The Problem Hat
Salt and Light Newsletter
June 24, 2026
_________________________________________________________
Pastor’s Thoughts
The Problem Hat
A week ago, I heard comedian John Crist ask an interesting question:
"If everyone in the world wrote down their problems on a piece of paper and put them into a hat, would you risk reaching in and grabbing a different set of problems, or would you just keep your own?"
The more I thought about it, the more I realized most of us would probably keep our own. I would totally keep my own. I have been through some hard things... but still.
It's easy to look around and think someone else has it better. We see the smiling family in the church lobby. We see the successful businessman. We see the young couple in love. We see the retiree who seems carefree. We scroll through social media and assume everyone else's life is easier than ours.
But what we often don't see are the private struggles.
The marriage hanging by a thread. The diagnosis that hasn't been shared yet. The financial burden keeping someone awake at night. The grief that still shows up every morning. The prodigal child. The anxiety. The loneliness. The fear.
The reality is that every person you pass is carrying something.
Paul reminds us in Galatians 6:2, "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Notice he doesn't say, "Help the people who have burdens." He assumes they already do. Because burdens are part of living in a fallen world.
Sometimes we become so focused on our problems that we forget how faithful God has already been. Looking back, there are seasons I never thought I would survive. Yet here I am. Not because I was strong enough, but because God was faithful enough. If we could see the full weight of what others are carrying, we might stop asking for different circumstances and start thanking God for the grace He has already provided for our own.
That doesn't mean our struggles aren't real. They are. But it does remind us of two important truths:
First, you are not alone. The people sitting around you in church are carrying burdens too.
Second, God is sufficient for every burden you carry.
Jesus said in Matthew 11:28, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
Rest.
Maybe this week we should thank God for His faithfulness through the problems we have, and remember to show grace to others who are carrying burdens we cannot see. After all, everyone has a story, everyone has a burden, and everyone needs Jesus.
-Justin Walker-
_________________________________________________
CHURCH HAPPENINGS
Wednesday at Salt & Light – June 24
5:45 PM - The Real Life Group | Upper Lobby - Left Side Near Playground Entrance
Life isn't meant to be lived alone. The Real Life Group is an opportunity to build meaningful relationships, share life's highs and lows, and discuss how God's Word applies to everyday life. The group is designed to help people grow in community, encouragement, and connection.
Little ones are welcome, and older children may enjoy time playing outside together (weather permitting).
Whether you're new to Salt & Light or have been here for years, we'd love for you to join us as we walk through life together.
Questions Contact Ryan and Mandy Gossom 502-773-8453
7 PM - Worship and Bible Study
The Blueprint – Lesson 4: The Mystery Revealed Ephesians 1:8-10Tonight in our series The Blueprint, we'll look at Ephesians 1:8-10 and discover that redemption was never God's backup plan. Before sin entered the world, God had already purposed grace, redemption, and salvation through Christ. Join us as we explore the mystery of His will and see how all of history is moving toward one glorious conclusion: Jesus Christ.
The Blueprint Lesson 4 study notes
Nursery - 5th Grade | Lower Level
Middle and High School Youth | Lower Level - with Paul Thomas
_________________________________________________
This Sunday - June 28
10 AM - Bible Classes - Listed Below
11 AM - Worship
The Real House of David III 2 Samuel 14:14-17 | The MeansWe are all like water spilled on the ground—unable to gather ourselves back together and unable to overcome death on our own. Yet in one of the most hope-filled statements in Scripture, we are told that God "devises means, so that His banished ones are not expelled from Him." Join us this Sunday as we discover the means God provided through redemption, resurrection, and inheritance, and see how the story of David points us to the greater King who brings His banished children home.
_________________________________________________
Sunday Bible Classes – 10 AM
Joe Dedman's Group - Upper Lobby - Adults
Verse-by-verse study through that day’s sermon scripture.
Led by Joe Dedman jdedman@montysplantfood.com
Glenn Toomey's Group - Lower Lobby – Adults
Verse-by-verse study through whole chapters of scripture.
A welcoming group active in home prayer meetings with prayer and fellowship. We seek to make Jesus the Lord of our lives and live that out daily in obedience to the calling of the Holy Spirit.
Led by Glenn Toomey
The Heart of Worship - Back of Stage – Adults and Youth
Led by Kirk Whitehouse
Young Adults (Age 18-31) 10:05 - 10:45 AM - Near the Library
Verse-by-verse study through scripture.
Led by Cheri Grinnell
Youth - 6-12th Grades - Verse-by-verse study through whole chapters of scripture
High School studying through the book of John with Paul Thomas | Upper Lobby
Middle School with Sarah Thomas | Lower Level Classroom off Main Hall
Youth@SaltandLightKY.org_
Children – Birth-5th Grade – Lower Level Children's Area
Nursery and Bible classes for all ages
Children’s Ministry Director - Jessica Walker 502-365-0839
New Members - First Sunday of Each Month - Upper Lobby
One-time class for new or prospective new members of Salt & Light to learn about the core aspects of our belief, the structure and missions of our church, and to find ways to get plugged-in.
Led by Keith Holbert _________________________________________________
Prayer Meeting - Friday, June 26 | 6:30 PM | Harrod’s Creek Baptist Church
All are welcome as we gather with fellow believers from churches in our community to pray.
_________________________________________________
Men's Bible Study - Every Saturday | 8:30 AM The Coffeehouse & Cafe
408 S 1st St, LaGrange
Men from young to older adults are welcome as we study Colossians.
Questions? Contact Aaron Rieth 502-829-3024
_________________________________________________
Pack the Pantry Food Drive
- June 21 - July 5
Summer is here, our Food Pantry is serving new families in need.
These items are most needed to stock the freezer:
Ground Beef (1 lb packages)
Chicken (2-3 lb packages of breasts, legs, or thighs)
Frozen Pizza
Frozen Lasagna
Frozen Family Meals (pot pies, meatloaf)
Frozen Breakfast Meats
Please place in bags labeled “Food Pantry” on the hospitality counter near the Coffee Connection. Please ask the volunteers to place perishable items in the refrigerator.
If you prefer to donate financially, our volunteers will shop for you. Please designate “Food Pantry” on your check or when giving online. Thank you for donating and praying for this ministry!
If you are in need of food or know someone in need, would like to volunteer to serve in the pantry, or have questions, please text Kristen Tingle 502-931-7987
_________________________________________________
1613 Men’s Conference - July 17 - 18 Duke Energy Convention Center
Built for real Christian men facing real life battles. Join thousands answering the call to live with strength, courage, and honor. Details and Registration Here
For more information contact Mike Anasis (859) 640-7081
_________________________________________________
Vacation Bible School - July 20 - 24 | 6 - 8:40 PM
Emerald Island - An Irish Adventure Through Psalm 23
Ages 5 - 11 and Special Needs (with parent)
REGISTER: HERE
SNACKS NEEDED: We need help with VBS snack supplies. You can sign-up to bring snacks HERE. All items need to be brought to the church’s upstairs by July 12th. If you have any questions, please contact Katie Anasis at 937-441-4225.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:
Bathroom Monitor
Water Table
Security
Please Contact Jessica Walker 502-365-0839
Work Day - THIS Sunday, June 28 | After Service - 4 PM
Bring your lunch and join us in preparing decorations to transform the building into Emerald Crossing. Any time you can give that afternoon will be appreciated.
Future Work Days - July 5, 12, and 19
_________________________________________________
Pat Barrett "I've Got A Fire" Tour - Saturday, October 3rd | 7 PM Salt & Light Featuring new songs alongside beloved anthems like "Build My Life" and "Good Good Father", this is sure to be a joy-filled worship experience you will not want to miss.
Info patbarrettmusic.com
Tickets to the Salt & Light concert are available HERE.
Questions? Contact Karen Shelton 502-639-6558
_________________________________________________
CHURCH MINISTRIES
Young Adults | Next Chapter (Ages 18-31)
For anyone around 18–31 who wants to stay connected, build friendships, and grow in faith together.
Signal Group - to request to join and stay in the loop or with questions - text Joshua Rieth 502-230-6629 or Kaiden Perrodin 502-663-3681
Bible Study - Sundays | 10:05 - 10:45 AM - Meets near the Library
Questions? Email Cheri Grinnell
_________________________________________________
Homeless Ministry - Tuesdays | 5:30 PM Local Homeless Shelter
Share the gospel and bless the shelter residents with necessities.
Contact Bruce Karcher 615-482-3158 for details or to ride together. _________________________________________________
Salt & Light Thrift 200 W. Jefferson St. LaGrange
Sunday - Closed | Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 10-8 | Wednesday 10-6
Accepting Donations Monday - Saturday 10-6
Volunteers Needed - Assist with Intake & Sorting of Donations and Serving Guests
Earn $3 Love Bucks Gift Certificates to the store for every hour you serve.
Sign Up HERE
_________________________________________________
Lee Corps - Tuesdays | 7 - 9 PM Upper Lobby
Lee Corps provides a youth led, adult facilitated, Christian cadet program to foster leadership and a love for Christ in our community’s young men, ages 12-18. They excel in leadership and military skills preparation with a Christian worldview to serve their country and communities through training in tactics and field training, Christian apologetics, marksmanship, physical conditioning, and much more.
Lee Corps is not associated with or a ministry of Salt & Light Church but uses our facilities for their weekly training and welcomes interested young men to attend. No registration required.
Younger boys are welcome if they can sit through and be engaged in the presentations.
For more information LeeCorps.org or contact LtCol (Ret) Michael Muller (270) 300-1571
or Lauren Engle (502) 802-1688
_________________________________________________
SERVING OPPORTUNITIES & NEEDS
Building Fund - The building purchase and maintenance needs continue in 2026. Thank you for prayerfully considering giving an offering toward the property purchase. Please memo your offerings “Building Fund”.
In 2021, when Salt & Light outgrew our former location, God provided a beautiful 71 acre property with a former horse auction facility and barn where we now gather as a church family.
We entered a lease to own agreement with a payment due December 31 of each year until the purchase is complete.
_________________________________________________
Recurring Monthly Giving - As the Lord continues to grow His work among us, one way many choose to serve is through recurring monthly giving. This helps provide steady support for the ministry and allows us to plan wisely while trusting God completely.
Explore this option through our online giving page by visiting the website. Thank you for your faithfulness. "God truly does fund what He calls."
_________________________________________________
Baptistry Maintenance
Volunteer is needed to serve caring for the draining, cleaning, refilling, etc. of the baptistry.
For more details please email SaltandLightKY@gmail.com
_________________________________________________
Coffee Team Volunteers Needed - Sunday Mornings
Contact Lauri McNaughton 502-295-6675
_________________________________________________
Grounds Volunteers Needed
Join the team to mow and/or weed eat the church property. Equipment provided, flexible schedule.
Contact Kurt Shelton 502-265-6828
_________________________________________________
Security Team Recruitment Call
Volunteers are needed to serve with the Security Team for Sunday and Wednesday services and special events.
Text Mike Muller 270-300-1571 or Ryan Jansen 502-403-9841
_________________________________________________
Children’s Ministry
For More Details or to Serve - text Jessica Walker 502-365-0839
Immediate Need: Special Needs - Volunteers are needed to serve as one-on-one buddies in class with children with special needs. We have more children than buddies so having to turn families away until more volunteers step in to serve.
Busy Bags - 2 volunteers are needed to serve weekly or bi-weekly to empty used items and replenish the busy bags provided to children who attend worship.
Teachers for 4-6 year old class - 11a Sundays
Music with the Children - if you are musically gifted, we would love for you to teach and sing Bible songs with the children twice each month or as you have time to share.
Substitute and Rotational Teachers are needed to fill in for 1 class or multiple weeks when regular teachers are unavailable or to give them a break for a month or so.
_________________________________________________
Salt & Light Academy
Hiring Mission-Minded Full-Time Teacher for 5th/6th Grade
Submit resume to Michelle.Elliott@SaltandLightAcademy.com
Please continue to pray, promote, and support Salt and Light Academy. Your ongoing giving keeps the school fully funded and tuition-free, and every gift matters.
One-time or auto pay weekly, bi-monthly, or monthly donations may be made or set up online Here.
Donations of needed supplies for classes and the office are greatly appreciated.
You can view and give through our Amazon Wish List
_________________________________________________
Agape Stitches
Donations of materials are needed for our projects to bless cancer patients, shelters, hospitals, police, and others:
Fabric (scraps are welcome)
Yarn
Sheets and Pillowcases
Zippers and Sewing Notions
Please place donations in a bag labeled "Agape Stitches" on the counter in the Upper Lobby on Sundays. Future meeting dates to be announced. If you are interested in making projects to contribute but cannot attend meetings, please contact Carol 720-313-0251
_________________________________________________
Salt & Light Library
Open Sundays 8:30 - 11 AM and 15 min after service
Wednesdays 5 - 7 PM and 15 min after service
Volunteers Needed - Text Sharon Holbert 502-235-6687
Book Donations appreciated — view our wishlist:
_________________________________________________
Family Communication Board
We have a bulletin board in the Upper Lobby inside the main entrance, on the wall above the giving box across from the Connection Point area, for you to post needs you would be blessed to receive and shares you would like to give.
Freely Receive - If you have a need - a service or item or a friend to do something with - please post it on the side of the board labeled “Freely Receive”.
Freely Give – when you have something to give - a lawn mower that still works, furniture you aren't using, a willingness to serve by sharing a skill or some spare time - please post on the side of the board labeled “Freely Given”.
Note papers are in the basket to write your give and receive notes to post on the board.
This is not a buy, sell, or trade board, but a family sharing board.
The only money that should be exchanged would be a paycheck if you are offering to hire someone.
Check our family sharing board often, there may be a message that will be a blessing for you!!
_________________________________________________
Care Ministry
If you are in need of care (hospital, long-term facility, homebound), please contact Salt & Light at 502-265-6828
_________________________________________________
Baptisms
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Baptism is the public declaration of a personal faith in Jesus Christ. It does not save us, but it boldly identifies us with the death, burial, and resurrection of our Savior.
If you have recently trusted Christ and have not yet been baptized, we would love to talk with you. Baptisms are available year-round at Salt & Light. "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized..." — Acts 2:38
_________________________________________________
Prayer Cards are located at the church entrances. If you have a prayer request, please complete a prayer card and place it in the offering plate or boxes and someone will pray for you.
_________________________________________________
Stay Connected – Join Our Facebook Groups
Stay encouraged and connected!