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Who We Are
Salem United Methodist Church is a historic church that started as an
Evangelical United Brethren Church and became United Methodist in 1968 when the
EUBs and the Methodists merged. Having gone through additions and renovations,
the church has been at its current location since 1893. The most recent
renovation, completed spring of 2006, adds a welcoming center, makes the
building handicap accessible through an elevator and platform lift, and air
conditions the worship center. The historic charm of the building remains
intact.
As a church of around 200 members, Salem’s congregation is made up of persons of
all ages—from newborn to octogenarians—and all ages in between. It has lively
children and youth programming as well as activities and opportunities for
adults of all ages. Church family is important to Salem Members. Care and
concern and help for each other is a part of the fabric of their life together.
Recent church growth has seen an increase in worship attendance. Worship
services range from contemplative to participatory. A monthly worship highlight
is Children’s Worship—the 4th Sunday of the month. Children participate and the
stories and parables of Jesus are highlighted in such a way that even adults
without children enjoy themselves and find the services meaningful.
Salem is also known for its musical talent—from youth to adults persons are
given the opportunity to praise God with music and song. Bell Choir, Chancel
Choir, Children's Choir, Praise Singers, soloists and musicians all add their
talents to Sunday worship.
Salem’s Mission Statement , "Growing in Faith; Living in Community", highlights
Salem’s commitment to growth both in spirit and mission as well as her
understanding that the church must be impacted by and have an impact upon the
world we live in. Salem continually seeks new ways of serving God.
Salem has five expectations of Church membership:
1) Nurture—be open to our care and nurture by participating in worship and
letting us know when you have joys or concerns in your life.
2) Study—Adults, Children and Youth are all encouraged to learn and study in
this Christian setting. Classes in Bible, Christian Parenting, Christian
Marriage, Lenten studies as well as Sunday morning Sunday School Classes are
offered for adults. We all are growing Christians and to grow in faith we need
to be learning.
3) Service—We say thank you by giving of ourselves to help and serve others,
and/or the church. Opportunities to serve are available at every level of time
commitment.
4) Pledging—we ask members to give a percentage of their income to the church to
help support the opportunities and up keep of the church, but also and most
importantly because we believe that when we give we grow spiritually. Obedience
to God includes willingness to sacrifice. And through that sacrifice we find
peace and joy in Christ.
5) Invite—If our members like what they receive at Salem, we ask them to invite
others into the fellowship. Salem offers various activities and worship services
during the year that are sensitive to the needs and interests of non-church
going people making it easier for members to invite Friends, Relatives,
Associates, and Neighbors (FRAN).
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