Spend Awhile on the Nile April 21-22

Salem Spring Children's Musical

Spend Awhile on the Nile:

The Mighty Ancient Hero Cruise

by Christy and Daniel Semsen

Presented for Salem worship services by 24 wonderful children and youth:

Saturday, April 21 at 5pm

Sunday, April 22 at 10:30am

(with an encore presentation for DeKalb County Rehab residents April 25 at 6:30pm)

A singing memorial brought to you by Salem Creative Arts Ministry

Salem G.E.M.S. Trip April 16

On Monday, April 16, Salem G.E.M.S. will be "going out." We will be meeting at Eggsclusive Cafe, Inc. at 265 W Peace Rd (north of the Sycamore Jewel). Those attending are asked to meet at the restaurant so we can order our lunches at noon. Each one is responsible for the cost of his or her lunch. Spouses are always welcome.

After lunch we will drive/carpool to the Historic North Grove School for a tour and talk. We are fortunate to have the school's association president in our midst...our own Carole Lichty!

We must have your reservations by Friday, April 13, so that the restaurant will have enough room reserved for our group. Please call contact person Carol Saidat at 815-899-8383.

Donations for Salem's Food Pantry will be collected by any G.E.M.S. committee member. Also, we need your recipes for the G.E.M.S. Cookbook. Give them to Jim Eklund.

We look forward to seeing you on April 16!

First Communion Classes Begin April 15

April 15, 22, 29 - 9:15 in Fellowship Hall

We welcome children in 3rd grade and older to join us along with their parents or other significant adult to grow in faith together as children prepare for their First Communion.

If you are interested in your child attending classes, please call the church office to register. Salem asks that those who take communion be baptized. If your child is not baptized, please speak with Pastor Rob.

Easter Breakfast April 8

Easter Breakfast Seatings: 9 & 9:40am

Adults $6, Children $4

Please let us know how many in your family will be attending so we can better anticipate numbers for preparation. The signup sheet is in the Welcome Center.

The menu:

Eggs & potato casseroles

Sausage/fresh fruit/pastries

Coffee/apple juice

Orange juice/milk

Food donations are most welcome! Please see the food donation signup sheet, also in the Welcome Center.

The event is sponsored by the Salem High School youth who are attending the National Youth Gathering in New Orleans in July of 2012.

Holy Week Schedule

Saturday, March 31 - Palm Sunday Worship - 5pm

Sunday, April 1 - Palm Sunday Worship - 8 & 10:30am

Thursday, April 5 - Maundy Thursday Worship - 7pm

Friday, April 6 - Good Friday Worship - 7pm

Saturday, April 7 - Easter Vigil Worship - 5pm

Sunday, April 8 - Easter Festival Worship - 8 & 10:30am

Sunday, April 8 - Easter Breakfast - 9 & 9:40am

Wednesday Worship Series "Choices, Choices" Continues March 28

"Choices, Choices"

Midweek Lenten Worship - 7pm

February 29 - "What?" - Mark 10:17-22

March 7 - "Really?" - Jonah 4:1-11

March 14 - "Why?" - 1 Corinthians 9:19-23

March 21 - "Seriously?" - John 4:1-30

March 28 - "How?" - John 3:16, Luke 24:13-33

Wednesday Lenten Soup Supper March 28

Wednesday Lenten Soup Supper

February 29 - March 28

Soup Supper sponsors:

February 29 - Social Justice

March 7 - Salem Youth Group

March 14 - Global Missions

March 21 - Benson Family

March 28 - Fearfully & Wonderfully Made Support Group

Soup Suppers are Wednesdays from 5:30-6:45pm. A free-will offering is received and will be designated to the Salem fund of the sponsors' choice. Diners bring breads, crackers, or dessert to share.

Salem Night at Pizza Villa March 26

Come and support Salem's Food Pantry at Pizza Villa, 824 W Lincoln Hwy, DeKalb, from 4-8pm on Monday, March 26. Twenty percent of your order will be donated back to Salem's Food Pantry. This is good for dine-in and carryout orders only. Present the Salem Night coupon when making your purchase.

Place Your Easter Garden Orders

Altar Guild is taking orders for potted seasonal flowers to place around the altar and on the Easter Cross for Easter Sunday. Orders will be taken in the narthex before and after church services on March 17-18, 24-25.

To order a plant, please fill out an order form and give it to the Altar Guild member in the narthex on those dates, along with your payment. Make checks payable to Glidden Florist. You can also drop off or mail your order and payment to the church office any time before Monday, March 26.

If you would like to pick up the plant you ordered after Easter service, be sure to fill out a card with your name and telephone number, or you can donate your plant to a Salem shut-in.

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

Are you 60 years young or better? If so, then you are welcome to join G.E.M.S. (Growing Every Member Spiritually) The group meets each month (except June-August) for a noon potluck, lively conversation, fun, and sometimes special programs or outings. Publicity is always printed in the church bulletins a couple of weeks ahead and can also be found here in the Salem News.

On Monday, March 19, G.E.M.S. will feature the program "Watch Your Identity," given by the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department. Spaghetti will be provided by the committee. Please bring a dish to pass and items for Salem's Food Pantry. Spouses are always welcome.

Please make your reservations by calling committee member Carol Saidat (815-899-8383). Make your reservations for the noon potluck by Friday, March 16, so that we can plan how much spaghetti to make. We look forward to seeing you. Mark your calendar now!

Pastor Valentiner to Speak at Coffee Hour March 18

Retired Pastor Paul Valentiner, a newer member of Salem who moved here from California, will be Social Justice Team's community servant speaker during the coffee hour March 18 at 9:30 in the Fellowship Hall.

Pastor Paul had a congregation of one hundred Anglos and two hundred Hmong. Please come hear him speak about his adventures in ministry!

Scrip Orders Due March 11

2012 National Youth Gathering Scrip Fundraiser

Ideas for Easter gift baskets!

Gift cards from Baskin Robbins, Dunkin Donuts, Target

Check out the SCRIP order form for more ideas!

Place a SCRIP order for your favorite store gift cards. Order forms at the Welcome Table. Look for the GiftCard Fundraiser logo!

Orders due: March 11
Pick up orders at Welcome Table on March 18
Questions? Contact Julie Grendahl 815-761-3714 or Julie.g@comcast.net

Five high school youth and two adults are attending the National Youth Gathering in New Orleans in 2012. SCRIP store cards will help get us there. Thank you!

NIS Congregational Resourcing Event March 10

Northern Illinois Synod Congregational Resourcing Event

"Seeds Grow Fruit - From God's Story to Our Story"

Saturday, March 10, 8:30am-3:15pm

Kishwaukee College, Malta

Schedule:

Registration/Coffee

Worship

Keynote Speaker

Workshop Session A

Lunch

Workshop Sessions B & C

Childcare available with pre-registration. For a complete list of workshops and registration information, visit the NIS website at www.nisynod.org/cre or contact Nancy Corey at the Rock Island Synod Office (ncorey@nisynod.org, 309-794-4004). Also let Salem's office know of your interest in attending (815-895-9171). The cost is $17 per person with meal included if registered by March 1. After that date, the cost is $22, and lunch may be included if enough are available.

Grace Place Meal Delivery March 7

Salem is providing a meal for NIU's Grace Place on March 7. Sign up in the Welcome Center if you would like to provide part of this meal. For any questions, call Jeanne Johnston (815-761-6823).

Fair Trade Coffee Sale March 3-4

Sponsored by Salem's Global Missions Committee
$7.00 a bag

After all services: 5pm Saturday, 8 & 10:30am Sunday
and between: 8 & 10:30am Sunday services

Grief Support Group Meeting February 26

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. Our discussions are confidential. No registration, no cost. Just come. We meet from 3-4:30pm in the Chapel Lounge.

Shrove Tuesday Dinner & Cake Auction February 21

Salem's Confirmation Shrove Tuesday Dinner & Cake Auction

Tuesday, February 21

Dinner - 6pm

(Pulled pork sandwiches, chips, veggies, and drink - suggested donation $6 per person)

Cake voting period ends 6:45pm

Cake auction begins 7pm

Funds raised will be split between Love INC, Opportunity House, and Avancer House.

Bring a cake to auction! Vote for your favorite! Bid on a cake to take home! The "Best of Show" is the cake that the crowd in attendance that night picks out of all of the cakes in all of the categories. George Holland will once again be our auctioneer.

Cake theme categories are: Living Christ's Love, Sports/Games, Salem's Favorites, Food for Thought, TV & Tech, God's Creatures, and Miscellaneous. For cakes created by kids age 10 and under, all entries in this category will win a prize.

Salem G.E.M.S. Noon Potluck February 20

Salem G.E.M.S. (Growing Every Member Spiritually) for those 60 years or "better" and their spouses will hold their monthly potluck on Monday, February 20.

Beverages and chicken will be provided. Please bring a vegetable, salad, or dessert (and an item for Salem's Food Pantry). Don't forget your recipes for the G.E.M.S. cookbook. Pastor Kinnear will be our guest speaker - "Pastor Kinnear's Journey to Salem in Sycamore."

Call Carol Saidat at 815-899-8383 to make a reservation now. Spouses are always welcome!

Celebration for Ron & Carla Vanatta February 19

Open House for Ron & Carla Vanatta celebrating 35 years of service to Salem

Salem Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall

We invite you to join us as we celebrate this milestone with an Open House on Sunday, February 19, from 2-4pm, with a program at 2:30pm. Your presence is your gift for Ron and Carla. If you would like, please write a memory of how Ron and Carla have touched your life. Bring it to the Open House or, if you are unable to attend, drop it off in the office.

Musical Instruments Wanted

Kevin Loitz with BSA Troop 2810 continues working on his Eagle Scout Project, "Instruments for Children." He is collecting musical instruments, repairing and cleaning them as needed, and donating them to the Sycamore School Music Department to be loaned to music students that cannot afford to rent an instrument.

Kevin is still currently collecting all types of band and orchestra instruments. A Community Instrument Drop-Off Day has been scheduled for Saturday, February 18 at Salem from 10am to noon. Just drive into the semi-circular front driveway and drop off an instrument! Arrangements for instruments to be picked up at a different time may also be arranged by contacting Kevin Loitz.

Anyone interested in donating an instrument, making a contribution, volunteering your time or talent on this project, or needing more information may contact Kevin Loitz at 815-991-1101 or via email at instrumentsforchildren@gmail.com.

Wise Women Midwinter Retreat February 18

Salem Lutheran Church is offering a wonderful opportunity for women of all ages to take a midwinter break from the routines of life and winter blahs to join others for "Wise Women: A Midwinter Retreat" at Grace Place (formerly Lutheran Campus Ministry) on the NIU campus. If this interests you, please check your calendars for the date of Saturday, February 18, 2012.

Connie Seraphine, a member of Salem, will facilitate the gathering. She has been trained in leading retreat groups with a focus on experiencing God's presence in our lives. Women will gather at Salem to carpool to Grace Place on Saturday at 8:30am on February 18. The retreat will finish by 5pm. In our time together we will explore how we are indeed wise women, and what that means for our families, friendships, faith, work, church community, and even the broader connections we have beyond our local contexts. We will enjoy walking, resting, eating, praying, and laughing. To understand what wisdom means, we will use music, biblical stories, our own stories, prayer, artwork, and poetry. There will be time for writing, for sharing, and appreciating silence. Our goal for the retreat is to learn how to be attentive to God's gentle guiding, as God's Spirit helps us be clear about our gifts, wisdom, and insights and what to do with them.

Please contact Judy Bergeson at Salem (815-895-9171 or 815-754-9564).

Auditions February 15 for Spring Children's Musical

All children and youth are invited to participate in Salem's spring musical, Spend Awhile on the Nile, to be presented for Saturday/Sunday, April 21-22 worship services as well as the DeKalb County Rehab Center.

Auditions for speaking parts and solos will be held from 6-7pm in the choir room on February 15. Youth and adults are also invited to help with set construction, staging, choreography, sound, props, and costumes. Sponsors are always welcome to help pay for books, CDs, the accompaniment track, t-shirts, and props as a gift to Salem's Singing Memorial program.

Eight Saturday rehearsals begin February 18 from 10am to noon and continue through April 14 (none Easter weekend). Books and rehearsal CDs are available now!

Carla Vanatta

Carla@salemlutheransycamore.org

church: 815-895-9171, cell: 815-895-8521

Blood Drive February 11

Salem Blood Drive

Saturday, February 11

10am - 2pm

Please call the church office (815-895-9171) to register or sign up after worship in the Welcome Center. Walk-ins welcome! Photo ID required. The drive is being held in honor of those students who lost their lives on the NIU campus four years ago. Donate blood at Salem and receive an exclusive T-shirt as a way of saying "thank you" for your donation.

Volunteers Still Needed for Meals on Wheels

February is Salem's month to furnish volunteers to deliver "Meals on Wheels" to Sycamore shut-ins for the Voluntary Action Center.

Urgent! Salem still needs to furnish two volunteers for the Sycamore West Route on 2/9, 2/15, & 2/16 and the Sycamore East Route on 2/27, 2/28, & 2/29.

It doesn't take long to complete a route (usually 11am-12:30pm) and your help is appreciated!

Please call Salem's office (815-895-9171) to volunteer.

Salem Lenten Devotional

"From Bethlehem to Jerusalem - A Lenten Journey"

A devotional will soon be in the making as we prepare to journey through Lent. Look for the sign-up sheets in the Welcome Center.

We are once again asking the people of Salem to select a scripture to read, then write a brief devotion (350 words or less). Forty scriptures with a descriptive heading have been preselected for this journey through Lent.

Devotions should be written by January 31 and may be dropped off in the Welcome Center or emailed to lenten.devotions@salemlutheransycamore.org.

New Member Dinner January 29

Are you a visitor to Salem who is interested in finding out what Salem has to offer you as a member? If you are, you are invited to attend a "New Member Dinner" to be held on Sunday, January 29, from 5-7pm. Dinner and childcare will be provided. Please let us know of your interest by calling the office and speaking with Pastor Kinnear or Sue McMillan (815-895-9171).

Chili Dinner January 29

Sunday, January 29, 11:30am - 1:30pm

First Lutheran Church, 324 N 3rd St, DeKalb

First Lutheran's Social Justice Team is planning a chili dinner to help with Pastor Seth Sululu's expenses at NIU. There will be a variety of chili from vegetarian to some without beans and from mild to spicy. There will also be cornbread and vegetables. They are selling advance tickets (815-758-0643, $5 children/$8 adults/$20 family). Salem was blessed to have Pastor Sululu preside over two services at Salem in November 2011. Please help support his last semester at NIU before returning to serve in Tanzania.

Annual Meeting of the Congregation January 22

Annual Meeting of the Congregation

Sunday, January 22

12pm luncheon

12:45pm meeting in Fellowship Hall

We will be voting on Council, Trust Fund, Synod Assembly, Nominating Committee, and Call Committee nominees as well as the 2012 budget.

Be sure to attend!

LOMC Epiphany Retreat January 13-14

When they saw that the star had stopped,

they were overwhelmed with joy

-Matthew 2:10

Third through sixth graders: invite your friends and plan to come to LOMC for the "Follow the Star" Epiphany Retreat January 13-14 at Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center in Oregon, IL. Learn about the season of Epiphany, warm yourself by the Christmas tree bonfire, and have fun team-building, star-gazing, and drinking hot cocoa! Stay in heated youth retreat villages and enjoy great meals and snacks. $65 per person. Registration forms and permission slips will be handed out in Sunday School. To find out more or register, contact Karin Graddy at karin@salemsycamore.org or 815-762-0758.

Epiphany Celebration at Heatherhope Farm

Salem members Pastor John Seraphine and his wife, Connie, invite other members of Salem to their Heatherhope Farm for their annual Epiphany celebration on Sunday, January 8, 2012, from 4:30-7:30pm.

The evening will be begin with a dinner in the house, proceed to a bonfire in the hay field, and conclude with a simple Celtic Epiphany service in the barn. One of the Seraphines' sheepdogs will gather the sheep into the barn to say goodnight as we sing our "Amens." The farm also has five young puppies that will crave attention from the children. All who plan to attend are asked to send an email to heatherhopefarm@gmail.com or phone 815-895-9736 to note how many are coming. Please bring your dried Christmas trees and/or greens, and say if you might be able to bring a salad or dessert to share. Epiphany at Heatherhope has become a winter tradition for many families for eight years. We hope you will join us for this special night, and be sure to invite your friends.

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.

We will also be collecting new children's clothing for Hope Haven on that day!

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!