“Peace” isn’t just a word here at Salem Covenant Church. Salem means peace like shalom. It is the kind of peace when all of life works together. It is working in positive harmony as God intended. This peace is a gift. God offers it through Jesus Christ. Salem Covenant Church is devoted to sharing it.
Salem Covenant Church aims to help people connect. People of all ages are welcome. We encourage growth and going forward. We want everyone to experience God’s gift of peace. We want all to partner together. We strive to make His peace the experience of all.
Like the Evangelical Covenant Church, Salem values the Bible. We see it as the word of God. We value God’s grace. We seek an ever-deepening spiritual life through faith. This faith is in Jesus Christ. We value extending God’s love to a hurting world. We value the strength from unity within diversity.
The Evangelical Covenant Church was founded in 1885. Swedish immigrants founded it. It is now a rapidly growing multiethnic denomination. It spans the United States and Canada. Its ministries touch five continents.
The mission of Salem Covenant Church is clear. We inspire and equip all generations. We connect with God. We connect with one another. We connect with God’s good purposes. We grow in love. We grow in maturity. We grow in fruitfulness. We strive to be the people we were created to be. We go to celebrate God’s love. We share God’s love in ministry. We share it in mission. We share it in life.
Salem Covenant Church has historical roots. Swedish immigrants established it in 1881. They first met in a house. This house was on Monroe St. NE. Many founders belonged to a Swedish Lutheran mission. They were known as Mission Friends. Later, they became the Swedish Tabernacle.
Disputes arose. These were over the concept of church membership. Members separated from the Augustana Synod. They believed it was too “orthodox.”
In 1885, the congregation bought lots. These were at 17th Ave. and Jefferson St. NE. A small mission house was built there. The congregation was officially organized in 1888. By 1896, the congregation had grown significantly. Plans were made for a new building. The location was 18 ½ Avenue and Central NE. Members would no longer worship in a mission house. It would be a large brick tabernacle. It would seat 900 people. It would have room for a large choir. Today, the congregation worships in a modern building. This building is on Silver Lake Road in New Brighton.
Salem Youth provides inspiring stories. Elijah Burton memorized the Book of Ephesians. He recited all 155 verses. He did it in front of the Youth Group. He used the NRSV version. He completed the challenge in under 12 and a half minutes.
Christian Formation is important here. It is a lifelong process. We grow to be more like Jesus Christ. Continued growth requires refocusing on our goals. We learn to love God with heart, soul, mind, and strength. This is a continual process. It results in real change. This change is in both our individual and community life.