CHRIST CENTERED, KINGDOM FOCUSED, MISSION DRIVEN

Ministries

At Samaria, we have many different ministries. There are activities for members of all ages!

Children's Group	The children's group is volunteer-led. Our children participate in many activities, such as Vacation Bible School, Easter Egg Hunts, Children's Day at Church, Trunk or Treat, Christmas Caroling at Nursing Homes, Children's Church, and more! Contact Jay and Teresa MacDonald for more information on the Children's Group. We currently have a children's dinner and then an activity for the children on Sunday nights from 6-7 pm. This will soon become TeamKid and we are excited to have the children of the church join together for fun and learning!
Choir	Led by music director Brenda Byrd and accompanied by organist Judith Wilburn, the choir of Samaria leads the church in musical worship each Sunday. They also perform cantatas throughout the year. Please consider joining a choir as the fall begins! Choir practice is held on Wednesday nights - Adult Choir Practice is at 7:30 pm, and Children's Choir Practice is from 6:20-7:05 pm.
Halloween Carnival	Each year, Samaria hosts a Halloween Carnival complete with games, prizes, and a "haunted" walk through the cemetary. We invite the members of the church as well as those in the community to join us for this fun, safe alternative to a traditional Halloween activity.
Handbells	Led by music director Brenda Byrd, the handbell choir of Samaria performs for the church throughout the year.
Helen Wright Center for Women	The members of Samaria serve lunch to the women of the Helen Wright Center once a month. The Helen Wright Center provides emergency and transitional housing, case management, and support services to help homeless women rebuild their lives and move to permanent housing. The center is located at W. Cabbarus Street across from the Amtrak station. Formerly called the Ark Shelter, the Helen Wright Center is part of Urban Ministries. Volunteers may serve in two capacities: 1) Meal Provider Team - Help serve lunch once a month at the shelter and 2) Client Services Worker - Manage front desk operations and interact with shelter guests informally. For more information on helping to prepare food or serve lunch at the center, please contact Joyce Wilson. For more information on serving as a Client Services Worker, call 836-1642.
No Greater Love Easter Play	The No Greater Love Easter (NGL) Play has been held every year since 1998. It was originally held as a drive-through presentation. NGL was originally created from Samaria's desire to give a gift of love and spread the good news of Jesus Christ to the community. We began planning in 1996 and started building scenes, including the scenes of Jesus entering the city, Jesus praying at the rock, Jesus in the courtyard, Jesus on the cross, and Jesus at the empty tomb. It was clear that NGL would require the committment and support of all members of Samaria. The first presentation of NGL had 90 actors and a 14-person support staff (police officers to direct traffic, food preparation volunteers, electrical/technical volunteers, costume designers, and admission and exit staff). NGL has changed over the years: In 2001, we added the Lord's Supper scene, and in 2002 NGL became a walk-through presentation with shepherds guiding groups through the streets of Jerusalem (drive-through for the handicapped is still available). We also added the marketplace, where members of Samaria showcase crafts and activities, and where groups can gather. In 2005, we had 130 participants. Although the presentation has changed, our mission remains the same: To tell the good news of Jesus Christ. Our members enjoy working on this living Easter play, as it is a unique and fun way to reach out to the community and tell the story of Jesus.
Ray of Hope - Canned Food Collection	Samaria members donate canned food by placing it in a box in the Connector. The food is then distributed to the homeless and needy of Wake County.
Seniors	The seniors group enjoys getting together for trips (such as Apple Picking in the Fall) and Triple S club meetings twice a month.
Tape Ministry	The members of Samaria deliver tapes of the services to our sick and shut-ins.
Vacation Bible School	Vacation Bible School is a summer activity that invites children of all ages to join us for a week of learning about God.
Youth Group	The youth group of Samaria is a dynamic, fun group! They participate in many mission projects and enjoy getting together to learn about God and fellowship in His name.