The Roots of Salem United Methodist in Wexford 

tap deeply into Wesleyan Methodist traditions,

are sunk deeply in the history of Western Pennsylvania

are intertwined  among the lives & stories of  strong willed men,

& women who defined Western Pennsylvanian history

– stories reaching back as early as 1844

Because in the 1800’s once known as Little Plains Church,

holding services in living rooms, barns,

and  even poplar groves

we believe  Church is wherever people gather to honor Jesus name.

Today in the local or global community Salem does all the good we can, for all the people we can, in all the ways we can.

While surrounding communities of Wexford, Pine-Richland, Cranberry and Franklin Park in northern Allegheny County  grew  tremendously over the years,

to this day Salem continues to honor its roots, its traditions and those who came before to celebrate life in Jesus name.

Read more about the rich & storied history of Salem Church

Fulfilling the Dream of God as Revealed by Jesus

In practical terms, this means that at Salem Church we are to work together to help make God’s dream for each of us individually, and for the entire world collectively, become a reality.

Henri Nouwen perhaps captured what fulfilling God’s Dream meant best when he wrote:

… Instead of being an escapist dream, it challenges us to anticipate what it promises. Every time we forgive our neighbor, every time we make a child smile, every time we show compassion to a suffering person, every time we arrange a bouquet of flowers, offer care for tame and wild animals, prevent pollution, create beauty in our homes and gardens, and work for peace and justice among peoples and nations, we are making the vision come true. We must remind one another constantly of the vision. Whenever it comes alive in us we will find new energy to live it out, right where we are. Instead of making us escape real life, this beautiful vision gets us involved.

Making the Vision Come True, by Henri Nouwen

To make our Vision a reality, we need each and every individual to discover their unique passion for mission and ministry through an understanding of God’s gifts and graces. Salem’s missions and ministries reflect these individual passions, and allow us to do so much more than simply put a dollar in an offering plate.

Here are just a few of the areas where the people of Salem serve:

Salem Preschool – Since 1975, a professional, experienced staff has helped children develop the skills necessary for later success in reading, writing, math, and science through a curriculum that is specifically designed to be age-appropriate for each individual child. Components that teach and reinforce those skills include reading, math, science, art, dramatic play, sensory, music, large group, small group, outside play, fine motor, and gross motor activities. The children are also encouraged to explore, create, ask questions, and seek their own answers. To find more detailed information about our preschool click here.

Olive Branch – Salem has been the home to the Olive Branch Gift Shop for 35 years. The Olive Branch sells high quality hand crafted items from developing countries., stressing: People First…Not Profits.

Thanksgiving Dinner Project – Salem, in conjunction with Bradford Woods Community Church, plans, prepares and delivers 300 complete Thanksgiving meals to individuals and families in the local area. Many of the recipients of the meal are elderly or have physical handicaps and are likely to spend the holiday alone.

Imagine No Malaria – Salem has served as a Lead Church in this Denomination-wide effort to end malaria on the African continent. We successfully met the goal of providing over $10,000 for this life saving program.

Miryam’s – Miryam’s is a shelter for women with emotional and mental problems. Salem volunteers organize visits to Miryam’s including an elegant tea party luncheon for the residents complete with spa activities such as facial treatments and manicures.

Caring Angels – Stepping in to help others during periods of need is an important ministry. It might be temporary child care, meal preparation, or transportation – whatever help is needed to smooth out some of the rough spots we all go through from time to time.

New Orleans and Haiti – Members of Salem have participated in multiple trips to both Haiti and New Orleans with work and medical teams.

Church of Our Saviour – This small United Methodist Church is God’s “outpost” in one of the city of Pittsburgh’s housing projects. We provide financial and program support for this church.

…and your passion is?

In addition to the above, we make our facilities available for AA meetings on Thursday mornings and Saturday evenings, as well sponsoring Cub Scout, Girl Scout and Boy Scout units.