New Salem Lutheran Church

About this church

New Salem Lutheran Church in Turtle River, just outside Bemidji, gathers for worship every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. The service includes hymns, prayers, Scripture, and the sacraments of Communion and Holy Baptism. Visitors are handed a bulletin packet at the door that holds the hymns, prayers, and order of service, so nobody has to hunt for materials. Children hear a special children's message, and elementary students are excused for Sunday School lessons and activities after Communion. Dress is casual, and everything from jeans to Sunday best is common. The congregation belongs to the ELCA and the Northwestern Minnesota Synod.

Worship can also be followed online. A livestream link and a companion worship guide PDF are posted each week on the site's worship page. Volunteer roles include choir, altar guild, ushering, Communion assistance, and Scripture reading. Youth take part in worship and music and attend a Wednesday evening confirmation class. In the wider community, members serve at the Bemidji Food Shelf on the second Monday and Friday of each month and partner with a local nonprofit each month for mission work and donations. The church also works with Neilson Place Ministry and Peoples Church, and members provide rides and visit those who are homebound. A monthly newsletter is posted online. Confirm times by calling 218-586-2262.

Researched from the church’s official website and reviewed October 11, 2026. Sources: Sunday 9:30am worship, Sunday School, contact info · What to expect, livestream, attire, children · Ministries, food shelf, confirmation, outreach · ELCA affiliation and synod

Service times

Confirm current times directly with the church before visiting.

Location