Monthly GRACE worship/GRACE committee
Each year, Salem Sunday School classes are scheduled to lead a 10:30 GRACE service the 3rd Sunday of the month, October - May. Children read scripture, compose prayers, lead the creed, share music, and serve as ushers and communion assistants. GRACE worship helps children grow in faith, skills, and leadership and is encouraged by the congregation. The GRACE planning committee meets at 6:00 p.m. the 3rd Tuesday of each month in the Choir Room.
Salem Altar Guild
Salem Altar Guild supports worship by preparing for communion and baptisms, caring for and changing altar linens, paraments, candles, and banners according to liturgical season, decorating the church, and delivering the flowers that grace the altar weekly to members who may be ill or celebrating a special occasion. Altar Guild members serve on sub-committees: sacraments, flowers, linens, paraments & candelas and meet as a whole four times a year on a Monday evening.
Salem Sound Technicians
Sound technicians serve on a rotating basis to run the sound system for worship services. The sound board is located in the church balcony; microphones are operated for Pastor Hunt, Assisting Ministers, Choirs, Puppets, Praise Team, or other musicians as scheduled. 8:00 services are recorded on CD and CDs are duplicated after worship for shut-ins. Training is available and you may choose which service time you prefer. Contact person: Larry Schlawin.
Assisting Ministers
Assisting Ministers read scripture, lead the creed, share prayers, and assist with communion or baptisms, leading worship in partnership with Pastor. Assisting ministers serve about once a month; training is available and you may choose which service time you prefer. Both youth and adults are welcome. Contact person: Carol McLain
Ushers
Salem ushers provide a warm welcome, offer assistance to worshipers, distribute bulletins, collect the offering, and offer hospitality at communion. Youth and adults serve on teams which are assigned by a certain Sat/Sun of the month: first, second, third, and fourth at any of the service times: 5:00, 8:00, or 10:30. Teams take turns ushering for holidays and special worship services. Ushers come about 20 minutes prior to worship and pick up the sanctuary for 10 minutes after. Contact people: Dan Kuntz or Rob Orth.
Greeters
Salem greeters often provide the first impression for guests and members alike. A warm smile and genuine welcome goes a long way in helping someone feel at home. Greeters serve once a month on a given Sat/Sun: first, second, third, fourth at any of the service times: 5:00, 8:00, or 10:30 and are in place 15-20 minutes prior to worship. Contact person: Carla Vanatta
Acolytes
Salem youth entering confirmation at 6th grade and through high school serve as acolytes on a rotating basis. Acolytes light the candles for worship and assist with communion and baptisms as needed. Training is available; service time preferences may be given to the person who schedules acolytes.
Musicians
Salem Creative Arts ministry supports regular and festival worship services with music of varied styles and themes. Choirs meet weekly on Wednesdays to rehearse; Puppets and Handbells meet weekly on Thursdays to rehearse. Soloists and instrumentalists are also encouraged to share their gifts of praise. Christmas and Easter Brass Ensembles welcome players seasonally. More information is available under Worship: Creative Arts.
Readers/Processionalists
Special liturgical services such as Reformation, Palm Sunday/Passion Narratives, Good Friday, Easter Vigil, and Easter include special readings and/or a processional. Volunteers prepare provided readings or participate in the procession as a crucifer (one who carries the cross), torchbearer (one who carries a candle), bookbearer (one who carries the Bible), or bannerbearer (one who carries a banner on a pole to its place). Contact person: Carla Vanatta
Shining Stars Nursery
Salem's staffed nursery attendant (Brittany Sheldon or Kate Herrmann) gladly cares for your child (infant through 5 years old) during Sunday services in the upper west wing. Name badges/ identity information are required. Youth and adult volunteers supplement care for the children. Contact person: Amy Holland
Children's Sermons
Children are welcome in Salem worship services and included in special ways. Pastor plans a few minutes each week to introduce a faith theme or concept, teach faith practices, or involve the children in sendings, blessings, and celebrations. Monthly puppet skits and songs enhance offerings for children as well as adults. |
