ACTIVATE

I’m glad you’re here. You may think you’re choosing to be part of the Salem family.

However, I firmly believe God has navigated your course in life to have you precisely where He wants you, and today that includes here at Salem.

Established in 1851, we are a tapestry of individual threads woven over generations to tell the timeless story of God’s saving grace in Jesus and to reflect His desire for all mankind to live with Him forever in heaven.

Tim Niekerk , Senior Pastor

“I want our vision to rise above the ordinary to see God’s horizon...

I want our hearts to beat in anticipation of meeting Jesus face to face...

Our contemporary culture places a high value on individuality and diversity. God does also. In our broken world, the vast range of gifts we possess as individuals play out as self-indulgence and entitlement, completely at odds with God’s design. However, God created people to live and serve together in community. I hope that’s why you’re here.

There are at least three good reasons a Christian aligns with a local church:

God calls us to belong.

Simple obedience. God didn’t create us to live in isolation.

We grow more together than alone.

Christians need the church like fish need the sea. It’s where they were created to live and thrive.

Worshipping together is powerful.

The church is called to reflect God in the world and community.

Your time at Salem is a gift. Unless you get in the way, God is going to grow you while you’re here. Growth isn’t always easy, but it is always worth it. Growth always draws us closer into Him and reveals Jesus to those He places in our lives.

May your dedication to living and loving boldly as a disciple of Jesus at Salem be used by God to bring healing in this life as we enthusiastically pursue the next!

I want our hands to touch the heart of the hurting...”

Salem Lutheran Church is a member of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, a biblically conservative branch of the Lutheran Church worldwide. In grateful response to God’s grace and empowered by the Holy Spirit through Word and Sacraments, the mission of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod is to vigorously make known the love of Christ by word and deed within our churches, communities and the world.

SALEM’S MISSION The What

We are __________________ people, __________________ it all to make ____________ real, ___________ life at a time.

SALEM’S STRATEGY The How

___________ Worship is our first response to God’s grace to us in Jesus.

As we pour out our hearts in praise, God pours His Spirit into our hearts. Worship brings true purpose to our lives and gives meaning to all we do.

Worship imparts to us God’s highest will to bring all people together in Jesus and moves us into the world to express authentic love for others.

___________ We Connect as followers of Jesus Christ. We bring to the world a model for community reflecting the character of God and the certain hope of Heaven. Designed for relationship, we regularly gather with friends around the study of God’s Word for support, encouragement and accountability.

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___________ The heart of God in us is made evident through our Service to all people. As agents of God’s mercy and grace in Jesus, we break down barriers created by sin and build bridges to hope and healing through the good we do in joyful anticipation of the life to come.

SALEM’S VALUES Our Values Guide Our Life Together

Compelling ____________________________

Courageous _____________________________

God’s grace is so amazing it compels us to respond in faith.

God invites us to boldly demonstrate and share His message of hope and grace.

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.

1 Peter 3:15

Pioneering _____________________________

God-honoring ___________________________

We step out of our comfort zones to serve the people around us.

Everything we do should reflect the excellence of our Creator.

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.

1 Peter 4:10

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

Openly ________________________________ The reality of Jesus deeply changes who we are and how we see the world.

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 1 Corinthians 3:18

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SALEM’S MEASURES How We Identify Growth Am I _________________________________?

My identity in Christ defines me

Am I _________________________________?

My story is part of a larger design

Am I _________________________________?

When I spend time with Jesus, I am changed

Am I _________________________________?

My genuine love for others changes the world

Am I _________________________________?

I am never more like God than when I’m giving

SALEM’S VISION FRAME Where God Is Taking Us Together

MEASURES What Joe Becomes

VALUES

MISSION

What Joe Experiences

What Joe Hears

STRATEGY Where Joe Goes |3|

SOME OF OUR AMAZING STAFF

Tim Niekerk

Dave Ray

Associate Director of Worship dray@salem4u.com

Tim Carter

Jason Schleicher

Senior Pastor tniekerk@salem4u.com

Spiritual Formation Pastor jschleicher@salem4u.com

Life Care Pastor tcarter@salem4u.com

Paul Cheney

Kevin Pieper

Director of Missions & Outreach Minister of Missions & Outreach kpieper@salem4u.com pcheney@salem4u.com

Dr. Mary Beth Gaertner

Director of Salem Lutheran School mgaertner@salem4u.com

Lisa Stetler

Amy Boatman

Principal aboatman@salem4u.com

Executive Assistant lstetler@salem4u.com

Brett Bortnem

Executive Director bbortnem@salem4u.com

Tyler Tollefson

Director of Student Ministry ttollefson@salem4u.com

Sheri Losoya

Jessica Albers

Salem Early Childhood Director Office & Admissions Coordinator jalbers@salem4u.com slosoya@salem4u.com

Beth Allday

Operations Coordinator ballday@salem4u.com

Siemone Burdge

Administrative Coordinator sburdge@salem4u.com

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Stan Nelson

Director of Worship snelson@salem4u.com

Amanda Talbot

Director of Children’s Ministry atalbot@salem4u.com

Steve Perkins

Director of Communications sperkins@salem4u.com

MaryAlice Matthews

Director of Operations mmatthews@salem4u.com

WORSHIP & TECHNICAL ARTS

Technical Arts The dedicated volunteers of Salem’s Technical Arts and Resources Team (S.T.A.R.T.) run audio, lighting, and video for Sunday morning worship services, Children’s Ministry, and monthly Student Ministry worship nights, and special events throughout the year. All ages and skill levels are welcome, and training is provided.

Worship Service Sundays at 10:45am Church Online Sundays at 10:45am at live.salem4u.com Salem’s worship services combine sound biblical teaching, celebration of the sacraments, and uplifting music. Musically, our services are primarily band-led and include a mixture of modern worship songs and hymn arrangements.

For more information or to volunteer, contact: Shane DePute Technical Arts Lead sdepute@salem4u.com

Worship Team Salem’s Worship Team is a dedicated group of volunteer vocalists and instrumentalists who lead worship each Sunday morning and periodically at special events throughout the year.

For more information or to audition, contact: Dave Ray Associate Director of Worship dray@salem4u.com NextGen Worship The NextGen Worship Team is a group of emerging vocalists, instrumentalists, and Hype Crew dedicated to growing as musicians and worship leaders. These students lead worship weekly in Children’s Ministry and monthly in Student Ministry.

For more information or to audition, contact: Peter Burroughs Director of NextGen Worship pburroughs@salem4u.com

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SPIRITUAL FORMATION Women Salem’s Women’s Ministry has included programs like Salem Women in Mission (SWIM), Apples of Gold, Mothers of Many Seasons (MOMS), weekly Bible studies, the Advent Brunch, and an annual retreat/conference.

For more information or to volunteer, contact: Stacie Norton Women’s Ministry stacie.norton@live.com

CONNECT GROUPS God created people with a need to be known and accepted. Healthy camaraderie, friendships and social activity build enduring relationships and contribute to strong marriages, families and workplaces. Salem’s Connect Groups serve as a foundation for God-honoring Christian community.

Connect Groups form around three preferences: life stage, geographic location, or day of the week. Most groups meet in homes or at Salem. Groups usually meet weekly or twice a month. Studying God’s Word, praying for and with one another, and eating some sort of food are the most common elements of a typical Connect Group gathering.

Men Men have multiple opportunities each year to enjoy hanging out, playing games and enjoying great food.

These events include SteakFest, The Game, Men’s Overnight Retreat, Oyster and Fish Fry, and Top Golf.

For more information contact: Jason Schleicher Spiritual Formation Pastor jschleicher@salem4u.com

For more information about participating in or leading a Connect Group, contact: Jason Schleicher Spiritual Formation Pastor jschleicher@salem4u.com

Seniors Salem’s community of adults over the age of 50 is active and vibrant. Activities have included Bible study twice a month on Thursday mornings, day trips, game days and travel groups.

For more information, contact: Tim Carter Seniors Ministry tcarter@salem4u.com

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SPIRITUAL FORMATION AGE GROUP MINISTRIES

CONNECT TIME

Children (Birth – Grade 6)

Children, Students, and Adults Connect Time is a chance for people of all ages to formally connect with others around God’s Word and informally connect with others around conversation.

Connect Time happens from 9:30am-10:15am on Sunday mornings at Salem.

During the10:45am service, full children’s programming is provided for all ages in our Community Center. Other children’s events include Corn Maze, You’ve Been Egged, and VBS. For more information or to volunteer, contact: Amanda Talbot Director of Children’s Ministry atalbot@salem4u.com

Adult classes include studies exploring books of the Bible, providing information about Christian doctrine and topics such as marriage, parenting or finances.

On-campus Connect Groups for adults of similar life-stages are also available during Connect Time.

Students (Grades 7 – 12) 7th and 8th grade students meet twice a month on Wednesday nights from 6:30pm - 8pm. Junior High students are also invited to an intentional discipleship process called Confirmation.

For more information, contact: Jason Schleicher Spiritual Formation Pastor jschleicher@salem4u.com

9th -12th grade students meet twice a month on Sunday nights from 6:30pm - 8pm. Other Student Ministry events include summer trips and “just for fun” events.

For more infomation or to volunteer, contact: Tyler Tollefson Director of Student Ministry ttollefson@salem4u.com

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EDUCATION ARTS & MUSIC PROGRAM OF TOMBALL

SALEM LUTHERAN SCHOOL

At Salem Lutheran School, we partner with parents to educate the “whole child,” and provide a safe environment in which to learn and grow.

The Arts & Music Program of Tomball at Salem is dedicated to developing artists of all ages. Music lessons are offered for piano, voice, acoustic and electric guitar, drums, bass, mandolin, and banjo.

Drama and technical arts workshops are also offered.

Early Childhood Emphasis of the Early Childhood program is planned, purposeful play that allows the children to learn from hands-on experiences, enhancing pre-reading, pre-language and pre-math skills. Experiences are provided to develop an awareness and understanding of many different cultures. Programs are available for children from birth to pre-K.

The Arts and Music Program of Tomball promotes quality visual and performing arts and a variety of cultural offerings within the local community.

For more information, contact: Betsy Fisher Arts & Music Program Director bfisher@amptomball.com

For more information, contact: Sheri Losoya Salem Early Childhood Director slosoya@salem4u.com salemlutheran.com

CONCORDIA LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL Concordia Lutheran High School in Tomball is an extension of Salem’s overall program of Christian education. Operated by an association of local Lutheran congregations, Concordia provides a stimulating and rigorous academic curriculum designed for students intending to seek a college or university degree.

K-8 School Salem Lutheran School is nationally-recognized for excellence, named a National Exemplary School in 2014 and a Blue Ribbon School in 2007. Our educators have a depth and breadth of understanding how children develop and strive to provide curriculum and instruction that support growth in academics as well as character. Faith, ethics and leadership drive our efforts, and we intentionally integrate technology to help us meet students at their point of need.

Concordia holds the same high standards as Salem for an exemplary learning environment.

In addition to strong educational opportunities, Concordia offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities in academic competition, athletics, music, drama and the creative arts.

For more information, contact: Amy Boatman Principal of Salem Lutheran School aboatman@salem4u.com salemlutheran.com

For more information, contact: Rory Duffy Director of Admissions duffyr@clhs-tx.org www.clhs-tx.org

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LIVING GENEROUSLY

SALEM MISSIONS & OUTREACH

Our obedience to God’s instruction to return to Him our tithes and offerings is a foundational act of worship acknowledging God as the Source of everything we have and are in this life and the next.

Our faithful giving affirms our explicit trust in God and establishes service to Him and His Kingdom as our priority. God calls us to a generous life as an expression of His grace to us in Jesus.

As believers, we are called to be bold and share the gospel both locally and around the world.

Local Service and Missions Local mission opportunities include: Bethesda Lutheran Communities, Corpus Christi Junior High Mission Trip, Love146, TOMAGWA Health Care Ministries, Tomball Emergency Assistance Ministries, Tomball Pregnancy Center, and Tomball Renewal Center.

Ways to Give There are several ways you can support the work and ministry of Salem Lutheran Church:

Kenya Mission teams provide medical and vision clinics and deliver mosquito nets to help fight malaria.

In Person Bring your gifts to the offering bowls on Sunday mornings or to the church office during office hours.

Honduras Salem continues to share the gospel through vision, medical and dental clinics in Honduras for over 20 years.

Online Set up a one-time or recurring gift at salem4u.com/give.

Church Center App Click on the Give link and follow the prompts.

For more information or to volunteer, contact: Jill Boldt Missions & Outreach Coordinator jcboldt@salem4u.com

Financial Services Salem has resources available to help you discover the contentment and peace of a life devoted to using your financial gifts as God intended. Whether it’s help establishing a household budget, getting out of debt, or formulating a plan to be generous well after your life on earth is ended, we offer confidential assistance to help you enjoy the generous life.

Impact Opportunities Jesus taught and demonstrated how to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:27) and “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). The earliest Christians lived radically “questionable” lives, eating, drinking, serving and building community with even the outcasts of society. When we realize all people are created in God’s image, and we too have been shown undeserved grace, there is literally no ONE in the world we shouldn’t love as a neighbor. We boldly step out of our comfort zones to demonstrate and proclaim His message of hope and grace by serving locally and around the world.

Salem Trust The Trust is Salem’s endowment fund created to serve as a permanent source of supplemental funding in support of Salem’s ministry. The Trust provides annual grants to Salem School and Concordia High School, assistance to Salem members preparing for a professional ministry career, and all other aspects of our work together.

Through gifts today or bequests through your estate, the Salem Lutheran Trust will help sustain Salem’s ministry today and for future generations.

For more information, please go to salem4u.com/missions or contact: Paul Cheney Director of Mission and Outreach pcheney@salem4u.com

For more information, contact: Marty Paluch Director of Financial Services mpaluch@salem4u.com

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281.351.8223 22601 Lutheran Church Rd | Tomball, Texas 77377 salem4u.com