What We Believe
Good Samaritan Church believes that God loves everyone,
without exception.
We find this message throughout the Bible. Jesus Christ exemplified and brought to life this unconditional love in his teachings and healings, and through his death.
As followers of Jesus Christ, we seek to love and include all people and to serve those in need.
Gospel
The word “gospel” means “good news”. The Good News Jesus taught is that God’s presence is near and that we can begin living in that presence now, by loving our neighbor as ourselves and by forgiving those who have wronged us, even as we ask for forgiveness for the wrongs we have done. We believe Jesus came to do the work of God: to restore all beings to full, holy, empowered, and peace-filled relationships with God and with each other.
Creeds
Christianity is a 2000-year-old faith with a rich tradition that is rooted in ancient statements called creeds (meaning “I believe”). At Good Samaritan, we frequently say one of the ancient Christian Creeds as a way of connecting us to our heritage of faith and to the future God holds for us. The Nicene and Apostles’ Creeds, dating back to the 300s C.E., are some of the oldest summaries of our faith in the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Catechism
The Catechism is a commentary on the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds and provides an Outline of the Faith. It is found in the Episcopal Church’s Book of Common Prayer, which we use to guide our worship.
Open and Affirming
Open
We welcome into the full life and ministry of our church all persons without regard to age, race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, sexual identity, ethnicity, religious background, marital status, economic status and personal ability.
Affirming
We celebrate the diversity of humanity as part of God’s abundance and grace, and affirm all families and relationships based on love, respect, responsibility and trust. Gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans*, and transgender people, as well as those who are questioning, intersex, and allies are welcome and encouraged to participate in the life, ministry, and leadership (both lay and ordained) of Good Samaritan.