Candidates for 2019 Vestry and /Diocesan Delegate Election Results will be announced at the Annual Meeting Sunday, March 3, 2019 5pm in Ashton Hall CANDIDATE Q & A FOR 2019 VESTRY ELECTION BARRI ALEXANDER

1. Briefly describe your family, occupation and professional and community involve- ment. My husband, John Alexander, and I have been married since 1995 and we have been blessed with four children: Morgan (‘97), Lauren (‘99), Jamie (‘02) and Jackson (‘05). We are active in our TE school community as well as our Valley Forge Mountain Associa- tion as we reside on Valley Forge Mountain. I am a physical therapist and I have been employed at HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy since 1992. I am currently the Coordinator of Physical and Occupational Therapy. 2. How long have you regularly attended worship at Good Samaritan? In which minis- tries have you been involved and in what capacity? We were long-time members of The Church of the Redeemer Episcopal Church in Bryn Mawr. In 2012 as my older daughters became active in Good Samaritan Youth Group, I began attending GS Women’s Bible study and John and I joined of a small group. Even before we “officially” made the switch in the fall of 2014, the children and I volunteered with VBS and Fair Days. After joining the Church of the Good Samaritan, John and I dabbled in Alpha (I had completed Alpha at Redeemer) and attended Belonging to the Church classes. I have been part of the last three Insight Women’s retreat leadership teams and I attended Freedom in Christ Retreat two times. John and I helped in Club 56 and as greeters for Family Ministries. In 2016 I helped with the planning and implementation of the Christianity Explored course. That same year Morgan, Lauren and I travelled to Bolivia with Good Samaritan parishioners. I have served on the Church of the Good Samaritan Vestry since 2016 and served on the Finance Committee. I have been the People’s Warden since March 2018. 3. In what diocesan level ministries and/or ministries in previous have you been involved? As a parishioner of Redeemer, I participated in Alpha. From 2000-2004 I participated in and graduated from Education for Ministry (EfM). For many years, I taught both parts of the Journey to Adulthood curriculum, J2A to high school students and Rite 13 to those students in middle school. I served as a delegate to the Pennsylvania Diocesan Convention. I served on the Vestry at The Church of the Redeemer from 2009 to 2012. I was the Chair of the Transition Committee as we installed our new rector in 2009. I was chair of the Christian Formation for Children and Youth Committee from 2009 to 2013. I also served for one year on the Stewardship Committee. I participated in the Altar Guild and as a lector. As a family, we participated in the ECS Christmas parties, Food for Friends Ministry and we supported the families of IHN (Interfaith Hospitality Network). We also volunteered at VBS at St. Matthew’s in Wayne. Over the 20 plus years at the Church of the Redeemer, I volunteered at the Christmas Bazaar and many youth events. 4. From your point of view, what is the greatest challenge or opportunity you see facing Good Samaritan in the next three to five years? The Church exists to bring others to know the love of God, to support others on their faith journey, to help those less fortunate than us, even if we do not know who they are. I love the prayerful community of The Church of the Good Samaritan—this is our greatest strength. I truly believe the people want to be led by God and want to serve Him. The work is real and what I mean is the works are not just a showy façade of checking the box of “good works,” but rather a real call to bring people to Jesus so they can know His love. Watching parishioners feed people literally and spiritually at the Food Closet has been inspiration- al. I believe Good Samaritan will continue to seek and serve God in our community and in the world. I think the greatest challenges are in staying true to the Word of God. In this high-tech, sophisticated world it is tempting to offer programs that are glitzy or conform to the world and what the world seems to want. People feel overwhelmed with busyness and some feel they do not have time for church. I think that if we stay true to the Gospel, many will be compelled by the joy and deep love they see emanating from our congregation. There will be trouble in this life but there is great joy. This faith community will bring others to Jesus by showing them His love. The weary world will come and get the rest for which they are longing.

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Barri Alexander continued I think the church’s most fundamental goal should be to build and sustain programs that help bear the fruit of those who love God, and who feel charged with a call to discipleship as they strive to know and follow Christ Jesus. We are called to live in relationship with God and with one another and The Church of the Good Samaritan’s strength is in supporting this call. 5. Please describe how you understand the gospel message. What is that message to you? God loves us—plain and simple. He loves us just as we are; which is both overwhelming and at times incompre- hensible. He loves us so much He sent His son Jesus to die for us so that we can have life everlasting. There is a great freedom in Christ as we are set free from sin. Not that we won’t sin again, but that sin has no power over us. When we truly live in this freedom, we will overflow with the love and joy of Christ Jesus. His love really is trans- formational. God is good; all the time God is good.

ANDY BALSAN

1. Briefly describe your family, occupation and professional and community involve- ment. Jane and I have been married for 20 years this March! We have three children; Abigail, a sophomore at Conestoga High School; Lukas, in 7th grade at Valley Forge Middle School; and Joel, in 4th grade at Hillside Elementary. We have been attending Good Samaritan since we moved to PA in 2010. My parents, Joe and Coral Balsan, also are at Good Samar- itan. My dad and I own and run an HVAC/R Wholesale Distribution company, Johnstone Supply, in the Philadelphia area as well as in the Baltimore/Washington market. 2. How long have you regularly attended worship at Good Samaritan? In which ministries have you been in- volved and in what capacity? Jane and I have been at Good Samaritan since 2010 and have been involved with various groups and ministries including: current Vestry Member, Men’s ministry leadership team, elementary Sunday School teacher, Home Group leader and leading the annual Christmas Tree Sale which financially benefits the church’s HELPS ministry. 3. In what diocesan level ministries and/or ministries in previous parishes have you been involved? This is my first Episcopal church I have attended. I have been involved in similar type ministries as #2 above in a variety of other denominational churches 4. From your point of view, what is the greatest challenge or opportunity you see facing Good Samaritan in the next three to five years? Evangelism and discipleship are our biggest opportunities! Our new Mission/Vision statement has brought new focus to our church, and it is just beginning to get communicated and put into action. I see the next few years being a time of implementing this practical Vision into our everyday lives. It is essentially what the Gospel calls all Christians to believe and do. We, as a church, need to take this Vision to heart and start living it day by day in our lives as individuals, families and church body. I look forward to seeing the church become better equipped and trained to engage with our neighbors, the community and the world in bringing the kingdom of God to all. 5. Please describe how you understand the gospel message. What is that message to you? The Gospel is that God has rescued us from our naturally rebellious ways through the sacrifice of his Son, Jesus. We humbly turn away from our rebellion and submit ourselves to His Kingship in our lives with thankful hearts for His Sacrifice and Love for us.

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TRENT BICKLEY

1. Briefly describe your family, occupation and professional and community in- volvement. I currently live in Phoenixville with two roommates who also attend Good Samaritan, and I work for Vanguard as a Resource Planning Analyst. 2. How long have you regularly attended worship at Good Samaritan? In which ministries have you been involved and in what capacity? I have been attending Good Samaritan regularly since I moved to the area in August 2017. I am involved with the Good Phoenix small group, and I was involved with the Children’s ministry as a Sunday School Teacher. 3. In what diocesan level ministries and/or ministries in previous parishes have you been involved? I have been involved with the Children’s Ministries in the past two churches I have attended since I was in high school. 4. From your point of view, what is the greatest challenge or opportunity you see facing Good Samaritan in the next three to five years? I think we have an opportunity to better highlight and celebrate all of the ministries and ways in which God is work- ing in people’s lives at Good Samaritan. 5. Please describe how you understand the gospel message. What is that message to you? The gospel message to me is that, I am sinner saved by the grace of Jesus Christ. A grace that was paid for with the blood of the cross and is freely given not earned. A transforming grace which leads to the hope of the Resur- rection and a new life in Christ.

TOM CONNETT

1. Briefly describe your family, occupation and professional and community involve- ment. My wife Allison and I have been married for almost 17 years. We have three children ages 9, 11 and 13. We are currently running Hickory Springs Farm Kennels, which has been my family’s business for over 35 years. As for community involvement, I have been volunteer coaching my children’s sporting activities for the last few years, both within the Phoenixville YMCA as well as the Phoenixville Soccer league. 2. How long have you regularly attended worship at Good Samaritan? In which min- istries have you been involved and in what capacity? My wife and I were born and raised in the Paoli area. Our families have been part of the Good Samaritan Church community for more than 40 years and we were both baptized and confirmed at Good Sam. As a child I was heavily involved in the men and boys choir and regularly attended Sunday school. My wife was very involved in the youth group from middle school through high school. In 1996 I started attending Good Sam on a regular basis as an adult. I was asked to help out with the sound system at that time and was heavily drawn to that ministry within the church. In 1999 the “New Chapel” service was started and that is where I met Allison. We both have been involved with that service since that time. From 2008-2015 our children attended Good Sam day school. I volunteered in many programs throughout those years and continue to do so to this day.

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3 CANDIDATE Q & A FOR 2019 VESTRY ELECTION Tom Connett continued

3. In what diocesan level ministries and/or ministries in previous parishes have you been involved? I have previously served on Good Samaritan vestry from 2009 to 2011. In 2018 I was inducted as a trustee of “St. John’s by the Sea” Episcopal Church in Avalon New Jersey. 4. From your point of view, what is the greatest challenge or opportunity you see facing Good Samaritan in the next three to five years? In these next 3 to 5 years Good Samaritan has so much potential to grow not only within itself but also within the greater community. There are many challenges to this task, but with the right vision and the proper leadership we can overcome these challenges. I believe God has laid the ground work for Good Samaritan’s future. It is for us as the body of this church to walk it out. 5. Please describe how you understand the gospel message. What is that message to you? Christ died for our sins. We will never be perfect which forces us to continually reach out to him when we are in need.

ASHLEY HENDERSON

1. Briefly describe your family, occupation and professional and community involve- ment. Hello! I’m Ashley Henderson. I attend Good Samaritan with my parents Becky and Gary, and I am the oldest of their 3 children. My siblings, Katie and David, and I were raised attending Good Samaritan. I attended college and Physician Assistant school at Drexel University in Philadelphia. I have worked as a Physician Assistant for 10 years. Currently, I work as team lead Physician Assistant for the emergency departments in the Crozer-Key- stone Health System in Delaware County. This position entails clinical and administrative duties. Recently, I have traveled to Uganda and Guatemala on medical mission trips. My professional organization involvement includes memberships to the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the Society of Emergency Medicine Physician Assistants, the Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants, and the Christian Medical and Dental Association. I am in my second year attending Community Bible Study in Ard- more. This year is my first year serving as a children’s teacher. 2. How long have you regularly attended worship at Good Samaritan? In which ministries have you been in- volved and in what capacity? I have attended Good Samaritan for over 30 years. Good Samaritan was my home church through childhood and young adulthood; I participated in the Sunday School and Youth Group programs at Good Samaritan and was con- firmed here. In the last year, my regular attendance at Good Samaritan has included serving as an usher, a Sunday School teacher, and a reader for the Prayers of the People. I also attend the Good Phoenix young adult small group when my work schedule permits. 3. In what diocesan level ministries and/or ministries in previous parishes have you been involved? I have not been involved with any diocesan level ministries or ministries at other parishes.

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Ashley Henderson continued 4. From your point of view, what is the greatest challenge or opportunity you see facing Good Samaritan in the next three to five years? In keeping with the church’s vision for the future, I think our greatest challenge is connection. In Matthew 22:36-39, Jesus tells us that the greatest commandment is to love God with all our hearts, souls, and minds, and the second command is to love our neighbor as ourselves. As humans, we fall short of loving our neighbor as God intends. But if we rely on Him, Christ can show His love for them in and through us. So, who are our neighbors? They are our fellow churchgoers, but they are also our unchurched community members. Specifically, I think young adults and young families in the community are a hugely important unchurched population; they are the future of the church and the world. Connecting with them and spreading the love of Jesus and the Gospel to them is our greatest op- portunity. 5. Please describe how you understand the gospel message. What is that message to you? In Paul’s first letter to Timothy, he writes that “[Jesus] appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, and was taken up in glory” (3:16b). Jesus came to earth as a baby, assuming human flesh. He was fully God and fully man; He was human but without sin. At the crucifixion, Jesus died as a sacrifice for my sins. He stood in my place and bore the punishment due to me for my sins. When Jesus rose from the dead, He conquered death, so if I trust and believe in Him, I do not need to fear death or the penalty of sin, because He has given me eternal life. It is by God’s grace that I am saved, through faith.

5 CANDIDATE Q & A FOR 2019 VESTRY ELECTION

TED KLENSKE

1. Briefly describe your family, occupation and professional and community in- volvement. My wife Ginny, our daughter Julia and I live in Downingtown. Ginny graduated from IUP and worked as a business analyst for a large corporation providing software to health insurers. She is now enjoying retirement. Julia is a 2015 graduate of West-Mont Christian Academy in Pottstown and is now Assistant Manager at Hickory Springs Pet Farm Kennel. I received my BA from Eastern University in sociology/anthropology and an MA from the University of Pennsylvania in sociology. I have had positions in media research, survey and market research, application pro- gramming, and data analysis and reporting. Most of my life’s work has been in teaching: sociology at the college level, math and social studies in high school and middle school, and fourth grade, media, and math at the elemen- tary level. Six years ago, I retired from teaching at Windsor Christian Academy. 2. How long have you regularly attended worship at Good Samaritan? In which ministries have you been in- volved and in what capacity? We came to Good Sam in 2000. Ginny and I have been involved in small groups ever since. For several years our family attended Windsor Baptist Church, when I was a teacher at their school. When I retired in 2012, we returned to Good Sam. In 2014, Ginny and I took the Adult Confirmation Class and were confirmed in the Episcopal Church. Over the years I’ve had the blessing of fellowship in a men’s breakfast Bible study group (known as the Bellis Breakfast Boys), Men’s Ministry programs and retreats, service in Cafe Good Sam and the Recording Ministry. Early on, I was asked if I could coordinate ushers for the 9 AM, Christmas, , and special services throughout the year. I was “head usher” for about five years and became acquainted with many parishioners. For several years, I have been involved in Alpha. Through this ministry God has given me a heart for reaching lost souls and awakened the Spirit within me. This past year I was co-leader for Alpha at Good Samaritan and hope to continue in that role in the coming years. In 2016, I was elected to Vestry at Good Samaritan. I have come to view my membership as a solemn responsibility to humbly serve God as He guides our Church in the love of Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. 3. In what diocesan level ministries and/or ministries in previous parishes have you been involved? Good Samaritan is the first and only Episcopal Church we’ve attended. Since before we were married, most of our social life has revolved around a church community. At Church of the Saviour in Wayne we were invested in the small group ministry, teaching a class for small group leaders and co-leading a Bible study. At Windsor Baptist Church we joined a small group and taught high school Sunday school. I served on the Christian Education Com- mittee and sang in the choir. For two summers, I organized and ran the week-long Vacation Bible School attended by over two hundred children. 4. From your point of view, what is the greatest challenge or opportunity you see facing Good Samaritan in the next three to five years? I started serving on Vestry at the time that the congregation was asked to complete the Armstrong Group’s survey. I participated in every retreat and consultant meeting and the committee work for the last three years. Now , staff and Vestry have the ongoing challenge of guiding the implementation of the top five priorities of the vision: leadership, invite, welcome, connect, and networks. I use the word “guiding” because the most important chal- lenge is to enlist all in the congregation as leaders and participants in realizing the transformation of our Church. As a current Vestry member, I have been asked to work with Jonathan Hobbs to start to compile ideas on the changes that can make strangers and newcomers feel more welcome when visiting Good Samaritan. Let me take the opportunity right now to ask anyone with an interest in joining in this vital area to contact us.

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Ted Klenske continued

The core of our vision has turned out to be a new emphasis on concern for those lost souls not yet called by God to believe (evangelism). The Church’s mission is to “pray and worship, proclaim the Gospel, and promote justice, peace, and love.”(BCP, p.855). We find in James (1:22) the challenge that every believer, every Church body, and the Church universal will always face: “But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says.” (NLT). This is impossible in our own will. But when we act through the will of God through the Holy Spirit who imparts to us love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23) we will act more like Jesus toward everyone. 5. Please describe how you understand the gospel message. What is that message to you? John 3:16 sums up the entire gospel. God’s gracious gift of eternal life, is the heart of the gospel message. God’s love for us is the foundation upon which all else rests. The Father showed the nature of His love by sacri- ficing what was most precious to Him – His Son - to save us who could not save ourselves from eternal spiritual death. Jesus, also out of love, took our punishment (paid the price for our sin) to make true relationship with God possible. The Holy Spirit brings us into love and harmony with God so that we believe the message of eternal life and trust in Jesus. God continues to shower His grace and mercy on me every day. I have peace with God, knowing that He is with me now and forever. I have hope for the future beyond this fallen world, knowing I will be in heaven with Christ and the saints. And I have joy in living, knowing that the Spirit will continue to reveal all truth through prayer and the Scriptures and will guide me to act in His will (not mine), into fruitful relationship with God and my neighbours. “For from Him and through Him, and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen” (Rom. 11:36).

7 CANDIDATE Q & A FOR 2019 VESTRY ELECTION

IAN MACDONALD

1. Briefly describe your family, occupation and professional and community involve- ment. I am married to Cheryl and between us we have six children and seven grandchildren. I work as a licensed professional counselor. My work has largely been providing individ- ual and group psychotherapy in the mental health field. I have worked at a community mental health clinic, as well as in a group practice. In these roles, I have treated a wide range of mental health disorders. Also, for seven years I taught the Masters level Group Psychotherapy class in the Counseling Psychology department at Eastern University. As part of my preparation for a counseling career, I trained and worked for ten months as a hospital chaplain at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. 2. How long have you regularly attended worship at Good Samaritan? In which ministries have you been in- volved and in what capacity? We have regularly attended worship at Good Samaritan for 21 years. I trained and worked as a Stephen Minister for two years, then later spent five years as the Stephen Ministry referrals coordinator. We have attended a home group for most of the time we have been coming to Good Samaritan. 3. In what diocesan level ministries and/or ministries in previous parishes have you been involved? I served on the vestry at Holy Trinity Brompton, the church I used to attend in , as well as leading different Bible study groups there. 4. From your point of view, what is the greatest challenge or opportunity you see facing Good Samaritan in the next three to five years? My wife, Cheryl, and I have received a tremendous amount of love, kindness, encouragement, and support from so many people here at Good Samaritan. God has blessed us in this way, beyond our expectations. I believe that the challenge for us all is to increase the measure to which we encourage and love each other, within the church, so that we have the courage and faith to show love to others, in our daily lives. 5. Please describe how you understand the gospel message. What is that message to you? I believe that Jesus, out of pure love, came to this earth as God and man, lived a sinless life, died on a cross, rose from the dead, ascended to heaven, sent the Holy Spirit, and will return. He offers new life to those who hear his message, repent, and believe. What is that message to me? I feel loved by God and regularly astonished and grateful that he forgives my sins and forgets them. As a result of receiving his love, I want to follow and obey him. I can only do this with his help and strength.

8 CANDIDATE Q & A FOR 2019 DIOCESAN REPRESENTATIVE

STEW CRUMPLER

1. Briefly describe your family, occupation and professional and community involve- ment. I live in Collegeville with my wife, Susan. We have been happily married for 44 years, and we have two sons in Oklahoma and Virginia. I am currently retired. I worked for 28 years as a U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Officer at the Food and Drug Administra- tion, five years as a pharmaceutical executive, and nine years as a medical device quality and regulatory consultant. I am a senior member of the American Society for Quality. 2. How long have you regularly attended worship at Good Samaritan? In which min- istries have you been involved and in what capacity? We have regularly attended the 9:00 worship service for 17 years. I currently lead the Usher ministry, serve as a Eucharistic Visitor, participate in Café Good Sam, and we are members of a Home Group. Previously, I have served on the Vestry, and also as a Greeter, a Financial Counselor and at Good Works. 3. In what diocesan level ministries and/or ministries in previous parishes have you been involved? I have previously represented Good Samaritan as a Diocesan Delegate. When we lived in Maryland, I served in various diocesan roles including member of Diocesan Council, Leadership Development Program, Suffragan Bish- op Nominating Committee, Wardens Planning Committee, Stewardship Commission, and Stewardship Consulting Program. In our former in Maryland, I served in various roles including 10 years on the Vestry (Senior Warden, Junior Warden, and Stewardship Chair), Diocesan Delegate, Rector Search Committee, Parish School Board of Directors, Finance Committee, Home Group Leader, Seminarian Lay Committee, Parish Visitation Program, Alpha, Hand Bell Choir and Usher. 4. From your point of view, what is the greatest challenge or opportunity you see facing Good Samaritan in the next three to five years? Our parish vision to Invite, Welcome and Connect presents a tremendous opportunity to more thoroughly incor- porate both newcomers and existing members into life at Good Samaritan. One challenge for many of us is to be willing to engage one another one-on-one, especially people we do not know well. For example, in recruiting someone to serve in a ministry, my experience is that a person likes to be individually asked to do something. Writ- ten and verbal general communications are important to make knowledge of opportunities available, but they are not as effective as one person verbally inviting another to participate in a particular way. Directly asking a friend (or a stranger) to come to church, join a home group, come to a retreat or volunteer for a specific ministry is far more likely to get a positive response. In the process of asking, we also get to know one another better. 5. Please describe how you understand the gospel message. What is that message to you? God sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to live among us, to die as a sacrifice for our sins, and to rise from the dead so that sin and death are defeated. I believe that to be true, so when I acknowledge and repent of my sins, He will forgive me, and I will have everlasting life. That is such Good News that I feel compelled to share it with others so that they too may believe in Jesus and be saved.

9 CANDIDATE Q & A FOR 2019 DIOCESAN REPRESENTATIVE

DAVID TURKHEIMER

1. Briefly describe your family, occupation and professional and community involvement. I am married to Annette Toebe. I am a retired systems analyst with the US Defense Department. 2. How long have you regularly attended worship at Good Samaritan? In which ministries have you been in- volved and in what capacity? I have regularly attended Good Samaritan since 1996. I am involved in the Men’s Ministry, Ushering and Collection counting. 3. In what diocesan level ministries and/or ministries in previous parishes have you been involved? I have not been involved in any Diocesan ministries. 4. From your point of view, what is the greatest challenge or opportunity you see facing Good Samaritan in the next three to five years? I think that our biggest challenge as a parish is to grow our membership ranks and to spiritually feed our paris- honers. 5. Please describe how you understand the gospel message. What is that message to you? The essential message of the Gospel is that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Belief in him is the only way to eternal salvation. He is the Good News.

10 The following language is in our by-laws regarding voting for vestry:

“The members of the parish who shall be qualified to vote at any election for Vestry members and Deanery/ Diocesan representatives and upon all questions which may come before any meeting of the parish shall all be baptized persons of the age of sixteen years or upwards who shall have been worshippers in this parish as their usual place of worship for at least one year and shall appear on the records of the corporation to have contributed to its support during the preceding calendar year.”

Candidates for 2019 Vestry Vote for five Barri Alexander (incumbent) Andy Balsan (incumbent) Trent Bickley Tom Connett Ashley Henderson Ted Klenske (incumbent) Ian MacDonald

Candidates for Diocesan/Deanery Delegate Vote for one Stewart Crumpler David Turkheimer

2018 Annual Meeting Sunday, March 3, 2019 5:00pm in Ashton Hall

Church of the Good Samaritan 212 W Lancaster Avenue Paoli, Pennsylvania 19301 610-644-4040 www.good-samaritan.org