Summer Devotional Project

All the dates have been taken and the daily devotional reflections are due back by next weekend (May 15/16). Devotions may be placed in the envelope in the devotional display in the Welcome Center or e-mailed to Darlene Orth at d.orth@mchsi.com. Darlene will then compile the devotions and the summer
devotional will be ready for distribution June 6. Thank you for your participation and interest!

Salem G.E.M.S. will meet Monday, May, 17

Salem G.E.M.S. (Growing Every Member Spiritually) for those 60 years or “better” will meet on Monday, May 17 for a Noon Potluck in Salem’s Fellowship Hall. Pork Chops on the grill will be served. Please bring a vegetable, salad, or dessert (and an item for Salem’s Food Pantry). Rebecca Hunter will present the Program: “Sears Homes and More …”Call Carol Saidat at 815/899-8363 by Friday, May 14 to make a reservation. Spouses are always welcome!

Salem Softball Season Began May 3

This year Salem has two teams!

The two Salem teams are scheduled to play each other twice this season ... on Sunday, June 13 at 2:30 p.m. and Friday, July 9 at 6:30 p.m. Both games will be played at the Sycamore Park (off Airport Road).
Salem members are, of course, invited to come and watch any of their teams’ games, but particularly the games when they will be playing each other.

Following the June 13th game, we will return to Salem for a cookout/potluck on the patio. So we can know how much meat to grill, please sign up in the narthex if you can join us for the Blue vs. Orange “Clash of the Salemites” and cookout.

Greeters Needed for Memorial Day Weekend

Greeters are needed for Salem worship services the Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend celebrated as Holy Trinity. If you will be in town and could greet at either 5:00, 8:00, or 10:30 outdoor worship your gift of hospitality would be most appreciated. Please sign up in the Welcome Center or phone the church office. Thank you!

Scandinavian Baked Goods invited for Pentecost

If you have a favorite Swedish recipe and would enjoy preparing it to help welcome our Swedish guest, Gunilla Bäckstrom, on Sunday, May 23, please sign up at the Welcome Center. Your gift of food will be shared at the 9:15 a.m. hospitality hour and can be brought to the kitchen that morning. Thanks!

Salem VBS is July 12-16!

This year Vacation Bible School is taking a trip to the Baobab tree. At Baobab Blast, kids will get a message of God’s unconditional love and building relationships with God, family, and others. We at the beginning stages of planning and staffing VBS. If you have an interest in helping please contact April Olson at 815-895-5149 or Kim Polke at 815-895-8064.

Memorial Day Weekend at Salem

Salem will honor all Military Servants at a 9:15 a.m. Coffee Sunday, May 30th and at all weekend worship services.  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. We are also collecting names of family members and friends whose lives were lost during their military service and will remember them in prayer at worship.

Weather permitting, the 10:30 worship service will be held outdoors on the west lawn outside Fellowship Hall. Please bring lawn chairs for seating and dress appropriate for the weather.

Congratulations to our Graduates

Salem high school graduates will be honored at the 9:15 a.m. Hospitality Hour in Fellowship Hall this Sunday, May 9th and at 10:30 worship as they reach this important milestone in their education.  Please join us in supporting them and offer your congratulations and prayers.

The coffee is sponsored by Salem’s Youth and Family Ministry Team.

Christ's Ascension May 15 & 16

Salem will celebrate the liturgical day of Christ’s Ascension into Heaven at the May 15/16 worship services.  We will also recognize the gifts shared by all Salem Volunteers with a special puppet skit at Sunday services by Salem Church Mice:  Sir Albert P. Worthington, Squeak, and Whiskers.

Please join us as we give thanks to God for all gifts of time and talent shared to “Live Christ’s Love” in this congregation.