Salem Oregon Stake
Come, Follow Him
Just Serve at the State Fair
A JustServe informational display joined corn dogs, baby pigs, and carnival rides at this summer’s Oregon State Fair in Salem. Over 1700 fair-goers dropped in at the JustServe booth in the Columbia Building to learn more about JustServe, the free online resource sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for connecting individuals, families, and groups with local volunteer opportunities.
Volunteers from all over northwestern Oregon shared information about what JustServe does, what sort of volunteering opportunities can be accessed there, and how to sign up. Representing the Salem Oregon Stake were Hillary Warner and Ricki and Bryan Decker—accompanied by an anonymous bear.
People were excited to learn about JustServe and responses were very positive. “We have wanted to serve in the community, but just haven’t known where to look for opportunities,” was a frequent comment. “Using JustServe will make finding and engaging in volunteer work so much simpler!”
The church recently announced that the JustServe platform has surpassed one million users. Here in our stake, around 130 different projects are listed, describing a variety of ways we can serve our neighbors.
Upcoming Events
Recurring Events
Stake Temple Recommend Interviews every 1st and 3rd Tuesday @ 6pm
Addiction Recovery Programs
General Addiction Recovery class every Thursday @ 7pm in the Stake High Council Room
Men's Pornography Addiction Recovery class every Wednesday @ 7pm at 3995 Hagers Grove Road SE Salem in the Upstairs Conference Room.
Spousal Support Addiction Recovery class every Wednesday @ 7pm at 3995 Hagers Grove Road SE Salem in the Downstairs Conference Room.
Sister Lydia Christensen
Lydia Marlene Christensen
December 29, 1934 — August 17, 2025
On August 17, 2025, our beloved Lydia Marlene Christensen passed away peacefully at the age of 90 surrounded by loved ones. She was born on December 29, 1934, in Burley, Idaho, to James Clifford and Lydia Samantha (Lee) Thompson, and grew up in Rupert, Idaho where she enjoyed a happy childhood.
At 16 years old Marlene fell in love with John William (Bill) Christensen. They were married on April 30, 1951, in the Salt Lake City, Utah Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Together they shared 68 loving years of marriage and raised nine children. Due to Bill’s military service the family lived in 15 different cities over the years and although this was challenging, Marlene stayed strong and cheerful through it all.
Marlene dedicated her life to her family. As a homemaker she lovingly taught and cared for her children. She always strived to point them to God and dedicated a portion of her time to serving in her church. Everyone who came into her home felt welcomed and loved. She had a warm smile and hug that always made you feel a part of the family.
She was a woman of many talents, such as sewing, crocheting, cross-stitch, embroidery, canning and cooking. Marlene had a love of reading and delighted in cheering on her children and grandchildren in their sporting events. For many years, she and Bill enjoyed square dancing together making many memories with friends.
Marlene is survived by her children Becky Gamble (Rick), Lorna Johnson, Jay Christensen, Rex Christensen (Tamra), Gary Christensen (Mary), and Laurie Christensen and by her sisters Darlene Hammond and Carol Sloat. She was preceded in death by her husband John William (Bill) Christensen, her children Pamela Christensen, Jeanette Pistorious, and Randy Christensen, her siblings Maxcene Mercer, Lloyd Thompson, Ray Thompson, Leroy Thompson, Lyle Thompson, and Paul Thompson.
Her greatest joy was her posterity. She is lovingly remembered by 34 grandchildren, 62 great grandchildren, and 4 great- great grandchildren who love and adore her.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 2530 Boone Rd SE, Salem, Oregon. The viewing is at 10:00 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m.
She was loved by all who met her. She will be dearly missed, but memories of her are forever in our hearts.
Stake Day of Service!
Join us for our Annual Stake Day of Service! There are lots of differfent projects sutiable for all ages - get more information and sign up here:
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