Faith When You Do Not Feel Strong
Salt and Light Newsletter
December 3, 2025
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Pastor’s Thoughts
Faith That Does Not Feel Strong
One of the quiet struggles many believers carry today is not a lack of belief in God, but a lack of feeling confident in their faith. They believe in truth, but they do not always feel strong. They trust God, but they do not always feel hopeful. They follow Christ, but some days their faith feels thin, tired, or worn down. And because our culture equates faith with emotion, passion, and constant victory, many sincere Christians begin to wonder if something is wrong with them when their feelings grow quiet.
But Scripture shows us a different kind of faith. Real faith is not measured by how powerful it feels. It is measured by how faithful it remains. The Bible says, “We walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). And very often that also means not walking by feeling.
There are seasons when faith feels fiery and alive. And there are seasons when faith is steady, quiet, and tested. Both honor God. Some of the strongest faith you will ever exercise is the faith that simply keeps obeying when the feelings are gone. The Bible reminds us that “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Faith has never depended on what we can see or feel.
We often admire public faith, but God most often forms private faith. Joseph is remembered at Christmas not for a sermon he preached, but for a decision he made. He believed God when no one else could see the miracle. He obeyed when obedience put his reputation at risk. His faith was not emotional. It was anchored. And through his quiet obedience, history changed.
Many of us are waiting to feel ready before we obey. But obedience was never meant to wait on emotion. The Bible says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). Trust often means stepping forward without full clarity.
There are days when prayer feels powerful. And there are days when prayer feels like words in the air. There are days when worship lifts your spirit. And there are days when you sing through tears and uncertainty. Both are acts of faith. If your emotions are weak today but your obedience remains, heaven still calls that faith. If your joy is quiet but your trust endures, heaven still calls that faith. If your heart is heavy but your hope remains, heaven still calls that faith.
Do not confuse tired faith with dying faith. Waiting is not weakness. Silence is not absence. Struggle is not failure. Scripture tells us, “Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9).
We are a generation that wants instant spiritual breakthroughs, but God still values patient spiritual faithfulness. We want sudden change. God forms steady character. We want immediate results. God builds lasting roots. And when God does eventually move, it is often because faith stayed steady long after feelings faded.
You may not feel spiritually strong right now, but strength is not proven by sensation. It is proven by surrender. If you are still praying, still trusting, still trying, still returning to God when your heart is tired, you are walking in real faith. And God sees it.
The same God who honors bold faith also honors quiet faith. The same God who moves through miracles also moves through steady obedience. The same God who is worshiped in victory is just as honored in perseverance. So do not quit simply because your faith feels weary. Do not step away simply because your feelings fluctuate. Stand firm in what you know to be true even when what you feel is uncertain. Because faith that does not feel strong is often the faith that proves the strongest.
Pastor Justin Walker
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Celebrating New Life in Christ!
This past week, we rejoiced as two 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:
Sonja Lake
Anthony Stear
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Church Happenings
Men’s Discipleship - We’re building a discipleship ministry to raise strong, praying, overcoming, witnessing men.
Chip Gilmour will be leading a group of 8-10 men interested in being part of the pilot group. They will meet once each week of December. The date and time will be determined based on the availability of the men involved.
More details or to join in text Chip 502-419-9403
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Wednesday Night – December 3
6 - 6:45 PM - Dinner | Upper Lobby
Loaded BBQ Chicken or Pork Nachos and Brownie Sundae.
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 | Sanctuary
Romans 11:7-16 Study Notes
Nursery - 5th Grade | Lower Level
Middle and High School Youth | Lower Level
Romans with Paul Thomas
Girls (8th grade & up) - “Lies Young Women Believe” with Sarah Thomas
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Prayer Meeting Friday, December 5 | Please note the new start time of 6:30 PM
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This Sunday – December 7 | 11 AM
The Unexpected Christmas Series
Message: Week 2 — Unforgettable Christmas
Text: Matthew 1:18-25
This Sunday we continue our Christmas series with Week 2, the Unforgettable Christmas. From Joseph’s view, we see a quiet but powerful picture of holiness, justice, mercy, courage, faith and faithfulness. Though Joseph never speaks a recorded word, his obedience speaks loudly. This message will challenge us to trust God when the path is unclear and to walk in faith even when obedience comes at a cost.
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Coat Drive - This Sunday 12/7 - Last Day of the Collection
Salt & Light is collecting new and gently used, clean, warm coats, hats, gloves and scarves for the children, teens and adults at Good News Homes.
Please place in the labeled bins at the church entrances through Sunday, December 7th.
Questions? Text Sally Moriarty 502-216-3868
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Christmas on the Skywalk – This Sunday, December 7 | 6-8 PM
Bundle up and join us for live music, firepits, hot chocolate, smores, fellowship and more. Be sure to bring a camp chair... and maybe a blanket.
This is a Salt and Light classic held on the skywalk to the main entrance that you don't want to miss!
Sign up to serve throughout the evening and/or bring s’mores and hot chocolate supplies here
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Christmas Food Drive - Last Sunday Collection | Collecting through December 12 Salt & Light will give Christmas meals, along with a Bible, prayer, and sharing the gospel, to families in need in our community on Saturday, December 13.
The following donations are needed for the Food Pantry to assemble the meals:
Ham
Boxed - Potatoes / Macaroni and Cheese / Stuffing Mixes
Canned – Corn / Peas / Green Beans / Gravy / Cranberry Sauce
Refrigerated Crescent Rolls / Cookie Dough
Frozen Pies Please place donations on the hospitality counter near the Coffee Bar in the Upper Lobby and ask the Coffee Bar volunteers to place perishable items in the refrigerator or freezer.
If you know someone in need who would be blessed to receive a meal, please encourage them to contact Kristen Tingle 502-931-7987
Noah’s Kitchen - Salt and Light Academy Fundraiser Monday, December 8 | 7 AM - 8 PM 9850 Von Allmen Ct, Louisville, KY 40241
Reservations are required, please make them here
Please mention Salt and Light Academy and 20% of your meal cost will be donated.
Salt and Light Church and Academy families will be gathering for dinner between 4 - 8 PM. All are welcome and encouraged to join us!
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High School Boys Life Group - Friday, December 12 | 6 - 9 PM Lower Lobby
All high school age young men are welcome to join Jackson Day as he leads the study and discussion of “Disciplines of a Godly Man”.
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Salt and Light Academy Christmas Program - Friday, December 19 | 6-8 PM
The church is invited to join Salt and Light Academy for their annual Christmas program with presentations by each class.
Let’s support our SLA students and enjoy this delightful evening celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, when God came to earth to dwell among us.
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Christmas Eve at Salt & Light - December 24 | 5 PM
Join us for a special Christmas Eve candlelight service as we come together as a church family to remember and rejoice in the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. This will be a simple and meaningful night of worship, Scripture, and reflection. We will gather in worship in the round, sing beloved Christmas songs, and read the Christmas story from God’s Word woven throughout our time together. Pastor Justin will share a message as we reflect on the hope of Christ, and we will close the evening with a candlelight moment as we sing Silent Night together.
This service is designed for the whole family to experience together. There will be no dinner, nursery, children’s ministry, or youth ministry this evening.
We invite you and your family to come and celebrate the light of Christ with us on Christmas Eve.
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New Year’s Eve - Wednesday December 31
There will be no dinner, service, or groups. All resume Wednesday, January 7.
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Women of the Word Bible Study- Tuesdays | 9:45-11:30 AM
at Sharon Holbert’s Home Questions? Contact Sharon 502-235-6687 _________________________________________________________
Salt & Light Cookbook
As you prepare food for the holidays, please submit your favorite recipes for the cookbook being compiled. We would love to have 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 a favorite scripture for each recipe - along with a photo of the completed dish, if possible - by December 31 to Ashley Mazzoni at Ash.82Mazzoni@gmail.com
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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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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 youth, 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 people to attend. No registration required.
Younger youth 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 - $141,362 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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Security Team - Volunteers are needed to serve on the Salt & Light Security Team.
Please text Mike Muller 270-300-1571
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Salt and Light Academy’s Christmas Giving Tree - Select an ornament from the tree - located inside the main entrance - to commit to recurring monthly giving.
Each hand color signifies a giving level commitment:
$50 - Blue or Pink
$100 - Orange
$200 - Purple
$500 - Green
$1000 - Red
One-Time Gift of any Amount - Yellow
Any local donor making their first gift by December 31st and committing to recurrent monthly giving of $50 or more may fill out an order form to receive their choice of a “Raising Saints & Patriots” short or long sleeve t-shirt, sweatshirt, or hoodie.
To receive the shirt before Christmas, the first donation and apparel order form must be completed by Sunday, December 14, 2025.
To make the first donation, please set up recurring giving here and select “Monthly”.
To order your shirt, please complete the form here.
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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.
Please place Bibles in a bag labeled “Food Pantry” and place them on the hospitality counter near the Coffee Bar.
Thank you for donating and praying for this ministry!
If you are in need of food or know someone in need of food, please text Courtney Day 502-648-5447 for a private appointment to shop in the pantry.
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Children’s Ministry
Teachers for 4-6 year old class - 11a Sundays - God has sent many precious children to Salt & Light in recent weeks and they need teachers to share the gospel and Bible with them while their parents worship and learn in the Sanctuary service.
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
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
Guns4Good Raffle - $20 per ticket
A parent-led fundraiser for Salt & Light Academy
4 guns will be individually awarded with first name drawn having first choice, second having second choice of the remaining guns, etc.
Purchase tickets at the front desk inside the main entrance during school hours or text Paul Thomas 502-480-7287
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Wednesday Dinner
Volunteers are needed to 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 Scott Cannon 502-741-0880
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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!