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In the language of our ceremony for the reception of members, we "are here for service, using the gifts which the Holy Spirit bestows." Our chief purpose, declared in the congregation's Mission Statement, is:
To witness to the word and work of Jesus
that all people may
know the welcome of God,
worship with joy,
grow as disciples,
live as servants, and
share the strength of Christian fellowship
all for the glory of God.
We are located at 502 Mark Drive in Verona, Wisconsin, and we invite you to join us as we seek to live out this purpose in this place.
As a congregation, we encourage freedom of thought and expression, but join the other congregations of our denomination in affirming:
The United Church of Christ acknowledges as its sole head, Jesus Christ, Son of God and Saviour. It acknowledges as kindred in Christ all who share in this confession. It looks to the Word of God in the Scriptures, and to the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, to prosper its creative and redemptive work in the world. It claims as its own the faith of the historic Church expressed in the ancient creeds and reclaimed in the basic insights of the Protestant Reformers. It affirms the responsibility of the Church in each generation to make this faith its own in reality of worship, in honesty of thought and expression, and in purity of heart before God. In accordance with the teaching of our Lord and the practice prevailing among evangelical Christians, it recognizes two sacraments: Baptism and the Lord's Supper or Holy Communion.
~ From the Preamble to the Constitution
of the United Church of Christ
of the United Church of Christ
To learn more about the United Church of Christ, its faith, history, mission, and spirit, we direct you to www.ucc.org.
Our Faith
Salem holds to the United Church of Christ Statement of Faith, looking to this Statement as a testimony — not a test — of faith. That is to say, we hope to grow together as we confess:
We believe in you, O God, Eternal Spirit, God of our Savior Jesus Christ and our God, and to your deeds we testify:
You call the worlds into being,
create persons in your own image,
and set before each one the ways of life and death.
You seek in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin.
You judge people and nations by your righteous will declared through prophets and apostles.
In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Savior,
you have come to us
and shared our common lot,
conquering sin and death
and reconciling the world to yourself.
You bestow upon us your Holy Spirit,
creating and renewing the church of Jesus Christ,
binding in covenant faithful people of all ages, tongues, and races.
You call us into your church
to accept the cost and joy of discipleship,
to be your servants in the service of others,
to proclaim the gospel to all the world
and resist the powers of evil,
to share in Christ's baptism and eat at his table,
to join him in his passion and victory.
You promise to all who trust you
forgiveness of sins and fullness of grace,
courage in the struggle for justice and peace,
your presence in trial and rejoicing,
and eternal life in your realm which has no end.
Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto you. Amen.
Worship
Worship is central to the life of this church. Our services at Salem tend to be traditional without being overly formal. Without forgetting the rich and instructive language of the past, we try to couch our worship in the language of today. Music, including congregational singing, offerings from one or more of our various choirs, and instrumental pieces, is a large part of worship at Salem. Our Associate in Ministry often preaches on the first Sunday of a month while the Pastor is in the pulpit on the other Sundays. Unison prayers, responsive readings, and the reading of scripture round out our worship. The Sacrament of Holy Communion, generally served in the pews, is offered on the second Sunday of each month.
Worship is at 10:15 on Sunday mornings with the exception of the summer months. From the first Sunday of June through the Sunday before Labor Day, worship is at 9:00. A staffed nursery is provided. A fellowship hour follows worship every Sunday.
The Sacraments
Salem United Church of Christ, along with the other churches of our denomination, recognizes two sacraments: Baptism and the Lord's Supper or Holy Communion.
The Sacrament of Holy Communion is observed on the second Sunday of every month, with the exception of October, when it is held on the first Sunday so we can join in the annual observance of World Communion Sunday. The Lord's Supper is served also on Christmas Eve and Maundy Thursday. The pastor regularly takes Communion to shut-ins during Holy Week and the Christmas season. He will do so for others at any time upon request. At Salem, Communion is open to all who confess Jesus as the Christ and seek to follow Christ's way. Those who are under the age of Confirmation may take Communion at the discretion of their parents.
The Sacrament of Baptism is here extended to infants as well as adults. With only the rarest of exceptions, this sacrament is held during the course of a regular Sunday morning worship service and is limited to members of our congregation. Those who wish to apply for Baptism must make arrangements with the pastor.
Weddings
Salem United Church of Christ is open for the weddings of members and non-members alike, though there are extra fees for non-members. To schedule a wedding, please contact the pastor.
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MISSION STATEMENT: We witness to the word and work of Jesus that all people may know the welcome of God, worship with joy, grow as disciples, live as servants, and share the strength of Christian fellowship all for the glory of God. |
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