Salem English Lutheran Church
May 2017
The Tomb is Empty—What’s Next?
‘Tis the season—when the days get longer and the weather gets nice. ‘Tis the season—the sun is warmer and the soil is
ready to burst with new growth. ‘Tis the season of Easter...the season of new life. We Minnesotans love this season.
After a long winter (which, this year, I have to admit was not all that bad—as far as Minnesota winters go.) we do love
when the coats go away and we can soak up that natural vitamin D in the warm sunshine. Everything feels new in this
season...and it feels good.
As we find ourselves right in the middle of the season of Easter,
Sunday School wraps up and things tend to slow down. ‘Tis
it is good for us to be reminded of new life. After a long—and
the season when we find ourselves not so often in worship on
DUSTY—walk through the season of waiting and wilderness, it
Sundays...well because the weather is nice and it’s Minnesota
is good to celebrate life.
after all. But I would invite you to two things.
I imagine that the disciples, after a long and dusty walk with
First, don’t go...try to stick with us—because after the season of
Jesus, following the traumatic events of the crucifixion and a
Easter comes Pentecost—a celebration of the Holy Spirit in our
terrifying resurrection, had to be wondering, What’s next? The
lives and life blessed by the breath of God. We need this time
scripture we encounter during the season of Easter gives us the
together, in community, to navigate this post—resurrection
road map for what comes next. The scripture we meet makes
reality.
us privy to the disciples discovering a new post-resurrection life
And two, if you must go—as we all must do from time to time,
and reality...Christ is with us! Behind closed doors, in our doubt,
remember Christ is with you. Take the Easter season out into
on our journey, in water, bread, and wine, the Risen Christ calls
the world...don’t leave it hear—it belongs where you are...it is
us to follow, going before us to prepare the way, bringing
the “What’s Next?”
peace, breathing the Spirit on us, so that we may share the
story to people everywhere we go. This promise of the Risen
Christ—to be with us always—is the game changer we need for
this new life after the empty tomb. This is the Good News of
the season of Easter! This is the “What’s Next?”
Yes, ‘tis the season for flowers and lemonade. ‘Tis the season
for umbrellas and rainbows. ‘Tis the season when you will find
me, more evenings than not, at a baseball diamond watching
my own “boys of summer” take the field. But it is also still the
Easter season—the season of New Life. It is the season of
Oh—’tis the season to get out the bikes and uncover the grill.
“Christ with us!” Alleluia! Christ is Risen! Christ is Risen
‘Tis the season to put a log on the campfire and get out the
Indeed! Alleluia!
marshmallows (chocolate and graham crackers too.) ‘Tis also
the season when the church ends our program year—when
—Pastor Rhonda
May Highlights to Note:

The “Sanctuary” conversation continues! And open forum on “logistics of sanctuary” will be held on Sunday May 7 at 9:30 am
AND 11:45 am. Please come and be part of the conversation.

NOISY Offering for Hunger on May 14! Bring your change to church and make some NOISE!

Join Worship—led by the children of SpringHouse on Sunday May 21 at 10:30 am (Note, NO 8:30 am service this day.)

Volunteer Opportunities on Saturday May 20 and Saturday June 3. Look inside for details!

The Day of Pentecost is June 4. Don’t miss worship with the Holy Spirit! WEAR RED!

Open Streets on Lyndale will be Sunday June 4. Join us to hand out popsicles as we celebrate our neighborhood.

Sign up for DAY CAMP! “Blessed to Be” is our theme and Pastor Rhonda may just be leading story time that week! Details
inside!
Salem Scene
May 2017
Salem News
Brooke Apple’s Ordination
Sanctuary Switch
Congratulations and Blessings to Brooke Apple, former
It’s that time again! On Monday, May 22 in the morning, we’ll
SpringHouse youth minister, who has completed her seminary
be moving from South Sanctuary to North Sanctuary for the
training and will be ordained on Friday, May 12 at First Lutheran
summer months. Many hands make light work—please plan to
Church in Hoople, North Dakota.
come and help if you are able.
Stewardship Corner...Just a Thought
Our theme this year is
“stories” and boy have
we heard some good
ones. But last Saturday
SpringHouse Adult Faith Formation
“Has Christianity – the Church – lost its way?” “What does it
mean to be thunderstruck by God?” How can change allow a
place for God to enter our lives?” These are just a few of the
questions we have been wrestling with during the Joint Adult
Faith Formation group between services on Sunday morning.
It’s not too late to join the conversation! Come to the
gathering space at 9:30 am to conclude the program year with
a Darkwood series called “Be@itudes.”
I had the honor and
privilege of presiding
over the memorial service for Kathryn Patterson, who would
have been 106 years old that very day.
When I was prepping for her service I found a piece she had
written for Salem’s stewardship focus just 4 years ago. Written
in her own hand she talked about joining the church because
she wanted a place for her children to grow up that was active
and willing to have “things for kids.” She wrote about women’s
Then watch for information to come about our Summer Adult
Education programming that will begin in June. Let’s keep the
conversation going—watch for details to come!
circles, friendships, and becoming a single mother.
She wrote, in just a few paragraphs, about almost 70 years of
life here at Salem—her church. Years of life, love, and
Other learning opportunities for adults on Sunday mornings
are The Present Word, a series from Hearthstone, in Timothy
at 9 am, and various current topics at 9:15 in Lydia.
stewardship.
I am humbled by all of the stories I have been blessed to hear
this past year. This week, I am especially humbled by the story
Theology on Tap
of Kathryn, a woman of quiet faith who diligently gave to her
church in so many ways. From peanut butter cookies and
Let’s get together for holy conversation!
beautiful knitted works of art to her weekly envelope faithfully
Because theology and faith are very
filled with her gift...Kathryn made a difference in the lives of so
much formed through the conversation
very many people in this place.
of believers, let’s talk.
What is your story?
We had our first Theology on Tap in
April, and it was a wonderful time to get
to know people and to talk about some interesting things that
matter.
Spirit-led. Welcoming.
Join us as we do it again on Thursday May 25 at 6:30 pm. The
place is still up for consideration—Common Roots again?
Someplace else? Watch for details to come soon!
Salem English Lutheran Church
Bold. Rooted.
Salem Scene
May 2017
More News
New Easter Paraments created by Deb Murphy —
Given in Memory of John Giinther, Florence Jennings, and Myrtle Johnson
Salem’s Parament Project
Due to the incredible generosity of three of our long-time members who passed away this past year, we have begun a parament
project for this coming year. Beginning with Lent, we asked two of our resident artists (Emily Chesley and Deb Murphy) to create
custom pieces for our worship space. Each piece will be meaningful in its own way and in its own season, but all of them will have a
common thread – being created because of the generosity of John, Florence, Myrtle, and their families. The Easter paraments are
the second set of many amazing pieces that will stem from the faithfulness of this Salem community. We are most certainly
blessed.
Chris Wogaman was
ordained on April 1 at
SpringHouse and is
now serving Trinity
Lutheran in Park
Forest, IL. Thanks to
all the great Salem
and
SpringHouse
folks who attended
and
served
the
reception. Blessings,
Chris!
Becoming Sanctuary
All three SpringHouse congregations are in the process of
discerning whether to become a Sanctuary Church, A
Sanctuary-Supporting Congregation or neither? In order to
better understand both the question and what each of our
faithful answers might be, we scheduled a series of educational
forums. The first forum in February addressed the theological
rooting of being Sanctuary.
The last forum was rescheduled for Sunday May 7 at BOTH
9:30 am and 11:30 am. Come either after first service or after
second service to hear about the Logistics of becoming
Sanctuary. Please mark your calendars and join us! If you have
any questions, please contact Pastor Rhonda.
Salem English Lutheran Church
Salem Scene
May 2017
SpringHouse News
SpringHouse Picnic Lunch
SpringHouse Board to Change Meeting Times and
Mark your calendar for Sunday, May 21
Expand Focus
for a BBQ lunch after the joint worship
The SpringHouse Board voted unanimously at the March 23,
service in the Gathering Space. Both
meat and veggie hot dogs will be
provided.
Please
bring
a
side dish or dessert to share.
2017, meeting to shift to a quarterly meeting schedule instead
of monthly Thursday night meetings.
quarterly meetings will be on 5
th
When possible, the
Sundays, and will be held
following the worship services, from noon to perhaps 3 pm.
Volunteers needed for set up will be Saturday, May 20 at
Extra meetings could be called for pressing votes or issues that
10:00 am and serving on Sunday. Please sign-up at the back
arise.
table in the sanctuary.
The board also decided that the quarterly meetings will address
From the Building Coordinator
both business and visioning matters. At each meeting, the
Deb Murphy, the SpringHouse building coordinator, reminds
all SpringHouse folks that the building is very busy these days
with a variety of groups meeting here, as well as special events
such as weddings and ordinations.
If you are planning a
meeting or gathering, be sure to check with Deb to make sure
your event is on the calendar. Contact her at 612-870-1868 or
board will seek to hear from selected SH committees, in order
to hear about the work of the committee and perhaps offer
guidance or support.
The first quarterly meeting will be Sunday, April 30. The board
will invite Child Ministry and the Sanctuary Team to the April
30 meeting. Possible visioning topics for this meeting include
[email protected]
Family Support, Marketing, SH Youth Choir and a Space Audit.
Save the Date: SpringHouse Camping
People’s Climate Solidarity March MN April 29
The annual Springhouse camping
The People's Climate March will be Saturday, April 29 in
trip this summer will be Friday, July
Washington DC to challenge policies that pose a threat to our
21 through Sunday, July 23. This is a
climate and our communities,
family friendly, multi-generational,
and at the same time to
mega fun event. So, set aside this
advance a vision of a clean,
week-end in your calendar now! For
safe world where the rights of
any questions please contact April
all people are protected and
Conlee at [email protected] or
expanded. For those unable to
612-385-0065.
go to DC but interested in
expressing
Women’s March Huddle Group
solidarity,
a
Minnesota march will start at 2
The SpringHouse Huddle group meets the second Saturday of
pm at the Federal Building in
the month at 9 am at SpringHouse.
downtown Minneapolis and
The group will share
thoughts, information, resources and provide support for each
rally through downtown.
other as we become involved in working to improve our
community and world. For more information or to join the
mailing list, contact Anna-Maria Bliss at [email protected]. The
next meeting will be Saturday, May 13.
Salem English Lutheran Church
Salem Scene
May 2017
Reaching Out ...
Volunteer and build community with Salem!
Open Streets on Lyndale Avenue June 4
Continuing our focus on hunger, you are invited to volunteer
Sunday, June 4 is Open Streets on
with Salem in service of our community and beyond. We have
Lyndale Avenue between 22nd
two upcoming opportunities to join in the fun and fellowship.
Street and 42nd Street from 11 am
1. Feed My Starving Children – Eagan: Saturday, May 20
-5 pm. Lyndale Avenue will be
from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.; 10 volunteers. Volunteer deadline:
Sign up by noon on Sunday, May 14.
2.
Open Arms of Minnesota – Minneapolis: Saturday, June 3
from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.; 6-10 volunteers. Volunteer deadline:
Sign up through Friday, May 19.
closed between these points (with
the exception of occasional places
for cars to cross, most likely 28th
Street is one). Biking, walking,
yoga, strolling, blading, catching up with friends, and some good
people watching. We’ll get out our banners, pass out popsicles
More information and sign-up sheets will be available in the
and enjoy the fun of being church in an eclectic and active
sanctuary. You can also contact Michelle
neighborhood. The Discover Band will also play. Come enjoy
Ruppert at [email protected] to sign up
the fun! Please join in after second service that day, and sign up
or ask questions. We will fill volunteer spots
if you can help out after church. Plan your route to church and
on a first come, first serve basis but will do
parking accordingly (enter the Intermedia Arts lot from Aldrich,
our best to accommodate an opportunity
no access to TruStone). Donations are also welcome to help
for each interested person.
cover the cost of providing this ministry to the neighborhood.
This is a great chance to connect to the neighborhood! For
Seasons of Giving—Lent & Easter Edition
more information or questions, please contact Josh Jorstad,
For the seasons of Lent and Easter (through May) we are taking
[email protected] or 715-505-2345.
time to focus our time and resources on two organizations that
Simpson Shelter Meal
help fight hunger.
ELCA World Hunger and Minnesota Food Share are two
incredible agencies that allow us the opportunity to address
hunger in our very own neighborhoods and around the world.
From addressing the local and global economy and providing
for the needs of families in countries around the world to filling
our neighborhood food shelves—we will be given the
opportunity during these months to make a difference.
Look for envelopes to make a monetary donation at the back
of the sanctuary and make sure to “make some noise” when
we pass the pans in a noisy offering on May 14.
Our next opportunity to serve the evening meal at Simpson
Shelter will be Wednesday, May 10. We gather in the large
commercial kitchen at Simpson United Methodist Church, 28 th
St. and First Ave., at 5:15 pm to prepare the meal. We serve
dinner to approximately 100 shelter guests at 7 pm, and clean
up afterward, finishing about 8:30 pm.
A team of 10
volunteers is needed for this work. We ask that you sign up on
the info table or with Mary ([email protected])
LGBT Grief Support Group
This ongoing support group is for those who have experienced a
death, serious break-up or divorce in a same sex relationship.
The group offers support and understanding to cope and adjust
to the loss of a relationship. The group meets the 1st Tuesday of
each month at 7 pm at Bradshaw Minnehaha, 3131 Minnehaha
Ave, Minneapolis. For more information call Tony or Roxie at
612-724-3621.
Salem English Lutheran Church
Salem Scene
May 2017
Sunday School and Children’s Ministry
Sunday School News
The annual Sunday School Celebration will be at a joint
SpringHouse service at 10:30 on Sunday, May 21. There will
be no 8:30 service that day. During Sunday School time in
May, kids and leaders will be preparing to lead and participate
in the special service with songs and stories. Thank you to all
who helped and participated in SpringHouse Sunday School
this year, especially Salem members Rae Buzzell and Emma
Jorstad who coordinated the program this year.
Day Camp 2017: Blessed 2 Be!
This summer, Salem will again be participating in South
Minneapolis Day Camp, a progressive ecumenical experience
offering faith formation in a fun, safe, Christ-centered and
At a special intergenerational event in April, SpringHouse
members of all ages created Peeps dioramas,
many reflecting the Bible stories about water which have been
the centerpiece of Sunday School this year.
relational setting. Activities include worship, crafts, games,
lunch and field trips. Kids entering kindergarten-8th grade
may register. Camp meets June 19-June 23, 9 am-4 pm, M-F
at Bethel Lutheran Church, 4120 17th Ave S, Minneapolis MN
55407. Registration forms available on the info table or at
Salem’s website (discoversalem.org)
For more information,
please contact Daniel Romero, Minister of Faith Formation at
First Congregational UCC. Daniel is co-directing the camp
along with Martha Bardwell and
Deb Murphy. Call him at: 612331-3816, or email him at:
[email protected]
Youth News
Youth at SpringHouse meet Sunday mornings at 9:15—all
youth grades 7-12 are welcome to join in! In May, the youth
will be preparing for the end of the program year celebration.
For more information about youth activities, please contact
Pamela Cook at [email protected]
Despite some last minute challenges, SpringHouse Youth
rallied to prepare Easter Breakfast, for the SpringHouse
community!
Salem English Lutheran Church
Salem Scene
May 2017
Calendar
Week of April 30
Sun
Week of May 21
4/30 8:30 am
Traditional Service
4/30 9:15 am
4/30 9:40 am
5/21
No Traditional Service
Sunday School & Youth
5/21
9:15 am
Sunday School & Youth
Adult Ed.
5/21
9:30 am
Adult Ed
4/30 10:30 am
Jazz Service
5/21
10:30 am
All SpringHouse worship:
4/30 12:00 pm
Ministry Center Board
Wed 5/3
8:00 am
Sun
Sunday School Celebration
Lectionary Bible Study
5/21
Week of May 7
Sun
11:30 am
5/22 10:00 am
Celebration picnic
Sanctuary Switch
5/7
8:30 am
Traditional Service
Wed 5/24 8:00 am
Lectionary Bible Study
5/7
9:15 am
Sunday School & Youth
Thu
Theology on Tap
5/7
9:30 am
Adult Ed.
Week of May 28
5/7
10:30 am
Jazz Service
Sun
5/7
12:00 pm
Wed 5/10 8:00 am
Sat
Mon
5/25 6:30 pm
5/28 8:30 am
Traditional Service
Child Ministry Team
5/28 9:15 am
Informal Sunday School
Lectionary Bible Study
5/28 10:30 am
Jazz Service
5/10 5:15 pm
Simpson Shelter Meal
Wed 5/31
8:00 am
Lectionary Bible Study
5/13
Women’s March Huddle Group
Sat
10:00 am
Open Arms volunteer outing
9:00 am
Week of May 14
6/3
5/14
8:30 am
Traditional Service
Salem Calendar on the Salem Website
5/14
9:15 am
Sunday School & Youth
5/14
9:40 am
Adult Ed.
Did you know that our congregational calendar is available on
5/14
10:30 am
Jazz Service
5/14
12:00 pm
Green Team
5/15
6:45 pm
Building & Grounds
Wed 5/17
8:00 am
Lectionary Bible Study
5/17
6:30 pm
Salem Executive Committee
5/17
7:00 pm
Salem Council
Sun
Mon
Sat
our website? At www.discoversalem.org you can link to our
calendar. For some events there are extra details included,
too. Check it out.
5/20 10:00 am
Picnic prep
5/20 11:30 am
Feed My Starving Children outing
Altar Flowers
Salem is now offering the opportunity to provide occasional
floral arrangements for worship, using the talents of member
Myra Urness Rusten. If you would like to honor a birthday,
anniversary, or other special occasion with an arrangement to
beautify worship, and then take home to enjoy, you can sign
up at church or contact the office (612-872-4650 or
[email protected].)
Arrangements are $40
Checks may be written to Salem.
each.
May Birthdays
Wish these Salem members and friends a happy birthday this
month! If you’re new to Salem and would like your birthday
listed, please contact Laurie in the office
Melissa Anderson — 5/1
Frank Buzzell — 5/17
Sandy Block — 5/5
Chris Nordeen — 5/19
LaVina Giinther — 5/6
Ava Melton-Meaux — 5/20
Emily Chesley — 5/12
Rae Buzzell — 5/23
Scott Rusten — 5/12
Salem English Lutheran Church
Christ tended to attract
an assorted crowd
Salem English Lutheran Church
is a Reconciling in Christ
(R.I.C.) Congregation
We are a Spirit-led, welcoming, and bold
Christian community rooted in the neighborhood,
striving to live faithfully in God’s world.
612-872-4650
Pastor:
Youth Minister:
Office:
Jazz Music:
Traditional Music
Building Coordinator
Building Manager:
Rhonda Hlavinka
Pamela Cook
Laurie Zaepfel
Tom Pieper
Kent Goodroad
Deb Murphy
Rick Bowman
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Minneapolis, MN 55408
610 West 28th Street