Churches as Neighborhood (CaN) Centers
Welcome to the Churches as Neighborhood Centers network
We invite churches of Salem-Keizer to come together across theological and denominational differences to love our neighbors in practical ways. If you love Jesus and love your neighbor, let’s work together toward Shalom for Salem-Keizer.
Here’s what that looks like:
We Connect
Monthly CaN luncheons
On the first Wednesday of every month we bring together pastors, ministry leaders, church staff, lay leaders, Christians serving in nonprofits, and Christians serving in the public sector.
Why? Three reasons: So that…
- …church leaders can network with service providers to help their church become a conduit of blessing in their neighborhood
- …we can learn from local experts giving presentations about the issues facing residents of Salem-Keizer and be better informed about how churches can serve and empower their neighbors
- …we can hear the testimonies and be encouraged together by the beautiful stories unfolding in our neighborhoods throughout the city
We Resource
Collaborative Learning
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- Theological Voices Reading Group
- Sanctuary Course (once a week for 8 weeks)
- Bridging Across Difference Cohort (once a month for 9 months, from September 2027-May 2028)
- Charity to Change (C2C) (2025-26)
Funding
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- Become a CaN Center contracted site
- Contact CaN Centers Director Valerie Geer at val@salemlf.org to learn more.
- Call for proposals (Oct 2027+)
- Become a CaN Center contracted site
We Mobilize
When churches are mobilized to love their neighborhoods, exciting projects and partnerships emerge. From community gardens to after-school programs to literacy support and more, our 26 alumni CaN Center churches are loving their neighbors well. Check out one example of this in action at Court Street Christian Church.
Valerie Geer
CaN Centers Director
val@salemlf.org
Connect at a Monthly Luncheon:
“Moving from Surviving to Thriving”
CaN Centers Luncheon Topics for 2026-27
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- October 7: Moving from Social Isolation to Belonging
- November 4: Moving from Hunger to Nourishment
- December 2: Celebrating Stories from the Sites
- January 6: Moving from Neglect to Nurture
- February 3: Moving from Violence to Safety
- March 3: Moving from Substance Use to Stability
- April 7: Moving from School Closures to New Beginnings
- May 5: Celebrating Stories from the Sites
- June 2: Funding Opportunities for 2027-2028
All are welcome! See RSVP form on this page.
