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An Invitation

Established 1880

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Salem Covenant Church

Please join us for our morning worship service beginning at 10:45. You may view the church calendar to see what other events are coming up.

Worship is the central most important act we do together as a church. Everything else we do as individuals and as a church body emanates from our honor of God that we collectively mark each Sunday in the service of worship. We come to give thanks and praise and to be challenged in our daily walk with the Lord.

Sunday School for all ages begins at 9:30.

The Bohemian Quartet in Concert

Posted on Fri, Mar 12th, 2010

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Saturday, April 10th 2010 – 7 pm

The Bohemian Quartet in Concert at Salem Covenant Church

http://www.bohemianquartet.com/

Donations accepted

Call the Church Office for more information: 508-853-4071

Bohemian Quartet

You Who Have No Money, Come

Posted on Sun, Mar 7th, 2010

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Isaiah 55:1-11

Ho, everyone who thirsts,
come to the waters;
and you that have no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without price.
2Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,
and your labor for that which does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good,
and delight yourselves in rich food.
3Incline your ear, and come to me;
listen, so that you may live.
I will make with you an everlasting covenant,
my steadfast, sure love for David.
4See, I made him a witness to the peoples,
a leader and commander for the peoples.
5See, you shall call nations that you do not know,
and nations that do not know you shall run to you,
because of the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel,
for he has glorified you.
6Seek the Lord while he may be found,
call upon him while he is near;
7let the wicked forsake their way,
and the unrighteous their thoughts;
let them return to the Lord, that he may have mercy on them,
and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
8For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord.
9For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.

We are now close to the midpoint of our Lenten journey. We began our forty-day observance in the desert with Jesus’ temptation. Last week we saw the tension building as Jesus’ mourned over Jerusalem. Today our texts come as a word of encouragement on our journey—like an oasis in the desert where we can pause and drink and be refreshed from our arduous journey.

You Who Have No Money, Come Isaiah 55:1-9 March 7, 2010

We’ve all been on the receiving end of unsolicited calls that extend a free offer for a credit card or trial subscription to a magazine. “It will cost you nothing” to try it and of course our common sense kicks in and reminds us “nothing is free.” At best we respond to them: “thank you but I’m not interested.” “But wouldn’t you like a chance to win a free trip?” No—thank you. “Are you sure, it won’t cost a thing?” Yes I’m sure—no thanks. There are no free lunches. There is always a catch.

Today, in our text we find the prophet on the other end of the line, and God speaks through the prophet saying to us: Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters and you that have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. This time it is a spiritual invitation and the prophet says—it’s free for the taking. It is a divine offering—yours for the taking. Sometimes—our circumstances in life determine how it is we hear such an invitation.

Picture the prophet in exile in a strange land among his own people who see no future. Every death among them removed them further and further from their glorious past. They were constantly reminded of their own sin that had led them down this path of destruction. Suddenly, a word of hope comes forth from the prophet’s mouth. This is what the Lord your God promises you. I have prepared for you a table, a feast. I lay before you the best of wine and bread. It is yours for the taking. There are no conditions. Your past will be forgotten. My pardon of you is abundant. Whatever thoughts you have about your past or present—forget them—they are not a barrier because my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways…9For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Come and eat. Come and drink freely.

These are words for those who are scared in their boots. This is an invitation to those who never thought they would be invited to the party. This is a word for those who always felt left out. This is hope for all who have failed and messed up in their life. It is a promise of divine favor.

For the early Christians, this text would have resonated with their understanding of Jesus and God’s promise of grace. After all, it was Jesus who referred to himself as the source of Living Water and the Bread of Life. Those who come to Jesus will never thirst or hunger again. Every time they would gather at the Table—these words were front and center as they broke bread and shared the cup. They were symbols of joy and promise, redemption and new life. They spoke and we still speak of a God who loves us as his own children.

C.S. Lewis believed that the deepest longings of the human heart are hints and echoes of the same things God desires for us. We long for the very best for our children—so God longs for us. We long for forgiveness in our lives—so God desires to offer it. We long for restoration in broken relationships—so God desires to heal that which is broken. We long to live in peace with our neighbors and the world—so God desires that all of creation live in peace.

Our parched spirits thirst for hope and healing.

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A Glimpse of God’s Love

Posted on Sun, Feb 28th, 2010

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At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, ‘Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.’ 32He said to them, ‘Go and tell that fox for me,* “Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. 33Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed away from Jerusalem.” 34Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! 35See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when* you say, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.” Luke 13:31-35

A Glimpse of God’s Love February 28, 2010

Our scripture passages this morning all provide for us images of God’s sheltering love. God’s promise was given to Abraham in his old age that he and Sara would be blessed with a child. In the dark of the night God calls Abraham outside and says: “Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your descendants be.”

Psalm 27 (today’s call to worship) God is portrayed by David as the One who will “hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will set me high on a rock.” In our Gospel lesson Jesus likens himself to a mother hen who would gather her chicks under her wings for protection.

Each of these images give us a unique glimpse of the love of God. God is a God who is not absent from his children. God’s promises are trustworthy. God longs to protect those whom he loves.

In this season of Lent—we confess a desire to hear the truth about ourselves—to confront obstacles on our spiritual path, to accept responsibility for our sin and to seek God’s forgiveness. It is arduous and painful work to own up to disparity between our good intentions and our failure. Repentance is not merely a verbal expression of sin. It is a sincere regret or remorse about sin.

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College Seminar, March 21, 1:30 p.m.

Posted on Fri, Feb 26th, 2010

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North Park College is hosting a college seminar at Salem for students and parents. This is an information-packed seminar designed to help students and their parents ask good questions, plan effectively, and evaluate various college alternatives. The desired result is an improved decision-making process and the increased likelihood of an outcome that best meets the needs of the student and family. The Seminar is a service of North Park University offered free of charge to Covenant Churches, families, and friends. While the seminar is sponsored by North Park and includes references to the University, it is neither intended to be a North Park promotional event nor exclusive to only students and parents considering North Park as a college option. The seminar is open to parents/students from Jr. Hi on up. If you know of friends/parents/students who are in this age bracket but not necessarily connected to Salem, feel free to invite them. A pizza lunch will be served; If you are interested in attending It is important that you let Pastor Frykholm know.

Trailblazer Past and Future Events

Posted on Wed, Feb 24th, 2010

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Trailblazer/Jr. High – Check out the upcoming calendar of events for the next meeting date.  If you are between the grades of 1st grade through Jr. High please come to Trailblazer/Jr. High on Sundays.   Bring a friend and join us at Salem for a fun filled afternoon from 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.

Trailblazer Winter Retreat

Six youth from Salem attended the Trailblazer winter retreat held February 5-7, 2010 at Pilgrim Pines.  It was an awesome weekend! The weekend centered around the theme called “The Flame” reflecting God who appeared before Moses in a burning bush.  God told Moses, “I am the Lord, the Lord of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob” and “I have heard the cry of Israel’s people and promise to deliver them from Egypt.”    Through guest speaker Paula Frost a message of “Stop, turn and go towards God” was emphasized.  Paula also got the kids to repeat, “Don’t put out the Spirits Fire!” She reminded the kids to spend time with God (Go to church) and with other Christians to strengthen your faith in God.  Several youth (including 3 of our boys) committed themselves to a life with God by placing a kindling on a ceremonial fire (unlit of course).

The highlights of the retreat were the excellent food, fun activities on the ice (Counselor bowling, broom hockey and snow gnomes).  The inside activities included several ice breakers and mixers (Card swap, beans and weenies, whip cream and vanilla “Vanilla” and Human Snowman).  The band from Pilgrim Covenant in Lunenberg made the weekend lively and spiritual (Great youth and adult combined band)!

Ice Cream Social

Held on Valentine’s day was well attended with 12 youth and 11 adults from Salem.  We had delicious sundays with lots of toppings.  It was held during our regular (Trailblazer/Jr. High) meeting time on Sunday’s from 3:00 – 4:30 .  We played sardines and fruit salad, which are becoming two of our youth’s favorite games.

God Is Present in the Wilderness

Posted on Sun, Feb 21st, 2010

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Luke 4:1-13
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. The devil said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.’ Jesus answered him, ‘It is written, “One does not live by bread alone.” ’
Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And the devil said to him, ‘To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.’ Jesus answered him, ‘It is written,
“Worship the Lord your God,
   and serve only him.” ’
Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written,
“He will command his angels concerning you,
   to protect you”, 
and
“On their hands they will bear you up,
   so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.” ’ 
Jesus answered him, ‘It is said, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” ’ When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.

God Is Present in the Wilderness

This week we have crossed a threshold on our spiritual journey. We have completed our Season of Epiphany. It began with the Wise men coming to Bethlehem. The Season of Light has a way of letting us down easy after Christmas. But as we have found out—the journey is trying. We have witnessed the baptism of Jesus—and the voice from heaven affirming his identity. This is my son…. We saw Jesus in his hometown proclaiming the fulfillment of God’s Word. This did not set well with the home folks. We saw Jesus at the wedding in Cana turning water into wine—a symbol of what was to follow. Last week we witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus and again heard the voice of God. This is my son…. an essential detail to Luke’s story that focuses on the identity of Jesus.

We have moved from the Season of Lights into the Season of Lent and we find Jesus in the wilderness. One moment we are on the mountaintop with the disciples—and then we are thrust with Jesus into be bareness of the dessert.

Luke in his telling of the story—already reveals to us that the journey that Jesus is taking is not the track to earthly power or human adulation. Early in the gospel—we are preparing for the unexpected. Luke reminds us that this is God’s path. Today we find Jesus facing a great test.

If you have been watching the Olympics this week you have seen athletes from around the world who are tested under pressure. The test they face is not just the event itself but also the preparation—the willingness to make the sacrifices necessary to even compete. They give up a part of their lives for the goal of competing and any number of things along the way can deter them from that goal. The question is if they can persevere.

Testing is a common theme in the scriptures. Moses was tested first in his call and then in his perseverance for 40 years in the wilderness. The prophets were tested. Elijah went 40 days without food or water. ((1 Kings 19:8) The Israelites were tested and often failed on their journey.

Here at the beginning point of the journey, the Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness where he encounters the adversary. The adversary appears like a seductive friend. What he offers Jesus’ sounds both reasonable and inviting.

Luke T. Johnson comments, the three specific temptations Jesus faces have to do with “the seizure of palpable power” and “would suggest to the Hellenistic reader of the first century, the threefold categories of vice: love of pleasure, love of possessions, love of glory.” (The Gospel of Luke. Sacra Pagina Series, Vol. 3, p. 76).

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Winterfest 2010 Photos – Part 1

Posted on Thu, Feb 18th, 2010

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Photos from the senior high retreat to Winterfest.

Winterfest 2010 Photos – Part 2

Posted on Thu, Feb 18th, 2010

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More photos from Winterfest.

Irish Dinner

Posted on Thu, Feb 18th, 2010

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Saturday, March 6 @ 5:PM
Come and eat your fill of Irish fare:
Grey corned beef or Chicken
Potatoes
Cabbage, carrots, turnip
Irish soda bread
Chocolate cake with green sprinkles
Punch, coffee, tea

Adults $8.00 Children 5-12 $4.00
Age 4 and under Free

Reservations required
Call Al Carlson- 508-852-8661
Dwight Goodale- 508-852-2420

Letting Go of Certainty, Letting Down Our Net

Posted on Sun, Feb 14th, 2010

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Luke 5:1-11

Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.’ Simon answered, ‘Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.’ When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!’ For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.’ When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.

Letting Go of Certainty, letting Down Our Net

After our worship hour today, members of Salem will gather for the semi-annual meeting where we review the year past. I don’t know about you but I have very mixed feelings about annual meetings. I’ll let you in on a little trade secret; that is true of my colleagues as well. We gather for meetings—hear reports for the year, whether attendance has gone up or if it has slipped a bit, has the recession hit our budget even more—how large a deficit are we facing again—Then we kick into problem solving mode. Who’s going to fix it? Whose fault is it? So much of our conversation in business meetings centers around what we see and what we feel. We want certainty.

Imagine a business meeting—where we all sit around and share how God has moved in our lives this past year. What are our growing edges? Where have we fallen down? What have we neglected? What have we learned?

Sometimes I think we’d be better served at our business meetings if we opened scriptures and did a spot check.

Let’s see—Jesus says we are to feed the poor. How are we doing at that?

Jesus said: when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. How are we doing with that?

Paul says: Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. How are we measuring up to that?

Jesus said: ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. How do our conversations reflect that?

What is it that we expect of God in our lives and in our shared life as a faith community?

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