High School Gathering

In early February, the high school youth group got together for some fun. They challenged themselves in a game of "Not so Trivial Pursuits - Gospel Truths and Myth Busters."

Salem's Liturgy of Totenfest 2012

Salem's worship service on November 25, the Sunday before the First Sunday of Advent, included the Liturgy of Totenfest, a ceremony in which we remembered those who have died over the course of the church year. This year we held the following people in sacred memory. We continue to hold their families in prayer.


 

Richard Baumgartner

 

Bret Blake

Mabel Budd

John King

Katherine Nease

Karl Oliver

Raymond Schmid

Marie Smith

Robert Torregrossa

 

 

 

Crop Walk 2012

Salem UCC will be again be participating in Crop Walk for Hunger.  This year, the Verona Crop Walk will take place on October 14th.  To sign up or donate, follow the link below and choose Judy Skupien / Salem United Church of Christ when prompted.  See you there!

Verona Crop Walk

Salem's Annual Palm Sunday Donkey Walk

Prior to the Palm Sunday worship service on April 1, Salem UCC reflected on Christ's journey into Jerusalem on a donkey.  The congregation met for a prayer, then walked along with Cochia the burro to the church.

Paul Driftmier took photos of the donkey walk and even put together a wonderful video to share with those who could not attend.



An Assortment of Activities During the Holiday Season

As the holy day of Christmas approaches, the amount of activity around Salem has been nonstop.  The pictures below offer a taste of what has been happening.  The first group of pictures show the youth making ornaments during Sunday School, with many teachers, parents, and volunteers lending a helping hand.  The second batch of pictures was taken at the holiday bazaar, which is an annual event held by the Women's Guild.  Finally, the Christmas Program and Concert was a combined event held on December 11th.  The Christmas story was presented by the youth with the Concert starting afterwards.  The Christmas Program and Concert featured nearly every musical assembly offered in Salem's Music Program: Children's Choir, Youth Bells, the Barry Robinson Chorus, Ladies Choir, and Adult Bells.  As a special treat, Pastor Mark captivated the audience with his solo in The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.

Bethel Horizons Retreat

In October, Laura Kolden arranged a retreat to Bethel Horizons for the Salem youth.  Passing along some words of gratitude from Laura:  "Thanks to Craig Fitzwilliams for the pictures, and to Craig, Sue Castle, and Jenny Schultz for driving and exploring with us."