A while back, we were asked to help out with the Fall Book Fair at the Upper Elementary School.  Well, folks, you pulled together and God has blessed your efforts!  Mrs. Ball at the Library there called to let us know that our church was so generous last fall that they don’t need money for the Fall Book Fair!   How awesome is that?!

Don’t get too comfortable – there’s still a great need in our community.  The Spring Book Fair and January school supply drive is coming fast and your support will be needed.   Thanks again to all who contributed to this outreach.   God is GREAT!

One of the outreach and support ministries that Salem UMC participates in is the Festival of Sharing. It’s a powerful way that you can impact the lives of people through the region.

Festival of Sharing workers

Thank you to so much to the person/persons who left the baby items at the South Entrance displays, they will be put to good use.   Both Displays have some kits that have been started and only need couple items to finish. More than one person can fill a kit.  You can also get a list of kit contents at www.umocm.com/festival.htm.

Everything is greatly appreciated.  Thanks a million, Bonnie Graves

The famous Salem UMC Trunk-R-Treat 2010 event  is coming fast!  This event is an amazing outreach and service to the Salem community.  It brings THOUSANDS of folks to our doorstep (seriously!).  If you would like to participate or find out about this far-reaching community ministry, there will be a Trunk or Treat meeting Wednesday August 25th at 6:30pm in the church library.

Lots of folks are needed to pull off an event of this scale.  There are many different ways to help:

• Candy & donation helpers (in-costume, probably at WalMart)
• Hospitality (help folks get signed-in and pointed in the right direction)
• Parking and traffic flow hosts (keeping things flowing and safe)
• Behind-the-scenes help
• Car hosts (decorate your car and hand out treats!!!)

We’ll see you there!

Both services were blessed last Sunday (the 8th) by Dr. Bertz from Gideons International.  Did you know that Gideons International is an interdenominational association of Christian businessmen and professional men who are members of Protestant/evangelical churches? Their members are dedicated to saving the lost through personal witnessing and the distribution of God’s Word in more than 190 countries around the world. (text from their website)

The majority of Gideons live and serve in their local communities, making this ministry very effective and efficient because . . .

• They know the local language and customs.
• They know where the hotels, schools, prisons, hospitals and other places where God’s Word needs to be distributed are located.
• Sometimes, The Gideons International is able to establish local groups of Gideons in countries where traditional missionaries aren’t allowed to go.

If you would like to support their ministry, please click here to donate.

Thursday, August 12th, the Salem UMC,  in affiliation with the Southwest Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association will host a support group meeting 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 the devastating disease. Each meeting is free and open to the public. For more information contact Rose Kinerk at 573-729-6818.

THIS SUNDAY AND NEXT HAVE BEEN DESIGNATED AS “UNDIE-SUNDAY” — SUPPORT OUR LOCAL KIDS GOING BACK TO SCHOOL

Our church has committed to providing underwear and socks for needy children in our community. This is YOUR chance to make a difference in a very practical way.

There’s not a lot of time before school starts so PLEASE stop by the display at the south entrance to the church on Sunday morning or stop by the church office and pick up the information needed so you can shop for as many children as you are able and bring the items to the church by Monday, August 9th.

This is an ambitious project but WE CAN DO IT! Let’s all MAKE A DIFFERENCE together!

Come out to the Salem Community Garden to celebrate summer on Thursday, July 22 from 6-8 p.m. and see what’s growing at the garden!

Bring your gloves and help harvest vegetables for donations to local service organizations, mulch pathways and help clean up the garden.  Light refreshments and lemonade will be available.

Haven’t been to the garden before? Come out and meet the community gardeners and learn about how you can get involved in growing good food! Any (and all!) volunteers are welcome!   Learn about upcoming gardening workshops and events. Call Sarah Massengale at Dent County Extension 729-3196 with questions. The garden is located at the Salem United Methodist Church (at the back of the main parking lot).

Yes, it’s that time again, folks!  It’s Back to School!  We are participating in the community’s program that provides schools supplies to the kids.  Hey, times are tough for everyone!

The event will be held at the Old City Hall on July 29th.  To avoid overcrowding, please follow this schedule:

• 10am – Noon: Families with head of household with last name A through M
• Noon – 2pm: Families with head of household with last name N through Z

All children receiving supplies must be present!  Please pre-register with Kim or Debra at the South Central Missouri Community Action Agency, 1405 S. Wine St. 729-3500 x 13.

It's the little things!

They’re cute!  They’re cuddly!  Yes, you’ve seen them in the South Entrance and in the Sanctuary, but did you know they’re also an important ministry here at Salem UMC?

These little cuties are a simple outreach to anyone who needs a little fuzzy hug to make them feel better.  This unique and touching ministry was started here back in 2005 and has spread as far as Texas and California.

It may seem like such a little thing, but sometimes it’s the little things that can show someone who’s hurting the love of Christ.

If you’d like to be a part of an adorable outreach ministry, please contact the office.  You’ll be touching hearts!