OUTDOOR WORSHIP on SUNDAY, SEPT. 27 at 9AM
Salem will host an outdoor worship gathering in the west parking lot on Sunday, September 27 at 9am. Out of concern for one another, you are asked to adhere to distancing guidelines (maintain six feet physical distance), wear a mask, and remain cautious in the community. Pre-registration is also required so we may plan. Holy communion will be available for all post-worship.
Indoor options are under consideration and will be determined by Salem’s church council. Until that changes, all in-person events, activities and meetings remain virtual and made available through online resources. If weather is not favorable, the outdoor worship will be cancelled leaving virtual worship as the day’s only option. Watch the website for updates regarding that possibility.Thank you.
CHANGED AND YET THE SAME: JOIN US FOR ONLINE WORSHIP SERVICE
We are church. We are active, just not in person. Thank you for your support, understanding and cooperation with state and local leaders who are urging cooperation to help limit the spread of the expanding COVID-19 pandemic. Online resources remain as an effort to continue to gather for worship and prayer. Pastor Craig conducts Services of Prayer and Reflection that will be found on YouTube and Facebook.
Matthew narrates one of Jesus’ controversial parables in which Jesus says that the reign of God is like that of a landowner who pays his workers the same wage no matter what time of day they began to work. When God changes God’s mind about punishing Nineveh for their evil ways, Jonah is angry. Yet God is gracious and merciful, abounding in steadfast love. In baptism we receive the grace of God that is freely given to all. As Martin Luther wrote, in the presence of God’s mercy we are all beggars.
Readings and Psalm
- Jonah 3:10–4:11God’s concern for the city of Nineveh
- Psalm 145:1-8The Lord is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. (Ps. 145:8)
- Philippians 1:21-30Standing firm in the gospel
- Matthew 20:1-16The parable of the vineyard workers
VIRTUAL 17TH ANNUAL PRAY FOR THE CURE
A SPECIAL PRAYER SERVICE DEDICATED TO
BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS
Thursday, October 1, 2020 at 6:30pm
Join the Pray for the Cure for this Virtual Ecumenical Prayer Service enhancing the breast cancer survivor’s spiritual well-being in healing and recovery through special music, reflections and prayers from survivors and encouragement for survivors
Invite your family and friends to join you in worshiping together during this special Virtual Prayer Service.
For additional information contact:
Helene Peterson, Committee Member
There will be Sunday School this fall… we are going virtual! Home resources were delivered for the start of fall Sunday School.
Sunday School for preschool-high school will be monthly packets for families to do together. It is not too late if you would like to be included in Faith at Home please contact Jill Goldhammer, Deacon Children, Youth & Family. Similar to our VBS this summer, packets will include everything a family needs to grow in faith together.
Perhaps it is helpful to remember Martin Luther’s belief that faith formation begins at home. Luther strongly supported parents in their work of passing on the faith to their children. Luther believed if the next generation is to be able to proclaim the grace of God in Christ, they must first experience it at home through their parents. Salem is here to support its members in their faith formation this fall as we continue in our virtual experiences.
These are challenging times and we don’t know what the future will look like. But we trust in God to love and lead and guide us. As we continue to worship and practice our faith virtually, we are still the church. We show our love for our neighbor by staying physically apart but remain together in our faith and love of God.
STONE SOUP: Outreach Ministry “curbside” food collection for the Bethel Food Pantry - Oct. 10
The theme for the food drive is “Stone Soup – Bring what you’ve got and put it in the pot!” Salem’s version of stone soup will collect non-perishable items to donate to our community partner, Bethel United Methodist’s Food Pantry. Members from the Outreach Ministry will collect your items curbside at Salem on October 10 from 10am-12pm.
Suggested Items:
• Canned vegetables
• Canned fruits
• Soups
• Mac and cheese
• Tuna
• Spam or other similar canned luncheon meat
• Crackers – saltine and graham
• Cornbread mix
• Cereals
