Vacation Bible School at Salem July 12-16

All kids ages 5 to 12 years are welcome! 

JOIN EVERYONE AT BAOBAB BLAST!

God's Great Get-Together won't be the same without YOU!

The great baobab tree in the expansive African savannah is the setting for this year's VBS. This exciting get-together has something for everyone in the community to LOVE. Kids will be creating, running, jumping, and FOLLOW-ing with action-packed games; singing amazing new songs; and SHARE-ing the good news with everyone they meet.

TRUST us, this is the VBS you don't want to miss! It's all about being part of a community. CARE-ing for others, learning about the Bible, and having fun, of course!

Register today! Registration forms are available in Salem's Welcome Center or Online at Salem's Web Site: salemlutheransycamore.org

For more information or to register for VBS, visit the church office between the hours of 9am—4pm or call: Kim Polke at 815-895-8064 or April Olson at 815-895-5149.

Salem Food Pantry Volunteer Needed

We are in need of a Monday morning volunteer to assist people when they come to our food pantry and to keep the shelves stocked and orderly.
Please call Sue McMillan in the office (815-895-9171) if you would be interested in assisting with this much needed ministry.

Have Your Children Moved Out on Their Own?

We Need Your Help to Stay Current with Our Members.

Salem office staff have no way of knowing when a child moves out of their home and has their own address. We are increasingly aware of this when we prepare the weekly prayer calendar and see names of adult children who may even be married and have children still listed under their parent's names. We know we are not reaching young adults with church newsletters or information. We are not able to keep our membership records up to date. Children are baptized and confirmed at Salem, go off to college or begin working, and then we lose touch.

If you have a son or daughter who is no longer living at your address but is not listed separately in our church directory, we would sincerely appreciate an update of their contact information. They may be living far away or right in town. If they belong to another congregation, that is fine, but we need to know for our records. If they do not, then they are still Salem members and should receive church mailings.

Increasingly people are using email and social networking sites such as facebook to communicate. We realize that and would like to add email addresses in particular to our database for all members who use it. Anyone who is willing to share their email address with the church office can do so by sending an email to Salem at salem@salemlutheransycamore.org. There is also a facebook page for Salem found at Salem Lutheran, Sycamore, IL. At this time, however, Salem's constitution still requires certain church notices to be delivered by US Mail. Our monthly newsletter is now available online at Salem's website, salemlutheransycamore.org, which will be updated this summer. At any time members can choose to removed from the newsletter mailing list if they prefer to read it online.

Any time contact or personal information changes, please remember to inform the church office so we can be up-to-date.

Thank you for your help! Salem Staff

The Stewardship of Testimony

It's so easy to think of Christian Stewardship as pertaining only to the three "T's" of Time, Talent, and Treasure. But our commonly used definition of Christian stewardship indicates that stewardship is about a whole lot more than time, talent, and treasure. Our definition states that:

"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."

TESTIMONY is the "T" for this article. It might seem a bit strange to talk about the stewardship of testimony.
Jesus instructed His disciples of all ages to make disciples, teaching and baptizing and encouraging people to follow God's teachings (Matthew 28:18-20). He also told His first disciples that they were to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).

As modern day disciples we also desire to be faithful witnesses, saying and doing all that we can to give witness to our Lord Jesus Christ who wants everyone to be saved and come know the truth (1 Timothy 2:4). This encourages us to share the good news of Jesus with uncommitted or unconnected people in such a way that the Holy Spirit has the opportunity to work faith in their hearts.

St. Peter in his first letter (3:15) instructs us with these words:

"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Be ready at all times to give an answer to everyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you. But do this with gentleness and respect."

What a privilege to be able to do the work that the angels of God long to do---that is, give our testimony of the joy, peace, and hope that are ours because of the redeeming work of Jesus Christ. And what added joy we will have to take into eternity when the words of Daniel 12:3 come true:

"The wise leaders will shine with all the brightness of the sky. And those who have taught many people to do what is right will shine like the stars forever and ever."

Christian stewardship is definitely about our use of time, talent, and treasure, but it is also about our testimony as Christians.

When it comes to our Testimony of the Good News of Jesus, as with our other acts of stewardship, we desire to be maturing stewards who do the right things for the right reasons and strive for excellence in all we do!

Market Day Continues at Salem This Summer!

Proceeds from the sales will go for Salem's FoodPantry and LoveINC.

Order Forms for July are now in the Narthex.

July Order Forms are due back to Salem on Monday, July 12th.

You may also order online until 11 am on Wednesday, July 14th at:
www.marketday.com
Salem's Account is: 22701

The Pick-Up Date is Saturday July 17th
Pick-Up Time: 9—10 am

Summer Choir

Twice a month this summer we'll gather singers to prepare a gift of music for 10:30 a.m. worship.

Rehearsals will be from 9:45-10:15 a.m. in the Choir Room prior to worship.
Summer Choir will meet the 2nd and 4th Sundays of July, and August: July 11th and 25th - August 8th and 22nd
Your voice will be a gift to God and our congregation.

Carla and Ron Vanatta, Ministers of Music
Carla@salemlutheransycamore.org Ron@salemlutheransycamore.org

APOLOGY: My apologies to Tara Young for missing her name on the Salem Puppet Praise Team list in the June T&C—your ministry is most appreciated.

SINGING MEMORIAL: In Memory of Cathryn Hindenburg by her daughter, Carol Boise.

—Carla Vanatta, Salem Creative Arts

Salem G.E.M.S.

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

Thursday, September 16, 2010
Pheasant Run Dinner Theater
"Red Herring" — a murder mystery, comedy

G.E.M.S. MEMBERS & GUESTS:

Arrangements have been made:

Travel by Van Galder Bus . . . load at 10:45 a.m., leave Salem at 11
Arrive at Pheasant Run, St. Charles for 12:30 lunch
Play at 2 p.m. (approx. 2 hrs.)
Return to Salem approx. 5:30 p.m.

Cost: $38.38 for lunch, show and gratuity
12.50 for bus (Total: $50.88 per person)

Make your reservations NOW . . .
Write checks to: Salem church, G.E.M.S.
(on your check memo: dinner theater & bus)
Give or send checks to Mary Safford
(10036 State Route 64, Sycamore, IL, 60178)

We have reserved for 40 people, but we can take a maximum of 56 if all checks are in by the first of August. (Bus expense will stay the same, no matter how many reservations, and bus seating can hold 56 max.)

Questions: Mary Safford (815-895-5431)

Salem's Food Pantry Is Expanding!

We have strong new shelves and we have lots more room! Love INC. has asked if Salem would provide a "gap ministry" for Paper Products on a six-month trial basis. A "gap ministry" is set up to meet a known need in our community. We will see how well we can handle the additional demands this ministry will require. To provide for these needs, in addition to our food items, we will also need:
toilet paper
paper plates
dish soap
deodorant
paper towels
plastic silverware
laundry detergent
razors
kleenex
napkins
toothpaste
shampoo
feminine products
garbage bags
toothbrushes

Next time you are shopping, toss a few of these items in your cart for our "gap ministry." Thank you for all your wonderful support!

Vacation Bible School Snack Needs

The following items are needed for Vacation Bible School Snack Time. Please call Carol Saidat (815-899-8383) if you have questions AND to let her know what you are able to donate.

-23 gallons of Hawaiian Punch (Regular Red)
-1000 Handiwipes (Anti-Bacterial)
-8 Cookie Cutters (Heart Shaped) —Please put your name on them—

Following items not needed until July 6th or 7th:
-7 boxes of Ritz Crackers (regular size cracker)
-21 loaves of White Bread (20 oz. loaves)
-130 slices of Bologna (Oscar Meyer)
-12 Cucumbers
-3 boxes of Ritz Crackers (small ones)
-10 packages of Tortillas (8-12 in a package)
-6 jars of Salsa Sauce (regular strength)

Thank you ahead for all your help and prayers!

Vacation Bible School Craft Needs

Thanks for taking time to see if you have something around your home that we might be able to use! If you do have a donation, please drop it off in the church office.

-fleece material (African, animal, camouflage prints or solid colors)
-white tube socks (never worn) sized for children of various ages
-stamps, stencils, or stickers: (African, Christian, trees, zebra, monkey, elephant, meerkat, giraffe)
-flat (not puffy) fabric paint
-art /craft wire, any colors
-wood / plastic beads
-yarn
-white paper bags
-band aids, cotton balls
-individually wrapped candy
- hearts and crosses (1'-3' size)
-water based markers
-CARDBOARD egg cartons
-glass / plastic gems or pebbles
-tempera paint
-paper towel tubes
-brads
-self adhering GOOGLE eyes
-fabric or permanent markers

"Sparks" Bible Fundraiser for Sunday School 2010/2011

We are asking for donations in $15.00 increments to purchase new Bibles for our classrooms. The new Bibles will match the new Sunday School Curriculum "Sparks." You will find a Spark Bible fundraising board in the Narthex. Displayed will be our great children by grade level with the needs for each level.

Thank you for your great support in our church's youth.

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

Summer Devotional Project

All the dates have been taken and the daily devotional reflections are due back by next weekend (May 15/16). Devotions may be placed in the envelope in the devotional display in the Welcome Center or e-mailed to Darlene Orth at d.orth@mchsi.com. Darlene will then compile the devotions and the summer
devotional will be ready for distribution June 6. Thank you for your participation and interest!

Salem G.E.M.S. will meet Monday, May, 17

Salem G.E.M.S. (Growing Every Member Spiritually) for those 60 years or “better” will meet on Monday, May 17 for a Noon Potluck in Salem’s Fellowship Hall. Pork Chops on the grill will be served. Please bring a vegetable, salad, or dessert (and an item for Salem’s Food Pantry). Rebecca Hunter will present the Program: “Sears Homes and More …”Call Carol Saidat at 815/899-8363 by Friday, May 14 to make a reservation. Spouses are always welcome!

Salem Softball Season Began May 3

This year Salem has two teams!

The two Salem teams are scheduled to play each other twice this season ... on Sunday, June 13 at 2:30 p.m. and Friday, July 9 at 6:30 p.m. Both games will be played at the Sycamore Park (off Airport Road).
Salem members are, of course, invited to come and watch any of their teams’ games, but particularly the games when they will be playing each other.

Following the June 13th game, we will return to Salem for a cookout/potluck on the patio. So we can know how much meat to grill, please sign up in the narthex if you can join us for the Blue vs. Orange “Clash of the Salemites” and cookout.

Greeters Needed for Memorial Day Weekend

Greeters are needed for Salem worship services the Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend celebrated as Holy Trinity. If you will be in town and could greet at either 5:00, 8:00, or 10:30 outdoor worship your gift of hospitality would be most appreciated. Please sign up in the Welcome Center or phone the church office. Thank you!

Scandinavian Baked Goods invited for Pentecost

If you have a favorite Swedish recipe and would enjoy preparing it to help welcome our Swedish guest, Gunilla Bäckstrom, on Sunday, May 23, please sign up at the Welcome Center. Your gift of food will be shared at the 9:15 a.m. hospitality hour and can be brought to the kitchen that morning. Thanks!

Salem VBS is July 12-16!

This year Vacation Bible School is taking a trip to the Baobab tree. At Baobab Blast, kids will get a message of God’s unconditional love and building relationships with God, family, and others. We at the beginning stages of planning and staffing VBS. If you have an interest in helping please contact April Olson at 815-895-5149 or Kim Polke at 815-895-8064.

Memorial Day Weekend at Salem

Salem will honor all Military Servants at a 9:15 a.m. Coffee Sunday, May 30th and at all weekend worship services.  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. We are also collecting names of family members and friends whose lives were lost during their military service and will remember them in prayer at worship.

Weather permitting, the 10:30 worship service will be held outdoors on the west lawn outside Fellowship Hall. Please bring lawn chairs for seating and dress appropriate for the weather.

Congratulations to our Graduates

Salem high school graduates will be honored at the 9:15 a.m. Hospitality Hour in Fellowship Hall this Sunday, May 9th and at 10:30 worship as they reach this important milestone in their education.  Please join us in supporting them and offer your congratulations and prayers.

The coffee is sponsored by Salem’s Youth and Family Ministry Team.

Christ's Ascension May 15 & 16

Salem will celebrate the liturgical day of Christ’s Ascension into Heaven at the May 15/16 worship services.  We will also recognize the gifts shared by all Salem Volunteers with a special puppet skit at Sunday services by Salem Church Mice:  Sir Albert P. Worthington, Squeak, and Whiskers.

Please join us as we give thanks to God for all gifts of time and talent shared to “Live Christ’s Love” in this congregation.

Presentation on the Phillipines

Howard Caracciolo of Salem and his parents traveled to the Philippine Islands this February to see the native land of his stepmother, Ruth.

Besides the beautiful scenery and smoking volcano, Mt. Mayon, Howard was particularly impressed with the Convent at the Tahanang Talangpay Compound and their mission to the poor.

Salem staff has asked   Howard to share a sampling of his photos of the Philippines on May 2  at the 9:15 a.m. Hospitality Hour in Fellowship Hall.

All are welcome.

Women's Prayer Retreat

Saturday - May 1
Salem’s Chapel Lounge
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

If you would like to spend a quiet day in the company of other church women learning about different kinds of prayer, please be in touch with Judy Bergeson (815/895-9171).

The cost is $8 and includes lunch.

Children's Advocacy Center - Champions4Children Walk

Saturday May 15
Hopkins Park DeKalb

  8:45 a.m.   Registration for Walkers  Who Have Not Pre-registered
  9:15 a.m.   Registration for Pre-registered Walkers
  9:50 a.m. DeKalb Mayor Addresses Walkers and Kicks Off Event
10:00 a.m.   Walkers Begin 5 Mile or 1/4 Mile Walk
12:30 p.m. Lunch is served at Hopkins Park Shelter With Live entertainment from Stage Coach Players Barbershop Group and a Silent Auction to Benefit Family Service Agency’s Children’s Advocacy Center
  1:30 p.m.   Silent Auction Winners Announced

Registration Fee: $15 (includes Lunch and T-Shirt)

Children’s Advocacy Center of DeKalb County provides services to children who have been abused.  They coordinate a multidisciplinary team of investigators and prosecutors to provide  a one-time child friendly and supportive forensic interview for children involved in child abuse investigations.

They provide support and advocacy services for children and non-offending caregivers throughout the child abuse investigation and prosecution. They conduct trauma assessments, crisis intervention and counseling services.  They provide medical, legal, and social service advocacy and coordination.

Registration information is available in Salem’s Office, or you can register on-line at: www.cacionline.org

Bible Fundraiser - for Sunday School

Salem is bringing a new “spark” to its Sunday School program next year.

“Sparks” will be the curriculum and we are having a Spark Bible fundraiser.

We are asking for donations in $15 increments to purchase new Bibles for our classrooms.  The new Bibles will match     the new “Sparks” Sunday School curriculum.

There is a Spark Bible Fundraising Board displayed in the narthex.  Envelopes are available in front of the display.

Just put your donation in an envelope, put your name on the outside of the envelope, the grade level you would like to sponsor, and place the envelope in the offering plate during worship or drop it off in the church office.  The display has pictures of our Sunday School children by grade level and we are hoping to furnish 5 bibles for each grade level.

We also are looking to fund our Milestone Ministry Bible Trust Fund Account with 30 bibles.  This account provides our Beginners, 3rd Graders, and 6th Graders with new bibles as they enter a new stage in their faith journey.

Thank you for your great support in our church’s youth.

Storage Space Needed - can you help?

Salem’s Altar Guild is in need of a 8 x 6 storage space to store the church’s Easter Cross Flower Ladder.
If you have space for this or know of someone that does, please contact Donna Alford at 815/895-8081 or call the church office (815/891-9171).

Thank You!

Salem Softball Season begins May 23

This year Salem has two teams!

The two Salem teams are scheduled to play each other twice this season ... on Sunday, June 13 at 2:30 p.m. and Friday, July 9 at 6:30 p.m.  Both games will be played at the Sycamore Park (off Airport Road).

Salem members are, of course, invited to come and watch any of their teams’ games, but particularly the games when they will be playing each other.

Following the June 13th game, we will be returning to Salem for a cookout/potluck on the patio.

So we can know how much meat to grill, please sign up in the narthex if you can join us for the Blue vs. Orange “Clash of the Salemites” and cookout.

SALEM BLUE
Monday May 3rd	6:30PM	Sycamore Park Field 11
Friday May 7th	6:30PM	Sycamore Park Field 10
Friday May 14th	6:30PM	Sycamore Park Field 9
Friday May 21st	6:30PM	Cortland Lions Park
Monday May 24th	6:30PM	Sycamore Park Field 12
Friday May 28th	6:30PM	Sycamore Park Field 9
Sunday June 6th	TBD	Sycamore Park Field 11
Friday June 11th	6:30PM	Sycamore Park Field 12
Sunday June 13th	2:30PM	Sycamore Park Field 9
Friday June 18th	2:30PM	Sycamore Park Field 10
Monday June 21st	6:30PM	Sycamore Park Field 11
Monday June 28th	6:30PM	Sycamore Park Field 10
Friday July 9th	6:30PM	Sycamore Park Field 12
Monday July 12th	6:30PM	Sycamore Park Field 11
Friday July 16th	6:30PM	Sycamore Park Field 10
Friday July 23rd	6:30PM	Sycamore Park Field 12

SALEM ORANGE
Monday May 3rd	6:30PM	Sycamore Park Field 12
Friday May 7th	6:30PM	Cortland Lions Park
Monday May 10th	6:30PM	Sycamore Park Field 11
Monday May 17th	6:30PM	Sycamore Park Field 10
Friday May 21st	6:30PM	Sycamore Park Field 9
Friday May 28th	6:30PM	Sycamore Park Field 11
Sunday June 6th	TBD	Sycamore Park Field 10
Monday June 7th	6:30PM	Sycamore Park Field 10
Friday June 11th	6:30PM	Sycamore Park Field 9
Sunday June 13th	2:30PM	Sycamore Park Field 9
Friday June 18th	6:30PM	Sycamore Park Field 9
Monday June 28th	6:30PM	Sycamore Park Field 11
Monday July 5th	6:30PM	Sycamore Park Field 10
Friday July 9th	6:30PM	Sycamore Park Field 12
Friday July 16th	6:30PM	Four Seasons
Friday July 23rd	6:30PM	Cortland Lions Park

Baobab Blast - VBS will be July 12-16

This year at vacation Bible school we are taking a trip to the Baobab tree the week for July 12th-16th.  At Baobab Blast, kids get a consistent message of God’s unconditional love.  Every activity helps kids understand how to build nurturing relationships with God, family, and others.

At Baobab Blast, building relationships is not just a theory; it’s a place where meaningful friendships happen.  Plus, when kids participate in the mission project, they learn how to help expand God’s community.  We at the beginning stages of planning and staffing for vacation bible school this year.  If you are interested in helping with vacation bible school please contact April Olson at 815-895-5149 or Kim Polke at 815-895-8064.

April Gems Luncheon rescheduled

Salem G.E.M.S. (Growing Every Member Spiritually)
  for those 60 years or “better.”

The April GEMS Luncheon and presentation has been rescheduled to May 17

Make Waves for Salem’s Spring 2010 Children’s Musical…

Under God’s Sea in 3D

Presented for Salem Worship Services on Saturday, April 17 at 5:00 pm and Sunday, April 18 at 10:30 am and for DeKalb County Rehab Center on Wednesday, April 21 at 6:30 pm.

Join in as 21 Salem Kids from age 4 through High School dive deeper into God’s World and Word.  Listen to Professor Gill teach Jonas, T.J., Casey, Taylor, and Waldo faith lessons from under the sea.  Celebrate God’s gifts of faith with the Alleluia Aquatic Academy.

Under God’s Sea in 3D is brought to you by Salem Creative Arts Ministry.

Summer Devotional Project

Spring is here and summer is just around the corner!

(Are your days lazy, hazy, or crazy?)  Help create Salem’s Summer Devotional to keep us connected to our Source and one another as routines take on a different pace.

Pastor Janet will introduce this project at the 9:15 a.m. Hospitality Hour Sunday, April 18th.  Scripture packets based on the daily   lectionary will be available to guide your reflection and sharing.  You choose any day (June 15th – August 15th) and work with those scriptures, seeing how the Holy Spirit guides your thoughts.

Participants will have up to four weeks (Deadline is May 16th) to write a brief reflection or devotion on any of the daily scriptures assigned to the day you choose.  When your reflection is finished it may be emailed to Darlene Orth at d.orth@mchsi.com or dropped in the collection box in the Welcome Center at Salem.
Darlene will then compile the devotions and the summer devotional will be ready for distribution June 6th.
Thank you for your participation and interest!

Easter Sunrise worship opportunity:

Pastor Janet will lead a short Easter Proclamation at the portico/gazebo in Elmwood Cemetery at 6:30 a.m. on Easter Morning, Sunday, April 4th.  You are invited to bring lawn chairs.
        Sue Herrmann will lead the singing with flute.  Everyone is then invited to come to Phil and Jenny Ruff's home at 625 DeKalb Avenue for coffee from 7:00-7:30 am.

Holy Week Schedule

March 27 -  Palm Sunday Worship  (5:00 p.m.)
            28 -  Palm Sunday Worship  (8:00 & 10:30 a.m.)
                        (50+ Year Members Honored at 9:15 a.m. Coffee)
April 1 - Maundy Thursday  (7:00 p.m.  - “Time of Trial”)
April 2 - Good Friday            (7:00 p.m. - Tenebrae Service)    
April 3 - Easter Vigil             (5:00 p.m. - Service of Light)              
April 4 - Easter Proclamation (6:30 a.m. - Elmwood Cemetery, Sycamore                  
                        and 7:00-7:30 Coffee at Jenny & Phil Ruff’s, 625 DeKalb Avenue)
April 4 - Easter Sunday Festival Worship    (8:00 & 10:30 a.m.)
April 4 - Easter Breakfast    (9:00-10:30 a.m. Fellowship Hall)  

Lenten Schedule

Wednesdays    “ The Lord’s Prayer”
February 24 ...     “Hallowed Be Thy Name”  
March 3   ...        “Thy Kingdom Come”
March 10     ...          “Thy Will Be Done”
March 17     ...               “Daily Bread”
March 24 ...        “Forgive Us Our Sins”
Lenten Prayer and Pie in Chapel Lounge (2:00 p.m.) … a simple   service with spoken liturgy, prayer, and hymns followed by pie   and coffee.
Soup Suppers in Fellowship Hall (5:30 p.m.) … soup and beverages     provided, bring bread, crackers, or dessert to share.
Holden Evening Prayer Service (7:00 p.m.)  ... with choir, cantors, flutes, and piano leading us in worship.  This beautiful liturgical setting was written in the 1980s for the community at Holden   Village, Washington (a year round ecumenical Christian retreat center, rooted in the Lutheran tradition) and has grown to be an instrument    of prayer and worship all over the world.

Salem's 140th Anniversary Celebration

140 Years of Living Christ' Love

Palm Sunday - March 28th

50+ Year Members

Honored at a 

9:15 a.m. Coffee 

and at 10:30 Worship

Salem History Photo Collage 

in Fellowship Hall

Easter Sunday - April 4th 

6:30 a.m. Easter Proclamation

(at Elmwood Cemetery followed by coffee 

at Jenny & Phil Ruff’s home - 

625 DeKalb Avenue)

8:00 & 10:30 a.m.

Festive Worship with

Mission Affirmation

9:00—10:30 a.m. 

Easter Breakfast

Communion for the Homebound

Volunteers Needed ... Nine times a year some of us have the privilege of taking communion from our altar to our homebound.  There are about 15 people who welcome us into their home or their room at an assisted living place or a nursing home.  The printed order of service is placed by Altar Guild with the communion kit, so when Pastor calls up the deliverers to the altar to bless them and the kits too, everything is ready to go.  If you would like  to join us in this ministry, please phone Judy Bergeson (815-895-9171) for more information.  It's probably one of the most rewarding 30 minutes you'll ever have.

Salem Lenten Practices:

The liturgical season of Lent encourages repentance and prayer, worship and meditation, and care for the needs of others.  During Lent we commune at the altar rail each weekend, kneeling as able to humble ourselves before this great gift.  Pastor Janet will distribute wafers and the Assisting Minister will offer a choice of either wine or white grape juice.  There will also be water in the baptismal font, inviting worshippers to dip their fingers and make the sign of the cross on their foreheads in remembrance of their baptism.  Most melodies for the liturgy will be familiar, but we will introduce new tunes for the Kyrie and Gospel Acclamation from Setting 10.

100th Birthday Card Shower

Cards or notes are welcomed for Salem's oldest member, Eleanor Ekstrom, who turns 100 years old Saturday, March 13th.  Eleanor moved to Tennessee a few years ago to live near her son Carl.  She would love to hear from Salem friends or people she hasn't even met.  Eleanor's eyesight is failing but her son will read her your messages of support.  Thank you for taking the time to send Christ's love to one of our own who has reached this wonderful milestone!  Contact the church office for her address.

Salem Bus Trip

See the World Premiere of The Hiding Place: Jan Kuntz of Salem has organized an opportunity on
Sunday, April 25th to see Corrie ten Boom’s “The Hiding Place” presented by Provision Theater in Chicago.

This play is the true story of Holocaust survivor Corrie Ten Boom whose family joins the underground resistance to help save Jewish families.  When arrested and imprisoned in concentration camps, they are left with nothing to cling to but their faith.

Jan has reserved 40 tickets; the bus holds 56 if more reservations are received.  Those who attend will leave Salem at 11:00 a.m., have lunch on the way to the theater, attend the play at 3:00 p.m., and return to Salem about 7:00 p.m.  Cost for the bus and play admission is $42.50 per person, not including the price of lunch.  All are welcome.

Reservation forms are available at the Welcome Center and may be turned in to the church office with payment.  Please make checks to Salem Lutheran and mark them “Hiding Place” play.  Deadline for payment has been extended to Monday, March 22nd.  A reservation acknowledgement will be sent upon receiving payment.

Let’s fill the bus and experience this moving and poignant message of love and faith!

The Provision Theater, located at 1001 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago, is devoted to producing works of hope, reconciliation, and redemption; works that challenge us to explore a life of meaning and purpose.

RESERVATION DEADLINE IS MARCH 22nd.

Special Offering Envelopes

The gifts Salem receives in those special envelopes in our offering boxes (like Lent, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter, Ascension, etc.) are an important part of our budgeted income over and above weekly pledges.  While we understand that it is not possible for everyone to return these envelopes with
additional gifts, we are thankful for the many folks who can and have helped us in our effort to support Salem’s ministry needs with their special “Festival” offerings.  --Salem Executive Committee