Don’t Squeeze the Soap
Salt and Light Newsletter
September 24, 2025
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Pastor’s Thoughts
“Don’t Squeeze the Soap”
Sometimes numbers can feel cold and impersonal. Think of when you read the statistics in the news—how many cars drove down a highway last year, or how many pounds of corn were harvested. It’s just data. But when you walk into a hospital nursery, those numbers take on a whole new meaning. It isn’t just “five new arrivals.” It’s five little lives, five families forever changed, five stories just beginning. Suddenly numbers aren’t just digits on a page—they are miracles you can hold in your arms.
That’s exactly how I want us to see what God is doing here at Salt & Light.
This past weekend we saw something amazing—522 people in attendance at Salt & Light! Just four weeks ago we were at 364. God has been steadily adding to our number: 381, 386, 463, and now 522. That alone is something to give Him praise for!
On top of that, MissionFest raised over $51,000 (and more is still coming in!) for Salt and Light Academy. Every dollar goes directly to the mission of providing tuition-free, Christ-centered education. What a testimony of God’s provision and of your generosity.
And then—baptisms. In the last two weeks we’ve seen 12 people baptized, with more scheduled for this week. This past Sunday, three of the five baptized were attending Salt & Light for the very first time. What a picture of God’s Spirit moving among us.
I share all this not to boast in ourselves, but to boast in the Lord. These numbers don’t represent statistics—they represent souls. Every person is a story. Every baptism is a life changed forever. Every dollar given is an investment in the Kingdom.
A friend encouraged me this week with a simple but striking picture: when God is clearly on the move, “don’t squeeze the soap too tight.” If you grip soap with fear or force, it slips away—but if you hold it humbly and carefully, you can keep it in your hand. The same is true of revival. We don’t need to control it, package it, or force it. We just need to stay surrendered to the Spirit, open to His leading, and faithful to give Him glory.
So let this encourage you—but also let it challenge you. We cannot stop here. We cannot grow complacent. We must keep pushing forward, keep shining the light, and keep pushing back the darkness. As Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”
God is on the move at Salt & Light. Let’s keep moving with Him.
– Pastor Justin
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Celebrating New Life in Christ!
This past week, we rejoiced as six believers followed Christ in believer’s baptism at Salt & Light. We give thanks to God for the work He is doing in their lives. Let’s continue to encourage and walk alongside them as they grow in faith.
Join us in celebrating:
Morgan Stephens
Nevin Dombrosky
Winston Burris
Brelynn Yout
Kenny Bohler
Jessica Pablo-Barrientos
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Church Happenings
Wednesday Night – September 24
6 - 6:45 PM - Dinner | Upper Lobby
Loaded Nacho/Taco Salad Bar and Dessert
A $5 donation is requested that will cover food costs with additional going to the Building Fund. If you cannot make a donation, please join us for dinner, all are welcome.
7:00 PM – Nursery, Children’s, Middle and High School Groups (Lower Level)
Bible Study — Romans (Sanctuary)
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Titus 2 Ladies Night - Thursday, September 25 | 7 - 9 PM Upper Lobby
Food, fun and fellowship for ladies ages 18 and older. Invite your friends!
Heather Gilmour will be speaking on Creating Emotional and Mental
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Prayer Meeting - Friday September 26 | 7 PM | Sanctuary
We’re gathering for a focused time of prayer for our families, church and country.
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Ladies 2 Corinthians Bible Study – Fridays thru October 10 | 6:30-8:30 PM
Courtney Day’s Home
Using the guided study "More Than Enough" by Christine Hoover.
Please purchase a study guide and bring it along with your Bible and a pen.
RSVP and details text Courtney 502-648-5447
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This Sunday – September 28 | 11 AM
The Real House of David – Part I: The Rise of David
Message: 1 Samuel 29 – More Than What They See
The Philistines looked at David and saw only a soldier for hire. God saw something far greater: a king in the making. In the same way, the crowds looked at Jesus and saw only a carpenter, a miracle worker, or even a threat — but God exalted Him as King of kings and Lord of lords. This Sunday we’ll explore how the world often misjudges, rejects, and dismisses, but God calls, protects, and directs. Join us as we see how David’s story points us to the greater King, Jesus Christ.
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Worship Night at Richwood Nursing Home - Monday, September 29 | 6:30 PM
Richwood Nursing & Rehabilitation 1012 Richwood Way, La Grange
All are welcome to join in the worship and devotion, pray with the residents, or visit in their rooms.
Questions? Contact Cheri Grinnell Cheri@SaltandLightKy.org
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Women of the Word Bible Study- Tuesdays | 9:45-11:30 AM at Sharon Holbert’s home
Studying the book of James.
Questions? Contact Sharon at 502-235-6687
Resiliency
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Salt & Light Cookbook
A cookbook of favorite recipes is being compiled. We would love at least one recipe from each family! When completed, the cookbooks will be sold with the proceeds going to the church.
Please email your favorite recipe(s) and your favorite scripture - along with a photo of the completed dish, if possible - by October 1 to Ashley Mazzoni at Ash.82Mazzoni@gmail.com
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Evangelism Community Outreach - Saturday, October 4 | 3 PM - 5 PM Front Parking Lot
Join us for our monthly evangelism outreach, weather permitting. Meet in the front parking lot to pray, divide into teams, and go into the community to pray and share the gospel.
For questions, or if weather is uncertain - text Bruce Karcher 615-482-3158
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The Brotherhood - Men’s Small Group Discipleship - Saturday, October 11, 2025
10 – 11:30 AM Upper Lobby
All men ages 18 and up are invited. Please register Here
Questions - contact Aaron Phillips 502-645-0745
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Micah Tyler Concert at Salt & Light - Friday, October 17 | 7 PM
Get ready for the God Did It Tour with Micah Tyler, featuring Jordan St. Cyr and Emerson Day. Hear Micah perform his hits like “Different,” “Walking Free,” and "Even Then" along with Jordan’s powerful songs like “Weary Traveler” and “Fires.” Emerson Day brings her positive energy with songs like "Get Behind Me" to start the night. It’s a night of music and encouragement you don’t want to miss!
Tickets are available here Tickets
6-8 Stagehands are Needed to unload and load artists equipment.
Must be 18 years old, able to lift heavy objects, and wear closed toed shoes.
2 shifts:
Morning - 9:30 - 10:30- 11 AM
Evening after the show - 9:30 - 10:30-11 PM
Sign up for one or the other, do not have to do both.
Receive a free ticket to the concert!
Email Karen Shelton at Karen@SaltandLightKY.org
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Weekend to Remember - October 24-26 Hyatt Regency Louisville
A two-and-a-half-day getaway designed to help couples reconnect, refresh, and grow closer through God’s design for marriage.
Register with our group name Salt&Light at weekendtoremember.com. Questions? Contact Ryan Gossom 502-773-8453
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Grant's Giving 5K Timed Run and 3K Walk/Run - November 9 | 2-7 PM Goshen Library
12505 Harmony Landing Rd Goshen, KY 40026
Grant's Giving Foundation provides sport and extra-curricular equipment to Louisville's under-served youth.
Help Salt and Light Academy win the $750 prize for having the most participants by registering Here for the race!
When you register - select "Join a Team" at the bottom, then select Salt and Light Academy from the dropdown.
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Youth 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.
A $5 registration fee is required to hold your spot.
Total cost is $400 per student - $75 is due February 16th and the remaining balance of $325 is 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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Lee Corps - Tuesdays | 7 - 9 PM Upper Lobby
Lee Corps prepares America’s youth, ages 12-18, to excel in leadership and military skills preparation with a Christian worldview to serve their country and communities. They offer 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 people to attend. No registration required.
For more information LeeCorps.org or contact LtCol (Ret) Michael Muller (270) 300-1571
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Serving Opportunities & Needs
Building Fund - $107,604 of the $200,000 due 12/31 has been given!
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. Monthly rent and all improvements and repairs the church invests in the property is also credited toward the purchase.
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Salt & Light Academy
Founders Banquet - Thursday November 13th
Save the Date! More details to follow.
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 are greatly appreciated.
You can view and give through our Amazon Wish List
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MissionFest 2025
Many thanks to every donor, volunteer and those who gave so generously in the auction.
$51,600 was given to our mission, Salt and Light Academy, to pay teachers, cover school expenses, and sustain the school tuition-free for every child.
To God be the Glory!
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Children’s Ministry
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.
For More Details - text Jessica Walker 502-365-0839
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Wednesday Dinner
Volunteer needs:
Prepare desserts to bring ready to serve
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 8:30-11:00 AM and 15 min after service
Wednesdays 5:00-7:00 PM and 15 min after service
Volunteers needed! Contact Sharon Holbert at 502-235-6687
Book Donations appreciated — view our wishlist:
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Production Team
Slides, sound, cameras — no experience needed, we will train you!
Volunteers needed for Sunday morning and Wednesday night services.
Email: Production@SaltandLightKy.org
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Food Pantry
We are in need of Eggs, Ground Sausage, Butter and Chicken (breast, legs, or thighs - bone-in or boneless in 3-5 lb. packages is preferred)
Please bring in a bag labeled “Food Pantry” and ask the Coffee Bar volunteers to place in the refrigerator.
Our food pantry is available for ANYONE to “shop” for FREE! We have families in our community struggling to make ends meet. Please contact us if you are in need of food. We value your integrity and will set up a private appointment with a Food Pantry volunteer. We want you well fed and to pray with you.
We have an ABUNDANCE of canned and shelf stable food thanks to the kids at VBS . Please bless us by visiting and honor the kids (and their parents) who gave selflessly.
To schedule a private appointment, get involved as a volunteer, or any questions contact Courtney Day — 502-265-6828 (Option 7) Or visit: SaltandLightKy.org
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Care Ministry
If you are in need of care (hospital, long-term facility, homebound), contact Lori: Ltummonds@msn.com or 502-876-0702
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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!
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Closing thought
God is clearly moving in our midst. Our role is not to control it or shape it into our own plans, but to receive it with open hands. When we remain humble, prayerful and faithful, giving all the glory to Him, HIs work will continue to grow and deepen among us. What God is doing here is not fragile, but it is holy. Therefore we offer ourselves to Him in humility and faith and trust Him in the increase.
In Christ,
Pastor Justin