
Because God always will come.
I was this close to shutting the book up again and
announcing a change of plans. I didn’t think I could do
it. I couldn’t read the whole thing while children fought
and pestered me with questions like Who is Baal?
They did what to the bull? But an argument over who
was or was not touching someone’s favorite ornament
threatened to boil over so I did the only thing I could.
I started reading.
Do you know the story? There is a showdown between Elijah and the prophets of Baal. Baal’s followers
prepare an altar and a sacrifice. Then they spend hours
calling on their god to set the thing on fire. They shout.
They dance. They prophesy franticly. They even slash
themselves until the blood flows. Here is the eloquence
of Scripture: “But there was no response, no one answered, no one paid attention” (1 Kings 18:29).
The Lord sent fire down
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212 West Lancaster Avenue
Paoli, Pennsylvania 19301
January 2015 Events Calendar
January 7
January 23-25
Man Up Dinner
High School Winter Retreat
January 11
January 24
Parents, Pins & Pastries
LEM Breakfast & Training
January 14
January 24
Healing Meeting with Dr. Frank Sizer
Crafting Fellowship
January 17
January 31
Jubilee Fundraiser
Women’s Breakfast