Welcome to Salem
Whether you are new to Salem UCC or new to church, welcome!
Salem UCC is a small church with a rich history.
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You can show up just as you are and discover that God loves YOU!
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We are many things: musical, Open and Affirming, part of the United Church of Christ, originally a church of Swiss immigrants, a part of Verona, an ecumenical partner with others, a supporter of local missions, and a place of deep spirituality and service.
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Here are some things to help you get to know us.
Third Sunday
On the Third Sunday of the month, we have an all-church potluck breakfast at the 9 am hour.
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If you don't have a dish to pass, join us anyway. There will always be enough.
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Musical
Congregational singing, organ, piano, handbells, chancel choir and BRC Men's Chorus all offer a joyful noise to the Lord in worship.
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Music ranges from classical to contemporary, familiar hymns to new pieces penned by church members, barbershop to southern gospel.
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If you want to sing, ring, or play, let us know!
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Open and Affirming
Salem United Church of Christ became an Open and Affirming (ONA) Church on Sunday, January 29, 2017, following a process of discussion, study, and discernment.
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Bodies in the United Church of Christ have been making such statements for more than thirty years. They have addressed, among other issues: support for LGBTQ+ civil rights, elimination of institutionalized homophobia within the UCC, HIV/AIDS education and care as it affects LGBT persons, and affirmation of the gifts and ministries of LGBTQ+ clergy and church members.
Being an Open and Affirming congregation is an ongoing process of learning and affirming, studying and stepping up, blessing and welcoming people into belonging.
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Links to
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Our Open and Affirming Covenant
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The United Church of Christ
To believe is to care, to care is to do.
Salem began as a Reformed Church of immigrants in the Swiss tradition of Zwingli. We became part of the Evangelical and Reformed Church in 1941, and later part of the United Church of Christ in 1961.
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The United Church of Christ brings together congregations from many traditions, joining in the work of loving God and loving our neighbor, working for justice and peace, and building a world where compassion and inclusion are real.
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