Sanctuary Refresh
Dear Salem Family,
Grace and peace to you!
I am excited to share some wonderful news! Beginning July 13, our Salem Sanctuary will undergo a much-needed refresh with the installation of new carpet and new upholstery for our pews. The pews will be removed and taken off site for refinishing and upholstery. During that time we will be seated in chairs in the Sanctuary for worship. When we are just a few weeks away from the return of the pews, the flooring will be installed. If you are curious, the color of the carpet and the cushions will be the same beautiful crimson you have loved for years. We anticipate completion of the project sometime in October.
For generations, our Sanctuary has been a sacred space where we have gathered to worship, celebrate baptisms and weddings, share Holy Communion, and remember loved ones. It is a place where countless prayers have been offered and where lives have been transformed by God’s grace. As we continue to care for this special space, we are investing in improvements that will enhance both its beauty and comfort for years to come.
This project is about more than carpet and fabric. It is about preparing our Sanctuary for future generations who will worship, learn, grow, and experience God’s presence within these walls. We are grateful for the faithful stewardship and generosity that make improvements like this possible.
The work is scheduled to begin on Monday, July 13, and we anticipate it will take several weeks to complete. During this time, there may be adjustments to worship locations and building access. There will likely be a few Sundays when traditional worship will be held in the MPR, but the service will not be cancelled during the renovation. We will communicate any temporary changes as the project progresses and will do our best to minimize disruptions to our ministry and worship life together.
As we enter this season of renewal, I am reminded of the words of the prophet Isaiah:
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:19)
While the mission of Salem remains unchanged—Connecting All People with God’s Extravagant Love—it is exciting to see our physical space renewed as we continue welcoming people into the life-changing love of Jesus Christ.
Thank you for your patience, flexibility, and prayers during this project. We look forward to celebrating together when the work is complete and enjoying a refreshed Sanctuary that reflects the warmth, hospitality, and excellence we strive to offer in ministry.
See you in worship!
Grace and Peace,
Rev. Terri Swan
Senior Pastor