Archive Picture Party October 23

Join the Archive Committee during the Hospitality Hour Sunday, October 23 at 9:15am in Fellowship Hall to have refreshments and help to identify old Salem photos at a Salem Photo ID party.

New Members Received October 22-23

New members are being received on Saturday, October 22, and Sunday, October 23. Be sure to attend the Saturday 5pm service or the Sunday 10:30am service and warmly welcome them to Salem!

Salem G.E.M.S. Traveling to Royal Oaks Apple Orchard October 17

On Monday, October 17, Salem G.E.M.S. will travel to Royal Oaks Apple Orchard (near Harvard).

Bus travel will be $10 per person. We will meet at Salem's lower level beginning at 8:30am. The bus will depart from Salem at 9am.

Features at the Orchard: fall produce and fresh apples, a riding tour of the orchards, restaurant and gift shop.

We will return to Salem around 3pm.

Please make your reservations now through Monday, October 10 by calling Carol Lichty at 815-899-6116.

Hope you can join us for a day in the country!

Celebrate Generosity

Salem's stewardship theme for this coming year is "Celebrate Generosity" starting on September 25 culminating with Salem's Commitment Weekend of October 15-16. We will have a four-week program during this time to help members discover the joys of giving through growth in giving. The messages on these four Sundays will be: Giving Is an Act of Worship, Giving Is Systematic, Giving Is in Proportion to Income, and Plan Your Giving in Advance. During the worship services on Commitment Weekend of October 15 & 16, Salem's members will be encouraged to offer to God and His church their "Estimates of Giving" for 2012. Salem's members are invited to join in daily prayer asking that God lead in members' decisions during the coming weeks.

Salem Day at Panda Express October 10

Monday, October 10 is our next Salem Day at Panda Express. If you have their flyer, which will be in the bulletin the week before and day before October 10, they will give 20% of your bill to Salem for the Food Pantry. Yay!

Salem Work Day October 8

The Property Committee announces that Saturday, October 8, from 9am until noon will be a Salem Work Day.

Everyone is invited. Please come in jeans and bring rags. We have windows to wash, pews to clean, downspouts to clear, etc.

See you there! Your help is always appreciated!

Grace Place Meal Delivery October 5

Salem has been asked to prepare a meal Wednesday, October 5 for Grace Place (formerly Lutheran Campus Ministry Center). The sign-up book is in the Welcome Center. You can sign up for either an entree, rolls, side/salad, or a dessert. All items should be at Salem by 6:30pm for 7pm delivery to Grace Place.

New Members Class October 2

Interested in membership at Salem? A new member dinner (with ample time for conversation and questions) will be held on Sunday, October 2 from 5pm-7pm. Dinner and child care will be provided. If you plan to attend, please call the church office at 815-895-9171.

Third Grade Bible Workshop September 25

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

Bible Presentation September 25

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

Church Directory Photograph Sign-Up

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

Women's Bible Study September 22

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

National Youth Gathering Meeting September 18

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

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

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

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

Affirmation of Baptism September 18

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

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

Salem Creative Arts Fall 2011 Weekly Schedule

All aboard...for Prayer n' Praise!

Salem Creative Arts Fall 2011

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

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

All choirs begin Wednesday, September 14

Puppets and bells begin Thursday, September 15

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

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

Cherubs (singers 4 years old through 1st grade)

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

Choristers (singers in 2nd-5th grades)

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

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

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

Celebration Voices (adult or HS singers)

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

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

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

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

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

Salem Praise Team (Adults and HS youth)

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

"Fearfully and Wonderfully Made" Begins September 14

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

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

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

Salem Day at Culver's September 13

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

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

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

"Sunday Night Thing" First Meeting September 11

The Sunday Night Thing...Salem Youth Group

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

First Meeting - Sunday, September 11

(meeting at Sycamore Park to play bags)

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

Remembering 9-11

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

Rally Day September 11

Salem Rally Day Events

Sunday, September 11

featuring "A Wing and a Prayer" Dixieland Jazz Ensemble

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

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

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

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

NI Synod Discipleship Gathering September 8

Northern Illinois Synod Discipleship Gathering

Thursday, September 8

6:30-8:30pm

Bethlehem Lutheran, DeKalb

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

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

Salem/Bethlehem Women's Salad Supper Sept 6

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

September "Sunday Night Thing"

High School Youth "Sunday Night Thing"

HS Youth adult advisors: Julie Grendahl & Kirsten Yargus

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

September 11: Kickoff

Bags tournament and ice cream concoctions!

September 18: National Youth Gathering meeting

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

September 25: Fun & Games Night

Summer Choir Sunday, September 4

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

Summer Choir Sundays include:

June 12

July 10

July 31

August 14

September 4

Salem Labor Day Weekend Worship

"Celebration of Daily Labor"

5pm Saturday, September 3

8 & 10:30am Sunday, September 4

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

Worship will include a Blessing of Hands.

New Office Hours

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

Raise Money for Salem's Food Pantry August 21

Sunday, August 21 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. will be Salem Day at Panda Express (2434 Sycamore Road). On that day, the Food Pantry will receive 20% of the cost of meals purchased. You must present a special flyer in order to apply the 20% to the Food Pantry. The flyer has been sent in the August Town & Country, will be available in the narthex, and will be inserted in the bulletins the weekend of August 20-21. Watch for the flyer!

Noon Luncheon Sunday, August 7

Mark your calendars for Sunday, August 7 at noon for a farewell luncheon and celebration of God's work at Salem. We want to thank Pastor Janet for her gifts and all she has done for us, and that we sincerely wish her a loving farewell and Godspeed.

Hamburgers, brats, and hot dogs will be furnished. There are sign-up sheets in the Welcome Center so we know who is coming and what they plan to bring.

Come and wish her well!

Food Pantry New Location Blessing August 7

Pastor Janet will bless the new location of Salem's Food Pantry on Sunday, August 7 during the Hospitality Hour (9:15 a.m.) in Fellowship Hall. So many hands have helped make this happen. Y'all come!

Choir to Sing Sunday, August 7

Singers of all ages are invited to join in a choir for Pastor Janet's farewell and blessing Sunday, August 7 at the 10:30 worship service. Rehearsal will be held at 9:30 a.m. that day in the choir room. Your gift of song will be so appreciated as we say goodbye and wish Pastor the best in her new calling.

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, 2011.

The 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 scholarship prior to September 1, 2011.

Pennies from Salem

Over the last few weeks, the people of Salem were invited to give gifts towards ELCA Disaster Relief - 100% of your gift going towards alleviating the suffering experienced and beginning to rebuild the areas in this country which have been hit so hard by tornadoes and spring storms.

We have raised $1313.56 for ELCA Disaster Relief for Joplin.

In addition, the children (and anyone else who wants to participate) will be invited to bring their pennies to church to put in a jar to be sent specifically to Peace Lutheran Church, Joplin, Missouri, whose entire church building was destroyed by a tornado on May 22. The goal is to gather 100,000 pennies (or $1000). We will be counting the pennies on Monday, August 1.

Salem's Vacation Bible School July 25-29

Salem's Vacation Bible School

July 25-29

ReNew - "Parable of the Sower"

For kids entering kindergarten through completion of 4th grade

Come join us for "The Green VBS." Free to all!

"Renew" helps kids lead the way as stewards of the earth. "Renew" is about hope, opportunity, and service -- kids will learn that being green can be easy, faithful, and fun!

For more information contact April Olson (815-901-4801).

Reflections with Pastor Sunday, July 24

Come to the Hospitality Hour in Fellowship Hall at 9:15 a.m. next Sunday, July 24. At that time we will reflect with Pastor Janet about her ministry here as well as what happens next for Salem.

Sunday, July 17 Community Servant Speakers

Janet Peterson is the director of the Gift Shop and Kathy Vickers is the director of Activities at the DeKalb County Rehab and Nursing Home. They work together in many creative ways to benefit the residents there, who greatly appreciate their efforts. Come hear stories about what they do and why they do it on Sunday, July 17 between services at the Hospitality Hour. You'll be surprised and delighted!

High School Mission Trip July 10-15

High School Mission Trip

with SALT - Service and Leadership Training

through Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center

For students entering 9th grade through 12th grade graduates

July 10-15 in the Joliet area

Activities: painting, cleaning, stocking for local food banks and residential homes

Cost: $354 per person ($88.50 from student, $177 from fundraising, $88.50 from Salem)

Scholarships available

Please contact Julie Grendahl for details

julie.g@comcast.net

815-761-3714

Joplin, MO Benefit Cookout Sunday, July 10

The Social Justice Team and Haley Fischer are sponsoring a cookout on Salem's patio (weather permitting) to benefit Joplin, MO through the ELCA's Disaster Relief. The suggested donation is $5 per person or $20 per family. All the proceeds will go to the ELCA Disaster Relief earmarked for the people in Joplin, MO affected so severely by the tornado. Please sign up in the Welcome Center if you plan to attend and if you would like to volunteer to help with set-up, clean-up, or serving. There is also a sign-up sheet to donate salads and desserts. Come join us! It will be fun, delicious, and helpful to those beleaguered folks in Joplin. Thank you!

Brittany Sheldon to Be Awarded LOMC Camp Counselor of the Year 2010

Please come to the 10:30 service on Sunday, July 10, as our faithful nursery attendant, Brittany Sheldon, will be honored with a special presentation by the Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center (LOMC). She was chosen the "Outstanding Counselor for the Summer of 2010," which is pretty special! Congratulations Brittany!

Hammered Dulcimer Solos & Demonstration July 3

Independence Day Weekend, Salem member Jim Kline will share "Patriotic Medley" and "Simple Gifts" at the 8 and 10:30 worship services. Between services he will demonstrate his hammered dulcimer at the 9:15 a.m. hospitality hour in Fellowship Hall. This rather unique instrument is often featured in "Americana" or Appalachian folk music. Come and enjoy what Jim has to share!

Old North Grove School Fun Fair Sat-Sun, June 25-26

Old North Grove School Fun Fair

Saturday, June 25, 11am to 4pm

Sunday, June 26, 1pm to 4pm

At its annual meeting on January 2, 1878, Salem Lutheran Church (originally named Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Samuel Church) voted to build a schoolhouse outside of Sycamore in the north grove. The cost was not to exceed $200. The building was to be used as both a parochial and Sunday school. Thus began a relationship between the little schoolhouse on Brickville Road and Salem Lutheran Church that has lasted for 133 years.

Each year the "Old" North Grove School Association holds an Open House the last weekend in June and invites Salem members to join them. Last year Salem's puppets visited the open house and recounted some of the history of the school. On Sunday Ron and Carla led everyone in a hymn sing. Salem members also donated baked goods that were sold on both days of the open house. The "Old" North Grove School Association is hoping that Salem members will again be willing to donate baked goods for the event. A signup sheet will be available in the Welcome Center.

The Association is also extending a special invitation to all Salem members. The theme this year is "Old North Grove School Fun Fair."

Come enjoy the following activities: tours of the school, folk music in the schoolyard, souvenirs, old-time games, cakewalks, raffles, and more! Lunch is available on Saturday, and root beer floats will be available on Sunday. We hope you'll come visit and experience not only a bit of the history of Salem, but also the history of Sycamore and of education in rural America.

Campfirmation Service Project Donations Needed!

At Campfirmation camp this summer, 8th graders will make blankets for the place 2b, a drop-in shelter for homeless, displaced, and near-homeless youth in the Quad Cities area. The place 2b offers a variety of support services to these youth, ranging from housing options to counseling services to academic support. Find out more about the place 2b 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 inches wide. We also need a few pairs of good, strong scissors.

Please bring your donation to the church no later than Monday, June 20.

Building Use Conversation Sunday, June 19

Please join the Building Use Task Force in Fellowship Hall at 9:15 a.m. on Sunday, June 19 as they share their ongoing conversation about building use in terms of both Food Pantry and Sunday School needs.

Come and learn and wonder with them about how we might continue to accommodate and grow these important ministries.

What's Pastor Up To These Days?

Come to the Hospitality Hour in Fellowship Hall on Sunday, June 12 at 9:15 a.m. to hear Pastor talk about her continuing education for this year - especially her work in congregational mediation. Come ready to imagine with her how what she's learning can be applied to Salem!

Pentecost Weekend June 11-12

What Is Pentecost?

Pentecost is a great festival marking the birth of the Christian church by the power of the Holy Spirit. Pentecost means "fiftieth day" and is celebrated fifty days after Easter.

What Happened on Pentecost?

Ten days after Jesus ascended into heaven, the twelve apostles, Jesus' mother and family, and many other of His disciples gathered together in Jerusalem for the Jewish harvest festival celebrated on the fiftieth day of Passover. While they were indoors praying, a sound like a rushing wind filled the house and tongues of fire descended and rested over each of their heads.

This was the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on human flesh promised by God through the prophet Joel (Joel 2:28-29). Suddenly empowered to proclaim the gospel of the risen Christ, the disciples went out into the streets of Jerusalem and began preaching to the crowds gathered for the festival. By a miracle of the Holy Spirit, they spoke in the native languages of people gathered from all corners of the Roman Empire. This created a sensation. The apostle Peter seized the moment and addressed the crowd, preaching to them about Jesus' death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins, resulting in 3000 baptisms that day. The Biblical account of the Church's Birthday on Pentecost is found in Acts 2:1-21.

How Can You Be Involved in Salem's Pentecost Celebration?

Come to worship, learn, pray, and celebrate the gifts of the Holy Spirit at any of Salem's three weekend services: 5pm Saturday, June 11, 8am or 10:30am Sunday, June 12.

Read Acts 2:1-21 in a foreign language for one of the worship services. A simultaneous reading of this story will give us a taste of what happened that day so long ago. Please sign up at the Welcome Center if you are willing to read.

Sing in Summer Choir for 10:30 worship. Singers of all ages will rehearse from 9:45-10:15 a.m. in the Choir Room to prepare a special Pentecost anthem.

Bring communion to one of our homebound members. Contact Judy Bergeson at Salem to volunteer (815-895-9171).

Wear red clothing, the liturgical color for the day. The color red symbolizes the tongues of flame descending on the first Pentecost, and honors the blood of martyrs, believers who hold true to faith even at the cost of their lives.

Bring a gift of red budding plants to decorate the church. These flowers will then be planted on the church grounds.

Listen to Pastor Janet at the 9:15 a.m. Hospitality Hour as she shares the work of the Holy Spirit in the church conflict training she is doing with the Mennonite Peace Center.

"Clash of the Salemites" and Cookout Sunday, June 5

Salem vs. Salem: "Clash of the Salemites"

Salem's TWO softball teams - Blue vs. Orange

Sunday, June 5, 2pm

Sycamore Park (off Airport Road), Field #10

Come cheer on BOTH of Salem's softball teams as they play each other!

After the game, players, families, and congregational friends and supporters are invited to join us in the Fellowship Hall for a potluck meal. Meat and beverages provided. Please sign up in the Welcome Center and bring a dish to pass. We'll have a ball!

Graduate Recognition Sunday, June 5

Salem's graduates will be recognized Sunday, June 5, at the 9:15 fellowship hour and 10:30 worship service.

Please join us as we give thanks and celebrate the accomplishments of this year's graduating class!

Boy Scout Troop 2810 Car Wash Saturday, June 4

Boy Scout Troop 2810 Car Wash Fundraiser

Saturday, June 4, 10am to 2pm

Salem Lutheran Church (back parking lot)

Donations will be accepted for the car wash. Stop by with a dirty vehicle, leave with a clean one, and support your local Boy Scout Troop 2810!

For more information, contact committee chair Connie Handel (815-895-6953) or trailtoeagle@comcast.net or Deb Loitz at 815-991-1101 or Deb.Loitz@gmail.com.

Boy Scout Troop 2810 is chartered by Salem Lutheran Church.

May's Sunday Night Thing at Salem

Salem High School Youth Group
All high school youth and friends welcome to any event!
Games, fellowship, projects, and some business!

May's Sunday Night Thing at Salem

May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 - SNT meets at 7pm

Military Servants Honored May 28-29

Salem will honor all military servants at all Memorial weekend worship services, as well as at a 9:15 a.m. coffee Sunday, May 29, in Fellowship Hall. Please sign up in the Welcome Center if you can attend the coffee and list the branch of the military in which you served or are serving. Thank you!

Women's Bible Study May 26

Salem Women's Bible Study meets the fourth Thursday of each month at 9:15 a.m. in the Chapel Lounge. All women are invited. Coffee and good conversation are provided! Bring your own Bible if you like. See you on May 26.