Salem and Sauk Valley Lutheran Churches Profile
Location:
The Salem and Sauk Valley Lutheran churches are small rural Lutheran congregations located in central Minnesota near the city of Osakis, population 1700, approximately 4 miles from each other.
The Salem church is 6 miles east of Osakis on Hwy 27 and one mile south on 161st Ave.
The Sauk Valley church is 1-1/2 miles south of Osakis on county road 51 and 2 miles east on 150th St.
Just two miles from Osakis we have access to the I-94 freeway, and a 2-hour commute to either the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area or Fargo, ND.
Accommodations:
The Salem church is a beautiful two level traditional wood structure with a high steeple. Our sanctuary, loft, and entry way makeup our upper level with our kitchen, dining hall, and restrooms located in our walk out basement. An accessibility ramp was added on the north side of our church in 2013.
The Sauk Valley church is well maintained with carpeted floor throughout except the kitchen and restrooms. The church also has a library, nursery, and two classrooms. In 2019 an inside ramp was added to provide easier access for wheelchairs, walkers, or anyone who prefers.
Across the road adjacent to the Sauk Valley church, we have a beautiful, modern, spacious 5-bedroom, 2-1/2 bath parsonage with attached 2-stall garage constructed in 1995. It is equipped with an LP gas forced-air heating system, central air, air exchange system, and internet access.
Brief history:
The Salem church (established in 1878) and Sauk Valley church (established in 1883) were first organized by Norwegian immigrants. From the beginning, the two churches have enjoyed a 2-point parish relationship.
In more recent history we were affiliated with the American Lutheran Church (ALC) until 1988 when, with some reservation, we followed along with the merger that resulted in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
In 2010, after a number of years of discussion and prayer, we voted unanimously to disassociate from the ELCA and become independent Lutheran congregations. Not planning to remain independent indefinitely, in January 2019 we voted to become members of the Augustana District of Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC).
Worship services:
The Salem and Sauk Valley parish gathers together each week to proclaim the Christian faith through the means of grace (word & sacraments), liturgy, prayer, song, Bible study, preaching, and to encourage growth in service and loving care for one another.
We enjoy joint fellowship and traditional worship every Sunday, alternating buildings each week with communion service every Sunday. We work jointly for Sunday school, choir, Bible study groups, VBS, our annual ice cream socials, and other events.
Attendance to Sunday worship services number 50-60 worshipers regularly.
Teaching:
Our parish has a very small youth Sunday school at the present time but our adult Bible study, scheduled at the same time as our youth Sunday school, has a regular attendance of 20-25 congregants.
Business management:
Although we are two separate congregations, we function very much as a single congregation in most matters, however, we maintain individuality with regard to church finances, building and property upkeep, missions, and occasionally other projects.
Missions:
We have a strong commitment to several mission projects both home and abroad as God leads us. Prayer is an important vital part of our worship and daily lives.
Final comments:
We are an optimistic people, trusting God to provide and lead us in future growth and ministry and pray that God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is present in all we do.
Location:
The Salem and Sauk Valley Lutheran churches are small rural Lutheran congregations located in central Minnesota near the city of Osakis, population 1700, approximately 4 miles from each other.
The Salem church is 6 miles east of Osakis on Hwy 27 and one mile south on 161st Ave.
The Sauk Valley church is 1-1/2 miles south of Osakis on county road 51 and 2 miles east on 150th St.
Just two miles from Osakis we have access to the I-94 freeway, and a 2-hour commute to either the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area or Fargo, ND.
Accommodations:
The Salem church is a beautiful two level traditional wood structure with a high steeple. Our sanctuary, loft, and entry way makeup our upper level with our kitchen, dining hall, and restrooms located in our walk out basement. An accessibility ramp was added on the north side of our church in 2013.
The Sauk Valley church is well maintained with carpeted floor throughout except the kitchen and restrooms. The church also has a library, nursery, and two classrooms. In 2019 an inside ramp was added to provide easier access for wheelchairs, walkers, or anyone who prefers.
Across the road adjacent to the Sauk Valley church, we have a beautiful, modern, spacious 5-bedroom, 2-1/2 bath parsonage with attached 2-stall garage constructed in 1995. It is equipped with an LP gas forced-air heating system, central air, air exchange system, and internet access.
Brief history:
The Salem church (established in 1878) and Sauk Valley church (established in 1883) were first organized by Norwegian immigrants. From the beginning, the two churches have enjoyed a 2-point parish relationship.
In more recent history we were affiliated with the American Lutheran Church (ALC) until 1988 when, with some reservation, we followed along with the merger that resulted in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
In 2010, after a number of years of discussion and prayer, we voted unanimously to disassociate from the ELCA and become independent Lutheran congregations. Not planning to remain independent indefinitely, in January 2019 we voted to become members of the Augustana District of Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC).
Worship services:
The Salem and Sauk Valley parish gathers together each week to proclaim the Christian faith through the means of grace (word & sacraments), liturgy, prayer, song, Bible study, preaching, and to encourage growth in service and loving care for one another.
We enjoy joint fellowship and traditional worship every Sunday, alternating buildings each week with communion service every Sunday. We work jointly for Sunday school, choir, Bible study groups, VBS, our annual ice cream socials, and other events.
Attendance to Sunday worship services number 50-60 worshipers regularly.
Teaching:
Our parish has a very small youth Sunday school at the present time but our adult Bible study, scheduled at the same time as our youth Sunday school, has a regular attendance of 20-25 congregants.
Business management:
Although we are two separate congregations, we function very much as a single congregation in most matters, however, we maintain individuality with regard to church finances, building and property upkeep, missions, and occasionally other projects.
Missions:
We have a strong commitment to several mission projects both home and abroad as God leads us. Prayer is an important vital part of our worship and daily lives.
Final comments:
We are an optimistic people, trusting God to provide and lead us in future growth and ministry and pray that God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is present in all we do.