Weekly Announcements
Announcements for the week ending March 24, 2024
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Worship in person or online
We worship at Overland Park Lutheran Church (7810 W. 79th St., Overland Park). The traditional service is at 8:30 a.m. in the chapel, and the contemporary service is at 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary. Education and music is between worship services, 9:45-10:45 a.m. Services are also posted on our social media pages. Links to those are at the top of this page. We encourage you to worship in the style and manner that is best for you and your family!
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Women’s Book Club — March 18
Women's Book Club will resume their 7:00 p.m. meeting time in March. Please join them on Monday, March 18 in Koinonia Hall to discuss "The Last Thing He Told Me" by Laura Dave. The April 15 book will be "The Diamond Eye" by Kate Quinn. Contact Kathy Kostroske at (913) 888-3233 or KLJK278@gmail.com if you have any questions. Book Club typically meets on the third Monday of every month.
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Good Faith Network Ramadan Iftar Dinner — March 18
Good Faith Network will be hosting a Ramadan Iftar Dinner with the Dialogue Institute on Monday, March 18 at 6:30 p.m. at Indian Heights United Methodist Church (10211 Nall Avenue, Overland Park). This is an opportunity to better understand the custom and become a part of a unique form of prayer in an interfaith setting. Dinner will be provided; all you have to do is RSVP with the link below and bring yourselves! Read more »
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Coffee and Conversation — March 19
Join Pastor Jon for Coffee & Conversation on Tuesday, March 19 at 10:00 a.m. at Foundry Coffeehouse (inside Foundry Church, 8835 Lackman Road, Lenexa). Contact Pastor Jon with any questions. Coffee and Conversation typically meets on the third Tuesday of every month. All are welcome!
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Final Midweek Lenten service — March 20
Please plan to join us for the final Lenten supper and service at Overland Park Lutheran Church on Wednesday, March 20. We will gather together for dinner starting at 6:00 p.m., and the Holden Evening Prayer service will be in the sanctuary starting at 7:00 p.m. Our midweek Lenten offering this year will go toward Synod Companion Team Ministry. All are welcome!
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Lenten midweek offering
Our midweek Lenten offering this year will go toward Synod Companion Team Ministry. Our Companion Synods give us the opportunity to engage with Companion Christians who live out their faith in different parts of the world. As we come together with our CoSyn Lutheran Christians in Papua New Guinea, Russia, and other parts of the world, we both bless them and receive their blessings. You can give your donation in the basket marked “Lenten Offering” during worship on Wednesday evenings. Click on the link below for more information on Companion Synods. Read more »
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Fellowship of the Stein — March 21
Fellowship of the Stein will meet at Grinders Stonewall (10240 Pflumm Road, Lenexa) on Thursday, March 21 at 7:00 p.m. They typically meet on the third Thursday of every month at a variety of breweries and restaurants. All men are welcome to attend!
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Spanish language class — two Thursdays/month
Are you heading on the service trip to Guatemala this summer or do you just want to learn some Spanish? Join Katie Lange and native speakers for a no-stress/no-grades Spanish class on Thursday nights in Koinonia Hall (13402 W. 92nd St., Lenexa). We will meet two Thursdays each month from 7:00-8:30 p.m. All ages are welcome! Remaining meeting dates are March 21, April 4, April 18, May 2, and May 16. Invite a friend and come as you are able! Contact Katie Lange with any questions.
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Fellowship of the Vine — March 22
Salem women and friends are invited to join us for "Shout! The Mod Musical" at Johnson County Arts and Heritage Center on Friday, March 22 (note new date). The show starts at 7:30 p.m. If you want to carpool, meet at Koinonia Hall at 6:30 p.m. Otherwise meet at the theater at 7:00 p.m. All women are welcome to attend! Please RSVP on the link below.Read more »
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Collective Middle School Glow Party — March 23
All 6th-8th grade students and their friends are invited to this free event with our friends from Collective on Saturday, March 23. Get your glow on with Easter and egg-themed activities, including a glow-in-the-dark egg hunt! We encourage you to wear neon and/or white colors. Meet at Kaw Prairie Community Church (9421 Meadow View Drive, Lenexa) at 7:00 p.m.; pickup will be at 9:00 p.m. Please RSVP on the link below.Read more »
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Celebrate Earth Hour — March 23
Earth Hour is a global effort inviting communities around the world to turn off their lights for one hour at 8:30 p.m. (local time) on Saturday, March 23 to honor the Earth and draw attention to our relationships with all that God has made. In addition, participants are encouraged to do something positive for the planet for 60 minutes. The Salem/OPLC Creation Care Team invites all three of our congregations (Overland Park Lutheran Church, Overland Park Presbyterian Church, and Salem) to participate in this global effort. We will gather on Saturday, March 23, from 8:30-9:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall at OPLC to observe Earth Hour together and share stories about our relationship with the outdoor world. Please plan to arrive between 8:00 and 8:30 p.m. and bring a snack to share. We’ll converse by candlelight and focus on the marvels of all that God has created while we deepen our relationships with one another in our three congregations. Everyone is welcome!!
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Palm Sunday Procession — March 24
On Palm Sunday (March 24), all children and youth are invited to process down the aisle waving palms during the opening hymn. Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem. As he rode into the city on a donkey, his followers spread palm branches across his path and waved them in the air, shouting "Hosanna," meaning "save us."
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Annual Pictorial Directory Photos — March 24 and 31
On Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday (March 24 and 31), you will have an opportunity to have your photo taken for the 2024 Salem Directory. Pictures will be taken after each service. If you would prefer, you can email a picture to the church office.
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Stock Drive fundraiser — March 24 and 31
All are encouraged to invest in our youth by purchasing shares of stock between services on Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday (March 24 and 31). You can also purchase on our website by clicking on the ‘Giving’ tab, then click on ‘Make Online Payment.' Proceeds help fund all summer trips, activities, and special projects.
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Maundy Thursday — March 28
Join us for the Maundy Thursday service at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary at Overland Park Lutheran Church. The service will include hand/foot washing and Communion. First Communion will be taken during the service.
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Good Friday Tenebrae — March 29
Please join us at 7:00 p.m. on Good Friday (March 29) in the sanctuary at Overland Park Lutheran Church as the choir leads our Tenebrae service singing "Prayers at the Cross." Beautiful songs with violin and cello, our candlelit cross and narrations will lead us into Christ's final days and celebrate his gift of love.
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Easter Sunday — March 31
Worship with us on Resurrection Sunday! The traditional service is at 8:00 a.m. and the contemporary service is at 9:30 a.m., both in the sanctuary. We will serve breakfast all morning, from 9:00-11:30 a.m., and have Easter egg hunts at 10:30 a.m. Let us rejoice: Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
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Easter Egg Hunt — March 31
Come for an all-ages Easter Egg Hunt on the lawn of Overland Park Lutheran Church. Age 4 and under is at 10:30 a.m.; age 5-5th grade is at 10:45 a.m.
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Salem college scholarship — deadline March 31
Each year Salem awards a $500 college scholarship to one of our graduating seniors. Applications must be turned in to the church office no later than Sunday, March 31. More information and an application can be found on the forms page of the Salem website. Read more »
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Thrivent Choice Dollars expire March 31
Thrivent members: We wanted to remind you to direct your 2023 Thrivent Choice Dollars to Salem Lutheran Church by the end of March or they disappear. You must renew the distribution of your Thrivent Choice Dollars every year; your choice from the prior year does not carry over. There are two ways to direct your Choice Dollars. Go to thrivent.com or call 1-800-847-4836 and say “choice dollars” at automation. Don’t miss this opportunity to recommend where Thrivent gives back and help Salem. Contact Jennifer Thomas with any questions.
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Creation Care Team meeting — April 2
Members of all three congregations (Overland Park Lutheran Church, Overland Park Presbyterian Church, and Salem) are invited to attend the Creation Care Team meeting on Tuesday, April 2 at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom. Contact the church office for more information. They typically meet on the first Tuesday of every month.
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Men's breakfast — April 6
All men are invited for fellowship and breakfast at Santa Fe Cafe (9946 W. 87th St., Overland Park) on Saturday, April 6 at 8:00 a.m. Please RSVP to Greg Beutel at gbeutel@everestkc.net so he can reserve a table. The men's breakfast typically meets on the first Saturday of every month.
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Hollis Farm to Fork Dinner — April 6
Hollis Renewal Center's Farm to Fork Dinner has returned ... this year with prohibition-era twist! The event takes place in the lodge at Hollis Renewal Center (11414 Kansas Ave., Kansas City, KS) on Saturday, April 6. Guests will enjoy a custom speakeasy-inspired menu, featuring seasonal produce and meats. Happy hour starts at 6:30 p.m., and dinner begins at 7:00 p.m. Attire is smart casual or if you are game ... dress to impress and embrace the fashion of the speakeasy era! Secure your reservation today by clicking on the link below. All proceeds benefit the mission and ministry of Hollis to extend Christian hospitality to all.Read more »
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Spring Stream Clean — April 7
Overland Park Lutheran Church's Annual Spring Stream Clean is Sunday, April 7 at 12:30 p.m., hosted by the Creation Care Team. All OPLC, OPPC, and Salem members, along with our neighbors, are welcome to participate. Join us for a light lunch, then we'll head to Young’s Park (7701 Antioch Road, just west on 78th from the church). Trash bags and gloves will be provided. We have a few grabbers, but please bring them if you have them. Long pants, long sleeves, boots or sturdy shoes, hats, and bug spray are recommended. Bring a refillable water bottle. All are welcome!
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Good Faith Network Solutions Briefing — April 14
The Good Faith Network's 3rd Annual Solutions Briefing will be on Sunday, April 14 at 3:00 p.m. at Grace United Methodist Church (11485 S. Ridgeview Road, Olathe). The Solutions Briefing is meant to update the entire network on the research work that's been conducted this season and where we go from there. It'll be an energizing event, as it also builds excitement for the Nehemiah Action, so mark your calendars!
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Women’s Book Club — April 15
Please join us Monday, April 15 at 7:00 p.m. in Koinonia Hall to discuss "The Diamond Eye" by Kate Quinn. The May 20 book will be "The Golden Couple" by Greer Hendrick. Contact Kathy Kostroske at (913) 888-3233 or KLJK278@gmail.com if you have any questions. Book Club typically meets on the third Monday of every month.
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Blood Drive — April 17
Salem, Overland Park Lutheran Church, and Overland Park Presbyterian Church are hosting a Red Cross Blood Drive on Wednesday, April 17 from 12:00-5:00 p.m. at Overland Park Lutheran Church (7810 W. 79th St., Overland Park). Click on the link below for more information and/or to sign up. Read more »
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Graduation info — deadline April 28
We are planning to celebrate our high school and college graduates with a blessing and special presentation in the 11:00 a.m. service on Sunday, May 5. Please send information about your graduate by Sunday, April 28 to Heather Lewis. We will share pictures and future plans in the bulletin and in a special slide show. We are so proud of our Salem youth!
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Salem youth event signup
Salem youth gather for fun activities, service, and community building, and friends are always welcome! Please let us know if your youth is planning to participate by signing up below. Contact Heather Lewis with any questions or ideas!Read more »
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Youth Sunday school helpers
Thank you for offering to help with Sunday school for our middle school and high school youth! Dates have been added to the SignUpGenius for this spring. Please let us know when you can assist on Sunday mornings by signing up on our website. Contact Heather Lewis with any questions or ideas!Read more »
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It’s not too late ...
If you have not yet offered your commitment toward the 2024 mission and ministry plan, there is still time! Please take the time to prayerfully consider how God is inviting you to share the abundance entrusted to your care. Then, in celebration of the gifts entrusted to our care, please submit your Statement of Intent. You can submit it in the offering plate, to the church office, or by email to the financial secretary. Additional Statements of Intent are available at the chapel, the church office, and on Salem’s website (under Giving). Thank you for supporting Salem in your faith journey. Your commitments impact Salem mission partners and those whom we serve.
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The Word in Season
The October-November-December edition of "The Word in Season" has arrived. You may pick one up at Sunday worship or at the church office. Published quarterly by Augsburg Fortress, it offers a daily scripture reading, devotional, and prayer from several different authors. Please contact the church office if you would like one mailed to you.
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2023 directory available
The new church directory is now available. Be sure to pick one up on the table in the entryway at the chapel or at the church office. If you have any changes or if you would like to submit a picture for our next printing, please notify Shari in the church office.
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Weekly scripture study — every Wednesday
Attend a weekly gathering to discuss the lectionary for the upcoming Sunday in a small group setting. We meet on Wednesdays at noon in Koinonia Hall. Contact Pastor Jon with any questions.
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Join the Fellowship Team!
The Fellowship Team is looking for more members. If you love planning events, organizing, and seeking ways to connect with your Salem family, this is the team for you! Contact Jarred Schubert for more information.
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Sharing God’s Abundance
It’s never too late! Your Statement of Intent can still be submitted. Please take the time to prayerfully consider how God is inviting you to share the abundance entrusted to your care.Read more »
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Salem is Officially an RIC Congregation!
Salem Lutheran Church has been recognized by Reconciling Works (formerly Lutherans Concerned/North America) as the most recent Reconciling in Christ Congregation in Kansas. This comes after the congregation officially adopted the following public welcome statement in January of 2015. We, the members of Salem Lutheran Church, affirm the belief that we are all created in God’s image and are called to love one another as God loves us. We are a community that welcomes people of all ages, cultures, economic statuses, ethnic backgrounds, family blends, gender identities, physical and mental abilities, races, and sexual orientations. We seek to provide a safe and caring community where all people can grow in their faith. We encourage you to join us as we develop relationships with each other and discover the depth of God’s love for us all.