One of my favorite things about living in Salem is the music program we have in our school district. Both of my kids are involved in stellar music programs at their respective schools, and it is a joy to watch them perform with their classmates and be led by outstanding music educators!
My daughter is an exceptional vocalist. I love watching her sing. This past month she had the opportunity to sing with the all-city honors choir. It was an incredible concert that also included the all-city band and orchestra. I was moved to tears a few times throughout the performances.
My favorite part of the concert was seeing all the choir robes from the high schools across our district. It was an inspiring display of unity while maintaining a strong loyalty to the schools each student represented. I watched students from “rival” schools blend, harmonize, and balance to create a beautiful sound.
This experience reminded me of one of my favorite sections in the gospel of Mark. In Mark 3:13-19, Jesus selects his twelve apostles/disciples. Jesus chose Simon, Andrew, James, and John. Several scholars have pointed out the economic differences between Simon and Andrew, who fished with nets, compared to James and John who had nets, boats, and hired hands. Jesus also chose Matthew, a tax collector, and Simon the zealot. While Matthew worked for Rome, Simon was poised to lead a violent revolt against Rome. Jesus also chose Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
Jesus chose to surround himself with people who had intense differences. I think he did this on purpose so they could learn from each other. I don’t see Jesus asking them to ignore their differences. I think their differences made them stronger, and most likely helped them see a bigger picture of their world. I also believe Jesus’ teachings about loving both your neighbor and your enemies would have to be applied both in and through this group.
SLF is committed to bringing people together to find collaborative solutions. This is challenging work, but it is so worth it. For Salem/Keizer to become the healthiest community in all of Oregon, truly a city of Shalom, we must move toward, not away from differences. I have found that doing this usually strengthens what you believe instead of harming it. So, it is my hope and prayer that we would engage differences and increase in love for our neighbors, and even our “enemies.”
Grace & Peace,
Kyle Dickinson
The 2025 RainFest Campaign was a Great Success!
Thanks to the efforts of 48 volunteers and staff who reached out to their networks to invite support of the Salem Leadership Foundation, over $128,000 was raised to advance the ministry and work of building connections in neighborhoods and capacity in nonprofits! This year we set a new record for the total number of donations with over 730. Incredible. Outstanding! On behalf of the SLF Board of Directors and staff, thank you so much for your support.
Below are a few images from the RainFest golf event at Salem Golf Club on 2/24. Yes, that was the day of the atmospheric river! We had a great time braving the elements.
Thank you to our 2025 RainFest Campaign Sponsors!
