Military Servants Honored May 25-26

Military servants honored at all services.  There will be a 9:15 coffee in honor of past and present military servants.  Please sign up in the Welcome Center if you can attend the coffee and list the branch of the military in which you served or are serving.  Thank you!  All welcome!

Also addresses for those on our active military prayer list would be appreciated so that we can send a note of encouragement.

Fair Trade Coffee Sale June 1-2

Fair Trade coffee for sale ($7/bag).  The coffee will be available before and after the 5pm service on Saturday and the 8 & 10:30am services on Sunday.  Sponsored by Salem's Global Missions Committee.

Graduation Recognition June 2

A reception in Fellowship Hall in recognition of high school graduates will be held from 9:30-10:15am.

We look forward to celebrating with them this milestone in their life.  All are welcome to attend the reception in their honor.

Summer Choir June 16

You'll enjoy being a part of Salem's Summer Gospel Choir as we prepare fun Gospel favorites for five 10:30 services.  Singers will meet for a half-hour rehearsal in the Choir Room (9:45-10:15am) on the following dates (all ages and voices welcome!):

June 16 and 30
July 14 and 28
August 11

Come as often as you can!  Your voice will be a welcome gift to God and Salem congregation.

Campfirmation Project Donations Needed by June 17

At Confirmation camp this summer, 8th graders will once again make blankets for the place 2b, a drop-in shelter for homeless, displaced, and near-homeless youth in the Quad Cities area.  The place 2b offers a variety of support services to these youth, ranging from housing options to counseling services to academic support.  Find out more about the place 2b at www.theplace2b.org.

Your donations are needed!  Please help with your donation of 2 yards of heavyweight fleece from a bolt that is at least 40" wide.  We also need a few pairs of good, strong scissors.

Please bring your donations to the church no later than Monday, June 17.

Interested in Membership at Salem?

A new member inquiry gathering (for conversation and questions) will be held Sunday, June 23, at 9:15am in Chapel Lounge.  Coffee, juice, and muffins will be provided.  Please come and meet some people from our congregation and any others who may be interested in joining.

Spirit Sunday May 19

Join in the fun for Salem's first Spirit Sunday on May 19, 2013!

9:15am  Last Sunday School w/ games
10:30am  "Mini" GRACE worship
11:10am  "Colors of Grace" (Planting Party on Salem grounds)
12pm  Free hot dog/brat lunch

Everyone welcome - dress informally!  If you are able to plan ahead, thanks for signing up at the Welcome Center or sending an RSVP to Sue@salemlutheransycamore.org.  If not, please come anyway if you can!

In the spirit of Pentecost, Salem is accepting donations of bedding plants dropped off at your convenience the week of May 12, before our Planting Party.  Thanks!

SCRIP Orders Due May 12

The High School Youth Group thanks everyone for your support through your orders of store gift cards.

The funds raised go into our Activity Fund and help us to attend events like National Youth Gathering!

The next SCRIP order is due May 12 with cards available for pick up May 19.

Please check the Welcome Table for updated order forms.

First Communion Class May 5

Salem is offering a class for children in third grade or older and their parents to learn and prepare for sharing in the Lord's Supper.  The class will take place on May 5 from 2-5pm.  First Communion Sunday is May 12 at the 10:30 worship service.  We do ask that children be baptized before participating in Communion.  Please contact Pastor Rob for more information about Baptism or Communion for your child.

Love INC Fundraiser Banquet May 4

Love INC's 4th Annual Fundraiser Banquet

Saturday, May 4

6-8:30pm

St. Mary Memorial Hall, Sycamore

The banquet will be catered by Nat's on Maple.  There will be a program by Salem's Puppet Praise Team and a short ministry report about Love INC.

The banquet is free, but a donation made to Love INC is requested.

Reservations are required.  Salem would like to fill three tables of eight like we did last year.

Please see Sue McMillan in Salem's office (815-895-9171) if you would like to attend.

G.E.M.S. Noon Cookout May 20

G.E.M.S. = Growing Every Member Spiritually
(for those who are 50 years of age or better)
Spouses always welcome!

Monday, May 20, 2013

* Noon cookout in Salem's Fellowship Hall.  Steve Safford will grill pork chops.
* Please bring a dish to share and non-perishable items for Salem's Food Pantry.
* Call Carol Saidat for reservations: 815-899-8383.  Reservations must be made no later than Thursday, May 16!
* This will be the last G.E.M.S. gathering...until we meet up again in September.

Michell Schulz from Kar-Fre Flowers will be presenting the program.  We hope to see you!

GRACE Worship April 21

The 10:30 GRACE worship service on Sunday, April 21 will be sponsored by the Salem Beginners and Kindergarten grades, and children from age 4 through middle school will present the musical, The Amazing Grace Race - In His Steps...In My Shoes!

Salem monthly GRACE worship services are led by Sunday School classes and their families the third Sunday of each month from October through May. Participants prepare prayers, read scripture, lead the creed, share hospitality as ushers and greeters, and sometimes share music they have learned through private lessons or Sunday School.

GRACE worship is a marvelous opportunity for children and youth to grow in worship leadership. Come and experience the gifts they bring.

Thank you for your support of all young people leading worship.

Spring Musical April 20-21

Salem Spring 2013 Children's Musical:
The Amazing Grace Race - In His Steps...In My Shoes!

Presented Sat-Sun, April 20-21 (5pm and 10:30am worship services)

DeKalb County Rehab Presentation
Wednesday, April 24, 6:30pm

The Amazing Grace Race is all about the "race of life" - all believers are participants!  Life is full of mountains and valleys, sharp turns and detours.  The key to running the race successfully?  Strive to follow Jesus' example each and every day.  This musical based on Hebrews 11 and 12 will be brought to life by Salem Creative Arts Ministry.  Mark your calendars and join the journey!  Sponsors for this musical also welcomed.

NIS Women Retreat at LOMC April 20

Northern Illinois Synod Women of the ELCA Retreat
"Two Scoops of Grace with Chuckles on Top"
Bible study led by author Jeanette Levellie
Saturday, April 20, 2013

LOMC
1834 S IL Rt 2
Oregon, IL
Registration deadline: April 4
$35 includes morning coffee, lunch, snacks, and materials (please bring a Bible)

Make checks payable to NISWO and mail to Ruth Anne Hartman, 6522 95th Avenue Ct. W, Taylor Ridge, IL 61284 (309-787-3351).  When you register, please include: name, address, phone number, conference (Salem is in the NE Conference), church name/address, any special needs (diet, physical, etc), and email.  Upon receiving registration a confirmation letter including a map will be sent to you.

G.E.M.S. Noon Luncheon April 17

G.E.M.S. = Growing Every Member Spiritually
For those who are 50 years of age or better
Spouses always welcome!

Wednesday, April 17, 2013
- At Nat's on Maple (restaurant on Maple St. in Sycamore) for noon lunch.
- After lunch, we will all go to the Natural History Museum in Sycamore (across from the State Theater).  There is an elevator at the museum, if you don't do stairs.
- There will be NO admission fee for the museum on Wednesday.
- You WILL pay for your own lunch choices at Nat's.
- Call Carol Saidat for reservations (815-899-8383).  Reservations must be made no later than Friday, April 12.

We hope to see you for a fun afternoon!

Easter Breakfast March 31

We will have an Easter breakfast from 9-10am on Easter Sunday in Fellowship Hall.  The breakfast will be catered by Tom and Jerry's and will consist of three types of egg casseroles: bacon and cheese, sausage and cheese, and vegetarian.  There will also be fruit, muffins, and bagels.  Beverages will consist of juice, coffee, and milk.  The cost will be $5, with one of those dollars a donation to Love INC.  We will need volunteers to help with set up and clean up and to help sell tickets.  There will be a sign-up sheet in the Welcome Center.  If you have any questions please contact Sue in the office.

Holy Week Schedule

Palm Sunday Worship: Sat, March 23 (5pm) & Sun, March 24 (8 & 10:30am)

Maundy Thursday: March 28 (7pm)

Good Friday: March 29 (7pm)

Easter Vigil: Saturday, March 30 (5pm)

Easter Festival Worship: Sunday, March 31 (8 & 10:30am)

Youth Weekend at LOMC March 22-24

High School Youth & 8th Graders Weekend at Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center

- with Rachel Kurtz: singer, songwriter, guitarist, speaker, featured performer at the 2012 National Youth Gathering

March 22-24 with concerts on Friday and Saturday nights, worship on Sunday morning

Early bird cost: $69 before March 1
After March 1: $95

Salem's HS Youth Activity Fund is covering $30 of each participant! Scholarship funds available from Salem Youth Group.  Contact Julie Grendahl for information (julie.g@comcast.net) or pick up a permission form at the Welcome Table.

Easter Garden Orders Due March 18

Altar Guild is taking orders for potted seasonal flowers to place around the altar and on the Easter Cross for Easter Sunday.  Orders will be taken in the narthex before and after church services on March 9-10 and March 16-17.  To order a plant, please fill out an order form and give it to the Altar Guild member in the narthex on those dates, along with your payment.  Make checks payable to Glidden Florist.  You can also drop off or mail your order and payment to the church office any time before Monday, March 18.

If you would like to pick up the plant you ordered after Easter service, be sure to fill out a card with your name and telephone number, or you can donate your plant to a Salem shut-in.

G.E.M.S. Noon Potluck March 18

G.E.M.S. = Growing Every Member Spiritually (for those who are 50 years of age or better)
Spouses always welcome!

Monday, March 18, 2013
Noon potluck in Salem's Fellowship Hall

Please bring a salad - any kind that serves 6-8 (meat, veggie, fruit, pasta)
Everything else is provided by the G.E.M.S. Committee

Don't forget items for Salem's Food Pantry (non-perishables)

Please make reservations now (call Carol Saidat, 815-899-8383).  Let her know what you will be bringing and how many will be attending.

Program: "From Auld (Old) Sod to New Prairie: The Irish in America (Emerald Isle Immigrants)
Presented by Lee Murdoch

Come enjoy an afternoon of Irish pub songs, classic ballads, with a soft instrumental air and vigorous dance tunes from the Emerald Isle.  We look forward to our fellowship together and know you will enjoy the afternoon of lively music and stories.  We'll be looking for you!

Girl Scout Sunday at Salem March 10

March 10 is Girl Scout Sunday.  At our 10:30am service we will recognize and bless the Girl Scouts.  Salem's Girl Scouts will be participating in the service and hosting the 9:15 coffee hour on that day.  Danielle DuBois is the contact person at 815-501-7370.

Congregational Resourcing Event March 9

Northern Illinois Synod
2013 Congregational Resourcing Event
Saturday, March 9
8:30am - 3:15pm
Kishwaukee College
21193 Malta Road, Malta

The keynote speaker will be Rev. Dr. Rafael Malpica-Padilla, the Executive Director of the Global Mission Program Unit of the ELCA.

Registration deadline is February 25.  Contact Salem's office to register if you are interested in attending (815-895-9171).  The fee of $17 per person includes lunch and will be covered by Salem.  Childcare will be available with pre-registration.  Over 39 sessions to choose from, including:

"Social Media Ministry for Congregations"
"Bullying of Youth"
"Care for Returning Veterans"
"The Via De Cristo Method of Building Church Leadership"
"One Body, Many Members: A Journey Across Race, Culture and Class"
"Godly Living in the Golden Years"

Many other sessions from the following interest areas:

* Administration/Council/Treasurers
* Education
* Evangelism/Outreach/Hospitality
* Global/Specialized Mission Trips
* Leadership
* Social Justice
* Spirituality/Prayer/Health & Wellness
* Stewardship
* Technology
* Volunteers
* Worship
* Youth/Family/Children

World Day of Prayer Service March 1

Salem will host Sycamore's World Day of Prayer service Friday morning, March 1, at 9:30am for all people of faith in the surrounding community.  Prepared by the World Day of Prayer Committee of France and the the World Day of Prayer USA Committee, this year's service is entitled "I Was a Stranger and You Welcomed Me."

World Day of Prayer is a worldwide ecumenical movement of women from many faith traditions who come together to observe a common day of prayer each year on the first Friday of March.  Each year a different country serves as the writer of the worship service and various churches in their communities host.  Though written by women with a female lens to justice and social issues, both men and women are welcome at the service.  A free-will offering will be received to benefit the mission of Church Women United, and a coffee fellowship will follow the service.  Salem sponsors include Alice Freier, Heather Jackson, and Jenny Ruff.

As the host church, Salem needs help in the following areas: worship participants (including readers, greeters, and ushers) and a fellowship team (including food donations, servers, and clean up).  If you are interested in helping in any way, please contact Jenny Ruff (815-793-2055) or Sue in the church office (815-895-9171).  There is a sign-up sheet in the Welcome Center if you can help or bring food donations.

Salem G.E.M.S. Noon Potluck February 18

Salem G.E.M.S. - Growing Every Member Spiritually
(for those who are 50 years of age or better)
Spouses always welcome!

Monday, February 18, 2013
Noon potluck in Salem's Fellowship Hall

* G.E.M.S. is now for age 50 "or better"
* bring a casserole or salad (6-8 serving size)
* everything else is provided by the G.E.M.S. Committee
* don't forget items for Salem's Food Pantry
* "last call" for recipes for our G.E.M.S. Cookbook - share your delicious potluck dish recipes!
* please make reservations in a "timely" manner (call Carol Saidat at 815-899-8383).  Let her know what you will be bringing and how many will be attending.

Program: Mary Lou Reeves will present "A Christmas Story in February."  We look forward to a fun afternoon.  See you there!

Shrove Tuesday Dinner/Cake Auction February 12

Look what's just around the corner.  Please put it on your calendar and plan to attend.

Shrove Tuesday Dinner & Cake Auction

Hosted by Salem confirmation guides and students

Tuesday, February 12

Dinner - 6pm ($7 per person suggested donation)

Cake voting period ends - 6:45pm

Cake auction begins - 7pm

Serving: pulled pork sandwiches, chips, veggies, and drink

Plan your cake now!

Cake theme categories:

* Living Christ's Love

* Salem's Favorites

* TV & Tech

* Sports/Games

* Food for Thought

* God's Creatures

* 10 & Under (all entries in this category will win a prize!)

Plus, you can bid to "pie" someone.  The options could be Pastor Rob, a guide...or someone else!

Funds raised will be split between the Peter Eide concert in December 2013 and Safe Passage.

Lenten Soup Supper Sponsors Needed

Would you like to raise funds for one of Salem's ministries?  Sponsor a Soup Supper this Lenten season!

Salem Lenten Soup Suppers are scheduled for Wednesdays during Lent.  Ask a few people to join you, your family, or your group in sponsoring a soup supper.

As a host for a supper, you will provide 8-10 gallons of soup (varied kinds), beverages, and willing hands to clean up and serve (from 5:30 - 6:45pm) prior to the 7pm worship service.  A free-will offering is received and can be designated to the Salem fund of your choice.  The people dining bring breads, crackers, or desserts to share.  Lent will soon be upon us!  Sign up in the Welcome Center to host a night.

Boy Scout Sunday at Salem February 3

A scout is reverent!  The Boy Scouts of America designates February 3, 2013 as Scout Sunday, which is the primary date to recognize the contributions of young people and adults to Scouting.  BSA Troop 2810 will participate in Scout Sunday on February 3 at the 10:30am service celebrating this special day at Salem Lutheran Church.

Troop 2810, chartered and hosted by Salem Lutheran Church, begins its third year as a troop.  Troop 2810 offers a huge variety of outdoor skills.  While they are a young troop, here is over 28 years of leadership and experience combined.

The mission of Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetime by instilling the values of the Scout Oath and Law.  Boys ages 11-17 eager to have fun and adventure, looking for leadership opportunities, want to enjoy new friendships and more are encouraged to join Troop 2810.  Boy Scouting is a program designed to develop self-confidence, leadership, teamwork, respect, and outdoor skills with fun activities including camping, hiking, High Adventure opportunities, community service, summer camp, and many other events.

Troop 2810 meets Monday evenings from 6:30-8pm at Salem.  For more information about BSA Troop 2810, please contact committee chair Connie Handel or Scoutmaster Terry Handel at 815-895-6953 or via email at trailtoeagle@comcast.net.

Meals on Wheels Volunteers Needed

February is Salem's month to furnish volunteers to deliver "Meals on Wheels" to Sycamore shut-ins for the Voluntary Action Center.  Salem furnishes two volunteers a day for each of three Sycamore routes (West, Central, and East) each weekday in February.  It usually only takes from 11am-12:30pm.  Your help is appreciated.  Please call Salem's office (815-895-9171) to volunteer.

Salem G.E.M.S. Noon Potluck January 21

G.E.M.S. - Growing Every Member Spiritually
(For those who are 60 years of age or better)
Spouses always welcome

Monday, January 21, 2013

Noon potluck in Salem's Fellowship Hall

Sloppy Joe sandwiches provided.
Please bring one of the following: vegetable, salad, dessert.
Make your reservation now through January 18 by calling Carol Saidat (815-899-8383).
Don't forget to bring non-perishable items for Salem's Food Pantry.

Program: "Fun & Games"

See you for fun and fellowship!

LYO/LOMC Ski Trip January 21

LYO (Lutheran Youth Organization) and LOMC (Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center) invite all junior high and senior high youth to a ski trip at Chestnut Mountain, Galena, on Monday, January 21.  The cost is $45 (lift/lesson/rental of skis or snowboard) or $25 (lift only).  Meals are $10.  If interested, contact Julie Grendahl (815-741-3714) by January 10.  Funds are available to help with costs.  Friends are welcome.  Parents/adults: We need drivers, someone who likes to ski or hang out with a good book in a warm place.  Please call if you can volunteer.

Congregational Meeting January 20

The annual congregational meeting of Salem Lutheran Church will be held on Sunday, January 20, in Fellowship Hall.  (The following Sunday will be the back-up date in case of a snow cancellation).  The meeting will start at 12:45pm, preceded by a luncheon starting at noon.  Food will be provided with the congregation asked to bring salads or desserts.  There is a sign-up sheet in the Welcome Center to sign up to bring either a salad or a dessert.  Child care will be available.

All Salem members are strongly encouraged to attend our annual meeting as we look back at last year and plan for the new year.  God has great plans for Salem in 2013 as we continue learning to "Live Christ's Love" together.

Epiphany Worship January 5-6

Come and worship in celebration!  Don't forget we collect new children's clothing for Hope Haven this weekend in remembrance of the gifts the Magi brought to baby Jesus.

Advent and Christmas Eve Worship Schedule

The four weekends of Advent are December 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, and 22-23.  Families and individuals who would enjoy lighting Salem's Advent wreath and leading the Advent prayer are invited to sign up for a service at the Welcome Center table.  The prayer to read and instructions will be sent the week ahead. A minimum of two people are needed for each service.

On each Wednesday in December before Christmas (December 5, 12, and 19), there will be an Advent service, "Prayer of Hope for the Nations," at 7pm.

On Christmas Eve, there will be candlelight worship services at 4pm, 7pm, and 11pm.

On Christmas Day, there will be no services and the office will be closed.

Salem G.E.M.S. Noon Potluck December 17

G.E.M.S. - Growing Every Member Spiritually
(For those who are 60 years of age or better)
Spouses always welcome

Monday, December 17, 2012

Noon potluck in Salem's Fellowship Hall:
- Please bring one of the following: vegetable, salad, dessert
- Make your reservation (call Carol Saidat, 815-899-8383)
- Don't forget to bring non-perishable items for Salem's Food Pantry and recipes for the G.E.M.S. Cookbook.

Program: "The Music of Christmas," by Ron and Carla Vanatta

We look forward to a festive time together as we celebrate this Holy Season.

Christmas Program December 16

This year's Christmas Program will be presented by the Beginners through 5th Grade Sunday School Students on December 16 at the 10:30 service.  O Little Christmas Town, by Tina English, centers on God's ultimate plan for the town of Bethlehem.  At times the dialogue is lighthearted, and at other times incredibly profound, as the citizens of Bethlehem share the news of the Messiah's birth.  The music which accompanies the story combines new melodies as well as familiar carols.  What a wonderful way to celebrate the Christmas season!

Northeast Conference Meeting December 11

Can you help?  On Tuesday, December 11, Salem staff will host the Northeast Conference of rostered leaders.  Our guests will arrive around 9:30am and be here in worship and conversation until noon.

We would like a few of our wonderful members to bring some munchies to serve.  Fruit, muffins, bagels and cream cheese, and juice are examples.  We will also serve coffee.  Please sign up in the Welcome Center if you can help us out and so we will know what we'll have to serve our guests.

Poinsettia Orders Due December 10

Watch for the poinsettia order forms in the announcements for December 1-2 and 8-9.  The poinsettias are $19.50 each with checks made payable to "Glidden Florist."  Altar Guild members will take orders on the above weekends following each worship service.  If you will not be at church on those weekends, please call Jeanne Johnston (815-761-6823).  Orders are due by Monday, December 10 and placed through Jeanne to get the church discount.

Place Your SCRIP Order December 9

Ho Ho Ho!  It's time for Christmas gifts!

Shop at our gift card fundraiser.

Place order December 9; pick up order December 16.
Order forms and information at Welcome Table.

Profits benefit High School Youth Group!

Julie Grendahl (815-761-3714, julie.g@comcast.net)

Angel Tree Gifts Due December 9

Salem's tradition of giving Good Deed Gifts for Avancer Group Homes will continue this Christmas season.

The Good Deed Angel Tree will be put in place on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, November 18.  Anyone wishing to participate can take an angel from the tree with the name of a client at Avancer.  All of the Avancer residents have special challenges, some physically, some developmentally, and all of them could use a little cheering up during the holiday season.

The angels this year will be made from a page from one of Salem's older, unused hymn books and can be kept as a reminder of the season.  There will be a sign-up sheet near the tree after you choose an angel.

The gifts should be returned to Salem by December 9.  Please box and wrap the gifts and securely attach the Sticky Tag to them.  If you should have more than one gift for a person, please make sure they're all tied together securely and labeled well so they will all get to your person.

The Promise of Light December 8-9

The Promise of Light

A Christmas Music by Joel Raney
Celebrating God's Gift of Eternal Light

Saturday, December 8, 5pm
Sunday, December 9, 10:30am

Traditional Christmas carols masterfully blended with original music tell the timeless story of the birth of Christ, the light of the world.  Come for this celebration in song.

The Promise of Light features Salem Adult, Youth, and Children's Voices with an instrumental ensemble of Sounds of Grace Bells, Denny Vaupel (synthesizer), Brandon Weber (bass guitar), Michael Kasper (percussion), and Ron and Todd Vanatta (4-hand piano).

Thanksgiving Eve Worship November 21

Salem Thanksgiving Eve Worship
Wednesday, November 21 - 7pm
Come, you thankful people, come!

Personal care products (shampoo, toothpaste, etc) will be collected to share with the clients of our Food Pantry.  Come for an hour of festive praise and Holy Communion; enjoy a piece of pie after worship!

Salem G.E.M.S. Noon Potluck November 19

G.E.M.S. - Growing Every Member Spiritually
(for those who are 60 years of age or better)

Monday, November 19, 2012
Noon potluck in Salem's Fellowship Hall
Our speaker will be Jerry Malmassari on "Workings of the Pumpkinfest."

- Please bring a dish to pass (vegetable, salad, or dessert)

- Make your reservations now through Thursday, November 17.  Call Carol Saidat (815-899-8383).

- Please continue to bring items for Salem's Food Pantry and recipes for the G.E.M.S. cookbook.

- Spouses are always welcome!

Looking forward to fun and fellowship!

Special Congregational Meeting November 18

A Special Congregational Meeting will be held on Sunday, November 18 at noon in Fellowship Hall.  The sole purpose of this meeting is to answer the question, "Shall Salem Lutheran Church sanction ceremonies for the solemnization of civil unions as defined by Illinois law?"  At the meeting the question will be read and explained.  Those wishing to speak at this meeting will be asked to sign up prior to the start of the meeting.

All Salem voting members are strongly encouraged to attend.

FMSC Event November 15-16

Make a Difference 2K12 is a DeKalb County MobilePack Event hosted in Sycamore that works through Feed My Starving Children.  FMSC meals reach starving children in nearly 70 countries around the globe.  Each meal packed costs 22 cents and provides essential nutrients for a starving child.

Save the dates!  Salem packs: 11/15 (6-8pm) & 11/16 (7-9pm)

All Saints' Candle-Lighting November 3-4

Saturday, November 3 - 5pm
Sunday, November 4 - 8 & 10:30am

Join us for worship All Saints' Weekend as we celebrate the lives of those who have died in Christ within the past year from our congregation and community, as well as those who remain close to our hearts from times past.  A candle will be carried in for each person honored as a bell is rung in his or her memory.  At the conclusion of this ceremony, the congregation as a whole will be invited to light a candle in memory of loved ones.

Pumpkin Polka Fest October 27

Join us for Pumpkin Polka Fest "accordion" to Luther!

Saturday, October 27, 2012
Fellowship Hall - 6:30pm
featuring Dick Grzywa & Kathy Kozlowski of Old Time Music

The cost is $3 per person or a maximum of $12 per family!  Bring your family and invite your friends to help us celebrate Reformation!  BBQ sandwiches, chips, and drinks are provided.  Sign up to bring a salad or dessert when you purchase your tickets.  Ticket sales will be from September 30 to October 21.  Don't forget your dancing shoes!

Interested in Membership at Salem?

A new member inquiry gathering (with time for conversation and questions) will be held Sunday, October 21, from 5-7pm in Fellowship Hall.  Dinner and child care will be provided.  If you like to attend, please call Salem's office (815-895-9171) and let us know how many will be attending.

Global Missions Weekend October 20-21

October 20-21 is Global Missions Weekend.  Pastor Gary Erickson from Bethlehem Lutheran Church will be our guest pastor for the weekend.  Pastor Gary was among the group from the Northern Illinois Synod who traveled to Tanzania this summer and was able to visit with our brothers and sisters at the Kijenge and Nijero parishes.

Please join us for worship and the coffee hour between services to hear about the trip and stay connected with our companion congregation.  Keep the UDUGU (lifelong partnership) alive!

Civil Union Forum #2 October 14-20

Forum #2 will provide opportunity for Salem members to share their opinions on this question.  Forum #2 sessions will be held at the following times and places:

Sunday, October 14, 9:15am - Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, October 17, 6:30pm - Chapel Lounge
Saturday, October 20, 6pm - Chapel Lounge

It is expected that Forum #2 sessions will last a maximum of one hour.  Of course, you should feel free to attend all three sessions if your schedule allows.

Writing Circle Meets October 14

Explore and express your faith with the encouragement of others.  A local ecumenical Christian Writing Circle has been meeting once a month for over a year now.  But we are eager to involve more Christians of every age and church denomination.  We share our writing and get inspiring feedback from one another and will soon be posting our works on our own new website.  The Writing Circle meets again on Sunday, October 14 from 4-5:30pm at Heatherhope Farm, the home of Pastor John and Connie Seraphine, 22417 Airport Road in rural Sycamore, between Barber Greene and Bethany.  Sharing faith-based writing is a great way to grow and to share God's blessings with others.  You won't regret giving it a try.  Why not bring a friend as well!  If you plan to join us, or if you just need more information, please phone the Seraphines at 815-895-9736 or email them at heatherhopefarm@gmail.com.  For directions to the farm visit the website, heatherhopefarm.com and click on the "directions" tab at the top of any page.