Annual Congregational Meeting January 25

The annual congregational meeting of Salem Lutheran Church will be held on Sunday, January 25, 2015 in our Fellowship Hall. Our meeting will start promptly at 12:45pm. The meeting will be preceded by a shared meal starting with a prayer at noon. The main course and drinks will be provided.

Members are asked to bring salads or desserts. There is a sign-up sheet in the Welcome Center to let us know which you will be bringing. Child care will be provided during the time of our meeting.

(The following Wednesday, January 28, will be the backup date in case of postponement due to adverse weather or some other circumstance. If needed, the meeting will start at 7pm with the dinner starting at 6:15pm.)

Salem Creative Arts Ministries Welcome New Participants

Salem Creative Arts Ministries welcome new participants at any time! See the schedule below and consider adding your gift of music in the new year!

Cherubs (singers 4 years old through 1st grade)
Wednesdays 4:30-5:15pm - Choir Room

Choristers (singers in 2nd-5th grades)
Wednesdays 6-6:45pm - Choir Room

Celebration Voices (adult or HS singers)
Wednesdays 7:15-8:30pm - Choir Room

Puppet Praise (5th grade and up youth and adult puppeteers)
Thursdays 6:15-7:15pm - Choir Room

Sounds of Grace Bells (6th grade and up youth and adult ringers)
Thursdays 7:30-8:30 pm - Balcony

Salem Praise Team (adults and HS youth)
Saturdays 8:30-9:30am once a month - Sanctuary

Special Congregational Meeting January 18

A Special Congregational Meeting of Salem Lutheran Church will be held on Sunday, January 18 for the purpose of voting on issuing a call to a candidate for the position of resident Pastor of Salem. The Council has interviewed this candidate and feels that the Pastor's personality, strengths, and interests match very well with Salem's wants and needs. The Pastor agrees and is excited about the possibility of becoming the next Pastor of Salem.

The Special Congregational Meeting will start promptly at 6pm in Fellowship Hall. The Pastor will be introduced. Following a time of devotion and dialogue with the Pastor, the congregation will discuss and then vote on whether to issue a call to this pastor. Child care will be available during the time of the meeting.

Preceding the meeting, there will be a meal at 5pm. The main course and beverages will be provided. Members of the congregation are asked to bring a side dish or dessert to share. Please sign up on the sheets in the Welcome Center if you can bring some food or provide some help.

All voting members of Salem are strongly encouraged to attend this important meeting on Sunday, January 18. All members of Salem Lutheran Church will receive a letter in the mail concerning the Special Congregational Meeting.

GRACE Service January 18

Led by grades K, 1, and 2

Salem monthly GRACE worship services are led by Sunday School classes and their families the third Sunday of each month at the 10:30 service 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.

Epiphany Celebration January 3-4

The Epiphany services will be held on Saturday, January 4 and Sunday, January 5. Watch for the Salem Puppet Praise Team's Epiphany skit at the 10:30am service. Come to celebrate God's gift of light in Jesus!

Christmas Eve Candlelight Services - 4pm/6pm/11pm

Christmas Eve Candlelight Services
Wednesday, December 24

4pm: Family-centered
6pm: Meditative Lessons & Carols
11pm: Festive Worship to welcome Christmas

All services will include candle-lighting and communion.

Mid-Week Advent Service December 17

Mid-Week Advent - a Season of Expectation and Hope

7pm Wednesday, December 3, 10, & 17

Plan to worship at the Mid-Week Advent Service.

G.E.M.S. Noon Potluck December 15

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

Music of the Season, by Ron & Carla Vanatta
Monday, December 15, in Salem's Fellowship Hall

* Noon potluck
* Roast turkey breast will be provided.  Please bring a dish to share.
* Don't forget donations of non-perishable items for Salem's Food Pantry.
* Please make a reservation by Friday, December 12.  Call Carol at 815-899-8383.

We look forward to seeing you and enjoying an afternoon of good food, fellowship, and beautiful music.  Spouses are always welcome.

Poinsettia Orders Deadline December 14

It is time to order Christmas poinsettias to decorate Salem's sanctuary during the holiday season.  Altar guild members will take orders in the narthex following each worship service on December 6-7 and 13-14.  The poinsettias are $19.50 each and checks should be made payable to Glidden Florist.

Sunday School Christmas Program December 14

Salem Sunday School children grades Beginners through 5th are working hard learning and practicing for a Christmas program, The Christmas Present, by Pam Andrews.  They will be presenting the program on December 14 at the 10:30am Grace service.  Please mark your calendars and start inviting family and friends.  The children are excited and looking forward to sharing this special morning with you!

Christmas Cantata December 6-7

Please join us for an Advent presentation of:

Love Came Down at Christmas
A Musical Cantata Celebrating God's Gifts of Hope, Peace, Joy & Love at Jesus' Birth

Written by Joel Raney, presented by Salem Creative Arts Ministry for:

5pm Worship - Saturday, December 6
10:30am Worship - Sunday, December 7

* A Singing Memorial gifted in memory of Shirley Miller by her daughter, Cindy Graves

"Love came down at Christmas, Love all lovely, Love Divine,
Love was born at Christmas, Star and Angels gave the sign.
Worship we the Godhead, Love Incarnate, Love Divine,
Worship we our Jesus, But wherewith for sacred sign?
Love shall be our token, Love shall be yours and love be mine,
Love to God and all men, Love for plea and gift and sign."  - Christina Rossetti, 1885

Help Grace Place at NIU Celebrate the Christmas Season

Grace Place at NIU will host a Christmas Meal for students on December 3.  Grace Place will provide roast beef and ask if members of Salem would be willing to supply side dishes for 20-25 people.  They suggest traditional things like a salad, mashed potatoes and gravy, green bean casserole, and dessert.  If you are willing to help by providing a side dish, please contact Jenny Ruff at 815-793-2055 or call Salem's church office.

Food Basket Challenge Begins November 29

You may have heard about the popular Ice Bucket Challenge for ALS.  Instead, Salem will be doing a Food Basket Challenge.  From November 29 through February 15 at each worship service one member family will challenge another member family to bring a basket full of food the next week, so each weekend six families will be involved.  This food raiser is to help DeKalb County families that need Salem's Food Pantry and is part of Salem's "God's Work, Our Hands" activities.

Thanksgiving Eve Worship November 26

Come, You Thankful People, Come!

Wednesday, November 26

Thanksgiving Eve Worship @ 7pm
Pie & Coffee in Fellowship Hall @ 8pm

Gifts of non-perishable foods and personal care products invited to stock Salem Food Pantry.

Pie donations and servers invited!  Sign up in the Welcome Center!

Christ the King Celebration and Commitment Weekend November 22-23

Cards for committing to support Salem's many ministries will be mailed around November 10.  Please join us in celebrating our ministry and growing in discipleship by filling out those stewardship commitment cards which will be received during all worship services.  They may also be mailed to the church office.

Salem Healing Services November 8-9

From time to time Salem has offered specific services of healing and prayer.  Salem will offer healing rites at all worship hours (Saturday 5pm, Sunday 8am & 10:30am) on November 8-9.  Those who wish may come to the altar for anointing, laying on of hands, and prayer.  A prayer station offering candle lighting and silent prayer will also be available.  Each worshipper may partake of both prayer offered for them at the altar and/or a personal offering of prayer at the candle-lighting area.  We come to the Lord seeking healing for so many areas of our lives: our health, our relationships, our attitudes.  All are welcome.

All Saints' Candle-Lighting November 1-2

Saturday, November 1 - 5pm
Sunday, November 2 - 8am/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 their memory.  During the Hymn of the Day, the congregation will be invited to bring a lighted candle forward in memory of loved ones who have died.

Singers and Instrumentalists Invited!

Love Came Down at Christmas
A Cantata Celebrating God's Hope, Peace, Joy & Love
Written by Joel Raney, presented by Salem Creative Arts
5pm Saturday, December 6
10:30am Sunday, December 7

Calling all singers and instrumentalists!  Be a part of this lovely musical celebration of God's greatest gift, Jesus Christ.  Composer Joel Raney weaves phrases of an original Rossetti poem with carols old and new.  November Wednesday and Sunday evening group rehearsals are scheduled below.  Music scores and rehearsal CDs are available for home practice.

8:00-8:45pm Wednesdays - Choir Room
October 29, November 5, 12, 19

6:00-7:30pm Sundays - Sanctuary
November 9, 16, 23, 30

7:30-8:30pm Final Rehearsal - Sanctuary
Wednesday, December 3

Please contact Carla Vanatta at 815-895-9171 (church), 815-895-8521 (cell), or Carla@salemlutheransycamore.org to participate.  Thank you!

Confirmation Pie Fundraiser During October

The annual Confirmation Pie Fundraiser is underway!  See any confirmation student to place an order.  Students will be in the Welcome Center on Saturday and Sunday before and after worship times through the month of October.  Order now!  The delivery date is Saturday, November 22.  Questions?  Contact Brenda Jones at 815-970-1318.

St. Michael and All Angels September 27-28

Bring an angel to worship!

Adult Study Begins September 21

A weekly Sunday Bible study discussing David Lose's book called Making Sense of the Cross will begin on Bring Your Bible Weekend, September 21, and last through mid-November.  Please bring your Bible.  The cost of the book (if able to pay) is $12.  Come on any Sunday!

Presentation of Bibles September 21

Dear Parents,

Salem's congregation promises to support you in the raising of your children in the Christian faith.  As part of this support, during worship, we will place in your hands Bibles, appropriate for your child's age, which you can give and share with your child.  Our prayer is that these Bibles will encourage you and your children to grow in faith together.

Parents of 3-Year-Olds:
Please come to Sunday School with your child on September 21.  We will introduce you to your new Bible and play Bible games with your children.

Parents of 3rd Grade Class:
Bible Workshop for you and your children is September 21 at 9:15 during Sunday School to introduce you to your new Bibles with games and activities!

All parents of 3-Year-Olds and 3rd Graders:
Please RSVP to church office with your child's name as you want it printed in the Bible (Sue@salemlutheransycamore.org).

Please contact Julie Grendahl with any questions regarding the Bible Presentation and Workshop (Julie.Grendahl@gmail.com).

G.E.M.S. Picnic September 15

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

Monday, September 15, 2014 - Picnic

* Noon
* Bring your own sack lunch
* Beverages and dessert will be provided
* We will meet at the Old North Grove School, off of Brickville Rd.
* Please make reservations by Sunday, September 14, so we can set up as needed.  Call Carol Saidat @ 815-899-8383.

Come and enjoy an afternoon of fellowship on the grounds of the Historic Old North Grove School, off Brickville Rd.  Carole Lichty will share the history/give tours of the historic school.  If there's a question about the weather that day, call Sue in the church office (815-895-9171)...she will tell you of any change to meet in Salem's Fellowship Hall.  We hope for a beautiful fall day to enjoy the out-of-doors and fellowship...an afternoon in the country.

Looking forward to seeing you!

Confirmation Service September 14

Reception for confirmands/confirmation photos - 9:15am

Confirmation service - 10:30am

"Mountains of Praise!" Begins September 10-11

Coming this fall...

"Mountains of Praise!"
2014-15 Salem Creative Arts Season

Choirs begin Wednesday, September 10
Puppets/Bells begin Thursday, September 11

Please share your gift of praise and register for Salem Creative Arts online at www.salemsycamore.org or at Salem's Lower Level Display this August.

New to puppets?
Intro to Puppets
Thursday, September 11, 5:30pm

New to bells?
Intro to Handbells
Thursday, September 11, 7pm


Cherubs (singers 4 years old through 1st grade)
Wednesdays, 4:30-5:15pm - Choir Room

Choristers (singers in 2nd-5th grades)
Wednesdays, 6:00-6:45pm - Choir Room

Disciple Song (singers in 6th-12th grades)
Wednesdays, 6:15-6:45pm - Sanctuary

Celebration Voices (adult or HS singers)
Wednesdays, 7:15-8:30pm - Choir Room

Puppet Praise (grade 5 and up youth and adult puppeteers)
Thursdays, 6:15-7:15pm - Choir Room

Sounds of Grace Bells (grade 6 and up youth and adult ringers)
Thursdays, 7:30-8:30pm - Balcony

Salem Praise Team (adults and HS youth)
Saturdays 8:30-9:30am once a month - Sanctuary

First Night of Confirmation September 10

Confirmation, a program of learning, fun, and service is starting up.  All 6th, 7th, and 8th graders are welcome.  Please come on Rally Day to register.  Sixth graders will receive their backpacks then.  First night of Confirmation is September 10, 7-8:30pm, in Fellowship Hall.

Rally Day September 7

You're invited to Salem Rally Day festivities!

Sunday, September 7 - 9:15am, Fellowship Hall

Introducing Salem's 2014-2015 Sunday School theme: Bible FUN-damentals!

* Food

* Fun music by Bill and Brandon

* Puppets

* Registration for Sunday School, Confirmation, and Creative Arts

* Dedication of leaders

* Brief family worship

Children who have attained 3 years of age by September 1 and are potty trained are invited to Beginner Sunday School.  Classes are available for all children through 8th grade.

Please bring a gift of pastries, fruit, fruit juice, or milk to share - sign up sheets are on the Welcome Center Table - AND a special offering of toothbrushes and toothpaste from your family for Salem Food Pantry.  Thanks!

NOTE: 5pm and 8am Sept 6/7 worship will be traditional; 9:15 Rally Day festivities Sept 7 include simplified family worship, so there will be no 10:30 service.

Summer Choir August 31

Come be a part of Salem's summer choir this August!  Singers meet for a half-hour rehearsal in the Choir Room, 9:45-10:15 a.m., and sing for 10:30 worship on August 3 and August 31.  Thanks!  Your voice will be a welcome gift to God and Salem!

Blessing of Daily Labor August 30-31

Come to church in your work clothes and bring a symbol of your work to be blessed.

College Scholarship Applications Due August 15

Salem students who will be attending a Lutheran-affiliated college this upcoming school year may submit an application for a scholarship to the Trust Fund by August 15, 2014.  This scholarship is administered by the Trust Fund, but is made available by an endowment fund established by the former WELCA organization.  Students should submit a letter of request to the Trust Fund that includes the name of the college they will be attending, their class level in the fall, and a brief statement as to how this scholarship will help them.

It is anticipated the Trust Fund will review requests and then distribute scholarships proportionately based on the monies that are available for distribution.  Students should expect announcement of scholarships prior to September 1, 2014.

Special Congregational Meeting July 2

A Special Congregational Meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 2, 2014 for the purpose of voting on issuing a call to a candidate for the position of resident Pastor of Salem.

The Special Congregational Meeting will start promptly at 6:45pm in Fellowship Hall.  The Pastor and spouse will be introduced.  Following a time of devotion and dialogue with the Pastor, the congregation will vote on whether to issue a call to this pastor.

Preceding the meeting, there will be a meal at 6pm.  The entree and beverages will be provided.  Members of the congregation are asked to bring a side dish or dessert to share.

All voting members of Salem are strongly encouraged to attend this important meeting on Wednesday, July 2.

All members of Salem Lutheran Church should have received a letter in the mail concerning the Special Congregational Meeting.

"Old" North Grove School Days Bake Sale Sign-Up June 28

Salem congregation has been asked to provide baked goods in light of our history with Old North Grove School.  Any kind of bar, cookie, pie, bread, or cake is welcome and may be packaged either whole or in individual servings and brought to the school at 26745 Brickville Rd., Sycamore around 10am Saturday, June 28.  Thank you!

NIS Assembly & Support for Nachusa Lutheran Home June 13-14

The 27th Annual Northern Illinois Synod Assembly will be held June 13-14, 2014 at Augustana College in Rock Island.  Special guests include Churchwide representative, The Rev. Linda Norman, ELCA treasurer; Bible study leader, The Rev. Dr. Kurt Hendel; and the well-loved band, Lost and Found.  Register online and find out more at nisynod.org/assembly.

Continuing the emphasis on supporting the needs of disadvantaged children in Illinois, this year's assembly in-kind offering will benefit the children receiving services at Nachusa Lutheran Home, a ministry of Lutheran Social Services of Illinois.  Items will be collected in the lobby of Centennial Hall at Augustana College during registration.  Nachusa Lutheran Home hosts two residential facilities.  Choices, an adolescent substance abuse program, assists youth who are struggling with drug-related issues and Youth Emergency Shelter, or YES, provides a temporary home to youth involved in the DCFS system who are awaiting permanent placement.

Items needed:

* Bath towels (preferably NOT white)

* Washcloths

* Twin sheets

* Pillows/cases

* Comforters

Salem delegates will gladly bring gifts of bedding and towels from the congregation's members to the Synod Assembly this June.  Simply bring any contributions to the church office before June 13.

Pentecost Celebration June 7-8

Pentecost is a day to celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit and the Birthday of the Church.  Pentecost will be celebrated at June 7-8 Salem worship services.

Congregation members are encouraged to wear red clothing, the color of the day, and bring red geraniums or bedding plants to decorate the sanctuary.  The flowers will then be planted on the grounds.  Please add your name to the sign-up sheet in the Welcome Center if you can bring bedding plants.

We're also inviting readers to share Acts 2:1-21 in several languages to give the impression of what it was like the Day of Pentecost when people began speaking in various tongues.  If you can read in another language and would like to participate, please sign up at the Welcome Center table for one or more services.  If you need the scripture translation provided, please indicate that as well.

Thank you!

High School Senior Recognition June 1

At the 10:30 service we recognize the milestone of moving from high school into a new phase of their life journey with a gift and blessing.  There will be refreshments in the Narthex following the service.

G.E.M.S. Noon Luncheon May 19

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

G.E.M.S. will share a noon potluck lunch in Salem's Fellowship Hall on Monday, May 19.  Pork chops on the grill will be provided.  Please bring a dish to pass.  Don't forget to bring non-perishables for Salem's Food Pantry!  Call Carol Saidat at 815-899-8383.  We need your reservation so we can plan how many chops to prepare.  This will be our last gathering before the summer months.  Hope to see you!

Grief Support Group May 18

People who have lost a loved one need a safe place to grieve.  The Grief Group is meeting Sunday, May 18 from 3-4:30pm in Chapel Lounge.  Our discussions are confidential.

Our hope and prayer is that grieving people find comfort from being in the company of others who are also on a grief journey and who understand.  No registration, no cost.

All are welcome!

If you have any questions, please call Phyllis (815-895-3650), Carole (815-899-6116), or Judy (815-756-4205).

"Making Sense of the Cross" Beginning May 4

Weekly adult study
Sundays @ 9:15am
Chapel Lounge
Beginning May 4

"Making Sense of the Cross" is written by David Lose and is used for the study.  The cost of the book (if able to pay) is $12.  Please bring your Bible also.  Come on any Sunday!

50+ Year Member Recognition & Reception May 3-4

As Salem marked 144 years of ministry April 4, 2014, we give thanks for all God's servants and offer special recognition to those with 50 or more years of membership since their confirmation or transfer date.  They will be honored with a 9:15am Coffee and blessing at all worship services May 3-4.  Please join us to express your appreciation and support.

Team Building Training April 27

Salem's Congregation Council is offering team development and team building training for all individuals, committees, and other groups at Salem.

These trainings are for all of Salem's disciples - whether a member of a committee, work group, confirmation guide, Sunday school teacher, or serve in any way to support Salem's programs and/or outreach as we do our best to "Live Christ's Love."

Team development, function, and responsibilities will be the focus of the trainings from 6-9pm on Monday, March 31 and 1-4pm on Sunday, April 6.  These dates will be the same training so choose the one most convenient for you to help to understand what makes a team effective in accomplishing its goals.

You are also urged to attend a team building workshop on Sunday, April 27, from 2-5pm.  This session is specifically designed to help the discipleship teams put into practice and build on the information learned in the first sessions.

These sessions will be led by Jim Dykehouse, who has done many of these trainings for the Illinois Education Association, for whom he works.  Jim provided team training to help our current Call Committee.

Please come, enjoy, and learn how we, as disciples at Salem might be able to function more effectively as we reach out to others and spread the Good News of Christ's love.

Easter Sunday Breakfast April 20

Fellowship Hall
9:15-10:15am

Tickets ($6) are available from the office or between services on Sundays.  Food donations are welcome (see the list in the Welcome Center).  Proceeds to benefit Salem's Food Pantry.

Menu:

Egg Casserole (choice of bacon/sausage/vegetable)
Breakfast potato
Fresh fruit
Pastries/assorted muffins
Bagels & cream cheese
Coffee/milk/apple juice/orange juice/cranberry juice

Holy Week Worship Schedule

Saturday, April 12 - Palm Sunday Worship, 5pm

Sunday, April 13 - Palm Sunday Worship, 8 & 10:30am

                              Celebration of First Communion, 10:30am

Thursday, April 17 - Maundy Thursday, 7pm

Friday, April 18 - Good Friday, 7pm

Saturday, April 19 - Easter Vigil, 5pm

Sunday, April 20 - Easter Festival Worship, 8 & 10:30am

                              Easter Breakfast, 9:15-10:15am

Donate Your Used Shoes Through April 17

Collection Dates:
Kickoff: Ash Wednesday, March 5 until we...
Tie It Up: Maundy Thursday, April 17

Salem's confirmation students invite you to donate your used shoes.  Simply drop off your gently worn or new shoes (any kind, any size) in the Welcome Center.  Your extra pair of shoes could be someone's first.  Please step up and help us reach our goal of 2300 pairs!  We'll complete this project by delivering donations to the Share Your Soles warehouse in Alsip, IL and volunteering there for a day.

Celebration of First Communion April 13

Palm Sunday, April 13
9:15 Coffee Hour Reception
10:30 First Communion Worship Service

Salem's congregation and friends are invited to join in the welcome and celebration of our youth participating in their First Communion.

Easter Garden Orders Due April 7

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 29-30 and April 5-6.  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, April 7.

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.

Sandwich Drive Thru March 29

On Saturday, March 29, Salem will host a Love INC "Deep Fried Turkey Sandwich" Drive Thru from noon-2pm.  Stop by and pick up several sandwiches on your way home!  No tickets are needed.

G.E.M.S. Noon Potluck March 17

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

G.E.M.S. will hold a noon potluck in Salem's Fellowship Hall on Monday, March 17.  Please bring a dish to share.  Reuben sandwiches will be served by the committee.  Make your reservations in a timely manner.  Call Carol Saidat at 815-899-8383.  Don't forget to bring non-perishables for Salem's Food Pantry.  Hope to see you!

First Communion Class March 16

Fellowship Hall
2-5pm

We welcome children in 3rd grade and older to join us along with their parents or other special adult to grow in faith together as the children prepare for their First Communion.

If you are interested in your child attending class, please call the church office to register.  Salem asks that those who take communion be baptized.  If your child is not baptized, please speak with Pastor Rob.

Girl Scout Sunday March 16

March 16 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.  The Brownies will be singing some of their favorite Girl Scout songs during the coffee hour.  There will also be some awards presented that girls have recently earned.  There will be scrapbooks that will be displayed to show what the troop has done over the years.  The Girl Scouts will have a small number of Girl Scout cookies available for sale as well.  Danielle DuBois is the contact person (815-501-7370).

Sponsor a Soup Supper!

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

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

As a sponsor 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 ministry 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 or call the office to host a night.

"Are We There Yet?" March 8-9

Please join us for...
Are We There Yet?
The Story of Moses & the Exodus

March 8 - 5:00 worship
March 9 - 10:30 worship
The First Weekend of Lent

Brought to you by Salem Sunday School and Creative Arts Ministries

Songs:
Down in Egypt's Land
The Burning Bush
The Ten Plagues
The Red Sea Crossing
Song at the Seaside
The Whining Song
The Ten Commandments
A Golden Calf
Prayer of Moses
The Promised Land

Congregational Resourcing Event March 8

The 2014 Northern Illinois Synod Congregational Resourcing Event will be Saturday, March 8 at Kishwaukee Community College in Malta, IL.  Sponsored by the Northern Illinois Synod Congregational Life Committee, the Congregational Resourcing Event is one of this synod's finest yearly events.

Church council members, teachers, musicians, staff, volunteers, and leaders - just about everyone in a congregation - can take advantage of this learning event to strengthen skills, gather resources, network with others, and discover new ways to enhance congregational and individual ministries.  The Congregational Resourcing Event (CRE) will offer many varied educational workshop selections for you, your key congregational leaders, and other interested congregation members.  Many groups, agencies, and institutions will have displays.  During the CRE Worship, a special offering will be taken.

Supervised child care in Kishwaukee College's on-campus Early Childhood Center is provided with pre-registration.  A free-will offering will be accepted to cover child-care costs.  Kishwaukee College is handicap accessible.

There will be workshops under each of these categories:
* 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

Registration deadline is February 25.  Lunch is provided.  Registrations can be made in Salem's office.  More information is available online at www.nisynod.org/cre.  You can also download a brochure listing the workshops.

Shrove Tuesday Dinner & Cake Auction March 4

Please plan to attend the annual Shrove Tuesday Dinner & Cake Auction, hosted by Salem's confirmation guides and students, on Tuesday, March 4 in Fellowship Hall.  Dinner begins at 6pm with pulled pork sandwiches, chips, veggies, and a drink.  The suggested donation for the meal is $7 a person.  The cake voting period ends at 6:45pm and the cake auction begins at 7pm.  You can also bid to pie someone: the options could be Pastor Rob, a guide...or someone else!  Funds raised this year will be split between:

Share Your Soles

Washington, Illinois Tornado Victims - Mission Trip

Cake theme categories are:

Living Christ's Love

God's Creatures

Share Your Soles

Love Your Neighbor

TV & Tech

Sports/Games

Salem's Favorites

Food for Thought

First Communion Class February 23

Sunday, February 23

Fellowship Hall, 2-5pm

We welcome children in third grade and older to join us along with their parents or other special adult to grow in faith together as the children prepare for their First Communion.

If you are interested in your child attending class, please call the church office to register.  Salem asks that those who take communion be baptized.  If your child is not baptized, please speak with Pastor Rob.

There will be a celebration of First Communion at the 10:30am service on March 2 and a welcome of our new Communicants at the 9:15am Fellowship.

Marriage Renewal February 8-9

"I'd Do It All Over Again!"

Saturday, February 8, 5pm

Sunday, February 9, 8 & 10:30am

Couples who have been married five years or longer are invited to renew their wedding vows at one of the three services the weekend of February 8-9.  To reserve your place in this celebration of Valentine's Day and marriage, please return/email the information (names, date of marriage, service you will be attending) to the church office by February 2.

Scout Sunday February 2

The Boy Scouts of America have designated February 2, 2014 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 at the 10:30am service on February 2, celebrating this special day at Salem.