Order, Conviction, and Courage
Salt and Light Newsletter
January 21, 2026
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Pastor’s Thoughts
When Protest Crosses a Line
Many of you have seen the video or read the headlines about Don Lemon entering a church service in Minnesota with protesters and livestreaming as they disrupted worship. I am writing about it because it exposes a dangerous double standard in our culture: passion is treated as permission… so long as the space being violated is Christian.
Some things are wrong no matter who does them or what cause they claim to represent. Bringing a protest into a worship service and interrupting the people of God while they are gathered to worship Him is wrong. It is not brave. It is not righteous. It is not justice. It is disrespectful, disorderly, and sinful.
We live in a time where people think outrage gives them permission. But Scripture says, “Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40). Order is not weakness. Order is how God protects what He establishes. God is not the author of confusion, but of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33). Confusion is exactly what happens when people decide their cause matters more than the boundaries God has put in place.
I will say this plainly: I take sides. There is a right and a wrong here. The right is to protest in lawful places. The wrong is to invade spaces that exist for specific purposes. I do not say this because I want silence, though some will probably claim that. I say it because I believe in strength that is disciplined, not reckless.
Let me give you some examples. We believe abortion is murder. We believe it is the taking of innocent life. And yet we do not storm operating rooms. We do not drag doctors out of clinics. We do not shut down hospitals by force. Not because we are unsure, but because even the strongest moral conviction does not give permission to destroy order.
We disagree with much of what is taught in public schools today, especially on issues of identity, morality, and truth. But we do not storm classrooms. We do not interrupt teachers in the middle of lessons. We do not take over school buildings because we dislike what is being taught. Not because we are silent but because even deep disagreement does not give permission to destroy order.
And when elections don’t go our way, we do not riot. We do not burn cities. We do not block highways. We do not tear down what others are trying to live in. Not because we are weak, but because restraint is strength.
Proverbs 25:28 says, “Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls.” A man who cannot control himself is not powerful. He is dangerous. A movement that cannot restrain itself is not righteous. It is reckless.
There are right ways to speak, right places to stand, and right times to march. Social media, sidewalks, town halls, public squares, and elections exist for disagreement and debate. But churches, hospitals, courtrooms, and classrooms exist for specific purposes. When you hijack a space and force your agenda into it, you are no longer persuading. You are dominating.
Force is not dialogue. Disruption is not courage.
Jesus said, “My house shall be called a house of prayer” (Matthew 21:13). God’s house is a place of prayer, praise, and proclamation. God’s people are commanded to shout for joy, to sing loudly, and to cry out to the Lord. Worship is not timid. Worship is powerful. But worship is ordered toward God. It is not meant to be hijacked by men because they oppose the person who might be leading it. If you don’t like a church leader, you can make that known but you cannot take over.
What happened in that church was not passion for justice. It was theft. They stole the service from God’s people. They took something holy and used it for questionable politics and personal publicity. They interrupted prayer, preaching, and praise so they could make a statement. That is not principle. That is profane.
When someone brings their protest into a worship service, they are not standing for truth. They are standing on the neck of someone else. James 1:20 says, “The wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” You cannot shout someone into submission. You cannot hijack worship and call it justice. Let’s call it what it is: intimidation, oppression, and terrorism. They used fear to force a message.
There is a picture of a little boy crying while his father comforts him during this unlawful protest. That picture alone tells you everything you need to know about what they were doing. Just think about the world that we live in. With church shootings, Charlie Kirk's martyrdom, and the rise of Islam in western lands. In such a context, bringing chaos into a worship service is not neutral; it evokes fear and pain. And that fear was not accidental. It was expected and used.
I want to be clear to our church: we are not called to be passive. We are called to be faithful. We are called to speak. We are called to stand. But we are also called to walk in wisdom. We do not win by becoming what we claim to oppose.
If we believe boundaries matter, they must matter even when we dislike what is happening inside them. If I am not allowed to disrupt what I deeply oppose, then you are not allowed to disrupt what you deeply oppose. That is not favoritism. That is consistency.
You do not protest inside a funeral. You do not storm a courtroom. You do not interrupt surgery. And you do not hijack a worship service.
Sacred spaces deserve protection, not because everyone agrees with what happens there, but because without protected spaces, nothing holy can survive.
Church family, let us be people of conviction and control. Bold and disciplined, loud in worship and strong in character. May we never trade holiness for hostility or truth for tantrums.
And may the house of God always be what He designed it to be: a place where sinners meet mercy, saints find strength, and God alone is the center of the room.
In Christ
Pastor Justin
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The Good Samaritan – Store Update
Church family,
I want to share a big and encouraging update with you about The Good Samaritan—the thrift store vision we’ve been praying through that will exist to fund Salt & Light Academy.
First, the Lord is already providing. We have secured two $1,000 donors, and we have also secured a $50,000 private loan at 0% interest that can be paid back over 1–2 years. That means we already have $52,000 committed—enough to say this is no longer just an idea, but something we can realistically build.
We are seriously looking at a very promising location: the former Theiss Furniture building, currently known as The Copper Awning, in downtown LaGrange.
Our estimated need to open well is about $100,000. Our heart is to raise this through what we are calling the “Founding 100”—100 people giving $1,000 each. These founding donors would have their names placed on a permanent plaque in the store, and their gift would allow us to open without the pressure of repayment. It would be a gift that keeps giving—creating a store that will generate support for students and families for years to come. Right now, we are receiving these as pledges while we continue to line everything else up.
One important thing I want you to hear clearly:
Our plan is to start this store without taking money from the church, and to only ever pour money back into the church’s school ministry. This is not a drain—it is designed to be a blessing.
We now have:
• Real funding momentum
• A very strong location opportunity
• A clear mission and plan
The final major piece we need before presenting a complete, final plan is leadership for the store.
We need to hire the right General Manager. This person will be critical. They will:
• Carry and protect the vision
• Hire and lead employees
• Support and organize volunteers
• Oversee inventory and daily operations
• Keep excellence as the standard
Simply put, the right manager will make this store thrive—and the wrong one could make it struggle. So right now, we are prayerfully gauging interest, having conversations, and seeking the person God has prepared to lead this.
Please keep praying with us:
• For the Founding 100 to come together
• For wisdom with the location
• And especially for the right person to lead this store
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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 we will pray for you.
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Church Happenings
Wednesday at Salt & Light – January 21
6 - 6:45 PM - Dinner | Upper Lobby Hot Dog/Brat Bar, Baked Beans, Chips and Veggies with Dip, Fruit, and Dessert.
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 - Bible Study - Romans 13 | Sanctuary
Nursery - 5th Grade | Lower Level
Middle and High School Youth | Lower Level Romans with Paul Thomas
Girls (8th grade and up) - “Lies Young Women Believe” with Sarah Thomas
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Prayer Meeting - Friday, January 23 | 6:30 PM Harrod’s Creek Baptist Church 8102 Highway 329 Crestwood KY 40014
Location is moved this week only.
All are welcome to join as we gather to pray.
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Youth Lock In - January 23 - 24 | 7 PM - 8 AM
Chaperones have volunteered to serve so this is happening Friday!
Come hang out and play games all night at the youth lock in! We will have Nerf, video games, and other surprise events going on. Bring your favorite board games.
Food provided but bring a snack to share!
Wear something warm, it is often cold in the church at night!
Contact Paul or Sarah Thomas or email Youth@SaltandLightKY.org for more information
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This Sunday January 25 | 11 AM
The Real House of David – The House God Built
Part II: The Reign of David
God Established (2 Samuel 5:13–25)
This Sunday we continue in The Real House of David with a message from 2 Samuel 5:13–25 called “God Established.” David is finally king, but the story quickly shows both his weaknesses and God’s faithfulness. We will see how God works through imperfect people, how He confirms His will, and how sometimes He leads us to the same destination by a different path. It is a message about learning to seek the Lord first, not just trying to be right.
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Women of the Word Bible Study- Tuesdays | 9:45-11:30 AM
at Sharon Holbert’s Home
Continuing in the study of Daniel. Questions? Contact Sharon 502-235-6687
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Salt and Light Academy Top Golf Fundraiser - Sunday, February 1 | 2 - 4 PM
Top Golf 301 Oxmoor Ln, Louisville KY 40222
$20 per person ages 3 and up ($10 of your admission fee will be donated to Salt & Light Academy)
Purchase non-refundable tickets by 1/24/26 here
To play with your friends, please enter together.
Questions contact Karen Shelton Karen@SaltandLightKy.org or Paul Thomas Paul.Thomas@SaltandLightAcademy.com
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Youth - 6th - 12th Grades
Camp - June 12–16, 2026
5 days of fun and fellowship—lake swimming, staying up late, eating too many snow cones, and most importantly, growing in God’s Word.
Students 12 years old (by June 12 and have completed 6th grade) through high school may attend.
February 16 - Registration Deadline | First payment of $75 due
A $5 registration fee is required to hold your spot.
Total cost $400 per student - $75 due February 16, $325 due May 18th
All camp payments are non-refundable.
Register Here
If the cost of camp is a hindrance to your student’s attendance, please see Paul Thomas or email Youth@SaltandLightKy.org
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Chili Cookoff and Cornhole Tournament - February 28
Save the date for this Salt and Light Academy Fundraiser! Details coming soon.
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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
Currently studying Colossians
Questions? Email Cheri Grinnell - Cheri@SaltandLightKY.org
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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 _________________________________________________________
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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Security Team - Volunteers are needed to serve on the Salt & Light Security Team.
Please text Mike Muller 270-300-1571
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Food Pantry
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.
Food Items Needed
Frozen Chicken, Beef, Breakfast Sausage
Tuna
Frozen Pizza and Lasagna
Hamburger Helper (on sale at Kroger for $0.99 until January 27th!!)
Eggs
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 Bar. Please ask the Coffee Bar Volunteers to place perishable items in the refrigerator.
Thank you for donating and praying for this ministry!
If you are in need of food or know someone in need, please text Kristen Tingle 502-931-7987
for a private appointment to shop in the pantry.
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Children’s Ministry
For More Details or to Serve - text Jessica Walker 502-365-0839
Markers are Needed - please take donations of markers to Jessica or Carissa in the Children’s area of the Lower Level.
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.
Special Needs - Volunteers are needed to serve as one-on-one buddies in class with children with special needs.
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.
Interest Meeting - Sunday, March 15 | 1 PM
Greet and Check-In children and their families to the nursery and their classes when they arrive on Sunday morning and/or Wednesday evening. Text Debbie Duvall 502-321-8798
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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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Wednesday Dinner Volunteers
Assist with food prep at Katie’s house in Shelbyville on Tuesday and/or Wednesday.
We don't need a weekly commitment, anything you can do to lend a hand will be greatly appreciated!
Contact Katie Anasis by call or text 937-441-4225. Thanks so much!
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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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Worship at Salt and Light
One of the things we are grateful for at Salt and Light is a growing desire to worship the Lord through music. That hunger is a gift from God, and we want to steward it well.
As part of our vision, Pastor Kirk has been entrusted with shepherding the worship ministry, including the direction and development of new music written and used for our corporate gatherings. Writing songs for the church is a holy responsibility, and we believe the Lord has uniquely positioned him for this season.
We want to encourage our church family to pray specifically for Pastor Kirk and the worship team, that the Lord would inspire and guide them as they lead us in worship and, in time, bring forth new songs for us to sing together as a body. Songs that are rooted in Scripture, shaped by our theology, and reflective of what God is doing among us. In the right time and way, we believe the Lord will bring forth music that serves our church well, reaches the masses, and glorifies Him.
Thank you for continuing to worship faithfully, pray earnestly, and trust the Lord as He builds His church among us.
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!