Bible Self Defence
Rev. Larry Nielsen is offering a Bible Self-Defense class on Monday evenings from 7-8:30 on Oct. 19, 26, Nov. 2, 9, and 16. Have you ever wondered what people at a family gathering were talking about when they tell you that the Bible is the rulebook of life? Have you ever been asked, "Are you saved?" or "Don't you believe that every word in the Bible is true?" Have you had the experience of someone really beating up on you or a loved one using the Bible as a bludgeon? This class will be dedicated to discussing what some of things mean, where it comes from and why it often makes no sense. It will also be dedicated to taking the time to give you a sense of the positive things the Bible says about all of us. The goal will be to help us understand a positive image about God, and create one for our selves and the Bible.
Good Samaritan voted to join the Reconciling Movement in June of 1995.
- As a reconciling congregation, we proudly display a rainbow flag in our sanctuary; a gift from one of our members after the congregation voted to become reconciling.
- We practice what we preach, including our GLBTQ members in all part of the life of our church. For FAQs, please see our brochure "GLBTQ at Good Samaritan".
- Our Senior Pastor, Dan Johnson, presented in favor of GLBTQ inclusion at our denomination's Annual Conference in May of 2006
- In January of 2007, we presented the play, The Laramie Project.
- In February of 2008, we showed the movie, For the Bible Tells Me So, and raised enough money to send the dvd of the movie to every delegate attending our denomination’s General Conference in May of 2008 (our General Conference meets every 4 years and sets the rules and teachings of the denomination), asking them to watch the dvd and then vote in ways that allow for the full inclusion of GLBTQ persons in the life of the denomination.
- We meet regularly with representatives from other United Methodist reconciling congregations in our area to coordinate activities (like a joint float in the Pride Parade), learn from one another, act as support to congregations that are considering becoming reconciling, and periodically hold training events.
- We offer periodic Bible Studies that specifically address the issues of GLBTQ in scripture.
- We have a GLBT fellowship group that gathers over a meal about once a quarter. Upcoming dates are: May 9, July 26, January 10, 2010.
- We also periodically offer opportunities open to everyone to attend plays, watch movies, go to concerts, attend lectures, etc. with a GLBTQ theme.
Statement of Reconciliation:
Good Samaritan United Methodist Church believes that we are all children of God and that God loves us all equally. We welcome and affirm people of all sexual orientations. We pledge our love and acceptance to all people, especially those who have felt abandoned by the institutional church. We proclaim ourselves to be a church of reconciliation to all people.
Join with us in the worship of the God of love. We understand that many guests want to investigate the church before they attend, and may have questions about Good Samaritan and the Methodist Story. We offer a Pre-Membership Class once a month; upcoming dates are Sept. 23, Oct. 21, Nov. 11, Dec. 2, Jan. 13, Feb. 10, Mar. 17 and April 14. All are at 5:30 on a Wednesday night. You are also welcome to contact Becky Sechrist, our Associate Pastor if you have further questions. See you in Church!
Map and Directions are available here.
