Shrove Tuesday Dinner/Cake Auction February 12

Look what's just around the corner.  Please put it on your calendar and plan to attend.

Shrove Tuesday Dinner & Cake Auction

Hosted by Salem confirmation guides and students

Tuesday, February 12

Dinner - 6pm ($7 per person suggested donation)

Cake voting period ends - 6:45pm

Cake auction begins - 7pm

Serving: pulled pork sandwiches, chips, veggies, and drink

Plan your cake now!

Cake theme categories:

* Living Christ's Love

* Salem's Favorites

* TV & Tech

* Sports/Games

* Food for Thought

* God's Creatures

* 10 & Under (all entries in this category will win a prize!)

Plus, you can bid to "pie" someone.  The options could be Pastor Rob, a guide...or someone else!

Funds raised will be split between the Peter Eide concert in December 2013 and Safe Passage.

Lenten Soup Supper Sponsors Needed

Would you like to raise funds for one of Salem's ministries?  Sponsor a Soup Supper this Lenten season!

Salem Lenten Soup Suppers are scheduled for Wednesdays during Lent.  Ask a few people to join you, your family, or your group in sponsoring a soup supper.

As a host for a supper, you will provide 8-10 gallons of soup (varied kinds), beverages, and willing hands to clean up and serve (from 5:30 - 6:45pm) prior to the 7pm worship service.  A free-will offering is received and can be designated to the Salem fund of your choice.  The people dining bring breads, crackers, or desserts to share.  Lent will soon be upon us!  Sign up in the Welcome Center to host a night.

Boy Scout Sunday at Salem February 3

A scout is reverent!  The Boy Scouts of America designates February 3, 2013 as Scout Sunday, which is the primary date to recognize the contributions of young people and adults to Scouting.  BSA Troop 2810 will participate in Scout Sunday on February 3 at the 10:30am service celebrating this special day at Salem Lutheran Church.

Troop 2810, chartered and hosted by Salem Lutheran Church, begins its third year as a troop.  Troop 2810 offers a huge variety of outdoor skills.  While they are a young troop, here is over 28 years of leadership and experience combined.

The mission of Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetime by instilling the values of the Scout Oath and Law.  Boys ages 11-17 eager to have fun and adventure, looking for leadership opportunities, want to enjoy new friendships and more are encouraged to join Troop 2810.  Boy Scouting is a program designed to develop self-confidence, leadership, teamwork, respect, and outdoor skills with fun activities including camping, hiking, High Adventure opportunities, community service, summer camp, and many other events.

Troop 2810 meets Monday evenings from 6:30-8pm at Salem.  For more information about BSA Troop 2810, please contact committee chair Connie Handel or Scoutmaster Terry Handel at 815-895-6953 or via email at trailtoeagle@comcast.net.

Meals on Wheels Volunteers Needed

February is Salem's month to furnish volunteers to deliver "Meals on Wheels" to Sycamore shut-ins for the Voluntary Action Center.  Salem furnishes two volunteers a day for each of three Sycamore routes (West, Central, and East) each weekday in February.  It usually only takes from 11am-12:30pm.  Your help is appreciated.  Please call Salem's office (815-895-9171) to volunteer.

Salem G.E.M.S. Noon Potluck January 21

G.E.M.S. - Growing Every Member Spiritually
(For those who are 60 years of age or better)
Spouses always welcome

Monday, January 21, 2013

Noon potluck in Salem's Fellowship Hall

Sloppy Joe sandwiches provided.
Please bring one of the following: vegetable, salad, dessert.
Make your reservation now through January 18 by calling Carol Saidat (815-899-8383).
Don't forget to bring non-perishable items for Salem's Food Pantry.

Program: "Fun & Games"

See you for fun and fellowship!

LYO/LOMC Ski Trip January 21

LYO (Lutheran Youth Organization) and LOMC (Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center) invite all junior high and senior high youth to a ski trip at Chestnut Mountain, Galena, on Monday, January 21.  The cost is $45 (lift/lesson/rental of skis or snowboard) or $25 (lift only).  Meals are $10.  If interested, contact Julie Grendahl (815-741-3714) by January 10.  Funds are available to help with costs.  Friends are welcome.  Parents/adults: We need drivers, someone who likes to ski or hang out with a good book in a warm place.  Please call if you can volunteer.

Congregational Meeting January 20

The annual congregational meeting of Salem Lutheran Church will be held on Sunday, January 20, in Fellowship Hall.  (The following Sunday will be the back-up date in case of a snow cancellation).  The meeting will start at 12:45pm, preceded by a luncheon starting at noon.  Food will be provided with the congregation asked to bring salads or desserts.  There is a sign-up sheet in the Welcome Center to sign up to bring either a salad or a dessert.  Child care will be available.

All Salem members are strongly encouraged to attend our annual meeting as we look back at last year and plan for the new year.  God has great plans for Salem in 2013 as we continue learning to "Live Christ's Love" together.

Epiphany Worship January 5-6

Come and worship in celebration!  Don't forget we collect new children's clothing for Hope Haven this weekend in remembrance of the gifts the Magi brought to baby Jesus.

Advent and Christmas Eve Worship Schedule

The four weekends of Advent are December 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, and 22-23.  Families and individuals who would enjoy lighting Salem's Advent wreath and leading the Advent prayer are invited to sign up for a service at the Welcome Center table.  The prayer to read and instructions will be sent the week ahead. A minimum of two people are needed for each service.

On each Wednesday in December before Christmas (December 5, 12, and 19), there will be an Advent service, "Prayer of Hope for the Nations," at 7pm.

On Christmas Eve, there will be candlelight worship services at 4pm, 7pm, and 11pm.

On Christmas Day, there will be no services and the office will be closed.

Salem G.E.M.S. Noon Potluck December 17

G.E.M.S. - Growing Every Member Spiritually
(For those who are 60 years of age or better)
Spouses always welcome

Monday, December 17, 2012

Noon potluck in Salem's Fellowship Hall:
- Please bring one of the following: vegetable, salad, dessert
- Make your reservation (call Carol Saidat, 815-899-8383)
- Don't forget to bring non-perishable items for Salem's Food Pantry and recipes for the G.E.M.S. Cookbook.

Program: "The Music of Christmas," by Ron and Carla Vanatta

We look forward to a festive time together as we celebrate this Holy Season.

Christmas Program December 16

This year's Christmas Program will be presented by the Beginners through 5th Grade Sunday School Students on December 16 at the 10:30 service.  O Little Christmas Town, by Tina English, centers on God's ultimate plan for the town of Bethlehem.  At times the dialogue is lighthearted, and at other times incredibly profound, as the citizens of Bethlehem share the news of the Messiah's birth.  The music which accompanies the story combines new melodies as well as familiar carols.  What a wonderful way to celebrate the Christmas season!

Northeast Conference Meeting December 11

Can you help?  On Tuesday, December 11, Salem staff will host the Northeast Conference of rostered leaders.  Our guests will arrive around 9:30am and be here in worship and conversation until noon.

We would like a few of our wonderful members to bring some munchies to serve.  Fruit, muffins, bagels and cream cheese, and juice are examples.  We will also serve coffee.  Please sign up in the Welcome Center if you can help us out and so we will know what we'll have to serve our guests.

Poinsettia Orders Due December 10

Watch for the poinsettia order forms in the announcements for December 1-2 and 8-9.  The poinsettias are $19.50 each with checks made payable to "Glidden Florist."  Altar Guild members will take orders on the above weekends following each worship service.  If you will not be at church on those weekends, please call Jeanne Johnston (815-761-6823).  Orders are due by Monday, December 10 and placed through Jeanne to get the church discount.

Place Your SCRIP Order December 9

Ho Ho Ho!  It's time for Christmas gifts!

Shop at our gift card fundraiser.

Place order December 9; pick up order December 16.
Order forms and information at Welcome Table.

Profits benefit High School Youth Group!

Julie Grendahl (815-761-3714, julie.g@comcast.net)

Angel Tree Gifts Due December 9

Salem's tradition of giving Good Deed Gifts for Avancer Group Homes will continue this Christmas season.

The Good Deed Angel Tree will be put in place on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, November 18.  Anyone wishing to participate can take an angel from the tree with the name of a client at Avancer.  All of the Avancer residents have special challenges, some physically, some developmentally, and all of them could use a little cheering up during the holiday season.

The angels this year will be made from a page from one of Salem's older, unused hymn books and can be kept as a reminder of the season.  There will be a sign-up sheet near the tree after you choose an angel.

The gifts should be returned to Salem by December 9.  Please box and wrap the gifts and securely attach the Sticky Tag to them.  If you should have more than one gift for a person, please make sure they're all tied together securely and labeled well so they will all get to your person.

The Promise of Light December 8-9

The Promise of Light

A Christmas Music by Joel Raney
Celebrating God's Gift of Eternal Light

Saturday, December 8, 5pm
Sunday, December 9, 10:30am

Traditional Christmas carols masterfully blended with original music tell the timeless story of the birth of Christ, the light of the world.  Come for this celebration in song.

The Promise of Light features Salem Adult, Youth, and Children's Voices with an instrumental ensemble of Sounds of Grace Bells, Denny Vaupel (synthesizer), Brandon Weber (bass guitar), Michael Kasper (percussion), and Ron and Todd Vanatta (4-hand piano).

Thanksgiving Eve Worship November 21

Salem Thanksgiving Eve Worship
Wednesday, November 21 - 7pm
Come, you thankful people, come!

Personal care products (shampoo, toothpaste, etc) will be collected to share with the clients of our Food Pantry.  Come for an hour of festive praise and Holy Communion; enjoy a piece of pie after worship!

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

G.E.M.S. - Growing Every Member Spiritually
(for those who are 60 years of age or better)

Monday, November 19, 2012
Noon potluck in Salem's Fellowship Hall
Our speaker will be Jerry Malmassari on "Workings of the Pumpkinfest."

- Please bring a dish to pass (vegetable, salad, or dessert)

- Make your reservations now through Thursday, November 17.  Call Carol Saidat (815-899-8383).

- Please continue to bring items for Salem's Food Pantry and recipes for the G.E.M.S. cookbook.

- Spouses are always welcome!

Looking forward to fun and fellowship!

Special Congregational Meeting November 18

A Special Congregational Meeting will be held on Sunday, November 18 at noon in Fellowship Hall.  The sole purpose of this meeting is to answer the question, "Shall Salem Lutheran Church sanction ceremonies for the solemnization of civil unions as defined by Illinois law?"  At the meeting the question will be read and explained.  Those wishing to speak at this meeting will be asked to sign up prior to the start of the meeting.

All Salem voting members are strongly encouraged to attend.

FMSC Event November 15-16

Make a Difference 2K12 is a DeKalb County MobilePack Event hosted in Sycamore that works through Feed My Starving Children.  FMSC meals reach starving children in nearly 70 countries around the globe.  Each meal packed costs 22 cents and provides essential nutrients for a starving child.

Save the dates!  Salem packs: 11/15 (6-8pm) & 11/16 (7-9pm)

All Saints' Candle-Lighting November 3-4

Saturday, November 3 - 5pm
Sunday, November 4 - 8 & 10:30am

Join us for worship All Saints' Weekend as we celebrate the lives of those who have died in Christ within the past year from our congregation and community, as well as those who remain close to our hearts from times past.  A candle will be carried in for each person honored as a bell is rung in his or her memory.  At the conclusion of this ceremony, the congregation as a whole will be invited to light a candle in memory of loved ones.

Pumpkin Polka Fest October 27

Join us for Pumpkin Polka Fest "accordion" to Luther!

Saturday, October 27, 2012
Fellowship Hall - 6:30pm
featuring Dick Grzywa & Kathy Kozlowski of Old Time Music

The cost is $3 per person or a maximum of $12 per family!  Bring your family and invite your friends to help us celebrate Reformation!  BBQ sandwiches, chips, and drinks are provided.  Sign up to bring a salad or dessert when you purchase your tickets.  Ticket sales will be from September 30 to October 21.  Don't forget your dancing shoes!

Interested in Membership at Salem?

A new member inquiry gathering (with time for conversation and questions) will be held Sunday, October 21, from 5-7pm in Fellowship Hall.  Dinner and child care will be provided.  If you like to attend, please call Salem's office (815-895-9171) and let us know how many will be attending.

Global Missions Weekend October 20-21

October 20-21 is Global Missions Weekend.  Pastor Gary Erickson from Bethlehem Lutheran Church will be our guest pastor for the weekend.  Pastor Gary was among the group from the Northern Illinois Synod who traveled to Tanzania this summer and was able to visit with our brothers and sisters at the Kijenge and Nijero parishes.

Please join us for worship and the coffee hour between services to hear about the trip and stay connected with our companion congregation.  Keep the UDUGU (lifelong partnership) alive!

Civil Union Forum #2 October 14-20

Forum #2 will provide opportunity for Salem members to share their opinions on this question.  Forum #2 sessions will be held at the following times and places:

Sunday, October 14, 9:15am - Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, October 17, 6:30pm - Chapel Lounge
Saturday, October 20, 6pm - Chapel Lounge

It is expected that Forum #2 sessions will last a maximum of one hour.  Of course, you should feel free to attend all three sessions if your schedule allows.

Writing Circle Meets October 14

Explore and express your faith with the encouragement of others.  A local ecumenical Christian Writing Circle has been meeting once a month for over a year now.  But we are eager to involve more Christians of every age and church denomination.  We share our writing and get inspiring feedback from one another and will soon be posting our works on our own new website.  The Writing Circle meets again on Sunday, October 14 from 4-5:30pm at Heatherhope Farm, the home of Pastor John and Connie Seraphine, 22417 Airport Road in rural Sycamore, between Barber Greene and Bethany.  Sharing faith-based writing is a great way to grow and to share God's blessings with others.  You won't regret giving it a try.  Why not bring a friend as well!  If you plan to join us, or if you just need more information, please phone the Seraphines at 815-895-9736 or email them at heatherhopefarm@gmail.com.  For directions to the farm visit the website, heatherhopefarm.com and click on the "directions" tab at the top of any page.

Blessing of the Animals October 6

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

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

Usher Meeting September 30

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

Bring an Angel to Worship...

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

Civil Union Forum #1 September 23-29

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

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

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

Saturday, September 29 - 6pm - Chapel Lounge

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

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

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

Bible Presentation Day September 23

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

Affirmation of Baptism September 16

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

Salem Creative Arts Fall 2012 Schedule

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

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

All choirs begin Wednesday, September 12

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

Cherubs (singers 4 years old through 1st grade)
Wednesdays, 4:30-5:15pm - choir room

Choristers (singers in 2nd-5th grades)
Wednesdays, 6-6:45pm - choir room

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

Celebration Voices (adult or HS singers)
Wednesdays, 7:15-8:30pm - choir room

Puppet Praise (Grade 5 and up, youth and adult puppeteers)
Thursdays, 6:15-7:15pm - choir room

Sounds of Grace Bells (Grade 6 and up, youth and adult ringers)
Thursdays, 7:30-8:30pm - balcony

Salem Praise Team (Adults and HS youth)
Saturdays, 8:30-9:30am once a month - sanctuary

HS Youth Group Rally Meeting September 9

Smoothies & Games Night
September 9, 7pm

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

Sunday Nursery Available

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

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

Rally Day September 9

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

Summer Choir

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

June 10
July 1
July 29
August 12
September 2

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

Are You an Impact Adult?

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

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

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

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

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

Teachers, Helpers, and Substitutes Needed

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

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

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

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

Confirmation Class Registration

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

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

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

NIS Video to Be Shown August 11-12

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

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

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

VBS July 30 - August 3

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

July 30 - August 3, 2012
9am - noon

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

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

College Scholarship Applications Due August 1

Salem students who will be attending a Lutheran-affiliated college this upcoming school year may submit an application for a scholarship to the Trust Fund by August 1, 2012.  This scholarship is administered by the Trust Fund, but is made available by an endowment fund established by the former WELCA organization.  Students should submit a letter of request to the Trust Fund that includes the name of the college they will be attending, the class level they will be at in the fall, and a brief statement as to how this scholarship will help them.

It is anticipated the Trust Fund will review requests and then distribute scholarships proportionately based on the monies that are available for distribution.  Students should expect announcement of scholarships prior to September 1, 2012.

Tanzanian-Style Auction July 22

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

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

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

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

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

"The Shack" Book Study Thursdays in June

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

Coffee Hour June 24 to Honor Judy Bergeson

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

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

Bake Sale Sign-Up

In light of Salem's history with Old North Grove School, Salem congregation has been asked to provide baked goods for their June Fun Fair.  Any kind of bar, cookie, pie, bread, or cake is welcome and may be packaged either whole or in individual servings and brought to the school (26745 Brickville Road, Sycamore) between 10-11am on Saturday, June 23.  Please sign up on the sign-up sheet in the Welcome Center.

New Member Gathering June 18

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

Fleece Donations Needed

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

Your donations are needed!  We are collecting two-yard measures of heavyweight fleece from a bolt that is at least 40" wide.  We also need a few pairs of good, strong scissors.

Please bring your donations to the church no later than Monday, June 18.

High School Senior Recognition June 3

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