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Church President's 2006 Annual Report

Dear Disciples of Salem,
 
When I look back over 2006, I can still feel the excitement. What a wonderful year filled with God’s blessings!  We are truly blessed with a Spirit driven and passion filled staff along with dedicated and caring lay leadership.  I thank God for each and every disciple who calls Salem home and for your involvement in the Mission and Ministry of our Lord here at Salem and also throughout the community and beyond.
 
2007 brings many opportunities as we continue to grow towards a program church.  We have approved an aggressive budget along with a strategic plan which will concentrate on Discipleship, Assimilation, Service and Home in 2007. My prayer is that the Holy Spirit leads you to active participation with us. 
 
2007 also brings a certain number of challenges.  Towards the top of that list is finding a nursery attendant.  This is a vital ministry for Salem and one that has been difficult to fill.  We have tried approaching this from many different angles with no success. If you think you have an idea on how to proceed, please share that idea with any member of the Mission Team.  I look forward to filling this position in 2007.
 
Another challenge is to involve more members in the mission of the church, whether at Salem or beyond.  There will be a concentrated effort this year at increasing participation in the life of our church; why not make 2007 the year you become actively involved!  Come join us…..you just might be surprised at how the Spirit can work in you!!
 
Some of the highlights from 2006 include:
 
·     The work of the Call Committee as they prepared and submitted our Congregational Mission Profile in anticipation of calling a second pastor.
·     The gift of new carpeting.
·     The work of the newly created ITT Committee as they developed and carried out a plan for improving our use of technology, including an updated website.
·     The work of the Witness Committee as they assimilate new members into our congregation and in particular their hard work on a new pictorial directory.
·     The trip to San Antonio by members of our youth group to participate in the ELCA National Youth Gathering.
·     A continued emphasis on the Word and Sacrament in our worship services.
·     The many baptisms and weddings.
·     The organization of existing space.
·     The moving and renovation of the church office.
·     The quality leadership of and work from all of our standing committees.
 
Yours in Discipleship,
Eric Schubert, Mission Team President