As Easter approaches, we Methodists need to prepare. No, not by primping your hats or  getting out the egg-dye. We’re talking about Lent!
What is lent anyways, and why are Methodists doing this? Well, click here to get a “Lent 101″ primer, but basically, its the forty-days before Easter – a time to simplify our lives and prepare for our commemoration of Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection. (Click here for even more!)

Here’s some of our planned Lent activities:

• Ash Wednesday service, Feb. 25th at 6pm in the Sanctuary [Click for info]
• Sermon and study series based on The Shack [Click for info]
• The Simplicity Challenge [Click for info]

If you’ve never felt like Easter was a big deal (compared to, say, Christmas?), preparing your heart during Lent is a great way to experience the power of this special time.  Come, now is the time!

You may have noticed the big structure in front of Salem UMC.  Well, that is to draw attention to the upcoming sermon and study series on The Shack by William P. Young.   This book has been called controversial and even blasphemous.  It has also been called one of the most powerfully moving books people have read.  We understand there are strong feelings on this, but this book has also opened many hearts to the understand and received the deep healing and comforting that only God can provide.

• Worship service messages. These will use elements and themes from The Shack to illustrate key principles.  This coincides with our ongoing Lenten observance.
• Evening studies.  On Tuesdays at 7:00pm starting March 3rd, join us in the Worship Center for a weekly book study.  This will be a wonderful complement to the Sunday worship messages.