Third Grade Bible Workshop September 25

There will be a Bible workshop for third graders (and their parents and siblings) on Sunday, September 25 at 11:30am in the Fellowship Hall. First we will have pizza, then games and activities to introduce you to your new Bible! Contact the church office to sign up (815-895-9171).

Bible Presentation September 25

Three-year-olds and third-grade students will be presented Bibles at the 10:30am worship service Sunday, September 25. Please join us as the family of Salem shares the gift of God's Word.

Church Directory Photograph Sign-Up

Please sign up to have your family photographed for our new directory! There will be someone in the Red Sofa Lounge after each service to help you, or you may sign up on Salem's website by clicking on "Portrait Session." You do get a free 8x10 plus you can think about Christmas cards. Don't miss this opportunity. The actual days are September 22-24 and 26-28.

Women's Bible Study September 22

Beginning in September, the Thursday Women's Bible Study group will use Godly Living in the Golden Years, a new book by Dr. John Prabakhar based on the Psalms. His first book was excellent, so we look forward to learning from this one! We meet in the Chapel Lounge the fourth Thursday of each month at 9:15-10:30 a.m. All Salem women are welcome. Call Judy Bergeson (815-895-9171) for further information or ideas.

National Youth Gathering Meeting September 18

The National Youth Gathering happens every three years and is for high school youth. In July of 2012, over 30,000 youth and leaders will be gathering in New Orleans!

The estimated cost is $1250, depending on transportation costs, food, etc. The cost is split three ways: one-third comes from Salem, one-third comes from fundraising, and one-third comes from the student's family. Scholarships may be available. Commitment date is October 1 and the non-refundable registration fee is $150.

There will be an informational meeting on Sunday, September 18 at 7pm in Fellowship Hall.

For questions or more information, please contact Julie Grendahl (815-761-3714, julie.g@comcast.net) or Kirsten Yargus (815-508-6749, kyargus@gmail.com).

Affirmation of Baptism September 18

On Sunday, September 18, at the 10:30am worship, we will have eight Salem students confirmed in their faith at our Affirmation of Baptism service.

Please join us for this special day in their lives. One of Salem's own, Pastor Chris Beamsley, will give the message that day. Most of our students got to know Chris at confirmation camp this summer. With the departure of Pastor Janet, Chris graciously offered to come and help our students have a feeling of familiarity on this special day. As is our tradition, during the 9am Fellowship Hour, confirmation guides will host the coffee hour in celebration of our confirmation students. Please plan to join us on this day of celebration in their lives of faith.

Salem Creative Arts Fall 2011 Weekly Schedule

All aboard...for Prayer n' Praise!

Salem Creative Arts Fall 2011

Please register for Prayer n' Praise at Salem's lower level display

Your gifts of music will be a joy to the Lord and our Church!

All choirs begin Wednesday, September 14

Puppets and bells begin Thursday, September 15

New to Puppets? "Intro to Puppets" September 15, 5:30 p.m.

New to Bells? "Intro to Handbells" September 15, 7 p.m.

Cherubs (singers 4 years old through 1st grade)

Wednesdays 4:30-5:15 p.m. - choir room

Choristers (singers in 2nd-5th grades)

Wednesdays 6-6:45 p.m. - choir room

Disciple Song (singers in 6th-12th grades)

Wednesdays 6-6:45 p.m. - chapel lounge

Celebration Voices (adult or HS singers)

Wednesdays 7:15-8:30 p.m. - choir room

Puppet Praise (Grade 5 & up youth and adult puppeteers)

Thursdays 6:15-7:15 p.m. - choir room

Sounds of Grace Bells (Grade 6 & up youth and adult ringers)

Thursdays 7:30-8:30 p.m. - balcony

Salem Praise Team (Adults and HS youth)

Saturdays 8:30-9:30 a.m. once a month - sanctuary

"Fearfully and Wonderfully Made" Begins September 14

Everyone needs support...especially when one is trying to lose weight! "Fearfully and Wonderfully Made" is a new support group for those trying to lose weight - one way or another. It will be a very casual, friendly group.

There will be no criticism, no requirements, no counting calories (unless you want to!), and no required attendance. There will be a short Bible study, time for prayer, time for sharing frustrations as well as great ideas, and lots of support! The group's first meeting will be Wednesday, September 14 at 7pm in the Chapel Lounge. Everyone is invited (invite your friends; attendees need not be Salem members). Weigh-ins will be completely optional and totally secret (but first we need someone to donate a scale that we can keep at church!).

If you have any questions, please contact Karin Graddy at karin@graddy.org or 815-762-0758. If you're interested in the group, but can't make Wednesdays, please let Karin know, as we will discuss the best night for everyone to meet at our first meeting.

Salem Day at Culver's September 13

From 5 to 8pm on Tuesday, September 13 Culver's in Sycamore will be donating 10% of their sales to Salem's Food Pantry.

Magic Matt will also be there making animals and other things out of balloons. This should be a fun night out for the family.

Bring along a food item or paper item for the Pantry and receive a free small scoop of custard.

"Sunday Night Thing" First Meeting September 11

The Sunday Night Thing...Salem Youth Group

Meetings are Sundays at 7pm unless another time is noted.

First Meeting - Sunday, September 11

(meeting at Sycamore Park to play bags)

The boards are along the east side of the river by the bridge. If it rains, we'll meet in Fellowship Hall. Either place there will be snacks. Pick-up is 8:30pm. Parents, please complete a registration/permission form (available during Sunday School or at the Welcome Center) and send it with your youth the first meeting.

Remembering 9-11

Salem emergency and military personnel, those who serve as EMTs, firefighters, police, or military servants are invited to come in uniform as available for the 10th Anniversary Observation of 9-11 from 9:30-10 a.m. on the west lawn as part of Salem's Rally Day activities on Sunday, September 11. Please register your interest/availability with the church office. Thank you for your support as we honor and remember all who give their best for public safety.

Rally Day September 11

Salem Rally Day Events

Sunday, September 11

featuring "A Wing and a Prayer" Dixieland Jazz Ensemble

9-9:30 a.m. - Sunday school registration (children and parents visit rooms/meet teachers)

9:30-10:00 a.m. - Tenth anniversary 9-11 remembrance (outdoors on west lawn featuring Salem scouts, emergency personnel, and Dixieland jazz ensemble)

10:00-10:30 a.m. - refreshments

10:30 a.m. - Dixieland jazz worship in sanctuary

NI Synod Discipleship Gathering September 8

Northern Illinois Synod Discipleship Gathering

Thursday, September 8

6:30-8:30pm

Bethlehem Lutheran, DeKalb

"Communication and the Congregation...What Would Jesus Tweet?"

This year's Gathering will focus on effective congregational communication and changing technology. It is open to all interested congregational members (including high school youth). Registration is 6:30-7pm.

Salem/Bethlehem Women's Salad Supper Sept 6

All Salem women are invited to Bethlehem Lutheran Church at 1915 North First Street in DeKalb at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 6 for a shared Salad Supper. It is potluck so each of us is asked to bring a salad big enough to serve 3-4. At 7:30 we will hear Beth Nelson Chase who will tell us about her work at Christ Lutheran Church in Palestine. We can certainly carpool from Salem, meeting here at 6-6:15 p.m., if you like. For additional info, please call Judy Bergeson (815-895-9171).

September "Sunday Night Thing"

High School Youth "Sunday Night Thing"

HS Youth adult advisors: Julie Grendahl & Kirsten Yargus

All high school youth and friends are welcome to join us from 7-8:30pm in the Fellowship Hall.

September 11: Kickoff

Bags tournament and ice cream concoctions!

September 18: National Youth Gathering meeting

Parents, please attend this informational meeting. Letter sent in August to HS families.

September 25: Fun & Games Night

Summer Choir Sunday, September 4

Salem Summer Choir is a fun and easy way to share your gift of song. Singers meet in the choir room at 9:45 a.m. to learn a simple piece to share for 10:30 worship that day. All ages and voices are welcome! No robes or folders! You can sing for one summer choir Sunday or all!

Summer Choir Sundays include:

June 12

July 10

July 31

August 14

September 4

Salem Labor Day Weekend Worship

"Celebration of Daily Labor"

5pm Saturday, September 3

8 & 10:30am Sunday, September 4

Please wear your work clothes to worship and bring a symbol of your occupation (tool, diaper, notepad, phone, plant, etc).

Worship will include a Blessing of Hands.

New Office Hours

Salem office hours are moving a half-hour later beginning September 1. The office will be open 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday.