How to Go From “Attending” Church to Becoming Part of the Family
Salt and Light Newsletter
May 27, 2026
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Pastor’s Thoughts
How to Go From “Attending” Church to Becoming Part of the Family
Next week, Salt & Light Church celebrates 15 years.
Over those 15 years, I have watched people walk through our doors hurting, uncertain, lonely, skeptical, broken, and sometimes just curious. And then slowly, over time, I have watched many of those same people become family.
One thing I hear often from newer people is this:“I just don’t know how to get plugged in.”
Honestly, I understand that. Walking into any church can feel intimidating. You may wonder where you fit, how people know each other, or how to move from simply attending to actually belonging.
So this week, I thought I would share something practical. Not just for Salt & Light Church, but honestly for almost any healthy church. If you are trying to figure out how to truly become part of a church family, here are a few thoughts.
1. Come to Church Regularly
This sounds simple, but it's more important than people may realize.
At Salt & Light, we have two main weekly services: Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. Both are open to everyone, and both are important.
Regularity is one of the biggest keys to spiritual growth and connection. Irregularity is one of the easiest ways to slowly disengage.
Relationships are built through consistency.Trust is built through consistency.Growth happens through consistency.
You do not have to have everything figured out before coming. Just come. Sit under the preaching of God’s Word. Worship with God’s people. Be present.
Sometimes the first step into community is simply showing up again next week.
2. Join a Group or Class
One of the best ways to move from “I recognize faces” to “these are my people” is through smaller groups and classes.
Our Sunday School and small group classes happen before Sunday service, and they give people a chance to actually know each other. You learn from the teacher, but you also build friendships and relationships with the people around you.
We also have children’s and youth ministries during services on Sundays and Wednesdays. We see these ministries as opportunities to meet young people where they are and teach them on their level in a meaningful way.
Big church gatherings are important.Smaller circles are important too.
combined... now you start to get somewhere.
3. Serve Somewhere
One of the greatest ways to grow in church life is to begin serving others.
There are so many opportunities to serve: children’s ministry, special needs ministry, kitchen ministry, outreach ministry, tech ministry, photography, videography, social media, construction, building and grounds, the thrift store, the school, and more.
The truth is, it really is better to give than to receive.
But I do want to say something important here: serving works healthiest when it flows out of worship, community, and spiritual growth.
Sometimes people try to jump straight into serving without really connecting first. They serve, but rarely attend services. They serve, but are not part of any groups or relationships within the church. Over time, that can unintentionally lead to exhaustion, discouragement, or feeling disconnected.
Service should not replace worship.Service should grow from worship.
Healthy service usually comes after we are regularly being spiritually filled and relationally connected.
4. Be Spackle
This one may sound funny, but I mean it.
Be spackle.
If you see a hole, help fill it.
If there is a need that is not being met, maybe God is putting that burden on your heart for a reason. Instead of walking away from the church because something is missing, maybe prayerfully consider helping build that thing.
If you are a young single mom, maybe you could help start a group for other single moms.If you love deep Bible study, maybe you could help gather people interested in studying theology or Greek.If you are passionate about mentoring, hospitality, recovery, prayer, or outreach, maybe God wants to use that passion to help others too.
The church grows healthiest when people work together to strengthen the body.
Not in protest.Not secretly.Not divisively.
But together.
That is part of what makes a church family beautiful.
Fifteen years later, I can honestly say this: churches do not become families accidentally. They become families when people worship together, grow together, serve together, and help carry one another’s burdens.
If you are new to Salt & Light Church, let me encourage you: take a step.Come consistently.Join a group.Serve somewhere.Be spackle.
You may walk in feeling like a stranger, but over time, by God’s grace, you may just discover a family.
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Baptisms
One of the greatest joys of church life is celebrating changed lives and public professions of faith through baptism. We are so thankful for what God is doing at Salt & Light Church and wanted to celebrate those who have recently taken this important step of obedience.
Recently Baptized at Salt & Light:
Madelyn
Bentley
Dalton
Wyatt
Finn
Landon
Natalie
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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.
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Church Happenings
Wednesday at Salt & Light – May 27
6 - 6:45 PM - Dinner | Upper Lobby Nacho/ Taco Salad Bar and Dessert - the final Wednesday dinner until September.
A $5 donation is requested to cover food costs with additional going to the Building Fund. If you cannot make a donation, please join us for dinner, all are welcome.
7 PM - Worship
Join us this Wednesday at 7 PM as we conclude our “Wars and Rumors of Wars” study through the Olivet Discourse with a message from Matthew 25:31–46 titled “Do Not Be Separated.” In this final section, Jesus reveals the coming separation between the sheep and the goats and reminds us that the greatest question is not whether we can identify the signs, but whether the King will find us truly ready when He returns.
Wars and Rumors of Wars Lesson 9
Nursery - 5th Grade | Lower Level
Middle and High School Youth | Lower Level - with Paul Thomas
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This Sunday - May 31
10 AM - Bible Study Classes - Listed Below
11 AM - Worship
This Sunday we continue our mini-series “The Promise” with a message from Acts 2 titled “The Promise Fulfilled.” Together we will look at the coming of the Holy Spirit, the birth of the church, and what it means that God now empowers His people to take the Gospel to the world. We’ll also see how Pentecost was not random, but part of God’s plan from the very beginning.
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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 gl.toomey@gmail.com
The Heart of Worship - Back of Stage – Adults and Youth Led by Kirk Whitehouse Kirk@saltandlightky.org
Young Adults (Age 18-31) 10:05 - 10:45 AM - Near the Library
Verse-by-verse study through scripture.
Led by Cheri Grinnell Cheri@SaltandLightKY.org
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 - June 14 - 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 Keith@SaltandLightKy.org_________________________________________________________
Prayer Meeting - Friday, May 29 | 6:30 PM Harrods Creek Baptist Church
8102 Hwy 329 Crestwood
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
Everyone from young adults to older adults is welcome as we study Colossians.
Questions? Contact Aaron Rieth 502-829-3024
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Evangelism Outreach - After Sunday Service | Upper Lobby
There are many ways to share your faith outside the church walls. The evangelism team will have a table set up near the far door after service. We invite you to come by and talk with us about numerous opportunities to serve - food pantry, thrift store, community outreach, courtyard and homeless ministries, and more.
Questions or to learn more - text Bruce Karcher 615-482-3158 _________________________________________________________
Agape Stitches -Friday, June 5 | 1- 3 PM Carol Gianzero's Home
2903 Brookside Ct. La Grange (The Reserve at L'Esprit)
Ladies and teen daughters who enjoy or would like to learn sewing, quilting, knitting, and crochet are welcome and encouraged to attend. We make a variety of projects to bless cancer patients, shelters, hospitals, police, and others. A project will be provided at each meeting.
There will be no childcare and sharp needles and other items will not be a good environment for young children.
Future meeting dates: June 26, July 10 & 31.
If you are interested in making items to contribute but cannot attend meetings, please contact Carol.
Questions - Contact Carol 720-313-0251
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15 Year Salt & Light Anniversary Outdoor Service & BBQ - Sunday, June 7 | 10 AM
Outdoor worship service starting at 10 AM on the big lawn with worship, testimonies, preaching, and outdoor baptisms as we thank God for all He has done over the last 15 years.
After service church BBQ with hamburgers, hotdogs, inflatables for the kids, and games on the lawn.
There will be no Sunday school or nursery.
We want to hear your testimonies. If Salt & Light has impacted your life, please submit your testimony to Pastor Justin by June 1st Justin@SaltandLightKY.org
Please invite someone and join us as we thank the Lord for His faithfulness these 15 years. _________________________________________________________
Youth Camp at Crossings - June 12-16
Please pray for our 49 Youth in grades 6-12 and their 10 chaperones as they prepare to attend summer camp. Pray that it will be life-changing as they grow in their faith, surrender their lives to Jesus Christ, and that He will be glorified.
Sponsors to cover the $400 cost for youth to attend camp are such a blessing. Many of our families have multiple teens attending and the cost can be prohibitive. To invest in the life of our youth by sponsoring in any amount please contact Paul and Sarah Thomas at Youth@SaltandLightKy.org
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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
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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 - Cheri@SaltandLightKY.org
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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. _________________________________________________________
1613 Men’s Conference - July 17-18 Duke Energy Convention Center
525 Elm St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
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
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Salt and Light Academy Contact: Michelle.Elliott@SaltandLightAcademy.com
Now Hiring Mission-Minded Full-Time Teacher for 5th/ 6th Class Please send your resume to Michelle.Elliott@SaltandLightAcademy.com_________________________________________________________
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
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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
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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 the 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.
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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.
If you’re interested, you can explore this option through our online giving page by visiting the website. Thank you for your faithfulness. "God truly does fund what He calls."
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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 _________________________________________________________
Grounds Volunteers Needed
Mow and/or weed eat the church property. Equipment provided, flexible schedule.
Contact Kurt Shelton 502-265-6828
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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
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Food Pantry
Have you ever wanted to get involved with the food pantry but weren’t sure where to start? We would love to have you join us! One way to serve is by helping during our appointments with families in the community who visit. It’s a meaningful way to connect and be part of what God is doing through this ministry.
Bible Donations - The Food Pantry gives a Bible to many of our visitors. Children’s Bibles are especially popular. We are not requesting purchasing Bibles. If you have gently used Bibles that you no longer use or that your children have aged out of, it would be a blessing if you could donate them for us to share.
Meal Kits - purchase and assemble quick and easy dinner kits that include the recipe and all of the ingredients to prepare the meal. The kits don’t need to be fancy - quick, easy, and cost-effective are perfect and a big help for busy families.
Create kit(s) from your favorite simple recipes or check the Salt & Light Family Facebook group for posts with recipes.
Most Needed Items to Stock the Pantry
Ground Beef, Chicken, Turkey and Pork
Breakfast Sausage
Frozen Pizza
Frozen Lasagna
Eggs
Tuna
Hamburger Helper
Canned Fruit Cocktail
Chef Boyardee
Spaghetti/Pasta sauce
Please place food and Bibles 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
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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.
Vacation Bible School - July 20 - 24 | 6 - 8 PM
Emerald Crossing - An Irish Adventure through Psalm 23
Volunteers are needed in a variety of areas! Sign up now to serve.
Work Days - June 28, July 5, 12 & 19 | After Service until 4 PM
Items Currently Needed: School Glue, Hot Glue Gun Sticks, 5 gallon Buckets (with or without lids), Newspapers, Zip Sandwich and Gallon Bags. Please take to the Children’s Ministry area in the Lower Level.
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Salt & Light Academy
Classroom Build Supplies Needed - new classrooms have recently been constructed and a few items are needed to complete the project. If you have any of these items you could donate, know a donor, or would like to give money to purchase supplies, please see the listing of needed items here.
Questions contact Kurt Shelton 502-387-0960
Lunch & Recess Volunteers - Interact with and help the children to give the teachers a planning period. A background check is required. Email Michelle Elliott 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
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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: June 5 & 26, July 10 & 31.
A Saturday meeting will be announced soon.
If you are interested in being involved but cannot attend meetings, please contact Carol 720-313-0251
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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:
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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!!
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Care Ministry
If you are in need of care (hospital, long-term facility, homebound), please contact Salt & Light at 502-265-6828
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Stay Connected – Join Our Facebook Groups
Stay encouraged and connected!
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Have an Announcement of an Event or Volunteer Need?
Please email new submissions by Monday each week to Marie Long at Long12686@gmail.com
Thanks for helping us keep everything clear and timely!