Current Series: The Gospel of Mark
Sunday’s Message: “Incentives for Being a Good Listener”
Scripture: Mark 4:1-25 
Big Idea: Christians are people who communicate with God.  We speak and listen to Him.  While speaking is important, how we listen makes a tremendous difference in our living fruitful and productive lives.

SUMMER CAMP  - You can still register Sunday
There are still openings for Utopia Summer Camp which continues Monday at 9 a.m. Salem parents can register their child Sunday in the Welcome Center after either service.  You can also register a child Monday morning at Salem, beginning at 8:30 a.m.

The Salem day camp experience includes Bible lessons, sports, games and other fun recreational activities.  A free school lunch and a snack is provided.  The camp runs Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., for children ages 4-12.  For more information, please pick up a camp brochure in the Welcome Center.

Summer Bible Study in Colossians begins this Wednesday, July 11th
Join us for six Wednesday nights from 7:30 to 9:00pm.  Pastor Paul Tallaksen and Pastor Larry Miraldi will lead this study from July 11th to August 15th in the Welcome Center.  This study is for those new to the Bible as well as for those who are familiar with the Scriptures.

Register Sunday for ‘Backpacks’ race
Volunteers also needed for July 21 event
Registration for the 2nd annual “Booking It for Backpacks” 5K Race/Walk begins Sunday after both services in the Welcome Center.  The Utopia-sponsored race is set for Saturday, July 21, beginning at 9 a.m. in Clove Lakes Park adjacent to the Salem Church parking lot.

Last year’s race/run raised enough donations to purchase backpacks and school supplies for 635 Staten Island children in 8 elementary schools and for students from 5 churches, including Salem.  This year our goal is to supply more than 1000 backpacks.

This year the race is in memory of Jonathan J. Proce, an accomplished swimmer who drowned last summer while training to become an elite pararescue jumper for the U.S. Air Force.  Jonathan attended Salem and led a Bible study for young adults.  His parents, Ben and Susan Proce, are Salem members.

If you would like to volunteer as a race-day assistant, please visit the Welcome Center on Sunday or write “race volunteer” on your Communication Card and someone will get in touch with you.

Current Series: Undeniably You
Sunday’s Message: Your Global Vision
Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20
Big Idea: We can be Biblical, World-Class Christians, but our lives will only reflect this if we acquire a truly global vision of missions.

Last Sunday, we showed a video of powerful testimonies from three different people who shared how Salem Church has made an impact in their lives. For those that weren’t able to see it this past Sunday, we wanted to make it available in this week’s e-blast (click here to view it)! God is at work at Salem Church and changed lives are a big part of how we know it. We’d love to hear your story. Leave us a message on our Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/salemchurchnyc

Utopia Summer Camp Staff/Counselor Meeting Thursday, June 14 at 7:00 p.m.
BLOCK PARTY Saturday, June 16 Noon to 4:00 p.m. in the Church Parking Lot

ALL FREE! ALL FUN!
The block party is a great way to introduce a neighbor, friend or relative to your Salem family. Begin to pray now as to who you will invite!

Utopia Golf Outing Monday, June 18 at LaTourette Golf Course

Church-Wide Yard Sale Saturday, June 23, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Blood Drive Sunday, June 24, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (see Jack Gibbons for more information)

Congregational Business Meeting Monday, June 25 at 7:30 p.m.

Utopia Summer Camp July 2—August 10

Send a ‘care package’ to our troops abroad
Salem is once again partnering with Staten Island Project Homefront to send care packages to our military men and women overseas. If you would like to support our men and women of the Armed Services, stop by the Welcome Center on Sunday and pick up a list of needed supplies.  Then return your donated supplies to the big box in the Welcome Center before Monday, June 18, the deadline to receive all donations.

Discovering My Ministry Classes
On Sundays, June 3, and June 10, the “Discovering My Ministry” class will be held from 9 a.m. to 10:20 in the Library (balcony level).  If you will be attending this class, please write “Ministry Class” on your Weekly Communication Card this Sunday. 

This is week 5 of our series, “Undeniably You.”  It has been a great journey.  Several people have shared that they are walking closer to Christ and are gaining a better understanding of what it means to be a fully committed follower of Christ.  We have been learning in this series that every Christian has a purpose, a unique role to play in the work of God.  Bottom line: Every member of God’s family is a minister. 

My message Sunday is based on Matthew 4:19. Entitled “Ministering in Your Parrish”, we will consider how to ensure we are on the right path to becoming the kind of ministers God wants us to be.  And, since it will be Mother’s Day, I will be sharing the stories of two women who made a huge impact on the kingdom because they embraced their role as ministers.

Please invite the special mothers (and grandmothers) in your lives to join us on Sunday.  The choir will also be singing.  It will be a time to celebrate.

I love you in Christ,
Pastor Eddie

MONDAY
Tutoring at 3:30 p.m.

TUESDAY
Cornerstone Luncheon at 12:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY
Tutoring at 3:30 p.m.
Middle School DRIVEN at 7:00 p.m.
Weekly Prayer Meeting 6:45 p.m. ~ 7:30 p.m.
Baptism Class 7:45 p.m. (in sanctuary)

THURSDAY
Truth in Action 6:30 p.m. ~ 8:00 p.m.
Worship Band Rehearsal at 8:00 p.m.

FRIDAY
Kid’s Night (K-5th grade) 6:30 p.m. ~ 8:00 p.m.
High School DRIVEN at 8:00 p.m.
Arabic Bible Study in Welcome Center at 8:00 p.m.

SATURDAY
Crossroads Young Adult Ministry at 7:30 p.m.

Baptismal service is Sunday, May 20

On Sunday, May 20, a baptismal celebration will take place as part of the 11 a.m. worship service.  A mandatory class for all candidates will be held Wednesday at 7:45 p.m.  If you cannot attend, let us know of your interest and we will try to accommodate.

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Deadline for summer camp worker application
The deadline for applications with the city Department of Youth and Community Development is Friday.  All Utopia Summer Camps worker candidates are required to apply online for summer employment to the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (application.nycsyep.com) by Friday, May 18.  Please go online to register.  For more information, persons can call the Utopia office at 718-442-7764.

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Men’s Chorale

Attention Men of Salem Church:  On Father’s Day, June 17, a special Men’s Chorale will be ministering in both services.  If you are interested in joining the men of Salem’s Choir in a special Father’s Day celebration, please write “Men’s Chorale” on your Weekly Communication Card this Sunday or contact Worship Director Jessica Cole at jessica@salemchurchnyc.org.  The deadline to register for this choir is this Tuesday.

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Discovering My Ministry Classes

At Salem, we believe that every member is a minister.  On Sundays, June 3 and June 10, the “Discovering My Ministry” class will be held from 9 to 10:20 a.m. in the Library (balcony level).  The goal of this class is to help you to understand how God has blessed you to serve others and how you can identify and use your spiritual gifts, natural abilities, and your life experiences to love others in the Salem Community and beyond.  If you will be attending this class, please write “Ministry Class” on your Weekly Communication Card this Sunday.
 

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Support Group begins Thursday

A support group for family and friends of substance abusers will take place on Thursday evenings at 7:30 p.m. at the Harrison House Resource Center, 1953 Richmond Terrace, Port Richmond.  Christian Hope for Friends and Family of Problem Drinkers and Substance Abusers is a Bible-based help group that is run by Salem members, in cooperation with Harrison House.  For more information, please contact Josephine Potter at 347-855-6560.

The Small Group spring trimester began this week and is off to a great start.  Although most groups have already begun, it is never too late to register.  Small Groups are an integral part of church life here at Salem and an excellent way to develop closer relationships with others in our church family.  If you are not already in a group, I highly encourage you to check out the Small Groups box below and sign up now!

This Sunday, we will continue our UNDENIABLY YOU series with a message entitled “An Intro to Your Spiritual DNA”.  Based on Ephesians 3, this sermon will cover some traits and truths that are universally accurate for every member of the Christian family.  With this important information at our disposal, we can confidently get on with fulfilling God’s purposes and plans for our lives.

I’ll see you Sunday.

I love you in Christ,
Pastor Eddie

MONDAY
Tutoring at 3:30 p.m.
ESL at 7:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY
Tutoring at 3:30 p.m.
Youth Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser 6:00  p.m. ~ 7:30 p.m.
Weekly Prayer Meeting 6:45 p.m. ~ 7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY
Truth in Action 6:30 p.m. ~ 8:00 p.m.
Choir and Worship Band Rehearsal at 8:00 p.m.

FRIDAY
Kid’s Night (K-5th grade) 6:30 p.m. ~ 8:00 p.m.
High School DRIVEN at 8:00 p.m.
Arabic Bible Study in Welcome Center at 8:00 p.m.

Youth Employment Applications for Utopia Summer Camps Available

Utopia Outreach, a ministry of Salem Church, is now accepting applications for employment for Utopia Summer Camps for persons 14 and older to serve as counselors, assistant counselors, sports and recreation assistants, early childhood and preschool assistants and facilities and maintenance workers. There is also an opening for an experienced director for the camp’s preschool division. The camps begin Monday, July 2, and run for six weeks through August 10.

The deadline for applying for summer employment or early tuition is Friday, May 18.

• For more information, parents or teen-age applicants can speak to Mike or Karen Bonamo, camp directors, after either Sunday service in the Welcome Center.

• For more information, persons can call the Utopia office at 718-442-7764.
 

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Growing in Christian Maturity Class set for Sundays, April 29 and May 6

“Growing in Christ” is one of Salem’s core discipleship classes designed to equip believers to identify and practice the disciplines of faith that will help them grow in Christ-like character.

In this two-week class you will receive practical help and support as you learn what it means to be a disciple of Christ and develop joyful habits of Bible reading and study habits, prayer and fellowship.

This class is open to all, but is recommended for all who are newer to the faith or for those on track to become members.

The class, taught by Pastor Paul Tallaksen, is held from 9 to 10:20 a.m. in the library (balcony level). Child care and refreshments are available. The class is offered quarterly.

If you plan to attend this class, write “Maturity Class” on your Weekly Communication Card.

For more information, contact Pastor Paul — paul.t@salemchurchnyc.org

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Youth Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser Wednesday, April 25th from 6PM - 7:30PM
Come support Salem’s youth in their efforts to raise money for community outreach projects.
 

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‘Crossroads’ gathering for College/young professionals is meeting TOMORROW with an Open Mic Night. There’ll be testimonies, songs, poetry, and whatever else you’ve created and want to share.

Saturday, April 21st 7:30 pm ~ 10:30 pm downstairs in the Fellowship Hall.

Please, bring a light refreshment to be served (drink/appetizer/dessert) 

‘Crossroads’ meets the third Saturday of every month.

 
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Salem Worship Team violinist, Stephanie Geraci’s Senior Recital will take place this Sunday, April 22 at 4:00 p.m. in the Recital Hall in Building 1P at the College of Staten Island. You are invited by the Geraci family to join them in this event. A reception will follow.       
 

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Jessica Cole in concert

You are invited to hear Jessica Cole, Salem’s worship director, perform in concert on Saturday, May 5, at 7:30 p.m. at Potter’s Wheel, a Non-denominational Christian Coffee House hosted by Christian Pentecostal Church, 900 Richmond Road in Concord.  The free evening is open to ages 12 and up.  For more information call 718-273-5850.

Salem experienced a blessed time of worship last Sunday as we gathered for three beautiful services to celebrate Christ’s resurrection.  What a great ending to an incredible Easter season!  I pray that each of you had a wonderful Easter and found yourselves drawing closer than ever in your walks with Him.

This Sunday, we begin a new sermon series entitled UNDENIABLY YOU.  As a result of this sermon series my prayer is that every member of Salem Church would commit himself or herself to a Christian worldview and to using their time, talents and treasures to accomplish God’s purposes in the world.  Foundational to this is the belief that our God has an overarching purpose in the world, and He wants you and I to personally play a part in the accomplishing of it.

Join us Sunday for the first message in the series, “Embrace God’s Purpose”, from Acts 16:36.  And don’t forget, small groups begin this week!  Don’t miss this opportunity to dive deeper into the Word with your church family. 

I’ll see you Sunday.

I love you in Christ,
Pastor Eddie

MONDAY
Tutoring at 3:30 p.m.
ESL at 7:30 p.m.

TUESDAY
Cornerstone Luncheon at 12:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY
Tutoring at 3:30 p.m.
Middle School DRIVEN at 7:00 p.m. 
Weekly Prayer Meeting 6:45 p.m. ~ 7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY
Truth in Action 6:30 p.m. ~ 8:00 p.m.
Worship Band Rehearsal at 8:00 p.m.

FRIDAY
Kid’s Night (K-5th grade) 6:30 p.m. ~ 8:00 p.m.
High School DRIVEN at 8:00 p.m.
Arabic Bible Study in Welcome Center at 8:00 p.m.

SATURDAY
Crossroads Young Adult Ministry at 7:00 p.m.

Youth Employment Applications for Utopia Summer Camps Available
Utopia Outreach, a ministry of Salem Church, is now accepting applications for employment for Utopia Summer Camps for persons 14 and older to serve as counselors, assistant counselors, sports and recreation assistants, early childhood and preschool assistants and facilities and maintenance workers. There is also an opening for an experienced director for the camp’s preschool division. The camps begin Monday, July 2, and run for six weeks through August 10.

The deadline for applying is Tuesday, May 1.

The application process for all candidates, including those who are returning, is as follows:

• On Sunday, please write CAMP SUMMER EMPLOYMENT on the line “Other” in the Weekly Communication Card in your bulletin.

• All candidates for employment, including all returning camp workers, are required to apply online for summer employment to the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (application.nycsyep.com) Development before May 18. Please go online to register.

• For more information, parents or teen-age applicants can speak to Mike or Karen Bonamo, camp directors, after either Sunday service in the Welcome Center.

• For more information, persons can call the Utopia office at 718-442-7764.

Please pray for Mike and Karen as they gear up for another busy and Christ-honoring summer season.

Brochures for camp will be inserted in Sunday’s bulletin and available in the Welcome Center.

Note to Salem parents: Early registration discounts are available through May 18.

‘Crossroads’ gathering for College/young professionals is meeting next weekend with an Open Mic Night. There’ll be testimonies, songs, poetry, and whatever else you’ve created and want to share. 
Saturday, April 21st 7:30 pm ~ 10:30 pm downstairs in the Fellowship Hall.

Please, bring a light refreshment to be served (drink/appetizer/dessert) 

‘Crossroads’ meets the third Saturday of every month.

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Salem Worship Team violinist, Stephanie Geraci’s Senior Recital will take place Sunday, April 22 at 4:00 p.m. in the Recital Hall in Building 1P at the College of Staten Island. You are invited by the Geraci family to join them in this event. A reception will follow.        
          

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KIDS’ NIGHT BEGINS THIS FRIDAY, APRIL 20

Starting Friday, April 20, a new season of Kids’ Night kicks off. This fun evening for children grades K through 5 runs from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and includes sports games in the gym where everyone gets involved and has a blast, a short Bible lesson and concludes with a “make-your-own-sundae” dessert. It’s a great way for kids to meet other kids and for families to get involved together. Kids Night is sponsored by Utopia, Salem’s community outreach arm (utopiaoutreach.org). For more information contact Cheryl Syvertson at Salem Church.

As we look ahead to our plans for celebrating Christ’s resurrection, it’s important to reflect on why He died to begin with.  He died to save sinners. 

Only when we understand how serious and problematic sin is do we really appreciate the gospel of Jesus Christ.  This Sunday, we will begin a new series, Shades of Easter, with a sermon entitled “Help Needed!”  Through our study in Genesis 3 we will see that God’s grace through Jesus is truly the greatest message mankind has ever heard.

I’ll see you on Sunday.

I love you in Christ,
Pastor Eddie

MONDAY
Tutoring at 3:30 p.m. 
Upward Basketball Awards (grades 1-4) at 6:30 p.m.

TUESDAY
Upward Basketball Awards (grades 5-8) at 6:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY 
Tutoring at 3:30 p.m.
Weekly Prayer Meeting 6:45 p.m. ~ 7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY
Truth in Action 6:30 p.m. ~ 8:00 p.m.
Choir Rehearsal /Worship Band Rehearsal at 8:00 p.m.

FRIDAY
High School DRIVEN at 8:00 p.m.
Arabic Bible Study in Welcome Center at 8:00 p.m.

SATURDAY
Choir Rehearsal 9:00 a.m. ~ 1:00 p.m.

CHURCH VOTES TO CALL EXECUTIVE PASTOR
Last Monday at our congregational business meeting, the church voted to call Keith Miraldi as Executive Pastor. The vote was 90-3. Keith will officially begin his ministry at Salem on April 1. Pray for Keith and his wife Katherine and their boys, Isaac and Benjamin, as they travel later this month from Woodbury, MN to Staten Island.

CEF needs volunteers for Easter outreach
For more than three decades, Salem has partnered with Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) to reach boys and girls and their families with the Gospel. On Saturday, April 7, CEF is sponsoring a children’s (K—5th grade) Easter rally/egg hunt at Salem, beginning at 11 a.m.

NYC CEF Director Betsy Maddox, a member and deaconess at Salem, is asking for volunteers to help make this event a success by donating plastic Easter eggs and wrapped candy to put in the eggs.  If you can purchase eggs and candy or make a donation to assist CEF in their purchase, please write “CEF/Easter event” on your Weekly Communication Card this Sunday or contact Betsy @718-727-4313.

Volunteers needed for World Vision Carb Load Dinner!
When-March 23 6:00-7:30 PM
Where- Fellowship Hall
Who- This event is for athletes participating in the 13.1 NYC Race on behalf of World Vision

We need strong arms to help set up tables and chairs in the Fellowship Hall that evening and then promptly clean up at the end of dinner.

Also looking for helpers to serve food!

If you are available to help with set-up or clean-up please email Gina Zaloom at gtrekker7@aol.com with your availability.

Next Sunday, March 18, is the final opportunity to attend the MANDATORY Safety Training workshop, which will take place during the early worship service, beginning about 9:15 a.m.  To register, please call Cheryl in the church office at 718-442-7740.

“HE REIGNS” … our EASTER PRODUCTION
*Please note, NO CHILDCARE available during performances*

FRIDAY, MARCH 30 @ 7:00 p.m.
SATURDAY, MARCH 31 @ 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
SUNDAY (Palm Sunday), APRIL 1 @ 11:30 a.m. & 7:00 p.m.

EASTER SUNDAY
3 GREAT SERVICES
7:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

There are so many biblical stories of men and women of courage and selflessness.  One well known Old Testament story of an individual that we should all strive to emulate is Joseph.  We see in Joseph that it is so vital to give your entire life over to God.

 As we continue our Strengthening Our Core series this Sunday with a message entitled When God’s People Own Stewardship, we will take a closer look at this man of God and see how we can apply Joseph’s practice of stewardship into our own lives.

I love you in Christ,
Pastor Eddie

MONDAY
Tutoring at 3:30 p.m.
ESL at 7:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY 
Bible Study with Pastor Paul at 12:00 noon
Tutoring at 3:30 p.m.
Weekly Prayer Meeting 6:45 p.m. ~ 7:30 p.m.
Bible Study @ 646 Clove Road at 7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY
Truth in Action 6:30 p.m. ~ 8:00 p.m.
Choir Rehearsal /Worship Band Rehearsal at 8:00 p.m.

FRIDAY
High School DRIVEN at 8:00 p.m.
Arabic Bible Study in Welcome Center at 8:00 p.m.

SATURDAY
Upward Basketball Games 8:30 a.m. ~ 9:00 p.m. 
Choir Rehearsal 10:00 a.m. ~ 12:00 p.m.

Upward Basketball Awards Nights Monday and Tuesday, March 12 & 13
Cookies, bars, snacks are needed for refreshments.  If you are willing to help by bringing these items, please see Cheryl Syvertson at the Welcome Center to sign up.

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Attention ALL Nursery, Children, & Youth Ministry Workers MANDATORY Safety Training Dates Added:  For those unable to attend the Jan. 21st training additional dates have been scheduled.  Kindly call the church office 718-442-7740 to reserve your place on one of the following dates: March 4, 11, or 18.  On these  Sundays the training will take place during the 9 a.m. service.  Please report directly to the lower level. Training will begin promptly at 9:15 a.m.  All materials provided.  Contact your ministry leader if you will not be able to attend a training. 

A CALL FOR FACILITIES MINISTERS!
The next six weeks promises to be a busy and joyous time for our church.

Scores of people will be attending the five shows of ”He Reigns,” our Easter production (March 30-April 1), and hundreds will attend Easter services on April 8.  In addition, should the church on March 5 vote to call an executive pastor, Keith Miraldi and his family will take up residence in the parsonage at 646 Clove Rd. effective on or about April 1.

As we welcome the community to our church and make plans for possible occupancy of the parsonage, we need facilities ministers - that’s you! - to make the buildings and grounds that have been entrusted to us all that they can be for the glory of God.

Please consider volunteering today for any of the following:

FOR MAIN FACILITY and GYMNASIUM:
Basic cleaning and janitorial needs
Patching and Taping Sheetrock
Painting
Minor Plumbing Work
Flooring - repairing tile squares like the ones in the Fellowship Hall
Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning
Strip/Wax Floors and High Speed Floor Buffing
Landscaping/Lawn Care

FOR THE PARSONAGE (646 CLOVE RD.):
Basic Cleaning (house, including garage and attic)
Painting and pre-paint prep work
Minor Plumbing Work
Carpet Cleaning
Landscaping/Lawn Care

If you are interested in serving, please write FACILITIES on your Weekly Communication Card this Sunday or email me - paul@salemchurchnyc.org - and I will connect with you.

Thank you,
Paul Fauske
Director of Volunteer Services, Grounds and Facilities

Haggai 1:7-10

Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Consider your ways!  Go up to the mountains and bring wood and build the temple, that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified,” says the Lord.  “You looked for much, but indeed it came to little; and when you brought it home, I blew it away.  Why?” says the Lord of hosts.  “Because of My house that is in ruins, while every one of you runs to his own house.”

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

                            - Romans 12:12

 “Be constant in prayer.”  While this seems like a daunting task, our aim as Christians should be to make prayer a defining characteristic of our lives.  By understanding how to literally live in a state of prayer we can experience constant fellowship with God and, consequently, enjoy the incredible benefits that come along with that fellowship.

Join us this Sunday as we continue our STRENGTHENING YOUR CORE: Disciplines that Make a Difference series with “The Fellowship of Prayer”, based on Philippians 4:4-7.

 I’ll see you Sunday.

I love you in Christ,
Pastor Eddie

MONDAY
Tutoring at 3:30 p.m.  
ESL at 7:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY 
Bible Study with Pastor Paul at 12:00 noon
Tutoring at 3:30 p.m.
Weekly Prayer Meeting 6:45 p.m. ~ 7:30 p.m.
Bible Study @ 646 Clove Road at 7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY
Truth in Action 6:30 p.m. ~ 8:00 p.m.
Choir Rehearsal /Worship Band Rehearsal at 8:00 p.m.
FRIDAY
High School DRIVEN at 8:00 p.m.
Arabic Bible Study in Welcome Center at 8:00 p.m.

SATURDAY
Upward Basketball Games from 8:30 a.m. ~ 9:00 p.m.

DISCOVERING MY MINISTRY CLASSES Sundays: Feb. 26 and March 4 9 a.m. to 10:20 in Library (balcony level )

God has been molding and shaping you for ministry since you were born.  In fact, God started uniquely shaping even before you were born! At Salem, we believe that every member is a minister. In “Discovering My Ministry you will learn how God can use your spiritual gifts, your passions, your abilities, your personality and your experience to shape you into the minister God wants you to be.

This interactive class is taught by Pastor Larry. For more information or to register, please write “Ministry” class on the Weekly Communication Card this Sunday or email Pastor Larry larry@salemchurchnyc.org. 

DRIVEN student ministry would like to extend our warmest thanks to all who supported us at our Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser for World Vision.  We raised $400 dollars and also have received online donations in the amount of $400 making that a total of $800 raised thus far!  Praise God!!

 You can continue to support the efforts of our students who are participating in the 30 Hour Famine by making a donation. To do this you can simply write a check and make it out to World Vision and give it to  Student Ministries Director, Chris Figley, or you can visit the student ministry website: http://www.drivenstudents.org/ and click on the 30 Hour Famine advertisement that you see on the home page which will take you to a website where you can make a donation online.

Attention ALL Nursery, Children, & Youth Ministry Workers MANDATORY Safety Training Dates Added:  For those unable to attend the Jan. 21st training additional dates have been scheduled.  Kindly call the church office 718-442-7740 to reserve your place on one of the following dates:  March 4, 11, or 18. These are Sundays in which the training will take place during the 9am service.  Please report directly to the purple classroom.  Training will begin promptly at 9:15 a.m. All materials provided.  Contact your ministry leader if you will not be able to attend a training.

The State Senate voted 55-7 in our favor regarding the right of churches to use public school facilities for worship services. Up next is the Assembly vote. Please contact your Assembly Reps and tell them to vote Yes on Assembly Bill #A8800. If the assembly votes in our favor it will go to Gov. Cuomo’s desk. Let’s press forward in prayer for victory!  

Last week in our STRENGTHENING YOUR CORE series, we focused on the discipline of Bible Study.  This Sunday, we will be taking a look at a discipline that goes hand in hand with being in the Word - listening.

 Hearing from God is not something that is only possible for super-spiritual people - it is possible for everyone who will listen. Not only is it possible for people to hear from God, it is essential. Join us Sunday as we see what Mark 4:1-20 teaches us about this important discipline.

I love you in Christ,
Pastor Eddie

MONDAY
Tutoring at 3:30 p.m.  
ESL at 7:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY 
Bible Study with Pastor Paul at 12:00 noon
Tutoring at 3:30 p.m.
Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser 6:00 p.m. ~ 7:30 p.m.
Weekly Prayer Meeting 6:45 p.m. ~ 7:30 p.m.
Bible Study @ 646 Clove Road at 7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY
Truth in Action 6:30 p.m. ~ 8:00 p.m.
Choir Rehearsal /Worship Band Rehearsal at 8:00 p.m.

FRIDAY
High School DRIVEN at 8:00 p.m.
Arabic Bible Study in Welcome Center at 8:00 p.m.

SATURDAY
Upward Basketball Games from 8:30 a.m. ~ 9:00 p.m.
Choir Rehearsal (Easter Production new members) 9:00 a.m. ~ 1:00 p.m.

You are invited! 
FIRM FOUNDATIONS CLASSES SET FOR SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12 & 19
This class is for those new to the faith or for those exploring what it really means to be a Christian. The two 90-minute sessions will help you find out how the Bible answers the deepest questions of life, including how you can know for sure that salvation and eternal life are found only in Christ.

We will also provide you with a list of resources for you to use in your personal study of the Bible and provide ample time for Q&A.

Two Sundays: Feb. 12 and Feb. 19, 9 a.m., in the Library (balcony level). Light refreshments and child care available. Sign up SUNDAY on Weekly Communication Card or email Pastor Paul Tallaksen — paul.t@salemchurchnyc.org

Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser - WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8
This is in support of the 30 Hour Famine that students in the Jr High and High School are participating in.  

All proceeds will go directly to World Vision to feed hungry kids around the globe and to provide them the opportunity to go to school. The Dinner starts @ 6:00PM and ends at 7:30PM.

Besides the donations made for the dinner, people will also have the chance to sponsor some of our students that will be doing the fast on February 24th & 25th.

Attention ALL Nursery, Children, & Youth Ministry Workers MANDATORY Safety Training Dates Added:  For those unable to attend the Jan. 21st training additional dates have been scheduled.  Kindly call the church office 718-442-7740 to reserve your place on one of the following dates:  February 12 or March 4, 11, or 18.  These are Sundays in which the training will take place during the 9am service.  Please report directly to the purple classroom.  Training will begin promptly at 9:15 a.m.  All materials provided.  Contact your ministry leader if you will not be able to attend the training.

Attention Ladies! Where are your Photos?

Join us on Monday Nights at Salem Church for a time to get together and work on your Memories and Photos! 

We meet from 7pm - 10pm (in the Library for now). 

Open to beginners and beyond! 

For more info call Tricia Fauske  917-774-9981

or email at  pfausk@aol.com. 

With Upward Basketball and Small Groups well underway and Team World Vision working to change the lives of children across the world, we are in the midst of an exciting season of ministry here at Salem.  But at the center of everything we do, our goal is to make the Word of God central in our lives.  Sometimes this is easier said than done.

On Sunday, as we continue our series STRENGTHENING YOUR CORE: Spiritual Disciplines that Make a Difference, our focus will be on the discipline of Bible study.  We’ll be looking at Proverbs 23:22-25 to understand how we as Christians can understand and apply the Bible to our lives to become more like Jesus.

Join us, and bring a friend!

I love you in Christ,
Pastor Eddie

MONDAY
Tutoring at 3:30 p.m.  
ESL at 7:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY 
Bible Study with Pastor Paul at 12:00 noon
Tutoring at 3:30 p.m.
Middle School DRIVEN at 7:00 p.m.
Weekly Prayer Meeting 6:45 p.m. ~ 7:30 p.m.
Bible Study with Pastor Larry @ 646 Clove Road at 7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY
Truth in Action 6:30 p.m. ~ 8:00 p.m.
Choir Rehearsal /Worship Band Rehearsal at 8:00 p.m.

FRIDAY
High School DRIVEN at 8:00 p.m.
Arabic Bible Study in Welcome Center at 8:00 p.m.

SATURDAY
Upward Basketball Games from 8:30 a.m. ~ 9:00 p.m.

You are invited! FIRM FOUNDATIONS CLASSES SET FOR SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12 & 19
This class is for those new to the faith or for those exploring what it really means to be a Christian. The two 90-minute sessions will help you find out how the Bible answers the deepest questions of life, including how you can know for sure that salvation and eternal life are found only in Christ.

We will also provide you with a list of resources for you to use in your personal study of the Bible and provide ample time for Q&A.

 Two Sundays: Feb. 12 and Feb. 19, 9 a.m., in the Library (balcony level). Light refreshments and child care available. Sign up SUNDAY on Weekly Communication Card or email Pastor Paul Tallaksen — paul.t@salemchurchnyc.org

 WELCOME MISSIONARIES!
Today we welcome Ben and Sarah Johnson, Evangelical Free Church of America (efca.org) missionaries for Immigrant Hope, a program to give all immigrants, including undocumented immigrants, the hope of the gospel, help in finding a pathway to legal residency, and a home in a church that cares for their needs. Ben and Sarah live in Brooklyn. He is assistant national coordinator of this new initiative of our denomination. The Johnson’s will be available to meet and greet you today after both services in the Welcome Center and will also meet and greet people during “bagel time” in the Fellowship Hall after the late service. Questions about Immigrant Hope?  ben.johnson@efca.org

CONGRATULATIONS
Last Sunday during the 11 a.m. worship service, eight persons made a public profession of their faith during a baptismal celebration. Please continue to pray for the following as they honor and serve God in their lives:

    Lori Aanonsen                               Amy Finkelstein

    Michelle Garetti                             Reuben Hernandez, Jr.

    Zulma Moreno                               Nicole Rigata     

    Lorwetta Wisseh                             Jim Vitale