John Louk

Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. (Hebrews 13:2 NRSV)   When we have guests over to our home, we do what most people do. We get ready. We vacuum and clean, prepare food, and set up the house. When guests are coming, we also fix things that have needed fixing or replace things that need replacing. When it is just my family, we clean and pick up. But often we do not fix or replace things because we get used to them and we are willing to live with them. It does not have to be the best for my family. But when guests are coming over, we do those extra things to make it as nice as possible. We want to offer our best. We want our guests to feel special and enjoy being with us.   That is what we are doing as we prepare our new location on 33rd Avenue. We are not just preparing a place for “us.” We are getting ready for guests! We are going to reach out to all the neighborhoods surrounding our new loc...

When Jesus came to the tomb of his friend, Lazarus, he ordered that the stone be removed. Even Lazarus’ sister hesitated. She said, “He has been dead four days." Jesus promised they would see the glory of God. So they took away the stone and Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” As Christians we believe in resurrection. We believe that God brings life from death. Salem has the chance to embody that theology. It is perhaps an opportunity that few congregations have. It has come at great cost. Still Jesus cries out, “Salem, come out!” Salem has been called forth to new life, to begin again in a new place. What does this mean for us? To begin with, we give thanks to our God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God has rescued us and given Salem new life. We are God’s people, the people of his kingdom. God has not abandoned us. God has, indeed, been faithful to us, working in ways we have not always known or understood. Furthermore, we will continue to seek God’s wi...