Today Salem's ministry extends to those in recovery through its Grace Oasis program. People in recovery can come on a Friday evening for informal worship, Bible study, fellowship, and a meal. Begun in 1995 with a handful of people (often there were more volunteers than visitors), the program has grown to a regular attendance of 40-50 people each week.
A small group meets after Grace Oasis for more in-depth study and support. This has been a result of growth not only in the program but in the people coming.
Salem has long noticed the plight of the poor in the city and for over a dozen years has run a food pantry. Eschewing government help, donations from members and other WELS congregations has kept the pantry shelves full with nutritious food for many.
Although the WELS has primarily been a German Lutheran synod, no congregation likely reflects the growing diversity of WELS. Not only black and white meet for worship, but also people of various nationalities worship the one, true God at Salem: Jewish, Palestinian, Sicilian, Caribbean, Finnish, Hungarian, Taiwanese.
Age groups are inclusive. Small children look to older ladies as grandmothers. Teens come for a church home, for advice and guidance when it lacks at home. In fact, the growing number of teens coming prompted the start of Teen Tuesdays and a teen basketball team playing in the local police athletic league. An After School Club ran for many years assisting children with home work and other activities in the late afternoons when parents were often still at work.
At the heart of all of Salem's activities and ministries is the word of God. For in the Gospel of Jesus Christ we are all covered with the blood of the Lamb. And the Prince of Peace stills restless spirits, makes disparate peoples one, and unites all in love.
Salem Lutheran Church
2400 N. Cramer St.
Milwaukee, WI 53211
Pastors:
Rev James Sonnemann
Rev Phil Merten (Grace Oasis)
Vicar Gary Young
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