What kind of church is Salem Tabernacle?

We are a non-denominational, convergent, Christian community that embraces the richness of the Church’s history and tradition, yet does so in a fresh and contemporary way. Jesus Christ, as revealed in Holy Scripture, is the center and focus of our faith, not programs or politics. We are an ethnically and socially diverse expression of God’s family here in the Hudson Valley, knit together by a common Spirit, and hoping to share in life as God meant it to be!

What should I expect on Sunday morning?

Salem Tabernacle was establish in 1951 as a Pentecostal church and we still embrace the moving of the Spirit in our gatherings, so they tend to be loud and joyful, with lots of singing and clapping – our worship truly is a celebration! Aside from the occasional holiday, our folks dress casually…it really is a “come as you are” house of worship. Our worship represents a convergence of ancient-future, traditional-contemporary. Song lyrics are projected on the big screen, colorful lights create a celebratory atmosphere, and the music is passionate. However, we also incorporate a lectionary reading, confession of the Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and a celebration of the Eucharist (each Sunday!). Worship at Salem is a beautiful juxtaposition of the best of our Pentecostal heritage alongside the rich history of the broader Church – we embrace the Spirit and the Sacraments!

The one thing we didn’t mention yet is the offering (i.e. the collection). For more than a decade now, we have stopped “passing the plate” on Sunday mornings. During COVID – please give online. Our guests are asked not to give! You are our guests and we want you simply enjoy the beauty of God’s Presence and his People.

What’s with “Salem”?

This has nothing to do with witch trials, we promise. “Salem” is the original name of the city of Jerusalem, which points to the great city we see coming down from heaven in the final chapters of the Bible. It was the home of the great Priest-King Melchizedek, who not only blessed Abraham and fed him with bread and wine, but also points to the great Priest-King of the Church, Jesus. Finally, it is related to the Hebrew word shalom which is often translated peace, but is probably best understood as “the state of fulfillment which is the result of God’s presence.” We believe that this is the “abundant life” Jesus spoke of in the Gospels and we believe it is breaking in on our world now.

What times are your services?

Our virtual weekly services are at 10:00AM. Check out our calendar for upcoming events.

What do you believe?

WE BELIEVE in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father.
Through him all things were made.

For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven:
by the power of the Holy Spirit
he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,
and was made man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.
He has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come.

Amen.