Salem is a congregation of the ELCA that seems to be living what the Church was
meant to live. Salem is opening itself to the
community with service and welcome.

Salem is not perfect, no congregation is, but the members of this ELCA outpost are seeking
to live Christ‘s love in ways that are recognizable to others. That is a beautiful
thing.

Salem now finds herself in transition from one relationship to another.

Truly Pr. Janet Hunt brought and gave gifts that the Spirit used to
build-up and extend the presence of the Lord in the Sycamore community.

From the things I have seen here and overheard, you would very much like to see that continue.

I trust that it will as long as you and I together prepare to receive, accept and use the gifts that God is sending in the next resident pastor.

As part of the preparation and acceptance of what is ahead, it is helpful to reflect on what has occurred in Salem‘s life before the new pastor arrives.

It is helpful for the congregation and for indi-
viduals because it enables Salem sharing the stories of this place with the one who is to come.

From that kind of sharing, the Spirit of God will stir up a continuing breath of strength and creativity.

To assist the process of discerning how the mission will continue and develop further, the Congregation Council and Staff invite you to join them in noting where you have seen God working at Salem.

These notes do not need to be lengthy or particularly grand in nature. After all, The Jesus who loves us and whom we seek to follow took ordinary things and made of them extraordinary things.

First, it finds its foundation in Isaiah 52:7 ―How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news... The prophet Isaiah and St. Paul who quoted the prophet made reference to the act of sharing the ―Good News of God‘s action for God‘s people.

The hope is that members of Salem will follow in the footsteps of our brothers and sisters in the faith and communicate where God has been seen working in our midst.

Second, there are 2 ways in which this can be accomplished.

This is the page on Salem‘s website where you can post a note that says where you have seen God at work here at Salem, Sycamore.

Where have YOU seen God at work at Salem?

Tell your story here online or at one of the 3 places around Salem where you can put up a Post-It note with your sighting of God‘s work.