If you're looking to visit or just want to learn more, check out these frequently asked questions and answers about our community! 

If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out to our Church Administrator, Laurie Zaepful, or Pastor Rhonda Hlavinka.

How Do I find the church? 

Salem services take place in the SpringHouse Ministry Center. (Check out the Find Us page.) Since there are different spaces in the building for worship services, sometimes we’re upstairs, sometimes we’re downstairs. When in doubt, look for directions inside the main entrance. Or, simply ask someone for help.

What should I wear?

Our style is relatively casual around Salem. Come as is comfortable for you. Feel free to dress in shorts or jeans, or if you’re in the mood to dress up, then dress up. Rumor has it Pastor Rhonda wears her Converse to worship on a regular basis.

Is childcare available?

Childcare is provided each Sunday starting at 9:15 AM. Our child care providers are employees of Salem Lutheran, Lyndale United Church of Christ and First Christian Church, and have undergone an interview process, background check, and training. They enjoy working with kids and strive to offer kids from birth through grade 5 a safe and engaging space when they aren’t active in the worship services. It is common for kids to come and go in to worship service, and families can determine how much of the service they’d like their kids to participate in.

Who can participate in communion?

All are welcome at Christ’s table – without exception! Our open table policy welcomes everyone to communion, regardless of church affiliation (or un-affiliation, as the case may be). We believe that Jesus is the host, and we also believe that Jesus welcomes all.

How d​​oes Communion happen?  (And where do I kneel?)

At Salem, you won’t find any kneeling pads, because those who are able take communion standing up. We proceed in a single line to the altar, and we commune by receiving the body of Christ (the bread) and then choose a cup of wine or juice from the communion tray. Our tradition makes for a portable “communion table,” so if you can’t easily proceed to the altar, we can bring communion to you. All of our communion bread is gluten-free. When choosing between wine and juice, know that the outer two rings of cups are wine and the inner ring is juice.

Do kids take communion at Salem?

​At Salem, kids of all ages are welcome to receive the bread and wine or grape juice. Communion is a favorite part of the service for many of our kids (including toddlers and preschoolers), and the age at which they begin to participate is entirely up to their families. It is also just fine for kids to simply come forward for a blessing.

How do you worship at Salem?

We start Sunday worship at 9:30 AM. Worship is done both in person and online via YouTube. For more information on each, visit the Salem Worship page.

Does attending worship mean I have to commit to something?

Nope! Some folks who attend want to get connected immediately, others favor anonymity, and most find a gentle middle ground. There is a visitor book located in the back of the sanctuary on the table where you picked up your bulletin. If you’d like to be connected, feel free to leave contact information; if not, no worries, it’s fine to just show up and worship.

do you have programming for children and youth outside of regular worship?

Yes, we do! There are both organized and casual opportunities for children and youth to learn and socialize on Sundays.

All three SpringHouse congregations share our children’s and youth ministry. Currently (spring/summer of 2025) we are reimaging what this looks like. Watch for exciting things starting up again next fall!
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Check out our Children and Youth page to learn more.