Special Events

Therefore, since we have now been justified by his [Jesus'] blood, it is even more certain that we will be saved from God's wrath through him. For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, it is even more certain that, since we have been reconciled, we will be saved by his life. And not only is this so, but we also go on rejoicing confidently in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received this reconciliation.
(Romans 5:9-11)

Solo Christo! (In Christ Alone!) This Latin phrase is one of four Solas Latin phrases that sum up the heart and soul of our faith and lives. Sola Scriptura (by Scriptures alone), Sola Fide (by faith alone), and Sola Gratia (by Grace alone) are the other three. However, the other three are meaningless without Christ! As winter is dwindling down and spring is approaching we enter the Lenten church season. This is a wonderful time for us to slow down with an already busy year and refocus on Solo Christo!

During the upcoming months at Salem, we will be focusing on Jesus Christ's passion alone, death alone, resurrection alone, and ascension alone. Christ alone lived the perfect life we could not live. He did this in our place even though we are by nature enemies of God. There is nothing God pleasing in us apart from Jesus. Christ alone then took up the cross. He suffered the death we deserved. Three days later, Christ alone rose victorious bestowing on us life and salvation. Forty days later, Christ alone ascended back into heaven guaranteeing His work for us all. All thanks and praise to Christ Alone. We no longer have to live in fear or doubt wondering what will happen after we die. Our sins are forgiven and heaven is our home. Solo Christo!

Salem is offering several additional worship opportunities to allow us the opportunity to focus on Christ's passion alone, Christ's death alone, Christ's resurrection alone, and Christ's ascension alone. Starting with Ash Wednesday on February 18, 2026 and ending on March 25, 2026, Salem will have Lenten Midweek Services on Wednesdays starting at 6:30 pm. On April 2 and 3 we will celebrate Maundy Thursday and Good Friday with worship at 6:30 pm both evenings. On Easter Sunday, April 5, Salem is celebrating with a special sunrise service at 6:30 am, an Easter Breakfast at 7:30 am, and our regular worship service at 9:00 am. For Ascension on Thursday, May 14, Salem will have another special worship service at 6:30 pm. These are offered in addition to regular Sunday Worship at 9:00 am.

Every year at the end of July Salem Ev. Lutheran Church offers to the community a traditional VBS for children, age 3 through 8th grade. There is no cost nor obligation to join the church. You can come one day or all the days for the whole week.

What is really this VBS all about? What will your children be doing during those hours away from home? We'd like you to know.

• V A C A T I O N implies enjoyment.
• B I B L E implies God's Word.
• S C H O O L implies learning.

VBS is a place where children learn God's Word in an enjoyable learning environment. In a semi-formal setting they learn Bible stories, have Bible activities, sing Bible songs, and make Bible-related crafts.

Why all the emphasis on the Bible? Because the Bible teaches us about Jesus. It tells us that without Jesus there would be no hope for us sinners. Without Jesus there would be no life after death, only eternal punishment. That's the bad news. However, the Bible also brings us the good news.

The Bible reveals that God sent his Son, Jesus, into the world to save sinners. In an act of pure love Jesus died as our Substitute. He rose again so that all who believe in him will inherit eternal life in heaven. That is the Greatest News of All!

In the light of this great news and under the VBS theme, TASTY TREATS, we are taking a look at a number of Bible stories that are in connection with food. We will see the Lord working in the lives of people and learn from the Bible lessons. Our lessons for each day are as follows:

We hope and pray that your children will continue to hear and study the Good News of Jesus Christ. We have our Sunday School for all ages beginning this Fall on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at 10:30am to 11:15am. This Sunday School continues every Sunday through May of next year. There is no registration fee or book fee. To enroll, contact Pastor James Seiltz at the phone number below!

Above all, we invite your whole family to join us for our VBS Closing Service here at Salem Ev. Lutheran Church on Sunday, July 26, at 9:00am. At this service we will review the lessons learned and join in singing some of the popular Christian hymns. This service is one of our biggest services for the summer.

Please plan now to join us for this wonderful opportunity! Our church is located two (2) blocks South of Garden of the Gods Road on Chestnut Street. Chestnut is the first street with a traffic light west of Interstate 25 on Garden of the Gods Road. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact Pastor Seiltz at 719-599-0200 or email him at seiltzjv@gmail.com. We look forward to you enrolling your children in this year’s Vacation Bible School.