The

Salem

 Dove

DECEMBER 2006/ JANUARY 2007

 

FROM THE PASTOR:

We had an interesting devotion and discussion in a staff meeting recently.  We read a new translation of John 8:31ff which reads:  “If you hold to my teaching you are my disciples and you will know the truth and the truth will make you free.”  We talked a little bit about how you grasp teaching primarily with the mind or intellect.  Teaching in our world can be put in a book, and the model is a teacher teaching a student information.  There is more to it, but in our world it leans much in that direction.  In this model freedom is getting knowledge and using it well. 

I then pointed out what the original says:  “If you continue in my word you will know the truth and the truth will make you free.”  Notice the difference.  If you continue in my word…  In John the word of God is God and became flesh in Jesus Christ through whom comes grace and truth.  How do we grasp Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh?  We grasp him by faith; the intellect is secondary.  The freedom that John is telling us about comes through faith not by thinking.  When a little child is frightened giving her facts does not quiet her heart but a trustworthy person holding her will give her faith and quiet her heart.  John is talking heart talk and not mind talk.

This can lead us to the whole Christmas story.  God did not send Gabriel to give us a perfect book of law and instruction through some prophet.  This is what the Muslim picture of revelation is.  It is full of law and works.  One expert in Islam told me that God is never called love in the Koran.  In the Christmas story God sent Gabriel to a woman, Mary, and told her she would have a baby son.  We are given the word of God in the form of a baby in his mother’s lap as the key revelation of God to us in love and grace and truth.  We grasp this child in faith above all.  Then the Lord appeared to Joseph to reveal to him that the child of Mary was from the Holy Spirit and that he should take Mary as his wife and care for Jesus, the very word made flesh.  This is all heart talk before it is mind talk.  There is a big difference between Muslims and us.  I do not mean to start a war but to challenge us to look at our Christian faith by looking at the baby in the manger and seeing how great and important God’s way of speaking to us is. 

Faith in this babe changes the way we see life and God and the way we think.  To think that freedom comes by knowledge or information is to fall for the serpent’s original trick that we can play god and become “know it

(CON’T. ON PAGE TWO)

Salem  Lutheran  Church

10 McClellan Circle  -  Buffalo, New York 14220

Rev. David F. C. Wurster, Ph. D. – Pastor

Lynn I. Scarpine, Director of Christian Growth       Lois L. Jones, Director of Music  

Ernelle L. Ponivas, Secretary         Stephen Jarmusz Sr., Custodian                Claire Carlson, ‘Dove’ Editor

Rev. Richard E. Blemaster, Pastor Emeritus

e-mail: salemoncircle@yahoo.com   website:  www.salembuffalo.com

= = =      Misson:  SALEM/Peace -  As the Father sent me I send you.      = = =

 Vision:  Preach – Teach – Heal – doing what Jesus does

CON’T. FROM PAGE ONE)

alls” (Gen. 3) who can gain heaven by information.  The babe in the manger says we go with the Mary and Joseph and the shepherds in awe and wonder to receive the gift of God’s love for us in becoming one of us.  We then in faith ponder in our heart the wonder and mystery of it all as Mary and the shepherds did. 

This does not mean we shut off our minds and not think any more.  In faith we do ask the question:  What does this mean?  Does that sound Lutheran?  Then we look at our world and the heavens with wonder.  From the base of faith we see the fingerprints of this child in all that we see.  We realize that all things come together in some way in a purpose that fits together in his loving hands. 

I hear many people who struggle with life and with God say there is s purpose in all the things that happen to us.  That is true from the perspective of faith.  But from the manger there is a more profound truth.  Not only do we see purpose but also we see a God that loves us and shapes our life from now to eternity. When we search for purpose we look beyond facts and logic to this brother of ours who holds us in love.  This child changes everything for us.  He loves us in a way that opens the scripture for us.  He is the center of the scripture and the whole story of life---the gospel of forgiveness and life is the heart and core of this child who is for us.  The point of our life and freedom is not to escape being human in the wonder and glory of God’s creation but to become fully human men and women and boys and girls as God has created us to be and then said, “This is very good.”  (Gen. 1) 

We become more and more human in the communion of saints who live in this world and the next.  We remember many of these from our own lives at Christmas.  We realize that the child became the man who loved us to death on a cross and now reigns, loves, and prays for us from the right hand of God.  He prays for us with the marks of victory on his hands. 

“If you remain in my word you will know the truth and truth will make you free.”  Freedom is just getting a body of knowledge to pass a test for God.  Freedom is faith to receive the gift of God in the birth of the Word of God and cared for by Mary and Joseph. 

The direction of freedom is well stated in Luther’s hymn:  “From heaven above to earth I come to bear good news to every home; Glad tidings of great joy I bring, whereof I now will say and sing.” 

                                                Glory to God and Peace to his people, 

                                                                        Pastor Wurster                                                                       

 

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SUNDAY MORNING ADULT BIBLE CLASS 2006-2007

Faith, Stories and Prayers

Making peace with head, heart, tongue and both hands

 

Mission: Salem/ Peace – As the Father sent me, I send you.

Vision:  Preach, Teach, Heal/Care – doing what Jesus does

            Lutherans are people with One Lord and 3 books (Bible, Catechism, Hymnal)

Schedule may be revised for special topics and forums

                        Each week we will choose a hymn, prayer and/or psalm to begin the class. Bring a favorite to class and we will use it. When a good and timely topic arises we can suspend this schedule and address a topic.

Date                                                 Bible                                             Catechism

Dec. 3                          Matt. 1, 2                              Baptism II

Dec. 10                        Mark 1                                     Baptism III

Dec. 17                        Luke 1 & 2                              Baptism IV

Dec. 24                        John 1                                      Confession/Keys

Dec. 31                        John 2                                      Sacrament of Altar “What”

Jan. 7                           Matt. 2                                     Sacrament of Altar “Benefits”

Jan. 14                         Job 1 & 2                              Sacrament of Altar “How Can Water…”

Jan. 21                         Job 3, 4 & 5                           Sacrament of Altar “Who Receives”

Jan. 28                         Job 6, 7, 8

MEMORIALS   AND   GIFTS

 

HANDICAP  ACCESS  -  -  -  -  - -  Gifts: Paul Yox; Florence MacKearnin; Donna Brady; David & Claire Carlson; Allen & Judy Feltz; Olga Kingsland; Dorothy Putzman; Erna Sawlidi; Paul & Stephanie Swierczynski; Fred Bartz Jr.; Melvin Beyers; Janilyn Kogut; Mark & Christine Johnson; William Pietz; Dorothy Wiese; Mark & Monica Thomas; Jim & Judy Carr; Doris Baker; William & Leola Colvin; Marilyn Krentz; Lorraine McGill; Eleanor Senchoway

 

MEMORIAL FUND - - - - - - - - - - In memory of: Jerome Kowalski by Violet Kelm

 

90^TH ANNIVERSARY FUND- - - -George & Rose Ann Merkt

 

STEPHEN MINISTRY - - - - - - - - Gifts: Mark & Christine Johnson

 

CURRENT- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Gifts: Gerald Monk (birthday)

 

 

Lutheran Wheat Ridge Christmas Seals 2006

 

Remember to use the Wheat Ridge Seals

from Lutheran Hour Ministries included with the

this DOVE to brighten your holiday mail, and then

give a donation to church for them before the end

of the year: make all checks payable to:

“Salem Lutheran Church.”

 

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Wednesdays – 7:00 – 8:30 pm

 

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reprinted from the ‘University Presbyterian Church Times.’

     Please contact Rich Landseadel at 308-6405 or any Stephen Minister.

 

 

 

ADVENT COIN FOLDERS

            These were mailed in the middle of November for your use during the Advent season. Please insert them in the reminder envelopes. If family members of the household need more reminder envelopes, they can be found on the table near the mail slots or the call the church office to have them put in your mail slot.

            Please return your coin folders at one of the Christmas services. Deposit them in the special box in the narthex, rather than in the offering plate because of bulk. All monies received in these folders will be used for various charities listed in our budget. Also note that all Christmas festival envelopes will automatically go to CURRENT, unless marked otherwise. Please note this correction from last month’s Dove.       Fred Bartz Jr.

 

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THE BALANCE IN CURRENT AS OF October 31, 2006 IS A DEFICIT OF $2,192.56.

          Nancy Thomas, Treasurer

 

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CHRISTMAS CARD EXCHANGE

            It’s that time again! The Christmas Card Exchange is as follows: instead of mailing your Christmas cards to Salem members, use the mailboxes in the upper church hall. Then donate the amount you would have spent on postage to me. I will use all money collected to buy bags for groceries for our church families that might need a little extra help. This will be done with complete confidentiality. The bags will be delivered right before Christmas. I am also in need of coupon inserts from the newspaper. I match coupons with sales to make the money go further. For those of you who already save your inserts for me, thank you. For everyone else, I can use as many inserts as I can get from now on. Thanks in advance to everyone for your help.

            God bless you all, Joanne Kushka

 

 

MEETINGS

 

 

 

 

 

 

What have you done for Him lately?

Have you worshipped and served Him kindly?

He guides, protects and keeps you!

In everything you do!

“Serve the Lord with Gladness” (Psalm 100:2 KJV)

Is our admonition!

It’s what our Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) does.

Come join us at our January 27^th breakfast meeting at 9 am to see how you can help Him.

                                    Gladys Matson, Secretary

 

                Members, please bring your “Christmas stockings.”

 

 

 

MEN’S GROUP

            The next meetings are December 2^nd and January 6^th at 8:30 am. We are looking for volunteers to help with Salem as a Disaster Relief Center.

                                                Ken Kushka

 

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GOLDEN AGERS

            Our 33^rd Anniversary Luncheon was held at the Holiday Inn on November 2^nd with 39 members and 3 guests attending. After an excellent dinner, we were entertained by the Southtowns Sassy Seniors who presented a delightful mix of dancing, singing, magic and jokes. A special thanks goes out to the committee of Shirley Banas, Maxine Ford, Delores Landwehr, Sally McAlpine and Joyce Vassallo.

            Our next meeting is December 7^th with entertainment provided by the Fiddlesticks. The December 10^th trip to Studio Arena is filled but you can be put on a waiting list. There is no meeting in January.

                                    Gretchen Putzman

 

WOMEN’S GUILD

 

            Our November meeting was held on November 14^th. Refreshments were served by Gretchen Putzman and Leola Colvin. Devotions were led by Ethel Berkhoudt. Our December meeting will be on December 12^th. This will be our Christmas party. Our party is being held at the Holiday Inn on Dingens Street. All women from Salem are invited to join us. It starts at 12 noon. Anyone interested in attending or wanting more information, please call Shirley Banas at 823-9577. Thank you.

                        Shirley Banas

P.S. Bring a friend.

 

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BIBLE STUDY

            A Bible Study is at 1 pm on Tuesdays led by Sally McAlpine. All are welcome.

 

            A Bible Study led by Ruth Carr is on Thursdays at 9:30 am. All are welcome.

 

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NOVEMBER VOTERS’ MEETING

            At the Voters’ Meeting, Jim Carr was reelected Council President, Rich Landseadel was reelected Elder and the position of Secretary is still open.

            The Budget for 2007 was passed.

            Please note that the Handicapped Access Fund (Elevator Fund) has now been paid in full due to an anonymous generous donor. We thank God for His blessings.

                                                Jim Carr

 

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LSS COOKIE PACK will be December 11^th at First Trinity, Niagara Falls Blvd., beginning at 9 am. Cookies can be donated and left in the church kitchen on December 10^th.  Small, nut-free cookies are preferred. There is a greater need for cookies for diabetics.

            We will be filling boxes with cookies, candies, ornaments and Christmas story booklets.

            Any cookies should be dropped off in the church kitchen and clearly marked LSS Cookie Pack by Sunday, December 10^th.

                        Gladys Matson

 

BLESSED CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR

 

from Pastor & Ruth Wurster

Ernelle Ponivas (secretary)

Lynn Scarpine (Director of Christian Growth)

Lois Jones (music director)

Steve Jarmusz Sr. (custodian)

 

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CHRISTMAS WORSHIP SCHEDULE

December 17^th – Sunday School Christmas Pageant   -10:30 am

December 24^th – Communion Service – 10:30 am

(Sunday School and Bible classes will also meet.)

December 24^th – Christmas Eve Candlelight Service – 8:00 pm

December 25^th – Christmas Day Communion Service – 10:30 am

December 31^st – Healing Service – 10:30 am

(Sunday School and Bible classes will also meet.)

December 31^st – New Year’s Eve Communion Service – 7:30 pm

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ADVENT 2006

            Wednesday Evening Soup Suppers and Worship with people from our circuit of Lutheran churches. We will gather at Salem on Wednesday, December 13^th at 6 pm for supper and fellowship. Then at 7:30 pm we will worship with fellow Lutherans of neighboring congregations. We will also gather at Holy Cross, Clarence and St. Luke, Cheektowaga for this series. See dates and places on calendar.

                                    Pastor Wurster

            On December 13^th, our supper will include chili, salad, bread, dessert and beverage. We are looking for volunteers to donate chili, other items and to help. Please sign up on the form on the wall outside the Krueger room.

                                                Norrine Nagel

 

 

REMINDER to Coffee Hour Committees – Please don’t forget to set up and bring a tray of coffee and pastries for our counters during the coffee hours. Thank you.

 

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CHURCH RECORDS

Baptism – Matthew John Cudmore – born September 1, 2006 – baptized November 26, 2006 – parents: John and Cheryl Cudmore and sponsors: Mark Pietz, Julie Felber and Jill Felber.

 

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DIRECTORY CHANGES

Timothy Hall, 300 Ellicott St., Buffalo, NY 14203-1617

Ryan Miller, c/o Rochester Institute of Technology, 896 Nathaniel Rochester Hall, Rochester, NY 14623

 

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MISSING – Video – “Bad Girls of the Bible” – Whoever borrowed it in March 2006 from Salem’s Library, please return to the church office. Thank you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

            I wish to thank everyone for the prayers and get well cards I received during my convalescence these past weeks in rehab. This has helped me through a painful experience. I hope to be back at church soon.

                        Jean Poniwas

 

THANK YOU to Deann Sheppard, Joyce Vassallo and Maureen Wilke for their quilting talents in making the new window valance in the church office.

            Come and look at this masterpiece. Salem is indeed blessed with talented people.

                                    Ernelle Ponivas

 

 

THANK YOU

 

As some may not know, many volunteers assist with the mail preparation of the DOVE. We would like to thank the following unsung dedicated volunteers: Maureen Wilke for mail label preparation and the collating team of Doris & Wilson Baker, Mel Beyers, Olga Kingsland, Lois Mudie, John O’Neill, Marge Schermerhorn, Ruth Kray, Pearl Heisler and Joan Van Dewark. Their repeated monthly efforts are sincerely appreciated.

 

            “How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? I Thessalonians 3:9 NIV

 

O7 SERVANT EVENT – BUFFALO REGION

          Go to New Orleans from February 17-24^, 2007 at “Camp Restore,” New Orleans, LA. You can go with a team and help with some of the restoration work in New Orleans. The team from Buffalo is being led by Pastor Chris Wicher. Thirty people have signed up already. If you are interested in more information, call Rev. Dr. Chris Wicher, office: 633-6752 or home: 634-5898.

                             Pastor Wurster

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ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS

          Sincerest thanks for your participation in the Entertainment Book Campaign for Pioneer Camp & Retreat Center.

            The project will enable those in the Papyrus Program, an outreach to children in foster care and also to those in the Agape Program, serving those who are developmentally disabled to spend time at Camp Pioneer next summer learning about their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

            Salem purchased 28 books. Pioneer received $140.00 for our sales.

            Thank you for your support of this most worthwhile project.

                        Elinor Jentsch, Chairperson

 

 

 

BUFFALO POLICE DEPARTMENT RECRUITMENT

            The Buffalo Police Department (BPD) has begun its first police recruitment in seven years. The registration deadline for the test is January 4, 2007. The test will be held on January 13, 2007. The minimum qualifications include a high school diploma or GED equivalent, completion of 60 college credit hours or minimum of two years military service. All candidates must be a US citizen, at least 19 years old on or before January 13, 2007, have a valid, current NYS Drivers License and have no record of a felony conviction. If you have any questions, please call 851-4523. Applications are available in the church office.

 

 

Christian Growth and Dreams

 

Last month I wrote about dreams, what kind of dreams we all have for Salem Lutheran Church and the community.  Here’s one of mine: Family Ministry.

“Children quite unconsciously reflect their parent’s feelings, values, beliefs and living patterns – absorbing them with uncanny rapidity.”  This is a quote from the book ‘Family as Forming Center’ written by Marjorie Thompson who is a Presbyterian Pastor and the current Director of the Pathways Center for Christian Spirituality at the Upper Room in Nashville, Tennessee.  Pastor Thompson goes on to say, “the experience of parental love is a child’s first means of receiving divine love through human channels”.  And “our childhood experiences of intimate relationships within the family circle have an enormous impact on later life, not only on our capacity for intimacy with others but also with God.” 

These are all very interesting statements and if we’re honest with ourselves, they are very true statements.  Look back on your own childhood; how did your parents model their relationship with Jesus Christ?  Now look at your children; how have you modeled your relationship with Jesus Christ?  More importantly: how do you WANT to live and model your relationship with Jesus our Savior?

More and more congregations are moving towards ‘Family Ministry’ based on this simple truth: parents are the primary faith educators, NOT the church.  I cannot stress this point enough.  There are numerous resources to avail one’s self of in researching this topic; the Youth and Family Institute, FaithInkubators, the Search Institute, your local library, your local Christian bookstore and many other places.  The overall point is: if you’re not on an intimate level in your relationship with Jesus, neither will your children be.  So then the question becomes: how do we pass on the faith?  How does our own family know that God is the center of our lives?  How does the community around Salem know that God can be the center of their lives also?  Where can we improve?  How is the Holy Spirit moving us?  What do we think the church’s relationship with Christ ought to be like?  What do we think about how the church ought to function in the community?  And how about the future of the church, others and ours?  The answers, my friends, lie within the family circle. 

In this most precious of seasons as we approach Advent, Christmas and the Epiphany, how are we preparing our hearts, our minds, our families, our church and our community for the greatest of all God’s gifts: His Son?  Jesus most awesome gift of death and resurrection occurs daily in all our lives.  Think about it; not only physical death, rather the natural cycle of God’s creation: the older gives way to the newer.  The newer builds on the strong foundation of the older.  Death and resurrection; what is God up to with Christ’s bride…the church?  Good things!  Very good things!  And you and your family are part of it! 

Let’s embrace more intergenerational programs; young and older not only worshipping together but also studying His Word together and asking for more!  Fellowshipping together, sharing our life stories together, offering our selves to one another through our hobbies and interests.  Each of us is a beautiful child of God, crafted by His almighty hand and thus given to others as God’s offering, how awesome then it becomes to share, truly share ourselves with all ages, all generations! 

One of my dreams for Salem Lutheran Church is to have a church wide attitude of Family Ministry.  A congregation intent on bringing all ages together, no matter the program or event.  A fully vital congregation that beckons the community to cry: “we want to be part of that!”  And the best part is, we’ve already got a really excellent start with some of our program offerings!  Let’s believe it, build it and live it!  Thanks be to God!

Peace in Christ’s Kingdom, Lynn Scarpine, DCG

 

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The Lutheran Chorale of the Niagara Frontier and the Amherst Chamber Ensemble

Present a Concert of Seasonal Music

Featuring works by Bach, Brahms, and others

 

Saturday, December 16^th, 2006

7:30 pm

Christ United Methodist Church

350 Saratoga at Harlem, Snyder, NY

 

Sunday, December 17^th, 2006

7:30 pm

Grace Lutheran Church

174 Cazenovia St., Buffalo

 

Tickets: $10, Seniors & Students - $8

For ticket call: Martha Welte 835-0794 or Bob Meissner at 649-2662

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WITNESS – The Story of Christmas

Please join Witness for a musical journey to Bethlehem for the Story of Christmas

Friday, December 15, 2006

7:30 – 9 pm

Harvest House

1782 Seneca St., Buffalo, NY

 

Witness is members of Trinity, West Seneca including Ron & Nevin Hope

 

ADVENT DEVOTIONS

            The 2006 Advent Devotions, entitled “Love was Born at Christmas” is available online in English and Spanish at www.adventdevotions.net. The two printable versions are first version including all daily devotions from Advent and Epiphany (also in large print) and second version with the devotions in weekly installments. Each version can be adapted with your church information. A downloadable audio version will be available Dec. 3^rd.

 

CHRISTMAS SPECIALS

            Lutheran Hour Ministries will broadcast its Christmas specials on stations coast to coast. The 30 minute animated TV specials include: Little Shepherd, Red Boots for Christmas, Christmas Is, The City that Forgot Christmas and The Stableboy’s Christmas. A log of when and where the programs are available at www.lhm.org/broadcastinformation.asp.  

Ginger Strom, Information Services Chairman,

 Eastern District LLL/LHM

 

 

DONATIONS NEEDED

            Donations are being accepted by Niagara Lutheran Health System Guild to help defray the cost of helping us provide a little holiday happiness for the residents of Niagara Lutheran Health and Rehabilitation Center in Buffalo and GreenField Health and Rehabilitation Center in Lancaster. Checks should be made payable to Niagara Lutheran Health System Guild before December 15^th and sent to Niagara Lutheran Home and Rehabilitation Center, 64 Hager St., Buffalo, NY 14208. Your help is greatly appreciated.

            Florence Doran, President,

            Niagara Lutheran Health Systems Guild

Salem Lutheran Youth

            The Youth Group "Fall Festival" was well attended.  They were asked to bring in about a dozen various, unrelated items.  Pairing up in teams, they had to show examples of how everyday items can be considered in a Biblical way.  A hat keeps you warm, your favorite doll keeps you felling safe, a Bible reminds you to keep the Lord in your thoughts and deeds everyday.

At this meeting we discussed the Youth Group’s attendance at the 2007 National LCMS Youth Gathering in Orlando, Florida in July 2007.  Based on other family commitments and concerns about funding, the parents of the eligible youths felt that waiting until the next Gathering in 2010 would be better.  The Youth Group wants to make a commitment to fundraising activities so as many as possible can attend in 2010. 

The Youth responded very well to the service project to assist with sprucing up the church for the upcoming holiday season. They joined in with the parents and other women in cleaning, dusting and vacuuming.  We want to thank Sandra Mulvaney for coordinating this project, and then providing all volunteers with a tasty spaghetti dinner to follow.

There has been expressed interest in having a “lock-in” sleepover at Salem Church.  We have tentatively scheduled this for Friday/Saturday, January 26-27, 2007.  Friends may be invited. More information will be provided in the Bulletin as the date approaches.

There are plans to participate in the 30-hour famine again this year.  The suggested dates are for February 2007.  Last time we combined with other youth church groups to have an opportunity to share in the message with others of our faith.  We will be trying to do the same this year.

            Candy bar sales will be continued through the winter.  Please support the youth in this fundraiser opportunity.

            Other plans for the winter may include a viewing of holiday lights and/or a bowling or movie night. Watch for more information on our annual Garage Sale on April 28^th 2007.

Remember, starting in January the Boy’s Basketball team will be starting up.  Take an opportunity to watch them play in “The Hub” at the Hamburg Wesleyan Church.  Their Saturday games will be published by the coaches very soon. The first game is January 6^th.

The next Youth Meetings are:

• Sunday, December 10, 2006
• Sunday, January 7, 2007

 

May all of the “families of Salem” have a joyous and blissful Christmas Season.

                                     Paul Thomas, Youth Leader

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

            An old dollar bill and an even older $20 arrive at a Federal Reserve Bank to be retired. “I’ve had a pretty good life,” the $20 says. “I’ve been to Vegas, the finest restaurants in New York and even on a Caribbean cruise.”

            “You did have an exciting life!” the dollar says.

            “Where have you been?” the $20 asks.

            “Oh, I’ve been to the Methodist church, the Baptist church, spent some time with the Lutherans.”

            “Wait,” the $20 interrupts. “What’s a church?”

taken from the October Reader’s Digest – submitted by Sallie Langner

 

 

 

 

Sunday School News Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all from the Salem Sunday School Staff

                                                                                                 

 

“Keep Warm” Advent Project

(November 26^th until December 17^th)

 

Sunday School invites the congregation to join us in collecting items to help “Keep Warm at Christmas”.   Here is what we are collecting: 

                                                                                               

                                                      

 

            Canned Goods                  GLOVES/MITTENS, HATS or SCARF           SOCKS

(fruit, vegetables;  please no cereal

 or items in glass jars)

 

Christmas Pageant Rehearsal Schedule

 

Date	Rehearsal Time	Lunch
Sunday, November 26	After church service until 1:30 p.m.	Please bring a bag lunch
Sunday, December 3	9:00 a.m. In place of Sunday School classes we will run through the pageant.	Remember there is a potluck lunch and Advent Wreath and other Craft session after church – hope you will attend.
Sunday, December 10	After church service until 1:30 p.m.	Special Party for Jesus - lunch will be provided.
Sunday, December 17	9:00 a.m. In place of Sunday School classes we will run through the pageant.	Coffee Hour after service

 

The Pageant will be Sunday, December 17^th at 10:30 a.m.

There will be Sunday School on Sunday, December 24^th and December 31^st.

 

The next Sunday School Teacher’s Meeting will be December 14^th at 6:30 p.m.

 

W O R S H I P

The Worship Committee has developed a page for the DOVE that will communicate to the congregation the themes, liturgies, sermon texts and titles and other

points of worship.  (LW = Lutheran Worship     TLH = The Lutheran Hymnal               WOV = With One Voice         SH = Supplemental Hymnal)

Hymns and liturgy are being chosen by Pastor, the Music Director, and the Worship Committee.  Comments are invited for future growth.

	LITURGY	1st  Hymn	Sermon Hymn	Communion Hymns	Last Hymn	Text & Title
December 3 Advent 1 (blue)	LW 158 - Communion	Doxology	LW 13 – “Savior of the Nations, Come”	LW 31 – “Oh Come, Oh Come, Emmanuel; SH 101 – “Love Divine;” SH 43 – “Come Holy Spirit”	LW 24 – “Lift Up Your Heads You Mighty Gates”	Luke 19:28-40 – “An Ass in the Glory”
December 10 Advent 2 (blue)	LW 158 Word		LW 14 –“On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry”		LW 29 –“Hark the Glad Sound”	Luke 3:1-14 – “A Voice in the Noise”
December 17 Advent 3 (blue)	Sunday School Pageant		LW 19 – “O Lord, How Shall I Meet You”			Luke 7:18-35 – “Jesus Throws a Party”
December 24 Advent 4 (blue)	LW 158 Communion	LW 22 – “Come O Long Expected Jesus”	LW 23 – “Lift Up Your Heads, You Mighty Gates”	LW 55 –“Angels, We Have Heard on High;” LW 60 – “O Little Town of Bethlehem;” LW 61 – “What Child is This”	SH 96 – “Let Us All with Gladsome Voice”	Luke 2:1-20 –“Vision of the King”
December 24 Christmas Eve (white)	Carols, Lessons, Candles – 8 pm				LW 68 – “Silent Night, Holy Night”
December 25 Christmas Day (white)	Luther’s Carol Mass  10:30 am Communion		LW 36 –“Of the Father’s Love Begotten”	LW 64 –“Away in a Manger;” LW 70 – “While Shepherds Watched;” SH 99 –“Lo How a Rose”	SH 105 –“Now Sing We Now Rejoice”	John 1:1-14 –“Freedom of Speech”
December 31 1st Sunday after Christmas (white)	Healing Service		LW 37 –“From Heaven Above to Earth I Come”		LW 53 – “Joy to the World”	Luke 2:22-40 –“A Blessing and a Sword Point”
December 31 New Year’s Eve (white)	Luther’s Carol of Mass – review year – Communion		LW 58 – “Once in Royal David’s City”	SH 93 –“I Wonder as I wander;” LW 181 – “Across the Sky the Shade of Night”	SH 91 – “In the Bleak Mid Winter”	Psalm 90 – “The People is Grass”
January 7 Epiphany/ Baptism (white)	LW 158 Communion - Installation of Officers		LW 75 – “As With Gladness Men of Old”	LW 66 –“Every Year;” LW 57- “Gentle Mary;” LW 50 –“Angels from the Realms of Glory”	LW 62 – “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear”	Luke 3:15-22 –“Baptism – Deeper than Marriage”
January 14 2nd Sunday of Epiphany (green)	LW 158 Word		LW 88 –“Songs of Thankfulness and Praise”		LW 73 –“O Morning Star v.#1,#3, #4, #5	John 2:1-11 – “Glory in a Wineglass”