Oct 2024 Edition

Dear Congregation,

I'd like to communicate some Ways To Serve At Salem:

GREETERS

This is a simple act of hospitality which includes welcoming people as they enter the Lord's house on Sundays and other Services. Many folks already take part in this and it adds a touch of kindness to our fellowship in Christ. Greeters are listed in the Salem Scope every month. If you'd like to greet and haven't been scheduled yet, please see Micah.

DISCIPLESHIP

The Scripture frequently teaches us that we learn how to follow Christ not only on Sundays but by seeing the example of all sorts of believers in all sorts of contexts: home, work, getting together, good times, and bad (Deut. 6). 

Typically, this takes place when the more mature in age and faith take time to teach the younger. This happens by word and deed, by taking people out for a meal, and by sharing counsel as opportunities call for it. On the basis of Titus 2, we read: “In everything set … an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned”. Please read all of Titus 2 for more instruction on discipleship. 

WOMEN’S GUILD

This is a group of the ladies of the church which meets monthly to plan special events, raise funds, and be a sisterhood of faith. They are eager to see the group grow and continue to bless the church. Please reach out to Carolyn Criswell for more information.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Vital to each church is passing the faith of God's Word onto others. We learn God's Word, in part, so we may give it out freely to others. Currently, at Salem, we have six different classes or groups which regularly meet to edify and teach every age group. If you'd like to teach or assist, please see Micah.

SPECIAL MUSIC

Whether your gift is singing or playing an instrument or leading a choir, bless the Lord! Schedule a time to share your gift at Service, whether offering a solo or instrumentally leading the congregation in praise and song. If you would like help getting a karaoke song to sing to, please talk to Jackson Brumbaugh.

MEAL TRAIN

This is a ministry shared by anyone who would be willing to be called on to prepare a meal or buy a meal for families when they have a child, return from the hospital, or are grieving the loss of a loved one. Azriela is a good contact person for those interested. 

HOSPITALITY AT HOME

A great way to know each other and become closer is by intentionally having people over for meals. I would encourage you to get to know the church through fellowship at your table at home, which is a reflection of our fellowship at the Lord's Table. Bringing a dish to share at our monthly Luncheon (second Sunday after Service) is another way to share. Baking bread for Communion on the first Sunday of each month is also welcomed!

NURSERY

It is our plan to have a nursery with the Service live-streamed to the basement in the near future. This nursery would typically be for small infants and toddlers. Mothers and fathers here at Salem do a great job including their children in worship. To bless them for their effort, you can volunteer in the nursery some Sundays while still being part of the service through the TV downstairs. If you're interested in this, please see Noah Staudenbaur.

CAMP LIVING WATERS

Camp has been a part of so many at Salem for years, and Camp Living Waters in Schellsburg PA has annual clean up days and Connie Brumbaugh has hosted Grandparent Camp there over the summer. They have a wonderful lodge there that the church has used for events. If you'd like to give toward their work or pitch in some help, then consider this an extension of the work of the church that can be used to bless in many ways. Jeff Brumbaugh would be a great person to speak to for more information.

SPECIAL EVENTS

From time to time, we like to hold special Services and events like family nights, movie nights, or holiday get-togethers. The next one coming up is the Harvest and Reformation Day Celebration. This will be on Oct. 26 from 11 - 3 PM. There are always a handful of jobs that need help and we'd love your hands to be part of this work. Please see Micah or Azriela (or whoever else may be leading the planning) when you hear of an upcoming event to see how you can be involved in the preparation. 

CONSISTORY

The Consistory is the group of elders, the pastor, and the deacons which care for the spiritual and material concerns of Salem. They lead, feed, and pray for the people, and also oversee the maintenance and care of the building and grounds. I don't have enough time to say it all, but this is a truly vital part of our church and is looking for committed servants who love the Lord. 

I'm sure I missed several ways to serve, but here's a start. 

Blessings,

Micah 

Food For Thought

⧫ “And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers!  For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother’.”

- Matthew 12:49 - 50 (ESV)

⧫ "Christ looks down from heaven upon all my afflictions, and understands them more fully than I that feel them.”

- John Flavel

⧫ “Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever.”

- Psalm 125:1 (ESV)

⧫ "A sign you're growing in grace: Your default mode is to extend the benefit of doubt rather than seize a chance to judge."

- Scotty Smith

⧫ "Like one who joins the army for benefits, never expecting to go to war, many join the church never wanting to serve."

- Stuart Briscoe

This Month in Church History

⧫ October 5, 1744

David Brainerd, who was expelled from Yale, begins his missionary work in New Jersey bringing the Gospel to the local people

⧫ October 8, 451

In response to the Eutychians, who believed Jesus could not have two natures, the Council of Chalcedon opens

⧫ October 31, 1517

Martin Luther posts his 95 Theses in Wittenberg, which is viewed as the formal beginning of the Reformation

⧫ October 1 - 4, 1529

German and Swiss Protestant reformers meet to resolve a debate over Holy Communion. This meeting is known as the Marburg Colloquy. The meeting took place at Marburg Castle in Germany at the request of Landgrave Philip of Hesse. Philip's goal was to unite Protestant states in a political alliance. He believed that religious harmony was important to bring this alliance together.

Noteworthy Updates

Earlier this year, Micah started two new ministry opportunities. In April, Micah began a weekly radio program on WJSM Radio. The program is called Christ the King radio show. In July, Micah followed in his dad’s footsteps to go regularly into the Blair County Prison to expand the reach of the Gospel among the inmates and staff.

CHRIST THE KING RADIO SHOW

Christ the King radio show airs Saturdays at 2 PM and Sundays at 4 PM on the WJSM station, 92.7 FM or 1110 AM. It is a broadcast intended to teach the Scripture and address relevant events under the banner of the authority of Jesus Christ. 

If you miss the show when it airs live, Micah uploads video versions of  the radio show to his YouTube channel. You can find his channel by searching for “Micah Clouse” on the YouTube website or app. Look for thumbnails like the one to the right to find the Christ The King episodes. A recent episode is titled “Landing the Plane: Doctrine Must be Practiced, 1 Timothy (Christ the King)”. You can watch that episode here.

PRISON MINISTRY

Through an existing program with Jubilee Ministries, Micah goes into the Blair County Prison in Hollidaysburg. Micah and his dad, Allen, lead a Sunday afternoon Bible Study. Micah also spends most Thursdays and Fridays at the prison spreading the good news with inmates and staff.

Tara Banks recently started a weekly women’s Bible Study that is going very well! Please pray that this great start continues.

If you would like to join Micah in ministering to the inmates and staff, let him know. Volunteers are welcome.

A less hands-on way for you to get involved with the prison ministry would be to bake a delicious treat, like cookies or brownies. These treats can then be left in the break room for the Corrections Officers, administrators, and other staff to enjoy. Bring the treat to church with you on Sunday then let Micah know so that he can take it with him to the prison that week. While this may sound small, it would be a blessing to the staff as it helps brighten the typically bleak and hopeless atmosphere. It also may open opportunities for chaplains to share the faith with staff. Micah cannot express enough how grateful he would be to take a treat with him to the Blair County Prison to share with the staff.

TECHNOLOGICAL IMPROVEMENTS

Salem has contracted Lightner Electric to update the A/V (audio / visual) technology with the main goal to stream the Sunday Morning Worship Service live to the basement nursery. If anyone is interested in helping with the children (0-3 years old) in the nursery, please talk with Noah Staudenbaur or Rachel Biddle.

WOMEN’S GUILD

The Women’s Guild recently had a good turnout at their September meeting. All women are encouraged to attend the October meeting on Thursday, October 17, at 6 PM. The meeting is held in the church’s first-floor fellowship room (commonly called the Sunday School room).

To raise funds for Brita Albright, the Women’s Guild is organizing a ham and cheese sandwich sale. Brita Albright endures many physical challenges while awaiting an organ transplant. She then faces a long hospital stay once she receives her new organ. She is a good friend of Rachel Biddle.

To place an order, see any member of the Women’s guild, or add your order to the order sheet hanging on the bulletin immediately inside the church door. If you would like an order sheet to help sell sandwiches, please reach out to Carolyn Criswell. Orders are due on Sunday, October 13.

Volunteers will be needed to help make the sandwiches. Starting at 9 AM, volunteers will make the sandwiches here at the church on Friday, October 18. Child care will be provided. It will take several hours, but this is a great way to serve and to fellowship!

You’re Invited!

HOMEWOOD AUXILIARY MEMBERSHIP DRIVE

The theme of the 2025 membership drive for the Homewood Auxiliary is Matthew 5:16, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”  The dues are $3.00 per member.  The Auxiliary has provided many projects to enhance the lives of the residents of Martinsburg's facility.  Speak with Janet Brumbaugh for more information, and join during the month of October.  

RESTORE CONFERENCE

It is not hard to tell that families face many difficulties throughout our state. Often children can be neglected and forgotten in the middle of it all. This is not GOD’s design for us. Rather, He made the family to be a blessing of care, welfare, and love. In the midst of our broken and fallen world, He is able and willing to RESTORE our hurting families in Jesus Christ our LORD.

On Thursday, October 19, Noah Staudenbaur will again lead the Restore Conference. The conference focuses on teaching and encouraging foster families as well as loving orphans. All are invited and please spread this invite! The conference will be hosted at Noah's house.

BIBLE STUDY & TIME OF PRAYER

Wednesday evenings at 6 PM Micah leads a Bible Study and Time of Prayer here at the church in the upstairs sanctuary. All are welcome, but if you are unable to attend, you can watch a recording of Micah’s teaching on his YouTube channel. A recent episode is titled “The Test that Proves Jesus, Evidence of the Resurrection, 3 Uses of Law, What is True Conviction?” and can be watched by clicking this link.

BIRTHDAY LUNCHEON

All are welcome to celebrate October’s birthdays & anniversaries. Lunch will be shared in the first-floor fellowship room (commonly called the Sunday School Room). Please bring a covered dish or dessert, as you are able. Also, please bring your own tableware (plates, plasticware, etc) - if you cannot, a limited supply will be available in the kitchen.

MARRIAGE BIBLE STUDY

Typically on the fourth Thursday of each month, Jordan and Angela host a Marriage Bible Study in their home in  Martinsburg. The Bible Study begins at 6:30 PM and is open to all ages, with childcare provided. Keep an eye on the Sunday bulletin for the exact date of the October date for this Bible Study.

OCTOBER FUN DAYS

1 - 31 Pastor Appreciation Month

1 National Homemade Cookie Day

7 National Noodle Day

26 National Pumpkin Day

30 National Candy Corn Day

OCTOBER GREETERS

Oct 6 Betsy Clouse & Carla Shock

Oct 13 Jack and Allie Hileman

Oct 20 Mack and Tiffany Kline

Oct 27 Tammie P. and Jackson