Alzheimer’s disease touches the lives of many in our community.  Folks often don’t know how to handle it or simply need someone to talk to.  On Thursday, February 11th, the Salem UMC, in affiliation with the Southwest Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association will host a support group at the church beginning at 2:00 p.m.

Anyone who is a family member, friend, or caregiver to someone suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease is welcome to come and learn more about the disease, care options, and experience mutual support from others dealing with this devastating disease. Each meeting is free and open to the public. For more information contact Rose Kinerk at 573-729-6818.

You may have read about it in the Salem News, but the Backpacks of Love program Salem UMC is involved in has gotten a huge boost!  Salem Memorial District Hospital will serve as fiscal agent to help get grants for Lovepack Backpack Program to feed hungry school children on weekends.

Hospital directors approved the proposal during their regular board meeting Jan. 21. The presentation was made by Dent County Healthy Communities (DCHC) Chairman Ray Walden and Council for a Healthy Dent County and Lovepack Program organizers Jann Craig and Liz Gruendel.  Hospital Director Judy Thompson recommended that SMDH support the project as fiscal agent.

“Knowing what this program is doing for some children in our community, why would everyone not want to be involved in this wonderful program,” Thompson said. “It will truly touch ones heart and make a difference.”

Craig said the Backback Program currently provides non-perishable food that is sent home each weekend with about 70 school children who need it. Currently the program is funded by local donations from individuals and businesses. Backpack meals cost about $9 each and additional funding sources are vital to keep the program going.

If approved, the first grant would be used to help support the Dent County Backpack Program. The grant would be for a three-year period and the group will be requesting $125,000.

If you would like to support and/or participate in this powerful community program, please contact the church office for more information!

On Friday evening, February 12th at 6pm, there will be a Sweetheart Benefit Banquet.  This will be in support of Show-Me H.O.P.E. and will be held at the Salem City Hall.  It’s sponsored by Christian Women Working Together, a group a ladies from churches throughout the area.

You won’t want to miss this fun evening of food, entertainment, and more!  Your hearts will be warmed by knowing that you’re helping those in need right here in our community.  Tickets available soon!  Contact the church office for more information.

Here is the official UMC effort to help support humanitarian efforts following the recent earthquake in Haiti. The initial crisis is likely to pale next to the unfolding tragedies of hunger, thirst, lack of shelter, and limited medical capacity.  YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

United Methodists have had a long-standing relationship with Haiti. Because of the structure of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), 100 percent of gifts made will go to support relief and development efforts.

Yes, we want to give ’stuff,’ but money is the fastest and most effective way to help in this situation.  Please help.

1. Pray for the people of Haiti and those trying to help
2. CLICK HERE TO DONATE ONLINE, or  Write a check to the church and mark it for “UMCOR, Haiti”

There are many in our congregation that are unable to come to church or need special attention due to injury or illness. You can make a huge difference in their lives and let them know they are loved!

The Salem UMC visitation ministry is something you can be involved in to keep the connections alive.  Please prayerfully consider taking some time to be a part of this vital outreach.  Each visitor will contact an assigned shut-in or chronically ill member of our church family.  This is done with cards, calls, visits, or even Facebook posts!  This is something you can do!

Nancy Kadlec (729-6688) is heading up this effort.  Please come to the Salem UMC library on Sunday, January 24th after worship to find out more. If you can’t make it, or can’t wait to start, please call her and ask how you can help.

This is an invitation to any and all women who may be interested in becoming a part of the Christian Women Working Together. This is a great opportunity to find out what it’s all about and connect to the CWWT.  It’s all about community and working in unity to share Christ together.

Bank of Salem Courtesy Room (Downtown on 4^th Street) on Tuesday, January 5^th at 7 pm. Please mark your calendars and plan to come and get acquainted, be inspired, hear what is being planned, and offer your input.

Thursday, January 14, the Salem United Methodist Church, 801 E Scenic Rivers Blvd, in affiliation with the Southwest Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association will host a support group at the church beginning 2:00 p.m.

The program this month will be presented by Carrie Poindexter of PCRMC Home Care on the topic of hospice care. Anyone who is a family member, friend, or caregiver to someone suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease is welcome to come and learn more about the disease, care options, and to experience mutual support from others dealing with this devastating disease. Each meeting is free and open to the public.

For more information contact Rose Kinerk at 573-729-6818.

The Sharing Trees that you remember from times past, can once again be found in the entryways of both the Sanctuary and the Worship Center.

It’s up to you to carry on the Salem UMC tradition of collecting caps, mittens, gloves, socks, underwear, and sweat pants for elementary school kids in our wonderful community.  You are also encouraged to donate non-perishable food items.  These will support our ministry in the Agape Home.  Thank you!!!

Coming up on Thursday, December 10, Salem UMC (in affiliation with the Southwest Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association) will host a support group at the church beginning at 2:00 p.m.

Anyone who is a family member, friend, or caregiver to someone suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease is welcome to come. The December meeting will be a special celebration of the gift that caregivers give to their loved ones every day of the year and will be a time to honor all caregivers. A fun time is planned. Each meeting is free and open to the public. For more information contact Rose Kinerk at 573-729-6818.

The World Bank offering collected this year totaled $750.67!  This will help support ministry around the world!  Thank you so much to everyone who participated!