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.

Blessing of the Animals October 6

If you have a pet, you know what a great gift God gave us when he blessed us with companion animals.  On Saturday, October 6 at 11am, we will give our thanks, ask God's continued blessing on our pets, and mark the passing of our departed animals at a service of Blessing of the Animals.

The service will be at Heatherhope Farm, the home of Pastor John and Connie Seraphine, at 22417 Airport Road in rural Sycamore, between Barber Greene and Bethany.  Feel free to bring your pets with you to enjoy the day.  For further information, phone the Seraphines at 815-895-9736, email them at heatherhopefarm@gmail.com, or visit their web site at heatherhopefarm.com.

Usher Meeting September 30

An usher meeting for all ushering teams and anyone interested in serving as an usher will be held in Fellowship Hall Sunday, September 30 at 9:45am.

Bring an Angel to Worship...

You're invited to bring a favorite representation of angels for display in celebration of St. Michael & All Angels, September 29-30, 2012.

Civil Union Forum #1 September 23-29

The first forum will present the issue with time available for questions and answers.  Forum #1 will be held at the following times and places:

Sunday, September 23 - 9:15am - Fellowship Hall

Wednesday, September 26 - 6:30pm - Chapel Lounge

Saturday, September 29 - 6pm - Chapel Lounge

Please note that Forum #1 will be only a time for questions and answers.  Forum #1 is not intended as a venue in which opinions are to be voiced.  Opinions will be shared in Forum #2.  It is expected that Forum #1 will last approximately one hour.

Of course, you should feel free to attend all three sessions if your schedule permits.

Salem's website has easy access to background materials pertaining to the question: "Shall Salem Lutheran Church sanction ceremonies for the solemnization of civil unions as defined by Illinois law?"

Bible Presentation Day September 23

Sunday, September 23 is Bible Presentation Day to Salem's 3-year-olds and 3rd graders at the 10:30 service.  Following the service is the Bible Workshop for all 3rd graders and their parents (siblings are welcome, too) in Fellowship Hall.  We will have pizza, then games and activities to learn about your new Bible!

Affirmation of Baptism September 16

On Sunday, September 16, Salem will celebrate Affirmation of Baptism.  During the 9am hour, please join us in Fellowship Hall as confirmation guides host a reception.  The Affirmation of Baptism will take place at 10:30am worship.  Students to be confirmed are: Eric Aurand, Scott Aurand, Kayley Aase, Brenden Berg, Alyssa Feuerbach, Carly Fischer, Alona Glogovsky, and Kortney Jones.

Salem Creative Arts Fall 2012 Schedule

Whooo...me?
On the Hunt for Praise...

Please say "Owl Give Praise to You!" and register for Creative Arts groups at Salem's Lower Level Display this August.  Bless the Lord and Salem congregation with your gift of praise!

All choirs begin Wednesday, September 12

Puppets and bells begin Thursday, September 13
New to puppets? Intro to Puppets 5:30pm, Sept. 13
New to bells? Intro to Handbells 7pm, Sept. 13

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

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

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

HS Youth Group Rally Meeting September 9

Smoothies & Games Night
September 9, 7pm

Bring your favorite ingredient for smoothies (strawberries, bananas, chocolate, etc.).  Bring your favorite board or card game!  All high school youth invited - bring friends!

Sunday Nursery Available

Children are always welcome at worship.  However, if needed, there is a staffed nursery available on Sunday mornings in the upper west wing.

Infants, toddlers, and children under age 5 are invited to explore Salem's Shining Stars Nursery.  Our nursery attendant, Brittany Sheldon, would love to meet your child.  Nursery staff wear yellow Shining Star t-shirts for easy identification.

Rally Day September 9

It's time for Sunday School to begin at Salem!  Rally Day will begin September 9, 2012 from 9:15 to 10:15am.  You can register your child(ren) by going to their classroom(s).  Teachers will be there to greet you, answer any questions you have and help you fill out the registration/medical form.  They will also have other information to share with you about the year ahead.  We can't wait to see all your smiling faces and share God's love and words with your child(ren).  Also on September 9 at the 10:30 service our Sunday School teachers, helpers, substitutes, and co-superintendents will be commissioned for the year.  Come show your support and give a wave, wink, or cheer for our awesome Salem Sunday School staff!

Summer Choir

Salem Summer Choir is a fun and easy way to share your gift of song.  Singers meet for a half-hour to learn a simple piece to share in 10:30 worship that day.  All ages and voices are welcome!  Summer Choir will rehearse from 9:45-10:15am in the Choir Room these Sundays:

June 10
July 1
July 29
August 12
September 2

Come whenever you can!  Your voice will be a gift to God and our congregation.

Are You an Impact Adult?

Impact adults are ordinary people of faith who become extraordinary in the eyes of middle school youth by sharing their time and their faith stories with them.

The Confirmation Ministry program is looking for a few adults who love God, like middle school kids, and are willing to be involved in the Christian growth of 5-6 young people for one school year.  The confirmation program meets Wednesday nights from 7-8:30pm from September to April.

Guides commit themselves to learning, playing, and promoting Christian service with and among the youth in their small group.  A guide will grow in his/her own faith and learn from and with the youth as they travel together on a faith journey.  Each guide is paired with another guide and together they act as facilitators of small group discussion (guides are not teachers!).  Guides are mentors who lead a small group by being models of the Christian faith.

Other qualifications for those in this caring position include (but are not limited to) the following: regular in worship attendance, a commitment to praying for the young people and confirmation leaders, a desire to grow in their faith, and a willingness to be welcomed into the confirmation family of Salem!

If God is calling you to respond in this area, please contact Judy Waterfield (815-751-4062, judyw1011@yahoo.com).

Teachers, Helpers, and Substitutes Needed

Salem Lutheran Sunday School is currently looking for teachers, helpers, and substitutes!

Requirements for these positions are easy!  Love for God and children and a need to share that love with the children.  That's all it takes!  Lessons are provided for you.  Great support team behind you all the way.

* 1-3 hours a week - including prep time and class time
* 2-3 meetings a year (usually with food!)
* 38-week commitment
* holidays and summers off
* weekly pay: all the smiles and love you can handle
* yearly bonus: hugs, handshakes, pats on the back, words of encouragement and appreciation, more smiles and more love

If this sounds like the position for you or you would like to learn more please call, text, or email co-superintendents April Olson (815-901-4801, BlanesDino@aol.com) or Vicki Reed (815-501-6021, dvareed24@yahoo.com).  Operators are standing by to take your calls!!

Confirmation Class Registration

Registration materials and the calendar for the 2012-13 confirmation year are available now on the Salem website and at the Welcome Center.  Returning parents will receive these documents via email also.

Please fill them out and return them to the registration box in the Welcome Center by August 30 so that we can coordinate leaders for the small groups.

If you have any questions, please contact Judy Waterfield (judyw1011@yahoo.com).

NIS Video to Be Shown August 11-12

Many of you may know the Northern Illinois Synod of the ELCA celebrated its 25th anniversary at this year's Synod Assembly in June.  As part of that celebration, Karin Graddy of Salem (who serves as the Synod Communication Director) created a video highlighting ministries across the 165 churches of our synod from snapshots sent in by congregations.  Ron Vanatta, Salem organist, played hymns for the background music.

A short version of the video will be shown in the sanctuary as a prelude to our worship for August 11-12 worship services, and the complete video will be shown between services at 9:15 a.m. in Fellowship Hall at the Hospitality Hour on Sunday.  Salem voting members sent to the Assembly will also be on hand to share highlights of the gathering.

Please come to worship and the hospitality hour to gain deeper insight into the work and life of our church locally and abroad.  Have fun watching for Salem snapshots featured as well!

VBS July 30 - August 3

Don't let this summer's biggest blast pass you by.  The "Sonsurf Beach Bash" is this year's exciting Vacation Bible School!

July 30 - August 3, 2012
9am - noon

Free to all
For ages entering kindergarten through 5th grade
Don't forget to bring your friends!

You can print the registration and medical forms from our website (www.salemsycamore.org).  Look under "Youth" and then "VBS."

College Scholarship Applications Due August 1

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 1, 2012.  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, the class level they will be at 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, 2012.

Tanzanian-Style Auction July 22

It is hard to believe that it has been four years since five Salem members traveled to Arusha, Tanzania to begin our lifelong partnership (Udugu) with our companion congregation, the Kijenge Lutheran Parish.  The Global Missions Committee is committed to keeping this lifelong partnership alive and well.  We have tried to bring the members of Salem pieces of our journey so you too can experience some of this amazing place and these amazing people we now call our friends.

One of the most interesting experiences was conducted after each service, for you see, many in that congregation do not have money to give for the offering.  Instead they bring goods -- livestock, produce, eggs, flour, sugar, coffee, you name it -- that is placed at the front of the church during their offering time.  After the service, many gather in the front of the church and these goods are auctioned off.  The amount collected for each individual item is then logged as the amount the person who brought the item gave as their offering.

We have held a Tanzanian-style auction twice since our return from Arusha and both auctions were met with much interest and Salem friends.  We will again be conducting this auction on July 22 at 9:15am.  To make this again a success, we need help from the Salem congregation.

First, we need your prayers to help us continue to keep the partnership alive.  Second, we are asking for donations to populate our sanctuary at the 5pm and 8am services that weekend.  Past years have brought us experiences with chickens (who were quite vocal during the sermon), potatoes and other staples, craft items, beef, service vouchers, baked goods, and the list goes on and on...

And finally, we need you to come and experience this little bit of Tanzania with us between services.  It promises to be a lot of fun and a day you won't soon forget.  Funds raised at the auction will be sent to our companion congregation, the Kijenge Lutheran Parish, so they too may keep God's word alive.  See you there!!

"The Shack" Book Study Thursdays in June

This is a four-session book study based on the story of one encounter with the God of real life.  The group will meet on Thursdays in June from 5-6:30pm.  Bring a sack supper (beverages will be provided), your Bible, and any questions about your God.  Pastor Kinnear is leading the study.  Books are available from the office at the cost of $9.

Coffee Hour June 24 to Honor Judy Bergeson

Please join us for the 9:15 coffee hour on Sunday, June 24 to honor Judy Bergeson and show our appreciation for her time here as Salem's Diaconal Minister with and for Elder Adults.

She will be leaving the area at the end of this month.

Bake Sale Sign-Up

In light of Salem's history with Old North Grove School, Salem congregation has been asked to provide baked goods for their June Fun Fair.  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 (26745 Brickville Road, Sycamore) between 10-11am on Saturday, June 23.  Please sign up on the sign-up sheet in the Welcome Center.

New Member Gathering June 18

Interested in membership at Salem?  A new member inquiry gathering (with time for conversation and questions) will be held Monday, June 18, from 6-8pm in Fellowship Hall.  Dinner and child care will be provided.  If you would like to attend, please call Salem's office (815-895-9171) and give us your name and how many will be attending.

Fleece Donations Needed

At Confirmation camp this summer, 8th graders will once again make blankets for theplace2b, a drop-in shelter for homeless, displaced, and near-homeless youth in the Quad Cities area.  Theplace2b offers a variety of support services for these youth, ranging from housing options to counseling services to academic support.  Find out more about theplace2b at www.theplace2b.org.

Your donations are needed!  We are collecting two-yard measures 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 18.

High School Senior Recognition June 3

Please join us as we give thanks, celebrate the accomplishments, and share our blessings for the future of this year's graduating class at the 9:15 fellowship hour and 10:30 worship service.

Boy Scout Car Wash Saturday, June 2

Boy Scout Troop 2810 chartered by Salem Lutheran Church in Sycamore is having a car wash fundraiser on Saturday, June 2, from 10am to 2pm.  Just drive your car into the Salem Lutheran Church parking lot and let the boys of Troop 2810 wash your car!  Donations will be accepted.

Proceeds will go towards purchasing equipment, awards, and operating expenses for the ever-growing troop.  For more information, please contact Mary Shipman, Fundraising Chair, at 815-761-3875.

Military Servant Recognition May 26-27

Salem will honor all military servants at a 9:15am coffee hour Sunday, May 27 in Fellowship Hall and at all weekend worship services.  Please sign up next weekend 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!

International Language Readers and Red Flowers Invited for Pentecost

As a part of Salem's Pentecost worship on May 26-27, Salem Worship Committee is planning a simultaneous reading of Acts 2:1-21 in several languages besides English to give the impression of what it was like the day of Pentecost.  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!

Pentecost Sunday falls on Memorial Day Weekend this year.  Congregation members are encouraged to wear red clothing, the color of the day, as we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit and the Birthday of the Church.

Donations of Red Geraniums or bedding plants for Pentecost weekend would also be appreciated.  The flowers will grace our worship for Pentecost and then be planted on the grounds.  Thanks so much!

Salem Work Day May 26

Are you able to help out on Saturday, May 26, Salem's Work Day?  The help day begins at 8:30am.  Come as you are!

Food Pantry Fundraiser May 22

Tuesday, May 22

Salem Food Pantry Fundraiser at Culver's in Sycamore
5-7pm

Salem G.E.M.S. Cookout May 21

On Monday, May 21, Salem G.E.M.S. will meet at noon for a pork chop cookout.  Please bring a dish to share.  We need any recipes you would like to submit for the G.E.M.S. Cookbook, and we continue to collect your items for Salem's Food Pantry.  Please make your reservations by Friday, May 18 so that we can plan the number of pork chops needed.  Call Carol Saidat at 815-899-8383.

This will be the last time we meet before summer.  G.E.M.S. will start up again in September.

We look forward to seeing you again.  Please join us if you have never attended before.  We'd like to meet you!  Spouses are always welcome.

Sunday School Celebration May 20

Last day celebration!  This is the last day of Sunday School for the year.  Fun and games for all will take place during our usual class time, 9:15-10:15am.

50+ Year Member Recognition May 20

As Salem begins her 143rd year of ministry, we give thanks for all God's servants and offer special recognition to those with 50 or more years of membership.  They will be honored at a 9:15am fellowship hour and a blessing at 10:30 worship May 20.  Please join us to express your appreciation and support.

Funds for Mission Miracle Sunday May 20

What is "Funds for Mission" Miracle Sunday?

Our Northern Illinois Synod is on an exciting journey! The history of our Synod has been one of "mission" and the starting of new ministries. We take seriously the Great Commission as our imperative for mission and the proclamation of the Gospel. "Funds for Mission" Miracle Sunday is a Synod-wide initiative to replenish our Synod Mission Fund which is vital to the funding of new and renewing ministries in our Synod. "Funds for Mission" Miracle Sunday is a one-time ingathering of gifts from congregations and members of our Northern Illinois Synod. By replenishing our Synod Mission Fund, we will be able to continue our partnership with the ELCA, providing resources to new mission congregations and existing congregations as they seek to renew their ministry.

What is the purpose of "Funds for Mission"?

"Funds for Mission" is an opportunity for generosity and growing in the mission of proclaiming Jesus Christ. For a number of years, our Synod has been blessed with a Synod Mission Fund. This fund has been used to provide partnership grants to help start new ministries in our Synod and help existing congregations to renew their ministry. Our Synod Mission Fund is in need of replenishment with gifts so that we might continue to provide funds for mission.

How is "Funds for Mission" different from our congregation's regular Mission Support?

"Funds for Mission" is a one-time gift for the Northern Illinois Synod Mission Fund. This fund is used to provide start-up funds and support for new and renewing congregations in our Northern Illinois Synod. Regular gifts for Mision Support are your congregation's offering given out of joy for god's grace in Christ and that Christ's love can be boldly proclaimed through the ongoing ministries of our Synod.

What is the goal of "Funds for Mission"?

The goal of "Funds for Mission" Miracle Sunday is $300,000 which will enable our Synod to partner with the ELCA in providing ministry grants for new and renewing congregations. The Northern Illinois Synod has also made the commitment to tithe gifts received for "Funds for Mission." Ten percent of all undesignated gifts received will be shared with the ELCA Malaria Campaign.

How can we reach the goal of our "Funds for Mission" Miracle Sunday?

In order to reach our goal, we are asking each of our 153 congregations and members of the Northern Illinois Synod to participate in our "Funds for Mission" Miracle Sunday on May 20, 2012. This will be a one-time ingathering of gifts from congregations and individuals to strengthen our Synod Mission Fund.

How can we share our gifts for "Funds for Mission"?

Each congregation of our Northern Illinois Synod is asked to designate Sunday, May 20, 2012 as "Funds for Mission" Miracle Sunday. During worship, each of our 153 congregations will be encouraged to receive special gifts for "Funds for Mission." Gifts both large and small will celebrate with joy the generosity of our congregations and "Funds for Mission."

Celebration of First Communion May 6

Salem's 3rd grade class, along with their parents, learned about The Lord's Supper during April.  Please join them as they celebrate their first communion at the 10:30 service on May 6, along with a recognition of our first communicants at 9:15am in Fellowship Hall.

Grace Place Meal Delivery May 2

Salem is providing a meal for NIU's Grace Place on Wednesday, May 2.  Sign up in the Welcome Center if you would lilke to provide part of this meal.  For questions, please call Jeanne Johnston (815-761-6823).

Spend Awhile on the Nile April 21-22

Salem Spring Children's Musical

Spend Awhile on the Nile:

The Mighty Ancient Hero Cruise

by Christy and Daniel Semsen

Presented for Salem worship services by 24 wonderful children and youth:

Saturday, April 21 at 5pm

Sunday, April 22 at 10:30am

(with an encore presentation for DeKalb County Rehab residents April 25 at 6:30pm)

A singing memorial brought to you by Salem Creative Arts Ministry

Salem G.E.M.S. Trip April 16

On Monday, April 16, Salem G.E.M.S. will be "going out." We will be meeting at Eggsclusive Cafe, Inc. at 265 W Peace Rd (north of the Sycamore Jewel). Those attending are asked to meet at the restaurant so we can order our lunches at noon. Each one is responsible for the cost of his or her lunch. Spouses are always welcome.

After lunch we will drive/carpool to the Historic North Grove School for a tour and talk. We are fortunate to have the school's association president in our midst...our own Carole Lichty!

We must have your reservations by Friday, April 13, so that the restaurant will have enough room reserved for our group. Please call contact person Carol Saidat at 815-899-8383.

Donations for Salem's Food Pantry will be collected by any G.E.M.S. committee member. Also, we need your recipes for the G.E.M.S. Cookbook. Give them to Jim Eklund.

We look forward to seeing you on April 16!

First Communion Classes Begin April 15

April 15, 22, 29 - 9:15 in Fellowship Hall

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

If you are interested in your child attending classes, 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.

Easter Breakfast April 8

Easter Breakfast Seatings: 9 & 9:40am

Adults $6, Children $4

Please let us know how many in your family will be attending so we can better anticipate numbers for preparation. The signup sheet is in the Welcome Center.

The menu:

Eggs & potato casseroles

Sausage/fresh fruit/pastries

Coffee/apple juice

Orange juice/milk

Food donations are most welcome! Please see the food donation signup sheet, also in the Welcome Center.

The event is sponsored by the Salem High School youth who are attending the National Youth Gathering in New Orleans in July of 2012.

Holy Week Schedule

Saturday, March 31 - Palm Sunday Worship - 5pm

Sunday, April 1 - Palm Sunday Worship - 8 & 10:30am

Thursday, April 5 - Maundy Thursday Worship - 7pm

Friday, April 6 - Good Friday Worship - 7pm

Saturday, April 7 - Easter Vigil Worship - 5pm

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

Sunday, April 8 - Easter Breakfast - 9 & 9:40am

Wednesday Worship Series "Choices, Choices" Continues March 28

"Choices, Choices"

Midweek Lenten Worship - 7pm

February 29 - "What?" - Mark 10:17-22

March 7 - "Really?" - Jonah 4:1-11

March 14 - "Why?" - 1 Corinthians 9:19-23

March 21 - "Seriously?" - John 4:1-30

March 28 - "How?" - John 3:16, Luke 24:13-33

Wednesday Lenten Soup Supper March 28

Wednesday Lenten Soup Supper

February 29 - March 28

Soup Supper sponsors:

February 29 - Social Justice

March 7 - Salem Youth Group

March 14 - Global Missions

March 21 - Benson Family

March 28 - Fearfully & Wonderfully Made Support Group

Soup Suppers are Wednesdays from 5:30-6:45pm. A free-will offering is received and will be designated to the Salem fund of the sponsors' choice. Diners bring breads, crackers, or dessert to share.

Salem Night at Pizza Villa March 26

Come and support Salem's Food Pantry at Pizza Villa, 824 W Lincoln Hwy, DeKalb, from 4-8pm on Monday, March 26. Twenty percent of your order will be donated back to Salem's Food Pantry. This is good for dine-in and carryout orders only. Present the Salem Night coupon when making your purchase.

Place Your Easter Garden Orders

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 17-18, 24-25.

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 26.

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.

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

Are you 60 years young or better? If so, then you are welcome to join G.E.M.S. (Growing Every Member Spiritually) The group meets each month (except June-August) for a noon potluck, lively conversation, fun, and sometimes special programs or outings. Publicity is always printed in the church bulletins a couple of weeks ahead and can also be found here in the Salem News.

On Monday, March 19, G.E.M.S. will feature the program "Watch Your Identity," given by the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department. Spaghetti will be provided by the committee. Please bring a dish to pass and items for Salem's Food Pantry. Spouses are always welcome.

Please make your reservations by calling committee member Carol Saidat (815-899-8383). Make your reservations for the noon potluck by Friday, March 16, so that we can plan how much spaghetti to make. We look forward to seeing you. Mark your calendar now!

Pastor Valentiner to Speak at Coffee Hour March 18

Retired Pastor Paul Valentiner, a newer member of Salem who moved here from California, will be Social Justice Team's community servant speaker during the coffee hour March 18 at 9:30 in the Fellowship Hall.

Pastor Paul had a congregation of one hundred Anglos and two hundred Hmong. Please come hear him speak about his adventures in ministry!

Scrip Orders Due March 11

2012 National Youth Gathering Scrip Fundraiser

Ideas for Easter gift baskets!

Gift cards from Baskin Robbins, Dunkin Donuts, Target

Check out the SCRIP order form for more ideas!

Place a SCRIP order for your favorite store gift cards. Order forms at the Welcome Table. Look for the GiftCard Fundraiser logo!

Orders due: March 11
Pick up orders at Welcome Table on March 18
Questions? Contact Julie Grendahl 815-761-3714 or Julie.g@comcast.net

Five high school youth and two adults are attending the National Youth Gathering in New Orleans in 2012. SCRIP store cards will help get us there. Thank you!

NIS Congregational Resourcing Event March 10

Northern Illinois Synod Congregational Resourcing Event

"Seeds Grow Fruit - From God's Story to Our Story"

Saturday, March 10, 8:30am-3:15pm

Kishwaukee College, Malta

Schedule:

Registration/Coffee

Worship

Keynote Speaker

Workshop Session A

Lunch

Workshop Sessions B & C

Childcare available with pre-registration. For a complete list of workshops and registration information, visit the NIS website at www.nisynod.org/cre or contact Nancy Corey at the Rock Island Synod Office (ncorey@nisynod.org, 309-794-4004). Also let Salem's office know of your interest in attending (815-895-9171). The cost is $17 per person with meal included if registered by March 1. After that date, the cost is $22, and lunch may be included if enough are available.

Grace Place Meal Delivery March 7

Salem is providing a meal for NIU's Grace Place on March 7. Sign up in the Welcome Center if you would like to provide part of this meal. For any questions, call Jeanne Johnston (815-761-6823).

Fair Trade Coffee Sale March 3-4

Sponsored by Salem's Global Missions Committee
$7.00 a bag

After all services: 5pm Saturday, 8 & 10:30am Sunday
and between: 8 & 10:30am Sunday services

Grief Support Group Meeting February 26

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. Our discussions are confidential. No registration, no cost. Just come. We meet from 3-4:30pm in the Chapel Lounge.

Shrove Tuesday Dinner & Cake Auction February 21

Salem's Confirmation Shrove Tuesday Dinner & Cake Auction

Tuesday, February 21

Dinner - 6pm

(Pulled pork sandwiches, chips, veggies, and drink - suggested donation $6 per person)

Cake voting period ends 6:45pm

Cake auction begins 7pm

Funds raised will be split between Love INC, Opportunity House, and Avancer House.

Bring a cake to auction! Vote for your favorite! Bid on a cake to take home! The "Best of Show" is the cake that the crowd in attendance that night picks out of all of the cakes in all of the categories. George Holland will once again be our auctioneer.

Cake theme categories are: Living Christ's Love, Sports/Games, Salem's Favorites, Food for Thought, TV & Tech, God's Creatures, and Miscellaneous. For cakes created by kids age 10 and under, all entries in this category will win a prize.

Salem G.E.M.S. Noon Potluck February 20

Salem G.E.M.S. (Growing Every Member Spiritually) for those 60 years or "better" and their spouses will hold their monthly potluck on Monday, February 20.

Beverages and chicken will be provided. Please bring a vegetable, salad, or dessert (and an item for Salem's Food Pantry). Don't forget your recipes for the G.E.M.S. cookbook. Pastor Kinnear will be our guest speaker - "Pastor Kinnear's Journey to Salem in Sycamore."

Call Carol Saidat at 815-899-8383 to make a reservation now. Spouses are always welcome!

Celebration for Ron & Carla Vanatta February 19

Open House for Ron & Carla Vanatta celebrating 35 years of service to Salem

Salem Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall

We invite you to join us as we celebrate this milestone with an Open House on Sunday, February 19, from 2-4pm, with a program at 2:30pm. Your presence is your gift for Ron and Carla. If you would like, please write a memory of how Ron and Carla have touched your life. Bring it to the Open House or, if you are unable to attend, drop it off in the office.

Musical Instruments Wanted

Kevin Loitz with BSA Troop 2810 continues working on his Eagle Scout Project, "Instruments for Children." He is collecting musical instruments, repairing and cleaning them as needed, and donating them to the Sycamore School Music Department to be loaned to music students that cannot afford to rent an instrument.

Kevin is still currently collecting all types of band and orchestra instruments. A Community Instrument Drop-Off Day has been scheduled for Saturday, February 18 at Salem from 10am to noon. Just drive into the semi-circular front driveway and drop off an instrument! Arrangements for instruments to be picked up at a different time may also be arranged by contacting Kevin Loitz.

Anyone interested in donating an instrument, making a contribution, volunteering your time or talent on this project, or needing more information may contact Kevin Loitz at 815-991-1101 or via email at instrumentsforchildren@gmail.com.

Wise Women Midwinter Retreat February 18

Salem Lutheran Church is offering a wonderful opportunity for women of all ages to take a midwinter break from the routines of life and winter blahs to join others for "Wise Women: A Midwinter Retreat" at Grace Place (formerly Lutheran Campus Ministry) on the NIU campus. If this interests you, please check your calendars for the date of Saturday, February 18, 2012.

Connie Seraphine, a member of Salem, will facilitate the gathering. She has been trained in leading retreat groups with a focus on experiencing God's presence in our lives. Women will gather at Salem to carpool to Grace Place on Saturday at 8:30am on February 18. The retreat will finish by 5pm. In our time together we will explore how we are indeed wise women, and what that means for our families, friendships, faith, work, church community, and even the broader connections we have beyond our local contexts. We will enjoy walking, resting, eating, praying, and laughing. To understand what wisdom means, we will use music, biblical stories, our own stories, prayer, artwork, and poetry. There will be time for writing, for sharing, and appreciating silence. Our goal for the retreat is to learn how to be attentive to God's gentle guiding, as God's Spirit helps us be clear about our gifts, wisdom, and insights and what to do with them.

Please contact Judy Bergeson at Salem (815-895-9171 or 815-754-9564).

Auditions February 15 for Spring Children's Musical

All children and youth are invited to participate in Salem's spring musical, Spend Awhile on the Nile, to be presented for Saturday/Sunday, April 21-22 worship services as well as the DeKalb County Rehab Center.

Auditions for speaking parts and solos will be held from 6-7pm in the choir room on February 15. Youth and adults are also invited to help with set construction, staging, choreography, sound, props, and costumes. Sponsors are always welcome to help pay for books, CDs, the accompaniment track, t-shirts, and props as a gift to Salem's Singing Memorial program.

Eight Saturday rehearsals begin February 18 from 10am to noon and continue through April 14 (none Easter weekend). Books and rehearsal CDs are available now!

Carla Vanatta

Carla@salemlutheransycamore.org

church: 815-895-9171, cell: 815-895-8521

Blood Drive February 11

Salem Blood Drive

Saturday, February 11

10am - 2pm

Please call the church office (815-895-9171) to register or sign up after worship in the Welcome Center. Walk-ins welcome! Photo ID required. The drive is being held in honor of those students who lost their lives on the NIU campus four years ago. Donate blood at Salem and receive an exclusive T-shirt as a way of saying "thank you" for your donation.

Volunteers Still Needed for Meals on Wheels

February is Salem's month to furnish volunteers to deliver "Meals on Wheels" to Sycamore shut-ins for the Voluntary Action Center.

Urgent! Salem still needs to furnish two volunteers for the Sycamore West Route on 2/9, 2/15, & 2/16 and the Sycamore East Route on 2/27, 2/28, & 2/29.

It doesn't take long to complete a route (usually 11am-12:30pm) and your help is appreciated!

Please call Salem's office (815-895-9171) to volunteer.

Salem Lenten Devotional

"From Bethlehem to Jerusalem - A Lenten Journey"

A devotional will soon be in the making as we prepare to journey through Lent. Look for the sign-up sheets in the Welcome Center.

We are once again asking the people of Salem to select a scripture to read, then write a brief devotion (350 words or less). Forty scriptures with a descriptive heading have been preselected for this journey through Lent.

Devotions should be written by January 31 and may be dropped off in the Welcome Center or emailed to lenten.devotions@salemlutheransycamore.org.

New Member Dinner January 29

Are you a visitor to Salem who is interested in finding out what Salem has to offer you as a member? If you are, you are invited to attend a "New Member Dinner" to be held on Sunday, January 29, from 5-7pm. Dinner and childcare will be provided. Please let us know of your interest by calling the office and speaking with Pastor Kinnear or Sue McMillan (815-895-9171).

Chili Dinner January 29

Sunday, January 29, 11:30am - 1:30pm

First Lutheran Church, 324 N 3rd St, DeKalb

First Lutheran's Social Justice Team is planning a chili dinner to help with Pastor Seth Sululu's expenses at NIU. There will be a variety of chili from vegetarian to some without beans and from mild to spicy. There will also be cornbread and vegetables. They are selling advance tickets (815-758-0643, $5 children/$8 adults/$20 family). Salem was blessed to have Pastor Sululu preside over two services at Salem in November 2011. Please help support his last semester at NIU before returning to serve in Tanzania.