Do You Even Want to be a Man of God?
Salt and Light Newsletter
February 18, 2026
_________________________________________________________
Pastor’s Thoughts
Do You Even Want to Be a Man of God?
It is an uncomfortable question.
Not because we do not know the right answer. But because we are not always sure we are living it.
Do you truly want to be a man or woman of God?
Not in name.
Not in appearance.
Not in theory.
But in reality.
Because it is possible to attend church and still not pursue God. It is possible to believe in Him and still live for lesser things. It is possible to call Him Lord and still build a life centered on ourselves.
Jesus said plainly, “No one can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24, NKJV).
There is no middle ground. No neutral territory. Every life is serving something. Every heart is devoted to something. Every person is becoming something.
The question is not whether you are becoming something. The question is what.
Are you becoming someone who knows God? Or someone who only knows about Him?
Paul wrote these sobering words to Timothy: “But as for you, O man of God… pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness” (1 Timothy 6:11).
Pursue.
That word alone tells us everything. Godliness is not accidental. It does not happen by proximity. It does not happen by good intentions. It is pursued. It is chosen. It is prioritized.
And yet, the world offers endless distractions. It invites us to pursue comfort over character. Success over surrender. Recognition over righteousness.
A person can spend their entire life climbing ladders that do not lead to God.
Jesus asked, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Mark 8:36).
That question echoes through every generation.
Because there are many who gain the world and lose their souls quietly. Not through open rebellion, but through slow neglect. Through misplaced priorities. Through lives filled with activity but empty of true devotion.
The tragedy is not that they rejected God outright. The tragedy is that they never truly pursued Him.
Scripture reminds us, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8).
God is not hiding. But He must be pursued.
To be a man or woman of God means more than believing the right truths. It means ordering your life around Him. It means choosing obedience when it is inconvenient. It means trusting Him when it is costly. It means loving Him more than anything this world can offer.
It means living for the day when nothing else will matter.
Because one day, every life will stand before Him.
Every distraction will fall away.
Every earthly title will be meaningless.
Every temporary pursuit will be exposed for what it was.
And the only thing that will matter is whether you belonged to Him.
Whether you walked with Him.
Whether you trusted Him.
Whether you lived for Him.
Jesus describes that moment with words every believer longs to hear: “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).
Not busy servant.
Not successful servant.
Faithful servant.
This world needs men and women of God. Not in name, but in truth. Not in appearance, but in heart. Not occasionally, but fully.
So the question is not theoretical. It is deeply personal.
Do you truly want to be a man or woman of God?
Because the answer is not found in what you say.
It is found in what you pursue.
– Pastor Justin Walker
________________________________________________________
Vision Update
We are excited to share that we have officially signed the lease for Salt and Light Thrift. This is a major milestone, and we are grateful for how quickly the Lord is moving and for the overwhelming support from our church and community.
This week, we are conducting interviews for the store manager positions. Once management is in place, we will begin opening opportunities for volunteers. Many have already expressed a desire to serve, and we are looking forward to giving people a meaningful way to be a part of this mission.
At the same time, we have begun preparing the space. There is awesome remodeling ahead, including building dressing rooms, relocating lighting, removing a few half walls to make the store more functional and welcoming. We are currently gathering quotes for flooring and paint as we work toward creating a space that reflects excellence and purpose.
For those who have carpentry or construction experience and would like to get involved. This would be a tremendous opportunity to serve. There is meaningful work to be done, and your skills could help bring this vision to life.
We know the number one question right now is about donations. We are actively working on our donation and intake policies while hiring, remodeling, and organizing volunteer teams. We ask for your patience for just a little while longer. We hope you will hold on to your donations for a few more weeks, and we will communicate clearly as soon as we are ready to begin receiving items.
Please know that things are moving quickly. We are working diligently, and we are hopeful about what lies ahead. Salt and Light Thrift is more than a store. It will support the mission of Salt and LIght and Salt and Light Academy, but it will also be a ministry of its own. A place where people are welcomed, prayed for, and shown the love of Christ. A place where interaction becomes an opportunity to share the hope and good news of Jesus.
Thank you for your prayers, your encouragement, and your willingness to be a part of what God is building.
_________________________________________________________
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.
_________________________________________________________
Church Happenings
Wednesday at Salt & Light – February 18
6 - 6:45 PM - Dinner | Upper Lobby Creamy Chicken and Tortellini Soup, Lasagna Soup, Salad, Bread, 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.
HELP WANTED!!! Cleanup after Wednesday dinner. We begin around 6:50, and could get done in 15-20 minutes with a few more hands. Please stay and help! Questions please text Katie Anasis at 937-441-4225.
7:00 PM Bible Study | Romans 16 | Sanctuary
Romans 16 Study Notes
What will you be known for? Romans 16 is more than a list of names. It is a testimony of lives marked by faithfulness, service, and devotion to Christ. This chapter challenges us to consider the legacy we are building and reminds us that a life lived for Christ is never wasted.
Nursery - 5th Grade | Lower Level
Middle and High School Youth | Lower Level with Paul Thomas
Girls (8th grade and up) - “Lies Young Women Believe” with Sarah Thomas
_________________________________________________________
Freezer Meals to Support Youth Campers
Honey Garlic Pork Loin and Rice
Pickup at Church Sunday February 22
Minimum Donation $25 - Cash or Venmo - Proceeds Fund Youth Camp
To Order, please text Janet Garrison 281-630-0709
Order Deadline Thursday 2/19 @ Noon
One order serves 6
Healthier & Cheaper than Take-Out or Fast Food
We do the prep work for you
Dump the pork in the crockpot and heat the rice when ready
Ingredients:
Pork Loin
Honey
Soy Sauce
Garlic
Olive Oil
Salt
Pepper
Red Pepper Flakes (balances the sweetness of the honey and does not make the dish spicy. If you prefer it be omitted, let us know)
White Rice
Chicken Bullion
Onion
Watch the Salt & Light Family Facebook group for new postings of freezer meal fundraisers for Youth Camp!
_________________________________________________________
Prayer Meeting - Friday, February 20 | 6:30 PM Sanctuary
All are welcome as we gather to pray.
_________________________________________________________
This Sunday February 22 | 11 AM
The Real House of David – The House God Built
Part II: The Reign of David
When God Is Building You | 2 Samuel 7:12–17
God promised David a house, a throne, and a kingdom that would last forever. But Solomon’s kingdom ended, and the temple was destroyed. So how can God’s promise still stand? This Sunday, will uncover how this covenant points beyond David, beyond Solomon, and ultimately to Jesus Christ, and why its fulfillment is still shaping our future today.
_________________________________________________________
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
The Bible and the Constitution - Upper Lobby – Adults
The Bible is the source of the US Constitution. Study through the book “The Bible and the Constitution”
Led by Chris Duvall chrisduvall1@gmail.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
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 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
_________________________________________________________
Youth - Grades 6-12
Lock-In - March 6-7 | 7 PM-8 AM at Salt & Light
Nerf, video games, and other surprise events. Bring your favorite board games.
Food provided, please bring a snack to share.
Dress warm, it is often cold in the church at night.
Sponsor a Youth Attending Summer Camp at Crossings
The total cost for each young person to attend Summer Camp is $400. For many of our families with multiple children in 6th - 12th grades that cost can be prohibitive. If you would like to sponsor a youth for this potentially life-changing week growing in their faith, please contact Paul or Sarah Thomas or email Youth@SaltandLightKY.org
_______________________________________________________
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
_________________________________________________________
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 _________________________________________________________
Salt and Light Academy Contact: Michelle.Elliott@SaltandLightAcademy.com
New Student Application Period for the 2026-27 School Year Grades K-9 Open through March 15
Complete the New Student Application
Then Fill Out the Google Doc for your Child’s Grade:
Kindergarten
1st - 5th
6th - 9th
Now Hiring Mission-Minded Full-Time Educators
Kindergarten, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, Multiple Positions in Upper School, and Teacher’s Assistant
Please send your resume to Michelle.Elliott@SaltandLightAcademy.com
Fundraisers Questions Email Michelle.Elliott@SaltandLightAcademy.com
Mega Cavern Tour - Thursday March 5 | 5-8 PM
Louisville Mega Cavern 1841 Taylor Ave Louisville 40213
Historical Tram Tour - 45 minutes - $15 | 5:30 and 6:30
Mega Quest - 2 hours - $30 | 5:15 and 6:15
Registration Required Here
Payment Link
Chili Cookoff and Cornhole Tournament - Saturday March 14 | 4-7 PM
at Salt & Light
Admission is Free to Attend
Enter a pot of chili or sign up for Cornhole Competition here and Pay Here
Signup to Volunteer Here
Chili Cookoff Prizes:
1st place winner - $30 TR voucher and a CNC’d wall sign/trophy made by MadJax Farm.
2nd place winner - $25 Lowes Gift Card
3rd place winner - $10 McDonald’s Gift Card
Cornhole Tournament Prizes:
1st place winner - $100 cash and a CNC’d wall sign/trophy made by MadJax Farm.
2nd place winner - 2 $15 Gift Cards
3rd place winner - 2 $10 Gift Cards
_________________________________________________________
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
_________________________________________________________
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
_________________________________________________________
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.
_________________________________________________________
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."
_________________________________________________________
Food Pantry
Volunteer Need - pick up donations at Panera Bread in Buckner on Wednesday at 1:15 PM sharp. May serve one-time, weekly, monthly, any time you can give will be a blessing.
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 - we’re down to the last little bit of both of these!
Breakfast Sausage
Frozen Pizza - we’re almost out!
Frozen Lasagna
Tuna
Hamburger Helper
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 Connection. Please ask the 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.
_________________________________________________________
Children’s Ministry
For More Details or to Serve - text Jessica Walker 502-365-0839
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
_________________________________________________________
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
_________________________________________________________
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!
_________________________________________________________
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:
_________________________________________________________
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!!
_________________________________________________________
Care Ministry
If you are in need of care (hospital, long-term facility, homebound), please contact Salt & Light at 502-265-6828
_________________________________________________________
Stay Connected – Join Our Facebook Groups
Stay encouraged and connected!
_________________________________________________________
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!