We are using the book "Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations" to re-energize our faith and life. Here's our new Lay Leaders to make church community really happen:
| Congregational Lay Leader - Mike is responsible for overall leadership of our laity ministries at the Good Samaritan UMC. He works with our pastor, Blake Busick to keep all Lay Ministry programs working smoothly. |
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Contagious Fellowship creates a culture that brings visitors into closer circles of fellowship. Good Sam has been known as a place where you are a stranger only once. Contagious Fellowship is our focus to provide as many avenues and opportunities for people to genuinely feel God's love. Download the FaithBook template (Word doc).
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Risk-Taking Mission and Service includes the work people do to make a positive difference in the lives of others for the purposes of Christ, whether or not they will ever be part of the community of faith, e.g. after-school programs for at-risk children, ESL, work teams... Risk-Taking refers to the service we offer that stretches us out of our comfort zone - for our desire to follow Christ. It pushes us beyond the circle of relationships that routinely define our church commitments. It changes lives. (p.83 & 78)
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Intentional Faith Development refers to the purposeful learning in community that helps the followers of Jesus mature in faith, through learning group and support groups that apply the faith to particular life challenges. Learning in community replicates the way Jesus deliberately taught his disciples. People cannot learn grace, forgiveness, patience, kindness, gentleness, or joy, simply by reading about it in a book - it requires intentional engagement.
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Radical Hospitality describes a genuine love for others who are not yet a part of the faith community - an outward focus. Beyond intention, hospitality practices the gracious love of Christ, respects the dignity of others, and expresses God's invitation to others, not our own. This hospitality goes the second mile, welcoming the stranger. |
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| Treasurers - Carolyn and Denise are in charge of keeping the books, paying the bills and tactical responsibilities of our finances. All income and expenses are in the open and reported monthly according to rules of the United Methodist Church. |  Carolyn Bircher |
 Denise Austin |
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| Finance - Tom coordinates the financial operations of the Good Samaritan UMC, in accordance to strict rules set forth by the General Conference of the United Methodist Church. All financial reports are reviewed and accepted by the Administrative Board. |  Tom Schworetzky |
Staff Parish - Mimi leads the ongoing relationship between the pastor, all paid staff and the congregation.
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Passionate Worship cultivates worship that connects people to God, and worship that people enter into with expectancy. God uses worship to transform lives, heal wounded souls, renew hope, shape decisions, provoke change, inspire compassion, and bind people to one another. Passionate speaks of a connection that goes beyond intellectual consent. It connotes eagerness, anticipation, expectancy, deep commitment, and belief. |
Don Miesle |
| Extravagant Generosity describes practices of sharing and giving that exceed all expectations and extend to unexpected measures - in service to God and neighbor. Churches that practice Extravagant Generosity - teach, preach, and practice the tithe. The focus on the Christian's need to give because of the giving nature of God whom we worship. |
Scott Murray |
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Learn more about the Six Practices.