Q: What time is worship at Salem Lutheran Church?
A: Worship is held each Sunday at 9:00 am. Additional worship services are held on Wednesday evenings during the seasons of Advent and Lent at 7:00 pm. Christmas Eve worship is held at both 7:00 pm. Christmas Day worship is held at 10:30am. Maundy Thursday and Good Friday worship services are held at 7:00 pm on those days. We also hold an Easter Vigil service on the Saturday evening before Easter at 7:00 pm.
Q: What is worship like at Salem Lutheran Church?
A: Worship at Salem is what many people would call “traditional,” with historic Christian liturgy, organ, piano, hymns and choir. As Lutherans, we understand that our worship is first about what God provides for us. We often call our worship “service,” and this means that God serves us with the good news of His Son Jesus Christ. Through God’s Word proclaimed and the sacraments instituted by Christ our Lord (Baptism and Holy Communion), God gives us the gift of Jesus and fills our need for redemption. God then calls us to serve Him in the world.
Q: Are children welcome at Salem Lutheran Church?
A: Most definitely! Having children in worship is truly a gift and a sign that our congregation is growing. It is through participation in worship from an early age that children learn the language of our faith and develop the lifelong habit of worship attendance. If children get restless and need to leave worship for a time, there is plenty of space in the narthex, at the back of the sanctuary where parents may listen to the service. Or you can spend some time in our fellowship hall downstairs. But always feel free to bring children back into the sanctuary when you are ready.
Q: Does Salem Lutheran Church hold an educational time on Sunday morning?
A: Yes. Sunday School for adults and children is held from 10:45 to 11:30 am in our education building. The children’s group meets in the Nursery room, and the adults in the adult room, both on the right side of the hallway in the education building.
Q: How often is Holy Communion (the Lord’s Supper) offered at Salem Lutheran Church?
A: Holy Communion is offered at Salem every Sunday worship service as well as on the festivals of Maundy Thursday, Easter Vigil, and Christmas Day.
Q: Who may receive Holy Communion at Salem Lutheran Church?
A: Holy Communion is one of the sacraments of the church, which are the means by which God gives us the gift of Jesus Christ. It is a “participation” in the body and blood of Christ (1 Corinthians 10:16 ESV). Jesus invites sinners to his table, as they know their need for his grace and mercy in their lives. This is good news! Our bulletin states:
“All Baptized Christians who believe in the real presence of the Lord Jesus Christ in the Sacrament of Holy Communion are invited to receive the Sacrament. The Lutheran Church teaches that the true body and blood of Jesus Christ are present in the Supper of our Lord under the form of bread and wine. If you do not believe this or have not confessed your sins and received Holy Absolution, you should refrain from receiving Communion. You may however still approach the minister for a blessing, indicating so by crossing both arms across your chest.”
Before children in the congregation are admitted to the Lord’s Supper for the first time, they complete a four-week first Communion course, usually offered in the spring of their fourth-grade year.
Q: I would like to become a member of Salem Lutheran Church. What must I do?
A: Contact the pastor to make arrangements. If coming from another Lutheran congregation, a simple transfer of membership is normally all that is required. Please be aware, however, that there are differences in practice among different Lutheran bodies. For your information, a brief summary of these as found in the United States can be found here.
If coming from a different Christian tradition, the pastor will lead you in a six-week new member course about Lutheran teachings. If one is a new believer and desires to be baptized, the pastor will lead you in a new member course of a different type, devoted to learning basic Christian teachings.
Q: Is Salem Lutheran Church a member of a larger organization?
A: Yes, Salem is a member of the North American Lutheran Church (NALC). You can find more information about the NALC at its website.
Q: Where can I read about the history of the North American Lutheran Church?
A: You can read a brief history of the NALC at this link.
Q: What are the guiding values of the North American Lutheran Church?
A: In addition to its four core values of “Christ Centered,” “Mission Driven,” “Traditionally Grounded,” and “Congregationally Focused,” the NALC affirms a seven-point statement written in 2005 called the “Common Confession,” listed below:
- The Lord Jesus Christ
We are people who believe and confess our faith in the Triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We trust and believe in Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord. - The Gospel of Salvation
We believe and confess that all human beings are sinners, and that sinners are redeemed by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. God alone justifies human beings by faith in Christ — a faith that God creates through the message of the Gospel. As ambassadors for Christ, God uses us to speak His Word and build His kingdom. - The Authority of Scripture
We believe and confess that the Bible is God’s revealed Word to us, spoken in Law and Gospel. The Bible is the final authority for us in all matters of our faith and life. - A Common Confession of Faith
We accept and uphold that the Lutheran Confessions reliably guide us as faithful interpretations of Scripture, and that we share a unity and fellowship in faith with others among whom the Gospel of Jesus Christ is preached and the Sacraments are administered in accordance with the Gospel. - The Priesthood of All Believers
We believe and confess that the Holy Spirit makes all who believe in Jesus Christ to be priests for service to others in Jesus’ name, and that God desires to make use of the spiritual gifts he has given through the priesthood of all believers. - Marriage and Family
We believe and confess that the marriage of male and female is an institution created and blessed by God. From marriage, God forms families to serve as the building blocks of all human civilization and community. We teach and practice that sexual activity belongs exclusively within the Biblical boundaries of a faithful marriage between one man and one woman. - The Mission and Ministry of the Congregation
We believe and confess that the Church is the assembly of believers called and gathered by God around Word and Sacrament, and that the mission and ministry of the Church is carried out within the context of individual congregations, which are able to work together locally and globally.
Q: Where can I read statements by the North American Lutheran Church on particular topics
A: You can find NALC statements at this link. You can also learn more about the NALC by reading current and past editions of “NALC News,” its monthly newsletter.
Q: Who may be married at Salem Lutheran Church?
A: The pastor of Salem will officiate at weddings between one man and one woman. Guest pastors may serve in assisting roles in the wedding service with the approval of the pastor of Salem. Normally, one of the parties to be married must be a member of Salem or have an otherwise close connection with a member of Salem or the pastor. A pre-marriage inventory led by the pastor is an option for couples before marriage as a way of preparing for the lifelong commitment of the marriage vows. Please review the Salem Wedding Guidelines found on our website. Contact Pastor Ken Campbell for more information before scheduling a date.
Q: Who may have a funeral or memorial service at Salem Lutheran Church?
A: The pastor of Salem will officiate at funeral or memorial services for the deceased who were members of Salem or perhaps have a close connection with a member of Salem. Guest pastors may serve in assisting roles in the funeral or memorial service with the approval of the pastor of Salem. Please review the Salem Funeral Guidelines, and contact Pastor Ken Campbell for more information.
Q: Where can I find more information about getting involved at Salem Lutheran Church?
A: Our website contains information about congregational activities as well as contact information.