Global Mission Speakers January 15 & 16

On the weekend of January 15-16, we welcome Mike and Sharon Wadle, who will share stories of their recent work in Tanzania at all three worship services and during fellowship time at 9:15 Sunday
morning in Fellowship Hall. The Wadles, who are members of First Lutheran Church in DeKalb, are key volunteers with the Mwangaza Center in Arusha, Tanzania. The Mwangaza Center helps train and
equip teachers in Tanzania. Don’t miss this chance to hear about their exciting and important work.

Confirmation January Service Project

Wouldn't it be great if all police cars in Sycamore had in them two or three fleece tied blankets for victims of fire, domestic violence, flooding, traffic accidents, etc?  The Sycamore Police Chief thought that fleece blankets would be "great!"  They are warm and easily washed and returned to use, even if they get mud or whatever on them!

So, on Wednesday, January 12, our confirmation students will be working to make 36 fleece blankets.  That is two for every marked and unmarked police car in Sycamore.

We can use your help with donations of fleece fabric.  Any size will do!  We can make some that are smaller and some that are larger.

Please put your donations in the boxes marked "Fleece Blanket Project" in the Welcome Center and on the lower level next to the Grand Staircase.

All-Church Epiphany Breakfast

Dine with the kings! Attend the all-church Epiphany breakfast in the Fellowship Hall Sunday, January 9, at 9:15 am. Please bring breakfast-type foods to share; beverages and tableware will be provided. Sunday School children will sit with their families to enjoy an Epiphany puppet presentation by Salem Puppet Praise Team and a Davey & Goliath Christmas/Epiphany episode! Parents, please attend this fun event with your Sunday School children.

Epiphany Gathering at Seraphine Heatherhope Farm

**UPDATE** This event has been canceled due to illness.

The annual Epiphany celebration will take place Sunday, January 9, 2011, from 4:30-7:30pm at the Seraphine Heatherhope Farm. The gathering begins in the house (22417 Airport Rd, Sycamore) with a barbecue chicken sandwich meal, moves to the fields for a bonfire of Christmas greens, and concludes with a Celtic Epiphany worship service in the barn, surrounded by sheep.

Check out the Heatherhope website (heatherhopefarm.com) for details and email the Seraphines at heatherhopefarm@gmail.com to let them know how many are coming and what dessert or salad you can share. People can also bring their greens/trees for burning on the bonfire.

Children's Clothing for Hope Haven January 8-9

Gifts of new or gently used children's clothing for Hope Haven Homeless Shelter will be collected at all worship services during Salem Epiphany weekend, January 8-9, 2011.

Worship Services December 22-26

Final midweek Advent service - December 22, 7pm.
"O Come, O Come Emmanuel"
Worship Wednesday at 7pm as we ready ourselves for the arrival of the Christ Child.

Christmas Eve worship services - December 24 at 4:00, 7:00, and 11:00 pm.
Each service is essentially the same but with different musical offerings.
Don't forget to bring your "Jingle Bells" to the Christmas Eve services!

Please note there will be no 5pm Saturday service Christmas Day.

Sunday, December 26 - 8 & 10:30 am worship services
Reminder: There is no Sunday School this Sunday, December 26.

Children's Christmas Program

Sunday School Christmas Program

Sunday, December 19

10:30 GRACE Worship

Share in the wonder of God’s gift as Salem Sunday School students tell the story of Jesus Christ born for all.

REMINDER: There will be NO Sunday School on December 26.

A Thrill of Hope

by Joel Raney

Salem Christmas Cantata

Salem Choirs, Bells, & Orchestra

celebrate the Gift of a Savior

5:00 Saturday, December 11
10:30 Sunday, December 12

Holiday Cookie Sale

December 12 from 8am - noon

Some of Salem’s high school students are relying on your sweet tooth to help them to support Youth activities this year.

A humongous assortment of Christmas cookies  available for only $5 per pound!

Want to help with the baking? Donations of cookies are always welcome!

Sign up in the Welcome Center.

We know everyone enjoys snacking on Christmas  cookies so we hope to see you at the sale!

Do your holiday shopping and help Salem youth group!

Do your holiday shopping and donate to Salem youth group at the same time!

Salem youth group is raising funds through these easy-to-use gift cards.

Simply look through the list of restaurants and retailers for places you normally eat or shop, and order gift cards through this program. Gift cards are worth the face value and the Youth receive a portion of each gift card. It’s a bargain for everyone!

Order forms available in the Welcome Center. There is something for everyone!

Look for the display in the Welcome Center for order forms and information.

Just in time for Christmas Shopping!

Examples: Each $25 meal at Applebees or Pizza Hut earns SYG $2.

Each $10 Bath & Body Works purchase earns us $1.30, and every $25 Old Navy gift card gives us $2.25.

It is amazing how it all adds up!!

Orders due in the Welcome Center by noon December 12

available for pick up the weekend of December 18/19

Questions?? contact Lauri Paulsen 815-895-8416

IT’S ANGEL TIME!

IT’S ANGEL TIME!

Once again, we have an opportunity to bless others.

Phyllis Johnson will adorn a Christmas tree with the names and wish list of Avancer House clients. They are so delighted to receive beautifully wrapped Christmas presents! The gifts are to cost no more than $10-$15.

Please wrap your gift, tape the person’s name & wish list to it and bring it to Salem by December 12.

We are blessed by being able to bless others. Thank you!!!

Poinsettia Orders “Christmas 2010”

Poinsettia Orders “Christmas 2010”

Altar Guild will take orders for poinsettias to be placed around the altar for Christmas services. Orders will be taken in the narthex before and after church services on: December 4 & 5 and December 11 & 12.

To order a plant, please fill out the order form below and give it to an Altar Guild member in the narthex on the above dates, along with your payment.

Make your checks payable to “GLIDDEN FLORIST”.

Orders, along with payment, may also be sent to Jeanne Johnston, 1132 Swanberg Ct., Sycamore, IL 60178 or you may give her a call at (815) 895-5670.

Orders are due to Glidden Florist by Monday, December 13.

GEMS Christmas Potluck with "Music of the Season"

Salem G.E.M.S.

(Growing Every Member Spiritually) - for ages 60 years or better -

“One Week Earlier”

On Monday, December 13, 2010, Salem GEMS will hold a NOON in the Fellowship Hall.

Program: Carla & Ron Vanatta will present “Music of the Season”

Please bring a favorite holiday dish to share.

Ham will provided by the committee.

Make your reservations NOW through Friday, December 10.

Contact Person: Carol Saidat (815/899-8383).

Don’t forget items for Salem’s Food Pantry!

Join us for this festive gathering — good food & fellowship!

Hope to see you!!!! Spouses are always welcome!

-The GEMS Committee-

2010 Advent Season

2010 Advent Season begins Sunday November 28th, Thanksgiving weekend.

Families & individuals invited to light the Advent wreath.  Look for the sign-up sheet at the Welcome Center table by mid-November.

Midweek Advent Worship
Wednesdays at 7pm
December 1, 8, 15, 22
Holden Evening Prayer

Christmas Eve Worship Services
December 24 - 4:00/7:00/11:00pm

Don't miss these opportunities to grow in faith and joy this season!

No Saturday services December 25 or Jan 1.

December 5 - Salem’s Mission Team

COMMUNITY SERVANT SPEAKER SERIES:

Sunday, December 5 at 9:15 a.m.

Hospitality Hour Community Servant Speakers will be Salem’s Mission Team (Rod & Marty Oehlert, Dave Benson, Scott Graves.) They will be telling about and showing pictures of their trip to Ocean Springs, Mississippi the week of October 17-22.

Some of them have gone five times, some once. All agree it is a marvelous experience.

Everyone is invited!

Fair Trade Coffee & Chocolate Gifts Dec. 4 & 5

Global Missions will sell Fair Trade Coffee Hot Cocoa Mix and Chocolate Bars December 4 & 5

In addition to an amazing assortment of regular and decaf coffees (both ground and whole bean), flavored coffees as well as hot cocoa mix, we’ll also have quite a selection of fair trade chocolate bars, very reasonably priced!

Consider your own needs as well as any holiday gifts (the items make terrific, inexpensive gifts – and you will be helping to provide a better way of life to farmers across the world). The selection will never be better!

We’ve just been notified that coffee prices are going up – mainly due to climate change for the coffee  farmers. We have never made any profit on these sales, but due to the price increase, as of January, 2011 we will charge $1.00 more per package making each purchase $7.00.

Beat the price increase and make your purchases before the end of the year!

Buy now and save!!

Thank you for supporting this project!!!

National Christian singer/songwriter Peder Eide to perform

Get ready for an evening of music, praise and inspiration as national Christian singer/songwriter Peder Eide and his band take to the stage in Sycamore.

Sponsored by Bethlehem Lutheran Church, DeKalb, and Salem Lutheran Church, Sycamore, Eide will perform in concert at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 14, at Salem Lutheran, 1145 DeKalb Avenue, Sycamore. Admission is $8 per person, with a maximum charge of $24 for families. To purchase tickets, contact Lauri Paulsen at 815-895-8416 or Mary Lasits at 815-756-4169.

“My goal is to share the gospel of Jesus Christ through music, audience participation, and my example,” said Eide, whose music has been featured on over 300 radio stations.

Eide ministers to over 100,000 people a year throughout North America at national gatherings, festivals, conferences, conventions, concerts and churches. His love for people fuels his ministry with the desire to encourage, challenge and motivate them to a closer walk with Jesus Christ.

“Peder Eide’s Music shines as a living witness of his faith and the power of Jesus Christ,” says Dr. Roland Martinson, Luther Seminary.

ForeFront recording artist Rebecca St. James agrees and adds, “When you worship with Peder Eide you’ll be doing just that – heartfelt praise and worship to our Lord.”

Eide has 12 recording projects to his name. He also has appeared on television programs including At Home Live, Live From Studio B and Cornerstone’s Focus 4.

A free will offering will be taken at the concert to benefit Love In The Name of Christ (Love, INC) of DeKalb/Sycamore, a movement of Christian churches working together to help the poor and needy in the community.

Download a poster to share information about the event with others (color poster or black&white poster).

For more information on the concert, contact Paulsen or Lasits or visit www.bethlehemdekalb.org or www.salemsycamore.org. For information on Peder Eide and his music ministry, visit www.pedereide.com.

Salem Lutherfest Celebration

Salem Lutherfest Celebration
Saturday October 30
5:00 pm - Festival Worship
6:30 pm - Catered Meal
7:30 pm - Heavenly Hoedown by Salem Puppet Praise Team!

Tickets for meal on sale in the Welcome Center the
Weekends of October 3, 10, 17 and in the church office
on weekdays thru Oct. 18.

$8.50 Pork Chop or Chicken Breast Meal
$4.00 Hot Dog & Chips Kids Meal

Meal includes Potato Salad, Coleslaw, Applesauce, Roll and Butter, Dessert, and Beverage. You can help Salem Worship Committee! Sign up to Serve, Clean-Up, Bring a Dessert, or a Gallon of Apple Cider. Look for the sign up sheet at the Welcome Center table.
Or join us Sunday morning for 8 am Sunday October 31 Reformation Worship
[ No 10:30 service due to Pumpkinfest ]

All Saints' Weekend

All Saints' Weekend, November 6-7, 2010

All Saints' worship occurs liturgically the first Sunday of November each year.

We give thanks for all who have died in the faith and now rest from their labors, made new in Christ.  Those members who have received the gift of eternal life since the last All Saints' Sunday will be named in a service of remembrance.

The congregation will be invited to light a candle in memory of loved ones during worship.

Peder Eide in Concert November 14

Save the date - Sunday, November 14 - to see Peder Eide in concert!

Peder Eide (pronounced: I’d) has spent much of the last decade serving God and the church as a full-time national singer/songwriter and speaker. Peder ministers to over 100,000 students a year throughout all of North America at national gatherings, festivals, conferences, conventions, concerts, and churches. His love for young people fuels his ministry with the desire to encourage, challenge, and motivate people to a closer walk with Jesus Christ.

But this concert will not just be for youth. People of ALL AGES will be strengthened by Peder's message of hope and victory in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Peder says: "My goal is to share the gospel of Jesus Christ through music, audience participation, and my example. I want to build them up and encourage them in their faith, and let them know that they are loved and valuable. I don't want them to feel just an emotional high, but I want to challenge them to make a commitment that strengthens their faith and gives them the confidence to keep on living a Christ centered life."

Listen to some of Peder's music at www.pedereide.com or www.youtube.com/user/pedereide

Global Missions Selling Coffee Nov 6-7 and Dec 4-5

Global Missions will once again be selling coffee November 6-7 and December 4-5.

In addition to an amazing assortment of regular and decaf coffees (both ground and whole bean), flavored coffees as well as hot cocoa mix, we’ll also have quite a selection of fair trade chocolate bars, very reasonably priced!

Consider your own needs as well as any holiday gifts (the items make terrific, inexpensive gifts – and you will be helping to provide a better way of life to farmers across the world). The selection will never be better!

We’ve just been notified that coffee prices are going up – mainly due to climate change for the coffee farmers. We have never made any profit on these sales, but due to the price increase, as of January, 2011 we will be charging $1.00 more per package making each purchase $7.00.

Beat the price increase and make your purchases before the end of the year! 

Buy now and save!!  Thank you for supporting this project!!!

Salem G.E.M.S. Noon Potluck Program November 15

Salem G.E.M.S. (Growing Every Member Spiritually) - for ages 60 years or better

On Monday, November 15, 2010, Salem GEMS will hold a noon potluck in the Fellowship Hall.

Program: "Laughter, for the Health of It," presented by June Ehrler

Sloppy Joe sandwiches will be provided.  Those attending are asked to bring one of the following: veggies and dip, potato chips, salad, or dessert.

Make your reservations now through Friday, November 12.  Contact person: Carol Saidat 815-899-8383.

Don't forget items for Salem's food pantry!  Hope to see you!  Spouses are always welcome!

Confirmation Fall Service Project Results

Confirmation Fall Service Project

1041...That's how many snack bags our confirmation students filled with pretzels, teddy grahams, and goldfish crackers!

1041...That's how many children at Jefferson School in DeKalb will be fed in the months to come!

1041...That's how many youngsters will have a better day of learning because of the generosity of the people of Salem who dropped off crackers and pretzels because of the willing hearts and hands of our confirmation students and guides who spent an evening decked out in latex gloves and filling bags!!!

Many thanks to all who made this project possible...and special thanks to Cristy Meyer, principal at Jefferson School, for bringing this need to our attention!

Tanzanian-Style Auction Sunday, November 21

Help us celebrate our Udugu (partnership) with our Tanzanian companion congregation, the Kijenge Lutheran Parish, by joining us for a Tanzanian-style auction Sunday, November 21 at 9:15am.


Please bring items to be auctioned similar to those seen in Tanzanian church auctions.

Some examples would include: produce, livestock, basic staples (flour, sugar, potatoes), homemade crafts, preserves, service-oriented items (lawn-mowing or raking, hair services, etc), or whatever else you would like to donate for auction.

Proceeds will be sent to the Kijenge Lutheran Parish, Arusha, Tanzania to be put toward building their sister church in Arusha, the Nijero Lutheran Church. Remember, they only build as they get the dollars to pay for each supply, so the more we can do to help them pay for the building supplies, the sooner 1000 Tanzanians will have a building in which to worship.

Salem Puppet Praise Team Travels to Glidden Homestead Nov 21

Salem Puppet Praise Team travels to Glidden Homestead for the annual Antique Toy & Doll weekend Sunday, Nov. 21st, 1:30 p.m.

Salem Puppet Praise Team will help celebrate the heritage of the Joseph F. Glidden Homestead & Historical Center at 921 West Lincoln Highway, DeKalb, at their annual Antique Toy & Doll weekend November 21st.

An open house will be held from 1-4 p.m. at the center; Salem Puppet presentation will be held in the garage at 1:30 p.m.

All are welcome.

Salem Thanksgiving Eve Worship

Come, you thankful people, come!

Salem Thanksgiving Eve Worship

7pm  Wednesday, November 24 (All Choirs & Handbells)

Gifts of non-perishable foods and paper goods invited to stock Salem Food Pantry

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

Christmas Cantata Presentation December 11-12

Coming this December . . .

A Thrill of Hope

An Inspirational Christmas Cantata by Joel Raney

Presented for 5:00 p.m. Saturday, December 11th and 10:30 a.m. Sunday, December 12th worship services

A word from the composer....

“A Thrill of Hope, the Weary World Rejoices” – nothing captures the awe and wonder of Christmas better than that single phrase from John Dwight’s “O Holy Night” which serves as the cornerstone for this Christmas musical. A Thrill of Hope looks at the birth of Christ from four distinct vantage points: celebrating the HOPE he brought, the LOVE he showed, the PEACE he promised, and the JOY of Emmanuel, God with us, forevermore!

A word from the director....

There is still time to share your gift of music to bring to life this cantata that tells the Christmas story in ways both warm and familiar and fresh as thoughtful narration, scripture, and a medley of familiar songs and carols blend to tell this most beloved story of Jesus come to earth.

Interested adult and high school singers are welcome to join Salem Choirs. Salem Cherubs, Choristers, Sound of Grace Bells, and a small orchestra will also participate.

Five Wednesday and three Sunday evening rehearsals for adult singers are scheduled this November & December. Music books and rehearsal CDs are available for home practice.

8:00-8:45 p.m. Wednesday, November 3rd, 10th, 17th — Choir room 

7:45-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 1st, 8th — Sanctuary

6:00-7:30 p.m. Sunday, November 21st, 28th and December 5th

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

Youth Quake 2011

Youth Quake 2011 - January 28-30, 2011

Fun - Faith - Friends

Registration fee: $72 - deadline to register is November 3

Contact Judy Waterfield: judyw1011@yahoo.com or 815-751-4062

New Fellowship Hall AV System

New Fellowship Hall AV System

In case you haven’t been in the Fellowship Hall lately for a meeting or presentation, Salem has a new audio/visual system that has recently been installed. We have a large ceiling mounted screen with a

ceiling mounted projector so visual presentations can easily be seen from anywhere in the room. We can show DVDs plus we can show pictures and power point presentations from a laptop computer. We can play CDs and also music and videos from I-Pods. We have two wireless handheld/stand microphones, one wireless lectern microphone, and one wireless lapel microphone. Members can now easily hear audio presentations in any part of the room due to nine recessed ceiling speakers and two recessed ceiling sub-woofer speakers. Even though it is new, our system has already been used quite often during classes, meetings, and other presentations. There even were a number of members who met in Fellowship Hall and watched a live on-line chat with our Bishop. And recently the Stewardship Committee showed the “Davey and Goliath” video on sharing to a large intergenerational group followed by a discussion led by a power point presentation by Pastor Janet. The funding for this project was provided through the Trust Fund and made possible from part of the gifts Salem received from the Bequest in the Barbara Eicher estate. This system is a wonderful new asset that will enhance any of Salem’s many ministry programs that use Fellowship Hall.

Confirmation Fall Service Project . . .

This fall, Salem’s Confirmation youth are partnering with Jefferson School in DeKalb to help provide a healthy midmorning snack for children whose families cannot afford to do so.

Items needed for this project include:
Animal Crackers Goldfish Crackers
Teddy-Grahams Raisins
Pretzels
Small Snack Sized Zip-Lock Baggies

Confirmation students will use the supplies you provide and spend the evening of October 13th making up snack bags for our little friends at Jefferson School. Each class has up to 28 children. We are hoping to provide enough snacks for a lot of children for many days! For more information contact the church office 815/895-9171.

Interested in Membership at Salem?

A new member dinner (with ample time for conversation and questions) will be held on Sunday, October 17, from 5-7pm.  Dinner and child care will be provided.  If you plan to attend, please call the church office at 815-895-9171.

New members will be received and celebrated at the 10:30am worship service on Sunday, October 24.  A welcome to new members will take place in the Fellowship Hall at 9:15am.

God’s Gift: Our Response

How Do We Be Faithful In These Uncertain Times?

Sunday, October 3 - 9:15 am
All members of Salem’s congregation are invited to attend an intergenerational Stewardship Event on Sharing. Featuring an episode of “Davey & Goliath,” participants will consider together what it means to share from what God has given us.

Sundays, October 10 & 17 at 9:15 am The conversation will continue focusing on March 2009 articles from The Lutheran which dealt with the economic crisis we are still in the midst of. (Pick up a copy in advance --- they’re available in the Welcome Center.) All of these events will be held in Salem’s Fellowship Hall.

Salem’s 2010 Confirmation Pie fundraiser has begun!

Confirmation students are once again selling pies as their Fall Fundraiser!

Place an order with any of our students today! Students will be available to take your order in the Welcome Center before and after worship services on the following dates: September 25/26 October 2/3 October 9/10 October 16/17 October 23/24 October 30/31 Pay for the pies at the time you place your order. Checks should be made payable to Salem Lutheran Church. Orders can be placed through Sunday, October 31.

Pies will be delivered on Saturday, November 20. If you have any questions, please contact: Paul Sheldon, Pie Coordinator (815/558-2565) or Judy Waterfield, Confirmation Manager (815/751-4062).

News from LOMC

Coming Up . . . All are cordially invited to the Hospitality Hour this Sunday morning, September 26 (9:15-10:15 a.m.) Brittany Sheldon and Emilee Thumm will be speaking about their experiences as Counselors at the Lutheran Outdoor Ministry Center (LOMC) in Oregon this summer. Both young women got rave reviews from experienced Counselors. Don’t miss hearing their great reports.

SCRIP IS BACK ! …

SCRIP IS BACK ! …
Due to its past success, Salem Youth Group will again be raising funds for the upcoming year through these easy-to-use gift cards. Simply look through the list of restaurants and retailers for places you normally eat or shop, and order gift cards through this program.
You purchase gift cards at face value and the Youth receive a portion of each gift card. It’s a bargain for everyone.
Examples: each $25 meal at Applebee’s or Pizza Hut earns SYG $2. Each $10 Bath & Body Works purchase earns us $1.30, and every $25 Old Navy gift card gives us $2.25. It is amazing how it all adds up! There is something for everyone.
Order forms available in the Welcome Center.
ORDERS DUE in the Welcome Center by Noon October 10. Pickup the weekend of October 25/26. Questions? Contact Lauri 815/895-8416.

Have you ever wanted to dig deep into scripture?

Have you ever wanted to dig deep into scripture?
Do those Old Testament books overwhelm or intimidate you?
Have you ever wondered where and how God’s people of old experienced God’s grace?
Then this class is for you!
Beginning on Monday, October 4 and continuing through Monday, November 15, we will work our way through the entire Old Testament together. Class will be held in Fellowship Hall beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Sign up in the Welcome Center to reserve a copy of the book, An Introduction to the Old Testament by Walter Brueggemann, which will guide our learning. The cost of the book is $20. (Please see Pastor Janet if this would be a hardship or prevent you from participating.)

God’s Gift: Our Response

Please join your child on Sunday, October 3 for a special Stewardship Presentation of

“Davey and Goliath: The Big Apple.”

Immediately after the Sunday School Opening in the Sanctuary at 9:15 a.m., all students and their families will travel to Fellowship Hall to view a presentation of Davey and Goliath and learn together about sharing. This promises to be a fun event for all ages.

We look forward to seeing you there!

The Sunday Night Thing ...

The Sunday Night Thing ...

Salem Youth Group

September 26 — October 24

Meeting times are Sundays - 7:00 p.m. unless another time is noted.

No meeting on October 31.

Questions? Contact Julie Grendahl 815-761-3714

Julie.g@comcast.net

Prayers for Healing Offered at Salem

During our regular 5pm and 8am services the weekend of October 9-10, those gathering for worship will be invited to join in prayers for healing for one another, for ourselves, for the larger community, and for the world.  These services are an affirmation of God's concern for the whole person and God's yearning for wholeness for our physical, emotional, spiritual, and relational beings.

We understand that God's healing comes to us in many forms and that healing is sometimes different from a "cure," for our experience tells us that we many be gravely ill and still be more "whole" than we have ever been in our faith, in our relationships, in our values.  As we come together to pray for God's healing, we seek it in all of its forms.

Rally Day

Sunday school kickoff!

Spark your faith by living Christ's love!

Rally Day is not just for kids this year!

SEPTEMBER 12 − 9:15 a.m. 

Join us for a morning of fun!

Games, prizes, snacks 

For kids & adults

Salem Creative Arts

This Fall Salem Creative Arts is Raisin' Praise! [Down on the farm]

Cherubs: (singers 4 yrs old thru 1st Grade) Wednesdays 4:30-5:15 p.m. - Choir Room

Choristers: (singers in 2nd-5th Grades) Wednesdays 6:00-6:45 p.m. - Choir Room

Disciple Song: (singers in 6th-12th Grades) Wednesdays 6:00-6:45p.m. - Chapel Lounge

Celebration Voices: (Adult or HS singers) Wednesdays 7:15-8:30 p.m. - Choir Room

Puppet Praise: (Gr. 5 and up Youth and Adult puppeteers) Thursdays 6:15-7:15 p.m. - Choir Room

Sounds of Grace Bells: (Gr. 6 and 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

Your gifts of song will be a gift to the Lord and our Church!

All Choirs begin Wed. Sept. 15th

Puppets and Bells begin Thurs. Sept. 16th

New to Puppets?

Intro to Puppets

5:30 p.m. Thurs. Sept. 16th

New to Bells?

Intro to Handbells

7:00 p.m. Thurs. Sept. 16

Please register for Raisin' Praise at Salem's lower level display

Carla and Ron Vanatta, Ministers of Music

Carla@SalemLutheranSycamore.org

Salem youth group rally day kick-off

High School Youth - Rally Day Kick-Off

"Minute to Win It" Game Show

Do you know the winning moves? Have you seen the show on Wednesday nights? It's also on Fancast.com.

Come to the Sunday Night Thing (SNT) Sunday, September 12th from 7:00 to 8:30 P.M. 

Food - Fun - Fellowship at every meeting!

Find us on FACEBOOK—Look for us as "Salem Youth Group." (There are several sites that use that name, but you will know Salem's because you will see the picture of Salem Lutheran Church.) You can also check out our church website, salemsycamore.org and click on Youth Newsletter. Also, check weekly bulletins, posters at church, and your e-mails.

Old Testament study series

Have you ever wanted to dig deep into scripture?

Do those Old Testament books overwhelm or intimidate you?

Have you ever wondered where and how God's people of old experienced God's grace?

Then this class is for you! 

October 4 - November 15 / 7:00 pm Fellowship Hall

Beginning on Monday, October 4, and continuing through Monday, November 15, we will work our way through the entire Old Testament together. Class will be held in Fellowship Hall beginning at 7 p.m.

Be sure to sign up in the Welcome Center today to reserve a copy of the book, An Introduction to the Old Testament by Water Brueggemann, which will guide our learning. The cost of the book is $20. (Please see Pastor Janet if this would be a hardship or prevent you from participating.)

affirmation of baptism

Affirmation of Baptism

Our ninth graders will affirm their belief in God's saving grace in Jesus Christ our Lord on September 19 at the 10:30am worship service.  Join us prior to the service for a 9:15am reception.

presentation of Bibles

Presentation of Bibles to Parents of 3 year-olds & 3rd grade students

Sunday, September 26 at the 10:30 Worship service

Dear Parents - Salem's congregation promised 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. 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 26th. 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 26th at 11:30 (after service) to about 1:30 with pizza lunch and introduction to your new Bibles with games and activities! Please RSVP to church office (815-895-9171) with number attending so we can order pizza!

Salem Labor Day Weekend worship

Salem Labor Day Weekend Worship

"Celebration of Daily Labor"

5:00 Saturday, September 4

8:00/10:30 Sunday, September 5

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.

stewardship

New Starts

September is a time of "new starts" because, for many congregations, the regular ongoing ministries pick up again after a summer break. Children and young people are back in school. Rally Day Services will be taking place, the church's committees are planning their ministries, and the congregational leaders start putting their plans into action.

"New starts" are very helpful for Christian stewards. The best "new start" for Christian stewards is that, because of Christ's forgiveness of our sins and failures, we have the opportunity to start with a clean slate.

In Christ the past is over and done with. We do not have to be nagged with the baggage of the past, but have the opportunity for a fresh start each new day. Besides, we cannot change the past even if we tried to.

The present is here and is really the only time we can actually take action steps. As St. Paul encourages us: "Let us make the most of every opportunity because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:16) and "Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58)

The future provides us with another opportunity for planning and dreaming, but the future is beyond our reach. "Tomorrow I will do better" is often only an excuse for doing nothing today. At best it is procrastination and at worst it is laziness.

As mentioned before, "new starts" are truly important for Christian stewards. They provide us with the opportunity to put our plans into action. We can forget about those "what ifs," or "that didn't work because we tried it before," or "we've never done it that way before." The "new starts" can take many shapes. Perhaps we have wanted to be more generous when it comes to the giving of our time, talent, and treasure for the work of Christ's church! Perhaps we have intended to participate in this or that ministry or activity! Now is the time to seize the moment and go to work in a fresh and different way! Putting it off to the future will only add another negative day to the past.

"Christian stewardship is the free and joyous activity of the child of God and God's family, the church, in managing all of life and life's resources for God's purposes."

Today is the ideal time to put those nice sounding words into practice!

women's Bible study

WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY: Let's fill all the chairs in the Chapel Lounge this fall!! On Thursday, September 30th at 9:30 a.m., Dr. John Prabhakar will make an appearance at Salem to kick-off our 2010-2011 Bible Study.

Dr. Prabhakar wrote a book he titled "God in the Golden Years" and will be here to introduce and autograph it! All Salem women are welcome, no matter your age. Please let us know if you need child care. Coffee will be provided, of course!

community servant speaker series

COMMUNITY SERVANT SPEAKER SERIES: Please join us Sunday, September 26th at 9:15 a.m. for Hospitality Hour in Fellowship Hall when Brittany Sheldon and Emilee Thumm will share their summer experience of leadership at LOCM (Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center) at Oregon, Illinois. We are anxious to hear from these young leaders in our congregation.

Mission Trip

MISSION TRIP TO OCEAN SPRINGS MISSISSIPPI

If you are interested in lending a helping hand, another mission trip to Ocean Springs for hurricane Katrina Relief is being planned. It is an opportunity to help those who are still in need even 5 years after Hurricane Katrina. Whether you are highly skilled in construction and remodeling or just know how to use a broom, everyone is needed and all are welcome to help. The week of October 18th through October 22nd is the week that is being scheduled for the trip.

Anyone interested in more information may call Scott Graves at 815-751-9896 or email him at sdgraves9896@yahoo.com or you may visit the Camp Victor website at www.campvictor.org