Salem’s Closet is Open Next on April 6, 10 a.m. – noon.

Currently Accepting Clothing, Bedding, and Household Goods

Open and Welcoming               Caring for our Community

 Through God’s grace, Salem has been a faithful presence in Harrisburg since 1787.  Drawing from both East and West shores, our community comes together to worship a loving God, grow in our faith, and serve the needs of Harrisburg.

No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome at Salem!

Meditation for Week of March 17, 2024

Lent 5: Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 5:5-10; John 12:20-33

“This is the new covenant in my blood…” Those words form half of the words of institution for communion and they have their foundation in this Sunday’s reading from Jeremiah. The prophet is speaking to a people devastated not only by military defeat but by a sense God has abandoned them because of their unfaithfulness. They have not followed the commands given during the Exodus, they have not listened to the prophets, and they believe with this history there is no hope. But just as the Rainbow Covenant meant a new beginning for humanity, just as God’s covenant with Abraham and Sarah meant a new beginning, Jeremiah announces God will yet erase the record and begin again, inviting them to become God’s people.

Jesus is the inauguration of the new covenant. Jeremiah brought God’s Word that “They shall all know me” and Jesus’ offering of himself is the doorway to this promise. As he says, he is like a grain of wheat, tiny, yet when planted, it comes to life again and seeds an entire field. So, in Jesus, the promise God made to Abram is fulfilled: we are become, meant to become, a blessing to the whole world, an emblem, bright and clear lighting the world with the glory of God.

Reflection Questions:

  1. Jeremiah says that one of the signs of the new covenant is that we shall all know God. How well do you feel you know God? How has that knowledge grown? Do you sense an invitation from God to know God better? How would have happen?
  2. According to Hebrews, what did Jesus have to do to fulfill God’s part of the new covenant? Do you think it was easy for Jesus? Why or why not?

March 17 Mini-Service