Pause... We're Halfway Through the Year
SALT & LIGHT NEWSLETTER
July 8
Pastor’s Thoughts
Pause...
I'm not trying to upset you...
But we're halfway through the year.
Six months ago, many of us made goals. We made plans. We prayed about what we hoped God would do in our lives and in our families.
Now here we are. Half the year is behind us, and half is still ahead.
Before you rush into the next six months, I want to encourage you to hit the pause button for just a few minutes. This isn't a test, and no one else has to see your answers. It's simply a chance to be honest before the Lord.
Circle the number that best describes where you are today.
1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Sometimes
4 = Often
5 = Consistently
---Mid-Year Spiritual Checkup---
1. My relationship with Jesus is stronger today than it was on January 1.1 2 3 4 5
2. I've consistently spent time in God's Word, allowing it to shape my thoughts and decisions.1 2 3 4 5
3. My prayer life has been more than asking God for help. I've enjoyed fellowship with Him.1 2 3 4 5
4. Worship and gathering with God's people has remained a priority instead of becoming optional.1 2 3 4 5
5. I've intentionally looked for opportunities to share Christ or encourage someone spiritually.1 2 3 4 5
6. When I've sinned, I've been quick to repent instead of making excuses.1 2 3 4 5
7. I've been quick to forgive and slow to hold on to bitterness.1 2 3 4 5
8. The people who know me best would say they've seen me becoming more like Christ this year.1 2 3 4 5
9. My family has received the best version of me, not just what's left of me after everyone else.1 2 3 4 5
10. If my spouse, children, grandchildren, or the people closest to me became exactly like me spiritually over the next six months... would I be excited or concerned?1 2 3 4 5
Don't total your score.
This isn't about earning God's love. If you're in Christ, you are already fully loved because of what Jesus has done.
This is simply a mirror. A mirror doesn't condemn us. It simply shows us where we are.
If one of these questions made you uncomfortable, don't ignore it. That's often how the Holy Spirit lovingly gets our attention. And the wonderful news is this: you don't have to wait until January 1st to make a change. God's mercies are new every morning.
So take a moment today. Thank Him for the areas where He's grown you. Repent where you've drifted. Ask Him to strengthen you where you're weak.
Let's make the second half of this year count for the glory of God.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Justin Walker
___________________________________________________________________________________________
⚠️ Before you continue reading...
*If you have construction experience and could volunteer next week, please read the announcement below.*
Help Us Build
As many of you know, we're expanding once again to make room for what God is doing through Salt & Light Academy. The concrete is being poured this week, and beginning next week we'll start framing the new classrooms.
Every volunteer who serves helps us reduce construction costs, allowing us to invest even more into the mission of providing Christ-centered, tuition-free education.
We're looking for men and women who have some experience using power tools and a basic understanding of framing or general construction. You don't have to be a professional contractor, but if you're comfortable on a job site and willing to serve, we'd love to have your help.
If you're willing and able to volunteer, please contact Karen Shelton so she can coordinate schedules and work crews.
Karen Shelton
(502) 639-6558
Thank you for helping us build not just classrooms, but a place where children will hear the gospel and be discipled for generations to come.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
CHURCH HAPPENINGS
WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT SALT & LIGHT – July 8
5:45 PM - The Real Life Group | Upper Lobby - Left Side
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. Children are welcome. Whether you're new to Salt & Light or have been here for years, we'd love for you to join us. For more information, contact Ryan and Mandy Gossom 502-773-8453
7 PM - Worship and Bible Study
The Blueprint - Lesson 6 Ephesians 1:15–23 | The Prayer —Study Notes—
If you could pray just one thing for your family, your church, or your own spiritual life, what would it be? In one of the most powerful prayers in Scripture, Paul doesn't ask for comfort, success, or even protection. He prays that believers would truly know God, understand His calling, and experience the immeasurable power available to them in Christ. Join us this Wednesday as we discover a prayer that can transform the way we pray for ourselves and for one another.
Nursery - 5th Grade | Lower Level
Middle and High School Youth | Lower Level - with Paul Thomas
THIS SUNDAY – July 12
10 AM - Bible Classes - Listed Below
11 AM - Worship
The Real House of David III
2 Samuel 15:1–12 | Stolen Hearts
How does a nation turn against a good king? Absalom didn't begin with swords or armies. He began by winning the people's eyes, then their ears, then their emotions until he ultimately stole their hearts. The enemy still works the same way today. Join us this Sunday as we uncover Satan's timeless strategy and discover how to guard the one thing God tells us to protect above all else: your heart.
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 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 – THIS Friday, July 10 | 6:30 PM | Salt & Light
All are welcome as we gather with fellow believers from churches in our community to pray.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH – THIS Saturday, July 11 | 3:00 PM
Let’s go knock on some doors and share the gospel! Meet in the front parking lot at 3 pm and we will conclude by 5 pm. For more information, contact Bruce Karcher at 615-482-3158
1613 MEN’S CONFERENCE – July 17 - 18
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 at (859) 640-7081
VACATION BIBLE STUDY – 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
Snack 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.
Meal Help - We need help to provide meals for volunteers. Sign-up HERE.
For more information or questions, please contact Jessica Walker 502-365-0839
PAT BARRETT CONCERT – Saturday, October 3rd | 7 PM Salt & Light
Tickets to the Salt & Light concert are available HERE. Info patbarrettmusic.com
Questions? Contact Karen Shelton 502-639-6558
MISSION FEST | SAVE THE DATE – Sunday, October 25
We are starting to collect donation items for the silent and live auction at this annual fundraising event. There are a couple of ways you can help now; volunteer to be on the Mission Fest Team to help organize the event and we need everyone to reach out to businesses and people you know for donations. For more details and information, contact Marcy Davis.
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
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.
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."
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
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.
For more details or to serve - text Jessica Walker 502-365-0839
SALT & LIGHT ACADEMY
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
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: [Amazon Wish List Link]
STAY CONNECTED – Stay encouraged and connected! Join Our Facebook Groups