The historic Salem Camp Meeting is celebrating 157 years this year. Methodists and the surrounding community have continually gathered at the Salem Campground (located at Salem United Methodist Church 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.
Salem Camp Meeting this year will be Sunday, June 9 through Thursday, June 13, starting at 6:30 pm each night. The service will consist of congregational singing, special music, and preaching. Holy Communion will be served on Tuesday, June 11 by the Arkansas UMC Bishop Laura Merrill.
We are very excited to welcome this year’s guest preachers:
Sunday: Rev. Jim Polk (Director of Connectional Ministries and Assistant to the Bishop) Monday: Rev. Judy Rudd (Lakeside UMC in Pine Bluff),
Tuesday: Rev. Natasha Murray (First UMC in Little Rock)
Wednesday: Rev. Ellen Rowland (Pulaski Heights UMC)
Thursday: Rev. Jacob Lynn (Cabot UMC)
Several special events are planned during the week:
Sunday, June 9 – Community Homecoming Dinner, 5:30 pm, Fellowship Hall Tuesday, June 11 – Holy Communion with Bishop Laura Merrill
Wednesday, June 12 – Youth Night with Benton FUMC Praise Band Thursday, June 13 – Memorial Service
plus refreshments and fellowship after service, Monday – Thursday
Our mission project this year is the Salem Community Diaper Pantry. The Diaper Pantry is a ministry of Salem United Methodist Church and was started to help struggling families in our community reduce their cost for diapers. Donations of diapers, wipes, and financial contributions are greatly appreciated.
We are looking forward to seeing all of our friends, neighbors, and family under the Arbor!