The Trailblazer kids at Salem had a very meaningful time at Pilgrim Pines this past January.

Colleen and Al Kim led us in worship and speaking at the event. Colleen is beginning her sixth year of service as the Director of Children’s Ministries at Bethany Covenant Church in Berlin, Ct. Her husband Al joined her in leading the Trailblazers for this weekend. Both have answered God’s call to serve children, youth and families for 25 years in a variety of churches and settings. Their sons Andrew and Aaron also joined them this weekend: Andrew is in 7th grade and plays violin in their worship band “Red Letter Day” and Aaron attends as a 5th grade camper.

Joining Al and Colleen in leading worship this weekend was: Allie Juchniewicz (their niece) on guitar, Chris Savage (who has teamed in ministry with Al and Colleen for 20 years), Ann Sharnick on vocals (with the band for 8 years), and Kevin Snyder on drums (Andrew’s classmate and friend).

Together, their hope and vision is to see kids engage in deeper, vibrant relationships with God through the power of His Holy Spirit, and be equipped with the tools and information to live passionate, dynamic Christian lives.

Sermon: The God of History

Genesis 12.1-9

Genesis 1-11 expose something pretty awful about humans: they are violent, idolatrous, grasping creatures who spurn the one who created them in love, and try to set themselves up as rulers over creation. The real question is, why does God deal with us at all? Why not just wipe the slate completely clean and start over?

But deal with us he does. Listen as Pastor Austin discusses how.

Welcome!

This Epiphany we kick off another edition of Community Worship Night, right here at Salem, every Friday night starting at 6:30. As a part of Salem’s spiritual development initiative Deepening our Roots, we will be focusing on the communal readings.

And in case you’ve missed our first few weeks, here is the sermon for January 6, 2012

Sermon: Reflecting the Glory of God  

Genesis 1.1-2.3

The beginning of most good books tell us a lot of what the book is about. It gives the characters, the setting, and then sets up the tension that becomes the driving force of the drama. So what’s the beginning of the Bible about? Click to find out.

Camp Charlton is available for use by all our church family during the week. There is a lakefront beach and canoes, a main hall with kitchen facilities, charcoal grills, and two cabins. For keys, call the church office. If you wish to have a private family function for a day or an overnight, please call the office to reserve the date. Directions for Camp Charlton can be found on this website by clicking on the “About” option.

Throughout the Advent season, the Sunday School will be presenting the Live Nativity in the church narthex, lasting until Sunday, December 26. On the 19th, following worship, the children will be singing at the creche.

Sunday, December 12, at 5:00 p.m.
Special Advent Service of Lessons and Carols

Sunday, December 19, 10:00 worship service
The Salem Choir Concert

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES
4:00 p.m. Family Service
11:00 p.m. Candlelight Service

Toys for Tots

You are invited to participate in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program here at Salem. Our collection ends on Sunday, December 12. Please bring your new and unwrapped toys for children up to age sixteen. If you prefer, members of our Outreach Commission will be accepting cash donations and will shop for you.

Remember the Seafarers
The New England Seafarers Mission invites you to donate gifts for the seafarers who will be far away from home during the holidays. Gift suggestions for both men and women include knitted hats and scarves, socks, gloves, toiletries, flannel shirts and sweaters. Also, donations of money enable the Mission to go out and shop for you.

The Mitten Basket
The Mitten Basket, for your gifts of hats, scarves and mittens, will remain in the church narthex throughout the winter.

Salem Food Cupboard
Donations of dry and canned goods are appreciated to keep the cupboard well-stocked throughout the holidays.

Please join us for our morning worship service beginning at 10:00. 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 will resume in the fall.

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.