You Are Invited & Welcome -
Come Worship with Us!
Every Sunday at 10:00 AM-Intersection of Battery Ave. and E. Randall St.
Want to see what's coming up at Salem this month? - Click here!
When and Where?
WHEN: We gather for worship, song, and community every Sunday at 10:00 AM.
WHERE: 1530 Battery Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21230
OUR NEIGHBORHOOD: Salem is in the Riverside neighborhood in South Baltimore. You'll find the church at the northwest entrance to Leone-Riverside Park, at the intersection of Battery Avenue and East Randall Street.
Sharing Faith, Hope, and
God's Love with YOU!
Serving the people of Riverside and South Baltimore since 1885.
Wondering what Salem has going on in coming months? - Click here!
What is Salem’s mission as a church?
Salem’s mission is to “share faith, hope, and God’s love with everyone.” We define this as follows: with Faith in Christ (Hebrews 11:1), joy in worship (Psalms 100:2), and a commitment to service (Luke 17:21), we are called to share faith, hope, and love (1 Corinthians 13:13) with our neighbors (Matthew 22:39). Salem does this in our worship, social activities, fundraising, and in our daily life as disciples of Jesus. Sharing faith, hope, and God’s love is not just a slogan to us; it is how we feel God is calling our congregation to serve our neighborhood, our community, and our city.
What kind of church is this?
Salem is a Lutheran church and a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, our national church body. However, our congregation is comprised of many folks who did not grow up Lutheran, so do not feel like you have to be in order to fit in! You can learn more about the ELCA by following this link.
Lutheran Christians believe that the story of God's steadfast love and mercy in Jesus is the heart and center of what the Scriptures have to say. We believe in a living God, who we name Holy Spirit, who calls us to live in love, seek kindness, and stand in solidarity with those on the margins of society.
What can I expect from worship?
We do a sort of "light traditional." Our service is very similar to Episcopalians and Catholics, but we keep it loose. Formal, but not too formal. You will hear people laughing and children playing. While we take God seriously, we like to have fun here and we find that a relaxed worship works best for us. You can follow along in the bulletin you receive when you enter; it's a step-by-step guide to our worship.
Please do not let the traditional atmosphere of "church" prevent you from feeling comfortable in worship. Wear what you like, come as you are.
Can I take Communion?
Yes! It is Salem's policy that all who seek a deeper relationship with Jesus may come forward to receive Communion, regardless of what your background is. If you feel uncomfortable partaking in Communion, you may come forward to receive a blessing instead if you so desire. You are also welcome to simply stay in your seat if that is your preference. There is no pressure and the choice is yours. If you've got questions about Communion (what is it, anyway?!) our pastor would be glad to chat with you one-on-one.
What about my children?
Bring 'em! Salem is welcoming and encouraging of all children. We are comfortable with children in worship, knowing their behavior will vary. During the service, they are invited to come up for the children's sermon, a brief learning time just for them, led by the pastor at the front of the church.
As a parent or guardian, we encourage you to be as present with your child as you prefer. We provide a small play area in the back of the sanctuary, and if you feel that they need to take a break from worship, you may take them downstairs to our fellowship hall, where there are restrooms and spaces to run around.
Is Salem LGBTQIA+ friendly?
Yes! It is our congregation’s practice to not only welcome folks of all identities but to actively include all people in worship and ministry.
May I contact Pastor Lauren
with any questions I have?
You're encouraged to be in touch!
Pastor Lauren may be reached at pastorsalembaltimore@gmail.com
or
410.576.0487
Upcoming Events
Looking forward at Salem...
Our Recycling Program has now ended.
Thanks to everyone for participating.
Saturday December 1st will be our first ever Chili Cook-off. The tasty fun starts at 1:00. We'll have up to 10 different chili dishes to sample - Only $10 per person. in addition we'll have special activities for the kids, additional food and beverages for sale too. All proceeds benefit the ministries of the Church
Our final Pay it Forward of 2018 will be Thursday December 20th from 6 until 9 pm. All tips will be donated to Salem. We'll have 50-50 drawings and maybe a basket raffle too. Bring some friends and make some new ones. Remember our motto: Eat, Drink & Tip WELL
Our annual Church Council Meeting will be Sunday January 6th following service. It will be a pot luck meal so please plan on bringing something to share.
We will be presenting the 2019 budget for approval, we will be discussing changes in the ELCA and how those changes will impact Salem and we will be electing new members to the Church Council. Please plan on attending.
Church Council Election sign up:
As a part of our Congregational meeting, we will be electing new members to serve a three year term on Church Council. The Council is involved in the "Big Picture" parts of Salem; the business of the church - where money is spent and numerous other business decisions. Council is also informed of the activities of the various teams; Mission, Fundraising and Building.
Council meets approximately 10 times a year for up to 90 minutes at a time.
If you would like to nominate yourself or someone else, click here and fill out the form.
If you're not sure, please feel free to talk to Pastor Lauren or to Council President Jack Ratzsch (or any member of council). Only members of Salem may serve on council.
Salem Trivia Nights will return in January. Check back for more details
Salem's Ministries
A sampling of what we do and how to get involved!
Urban/Community Garden Ministry
Sharing Faith, Hope, and Veggies with You!
Our Urban Garden is planted annually in the spring. This ministry, through members and friends of Salem, seeks to plant and tend to small gardens of vegetables and herbs. This ministry was initially developed to help meet the need of anyone who may be unable to afford fresh vegetables, but is available for anyone in the community who could benefit from or enjoy it.
Social Ministry
Serving Our Community
Social Ministry has a long, rich history at Salem. Recently, Salem members have prepared and served a monthly meal for the men of the Baltimore Station, a residential treatment program supporting veterans transitioning through the cycle of poverty, addiction, and homelessness to self-sufficiency. This spring, Salem members and friends donated canned goods for a local scout troop's "Scouting for Food" campaign. In the past, congregation members and friends have volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, helped at a local food pantry, and assisted with Augsburg Lutheran Home.
Young Adult Ministry
A Faith Network for Young Adults
Our Young Adult group (loosely interpreted as ages 25-35) gathers periodically for social events, discussion, and community. In the recent past, our Young Adult group read and discussed literature centered around faith, belief, and religious practice, such as Brian McLaren's We Make the Road by Walking, and gathered for social events like skeeball and Christmas Caroling. Upcoming events are in the works! For more information, please contact Diakonal Minister Sara Jane Bablitz at: sjbaublitz@gmail.com.
Salem Singers
Ministry Through Song and Music
Each week, the Salem Singers, led by our Music Director, Marie Macklin Lacy, bless our Sunday worship with music and song. Their talents contribute to a truly special worship experience at Salem.
The Salem Singers are always looking for new members to share their talents. If you're interested, please contact our Church Office!
Advent Vespers
Contemplative Worship
For the past few years, Salem has hosted a weekly Vespers service on Wednesday nights in Advent, led by Deacon Sara Jane Baublitz. Vespers is a more low-key, reflection-based service that may appeal to even those who find the prospect of formal worship intimidating or overwhelming. Past vespers services were inspired by the Advent reflections of Reverend Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a famed Lutheran Pastor who was martyred for resisting the Nazis.
Blessing of the Animals
Ministering to Animals and Animal-Lovers
In recent years, Salem has hosted an annual Blessing of the Animals in Riverside Park. Anyone who would like their four legged friends (or their fish, lizard, whatever!) to receive a blessing is most welcome and invited. Stay tuned for details on our 2017 event!
Recent Events
See what Salem's been up to!
RNA Yard Sale (April 2017)
A Great Success at Our Neighborhood Park!
Thanks to everyone who visited Salem's bake sale table at the Riverside Neighborhood Association's biannual yard sale on April 29. Salem members and friends had a great time connecting with the neighborhood community and offering delicious baked goods, coffee, and soft drinks for sale. Take a look at that table of goodies! All sale proceeds will benefit Salem's many ministries.
Designer Handbag Bingo Fundraiser
Thanks for joining us for this successful event!
On April 1, 2017, friends and bingo-lovers gathered for Salem's annual Designer Handbag Bingo fundraiser at the Elk's Lodge in Glen Burnie, Maryland, with all proceedings benefiting Salem's ministries. Participants enjoyed many rounds of bingo, basket raffles, a 50-50 raffle, and treats from our bake sale.
Spring Cleaning 2017
Many hands make light work.
Ever wonder how Salem keeps that shiny glow? The church cleaning crew! Led by our altar guild, members and friends gathered in March 2017 for Salem's annual spring cleaning bonanza. There was plenty of Murphy's Wood Oil and laughter to go around.
Pay-It-Forward Nights at Captain Larry's
Continuing Collaboration with a Favorite Neighborhood Bar
Every few months, Salem is blessed to be hosted by Captain Larry's, a neighborhood restaurant and bar, for a Pay-It-Forward Night, with all tips going toward Salem's ministries. Salem's members and friends enjoy delicious food and drinks...and Salem is even represented behind the bar, with Pastor Lauren and church member Leif Blomster serving as guest bartenders!
Check out our upcoming events page for the next Pay-It-Forward Night!
Fall Revival 2016
Inspiration Through Music and Preaching
Salem hosted its annual Fall Revival on September 10, 2016. In addition to the many blessings of music provided and led by the Salem Singers, Salem was thrilled to have Bishop William Gohl, Jr. serve as its guest preacher. In addition, as part of the ELCA's effort to honor first responders in remembrance of the 15th anniversary of 9/11, Salem welcomed Pastor William Becerril, a former NYPD officer, who served that day and the year after at Ground Zero to speak about his experience and how it helped shape his faith.
Connect with Salem!
Find us on social media, send us an e-mail, or give us a call.
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- WeddingsGet married at Salem!
We love weddings. Let's talk about yours!
Partners & Our Lutheran Community
Lutheran World Relief is an international non-governmental organization (NGO) that focuses on sustainable development projects and disaster relief and recovery.
Image Gallery
View images of Salem's worship, congregation,
events, and beautiful sanctuary--past and present.
