Cindy and Dale Stretch to Hang Ornaments

    Each year Salem celebrates the Greening of the Grounds with song and food and fellowship. As Advent is drawing to a close, as we get ready to celebrate Christmas, we decorate the Sanctuary with Christmas symbols and festive colors. Jointly presented by Worship Ministry, Fellowship Ministry, and Christian Education Ministry, The Greening of the Grounds celebration begins with food -- a potluck in the Fireside Room where we gather for fun and nourishment and conversation. Next we decorate the Fireside Room with the nativity scenes supplied by Salem families and created by the school children for our Away in A Manger display. We then move to the Sanctuary for the Sunday School Christmas Program. And we conclude with the actual decorating of the tree and placing other symbols around the church.

Liz is startled by a surprising punchline!	Potlucks are fun. Bring something that you like to eat, and bring enough to share with others. If you cannot bring food, you are always welcome -- we always have enough for everyone! We will laugh and talk and eat -- we'll have a good time together. And we'll watch the program and decorate the tree. And a good time was had by all.
Clay sculpture nativity scene	Paper and stick nativity scenes
Madonna and Child (from water bottles)	Nativity with cloth and styrofoam
Sunday School lines up...	... and waits quietly ...
... and then processes in.	They tell the story in song,...
... and in drama ...	... of the Symbols of Christmas.
Dennis selects a wreath to put up next.	Are you sure this is straight?
A big tree needs a big ladder.	Watch your step, Jim.
Is Pastor Glen installing new seat belts?	Children practice placing the figures for tomorrow's church service.