written by Denise Willoughby
The historic Salem Camp Meeting is celebrating 158 years! Methodists and the surrounding community have continually gathered at the Salem Campground (located at 1647 Salem Road in Benton) for spiritual renewal almost every year since 1867. Only two events have kept Salem Camp Meeting from being continuous – the Civil War and the 2020 Covid pandemic.
This year, Salem Camp Meeting will be held Sunday, June 8, through Thursday, June 12, starting at 6:30 pm each night. The service will consist of congregational singing, special music, and preaching. For the children, there will be coloring pages, crafts, a nature-themed scavenger hunt, and a sandpile play area.
Special Events:
Sunday, June 8: Homecoming Dinner
Come early for a free meal of grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, and all the fixin’s and stay for an old-fashioned hymn sing and an inspirational message from Rev. Britt Skarda (retired elder and formerly of Pulaski Heights UMC). Dinner will be served at 5:30 pm.
Monday, June 9: Reverends Chad Hornsby and Miranda Hornsby
Reverends Chad and Miranda will be our guest preachers on this night. Pastor Chad is currently serving Vilonia UMC and Pastor Miranda is the Pastor of Discipleship at Conway FUMC.
Tuesday, June 10: Reverend Corey Read
Reverend Corey Read (incoming Campus Ministry Director, Wesley Foundation, Arkansas Tech), Pastor Corey has spent the last two years serving Oak and Western Hills UMC.
Wednesday, June 11: Youth Night
All youth are invited to a special night featuring live music with Caleb Ellis (formerly of Camp Tanako) and a powerful message from Rev. Brittany Watson (FUMC Little Rock). Youth will join in choir singing, participate in the service, and serve refreshments following the service.
Thursday, June 12: Memorial Night
On our final night we will take time to remember those who have passed since we gathered under the arbor last year. Rev. Russell Hull (Star City UMC and incoming pastor at Benton FUMC) will be our guest preacher. On this night, please bring jars of peanut butter and canned meat for CJCOHN.
Nightly Refreshments, Monday – Thursday
Join us for fellowship and light refreshments in the fellowship hall following service
Mission Project
This year will be focusing on fighting food insecurity in Saline County. Throughout the week, we will be collecting non-perishable, non-breakable food items to be shared with CJCOHN (Churches Joint Council on Human Needs) and Salem UMC’s Blessing Box.
We are looking forward to seeing all of our friends, neighbors and family under the Arbor!
