America at 250: While It Is Day
SALT & LIGHT NEWSLETTER
July 1
Pastor’s Thoughts
While It Is Day
This weekend, America celebrates 250 years of independence.
Two hundred and fifty years is a remarkable milestone. Nations have risen and fallen during that span. Empires that once dominated the world now exist only in history books. The fact that our nation has endured this long is not ultimately a testimony to American greatness, but to the providence and patience of God.
But birthdays are about more than celebrating where we've been. They should also cause us to consider what we've become.
As I have reflected on that question this week, my thoughts have continually returned to one area in particular: education. Because if you want to understand where a nation is headed, look at what it is teaching its children.
There was a time in America when education was not viewed as merely preparing children for a career. It was about preparing them for life—and ultimately, for eternity.
In 1647, one of the earliest education laws in our nation's history, commonly known as the Old Deluder Satan Act, required towns to establish schools. Why? Because our forefathers believed Satan's greatest weapon was keeping people ignorant of the Scriptures. If children could not read God's Word, they could more easily be deceived.
For generations, children learned to read from the New England Primer. The very first lessons were rooted in biblical truth: "In Adam's Fall, We sinned all." Later came the McGuffey Readers, used by millions of students across America. They were filled with Scripture, biblical principles, hymns, and lessons on Christian character.
Think about that.
The Bible wasn't viewed as an elective subject or a private belief. It was the foundation upon which every other subject rested. Reading, history, science, and morality all began with the assumption that God is truth and His Word is true.
Today, we have largely reversed course.
We've removed God from the classroom, separated knowledge from truth, and convinced ourselves that education can somehow remain "neutral." But education has never been neutral. Every classroom teaches a worldview. Every lesson answers the question, "What is true?" Every teacher is discipling someone.
If Christ is not at the center, something else will be.
That conviction is one of the reasons Salt & Light Academy exists. We are not trying to recreate the 1700s or pretend America has always gotten everything right. Our goal is much simpler: to return Christ to His rightful place as Lord over every subject. Math belongs to Him. Science belongs to Him. History belongs to Him. Literature belongs to Him. Every fact finds its meaning in the God who created all things.
Jesus said,
"I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work." (John 9:4)
I don't know how much longer God will allow us the freedom to educate children this way. But while it is day, we intend to use every opportunity He has given us to proclaim the gospel, disciple the next generation, and build an education that begins—not ends—with the Word of God.
As we celebrate 250 years of American independence, my prayer is not merely that God would continue to bless America. My prayer is that America would once again acknowledge the God who has blessed her.
The next revival in America will not begin with a new law. It will begin when God's people once again believe that every generation must be intentionally discipled. Because the future of our nation will not ultimately be decided in Washington. It will be decided in our homes, our churches, and our classrooms.
CHURCH HAPPENINGS
WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT SALT & LIGHT – July 1
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
The Blueprint - Lesson 5 - Study notes
7 PM - Worship and Bible Study
The Blueprint –Lesson 5: The GuaranteeEphesians 1:11-14
Tonight in our series The Blueprint, we'll study Ephesians 1:11-14 and discover that God not only planned our salvation—He guaranteed it. Paul reminds us that every believer has obtained an eternal inheritance, has been sealed with the Holy Spirit, and has received God's own guarantee that He will finish what He has begun. Join us as we explore the incredible assurance we have in Christ and see why our future rests not in our faithfulness, but in Nursery - 5th Grade | Lower Level
Middle and High School Youth | Lower Level - with Paul Thomas
THIS SUNDAY – July 5
10 AM - Bible Classes - Listed Below
11 AM - Worship
The Real House of David III2 Samuel 14:18–33 | Close... But Not Close Enough
Can you be surrounded by the things of God and still be far from Him? Absalom returned to Jerusalem, lived near the king, bowed before the king, and even received the king's kiss, yet his heart never truly changed. This Sunday we'll examine four false assurances that deceive many into thinking they are right with God and discover why repentance, not mere proximity to Christianity, is the evidence of a heart that belongs to the King
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 3 | 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
Men from young to older adults are welcome as we study Colossians.
Questions? Contact Aaron Rieth 502-829-3024
PACK THE PANTRY FOOD DRIVE | Ends THIS Sunday, 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. If you prefer to donate financially, our volunteers will shop for you. Please designate “Food Pantry” on your check or when giving online. 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
COMMUNITY OUTREACH – 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.
Work Day - THIS Sunday, July 5 - 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.
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
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.
CARE MINISTRY
If you are in need of care (hospital, long-term facility, homebound), please contact Salt & Light at 502-265-6828
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
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
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:
BAPTISMS
Rejoicing with Misael Martinez!
This past Sunday, we had the joy of celebrating with Misael Martinez as he publicly declared his faith in Jesus Christ through believer's baptism. What a wonderful reminder that God is still saving lives and changing hearts! Please continue to pray for Misael as he grows in his walk with the Lord.
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.
STAY CONNECTED – Stay encouraged and connected! Join Our Facebook Groups