Category: Worship Resources

  • June 28, 2026: 5th Sunday after Pentecost

    • Theme: 5th Sunday after Pentecost
    • Sermon Title: “How Much Does Faith Cost?”
    • Preacher: We welcome Ruling Elder Sam Ewing to the pulpit today.
    • Special Music: A unique tuba and piano duet arrangement of the traditional spiritual “Poor Wayfaring Stranger,” performed by John Krauss (Tuba) and Jan Cox (Piano).
    • YouTube Channel: FPCSALEM

    Scripture and Hymns

    Bible Readings (NRSVue):

    • First Reading: Genesis 22:1-14 — The testing of Abraham on Mount Moriah.
    • Gospel Reading: John 16:20-22 — Sorrow turning into lasting joy.

    Hymns (from The Presbyterian Hymnal, 1990):

    Bulletin Download

    Upcoming Events & Special Announcements

    • Patriotic Summer Concert Tonight: Join the community at Waterworth Park at 6:00 p.m. for a free concert by the Salem Quaker City Band titled “Happy Birthday America”. Be sure to bring your lawn chairs!
    • Scholarship Deadline This Tuesday: This is the final notice for college and university students—completed Deacon Scholarship Applications must be turned into the Church Office by Tuesday, June 30.
    • USO-Style Big Band Concert: On Wednesday, July 1 from 7:00–9:00 p.m., the Salem High School Alumni Association is sponsoring a free “America Remembers” variety show featuring the Dave Banks Big Band in the high school auditorium.
    • Holiday Office Hours: The Church Office will be closed this Friday, July 3 in observance of Independence Day. Please note that the office will also remain closed on Fridays throughout the rest of July.
    • Café Justo Coffee Sale Next Sunday: Fair-trade organic coffee will be available for purchase next Sunday during Coffee Hour for $15 per 1-pound bag (Regular or Whole Bean).
    • Next Week’s Service Spotlight: Join us next Sunday, July 5, for worship featuring guest music from the Western Reserve Brass Quintet.
    • Denise’s Big Back Yard Kicks Off July 8: All hands on deck under the big tent from 6:00–8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8 for our neighborhood fellowship kickoff featuring Vacation Bible School themes and the new ice cream cart!
    • Preschool Registration Open: The First Presbyterian Church Preschool is now accepting enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year 5-day program. Call 330-332-8620 for more details.
    • Dedications: Today’s bulletins and a vase of flowers are given by Tim and Melissa Costa commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. An additional vase of flowers is given by Alice Jackson in honor of Whitney Bodnar’s birthday.
  • June 21, 2026: 4th Sunday after Pentecost / Father’s Day

    Service Details

    • Theme: 4th Sunday after Pentecost
    • Sermon Title: “Found by God” Pastor Annie Parker
    • Special Vocal Solo: “I Can Only Imagine” (Bart Millard), performed by Mike Newman.
    • YouTube Channel: FPCSALEM

    Scripture and Hymns

    Bible Readings (NRSVue):

    • First Reading: Genesis 21:8-21 — Hagar and Ishmael in the wilderness .
    • Second Reading: Romans 6:1-11 — Dead to sin, alive to God in Christ .
    • Gospel Reading: Matthew 10:24-39 — Whosoever loses his life for my sake will find it .

    Hymns (from The Presbyterian Hymnal, 1990):

    Bulletin Download

    Upcoming Events & Community News

    • Father’s Day Treats Today: A big thank you to Genevieve and Judson Smith, owners of the Brimfield Bread Oven, for providing our special Father’s Day treats following worship today!
    • Summer Polka Concert Tonight: Head down to Waterworth Park at 6:00 p.m. tonight to catch The Chardon Polka Band for an energetic evening of music.
    • Shafer Graduation Party: Next Saturday, June 27, a graduation celebration for the Shafer family will be held in Fellowship Hall from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
    • Deacon College Scholarships Deadline: This is a final reminder for church students enrolled in a college or university—applications for limited scholarship funds must be turned into the Church Office by Tuesday, June 30 .
    • Denise’s Big Back Yard: Don’t forget that our big neighborhood community fellowship program kicks off under the big tent on Wednesday, July 8, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. with Vacation Bible School night ! Complete with picnic tables and a weekly ice cream cart at 7:15 p.m.
    • Flower Dedications: Today’s flowers are given by Paul and Barb Fennema in memory of Joseph Edward Woods and Ruurd Gabes Fennema, and by Alice Jackson in honor of Allison Bodnar’s birthday.
    • Nepal Mission Offering: We continue to receive gifts for the Jeewan Raksha Kendra (Life Saving Center) supporting greenhouses and youth nutrition programs in remote Nepal . Please write “Nepal” on your check memo line.
  • June 14, 2026: 3rd Sunday after Pentecost

    Service Details

    • Theme: 3rd Sunday after Pentecost
    • Sermon Title: “Seeing Ourselves Through God’s Eyes”
      Pastor Annie Parker
    • Special Music Features: An organ and piano duet arrangement of “This is My Father’s World” performed by
      Jan Cox (Organ) and Kara Craig (Piano) .
    • YouTube Channel: FPCSALEM

    Scripture and Hymns

    Bible Readings (NRSVue):

    • First Reading: Genesis 18:1-15; 21:1-7 — Abraham’s hospitality at Mamre and the birth of Isaac .
    • Second Reading: Romans 5:1-8 — Justified by faith and God’s proven love .
    • Gospel Reading: Matthew 9:35-10:8 — Compassion for the crowds and the sending of the Twelve .

    Hymns (from The Presbyterian Hymnal, 1990):

    Bulletin Download

    Upcoming Events & Community News

    • Summer Concert Tonight: Join your neighbors at Waterworth Park at 6:00 p.m. for a performance by Pipe Dreams, covering contemporary hits from the 1960s, 70s, and 80s.
    • Salem History Walk Next Saturday: On June 20 at 11:00 a.m., the church will host a Salem History Walk sponsored by Mahoning Valley Sojourn to the Past . Meet in Fellowship Hall.
    • Denise’s Big Back Yard (Starting July 8!): Get ready for our big community outreach fellowship initiative in the church “park” and parking lot . Gathering every Wednesday evening from 6:00–8:00 p.m. under the large tent, featuring picnic tables and an Ice Cream Cart around 7:15 p.m. Mark your calendars for the July 8 kickoff featuring Vacation Bible School themes!
    • Flower Dedications: Today’s sanctuary flowers are given by Alice Jackson in loving memory of Jim Wilson, and anonymously to the Glory of God.
    • Deacon College Scholarships: Applications are still available in the church office for members currently enrolled in a college or university . Completed requests must be submitted by Tuesday, June 30.
    • Nepal Mission Focus: We continue to welcome donations for Jeewan Raksha Kendra (Life Saving Center) providing sustainable farming resources, greenhouses, and nutritional support to families and school children in remote regions of Nepal . Please note “Nepal” on your check memo line.
  • June 7, 2026: 2nd Sunday after Pentecost

    Service Details

    • Theme: 2nd Sunday after Pentecost
    • Sermon Title: “Getting Up and Going” Pastor Annie Parker
    • 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):

    Upcoming Events & Special Announcements

    • Coffee Hour Today: Following worship, join us in Fellowship Hall for a Coffee Hour hosted by the Christian Education Committee.
    • Summer Concert Series Tonight: Head over to Waterworth Park tonight at 6:00 p.m. to enjoy the Salem Quaker City Band celebrating the music of Rogers and Hammerstein.
    • Healthy Congregations Workshop: A workshop for Session members will be held next Saturday, June 13, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall .
    • Flower Dedications: Today’s flowers are given by Margaret Winch in honor of Mary’s Birthday and Paul and Barb Fennema’s Anniversary, and by Lu Ann and Rob Cole in loving memory of Ann Waters .
    • Deacon Scholarship Funds: Limited scholarship funds are available for church students enrolled in a college or university. Applications can be obtained from the office and must be returned by Tuesday, June 30.
  • May 31, 2026: Trinity Sunday

    Service Details

    • Theme: Trinity Sunday
    • Sermon Title: “The Everywhere and Every Time God”
      Pastor Annie Parker
    • YouTube Channel: FPCSALEM

    Scripture and Hymns

    Bible Readings (NRSVue):

    Hymns (from The Presbyterian Hymnal, 1990):

    Upcoming Events & Special Announcements

    • Communion Tomorrow (June 7): Join us tomorrow morning at 10:30 a.m. as we gather at the Lord’s Table to celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion.
    • Adult Church School: Adult class meets tomorrow morning at 9:00 a.m. in the Library.
    • Coffee Hour Tomorrow: Following worship tomorrow, please join the Christian Education Committee in Fellowship Hall for light refreshments and fellowship.
    • D-Day Remembrance: Today’s bulletins and a vase of flowers were given by Tim and Melissa Costa in proud memory of the bravery and sacrifices made on D-Day, June 6, 1944.
    • Nepal Mission Offering: We are continuing our focus on Jeewan Raksha Kendra (Life Saving Center) helping provide food security, greenhouses, and infant nutrition in remote villages of Far Western Nepal . Checks can be made out to the church with “Nepal” written on the memo line.
    • Deacon Scholarship Funds: Reminder for our college students—completed scholarship applications must be returned to the Church Office by Tuesday, June 30 .
  • May 24, 2026: Pentecost / Youth Sunday

    Service Details

    • Theme: Pentecost / Youth Sunday
    • Special Presentation: Today’s service features a youth skit titled “Wind and Fire”.
    • Youth Participants: Special thanks to Tyson Jackson, Tegan Jackson, Joseph Seefeldt, and Knox Tonkinson.
    • Special Guest Musicians: Featuring the Western Reserve Brass: Terry Gale & John Veneskey (Trumpets), Rob Cole (Horn), Jonathan Willis (Trombone), Benjamin Ammon (Tuba), and Robert Barnett (Percussion).
    • Special Music Features: Robert Barnett on side drum and Cheryl McDevitt on piccolo accompany the choir. Joseph Seefeldt joins on piano to perform Robert Schumann’s “Important Event” .
    • YouTube Channel: FPCSALEM

    Scripture and Hymns

    Bible Readings (NRSVue):

    Hymns (from The Presbyterian Hymnal, 1990):

    Bulletin Download

    Upcoming Events & Special Announcements

    • Memorial Day Holiday: The Church Office will be closed tomorrow, Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day .
    • Pentecost Geraniums: Thank you to everyone who donated geraniums to beautify our sanctuary today! Plants not taken home by donors following the service will be planted on the church grounds.
    • High School Tennis Banquet: The Salem High School Tennis Banquet will be held in Fellowship Hall and the Kitchen this Thursday, May 28, from 4:00–8:00 p.m.
    • Nepal Mission Offering: We continue to accept gifts for Jeewan Raksha Kendra (Life Saving Center) to support agricultural and nutritional initiatives in remote Nepalese villages. Please write “Nepal” on your check memo line.
    • Deacon Scholarship Funds: Limited scholarship funds are available for church students enrolled in a college or university. Applications are available in the office and must be submitted by Tuesday, June 30.

  • May 17, 2026: Seventh Sunday of Easter / Kirkin’ O’ the Tartans


    Post Title:
     May 17, 2026: Seventh Sunday of Easter / Kirkin’ O’ the Tartans 


    Service Details

    • Theme: Seventh Sunday of Easter & Kirkin’ O’ the Tartans 
    • Sermon Title: “What about You?” 
    • Preacher: We welcome Ruling Elder Mike Shepherd to the pulpit today. He is our liaison from the Committee on Ministry of Eastminster Presbytery.
    • Special Guest Musicians:
      • Kim Meek (Bagpipes) 
      • Allison Miller (Celtic Harp) 
    • Traditional Procession: Featuring Michael Quinn as the Beadle carrying the Kirk’s Bible into the sanctuary .
    • YouTube ChannelFPCSALEM

    Scripture and Hymns

    Bible Readings (NRSVue):

    Hymns:

    • Hymn 339Be Thou My Vision (Slane) 
    • Hymn 171The King of Love My Shepherd Is (St. Columba) 
    • Closing HymnO Sing a New Song (Set to Highland Cathedral, arr. Richard Dixon), featuring bagpipes, organ, drum, choir, and congregation .

    Bulletin Download


    Upcoming Events & Special Announcements

    • Choir Recognition: Join us today during Coffee Hour in Fellowship Hall and immediately following worship to recognize and celebrate our choir members for their wonderful ministry of music.
    • Kirkin’ Clan Roll Call: Today we celebrate our shared heritage as Children of God, recognizing family clan lineages including Alcorn, Campbell, Gordon, Graham, MacDonald, MacLeod, McKenzie, Smith, Stewart, and more.
    • Geraniums for Pentecost: Today is the final day to order 4-inch potted geraniums ($6.00 each) in Fellowship Hall. You can also contact the office this week. Plants will decorate the sanctuary on Pentecost Sunday, May 24.
    • Pop Into Preschool: First Presbyterian Preschool will host an Open House this Tuesday, May 19, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. 
    • Preschool Graduation: Join us in Fellowship Hall on Friday, May 22, from 6:00–7:30 p.m. for the preschool program and graduation ceremony.
    • Memorial Gathering: A memorial gathering for Stephen Navoyosky will be held in the Sanctuary on Saturday, May 23, at 11:00 a.m. 
    • Nepal Mission Offering: We continue to receive gifts for Jeewan Raksha Kendra (Life Saving Center)to support food security and health initiatives in remote Nepalese villages. Please mark “Nepal” on your check memo line.
  • May 10, 2026: 6th Sunday of Easter / Mother’s Day

    Service Details

    • Theme: 6th Sunday of Easter
    • Sermon Title: “We are Left Alone” Pastor Annie Parker
    • YouTube Channel: FPCSALEM

    Scripture and Hymns

    Bible Readings (NRSVue):

    Hymns (from The Presbyterian Hymnal, 1990):


    Bulletin Download


    Upcoming Events & Announcements

    • Mother’s Day Treats: All ladies worshiping with us today are invited to take home a delicious scone from the Brimfield Bread Oven .
    • Kirkin’ O’ the Tartans: Join us next Sunday, May 17, for a celebration of heritage. If your family has Scottish lineage, please contact Phyllis at the office with your clan name to be recognized .
    • Geraniums: Orders are being taken today in Fellowship Hall for 4-inch pots ($6.00 each) for Pentecost Sunday .
    • Nepal Mission Offering: We are continuing to collect for Jeewan Raksha Kendra to support teen mothers and child nutrition in Far Western Nepal .
    • Preschool Open House: “Pop Into Preschool” on Tuesday, May 19, from 5:00–7:00 p.m..
    • Deacon Scholarships: Applications for students enrolled in college are due to the office by Tuesday, June 30 .
  • April 26, 2026: 4th Sunday of Easter

    Service Details

    • Theme: 4th Sunday of Easter
    • Sermon Title: “Finding Where You Belong” Pastor Annie Parker
    • Special Music: Featuring the Western Reserve Brass, accompanied by Organ and Timpani. 
      • Terry Gale and John Veneskey (Trumpets) 
      • Rob Cole (Horn), Jonathan Willis (Trombone) 
      • Benjamin Ammon (Tuba), Robert Barnett (Percussion) 
    • YouTube ChannelFPCSALEM

    Scripture and Hymns

    Bible Readings (NRSVue):

    Hymns (from The Presbyterian Hymnal, 1990):


    Bulletin Download


    Upcoming Events

    • Soup to Go Today: Quart containers of Vegetable Beef Soup are available in the kitchen for $8.00 each or $15.00 for two
    • Daytimers: Join us Wednesday, May 6, at Noon for a covered dish luncheon featuring guest speaker James Stitt from the Family Recovery Center. 
    • Deacon Scholarship Funds: Limited funds are available for church members enrolled in college. Submit your request to the office by June 30
  • April 19, 2026: Earth Sunday — “Leave Them a Flower”

    Service Details

    • Theme: Earth Sunday
    • Sermon Title: “Creation Tells of the Glory of God”
    • Preacher: Rev. Annie Parker
    • Special Highlights:
      • Preschool Participation: The First Presbyterian Preschool children shared special music today, including “Let’s Take Care of the Earth,” “Jesus Loves Me,” and “If I Were the Wind” .
      • Musical Contributions: Features from the Carillon Ringers and The Haviland Choir.
    • YouTube Channel: FPCSALEM

    Scripture and Hymns

    Bible Readings (NRSVue):

    Hymns (from The Presbyterian Hymnal, 1990):


    Bulletin Download


    Upcoming Events & Mission Focus

    • Free Flower Seeds: As you leave worship today, please take a few packets of flower seeds to plant and attract pollinators to your garden .
    • Environmental Book Study: Meeting today at 11:30 a.m. in the Gazebo (weather permitting) to begin our study of “The Serviceberry” by Robin Wall Kimmerer .
    • Vegetable Beef Soup to Go: We are making soup this Saturday at 9:30 a.m. . Quart containers will be available next Sunday, April 26, for $8.00 each or $15.00 for two .
    • Nepal Mission Offering: We are continuing to collect for Jeewan Raksha Kendra to support teen mothers and child nutrition in Far Western Nepal .
    • Daytimers: Join us Wednesday, May 6, at Noon for a covered dish luncheon featuring James Stitt from the Family Recovery Center .
    • Summer Mission Program: Youth and adults are invited to the Mahoning Valley Summer Mission Program this June–August in Canfield .
    • New Wilmington Mission Conference: Considering joining a group from our church attending this conference at Westminster College from July 17–22 .