Good Samaritans
Molly Dempsey

When Jesus took a basin of water and a towel and proceeded to wash his friends' feet, Peter was shocked. Jesus explained that he wanted to teach the disciples something. As Jesus acted as a servant in washing the feet of his friends, he showed them that they too should act as servants to each other. What a wonderful feeling it is indeed to help a friend or a friend of a friend with a simple chore much as a servant would.

As with many ministries at the Chapel of the Cross, the Good Samaritans is a quiet one.  We are a group of parishioners trying to answer the immediate, short-term needs of parishioners who are ill, recently home from a hospital stay, new parents, or recently widowed. Our duties include running errands, driving people to doctor appointments, doing gentle household chores, delivering casseroles from the church freezer, or sometimes just stopping by for a short visit.

Currently there are 29 active 'Good Sams,' including six monthly coordinators. In addition, the Guild of the Christ Child works with the Good Samaritans as necessary to see that new babies are welcomed to the church and that new parents have support and help.

When a parishioner needs extra help, he or she calls the church office and the office staff alerts the Rev. Vicky Jamieson-Drake who in turn contacts the Good Samaritan coordinator for the month. The coordinator either personally responds to the request or organizes other Good Samaritans to meet the needs of the parishioner.

Good Samaritans are encouraged to do what they can when they can. We are not expected always to say yes when the coordinator calls! We recognize that people lead busy lives and yet want to be able to help others when they can.