E-News September 25, 2020

Sisters and brothers,
As always, new information is included in this post so please read the entire post.
 
Here is the link for the Salem Pastor YouTube page. This Sunday's service will be available Sunday morning. If you are unable to connect to any services on your computer let us know, and we can make a DVD or CD for you. You can also view previous services on this page. Online services and additional messages can be accessed via our website or Facebook. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy2lR7-Re6vMQ092LxcLvyA
 
Additional Announcements
 
Board Commissions need to have their budgets ready by October 1st.  Our next Board meeting is October 8, and we are going to do an in person meeting, with masks and social distancing protocols in place.  To expedite that meeting, all reports and budgets need to be done by October 1st, so that the Board can review the documentation prior to the meeting and we can stay focused and use our time together as wisely as possible. Please get all Board items to Carrie in the office ASAP!
 
Bible Study! Pastor Lee is offering a Zoom bible study on Tuesdays from 1:30-2:30pm. Join at any time. He is using the book Such a Time as This, which looks at the book of Esther, and how Esther’s story of faith can help us in times of anxiety and fear. Use the link below. See you on Tuesday.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84949535033?pwd=UlNMMllqSVRkYWgvNjZTQkF0VWZkUT09
 
Don't forget if you need pastoral care or anything else, the contact list is below. Please continue to communicate your needs to Pastor Lee and the Deacons.
 
Pastor Lee Saylor; 937-540-4533; [email protected]
Tom Hissong, Board Chair 937-931-3099; [email protected]
Randy Schaurer, Deacon Chair; 937-231-7627; [email protected]
  
We continue to gather via Zoom on Wednesday evenings to just say hi and connect. You are invited to join us using this link each Wednesday from about 7:00-8:00pm.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85143803031?pwd=MXlCZHI1S092TzIzbVk1M01Bb0dkZz09
Meeting ID: 851 4380 3031
Password: 022471
One tap mobile
+19292056099,,85143803031#,,#,022471# US (New York)
 
Carrie Smith is in the office from 9:00am-12:00noon, Monday-Friday. Don’t hesitate to call her if you need anything.
 
Betsy Duncan is looking for boxes to finish packing her house as she prepares to complete her move to Michigan. She is planning on being back in our area the first week of October to complete packing. If you have any boxes, please contact Sue Wampler. Betsy Duncan is also asking for help on October 9 to help move the boxes and other items to complete her move. If you are available to help, please contact Betsy directly. Thanks for your help!
  
Salem Pandemic Quilt
Salem members and friends can help create a quilt to remember this time. The quilters will compile squares from members and friends representing this time in our lives. The square needs to be 10.5 inches with an additional inch border on all sides. The fabric does not have to be stitched. You can use markers, fabric paint or some other way to make a square to represent you or your family during this time. If you have any further questions, please reach out to Carol Shroyer.
   
Offerings and tithes can still be mailed to the church or put in the church mailbox. Your offering supports the work of Salem in the community and world! 
 
Much continues to be sent out via One Call. If you are not on One Call, have changed your number, need to add a number, or know of someone who needs to be added, please respond to this email or call the church office at 937-836-6145.
 
If you have a prayer request you’d like to go through the prayer chain, please call Deacon Sue Wampler at 937-286-4590. If she cannot be reached, please call Pastor Lee at 937-540-4533.
 
On August 13, 2020, the Board met for their regularly scheduled meeting using Zoom. Among other items of business, one particular item of business was when our community could gather together again for in person worship. Recognizing the varied opinions that exist a healthy conversation brought the Board to decide that we are targeting October 4 for our in person worship. Further conversation brought the Board to decide that our October 4th worship will be a parking lot worship service. This will mean that you will come to the parking lot on the Phillipsburg-Union Road side of the building and remain in your cars for the duration of the worship service, which will be broadcast through your car radio. You are being asked to remain in your car during the service. There are still many details we are working out for the service, and also, the Board recognized that if there is a shift in the pandemic one way or another, then this target date of October 4th may be changed.  If it is changed, you will be notified. The Board also asked for your grace and patience as we are in this pandemic together, and we are seeking to be servant leaders, as Jesus was. This way of life has asked all of us to adapt and adjust quicker than expected. Blessings.
 
Sue Wampler continues to take items to St. Vincent. Please drop your donations off at the church. St. Vincent does not take stuffed animals.
 
We continue to partner with Fairview Church Food Pantry. Please consider bringing a food pantry donation to the church. Needed items include: canned vegetables, canned fruit, canned meat, tuna/chicken helper, canned stew, canned beans, jelly, peanut butter, cornbread mix, mac & cheese, canned chili, cereal, oatmeal, pancake mix, syrup, evaporated milk, and cake or brownie mix.
 
Prayers
 Continued prayers for Phyllis W. and family. Phyllis is home!
 
Prayers for Tom W., Sr. as he recovers from surgery.  
 
Shirley C., John E., Genevieve F., Norma H., Bonnie L, Leon & Waneta M.,
Phyllis W.
 
Long Term Needs: Elois C., Barbara C., Janet H., Bill L., Aaron M., Sam P., Chad P., Kasey S., Reta S.
 
Churches and more: Our district churches, Trinity Presbyterian Church, Church of the Brethren in Nigeria (Godiya Bitrus), Bethany Theological Seminary, for those struggling in various ways during this pandemic
 
Our shut-ins are grateful for letters and cards. Addresses can be found in our current directory or by emailing or calling Carrie in the office.