Weddings – Funerals – Baptisms – Membership – Facility Use

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT TO DO IF……..

YOU WANT TO JOIN THE CONGREGATION – Everyone interested in becoming part of the family of faith at Salem should plan to attend the Salem 101 Discovery class. During this four hour class we cover the basics of Christianity from a distinctly Lutheran perspective and are introduced to the ministries of Salem.  Salem 101 is typically offered twice each year, usually on a Sunday afternoon.  After attending Salem 101 you can make a decision about joining this family of faith.  New members are formally received into membership at worship celebration a week or two after the class.  Please call the church office (534-3309) for the date of the next class.

YOU WANT TO GET MARRIED –  Congratulations!  The first step is to contact Salem Lutheran Church to receive a copy of our Wedding Guidelines.  After having read the Wedding Guidelines please call to set up an appointment with the pastor.  At that time you will sign a Wedding Agreement Form.  This signifies that you have read and agree to the Wedding Guidelines and fees.  It also commits the church and pastor to the agreed upon date.

YOU WANT TO DISCUSS BAPTISM – Baptism marks the entry into the Body of Christ and is an important step in the life of every Christian.  We understand baptism as a means through which God pours His grace upon people, a grace that is received by faith.  Lutheranism recognizes baptism as one of the two sacraments, the other being Holy Communion.  If you would like your infant or young child baptized, please contact the church and request the booklet “Welcome to the Family!” For Parents Whose Child is About to Be Baptized” by Rich Melheim.  At that time you can also talk with the pastor about setting the date of the baptism as well as a pre-baptismal meeting.  Baptisms can be scheduled for most Sundays at the 11:00 Worship Celebration (9:00 during the summer months).   Adults who wish to discuss baptism should speak with the pastor to discuss baptism and joining the Salem family of faith.

YOU WANT TO USE THE CHURCH BUILDING – Members of this family of faith as well as community groups may use the church building for meetings and events as long as the event does not conflict with Salem’s Mission, Vision, values and beliefs.  Please call the church office to confirm the availability of the facility and/or a room in the facility.  If the date and space are available you will be asked to read the FACILITY USE POLICY and then complete and return Facility Use Form (included in the document “facility use policy”)  after which the event will be placed on the church calendar.

YOU WANT TO HAVE A FUNERAL – Funeral services at the church can bring God’s word of comfort, hope and promise to those who are grieving.   Funerals may be held at Salem or perhaps at a Funeral Home.  Normally the pastoral staff will have been involved in the end of life process, having visited with the dying person and their family.  At other times, however, the dying person and/or family may have had little or no church connection.  Families and/or hospital and nursing home staff may call upon the Pastor in these circumstances.  Members of Salem and their families choosing cremation may wish to learn more about Salem’s Columbarium…