We will also be collecting new children's clothing for Hope Haven on that day!
Salem News
Epiphany Breakfast Celebration January 8
Come to Fellowship Hall at 9:15am on January 8 to see the Salem Puppet Praise Team's presentation of "Silent Mice, Holy Mice," the humorous story of how the beloved Christmas carol "Silent Night" came to be. Enjoy a breakfast of fruit, muffins, donuts, juice, and coffee. A sign-up sheet is in the Welcome Center to let us know how many are coming and also to sign up for something to share.
New Year's Resolution to Lose Weight?!
Come join Salem's weight-loss support group, Fearfully and Wonderfully Made. Everyone is invited to the Fellowship Hall on Thursday evenings at 7pm for 20-30 minutes of light (simple) aerobic exercise followed by weight-loss tips, information, support, and prayer. We even support each other throughout the week on our Facebook group. It's always easier to stick to something new with support and accountability to a group. Let's all help each other stay accountable and achieve our goals! Questions? Contact Karin Graddy at 815-762-0758 or karin@salemsycamore.org.
Fleece Donations Needed
Salem's confirmation students need your help with a service project to keep some local friends warm. In November and December the students will make scarves as an Advent Service project to be given as gifts to Avancer House residents.
Then in January, we'll be joined by residents of the Opportunity House to work, side by side, to make scarves. Our guests will get take their project home! Our students will get to share the care and warmth in their hearts!
Please help us to spread the warmth and God's love by donating fleece for these projects. One yard will make several scarves. Please consider donating 1-2 yards. Solid-colored fabric or fabric with small designs work best. Coordinating colors would be perfect for the scarves!
The first of these projects began on Wednesday, November 30. Fleece is needed by that date to start us off, but can be dropped off throughout the month of December. There is a box for collection in the Welcome Center. You can direct questions to Judy Waterfield (815-751-4062).
Schedule of Holiday Services
Christmas Eve Worship Services
Saturday, December 24
4pm/7pm/11pm
Christmas Day Worship Service
Sunday, December 25
10:30am
New Year's Eve Worship Service
Saturday, December 31
5pm
New Year's Day Worship Service
Sunday, January 1
10:30am
Christmas Cookie Sale December 18
Christmas Cookie Sale
December 18, Fellowship Hall, 9am-noon
Come before or after the children's Christmas program!
The cost is $5 per pound. Tremendous variety!
If you would like to help out with the baking, feel free to donate 2-4 dozen cookies for the sale. A sign-up sheet will be in the Welcome Center.
Help send five youth and two adults to the National Youth Gathering in New Orleans in 2012!
Salem to Host Northeast Conference Meeting Dec. 13
On Tuesday, December 13, Salem staff will host the Northeast Conference of rostered people. Our guests will arrive around 9:30am and be here, in worship and conversation, until noon. Would some folks like to bring some munchies to serve? Cheese, fruit, muffins, and juice are examples. We will also serve coffee. Please sign up in the Welcome Center so we will know what we'll have to serve.
Poinsettia Orders for Christmas 2011
It's time to order Christmas poinsettias to decorate Salem's sanctuary during the holiday season.
Altar Guild members will be taking orders in the narthex following each worship service on December 3-4 and December 10-11. The poinsettias are $19 each and checks should be made payable to Glidden Florist.
If you want to place an order but cannot make it to church, please contact Jeanne Johnston at 815-761-6823. Please do not place orders through the church office. Orders are due to Glidden Florist by Monday, December 12.
Be a Salem Angel Gift-Giver!
The "Angel Good Deed Tree" has been a tradition at Salem for several decades. The recipients will be the special residents of Avancer in Genoa -- and they are truly grateful for the help we can provide the individuals with disabilities in its care. Look for The Angel Tree in the narthex and be sure to take a resident's name and list of items they need from the tree. Their wrapped present (with the house name and person's name affixed to the outside) can be brought back to Salem by December 11 to be delivered in time for Christmas.
Christmas Cantata Presentation December 10-11
Tapestry of Light
A Celtic Christmas Celebration by Joseph M. Martin
Saturday, December 10 - 5pm
Sunday, December 11 - 10:30am
Tapestry of Light Christmas Cantata joins traditional carols from the British Isles with scripture reading and candle lighting. Presented by Salem adult voices with a cameo of children, the cantata is accompanied by flute, violin, cello, percussion, and piano.
Tapestry of Light is a singing memorial gifted to the Glory of God by the 2011 Easter Breakfast Crew and Linda Rogers.
Where Have You Seen God Working at Salem?
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns."
Isaiah 52:7
Follow in the footsteps of others of faith and communicate where God has been seen working in our midst. Follow the footsteps on the floor to our three "mountains" (in the Red Sofa Lounge, in the Library downstairs, and the Desk at the bottom of the staircase) and use one of the post-it notes to tell where you have seen God at work here at Salem. You can also post to Salem's webpage at http://salemsycamore.org.
You can give your name or remain anonymous. Share your "good news" with others. The "mountains" will be here through the end of December. What footprints have been left by God on the life of Salem and the lives of her members?
Ever See An Angel?
Ever felt the presence of an Angel? What does the Bible say about Angels? Maybe we could treat ourselves by sitting down together to learn more about Angels, agents of God's grace, as they are sometimes described. If you are interested, please call Judy Bergeson (815-895-9171) or leave a message in the office. We would gather for four Tuesday mornings during Advent on December 6, 13, 20, and 27 at 9am in the Chapel Lounge.
Fair Trade Fair
Fair Trade Fair
November 19-20, 26-27, 30
December 3-4
Look for us in the Red Sofa Lounge Area near the Global Mission Display Case before and after each worship service. There are many one-of-a-kind items from all over the globe. The items make wonderful gifts and also return a livable wage to those who created them. Remember the coffee, hot cocoa, tea, and chocolate are always excellent gift choices as well!
Advent Retreat at LOMC December 2-3
Do the twist!
Third through sixth graders are invited to a Peppermint Twist Advent Retreat at Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center in Oregon, IL, December 2-3.
LOMC Advent retreats are held each year for 3rd-6th graders near the beginning of the Advent season. Participants stay in heated cabins with bunkbeds. There will be Bible study, hiking, group activities, and lots of winter fun. Registration cost of $65 includes overnight accommodations and all meals. Chaperones will be needed! Registration forms will be handed out in Sunday School. Find out more at www.lomc.org/events/advent-retreat or contact Karin Graddy at karin@salemsycamore.org or 815-762-0758.
Midweek Advent Journey Begins November 30
Ever since its first publication in 1843, Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol has been a holiday classic. The legendary story of the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge, from "Bah, humbug!" to "God bless us, everyone!", is as much a part of Christmas as mistletoe and Santa Claus. Dickens originally wrote A Christmas Carol to revive the joyful traditions of Christmas and the celebration of the yuletide, since Cromwell's Puritan revolution in England had prohibited any rites or practices deemed "pagan." A Christmas Carol nearly singlehandedly rejuvenated those traditions in Victorian England.
Yet the story of the redemption of Ebenezer Scrooge is also a meaningful story for people of faith. And a wonderful story to study as part of the Advent Journey to the manger outside Bethlehem.
Some of the themes found within the story that make it an interesting study for Advent and Christmas include hope, redemption, transformation, the work for the Spirit, and the Christian life. You are invited to join the midweek Advent journey to Bethlehem. Our study begins at 7pm Wednesday, November 30, during the celebration of evening prayer in the sanctuary.
Advent Wreath Lighting
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. The four weekends of Advent are November 26-27, December 3-4, 10-11, and 17-18. Thank you for your participation!
Thanksgiving Eve Worship Wednesday, November 23
Salem Thanksgiving Eve Worship
7pm - Wednesday, November 23
Come, you thankful people, come!
Non-perishable foods and paper goods will be collected to share with the needy in our area. Come for an hour of festive praise and Holy Communion; enjoy a piece of pie after worship!
8pm - Pie and coffee in Fellowship Hall
Sign up at the Welcome Center Table to bring a pie to share or help host this fellowship event following Thanksgiving Eve worship. Thank you!
"Feed My Starving Children" Volunteers Needed
Founded in 1987, Feed My Starving Children is a non-profit, Christian organization that is committed to feeding God's starving children hungry in body and spirit. Working with food scientists, FMSC developed MannaPack Rice which contains over 20 vitamins and minerals. Providing protein from extruded soy nuggets, these meals are inexpensive, easy to transport, contain no water or filler, and are prepared simply by boiling water. They provide everything a child needs to thrive, not just survive.
From November 17-20, Feed My Starving Children Make a Difference 2K11 will be packing 500,000 meals with the financial and physical help of local residents and organizations like Salem. Won't you help us purchase the ingredients and pack them for shipment around the world to the neediest of our neighbors? For just $0.24 per meal we can save and repurpose a human life!
Watch for the sign-up sheet in the narthex for the following dates:
Friday, November 18, 6:15-8:30pm
Sunday, November 20, 11:45am-2pm
The Suter Company
Bethany Road
We need three things from you to make this a reality:
*Consider a financial gift to the local effort for Feed My Starving Children
* Pray that hearts and minds will be opened to this opportunity
* Sign up to assist in packing
The local goal for 2011 is 700,000 meals! To pay for the meals, $168,000 is needed. To pack the meals, more than 3000 volunteers are needed.
Salem G.E.M.S. Noon Potluck November 14
Salem G.E.M.S. will meet one week early because of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Mark your calendars and make your reservations by calling Carol Saidat (815-899-8383). We ask that you provide a casserole for the noon potluck. The committee will provide beverages, salads, and desserts.
We ask that everyone bring a Thanksgiving memory to share. We are very thankful for this time of Christian fellowship that we share each month. Spouses are always welcome. Please bring items for Salem's food pantry.
Pastor Sululu Visits Sunday, November 13
Join us Sunday, November 13 for guest Pastor Seth Sululu from the country of Tanzania! Pastor Seth will be presiding over both Sunday services, as well as joining us for coffee hour that Sunday. We hope you can be here to help welcome him! We'll have special music and more for the day (Curious? C'mon and join us!). Pastor Seth is here completing his Master's degree in music at N.I.U. and joined us one day last year. Mark your calendar! Join us to hear God's word from his perspective.
Grief Support Group Meeting November 6
Beginning on Sunday, November 6 we will begin a new 11-week series, meeting every Sunday afternoon from 3-4:30pm. Our goal is to help people get through the holidays. We meet in Chapel Lounge and our discussions are confidential. 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. No registration, no cost. Just come. All are welcome!
All Saints' Candle-Lighting November 5-6
Saturday, November 5 - 5pm
Sunday, November 6 - 8 & 10:30am
Join us for worship next weekend as we celebrate the lives of those who have died in Christ within the past year from our congregation and community and those who remain close to our hearts from times past.
Salem's 2011 Confirmation Pie Fundraiser
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. Pies need to be paid for at the time of order. Checks should be made payable to Salem Lutheran Church. Orders can be placed from September 14 through Sunday, October 30. Pies will be delivered to you on Saturday, November 19. If you have any questions, please contact pie coordinator Paul Sheldon (815-558-2565) or confirmation manager Judy Waterfield (815-751-4062).
Salem Lutherfest Celebration Saturday, October 29
Festival Worship - 5pm
BBB Meal (Barbecue, Buns & Beverages) - 6:30pm
Those attending please bring a salad, dessert, or chips.
Reformation Pictionary - 7:30pm
Sign up in the Welcome Center.
Or join us:
Sunday, October 30 Reformation Worship at 8am
(No 10:30 service due to Pumpkinfest)
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
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 11featuring "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!
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