Salem UMC: The Reverend Tom Newman

The Pastor’s Corner

     April Showers have brought us much more than May flowers!  Salem is bursting at the seams in many ways.  In a time when many churches are declining God has chosen to bless us with more of everything including people!  This is a very exciting time to be a part of Salem Church as our future looks even brighter and more exciting!

     Whether you are brand new to the Salem Church family or whether you are a long time member, there has never been a better time to be a part of Salem.  We have more programs prayerfully designed to connect you to God and to other Christians.  Whether it is Dinner for Eight or First Place or one of our many Bible Studies, you have exciting options to build your connection to God.  Not every study or activity is for everyone.  I am asking you to find the activities and the studies that are right for you and jump in!

     My number one goal is the same as it was the day I first joined you:  to equip you to build a deeper, more meaningful relationship with God.  I see the role of Salem Church as that of a lighthouse or beacon that shines bright in the darkness.  My goal for Salem is to point members and non members to a saving relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  To this end, we will try many programs and activities, some new and perhaps unorthodox.  Some will be more successful than others but the goal will always be to make Jesus known.

     We have a unique opportunity as Salem Church in the community of Simpson.  We can literally be the heart beat and the hub of our community.  It is important that we claim this role in the name of Jesus.  By so doing we are functioning as “salt” that will season the whole community with the “flavor” of Jesus.  This is our holy calling.  It will not always be easy.  We are sure to meet resistance.  However, with God on our side, we are certain to be more than conquerors in Jesus.  So, as the rains fall I invite you to come grow with us as we reach towards heaven in Jesus name.  I look forward to worshipping and serving with you all throughout the month of May.

 

Grace & peace,

Tom Newman, pastor