Adults

Highly encouraged for those who are new or relatively new to Good Samaritan, this group gathers for the church-served dinner on Wednesdays from 5:30–7:30 pm. This is a chance for us to get to know you, and for you to get to know us. Whether you are a new member, or are thinking about membership, come join with others on Mar 26, or May 7.

Everyone planning on attending the Women's North Shore Retreat is invited to join us Monday, May 19, 7:00 PM in the Good Sam Fireside Room for fellowship, to set up final cottage arrangements, distribute information packets, and talk about how to sign up for those resort activities which need to be scheduled in advance (kayak training, massages). Light refreshments will be served.

This retreat will be a mix of planned social and spiritual activities with plenty of free-time during the day. If you are interested in attending the retreat, an informative brochure on retreat activities and resort amenities and registration information can be found on the Adult Opportunities table in Fellowship Hall. Cost varies depending on how many people share a 2-3 bedroom cottage. Contact Rachel at Rachel@good.org if you have questions. Monday, May 19, is the deadline for reservations and payment for the retreat.

Hearts of Hope is a spiritually-based support group for parents, families, and friends of GLBT persons where everyone will feel safe and welcome. Maybe a family member or friend has revealed him or herself to be gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. The revelation of your loved one’s sexual orientation or gender identity can bring up a range of responses. Some people find themselves repressing their feelings while others may be flooded by over-whelming emotions. One common experience is the need for a period of adjustment to come to a new understanding and relationship with your loved one.

4th Tuesday readers will meet at 7:00 pm in the Fireside Room on Tuesday, March 25. We will discuss the book, A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court, by Mark Twain. All are welcome. Contact Ron Shirk at 952.941.2360 if you have questions.

This group meets on Tuesdays, September to May, from 9:30–11:30 am. Open to all men and women interested in studying the Bible and other spiritual growth literature. On March 25, Becky Sechrist will lead a conversation about our Social Principles and the upcoming General Conference. April 1 will be a study of Mary Magdalene, who is she? What was her relationship to Jesus? How is she portrayed in the gospels? On April 8, we turn our attention to Judas Iscariot, exploring the recently reported Gospel of Judas. April 15, 22, and 29 will be our short study of John Shelby Spong’s most recent book, Jesus for the Non-Religious. Carol Smith just finished leading an 8-week study of the book and will do a summary in three weeks for this class.

The organization of United Methodist Women (UMW) is a community of women whose purpose is to: know God and experience freedom as a whole person through Jesus Christ, develop a creative, supportive fellowhsip, expand concepts of mission through particpation in the global ministries of the church. UMW sponsors a number of fellowship groups, interest groups, and activities whose focus is friendship and support. View our UMW Monthly Calendar to see what activites are happening this month.

All women are welcome to join this group which meets in various homes, the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. They enjoy devotions, programs, conversation, and Christian fellowship together. Please watch the bulletin and newsletter for the location.   In October, we’ll be meeting at the home of Avaunne Hed, and the program will be a video on the life and discipleship of John.  Newcomers and guests are always welcome.

All women are invited to join us the 3rd Wednesday morning of each month for an outing to a Twin Cities attraction (museum, garden, etc.) followed by lunch in a nearby restaurant.  Our next gathering will be on Wednesday, October 17th when we will tour the Eden Prairie City Hall, Police Station, and PROP (People Reaching Out to People).  We will finish the tour with lunch in their café, the Garden Room, a beautiful, sunny room overlooking wetlands.  Meet at 9:30 in the upper parking lot to carpool or call for a ride from your home.  To reserve a spot, and if you need more information or a ride, contact JoAnn Knutson at joannknutson@hotmail.com.

All women are welcome to enjoy casual discussions about the month’s literary selection. We meet at church the 2nd Thursday of each month at 1:00 pm.  Our October 11 selection is Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen.  Other books we will be reading include No!