Dear Friends in Christ,
It seems as though summer has been in full swing longer already this
year than it normally is. By the time you receive this I will have already
mowed my lawn seven or eight times and the dandelions are flourishing
in spite of my best efforts to allay them. I’m told the farmers got their
corn planted in record time. Bright sunshiny days have been calling us
to pursuits that involve fresh air and exercise for some time now.
Summer is a different time of year. It’s one where we try to find the time
to relax and let down in ways that other seasons may not allow. It’s a
time when we may better be able to find the time to look around and
celebrate the gifts of God that surround us.
Be sure to take advantage of some of the ways we will be doing
that at Salem over the coming weeks:
Drop in on Sunday mornings as we take a look at the book of Genesis.
Starting on Sunday, June 13 at 9:15 we’ll begin the study: “Genesis
Stories: And You Thought Your Family Was Dysfunctional!” Be sure
to bring your Bible as we go deeper into these familiar stories.
Be a part of the Wednesday night cook-outs and study of the book
Receiving the Day: Christian Practices for Opening the Gift of Time by
Dorothy C. Bass. Special programming for children will be part of the
gatherings beginning on Wednesday, June 16. Sign up in the Welcome
Center at Salem to reserve your copy of the book.
Check out the schedule for Salem’s two softball teams and come along
to cheer on the teams and spend time with friends.
And remember that God’s people at Salem will gather for worship at
5 p.m on Saturdays and 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on Sundays. Summer
is often a good time to invite a friend to visit. Be looking for someone
who may be looking for a church home.
I do hope that the change of pace this summer allows you to experience
the gifts of God in a variety of new ways!
Peace to you and many blessings,
Pastor Janet