“For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 (CSB)

Dear Salem Heights Church Family –

As we head into another holiday season, we thank God for the gift of His Son. He is our hope. He is our help. He is our humble King! And because of His first advent, we look froward with great expectation to His second advent, when He returns to gather His people to be with Him forever. The Lord continues to bless Salem Heights Church. It is obvious that it is God at work because the stories of life transformation are truly supernatural. He continues to teach us through His Word, guide us with His wisdom, and comfort us with His love. Although there is much in our world that could cause us to fear, were member the angels' words to the shepherds in Luke 2, when they proclaimed; “Fear Not! For look I proclaim to you good news of great joy that is for all people.” (Luke 2:10) Jesus is greater than all our fears. He is our Savior and defender, and His promise is that He will never leave us or forsake us. It is our prayer that our church would remain faithful to Him in the midst of everyday hardships, continuing to fully trust Him in all we do. As we approach a time of thanksgiving, celebrating the birth of Christ, and soon a New Year, we wanted to share some opportunities we have as a church family to generously and sacrificially participate in this season. We invite you to pray and ask God how He might have you participate in the weeks ahead. Opportunities to Give and Serve “Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not reluctantly or out of compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (CSB) Salem Heights is a giving church. We understand from Scripture that giving financially is an important part of what we are to be about. Your sacrificial giving to Salem Heights Church provides for outreach, missions, day-to-day operations, and so much more. As we approach the close of 2023, we want you to prayerfully consider giving to our church and our community.

These focus areas include:

Food Pantry – The Holiday Season always brings with it an increase in community requests for food and basic supplies. Please consider donating food and supplies to our food pantry. A list of needed items is on the church website. Additionally, feel free to call the office or stop by to receive a hard copy list of the needed items

.Giving Tree - This is our continued partnership with local elementary schools. This year, you can select a tag with a name of a child and gift ideas. The Giving Tree will be available Sunday,November 26 after both morning services. Gifts, along with the tag, can be dropped off at the church M-F during office hours.

UGM Christmas Gift Program – This is an opportunity to provide an Amazon gift card for one of our men in the UGM program. Gift tags will be available Sunday, November 26 after both morning services. Gifts, along with the tag, can be dropped off at the church M-F during office hours.

Pastoral Love Offering – This is a love gift from the church to our pastors. If you prayerfully decide to give to this, please do so by December 16, 2023. Please visit the Christmas Giving page on our church website for online donation. You can also send in or drop off a check with “PastorsLove Offering” in the memo line.

Possible Other Designated Giving – Remember, that our own church has many needs at this time.We will have several opportunities for food baskets, the Mercy Fund, and other ministries here inSalem. If the Spirit leads you to financially give somewhere, please contact Joe Greenwood at joeg@salemheightschurch.org (SHC Administrator). He will have an updated list for you to consider.

Again, being a part of this Body of Christ is such a blessing. We are thankful for you all. Please join us in prayer for our church, our pastors, our staff, and our community of believers. We also encourage youto prayerfully consider SERVING and GIVING during this very thankful season.

IN HIM – Your Lay Elders and Staff