Good Sam Blog
Hoping and Waiting
On Sunday, November 29, we lit the candle of hope in our Advent wreaths and were reminded that for Christians hope is not fantasy or wishful thinking. Fantasy and wishful thinking can give us a momentary escape, but when we are up against a raging pandemic, the insanity of our current politics, and the widening gap between rich and poor, justice and injustice, truth and lies, wishful thinking is powerless to bring a real sense of peace. In the Scriptures, hope is expectation rooted in God’s love for us. Hope takes root and grows as our trust in the God Who Is With Us deepens.
But let’s be honest. For many of us it’s hard to grab hold of hope right now. And my supply of hope varies from day to day, often from hour to hour! May I offer you three things I’m doing right now to sustain and strengthen hope in my life?
First, I’ve declared a fast of sorts from social media and the news outlets. I check Facebook in the morning and sometime in the evening, limit posts, and avoid clicking on sensational news posts. As a priest and pastor I want to be informed about what’s going on in the world and around me, but if I’m not careful I’ll read posts or watch a news program until my blood pressure goes up and I’m ready to move my family to a desert island and give up on the human race! The constant dribble of news and talking heads can really do a number on our hope index. You might also want to watch the film “The Social Dilemna,” which underscores how our feelings and moods can be manipulated by media.
Second, I’ve ratched up my reading of the Gospels and books written about how human beings rose to the occasion during difficult and dark times. Reading about the life and teachings of Jesus have a way of centering us and reminding us about who we are as Christians. The sheer beauty of Jesus’ way of love inspires hope; hope that we, too, can actually experience God’s deepest desire for us. I’ve been reading about and watching documentaries about WWI and WWII, as well. Those generations faced desperate times and unspeakable horrors, yet many millions of people became heroes in their own right by resisting evil and making sacrifices. We simple would not be where we are as a nation today without the courage of those generations—a courage that I believe was built on the hope that the world could and would be a better place.
Another way that brings and builds up hope in me is mentioned on page 16 in the Advent booklet we distributed last week. Scott Stoner writes, “And because we know that God often works through others, putting our hope in others can be an expression of our hope that God is, and will be, present to us in and through other people.” Whenever I get discouraged or feel hopeless about what’s going on in the world and in our country, I think about the people of Good Samaritan Episcopal Church. Your engagement and generosity over the past year has been a source of hope and joy to me. So many people, staff and lay leaders, have worked hard behind the scenes to offer worship, prayer, and formation opportunities. We’ve sent a mission team to Guatemala, established a scholarship fund at Lake Washington Technical College, and distributed hundreds of worship packets. Folks have taken care of the facilities, planted flowers, deep cleaned the sanctuary, given of their time. I could go on and on, but you get the picture.
As I write this, the people of this parish have pledged over $230,000 toward the 2021 ministry budget. We have pledged 94% of the amount recommended by the finance committee ($246,000). That may well be a record for this parish, and is already a healthy increase over the 2020 pledge amount. Earlier in the year the people of the parish gave over $20,000 to my discretionary fund and even as I write are making contributions for coats and gift cards for families in need. Those contributions have helped families and individuals make mortgage and rent payments, pay utility bills, and buy food. What all of that says to me is that our hope is not grounded in the stock market or who’s in the Oval Office; our hope as a parish flows out of our belief that Jesus’ Way of Love can change the world. God has been present to me this year in you, and for that I am deeply grateful.
No better way of expressing Christian hope is found than in St. Paul’s letter to the Romans. Paul writes:
There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit! (Romans 5:3–5, The Message)
I love that Eugene Petersen translates “hope” as “alert expectancy.” Because of what God has done for us in Christ AND because we are part of the living Body of Christ in the world, we can live in alert expectancy that Love will overcome.
With great expectation,
Fr. Steve+
Read more
Church as Hospital
Read more
From the Rector: A New Sermon Series You Won’t Want to Miss
“As divided as our country is, so is Christianity. We have, over time, developed on a more overarching level, two distinct and nearly opposite theologies. One I call ‘personal freedom theology’. . . . The other is a communion theology. It is based on a totally opposite idea, that the common good, the good of all, is the Gospel.”
—The Rt. Rev. Greg Rickel
The above quote from Bishop Rickel’s recent blog article “A ‘Pissing’ Section in the Pool” underscores the reality that there are two primary, distinct versions of Christianity attempting to guide our national conscience. These distinct expressions of the faith are usually described as conservative vs. liberal, or fundamentalist vs. progressive, or Bible-believing vs. culturally relevant. While those descriptions do apply to some degree, there is a deeper distinction and tension at play. One popular version of the faith appeals to dogma, doctrine, and cultural dominance; the other attempts to shape belief and practice using the life and teachings of Jesus as its primary reference point. One is more focused on personal salvation; the other embraces a communal understanding of salvation. So, which one is true? Which one is more “Christian?”
The truth is no version of Christianity or denomination is absolutely right or true. It’s also true that often it’s not simply a question of “either/or.” Often truth is found somewhere in between. The Reformers of the 16th Century tossed around the phrase “Ecclesia semper reformanda est”: The church must always be reforming. In other words, we must constantly be exposing what we say and believe Christianity teaches to scrutiny. Anglicans/Episcopalians seek to do that using Scripture, reason, and tradition. Of course, the beginning point must always be the life and teachings of Jesus. After all, Christians are called to follow Jesus, not a religious tradition, a book, or a particular doctrine.
So, using our Anglican/Episcopal toolset of Scripture, reason, and tradition, what does the Christian faith teach about the Bible, God, and Jesus? What is salvation? What does Christianity say about racism, sexuality, economics, and politics? How do we talk with our non-Christian friends or Christians with whom we deeply disagree about our particular understanding of Christianity?
Join us as we begin 12-week series entitled “Christianity: A Faith of Paradoxes” on September 6. And then, beginning September 13 after the worship service, join in a deeper discussion of each week’s topic via Zoom. Invite friends or family members who are curious, questioning, or even turned off by Christianity to watch online or join in the discussion forum.
We’re excited about this great opportunity to explore and share our faith with one another and with others!
Sermon Topics
September 6 “Is the Bible really true?”
September 13 “God is out to get you!”
September 20 “Does Jesus matter?”
September 27 “Are you saved?”
October 4 “Where is heaven?”
October 11 “God’s favorite people”
October 18 “Who does God want you to vote for?”
October 25 “What keeps God up at night?”
November 1 “Is God transgender?”
November 8 “The end is near!”
November 15 “God’s economic stimulus plan”
November 22 “Is Christianity dying?”
Read more
Pastoral Letter
Dear People of God,
As I sat down to write this letter to you, one of the best-known opening lines of a novel came to mind: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” I’m sure you recognize that line from the opening chapter of Dickens’ novel, A Tale of Two Cities. Most of us have not lived through what many are saying about our current circumstances, describing them as the “worst of times.” We are indeed living in unusual and troubling times. On the other hand, in the midst of a pandemic and political unrest, many good things are happening. We see the best of human nature being revealed in many ways—medical personnel, caregivers, teachers, and many others who give sacrificially of themselves and their resources. Many of them are quite literally putting their lives on the line. Others are speaking out against injustice and racism, calling our nation to account for how we treat the vulnerable and marginalized.
Taking a more microcosmic view, since our founding in 1990, Good Samaritan Episcopal Church has never endured an extended period of time when we could not meet in person for worship, formation, meetings, and fellowship. When the bishop ordered the shutdown of all church buildings in mid-March, I put a sign on the door of the building stating, “The building is closed.” The words were chosen intentionally, because we have been operating under the assumption that although the building is closed, the Church is not!
I am writing to give you a brief update on how we have stepped into being The Church since March 15. As a member of the parish, I ask you to set aside a few minutes to read this entire letter and the attachments. It’s an occasion to celebrate and give thanks for God’s work in and through us, and also to prayerfully consider ways you can continue to support and be engaged in the ministry of this parish.
While most of what you read below involves events, activities, and doing the business of the Church, these things are not what have been most significant in our parish life over the past few months. I’ve observed a renewed commitment to communal prayer, a real hunger for Christian fellowship and the Sacraments, and a desire to grow deeper in faith. Folks have reached out to ask how they can serve and assist those in our parish who might need help. Our leaders have approached the challenges caused by the pandemic with energy, creativity, and passion. Conversations in small groups and Bible studies have been rich, with a healthy, life-giving vulnerability.
Jesus told us that he would build his Church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. The Spirit of God has been, and is, at work among us doing just that: building up the Church and bringing about more fully God’s kingdom of love, justice, and peace–not only in us, but in our community. Not even a pandemic can prevail against the in-breaking of God’s kingdom among us.
Since this pandemic began, I have thought often about Winston Churchill’s speeches to the United Kingdom during World War II. At a very dark time during the war, he gave a critical speech in which he urged his fellow citizens to resist despair and stay strong. He ended that speech by saying, “Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties, and so bear ourselves that, if the British Empire and its Commonwealth last for a thousand years, men will still say, ‘This was their finest hour.’”
I do believe that this can be one of our finest hours as the people of God known as Good Samaritan Episcopal Church. God is with us and will give us what we need to do the work he has given us to do, and to be the people he has called us to be.
Faithfully yours,
What has been happening in our parish since March 15?
Our last Sunday of in-person worship was March 8, the day the Guatemala Mission Team flew home. Because of the excellent work of the staff and a few lay volunteers, we were able to begin offering online worship the very next Sunday, March 15. We’ve learned a lot since we began, and I think the quality of the online services has improved every Sunday. We are investing in a more professional grade video/audio live-streaming system, which will greatly improve the audio and video online feed. We began offering outdoor in-person worship in July, which has required quite a bit of preparation and administrative detail.
During the week, we began offering Morning Prayer and Compline. To date, we’ve hosted over 200 mid-week services! I am grateful for Joe O’Neil, Carol and Doug Stamper, and Charissa Bradstreet who, along with me, have been leading the services twice a day, five days a week.
Other highlights include:
- A Regathering Task Force was created to do research and make recommendations on how to offer worship and open the preschool in accordance with government and diocesan guidelines as safely as possible.
- The Facilities Team has kept the building and grounds maintained, as well as doing research on video equipment, overseeing cleaning in the building, evaluating our HVAC system, and, working with the Regathering Task Force to conduct a deep clean of the building in March.
- The men’s fellowship breakfast group moved online, as well as the two women’s groups. I began a weekly Bible study on the Gospel of John. Youth continued to meet via Zoom on Sundays and Wednesday evenings.
- We said goodbye to Rev. Chris and Rick Jillard and welcomed Charissa Bradstreet, our pastoral associate for formation.
- The Vestry has continued meeting monthly and deeply engaged in the work of the three priorities set forth at their retreat earlier in the year. They have done really good, faithful work over the past few months.
- The Faith in Action Commission, along with the Vestry work group, has met regularly and is about to make a major announcement about the new education scholarship fund.
- A team of vestry members and others formed contact groups to keep parishioners updated on parish events and to offer help and support.
- Financially, pledge giving has been steady and on track. Due to the generosity of our congregation, over $20,000 was given to boost the Rector’s Discretionary fund for COVID-19 relief and we have raised 93% of the $20,000 needed for the creation of the new baptismal font.
What should we expect in the fall?
My initial response is “who knows?” We are literally taking this one week at a time, just like you. With that said, we have done lots of planning for the fall. All of it, of course, is subject to change or modification should circumstances change due to the pandemic.
- God willing, we will return to a modified form of indoor worship in September. Seating will be limited, but we believe we can do it safely. Our plan for resuming indoor worship meets and exceeds the state’s guidelines and was approved by our diocesan chancellor. The current plan is to offer two worship services on Sunday, both limited to 35 persons at each service. Service times will be 9am and 10:30am. The later service will be offered online, as we have been doing.
- Beginning September 5, we will begin a new sermon series entitled “Christianity: A Faith of Paradoxes.” In this series, we will explore both the core teachings of the Christian faith and current social issues from our Anglican/Episcopal perspective. In this series we will attempt to address two questions: 1) What differentiates our understanding of the Christian faith from other expressions you’ve observed in our culture? and 2) How can we talk to others about those distinctions in a way that is reasoned and grace-filled? Topics include the Bible, the nature of God, Jesus, sexuality, politics, and racism.
- Formation for all ages will be offered online until Phase 3. Adult formation will begin on September 13 and will be held after the 10:30am service on Zoom. We will dig deeper into the sermon topic for the day and have plenty of time for questions and discussion. Articles and videos about the topics will be sent out in the Weekly E-News on Thursdays. Children and youth formation will be offered in some creative ways online. Contact Charissa Bradstreet for details (charissa@goodsamepiscopal.org)
- Consecration of the Baptismal Font and Bishop’s Visitation is set for Saturday, November 7, at 2pm. A preparation class for those desiring confirmation, reception, baptism or renewal of baptismal vows will be offered beginning the last week of September.
What are the challenges we face as a parish?
As we began 2020, all of us were faced with challenges we never expected. That is certainly true for the parish, as well. As I see it, we face three primary challenges as a parish:
- The first is engagement: making sure that we’re doing all we can to help all our members stay engaged in the life and ministry of the Church. Many of us have Zoom and Facebook fatigue! Watching services online or attending a Zoom meeting is just not the same as being present physically.
- The second is safety: making sure that we are strictly observing all the safety and health guidelines in our preschool, office, and services. This requires a great deal of work on the part of the staff, the facilities team, and the Regathering Task Force. The good news is that we’re doing a great job at this, thanks to the hard work of these groups.
- The third challenge is finances. We were fortunate in that we were able to obtain a Payroll Protection Program grant, which helped offset some loss in income. Because the enrollment in our preschool had to be reduced in order to meet state guidelines, and because of the loss of facilities rental income, our 2020 income will be reduced by approximately $35,000-40,000. The finance committee is working hard to deal with this deficit, but we will all need to do our part to make sure the parish is financially healthy this year and next.
How can I support our parish over the next few months?
- Participate in worship either in person or online. Your presence is an encouragement to others!
- Invite friends and relatives to watch the services online. We’re going to pull out all the stops to advertise the fall series because we want to get out our message about God’s Way of Love. You can put up a yard sign in your yard advertising the sermon series; those will be available in just a few days.
- Volunteer to serve the parish in some way. We need more hands and heads engaged than ever before! To start, consider serving as a greeter or usher at outdoor services.
- Give generously of your financial resources. Keep your pledge up to date, if you pledged. If you didn’t pledge or you are not currently giving, give. Give generously. Start praying about your pledge for 2021.
- Pray for your parish. Pray for me, your staff, and your lay leaders that would make wise decisions as we navigate these strange times. Pray for and encourage one another.
Read more
Protocols for Outdoor Worship
Key Highlights
- You are invited to join us for in-person outdoor worship in the parking lot on August 2 at 10:30 am.
- Strict social distancing rules will be in effect, including masks, (see below), but if you are in the high-risk category, please stay home.
- Registration is required to attend.
- A checklist for attendees is at the bottom of this email.
Your Questions Answered
For the August 2 worship service, and for all future in-person worship, we will follow the guidelines and directives of our health officials and the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia. Every precaution will be taken to ensure the health and safety of those who attend. Persons who are in a high-risk group, have fever, or any other symptoms related to COVID-19, should not attend. All attendees are asked to maintain social distancing (at least six feet) and a mask must be worn at all times. For those who do not come, we will livestream the service on Facebook as usual.
- We need everyone who plans to attend to register in advance online. This will help us know how many people to expect and how to set up the space where you or your family will be sitting.
- As you drive onto the church property, an usher will greet you while you remain in your car, give you instructions about parking, and record your attendance. We are required to keep a list of all who attend the service in case there is a need for contact tracing.
- Approximately 10 parking spaces will be available for individuals/families to park in and remain in their cars during the service. These spaces will be first come, first served based on the online registration process. We are offering this option especially for those who want to attend but may need an extra layer of social distancing.
- The circle, lawn, and parking lot space near the main entrance will be cordoned off. Chalk circles marked for social distancing will indicate where you can sit. Circles will be marked for individuals, couples, and families. The church will NOT provide seating, so bring your own lawn chairs or blankets. Ushers or greeters will direct you to a spot when you arrive.
- All worshipers must wear a face mask during the service, except children under age 10.
- The restrooms will be open for emergency situations. Before the service begins, the protocol will be described and an usher will be on hand to direct you. Only one person will be allowed in each restroom at a time (children may be accompanied by a parent). Instructions for safe practices will be posted in the restrooms.
- Hand sanitation stations will be set up. You’re encouraged to bring hand sanitizer with you, if possible.
- Remember to wash your hands regularly, especially if you’ve come into contact with surfaces not under your control.
- The liturgy will be Holy Eucharist, Rite II and communion will be served to the congregation.
- The service bulletin will be sent out a few days in advance, so we encourage everyone to download the bulletin on an electronic device or print a copy at home and bring it with you. We will have a limited number of bulletins at the service for visitors or those who forget, but in order to be as safe as possible, it’s best if you bring your own.
- We will have a sermon and music. Offering stations will be provided, and you’ll receive instructions on how to leave an offering before the service begins.
- The Peace will be offered during the service. Please don’t touch anyone outside your household! Waves or bows are appropriate.
- Instructions for receiving Holy Communion (wafer only) will be given at the Offertory.
- The service will be informal, so feel free to bring coffee and/or snacks. All we ask is that you be respectful with your refreshments during the service and clean up your space when you depart.
- We ask that you limit any socialization with others after the service. We will be dismissing people in small groups so that social distancing can be maintained. The playground will remain closed for health reasons.
If the weather is not suitable for outdoor worship, notification will be sent out by 8:00 am via email that the 10:30 am outdoor service has been cancelled. Regardless of whether the outdoor service is cancelled, the service will be offered on Facebook Live at 10:30 am as usual.
Yes, our plans are to begin in-person services soon. Because of state and diocesan restrictions, the number of participants is limited to 40 persons. Pre-registration is required. More information to come this Sunday and next week.
Attendance Checklist
- Register online for the service.
- Print a copy of the bulletin at home and bring it with you, or download it on a device.
- Check your temperature, if possible, before coming to church. If you’re not feeling well, stay home.
- Bring your mask, an umbrella (for shade), lawn chairs or blankets, a jacket, and hand sanitizer.
- Bring your offering (unless you contribute online).
- Bring coffee, water, or snacks, if you’d like.
Read more
Introducing Charissa Bradstreet
Fr. Steve+
More about Charissa
Read more
From the Rector: The Easter Message
Now your soul has come to take you back.
To all the small miracles you rushed through.
Become inclined to watch the way of rain
When it falls slow and free.
Imitate the habit of twilight,
Taking time to open the well of color
That fostered the brightness of day.
Draw alongside the silence of stone
Until its calmness can claim you.”
Read more