Church is Family
Posted on Feb 18, 2025 by Heather Lewis
I have lifelong experience with change. I grew up moving a lot with my Army family, have lived all over the country, and spent several years in Europe. Moving was an adventure for me; I was always excited to be able to start new, meet new friends, and explore new places. I’ve been taught by 13 different piano teachers. My hometown is Leavenworth, KS — I lived there the longest (5 years) and my parents retired there — but I went to college in Arizona and Maryland. I missed the friendliness of the Midwest, so after 7 years, I returned.
One thing that has stayed constant — no matter where I’ve lived — is that church is family. When you only have a short time to live somewhere, you have to make connections fast. For me, church has always been the best place to find people who care about you, and it gives you opportunities to enrich your life and the lives of those around you.
Interestingly, in the 30+ years since I returned to Kansas after college, I’ve only been in four churches. My first worship director position was almost 12 years, and this June I’ll celebrate 15 years as Salem’s worship director. It has been amazing to me to watch kids grow up from adorable angels in the Christmas program to acting in summer musicals and leading worship. My own kids have thrived in the encouragement they have always received from their Salem family during each of their faith journeys.
As we continue to navigate our future together, I hope you feel comfortable leaning in to your Salem family. I am proud and frankly amazed at what we have accomplished together in the last 6 years. We’ve been led by three pastors, worshipped in four different spaces, and always adapted to continue the ministries that are meaningful to our family and our neighbors in need. I am honored to walk alongside you, and I can’t wait to see what we do next.
In Christ’s Love,
Heather Lewis
Director of Worship and Music
Director of Youth Ministries