Monthly Programs
A number of our programs run regularly each month. Sometimes, specific dates need to be changed to accommodate holidays or other events—keep an eye out to make sure you have the correct date. Irregular dates are noted under each event with a double asterisk (**)
Serving Sunday
Bring in or sort donations for Clothing Connection
First Sunday of the month, 8-10 AM
The Clothing Connection provides clothing, toiletries, and other necessities to the children of Salem through the public school system. Come to church early on the first Sunday of the month to drop off donations or help sort through new items. You can learn more about Clothing Connection and their current donation needs here. Spread the word and let your friends know that this is a great time to drop things off!
Silent Reading Party
Every second Thursday from 7-9pm
Join in on the book craze that's been sweeping the nation—Silent Reading Parties!
These parties started in Seattle in 2009, and have grown in popularity across the country (and internationally) in the last few years. The format is simple: show up at 7pm with anything that you would like to read. There will be about a half hour of time to chat before everyone finds a spot and settles in with a book. Enjoy an hour to read with quiet music, snacks, and no interruptions or other responsibilities. At the end of the hour, we'll all come together again, and hear about what everyone is reading.
This event is great for everyone from the avid reader to the person who wants to read but never has the time. Feel free to show up with a hardcover, paperback, library book, e-reader, or a pair of headphones and an audio book. We will read in our beautiful historic Cleveland Room, which will provide the perfect ambiance. There's plenty of seating, but you're welcome to bring a cushion, pillow, or throw blanket if it would add to your reading experience.
Soul Matters Sharing Circle
Every 3rd Sunday @ 12:30
Soul Matters is a small group ministry that invites participants to share reflections on a specific theme each month. To deepen your personal spiritual practice, there is a monthly packet filled with exercises, questions, readings and links to music and videos on the chosen theme. To strengthen your connection to others in the church community, there is an opportunity to share your thoughts, experiences, and creativity with others in the group when we meet in person once a month. Packets are available on the Soul Matters page of our website and in print in the Cleveland Room.
This month, join us on April 21 to discuss the theme of Interdependance
Third Age Book Club
A book club for all ages to discuss positive aging
Every 4th Thursday @ 11:30
"Third Age", loosely defined, is that time of life between retirement and loss of interest in life. Some would term it "young old age", but often, age is irrelevant. It is, however, a concept for those of us who have retired but refuse to use senior services because "I'm not one of THOSE people.” In short, aging is seen as a descent into decrepitude, and is hugely feared. But it does not have to be.
This book group centers on reading books and studies on positive aging, and is open to people anywhere on their walk in life. Read on your own and then gather together to discuss the book.
Join us April 25 to discuss Chapters 12, 13 and 14 of The Swedish Art of Aging Exhuberantly by Margaretta Magnussen. Each chapter is a stand-alone essay, so feel free to join even if you haven’t read the rest of the book!
Special Events: April
Sit-and-Stitch Sweater Club
6 Weekly Sessions, Tuesdays 6-8pm, starting 3/19
This workshop is about halfway through now, but anyone is still welcome to join! You can get started on an adult sweater, complete a baby sweater, or bring your own project to work on. Not a knitter? Crocheters, embroiderers, and other hand-crafters are welcome to come hang out with us as well.
Drop-ins working on their own projects are welcome to join in for free. For those taking the Sweater workshop, a donation on a sliding scale is recommended.
Tai Chi Class: 10 Week Session
Wednesdays from 6-7pm, starting April 17
Taiji chuan (or tai chi) is a system of exercise and moving meditation that arose from an internal (focused on structure over musculature) martial art. As an exercise, it promotes flexibility, stability, relaxation, and leg strength. As a tool for meditation, it promotes a flow state that has been shown historically and with modern science to reduce stress, anxiety, pain, and depression. It is appropriate at all levels of fitness and age, but it is particularly useful for those who do not exercise or are older. It can be adapted to an individual’s needs and capabilities. Tai chi coordinates breath with slow, smooth, and continuous movements and offers many gifts in proportion to the practitioner’s consistency and sincere effort.
The course offered will be led by Jack Duranceau. The course is 10 weeks long, every Wednesday at 6pm with an expectation of daily individual practice. The form will be the 24-move Beijing Form which is based on Yang tai chi and is the most common type of exercise for seniors in China. The classes will consist of stretches, swings, stance holding, repetitions of important moves, and, finally, integration into the form. The form covers the most important tai chi principles, is compact, can be done on a sidewalk, and it is one quarter of the standard form length. As a result, it can be performed and repeated as time allows every day. We will exercise outdoors in the garden as long as the weather is favorable. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and shoes with flat and level soles like barefoot shoes, slippers, Converse, or Vans.
Meter and Verse: A Celebration of National Poetry Month
Friday, April 19, 6-8pm
April is National Poetry Month, and the best way to celebrate is by sharing poetry together.
We will do this in 3 ways:
READ: Bring a favorite poem to share with the group
WRITE: Try your hand at writing a poem using one of the forms provided (or your own!)
EXPLORE: Browse poems to find something new
This is an intergenerational activity and is open to people of all ages. We ask that any children are accompanied by an adult.