From the Pastor “Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!” These are words from the hymn originally called “hymn for Easter Day” by Charles Wesley. Charles was a preacher like his brother John but he is most known for the hymns he has written. This is his most exuberant anthem and originally had 11 verses! As we celebrate Easter day and then Easter season which lasts until Pentecost, may you experience that same new life and exuberance for God as our brother Charles did.

The Vital Congregation team has been meeting faithfully to complete the assignment given to us by our Annual Conference. Our most pressing assignment was to develop SMART actions. (SMART stands for specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time- framed activities and strategies) SMART actions are activities and strategies that help congregations reach their goals already identified. The goals we were asked to identify are for worship, making new disciples, growing as disciples, engaging in mission and giving to missions.

Salem’s SMART Actions as identified by the Vital Congregation team are: 1. Disciples worship-we will investigate growing churches in our community to ascertain their appeal. Members of the team will be visiting other churches in the community. We will also reevaluate our current worship space-the sanctuary-with the goal of making it more open and inviting. We will begin this study and evaluation by March 1st and complete it by July 1st. Our goal is to determine what we can do to draw the unchurched and pre-believers in our area.

2. Disciples make new disciples-Salem plans to set up a table outside of Wal-Mart and engage those passing by in conversation. The goal is to invite people to church. We will hand out cards with information about the church on them that include times for Sunday school and worship, an available nursery and other activities we are involved in. We hope to answer questions about the church and our relationship with God. This project is scheduled to begin May 1st.

3. Disciples engage growing as disciples- Salem plans to begin a program at the church called Dinner for 8. This will promote small group fellowship and help to jump-start more small group ministries. The kick-off for this program begins April 22nd. Since several of our members have attended the Walk to Emmaus, we want to begin encouraging other church members to also attend. This is an on- going goal. Salem will begin new grade-level appropriate Sunday school classes for children September 1st.

The goal is for children with common skills and experiences to attend class together. 4. Disciples engage in mission-We have come to the conclusion that many of our members at Salem do not know or understand about our Chabadza covenant with King David UMC in Zimbabwe. Salem intends to continue our Chabadza covenant with an increased awareness and information given to the congregation. We would like to extend our commitment beyond the $ level and will

work to communicate with King David UMC to ascertain their needs. We will begin working on this by March 1st. 5. Disciples give to mission-We will participate in the 6 United Methodist special offerings to begin March 18th (One Great Hour of Sharing) with the goal of increasing our giving to missions through the United Methodist Church. Whew! Seems like and sounds like lot of work needs to be done, but we serve a

BIG God who wants us to DREAM BIG in all we do for His kingdom and His glory. With God’s help we can accomplish all He asks us to do. Time to roll up our sleeves and get to work! It’s a new day, a new season, and a time for renewal of hope. Serving Jesus together, Pastor Nancy