Over the course of the past several months, as we have been talking a lot about our budget, our income, our expenses, our facilities, our need to raise money, et cetera, I have also been thinking much about what it means to be “the church.” Do you remember the popular rhyme: Here is the church, here is the steeple, open the door and see all the people? Growing up, I remember learning…
Dear Salem Family,
I have been reflecting the last week on the word busy. We are so busy with so many things. There is always something to do, and always something we need to do. I will admit, I love being busy. I love having a full calendar and seeing all kinds of people and being involved in all kinds of things. But, I’ve also learned that when I am that busy, sometimes I’m not always…
Have you ever opened your stocked pantry or refrigerator and became frustrated because there wasn’t anything good to eat? Have you ever sat down at the dinner table and felt disappointed because you didn't like the meal that was being served? I asked our 7th-12th grade youth these questions at last weekends hunger lock-in and they all said this was a pretty regular occurrence in their households.…
Posted by hlewis |
Many of you know that I began at Salem as the Saturday evening worship pianist and song leader in 2004. My daughter Casey was only 9 months old, and had spent her first 4 months in the NICU after being born at 25 weeks, weighing less than 2 pounds. I was thrilled to join that intimate, tight-knit congregation, and found joy and friendship on Saturday evenings at Salem for 4 ½ years.
I…
Dear Salem Family,
As Meghan pointed out in her recent letter, last fall our stewardship campaign was entitled “Now is the Time.” It was a call for all of us to get active in the mission to which God has called us here at Salem. As we moved into the Season of Advent, our focus switched to a “Time to Wait,” for in Advent the church focuses on how we can actively wait for Christ…
Salem Family,
We went through the season of Advent, a time of waiting. Waiting for the birth of Christ, waiting for the joy. A time of preparation for our Lord. Our stewardship theme has been, “Now is the Time.” After we’ve gone through this season of waiting, now is the time. After the commitment the congregation made at the Annual Meeting, the theme, “Now is the Time”…
In baptism, we are claimed by our creator through water and word. Our family and congregation make a commitment to bring us up in the faith and teach us the scriptures. In confirmation, we study the scriptures and make our own profession of faith as we affirm our baptism. Unfortunately, I don’t remember the chapter on how to live in an imperfect world while also following a radical, loving, and…
Posted by hlewis |
This Sunday will be the last time Tyler Garrison plays guitar in our band. He is pursuing his dream of traveling abroad, and heading to Prague next week to become certified to teach English as a second language. I am so happy for him, and feel incredibly blessed to have worked with him for 3 years at Salem.
Did you know that Salem…
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
This past Sunday, January 15, was not a very good day for me. Because of the forecast of the impending ice storm and fear of icy streets and dangerous driving conditions the ice might cause, we decided it would be best to cancel worship (along with about 600 other churches in the KC area).
Now, I am sure for some it was a nice excuse to stay…
Dear Salem Family,
It’s January. I know this isn’t a surprise. It hits every year and for some it means sadness with the Christmas season over and for some the excitement of a New Year is upon us. January can be a blue time of year when the sun doesn’t shine as much and the cold keeps people from their regular routines. For some, myself included, they love the cold and shine during…