December 28, 2011 Grace Notes

Waiting...We'll be doing a little waiting this week as Carla has knee
surgery.

Waiting at several presurgery appointments the day before. Waiting during
the surgery. Waiting for healing. While we can't help but feel some
anxiety, we wait with confidence...confidence in the skills of doctors and
staff, confidence in the prayer and support of so many family and friends.
Most of all...confidence in God's complete love and care.

We have just finished a season of waiting in the church year. All through
Advent we waited once again for the gift of the savior. And amidst the
uncertainties and troubles of these times, we still waited with confidence
in the sure and certain fulfillment of God's promised son.

Salem is in a time of waiting for our next pastor. Perhaps there is a
little uncertainty. A little anxiety. But we can wait with confidence.
God loved the world so much that he gave his son...isn't he most certainly
preparing a new pastor to walk with Salem in our call to live Christ's
love?

May God bless our waiting. May he grant us confidence in his love and care
that never ends. Let him keep us moving forward in faith and trust.

Ron Vanatta
Salem Lutheran Church

Salem Grace Notes 12-21-11

Christmas is almost here. Most of us are exhausted, some of us are
excited, and many of us carry sorrows from one Christmas to the next.
Though it is my favorite time of the year, I am keenly aware of the losses
and life changes which can affect how we feel about this sacred holiday.
The best advice I can give is to keep it sacred. Enjoy the fun with
family and friends if you are so blessed, but deep in your heart let the
precious gift of a tiny baby, full of hope and promise and love, be the
center of your celebration….the wonder of God with us, Emmanuel, and all
that means.

Marty Haugen, hymn-writer, pens these sentiments. May they bring our
celebrating into focus with much hope and love.

Awake! Awake, and Greet the New Morn

1 Awake! Awake, and greet the new morn, for angels herald its dawning.
Sing out your joy, for soon he is born, behold! the Child of our longing.
Come as a baby weak and poor, to bring all hearts together,
he opens wide the heav'nly door and lives now inside us forever.

2 To us, to all in sorrow and fear, Emmanuel comes a-singing,
his humble song is quiet and near, yet fills the earth with its ringing;
music to heal the broken soul and hymns of lovingkindness,
the thunder of his anthems roll to shatter all hatred and blindness.

3 In darkest night his coming shall be, when all the world is despairing,
as morning light so quiet and free, so warm and gentle and caring.
Then shall the mute break forth in song, the lame shall leap in wonder,
the weak be raised above the strong, and weapons be broken asunder.

4 Rejoice, rejoice, take heart in the night, though dark the winter and
cheerless,
the rising sun shall crown you with light, be strong and loving and
fearless.
Love be our song and love our prayer and love our endless story;
may God fill ev'ry day we share and bring us at last into glory.

Text: Marty Haugen, b. 1950
Text © 1983 GIA Publications, Inc., 7404 S. Mason Ave., Chicago, IL 60638.
www.giamusic.com. 800.442.3358. All rights reserved.
Used by permission, Reprinted under OneLicense.net A-708 303

May your Christmas be blessed by the One whose birth we celebrate,

Carla Vanatta, Associate in Ministry
Salem Lutheran Church
Sycamore, IL

Salem Reminders:
· Last Advent service Wed. Dec. 21st, 7 p.m.
· Christmas Eve services at 4,7,11 p.m.
· Christmas Day service 10:30 a.m.

Grace Notes, 12/7/2011

"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands"!

That sentence from Psalm 100 has been echoing in my head for many days
now, as Salem celebrated Thanksgiving with blessings and pie, as we enter
Advent with gorgeously decorated trees and candles to be lit on the Advent
wreath, as we watch the children begin to get more excited. And then I
just plain stopped and listened. The Salem Sounds around here are just
wonderful! We have Food Pantry workers welcoming families as they come in
search of food to serve. We have Altar Guild members laughing as they
decorate the altar beautifully to prepare for worship. We have women in
the office typing, collating, answering phones, planning, and laughing.
We have men washing windows and putting up storms, quietly preparing for
winter. We have Sunday School teachers faithfully showing up weekly to
teach our children stories about Jesus with words, paint, colors, books,
puzzles. We have choir members from age 3 till older who come to sing in
such dear harmony. They add to the beauty of the worship of our Lord. We
have mowers who come a day or two before the weekend, so Salem's huge lawn
looks manicured, ready for all who come to its doors. We have bells that
ring in glorious song every hour. They say "Welcome!" They say "We
worship Jesus here!" They say "You can too, just come on in!" We have
three generations of puppets who show us a different way to worship, a way
that enchants the children. The Confirmation children do lovely, loving
service projects, both for our shut-ins and for others who need to be
remembered with warm scarves and pretty handmade Christmas cards. We have
members of the Witness Team making hot chocolate and cookies to pass out
at Santa's new house on the Courthouse lawn. We have a history of such
fine pastors, who teach us by their very presence. They are kind and
smart and steeped in the Word of our Lord. They care deeply about us,
their parishioners. They do so many constructive acts that we marvel.

The second verse of Psalm 100 is, "Serve the Lord with gladness; come
before His presence with singing." All these Salem Sounds do exactly
that. We say to that "Hallelujah!" We say "Thanks be to God!" God's
people say "Amen!"

Judy Bergeson
Diaconal Minister

UPCOMING EVENTS AT SALEM
Each year we put up a Christmas tree with names on it from Avancer
(formerly Genesis House), home for 90 mentally challenged adults. The
cognitive age and a couple of wished-for items are on this tag. We
purchase them, wrap them, and return them to Salem by the weekend of Dec.
10/11. Everyone may help in this effort to make Christmas nicer, better
for those less fortunate.

The High School students will have a Christmas baked goods sale on Sunday,
December 18th. This is a fine time to get your baking done! The
selection is always varied and delicious.

Salem's choir will give us an always beautiful Christmas concert at 5 PM
Saturday, December 10 and again Sunday, December 11th at 10:30. All are
welcome.

"Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight." In the Gospel of
Sunday, December 4, 2011 that is the call issued to God's people. Quoting
the prophet Isaiah, John the Baptist announces the Lord's coming.
In the middle of the week, as I write this, I'm aware of the Spirit's
claim on me, you and Salem. It strikes me that this cry is not just a
part of a story about another time and place. It is a present reality for
all of us as disciples. Our mission is to make His paths straight so that
our Savior and Lord is available to those who hear the Spirit calling them
to join the "kingdom life".

The thought was impressed upon my mind and spirit that this is not
something added to our already busy lives. "Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight." is about discerning the Spirit's direction and
pursuing the mission that has been given to all disciples, personally and
collectively—"Living Christ's Love" in every situation and circumstance.
Again, this isn't something added onto living, it is the way of living the
gift of life that we have. The challenge lies in how we act Christ's love
in the presence of others and in the company of only our own self. It can
be tough to do. Indeed on our own, it often seems impossible. BUT as we
are willing and as we surrender ourselves to the Lord, His Spirit can work
"living Christ's love" through us.

It is simple, but not simplistic. Simplistic actions tend to lead us into
a maze of seeking a problem—solution models for each different situation.
That sounds exhausting at best. Simple action means seeking and being
open to the same solution in any setting; namely, asking the Lord to "let
others see Christ in me" in every encounter. I believe this is what the
wisdom writer meant when writing in Proverbs. "Trust in the Lord with
all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways,
acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths."

Does that mean we'll always get it right? No, and that is when we make
straight the Lord's path for the Child of God in us. We make the path
straight by hearing, receiving and accepting, by faith, heaven's grace.
Advent is here. The Lord is coming to us in the celebration of God's
birth as a little baby boy—the angel said his name is Jesus— Emmanuel.

May you sense "God with us" Emmanuel as we gather for the activities of
Salem's faith community as we journey to the manger outside of Bethlehem.

Advent blessings,
Pr. Rob

Grace Notes November 23, 2011

Grace Notes Nov. 23, 2011
"O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures
forever." Psalm 136.1

'Tis the season to be thankful. The turkey on the calendar is reminding
us. Thanksgiving Day has been celebrated officially since President
Lincoln proclaimed a national day of thanksgiving Nov. 26, 1863. But God's
children have been giving thanks much longer.

An article in the morning paper tells that scientists are studying
thankfulness. Psychologists are identifying gratitude as one of our most
powerful emotions. Gratitude makes us happier and can change our attitude
about life. An emotional "reset button".

A key component of thankfulness is the way it connects us to others. While
it is good to give thanks for everything, we should remember that it's the
people in our lives that are most important. Family, friends, all who walk
with us on life's journey. When I remember to give thanks, I am reminded
that it is not just about me. All of life is a gift from our loving God,
often delivered by others of his children. And sometimes I am allowed to
deliver his gift to another…

Give God thanks as you count your blessings. And be a blessing to others.

Ron Vanatta

>Thanksgiving Eve Worship today, Wednesday, at 7:00 pm.
>First Sunday of Advent this weekend.
>Advent Holden Evening Prayer every Wednesday at 7:00 pm starting Nov. 30.
>Christmas Cantata, "Tapestry of Light,"at 5:00 Sat, Dec 10 and 10:30 Sun,
Dec 11.

Grace Notes, November 17, 2011

Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 16/17, 2011, hundreds and perhaps thousands
of people gathered at Salem to honor God's gift of Dee Palmer to this
community. Heralded as DeKalb County's "Music Man", the more of himself
he gave to his community, the more beloved he became. His seemingly
endless energy and enthusiasm carried him to almost 100 years of life.
While few people can say they have served at anything continuously for 63
years or have had a life-size statue erected in their honor, this man
humbly carried on his work, receiving joy and energy from the support of
the musicians who worked with him and the community who loved the music he
so ably chose and conducted.

While we pause to honor Dee and express appreciation, sorrow, and loss,
let us also pause to give thanks to God for one who so keenly loved the
work God created him for, and one who so faithfully fulfilled his role in
life. Family shared they never knew a more loving, kind man, one who
chose to look for the best in people and refused to blame anyone if he was
wronged.

Times like these are a gift to us if we use them well. While we are not
called to worship or idolize any human being, there are the "greats" in
our communities and world whose candle seems to shine a bit brighter than
those around them. If we take the time to learn from their lives, look at
their choices and values, and the results – seen or unseen – they can
become a worthwhile model for us, a "shining example". No one is perfect,
but some people certainly seem to make better use of God's gift of life
than others.

In faith we trust that God has welcomed Dee into the heavenly realm,
bestowing upon him unknown joy and love, that his heart might sing forever
God's praise and his soul know the Lord face to face. Thanks be to God.
Thank you, Dee.

Carla Vanatta, Associate in Ministry
Salem Lutheran Church, Sycamore, IL

Salem Reminders:
Christ the King Sunday completes the Liturgical church year this weekend.
Traditional worship at 5 p.m. Saturday &, 8:00 Sunday and Praise Team
worship 10:30 a.m. Sunday. Salem Sunday School Children are rehearsing
for their Christmas Program as well as regular class lessons at 9:15 a.m.
Sunday.

Thank you to all who have signed up to work at the Feed my Starving
Children pack days – Confirmation students and Families Friday night and
other Salem helpers on Sunday. Financial gifts are also welcomed to pay
for the ingredients @ 24 cents per manna pack.

Salem Christmas Cantata rehearsals continue Wed. evenings at 8 and Sunday
evenings at 6.

Take time to worship and give thanks. Plan to attend Salem's Thanksgiving
Eve worship next Wed. Nov. 23rd at 7 p.m. followed by pie and coffee in
Fellowship Hall. Invite a friend or your family.

Grace Notes, November 5, 2011

For some reason, I pulled from my bookshelves my old Confirmation Bible
this week. Written on the face plate in the front: "To Judy Oehlert, a
member of the Confirmation Class of Salem, at Sycamore, IL on the 21st of
Oct, 1956. Martin W. Gustafson, Interim Pastor". This is so special to
me. It has yellowed over time and is falling apart some, but the memories
come spilling out. I see that Matthew must have been my favorite in those
days; there is a lot of underlining, especially chapters 5 and 6. Here's
a taste: "But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother
shall be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother shall be liable
to the council, and whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be liable to the hell
of fire" (verse 22). See, this helped keep a rein on my tongue. I have
five younger brothers and sisters. There was ample opportunity to be
angry, or so I thought! But Mom and Matthew both said I shouldn't. Tough
combination. I tried to meet this goal. What do we say? You win some,
you lose some! But I had a goal that was clear: govern my tongue.

The last verses of chapter 5 state this, "You have heard that it was said,
'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy'. But I say to you,
Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be
sons of your Father who is in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the
just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward
have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you salute
only your brethren, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the
Gentiles do the same? You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly
Father is perfect." Jesus' logic is unassailable. But this goal is
harder. Of course my first question at that time was why in the world
would God shine his sun on the unjust? That's not fair! But one of the
things we have to learn before we can consider ourselves grown up is that
life is not fair. Another goal then: pray for our enemies.

The Lord' Prayer is next. Jesus gave us this perfect prayer. It is
ageless. It is part of me, essential to my prayer life, as it is to every
praying Christian.

And then starting in chapter 6: 24 is that lovely, vivid image of lilies
in the field. This was an important passage for me to read in High
School. I wasn't to be anxious! Clothing, the right kind of clothing was
terribly important then, as it is now for that age, and I sometimes didn't
have it. Yet when I read this passage, much of the self-consciousness
dissipated. What a blessing!

Chapter 7 begins boldly: "Judge not, that you be not judged." This aims
right at cattiness and gossip, doesn't it? What I said could be said
about me, so what would I want said? Ugly half-truths, imagined slights,
mean words? Of course not. One choice was to say nothing. Another,
better choice, was to speak up for someone being maligned. The latter was
the goal. And one certainly isn't to participate in slander. Sometimes
in our society, people mistake kindness for weakness. That's a big error.

There are more underlined passages, but these admonitions Jesus gave us
speak to our hearts. Clearly Jesus wanted us to "get" all these things.
Their clarity and words of one syllable tell us that. These are still my
goals over 50 years later. Jesus set the bar high. But He did it because
His Father made us to be His loving, obedient people.

Judy Bergeson, Diaconal Minister
Salem Lutheran

COMING EVENTS AT SALEM:

This Tuesday, Nov. 8th: take a coupon from the
Narthex at church & eat at Applebee's 11 AM to 11 PM!
15% goes to Feed My Starving Children

Nov. 13: Pastor Seth Sululu from Tanzania was invited by our
Global Missions Team to preach & visit with us at the
Coffee Hour. He is completing work on his Master's degree in
Music at NIU. Come hear! And Salem's puppets help celebrate
our relationship with the Arusha Diocese of Tanzania.

Grief Support begins again for the 5th year. From Nov. 6 for 11 weeks, we
meet in the Chapel Lounge from 3 till 4:30 PM every Sunday to offer
grieving people comfort through the holidays. No fee, no registration
required. Just come. Phyllis Castenson, Carole Lichty, and Judy Bergeson
co-lead this group.

Thanksgiving eve at 7 PM, we gather to give thanks for all our blessings.
Pie will be served in the Fellowship Hall after the service.

We look forward to Advent which begins at 7 PM Wednesday, November 30th.
Pastor Rob will tell us how "A Christmas Carol" is also a story for people
of faith.

Shop in the Red Sofa Lounge area two weekends after Thanksgiving for gifts
from the Fair Trade Fair. Unique gifts will be available.

Grace Notes, October 18, 2011

Grace Notes October 18, 2011

Our house suddenly looks very different, even though we haven't changed a
thing. The change was at the neighbor's house. The grand old maple tree in
their back yard has been taken down. I think it was the tallest tree in
the neighborhood. At least 60 feet or higher. Probably 55 years old, more
or less. The trunk was about 4 feet across. Its branches spread over both
our houses. We will miss its shade, and it is going to take time to get
used to the new look. But seeing the hollow center of its main trunk
assures us it was better to remove it now than to wait for a storm to
topple it.

I had faith in that tree. It looked really strong. Oh sure, there were two
steel cables reinforcing one main fork of the trunks…those were there
before we moved in 20 years ago. But I can say I never lost any sleep
worrying that it might fall on our house. Other folks would sometimes
point out how bad it could be for our house if the tree came down in a
storm. I knew it could happen, but I just didn't consider it at all
likely. It was easy to trust in that tree…it just looked dependable. But
now it is gone.

I thank God for that tree. But I thank God, also, for the empty space
where the tree was. For the reminder of God's own faithfulness. God alone
is forever. His care for us will never end. Read Psalm 46, appointed every
year for Reformation Day: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present
help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth should
change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its
waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult." And
if I were the psalmist…"though the big old maple has fallen."
I'll still need time to adjust to the new look at our house, but now I see
that big empty space isn't empty after all…it is filled with God.

Ron Vanatta

Singers, ringers, and puppeteers are still welcome to come to all Salem
creative arts groups. Rehearsals are Wednesdays and Thursdays…contact the
directors for details.

Plan to attend Reformation Festival Worship at 5 pm Saturday, Oct 29,
followed by a meal at 6:30. …Sign up in the welcome center. Only one
service Sunday, Oct 30 at 8 am.

October 7 Grace Notes

What a gorgeous week of weather we've had! Everyone I've talked to wants
to hold on to it until Spring! What fun it is to see the leaves drift or
cascade down and behold the beautiful colors of fall. Every year I remind
myself to cherish these few weeks, for winter is coming!

Sometimes the cares of this life seem to flurry down around us until we
are left in a heap of leaves and the trees are bare. We feel naked and
exposed. Vulnerable. By the end of the month that's the way it will look
around Sycamore. There always seems to be a weekend of raw, stiff wind
and rain to take down the rest of the leaves.

God reminds us that unless a grain of wheat falls onto the earth and dies
to itself, it is fruitless. It looks dead, but inside there is great
potential. So it is with us. Autumn is a time of culmination....the last
fruits of the garden and the bounty of the farm crops rally our souls in
one last burst of blessing before the winter quiet.

We who know the cycles of life, of springtime and harvest, rest assured
that new life will come again. In the Midwest we burrow into our houses
as the temperatures drop and the snow begins to fly. Sports move indoors
and lawnmowers will be stored.

I've heard some people say they love the fall and others dread it, knowing
it signals the advent of winter. Growing up on a farm, fall was my very
favorite season, for I loved helping to unload the golden ears of corn.
Back then it was harvested in ears, not shelled by the combine. My folks
would be excited to see what the yield was for all their months of hard
work. The hogs enjoyed first green stalks of corn and at harvest a few
ears. It was a busy, wonderful, happy time I will always cherish. Yes,
there were years when the harvest dragged out until Thanksgiving or
beyond, the stalks grew tough and challenged the machines, but it was such
a warm time of year for our family.

Pastor Rob suggested in his sermon last week that all we will have when we
reach the other shore is what we remember and who we are. He shared a
story about two iced tea spoons he keeps as a special family memory, but
he doesn't really need to hold onto the spoons because he has the memory
of fond times when they were used with the family he loves. So it is with
our lives. When we feel naked and exposed and vulnerable for any reason,
we can dig into our memories and warm our hearts with those fond places,
those gorgeous fall colors, those golden ears of grain, those seeds hidden
quietly in the earth until the warm sunshine returns. And God will meet
us there, for God is the creator of all things good, the giver of our
memories, and the lover of our souls.

Blessed Fall – Blessed Harvest – Blessed Day lived in Christ Jesus, our Lord.

Carla Vanatta, Associate in Ministry
Salem Lutheran Church

Salem Reminders:

Salem Work Day is this Saturday from 9-Noon; come with a few rags and a
little energy to wash windows, clean pews, or pick up around the yard.

Panda Express will share 20% of the cost of your food with Salem Food
Pantry this Monday, Oct. 10th but you need to bring the flyer with from
the bulletin this weekend. In the same way, Panera Bread will share 20%
for the Feed 'Em Soup ministry next Friday, Oct. 14th. See the flyer in
the bulletin as well, and give thanks to God when you have enough to eat
and enough to share with others who don't.

Salem Cherub Choir has 6 adorable young 1st grade girls this year but no
Kindergartners or 4-year-olds! Pray that God will urge a few more little
ones to discover the fun in singing for the Lord!

September 21, 2011 Grace Notes

GRACENOTES 9-20-2011
Was it two days or just one?  Yesterday was filled with good work,
conversation and the wonder of joy at the ministry Salem is offering to
the community, one another and most especially the Lord Christ whose
Church we are. It was busy but brought good rest at the end.

Fall is, for me, filled with all the elements of program start-up.  The
hustle and bustle of last week culminated in a beautiful Confirmation
Sunday for the 8 young people who were added to the adult membership of
the congregation.  Thanks to all the good work given by the staff and
volunteers, Sunday morning was filled with the excitement of God's
Spirit.   Pastor Chris Beamsley provided the confirmation class of 2011
with the message of hope and challenge that marks this rite of passage in
the community of disciples.  I was pleased that a son of Salem could be
present and generously offer the gift of preaching ministry to and for his
home congregation and the ELCA. 
 
Back to Fall.  Autumn is a beautiful time of year in which to begin
another program year in ministry and I'm blessed by the gift of serving
with the staff and members at Salem for a while.  The staff has been
welcoming and helpful.  It is a joy-filled gift to work alongside each of
you.  Nonetheless, autumn's beauty is always edged with a somber outline
in my experience.  Perhaps that is because many losses and a fair amount
of pain in my life have appeared and been forged in this season.

Over the years, though, I've come to experience a soothing hush on fall
mornings and when the day settles into evening.  There is still the
melancholy that calls to me from years deep in the past.  What
is different is my awareness of the profound and continuing promise of our
Heavenly Father that just as the earth prepares to lie dormant for another
year, and then after winter, will come spring and new life, just so,
because of the Father's grace, my spirit will have new life and darkness
will give way to Christ's glorious light.  Joy will surprise me once
again.  The transformative change, which has ushered in this transition
into an acceptance and peace with autumn emotions, began some 20 + years
ago when a friend who walked with me during an in-between-time of life
shared a Spirit-filled message with me.  Just a simple thought but one
that so often has been a source of stability for my soul.

Having listened to and felt my transition pain with me, my friend told me
what a spiritual companion had given him as a "life walking stick" of
support.

My friend wrote inside the front of one of my books:
"There are places in the heart that cannot be there except for pain."

I'm so grateful for that "life walking stick" because it has allowed me to
allow myself to experience pain, accept and not minimize it, and know that
my Father can make something beautiful out of everything; and just as
Spring follows dormancy, Joy reappears—

"Weeping may last for the night but Joy comes in the morning." 

Autumn is here, we walk into a new adventure of ministry together and the
Spirit calls us into the harvest; enabled and more willing to touch new
places in our hearts because of things that are painful, but filled with
grace to be shared.

Blessings to all for the days ahead.
 
Robert C. Kinnear

Grace Notes 9-15-11

This has been quite a week. Each fall I am pressed to have all the
Creative Arts groups ready to go, but this year more than others with
saying goodbye to one pastor, welcoming another and being a resource to
the congregation for so many things. I am always nervous about how many
participants we will have and who will dedicate their time and energy to
this ministry of prayer and praise. Will anyone come? How will we work
together? How can we support one another? What things can we offer the
congregation?

So I began the week the same way as each year: on my knees. Not
literally, for my body won't stand for that anymore. But in my soul I was
down on my knees. I can't make anyone come to choir or puppets or bells.
I might want to, but I can't. It has to be their decision. And I'm not
an entertainer people can't resist. I'm just a faithful servant leader
who opens her heart to whoever God will send this year to build the choir
or fill out the puppet team or the bell choir.

Some of them I've had the pleasure of meeting for the first time, others
are faithful servants returning for another season. I am so grateful.
They're not all here yet – some have other commitments for a few weeks –
but I've seen enough to know we can have choirs, puppets, and bells for
another year! Praise God.

Churches are a fascinating organism. I choose organism, not organization,
because an organism is a living thing, like plants or animals or people.
Organisms need five basic things: air, water, food, energy and a place to
live. Organisms respond to stimuli, they reproduce, grow, and develop, as
they work to maintain homoeostasis as a stable whole. Let's talk about
that stable whole, that state of homeostasis. Paul says we are all a
vital part of the body of Christ, a living organism. The foot is no more
important than the hand, nor the ear than the eye. A tiny little thing
like a cancer cell can bring down the whole body, or an invisible flu bug
can render it useless for a time.

From time to time, part of the body of Christ needs help. It might be
sick with unhealthy attitudes, no one to care about it, or true illness.
It doesn't take very long for the needy part to start affecting the
others. Just think of how you feel if your tummy is out of sorts or if
you have a toothache. That one part disables the rest of your body from
functioning well. The church is like that. When one area is in trouble
it doesn't take long to affect the others. No group of people – sometimes
just two! – are going to agree on everything. One has this priority,
another has that.

Our creative arts groups are made of many different people and
personalities, but they choose to come together for one purpose. They
believe this is worth their time and they receive joy from participating.
They set aside their differences on many things and center in on something
they can enjoy together. What a marvelous example of homeostasis….the
good of the whole.

Ron and I are privileged to see this happen every year. We have no idea
just who will come to any of our groups that support Salem worship. But
after the first few weeks we see the groups begin to gel. People become
better acquainted and begin to care about each other. They grasp the
concept of team and pull together. And the result? Beautiful gifts of
praise and prayer that represent so many very different people – people
who would vote for different parties, choose different foods or mates or
houses. People who have this or that sorrow or weakness or struggle, but
put them aside to center on one purpose.

So while I am nervous and worried, God is building the body of Christ
where I can't see it – in your heart and mine. This living organism will
grow and develop, respond to need, and become a unique blessing.
I'm so glad I'm not the one in control! The body I might build would have
too much of this and too little of that. God's recipes are always best.
If you're anxious about what or who is in store for your life, humble
yourself and figuratively get down on your knees. Let God take over and
let the blessing begin!

Carla Vanatta, Associate in Ministry
Salem Lutheran Church, Sycamore, IL

Salem Reminders:

Pray for 8 Salem youth who will affirm their faith this Sunday as they are
Confirmed in Christ at 10:30 worship.

Pray for 6 adults who will continue their journey of learning in the
Diakonia program of education for the next two years. They will be
blessed at 8:00 worship.

Pray for our Sunday School teachers and students as they begin the first
full week of class at 9:15 a.m.

Pray for all Salem ministries – be they hand or foot, ear or eye – each is
important and needs our full support.

Grace Notes, September 7, 2011

Sometimes I just sit and marvel. I sit in the sanctuary in different
places; when I sit in the back I am always tempted to make connections.
This person helps in the Food Pantry, that person sings in choir, the next
one counts money Monday mornings, he mows Salem's lawns, she bakes
wonderful rice pudding for G.E.M.S. He serves as Assisting Minister, they
like to help give communion, he answers calls for help when something
needs moving or pinning or washing up high. She teaches Sunday School and
gets hugs from her children. Some fold bulletins, others put together the
Town & Country. Someone else assigns all the acolytes. She organizes
Confirmation. They sit in meetings and together make decisions for the
good of Salem. And on and on. By no means have all the different tasks
around Salem been listed. People of God, busy! Working in God's service
as God's people. Doing things. Doing things that aren't necessarily what
people want to do and not necessarily when they want to do it either. But
all these people carry out their commitments and willingly and unselfishly
and gladly.

This warms my heart, over and over again. If all these folks didn't pitch
in, what would Salem look like? We might as well take down our steeple
and block the parking lot. Right? Everyone seems to know that, no need
to discuss it, just get busy and get it done, whatever the task is this
week. Wonderful! This is one of the greatest blessings of getting a call
to serve God in a church. I am the most blessed diaconal minister you'll
find for miles and miles around!

But there's one more thing that is so big I haven't tackled it yet.
Prayer. All our members pray together. When we are gathered in the
sanctuary, we hear the raised voices together, in prayer, in song, in
laughter sometimes. And we pray for so many things together. Remember
ACTS? the four kinds of prayer? Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and
Supplication. Whether we're together or home or wherever we are, we pray
at least one of these every day, don't we? They are our lifeline to our
Lord. They are our means of conversation with our Beloved God. So please
add your voice, your heart's stories, to the song we all send Heavenward.
God definitely wants to hear from you! Fold those hands and bow that
head. There is much to talk with God about again today!

Blessings galore to all,
Judy Bergeson
Diaconal Minister

COMIN G UP AT SALEM:
At the 8 AM service, Confirmation Guides will be installed, and
Confirmation students will receive their Confirmation backpacks and
Bibles. At the 10:30 service, Sunday School teachers will be installed.
This weekend is also Rally Day, the beginning of Sunday School for
children, parents, and teachers. Parents and children meet in the
classrooms to register from 9 till 9:30 AM. It is also a solemn Day of
Remembrance as it has been 10 years since terrorists struck on American
soil. We gather at 9:30 on the west lawn to pay our respects to all those
who died and all those who tried to help on 9/11/2011 and ever after.

Tuesday, September 13th from 5 till 8 PM is Family Night at Culver's,
right across the street from Salem. Magic Matt the Balloon man will be
there! 10% of sales in that time period will go to Salem's Food Pantry,
so please go! And be hungry! And if you take a food item or several, you
will also receive a small scoop of ice cream! Don't miss this event!

Confirmation classes start on Wednesday, September 14 at 7 PM in Salem's
Fellowship Hall. All 6th, 7th, and 8th graders are very welcome! All
choirs start
tonight also.
And Thursday evening, puppets and bells begin!

We have the opportunity to order Holiday gift boxes from the Northern
Illinois Food Bank. The box includes everything a family would need for
Thanksgiving dinner. If we order by October 14, we can purchase these
gifts for $15. See any member of the Social Justice Team or call the
church office for further information.

God bless & keep every one.

Grace Notes, August 30, 2011

GraceNotes August 30, 2011

1 LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory
in the heavens.
3 When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
4 what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
human beings that you care for them?
9 LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
(from Psalm 8. NIV Bible)

How many stars are there? Scientists have arrived at a number, more or
less. Of course, humankind hasn't seen the entire universe…no one but God
can actually take a star census. But observers have seen that most of the
stars in the universe are gathered into galaxies…an estimated 100 billion
to one trillion galaxies. Small galaxies have perhaps 10 million stars;
big ones might have 10 trillion or more stars. Our own galaxy, the Milky
Way, seems to contain about 200 billion stars…an average-sized galaxy.
Doing the math, that gives a total number of stars somewhere between 10
sextillion and 1 septillion. That's a 1 followed by 24 zeroes or so…an
unimaginable number! And to be sure, that's certainly not all of them…

At Wagon Trail Campground, near Rowley's Bay, WI, I saw more stars than I
have ever seen anywhere else. Near the end of the Door County Peninsula,
away from the glow of nearby towns, looking up from a clearing in the
woods, the sight was glorious. Initially, I could see thousands of stars
filling the night sky completely in every direction. But after a few
seconds, as my eyes adjusted, even more stars appeared. The larger,
brighter, nearer stars were joined by a backdrop of smaller, more distant
stars…as if the creator had finished his masterpiece with a dusting of
glitter. So huge! So endless! Such glory!

We don't have to travel far to see God's glory. It's all around us every
day. I saw it this morning, sitting beneath the wonderful shade tree that
shelters our backyard. God's glory shines in the beautiful smile of our
two-month-old grandson, captured at the perfect moment for the cell phone
picture his mom sent yesterday. God's glory is here in the loving care of
family. And in every kindness shown by one child of God helping another.

It was good to get away from my routine. With the familiar sights and
schedule set aside for a while, there was room for God's glory to fill my
mind and soul. And as tiny and unimportant as I feel amidst the vastness
of his glory, I am reminded that he cares for me…for all of us.

Take a trip right now, even if you don't leave the chair where you are
sitting at your computer to read this GraceNotes. Let your mind look for a
few moments at the heavens…be filled with God's awesome majesty and
glory…and be filled with the certainty of his love for you.

Ron Vanatta

Bring a tool or symbol of your daily work to worship this weekend as we
have the blessing of daily labor at all services. Summer Choir will meet
at 9:45 Sunday to learn an anthem to share at the 10:30 service. Welcome
Interim Pastor Robert Kinnear as he begins his ministry at Salem.

Sept 11 will be very exciting with lots happening: Rally Day; Sunday
School registration; guest Dixieland musicians leading a service of
remembrance for the 10th anniversary of 9/11 at 9:30, then joining in
worship at 10:30; blessing of confirmands with bibles and backpacks given
at the 8:00 service, blessing of Sunday School leaders at 10:30.

Grace Notes, August 24, 2011

Today is the 6 month anniversary of my shoulder surgery. I remember
writing in Lenten grace notes that I had made peace with the night and
began to find the awake time useful for prayer. While that did indeed
become a gift, I am thankful that I have now enjoyed full nights of sleep
for several months! There are just times in life we think we'll never
endure.

What have you struggled in your life to endure? I can think of dozens of
possibilities, everything from pregnancy, broken relationships, physical
disabilities, death of a loved one, mental illness, your job or lack of
one – the list goes on and on. When my father was in Oakcrest Care
Center, I thought his suffering would never end. I couldn't imagine his
body becoming any weaker, until the wee hours of a Mother's Day morning
when it was finally over and his soul was set free. I had clung to the
promise that God is always about life in the face of death, and I searched
for what good could come from his time of suffering. Little by little God
has revealed to me some of the blessing of that time. Our relationship
changed as Dad lost more and more control. It was my turn to be his
advocate and help in his care, and in so doing I was able to find a
tenderness for him and forgiveness that hadn't always been easy. You see,
he was a wonderful man in so many ways, but he had a terrible temper and
fierce need to control that colored our home life. My sister and Mom and
I would often say "if only he would control his temper!"

My physical therapist tells me I'm doing great but will soon reach the
ceiling of what movement I can attain due to the extent of the rotator
cuff injury I had. I've got good range of motion but not very much
strength to keep the arm above my waist for very long – that's the main
thing I'm working on in physical therapy. The surgeon said it would be a
6-9 month recovery period and my arm would never be what it once was, but
I would have no pain and could still use the arm for many things. So now
I am learning to adapt. When I can't get my arm high enough to write on
the board, I put it up there with my other arm and it will stay for
awhile. I don't try to grab a gallon of milk unless it is right in front
of me. I protect that arm from being jerked or strained. It doesn't seem
so much a part of me as it used to when I didn't question what it could
do. Now it's more like something attached to my body that I have to take
care of. I'll bet many of you can relate, and more of you will as your
body ages or you work through the injuries of an accident.

Here are a couple of helpful Bible passages to focus on when you think you
can't endure what you're going through. The first one is from James 1:
2-4, and I'm using The Message version by Eugene Peterson since it is
such plain language:
 2-4Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at
you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is
forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of
anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and
well-developed, not deficient in any way.

The second passage is from I Corinthians 10: 13 -  
13No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what
others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never
let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always
be there to help you come through it.

This time of transition at Salem might seem like a time to endure, but
there will be gifts in it as well. Maybe we'll find our relationships
changing some as we are called to greater or different responsibilities.
Maybe we'll seek the Lord more in prayer. Maybe we'll find ways to adapt.
Maybe we'll discover things about ourselves we never knew or things about
the Lord as we hear God's Word through a new vessel.
Let's open ourselves to what God will work in us the next few months and
years as we learn from new leaders and look at our strengths and
weaknesses as a congregation. We'll never be what we were – God is always
doing a new thing and bringing life from death. Hallelujah. We're in
good hands, for the very hands that created the heavens from nothing longs
to hold our hand and heart.
God be with you. God is with you.

Carla Vanatta, Associate in Ministry
Salem Lutheran Church, Sycamore, IL
Salem Opportunities:
· Share your bread – bring a gift for Salem's food pantry ministry
· Pray for the sick, lonely, discouraged, exhausted as well as family,
friends, church, government
· Worship at 5,8,10:30 this weekend as Diaconal Minister Judy Bergeson
brings the Word
· Make time in your schedule to serve – check the bulletin announcements
and say "yes".

Addendum to Grace Notes, August 18, 2011

p.s. Sorry! I forgot to sign my name to Grace Notes from last week,
August 18:
Judy Bergeson, Diaconal Minister, Salem Lutheran

THIS WEEKEND August 20 & 21st:
All who attend services this weekend are invited to take the Panda Express
coupon from the announcements and eat there on Sunday between 11 and 9 PM!
20% of your tab will go to Salem's Food Pantry, which is in need of
donations be they food or checks. From August 1st till August 18th, we
have served 90 people! That means a lot of hungry children, so thank God
and thank you for keeping those shelves stocked!

Salem's Grief Support Group meets again Sunday, August 28 from 3 till 4:30
PM. All are welcome.

Diakonia is a two-year program of lay spiritual formation taught by area
pastors & church leaders for anyone interested in deepening their
knowledge of church history, theology, and faith practices. Further
information is in the Welcome Center.

Rally Day is coming September 11!!! It will be great to start a new year
together!!! AND to remember together 10 years ago where we were when the
Twin Towers, part of the Pentagon, and Flight 93 were destroyed and
changed our world.

Church Photos coming up! Please sign up to have you and your family's
picture in the Church Directory, which is needed! September 22 - 24, and
September 26 - 28 are the dates photographers will be here.

Grace Notes August 18, 2011

On a summer morning
I sat down
On a hillside
To think about God - - -

A worthy pastime.
Near me, I saw
A single cricket;
it was moving the grains of the hillside

this way and that way.
How great was its energy,
how humble its effort.
Let us hope

It will always be like this,
each of us going on
in our inexplicable ways
building the universe.

Mary Oliver, the contemporary poet who wrote this marvelous reassuring
poem, titled it "Song of the Builders". Do you know how you strain to
find the right word or phrase sometimes? How something is so beautiful or
so moving or so enraging that we say, "words fail me"? I think poets and
pastors, if they are really good, find those words for us and that's what
make them loved. They seem to be talking to our very souls. Their words,
their stories hold our attention from beginning to end and as we silently
listen, we say, yes, yes, that's how it is. We say, how did you know? We
say laughingly, have you been following me around? You captured my
thoughts, my confused, jumbled, mixed-up thoughts and put them in order
and gave them their meaning. I am so grateful, we say to ourselves. I
have to read this again or I have to listen to this pastor again. The
poets' words and the pastors' words can be so compelling that we learn
what it is to focus, focus on the writer or speaker solely. No
multi-tasking, no folding laundry, no quiet list-making, just stillness as
we absorb these words of ours, our very own, if we but had the skill to
put them together. Our ears quiver in attention. Our hands fold and stay
there. We are graciously, blessedly intent.

It is so hard to lose a beloved pastor. The mind says I understand, and
we do. The heart says but no, not yet please. We need more of you and
your words. And this grief of loss is heavy and dark. The mind says
please let me go to bed and curl up and be wordless for a while. The
heart says no, no, honor her wishes, honor our Lord's wishes, to continue,
to embrace "different", to change. We can do this. We are well-schooled,
we know we are God's children, God's disciples, God's people. We know
that God is everlasting, God is present forever, God expects us, as Ms.
Oliver says, to go on in our inexplicable ways building the universe.

May it be so for each of us.
Amen.

Grace Notes, August 11, 2011

"I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers."
Ephesians 1:16

I wasn't going to walk this morning. I have too much to do: boxes left to
pack, a computer left to clean off, too, too much on my mind. I wasn't
going to walk and yet I know that not only is it my best
praying/thinking/"writing" time, it's just plain good for me. So at a
little after 6 I set out --- marveling as I stepped out the door at the
brisk air, reminding me that autumn is just around the corner. I headed
down Meadow Lane, but took a left instead of heading towards the bike
path, letting my feet just carry me where they would. I walked some
streets I had driven before ----- remembering then how much more I notice
on foot than when I'm thinking ahead to whatever errand has called me.
And I found myself surprised as I walked a sidewalk I know I had been on
dozens of times before and noticed something that has to have been there
for a long time. I looked down to see little squiggle marks embedded in
the cement. It looked like dozens of worms had crawled there when the
cement was still wet…. Leaving their marks for all of time: or at least
until someone sees fit to break it up and replace it.

And I wondered then about the marks we leave behind ---- for good and bad,
to be sure. And I wondered especially at that which seems to be embedded
deep within the human soul: that yearning, when all else is said and done,
to have made a difference. There are lives, to be sure, where the
'difference' is obvious. For those who build highways or buildings, for
those who write books or scholarly articles, for those who farm and feed
the world, for those who heal the human body the difference if obvious.
For those of us --- we teachers and parents and social workers and pastors
and others who work with people? The difference can be a little harder to
measure. At least I know I find myself wondering sometimes --- hoping it
has mattered. Perhaps you wonder sometimes, too.

As I wrap up my time as pastor of Salem, I want you to know that you have
made a difference, that you have made a mark. Every time you welcomed me
into your home, your life, your heart, it made a difference as you shared
your hopes, your hurts, your fears, your joys. Every birth, every death,
every illness, every struggle, every joy, every prayer you whispered in my
behalf or in behalf of the ministry we shared: all of this has shaped me
in ways that will make themselves known far into the future God has given
me. Hard to measure? Surely, it is. But it has worked to build my soul,
my spirit, my heart in ways that will live forever as I seek to pass on
the gifts that you have given me.

Over the next several weeks I will be writing thank you notes for your
kind expressions of gratitude for what we have shared. Consider this the
first of them. You have made a mark on me ---- more lasting even than
squiggly worms in cement. I have indeed known the profound goodness of
God in all that we have shared.

Peace to you and many blessings.

Pastor Janet

Coming Up at Salem:
The People of God gather for worship at 5 p.m. Saturday and at 8 and 10:30
on Sunday for worship. Home Bound Communion Ministers will be blessed and
sent at all three services.

It's not too late to think ahead to Rally Day on September 11th. Lots of
good things will be happening including hosting a Dixieland Band, a 9/11
Remembrance, and registration for Sunday School. If you've been thinking
about teaching or helping with Sunday School, call the church office
(815-895-9171)for more information on how to volunteer.

Grace Notes, August 8, 2011

As usual I struggled with my GraceNotes. This time I had a hard time
fitting them in until after the weekly deadlines for the bulletins and
announcements, letters, and the plans for Pastor's last weekend at Salem
were finished. And, yet again, a struggle with what to write about. As
it's Pastor Janet's last week here, I thought I would write a little about
her and our staff meetings.

It was originally Pastor Janet's idea to begin weekly devotions written by
the staff. I remember thinking, when she suggested it during a staff
meeting, that it would be a great idea to have staff members write
something each week -- my idea of "staff" being Pastor, Carla, and Judy.
Then, to my surprise, Pastor stated, well … you know Ron and you are also
"staff" members. I remember my immediate feeling of panic that I would
have to write something and write it as well as Pastor, Carla, and Judy
write. Then I thought maybe it would get easier for me the more times I
wrote. It never has. It was just one of the ways that Pastor has helped
us all to grow and stretch and better ourselves and communicate with each
other. I have never been a great one for journaling my feelings or
thoughts, but GraceNotes has, over time, come to be a great way to express
my feelings and thoughts and I now truly appreciate the opportunity to do
so.

Some of Pastor's "words of wisdom" from our staff meetings are:
"Push back" – Pastor sometimes makes a suggestion or expresses an idea and
then she asks us to "push back" at her with our thoughts. Sometimes we
agree with her, sometimes we don't. But the communication – the giving
and receiving of opinions is very important to how the staff works
together and it shows that all opinions and thoughts are valued. I think
that this shows good leadership.

"I'm making this up as I go" – Some of Pastor's greatest ideas and plans
for the future are first heard when she says this phrase. She has great
vision and an energy that makes people want to work hard to see the idea
come to fruition. This saying can be seen when she is doing her
children's sermons. Vision and energy are also marks of good leadership.
"What If?" – This is my favorite of all Pastor's sayings! It is as if she
is seeing what is to come. That phrase asks for your opinion, your
thoughts, yet lets you see what she is visioning for the future. It can
also be used to look at new ways of doing old things. What if we did it
this way? The visioning, the wondering, the asking are also signs of good
leadership.

Now, Pastor would not rate herself as a good leader, that that wouldn't be
one of her strongest assets. But I disagree, she is a great leader and we
will all miss her as our Pastor, our "boss," our friend. And we will need
to use all the gifts and the "words of wisdom" she has given us to see
that Salem remains a strong, vibrant community of faith where we all are
"Living Christ's Love."

With a Farewell and Godspeed to Pastor Janet --
and with a Grateful Heart,
Sue McMillan

Upcoming at Salem …

Worship Services on Saturday @ 5pm and Sundays @ 8am and 10:30 am.
Hospitality Hour - Sunday at 9:15 a.m.

Grace Notes July 27, 2011

GRACENOTES July 27, 2011

Heidi is hiding out this week. Our sometimes anxious Sheltie is curling
snugly between the bed and dresser in our bedroom…the room least affected
by a carpeting project. Since last week, we have been moving furniture
from place to place, stacking it in any available corner, to clear the
living and dining rooms for the workers. Even though the rooms are now
mostly back in order, Heidi is staying away from the commotion. If she
dares to venture into the work zone, she disappears as soon as we walk
past carrying a picture or some other item back to its place. Heidi is a
creature of routine. Her security depends on the people and things in her
life following a well-established pattern and schedule. We have learned
that she will get used to the "new" as long as we assure her with a little
extra TLC, and keep her food and water dishes running on time.

Our routine at Salem is changing. We are saying good-bye to Pastor Janet,
and entering the process to call a new pastor. In the middle time, we will
be blessed by the leading of an interim pastor. Like it or not, we are
also creatures of routine, and many of us will experience some amount of
anxiety.

We will forever be grateful for Pastor Janet and the gifts she shared with
us as our shepherd and friend. Though we grieve her leaving, we wish her
all God's blessing as she answers a new call to share in the ministry of
the Mennonite Peace Center.

As we enter the "new," let's trust that God is faithful. In scripture we
are reminded over and over again that no matter how uncertain our future
might be at the moment, God is our strength, our rock, our fortress, our
ever-present help, our loving father. God is and will continue to be with
us through the journey ahead. He will show his love and care through each
of us as we support one another. He will guide our leaders on executive
committee, council, call committee, and staff.

Let's commit to trust God as he leads us into the coming days at Salem.
Let God use each of us to show his love. Be supportive to each other. Pray
for one another. Be God's helper to bring all of us a little extra TLC,
and keep our food and water dishes running on time…

Ron Vanatta

Please plan to be at worship every week, but especially the weekend of
August 7th for Pastor Janet's last Sunday with us. There will be a
farewell luncheon at noon in fellowship hall.

July 20, 2011 Grace Notes

Jeremiah 29:11 -New International Version (NIV)
11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to
prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

We are in uncertain times at Salem. A Pastor we have loved dearly and
prospered under has been called to the greater church to use her gifts for
the good of the entire Christian church.
Though we know we need to share her, our instinct is to want to hold on
and keep her here among us.

I am reminded of what happens when love stifles someone: a parent who
holds the reigns so tight on their child they never develop responsibility
or begin to act out in protest; a spouse who crushes a relationship when
there is no freedom or trust.

In college my Dad and I were partners in caring for my handicapped mother.
I couldn't imagine leaving her and commuted to NIU from home. Then one
day I was given the opportunity to study abroad in Austria for a year on
scholarship. A friend was going and when my mom heard about it she
encouraged me to apply as well. I could see the sacrifice this would be
for both my parents to let me go, but they did it out of love and what
was best for me….allowing me to spread my wings and grow. Their blessing
and godspeed helped me to step forward into the unknown and take another
step into who God made me to be, and I have always respected them for
their sacrifice.

Pastor Janet's call to the Mennonite Peace Center in Lombard came as a
surprise to me just as to the whole congregation. When I first heard it I
was shocked and immediately fearful of what was ahead and who would next
lead us, as well as so sad to be losing her as our pastor and my colleague
and friend. But soon experience and faith trumped my emotions and I knew
in my heart it was the right thing for her, and so for us. God is growing
her into even more of a gift for others, and we are privileged for having
been a part of that. And God will not and has not forsaken us. Our next
leader may not look or sound or act the same, but will be God's messenger
and servant among us to grow us, too.

The next few months may feel a little like we are Israelites wandering in
the wilderness. We will engage in the call process, working our way
through discerning priorities and looking at our strengths and weaknesses
as a congregation. We will need to be patient, learn from our interim
pastor, and trust that God's hand is at work.

I am a born planner. I love calendars and organizing. I feel best when I
can see the way ahead.
But I have also learned to put most things in pencil, for life can change
in an instant and new priorities emerge. As we move together into the
future, let's take time first to support Pastor Janet in her new calling
and shower her with love and appreciation for all she has done and who she
is. Then may God keep us calm and steadfast in prayer and mission as we
wait to see who will lead us next.
Carla Vanatta, Associate in Ministry
Salem Lutheran Church

Salem Reminders:

9:15 a.m. Hospitality Hour this weekend will be hosted by the church
council; Pastor Janet and Council President Ken Reinhardt will share
content of the exit interview at this past Tuesday's council meeting.

RENEW Vacation Bible School will be held every morning next week from 9
a.m. to noon for children in Kindergarten through 4th grades. Please
remember all the leaders and participants in prayer and thank you for your
own gifts of time, talent, and supplies.

July 11, 2011 Grace Notes

My washing machine gave out a few weeks ago. Or so I thought…

It was a Friday. I was finishing up laundry so I could pack for a week
with 8th graders at Confirmation Camp. I was down to my last load and had
gone out to run some errands. When I returned home, I went into the
basement to transfer clothes from the washer to the dryer. Only the cycle
hadn't finished. My clothes lay in a too-damp heap in the bottom of the
washing machine.

I checked the fuse box, but everything was in order there. Finally I went
ahead and wrung the clothes out by hand as best I could and proceeded to
dry them in smaller loads. It took all day, but it got done.

Now this was an old washing machine. It was old when I moved in and it is
older now and I figured it would give out one day so on that Friday in
late June I wasn't terribly surprised. However, I wasn't excited about
the prospect of returning home in a week without a washing machine so I
felt some urgency to buy a new one. Normally I would ponder this decision
for a while, but not this time. I did check Consumer Reports to see what
they recommended. And then I drove to Sears to see what they had in
stock.
I explained to the sales rep that I didn't need anything fancy. I'm not
raising children and it's only me so something basic would be just fine.
He was more than willing to accommodate me and within half an hour I had
signed off on the purchase of a new machine. He was happy to tell me that
yes, they could, indeed, deliver it the very next morning so it would be
there and installed and ready to go before I left for camp.

Late Saturday morning the truck pulled up and two strong young men stood
ready to take away the old machine and to bring the new one down my steep
basement stairs. They unhooked the old machine and hoisted it up the
stairs like they do it every day…. Which, of course, they do. Just as
easily, they brought the new machine downstairs, hooked up the hoses and
plugged it in. He was ready to give me a first hand demonstration of how
it worked and hit the power button. And nothing happened. He checked the
fuse box and it was fine. It dawned on me then and there that there was
nothing wrong with the old machine at all, but that the outlet had somehow
gone bad. My power source was compromised. And without that being
addressed, even this bright shiny new machine was only going to be a
pretty decoration in my otherwise drab basement.

It's a simple analogy, of course, but one I need to be reminded of often.
Without our source of power, energy, and hope, we're not able to do much.
Go without food or water for a few days and you know the truth of that.
Go without good sleep and you know yourself to be dragging the next day---
maybe for several days. Go without exercise and your body becomes less
limber --- less able to do all that it was able to do before. And for
people of faith, for you and me, to go without the refreshing, renewing,
refilling power of God? Well, we won't get very far in all the ways that
matter without that, too.

For when I cut myself off from the power of God's love, I find myself less
able to forgive, more fearful about tomorrow, more impatient in my
dealings with others. When I've gone a stretch of time without resting in
God's tender care in worship and in private prayer and conversation, then
I simply become more brittle. Less able somehow, to deal with the
inevitable disappointments and challenges which come to all of us --- not
to mention those larger losses which eventually mark all of our lives.
So in these hot days of summer, perhaps we should all ask ourselves not
only about our eating and exercise or about how much sleep we're getting.
No doubt we would all do well to check in to be sure we are connected to
that source of power in god's love which gives us all we need for the
emotional and spiritual challenges which are ours as well…

As for my washing machine? Well, I kept the new one. I figured I'd need a
new one pretty soon anyway. Only next time? You can be sure I'll be
checking my power source before I go out to buy something new.

Peace to you and many blessings.

Pastor Janet

Coming up this week at Salem:
Don't miss our community servant speaker on Sunday at 9:15 a.m. in
Fellowship Hall. Our own Janet Peterson and Kathy Vickers will be talking
about her work at DeKalb County Rehab and Nursing Home.

Vacation Bible School is just a week away, beginning July 25th! Check out
the craft and snack needs in this week-end's bulletin and be sure to get
your children/grandchildren/neighbors registered!

Grace Notes July 6, 2011

I'm tired today. No good reason. I'm certainly well-fed and had a good
night's sleep last night. Why should I be tired? So, with this little
chip on my shoulder I went to my exercise swim class. There one of my
closer friends told me that two of her daughters have just been diagnosed
with terrible health problems. One has MS, one has fused neck joints that
don't let her work. And I'm tired??? I'm ashamed of myself. So many many
others have so many awful health conditions, dire living conditions, more
and worse than I can imagine. I've seen enough to know that is true,
blessed as I've been to travel on several mission trips. The Africans had
holes in the ground over which you squat to do your business. The
Russians lived on the 6th floor with no elevator. The Turks rode public
transportation, such as it was, as they had no car. We Americans don't
have any idea how very blessed we are.

Beyond borders, we are God's children. We know that. We say that.
Sometimes we don't act like it, like we have a loving, compassionate God
who cares for us down to our very cells. Who wants us to thrive as His
children. Who wants only the best for us. And Who, when we stumble,
helps put us upright again with encouragement and faith in us everlasting.

Are you hungry? Are you sleeping in a car or under a bridge? Are you
friendless? Does no one care about you? No? No to each of those
questions? Hallelujah! Cultivating an attitude of gratitude is your job
when you are down. Start a Blessings Journal today. Write down in ink
five blessings each day for a week. Then do it for another week. Being
down or being grateful: your choice, always. Sometimes there is a stretch
to feel grateful, isn't there? Well, stretching is good for us. In our
baptism we were marked with the cross of Christ forever. We are God's
children forever, that's what that means. When we forget that, we sadden
our Lord and Saviour. Do you really want to do that? As we said earlier,
it is our choice. God gave us that enormous freedom to decide what we
think. And we know that feelings follow behavior. If we act grateful, we
will eventually feel grateful.

Pray for my daughters, my friend said. When all else fails, prayer. And
what is prayer? Initiating a conversation with our beloved Lord. Just
stay still long enough to hear what God has to say back!

Judy Bergeson
Diaconal Minister
Salem Lutheran

UPCOMING EVENTS:
Cookout this Sunday, July 10 right after the 10:30 service! Come on down!
The picnic is free; we ask for donations to go to Peace Lutheran in
Joplin, MO, where the new church was literally swept away by the tornado.
We have been collecting pennies (and generous people have added other
coins and paper money!) in a large jar to send to Peace and so far have
$550. We'd like to send $1,000 altogether.

Monthly Morning Ministry is always the third Saturday of each month from 9
till noon. Come and bring yarn, quilts, embroidery, whatever and join the
folks who make beautiful things, all of which are given away.

Vacation Bible School starts Monday, July 25 – 29th from 9 till noon each
day. It is free. We welcome all children! Please register online on our
website or come in to the church office and pick up a registration form.

Bless you all of your days. And be a blessing to others.

Grace Notes, June 30, 2011

GraceNotes June 30, 2011

I have usually found it hard write GraceNotes when it is my turn to write
them. My schedule is sometimes so full and I really can't write them
during the day because of the numerous interruptions in the office. Plus,
I have a hard time putting thoughts to paper and have a bit of an
inferiority complex about my writing ability. But this time when it is my
turn I find it doubly hard … and then again … maybe easier to write.

As most of you know my family and I recently lost our oldest son, Sean.
He died at age 38 on June 8 -- his visitation was June 12, funeral was
June 13, and he was buried on June 22. I have always known that Salem is
a strong community of faith … and it was never so clearly brought home to
me as it was the evening of Sean's visitation. It was later told to me
that Pastor mentioned during her Sunday announcements that if anyone was
planning to attend the visitation for Sean, that perhaps they would
consider coming around 7:00 because we were planning a Lutheran service on
Sunday (a Catholic funeral and military service were planned for Monday).

We had many Salem people come through the visitation line all during the
day as well as family friends and classmates of Sean. But as it neared
7:00 we looked out to a room filled to capacity with familiar Salem faces.
As Pastor began the service, I could literally feel the presence and
support and prayers of all of them, even though my back was to them. I
have never ever felt anything like it before. It is a feeling that I will
always remember and always be grateful for. You all have been so
wonderful with your support for me and for my family. I know I would
never have been able to go through this alone and I can't imagine anyone
having to go through it without a church family, a community of faith,
like Salem.

I just wanted to say thank you, thank you for all your cards, memorial
gifts, and prayers. They have been most appreciated and gratefully
received. And, in the case of the prayers they have literally been felt
in my heart.

With a Grateful Heart,
Sue McMillan

Upcoming at Salem …

Saturday – July 2
WORSHIP – 5:00 p.m.

Sunday – July 3
WORSHIP – 8:00 a.m. (with Hammered Dulcimer Solos)
Hospitality Hour – 9:15 a.m. in F.H. with a
demonstration of Hammered Dulcimer by Jim Kline
WORSHIP – 10:30 a.m. (with Hammered Dulcimer Solos)
Sunday Night Thing – 7:00 p.m.

Monday – July 4
Church and Office Closed for July 4th Holiday

Grace Notes June 21, 2011

GraceNotes June 21, 2011

We would see Jesus. John 12 : 21 (King James Version)

Saturday morning of synod assembly began with worship. It was an inspiring
and meaningful memorial service. It began with the lighting of small
candles in memory of loved ones who have died this year in all the
congregations of our synod. And in particular the assembly remembered four
pastors, faithful servants of God. The preacher shared some advice that I
think I will always remember. She received it early in her ministry from a
mentor. He told her how he wrote, at the top of every page of every sermon
manuscript, "We would see Jesus." She assured us that the phrase is
written on each page of her own sermon notes. A reminder that each sermon
must show people Jesus.

But are pastors the only ones who should model Jesus, and only in their
sermons? Certainly all followers of Christ are called to live by that same
guideline. In everything we do, others should see Jesus. Friday evening
the assembly celebrated the ordination of four new pastors. The words and
blessing that set each of these new servants apart for the office of
pastor included reminders of baptism. Not only pastors, but all the
baptized are called to serve God in the world…to let others see Jesus.
So I began to wonder, where should I write these words to remind me to
live so others might see Jesus? On the pages of my music for Sunday
worship? On the toolbag I carry to each piano service call? On the
computer screen before me as I write this? Where can I write them to
remind me when I greet Pete on a morning walk around the block with our
dog? Or when I am doing jobs around the house? Where will you be, and what
will you be doing when another could need to see Jesus in you?

Let's write these words in our hearts. A reminder that everything we do or
say, no matter how important or not, is an opportunity for others to see
Jesus in us. And the best part is we don't have to do this by ourselves.
Jesus is right there with us to show the way.

Ron Vanatta

Join with Salem family in worship this weekend. Saturday at 5; Sunday at
8:00 and 10:30.

Grace Notes June 14, 2011

I received an ad yesterday for a Christian t-shirt. It is lime green with
a blue circle and two footprints and says "Walking with God….makes life
better." I've wrestled whether I like that statement or not. At first
glance it makes me smile. But as I thought about it, whose life is it
making better? Mine? My friends? A person across the world?

The very first Psalm tells us that those who delight in the Lord and walk
in his ways are like trees planted near water; they flourish and bear much
fruit. The life in that tree is blessing others. It doesn't exist just
for itself.

I know that walking with God makes my life better. I am blessed with the
Holy Spirit to guide and comfort and give me strength. I am eager to
claim Jesus' promise of new life, eternal life, that begins even now. I
can't imagine life without the Lord. But does my walk with God help you?
We have been aware for some time that Americans as a whole have become
quite self-centered. "Have it your way" and "You deserve it" are common
slogans and advertisements. Excessiveness exists in most things be it the
newest grocery store, the latest vacation resort, the newest car. I am
guilty too. I don't believe in the lottery, but I registered many times
to win the HGTV Dream Home in Vermont. It was both exciting and scary to
think you might win. It would mean either a move or selling it if you
won. I kept asking myself "What will you do if you win?!" and decided I
couldn't justify owning a place like that equipped for so many guests
without sharing it. If I had won, it would have become a Lutheran retreat
center or something. Is that t-shirt slogan only suggesting one more way
to ease our own lives?

All of us spend our time, money, and devotion in different ways. We each
have things that are more important to us. Give 10 people $50 or 5 free
hours and they will each use it in a different way.

We were blessed with a few days to camp nearby at Lowden State Park right
after Memorial Day. It is a peaceful place, especially after the big
holiday weekend. For many years this park has been a sanctuary for Ron
and I. The birds sing their hearts out, the oaks sway in the breeze, and
we take time to rest, just to "be". Big and small decisions have been
made at that place as we take time to reflect on our lives.

Silly as it seems, this t-shirt ad made me reflect on my life. I was all
ready to order one – the price was right – and then I got to thinking
about what it really said. If I were to change it, I might suggest
"Walking with God….changes everything" or "Walking with God….sets new
priorities" or "Walking with God….brings blessing" or "Walking with
God….is the best part of living!". How would you fill it in? Does your
walk with God make a difference? Are you, your family, your neighborhood,
your church blessed by your walk with God?

I pray it is so, and I pray for all of us, that we will more and more
become a blessing instead of spending our time, money, and devotion
blessing ourselves.

God be with you each day and this week as we seek to be the people of God.

In Christ,
Carla Vanatta, Associate in Ministry, Salem Lutheran Church, Sycamore, IL

Salem Reminders:
Thank you for your support and prayers on behalf of Salem Secretary Sue
McMillan and family at the death of her son, Sean. They will need your
tender care often in the time to come.

Please also remember Salem staff and delegates as they travel to the No.
Il. Synod 24th Assembly at Augustana College in Rock Island, IL this
Friday and Saturday to celebrate the mission of the church, share ideas,
worship, pray, and make decisions on behalf of the whole synod.

Salem Worship services this weekend June 18-19 will celebrate Holy Trinity
and Father's Day 5:00 Saturday, 8:00 and 10:30 Sunday. The Building Use
Task Force will report on their findings at the 9:15 a.m. Hospitality Hour
regarding space for a growing Sunday School and Salem Food Pantry.

Grace notes, June 7, 2011

"Bless the Lord, O my soul." Psalm 104:35

It's Tuesday morning and I find myself at my desk…skimming through the
lessons for this week-end. I tend to start my sermon prep early in the
week --- wanting always, to give the Spirit plenty of time to move and to
speak. So I usually start by looking over all of them, wondering as I do,
if something will 'hook me' and get me moving in a particular direction
earlier rather than later. It was as I was glancing through Psalm 104
that I was struck by something that is almost 'cliché.' For the psalmist
ends his words of praise with, "Bless the Lord, O My Soul." I
especially got to wondering about the end of that phrase "O My Soul."
Now I confess, that I am a person who occasionally talks to myself…
sometimes even calling myself by name with words of encouragement or
scolding… (For obvious reasons, I try not to do this in the company of
others…) But it's not often that I address myself as "Soul." Although it
would make sense, of course, to do so… for even the calling of one's name
indicates a calling of the whole person: body, mind, and soul.

I stood at the bedside of one of our own last week. She had finished her
lunch --- what little bit she is eating now --- and her pain prompted her
to ask to be put back into bed. Only her body has been in slow and steady
decline for some time now. Ravaged by rheumatoid arthritis, heart
disease, and now cancer, there's a great deal she can no longer do for
herself --- including getting herself back into bed. And so her daughter
and I stood by as a couple of kind nurse's assistants came in with a
contraption called a 'hoyer' lift, attached the sling that was holding
this woman to it, and gently transferred her from wheel chair to bed.

This dear one is so much more than her body…. What shines out from her
eyes is the soul, the very breath of God, which has filled her since her
first breath as a tiny baby in her mother's arms in a small town in Iowa.
You know, my doctor has me on a low sodium diet these days and I'm walking
well over an hour most mornings to try to get my blood pressure under
control. A blood pressure cuff and a scale both offer some measure of how
I'm doing as I tend to the physical body I've been blessed with. Young
people who are just finishing school are still reflecting on another
measure of growth… grades and class standings and college admissions and
such. Both are a measure of 'who we are.' And yet, I wonder how we think
about strengthening our 'souls --- the 'whole' of us that is greater than
just body or mind, but rather is somehow the 'sum of our parts.'

Now, I don't know of a good measure for this kind of growth, --- at least
not in the middle of the journey --- but I've certainly known those who
have done this 'soul' work in such a way that it shows --- like with the
woman I mention above who has lost use of her body, but whose spirit is
still strong. For her that strong spirit results from a full and vibrant
prayer life… where she prays not only for her own needs but also for those
of others. When she was able, regular participation in the worship life
of the community helped develop in her the ability to pray and to praise,
to confess and to receive forgiveness, and to know herself to be connected
to people of faith not only here, but the world over. Sharing in a meal
of bread and wine and hearing the promises of God over and over and over
again helped to build up her spirit, her soul, which helps sustain her
now. For in the end, the only measure I know of the strength of our
'souls' is how we 'hold up' in hard times, often near to the end of life.

So I ask you, I wonder with all of us, what are we doing to build up or
strengthen our souls, our whole selves? What place do worship, prayer,
confession, forgiveness, and conversation with other people of faith have
in your life? How do you seek to live out the faith you've been given at
work, in the community, in the church? How is your 'soul?'

Peace to you and many blessings,
Pastor Janet

Coming up this week at Salem: This week-end is Pentecost. Remember to
wear red to worship and bring a red bedding plants to help decorate the
sanctuary (to be planted on the church grounds later).

Between services on Sunday morning, Pastor Janet will continue to reflect
on the mediation work she's been doing this spring. Join us for a cup of
coffee and conversation and learning together.

Again this week we will continue our special offering for victims of
spring storms and tornadoes through Lutheran Disaster Response. Be sure
to bring your pennies to help the children raise 100,000 pennies for Peace
Lutheran Church in Joplin, Missouri, which was entirely destroyed by a
tornado a couple of weeks ago.

Grace Notes, May 27, 2011

Friends. I looked it up. The American Heritage Dictionary says "a
person whom one knows, likes, and trusts." That's the #1 definition.
It's such an important word and such an important person or persons to
have in one's life! How do we get along without our friends? Who else
can we talk to heart-to-heart? Someone we trust, of course, and that fits
the definition. Friends can be spouses,family members, grade school pals
who haven't moved away, sorority or fraternity brothers, neighbors,
coworkers, church members, someone you met on a cruise or at a dinner
party or even waiting in a doctor's office. Someone you haven't even seen
for years yet when you meet, you start right in; trust bridges the long
absence from one another. I remember my Mom mourning the death of friends
as she entered her 80s. She didn't like losing those confidantes, those
bridge and golf partners, those morning coffee and lunch-bunch pals. Who
could blame her?

I have a cherished friend who lives in Philadelphia. I haven't seen her
for years, yet in my mind I know she is there with the same crazy humor,
wisdom, and solid advice that she has always had. I need to call her.

Somebody wrote that great song, "I Get By With a Little Help from My
Friends". It becomes more relevant and truer the older I get! When we're
young and life seems endless and full of possibilities, we have many
friends, some for movie-watching, some for baseball playing, some for
shopping, some for exchanging children to babysit, some for traveling
with, some for book clubs, some to play cards with, and so on. Sometimes
we don't appreciate them all, but then life is so full and full of
risks and faith in time - surely it will last forever - that there really
isn't time to nurture friendships! Surely these pals will be with us
forever. And that is particularly true if your great friend is your
spouse. What heartache is in this loving.

Aging was defined by the Father of Gerontology (the study of aging) Nathan
Shock, M.D. as "the diminishing of reserve capacity". That is an
amazingly accurate and succinct definition. It is referring to the body,
the physicality of a person. We all know the truth of that. We know we
can't run like we did at 10 or swim laps like we did at 20 or walk for
miles at 30. We just can't. We don't have the lung capacity, the leg
muscles, the very heedlessness that had us flying through life while
young. Well,we can expand the meaning of this word and its definition to
friends. Friends die or move or change and our circle of
friends is diminished. Some of them are no longer part of our reserve of
people to call on. Our world is drawing in.

Let us appreciate what we have. Let us thank God for the gift of friends.
Obviously, God knew we all need friends: Jesus chose 12, even though one
turned out to be a bad choice. Haven't we done the same?Trusted someone
we later learned we shouldn't have? Jesus traveled with His friends, He
talked with them, He broke bread with them.
Disappointing as they were in the Garden of Gethsemane they loved Him.
And how Peter denied Him three times - snubbed Jesus - can you imagine???
Yes, of course you can. In other words, Jesus lived to be only 33, yet
in many important ways He experienced what we experience as we get older
and older. His world drew in too.

And then? The mindblowing gift of grace. Jesus rose from the dead (don't
you wonder what it was like for him among the dead?) promising us by His
very presence in life again that we too would have eternal life and with
Him! Truly,this is the best news ever. The richest person on this earth
is one who has friends here and eternal life with Jesus to look forward
to. Hallelujah! God is good!Thanks be to God!

Judy Bergeson
Diaconal Minister
Salem Lutheran

May 17, 2011 Grace notes

Grace Notes May 17, 2011

Psalm 118.24 This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be
glad in it.

Carla and I recently attended the annual liturgical institute at
Valparaiso University. The focus this year was the Psalms. It was a
wonderful three days of praying, singing, and hearing the Psalms. Gifted
teachers opened the Psalms a little more completely than we do on a
typical Sunday morning, when the Psalm is just another of four scripture
lessons for the day.

The Psalms are the Bible's songbook. In the original language, there is
poetry and meter just like in our other hymns and songs today. Not all
Psalms are joyful praise…they express the whole range of human experience.
We may be more likely to remember the warm fuzzy Psalms, like Psalm 23
about the loving care of the good shepherd. But other Psalms give voice to
sorrow, anger, complaining, and despair as well as thankfulness and
praise. One teacher shared how some of her college students are reluctant
to study the Psalms according to the class calendar, not wanting words put
in their mouths that may not be what they are feeling today. That leader
helped us to remember that while the Psalms are certainly a perfect
resource for personal prayer, they are given first as the songbook of the
entire people of God. When the Psalm before us is about a feeling we don't
share right now, we should join in support of our neighbor to whom it is
speaking God's love. And more than likely, as we live in that Psalm we
will find it speaking to our souls as well, somewhere under the surface
where we don't want to think we feel that way too.

Many of us have memorized certain parts of Psalms. It was interesting to
be reminded that the context of the whole Psalm around that favorite part
makes the meaning so much bigger. As an example: we often say or hear just
the single verse Psalm 118.24: "This is the day that the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it." It seems perfect for a beautiful spring
day or a joyful celebration. But go to Psalm 118 to read the entire song.
You'll see that this day to rejoice comes at a time of distress…a time of
being surrounded by enemies…a time of being severely punished, almost to
the point of death. Every day is a day the Lord has made, not only the
beautiful and happy days.

So I return from the liturgical institute on the Psalms with a conviction
to pay more attention to these treasured songs God has given. Maybe I will
start a "Psalm a Day" discipline…want to join me?

Ron Vanatta

Coming up at Salem:
May 22, 9:15 Last day of Sunday School and Volunteer Appreciation
celebration in fellowship hall…including a program by Salem PuppetPraise
May 29, 9:15 Honoring Military Servants in fellowship hall.

May 11, 2011 Gracenotes

I just spent 90 minutes with several choir children and parents at Jeff
and Laurie Paulsen's farm, welcomed by their big blonde dog Buddy. The
kids piled onto their swing set and delighted in the toads found in a
window well. Laurie brought out a pet rabbit on a leash named Thumper for
them to pet and admire…what soft, beautiful gray and white fur!

Jeff took us to the field where new corn sprouts bravely broke the soil
and stood 3 inches high. He showed the children seed corn and then dug up
a new sprout so they could see the green plant growing from the seed.
Laurie took us past her strawberry bed and explained how the center of the
lovely white flowers was actually the strawberry that would grow. This is
one place you don't want to pick the flowers!

Then we moved on to the shed and the kids climbed up in tall tractors and
got to see how the seeds come out of the planters. They loved being up so
high and pretending to be in control of one of these huge machines.
Next came the cattle: some chocolate fuzzy brown, some smooth black, some
grey-brown and some with added white. What big soft brown eyes! Of
course they were shy of the children but soon their curiosity overcame
them and they moved closer.

A farm trip wouldn't be complete without a hayride so off the children
went with Jeff down the road and back. The time was complete with thanks
and a prayer and a snack.

Places and times like this soothe my soul. Growing up on a farm I have
love and admiration for growing plants and animals. Out of town one can
see for miles and miles and get the panoramic view of clouds and homes.
Some of these children are blessed with family or friends with whom they
can experience this side of life off and on – others are not so lucky.
I'm grateful for people like Jeff and Lauri who eagerly share their love
of the land and farm life and help instill admiration and respect for the
world God made. I'm grateful parents take the time to guide their
children in new discoveries.

Most of all I am grateful for an opportunity to rest my soul for a few
minutes. What is it that brings you rest? A farm visit or drive in the
country is not the only way my soul is soothed, but it is almost certainly
one way.

The month of May brings so much to do: yardwork, planting, celebrations
of all kinds, wrapping up the school year and the choir season. Many of
these things are hard work and many are fun. Memorial day is coming soon
to usher in summer officially.

At Salem this weekend we'll celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday. Images of God
and Jesus as our caretaker and guard will be shared in scripture, song,
and prayer. We'll speak and sing the beloved 23 Psalm. It would be my
guess for many of you that Psalm rests your soul too; just those pastoral
images and the idea of letting the Lord guard and protect you. When we
grow up we become the protectors for others and sometimes miss being
protected. What a gift to know Christ promises to care for his precious
sheep!
May your soul
be at rest, even in the midst of a storm.

Carla Vanatta, Associate in Ministry
Salem Lutheran Church

Reminders:
Children's Advocacy Walk 8:30 a.m. Saturday Good Thymes Shelter, Sycamore
Park

Community Servant Speaker Patti Comegys of Big Brothers and Sisters at the
9:15 a.m. Hospitality Hour

Pre-K and older SS children will lead the 10:30 GRACE worship service this
weekend.

May 3rd Grace Notes

I get to tag along on people's journeys most every day and most days it is
simply a wonder to see what God is up to… here's how it was a few weeks
back.

I had an appointment with a young man who wanted to be baptized. He
hadn't grown up in the church, really, although he'd always considered
himself a believer. As he is nearing adulthood though, his plans for his
future were starting to come together. He's planning to join the air
force, after he graduates, you see. He knew his travels would take him
far and he told me he wanted to be sure God would go with him. So he
called up his grandparents and asked if he could come to church with them.
And he did. For the next year or so he could be seen sitting alongside
them more weeks than not.

And a few weeks ago I sat down with him to talk with him about his
baptism. I assured him then that God would go with him, baptized or not…
but that this is a public sign of his commitment to follow Jesus… and that
in the water poured and the word spoken in baptism he is claimed as God's
child in a promise that would never let him go. And pretty soon on a
Saturday night he bent over the font and I reached up to pour the water on
his forehead…. To place my hands on his head and pray for him…. To make
the sign of the cross on his forehead, binding him then to Jesus'
sacrifice and a whole multitude of others of us who have also been claimed
in the faith and who have claimed it, in turn, as our own.

It used to be that we thought of baptisms as 'christenings' --- a private
ceremony where a name would be bestowed on an infant. Not true any
longer. Baptisms are public: inserted into a regular service of worship
where both friends ands strangers: all of God's people are gathered and
where those there make promises to support the newly baptized in their
life of faith. And as for naming a person? We baptize in God's name…. in
the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, remembering
then that God attaches God's own name to us each one as the water is
poured upon us…

And you know the prayer spoken then, of course:
We give you thanks, O God, that through water and the Holy Spirit you give
your daughters and sons new birth, cleanse them from sin, and raise them
to eternal life.

Sustain name with the gift of your Holy Spirit: the spirit of wisdom and
understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge
and the fear of the Lord, the spirit of joy in your presence, both now and
forever. Amen.

We pray in that moment for wisdom and understanding… for counsel and
might… for knowledge and the fear of the Lord… and for joy in God's
presence. But notice, too, that every time it's 'the spirit of…' for the
gifts prayed for and offered here also bind all the baptized up with God
and God's amazing gifts.

And so it is that a few weeks back I got to be part of that journey
again…. Hearing in another's story how God has, in fact, been leading him
all along to this day when he would in a very public way receive those
promises of God which God had been offering him all along. It's a
wondrous thing, really --- one we experience in this place every single
time parents carry a child to the font… or one spouse stands alongside
another who has heard this call of faith and is ready for baptism… or when
a young person whose whole life is laid out before him recognizes God
working in his life and wants to follow in the path that Jesus walked as
well.

Peace to you and many blessings,
Pastor Janet

Coming up this week at Salem:
New members will be received at the 8 and 10:30 services on Sunday, May
8th. Be sure to come and welcome our new members at a reception in
fellowship hall at 9:45 a.m.

Sunday school students and their dads/grandpas/uncles/friends will gather
in fellowship hall this S Sunday, May 8th at 9:15 to make Mother's Day
gifts for moms. All are welcome!