As our Lord welcomed all into his presence, so Salem congregation extends the hospitality of its worship and community life to all people, welcoming persons of any race, nationality, differing ability, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, religious background, or personal history.
I am not sure if the Salem congregation has ever entertained angels. Who knows? But I do know this: visitors to our Sunday worship services tell me time and time again how warmly they were welcomed by Salem members. You take the initiative to extend hospitality to strangers and it is a powerful witness to our life in Christ. Visitors are made to feel that this is a community that welcomes them just as they are; with all of their gifts and needs, their anxieties and their hopes. Thank you for being so attentive to those who come to us. Maybe these folks are not angels but you can be certain the angels in heaven are smiling.—-Pastor Dave Asendorf
Salem Beliefs
We believe that our relationship with God is determined not by our wisdom or even our goodness, but by His love for us which is beyond all our deserving. And that He calls us to faith, that we may live a life of peace, forgiveness, joy, service, and blessing. Whether you come for one Sunday, or to stay, we are glad for the opportunity to proclaim, contemplate and celebrate this gospel with you.
How We Worship
Our Team
Salem and the Catonsville Community
Salem Church is one of the over 30 churches in Catonsville and is now the oldest continuing Christian congregation in Catonsville. Catonsville churches have a long history of being an important part of the community. In the 1980’s Christian congregations were instrumental in supporting the effort to create the Catonsville Emergency Food Ministry which is now called Catonsville Emergency Assistance. CEA has been feeding the hungry and assisting the needy in our neighborhoods. Christian congregations in Catonsville came together to create Suburban Pastoral Counseling, now named Suburban Crossroads Counseling, a faith-based counseling center with several locations. And Catonsville churches have been at the forefront in helping the men at the Homeless Shelter in Catonsville. Christians formed the Lazarus Caucus which provides a variety of services to help homeless men achieve independence. Salem is grateful for our sisters and brothers in other Christian congregations who have joined together to help meet the needs of our community.
Mission Statement
Salem strives to be a Christ-centered, caring community experiencing God’s grace and sharing God’s goodness with all people.
Our Lutheran Beliefs
We believe that our relationship with God is determined not by our wisdom or even our goodness, but by God’s love for us, which is beyond all our deserving. We believe that God calls us to faith, so that we may live a life of peace, forgiveness, joy, service and blessing. Whether you are visiting for one Sunday, or looking for a new church home, we are glad for the opportunity to proclaim, contemplate and celebrate the gospel with you this day.
Communion
You are invited to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion with us. We believe and teach that in the bread and wine we receive the very Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. The table of our Lord is for all those who need grace, forgiveness, strength and wisdom for ministry and mission to the world. Salem offers communion wafers that are gluten-free, vegan and absent the top eight food allergens. Please inform the Pastor or Communion Assistant of this requirement during distribution.
Nursery
A nursery is available for young children as a cry room during worship services.
Assistance for the Sight and Hearing Impaired
Salem provides a limited supply of large-type bulletins for individuals with vision restrictions. Additionally, personal sets of earphones are available to individuals with hearing impairments. Please notify an usher if you require either of these aids.
Handicap Accessibility
Salem is handicap accessible with no steps from the parking lot to the chancel and communion railing. There is an automatic door for wheelchair users from the parking lot entrance.