First Presbyterian Church and Preschool of Salem

Author: Ben Parker

  • March 22, 2026: 5th Sunday in Lent

    Service Details

    • Theme: 5th Sunday in Lent
    • Sermon Title: “Too Little, Too Late?” Pastor Annie Parker
    • YouTube Channel: FPCSALEM

    Scripture and Hymns

    Bible Readings (NRSVue):

    Hymns (from The Presbyterian Hymnal, 1990):

    Anthem Lyrics

    “Ah, Holy Jesus”

    Performed by The Haviland Choir

    Ah, holy Jesus, how hast Thou offended that we to judge Thee have in hate pretended? By foes derided, by Thine own rejected, O most afflicted! Who was the guilty? Who brought this upon Thee? Alas, my treason, Jesus, hath undone Thee! ‘Twas I, Lord Jesus, I it was denied Thee; I crucified Thee.

    Bulletin Download

    March 22, 2026 – BulletinDownload

    Upcoming Events

    • One Great Hour of Sharing: We are continuing to collect this special offering to provide disaster relief, food for the hungry, and support for the poor and oppressed. Envelopes are in the pew racks.
    • Updated Membership Directories: New directories are now available at the Sanctuary entrances.
    • Preschool Easter Egg Hunt: Please drop off filled plastic eggs for the preschool hunt by tomorrow, Monday, March 23.
    • Holy Week Schedule:
      • Palm Sunday: March 29 at 10:30 a.m.
      • Maundy Thursday: April 2 at 7:30 p.m. (Communion and Tenebrae)
      • Good Friday: April 3 at Noon
      • Easter Sunday:
        • Sunrise Service at 8:30 a.m. (Outside or if raining, Chapel)
        • Traditional Service at 10:30 a.m (Sanctuary).

  • March 15, 2026: 4th Sunday in Lent

    Service Details

    • Theme: 4th Sunday in Lent 
    • Sermon Title: “Blinded by the Darkness” 
    • Preacher: We welcome Ruling Elder Sam Ewing to the pulpit this morning.
    • YouTube Channel: FPCSALEM

    Scripture and Hymns

    Bible Readings (NRSVue):

    Hymns (from The Presbyterian Hymnal, 1990):

    Anthem Lyrics

    “How Great His Love” Performed by The Haviland Choir

    How great His love, how great His mercy, to choose the path that leads to Calvary; To drink the cup of pain and sorrow; How great His love, how great His love for me. 

    How great the love of God, the Father, to choose a plan that sends His only Son to live with us, to walk among us; How great His love, how great His love for us. 

    Bulletin

    March 15 2026 – BulletinDownload

    Upcoming Events

    • Soup Lunch Today: Join us in Fellowship Hall immediately following worship for a soup luncheon sponsored by the Congregational Care Committee .
    • Last Day for Easter Plants: Today is the final day to order Daffodils, Lilies, and Tulips ($11.00 each) .
    • Preschool Easter Egg Hunt: We are collecting filled plastic eggs for the preschool hunt on March 27. Please leave donations on the table outside the Preschool door by next Sunday, March 22 .
    • One Great Hour of Sharing: We are currently receiving this special offering to support disaster relief, hunger programs, and self-development projects globally. Envelopes are available in the pew racks .
    • Holy Week Preview: Save the dates for our Maundy Thursday Tenebrae Service (April 2 at 7:30 p.m.) and Easter Sunday services (8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.) .

  • March 8, 2026: 3rd Sunday in Lent

    Service Details

    • Theme: 3rd Sunday in Lent
    • Sermon: “Well, Actually…” Pastor Annie Parker
    • Special Guests: Today we welcome the Bravura Woodwind Quintet.
      • Rebecca Bickel (Oboe), Christine Carucci (Bassoon), Albert Colella (Clarinet), Monica Meffan (Flute), and James Scanga (Horn).
    • Sacrament: We will share in the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper today.
    • YouTube Channel: FPCSALEM

    Scripture and Hymns

    Bible Readings (NRSVue):

    Hymns (from The Presbyterian Hymnal, 1990):

    Anthem Lyrics

    “The Rose of Calvary”

    Performed by The Haviland Choir

    I love the Rose of Calvary: God’s gift of hope, God’s gift of grace. In love He clings to sorrow’s tree, and softly weeps at its embrace. Calvary’s Rose, Calvary’s Rose, in His life God’s mercy flows.

    By his death our garden grows; O the love of Calvary’s Rose. Come rest beneath the rugged tree, for in its shadow grows a flower: the blessed Rose of Calvary.

    March 8 2026 BulletinDownload

    Upcoming Events

    • Easter Plants: Orders are being taken today in Fellowship Hall ($11.00 each) through March 15 .
    • Soup Lunch: Join us next Sunday, March 15, for a soup lunch sponsored by the Congregational Care Committee. Please bring your favorite soup to share!
    • Minute for Mission: Today’s mission focus is Habitat for Humanity Mahoning Valley.
    • Preschool Event: The preschool will host a St. Patrick’s event this Friday evening, March 13.

  • March 1, 2026: 2nd Sunday in Lent

    Service Details

    • Theme: 2nd Sunday in Lent
    • Sermon Title: “Hush Hush” Pastor Annie Parker
    • YouTube Channel: FPCSALEM

    Scripture and Hymns

    Bible Readings (NRSVue):

    Hymns (from The Presbyterian Hymnal, 1990):

    March 1 2026 – BulletinDownload

    Upcoming Events

    • Easter Plants: Orders are being taken today in Fellowship Hall for Daffodils, Lilies, and Tulips ($11.00 each) .
    • Lent Bible Study: “An Unexpected Lent” continues this Tuesday, March 3, at 5:30 p.m. in the Library.+1
    • Daytimers: Meeting this Wednesday, March 4, at Noon. Guest speakers Frank and Trina Lewis will present “Country Mice Visit Western Great Britain” .
    • Soup Lunch: Save the date for a Congregational Care Soup Lunch on Sunday, March 15 .
    • Time Change: Don’t forget to turn your clocks ahead one hour next Saturday night, March 7.

  • February 22, 2026: 1st Sunday in Lent

    Service Details

    • Theme: 1st Sunday in Lent
    • Sermon Title: “Not Today Satan” Pastor Annie Parker
    • Special Guest: Today’s service features the Western Reserve Brass, accompanied by Organ and Timpani.
    • YouTube Channel: FPCSALEM
    • YouTube Video Click here to watch the February 22 service.
    • Flower Dedication: Today’s flowers were given anonymously to thank God for the country and its founding fathers

    Scripture and Hymns

    Bible Readings (NRSVue):

    Hymns (from The Presbyterian Hymnal, 1990):

    February 22 2026 – BulletinDownload

    Upcoming Events

    • Soup to Go Today: Chili is available in the kitchen for $8.00 per quart or $15.00 for two.
    • Lent Bible Study: “An Unexpected Lent” begins this Tuesday, February 24, at 5:30 p.m. in the Library.
    • Environmental Team: Meeting today in the Library immediately following worship.
    • Membership Directory: The 2026 Directory is coming soon. Please contact the office with any updated cell phone numbers or emails.

  • February 15, 2026: Transfiguration of the Lord

    Service Details

    • Theme: Transfiguration of the Lord 
    • Sermon Title: “Lifting the Veil” 
    • Preacher: We welcome Rev. Barry Chance, General Presbyter and Stated Clerk of Eastminster Presbytery, to our pulpit today.
    • YouTube Channel: FPCSALEM

    Scripture and Hymns

    Bible Readings (NRSVue):

    Hymns (from The Presbyterian Hymnal, 1990):

    Anthem Lyrics

    “Sinner Saved by Grace” Performed by The Haviland Choir; Meena Weingart, Soloist 

    If you could see what I once was, you could go with me, back to where I started from, then I know you would see a miracle of love that took me in its sweet embrace, and made me what I am today: a sinner saved by grace. 

    I’m just a sinner saved by grace. When I stood condemned to death, He took my place. Now I live and breathe in freedom with each breath of life I take. Loved and forgiven, back with the living, I’m just a sinner saved by grace. 

    Bulletin Download

    February 15, 2026 – Bulletin for WebsiteDownload

    Upcoming Events

    • Office Holiday: The Church Office is closed Monday, February 16, for Presidents’ Day.
    • Ash Wednesday (February 18): Noon service and luncheon at FPC Columbiana; 6:30 p.m. service in our Sanctuary in Salem .
    • Lent Study: Starting Tuesday, February 24, at 5:30 p.m. Pastor Annie will lead a discussion on the book An Unexpected Lent .
    • Western Reserve Brass: Join us next Sunday, February 22, at 10:00 a.m. for worship featuring special music.

  • February 8, 2026: 5th Sunday after Epiphany

    Service Details

    • Sermon: “Fulfilling the Law” Rev. Annie Parker
    • Special Event: Presentation of the Troop 3 Charter
    • YouTube Channel: FPCSALEM

    Scripture and Hymns

    Bible Readings (NRSVue):

    Hymns (from The Presbyterian Hymnal, 1990):

    February 8 2026 – BulletinDownload

    Upcoming Events

    • Annual Congregational Meeting: Today, immediately following worship. 2025 Annual Reports are available at the sanctuary entrances. +2
    • Scout Bake Sale: Troop 2003G is holding a bake sale today in Fellowship Hall.
    • Ash Wednesday (February 18): Service at Noon at Columbiana Presbyterian Church (followed by lunch) and a 6:30 p.m. service at our church in Salem.
    • Soup to Go Update: The chili sale was cancelled due to weather; please watch for a new date.
    • Environmental Team: Meeting Sunday, February 22, in the Library after worship

  • February 1, 2026: 4th Sunday after Epiphany

    Service Details

    • Sermon Title: “Going Where We Belong” Pastor Annie Parker 
    • YouTube Channel: FPCSALEM

    Scripture and Hymns

    Bible Readings (NRSVue):

    Hymns (from The Presbyterian Hymnal, 1990):

    February 1 2026 – BulletinDownload

  • Office Closed 1/26/2026

    From the desk of Pastor Annie:

    Hello All,

    Out of an abundance of caution, I’m closing the church office tomorrow due to the unsafe roads and weather.  Phyllis and I will work from home and I will have my phone on me all day. Be safe and warm!

    Grace and Peace,

    Pastor Annie

  • January 25, 2026: 3rd Sunday after Epiphany

    Service Details

    • Theme: 3rd Sunday after Epiphany
    • Sermon: “Hear Me When I Call to You!” Pastor Annie Parker
    • YouTube Channel: FPCSALEM
    • Note: In person worship was cancelled. A video of the service will be posted to the youtube channel.

    Scripture and Hymns

    Bible Readings (NRSVue):

    Hymns (from The Presbyterian Hymnal, 1990):

    January 25, 2026 – Bulletin for WebsiteDownload

    Upcoming Events

    • Annual Meeting: Scheduled for Sunday, February 8, immediately following worship. Annual Reports will be available next Sunday, February 1.
    • Daytimers: Meeting Wednesday, February 4 at 12:00 PM. Bring a covered dish; the group will be making Valentines for church members.