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).