Growing Smaller
Salt and Light Newsletter
June 17, 2026
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Pastor’s Thoughts
Growing Smaller
One of the challenges of a growing church is making sure people don't get lost in the crowd.
In Exodus 18, Moses was trying to do everything himself. From morning until evening he listened to disputes, answered questions, and carried the weight of leading God's people. When Jethro saw what was happening, he gave Moses some simple but profound advice: "The thing that you do is not good." Then he encouraged Moses to appoint faithful men to help bear the load.
That principle has shaped God's people for thousands of years.
As Salt and Light has grown, we have worked hard to follow that same biblical pattern. The goal has never been to create titles or positions. The goal has been to make sure people are cared for, disciples are equipped, and ministry continues to flourish.
Our elders provide oversight, helping guard doctrine, direction, and the spiritual health of the church. Their role is one of leadership and oversight.
Our pastors serve as shepherds, helping teach, disciple, counsel, and care for the flock while working alongside the elders to carry out the vision of the church.
Our deacons serve the body in practical ways, caring for people, promoting unity, and helping ensure that no one falls through the cracks. Their ministry allows pastors and teachers to focus on prayer and the ministry of the Word.
Our ministry leaders and directors oversee specific areas such as children, youth, worship, administration, and outreach. They are often the "boots on the ground," identifying needs, developing ideas, and helping ministries thrive.
And tonight we take another step as we ordain our first chaplain at Salt and Light.
A chaplain serves as an extension of the church beyond its walls. While pastors primarily shepherd the congregation and deacons primarily serve within the body, chaplains carry the hope of Christ into hospitals, workplaces, schools, homes, and wherever people need prayer, counsel, and encouragement. They serve as a bridge between the church and the community.
As our church grows, our goal is not to become larger and more complicated. Our goal is actually the opposite. We want to grow smaller. We want more people caring, serving, teaching, praying, visiting, counseling, and reaching others with the Gospel.
Healthy churches are not built around one person doing everything. They are built around many faithful people using their gifts together for the glory of God.
That was Jethro's wisdom for Moses. It is still good wisdom today.
Thank you for allowing us to serve alongside you as we continue building what God has entrusted to Salt and Light.
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Baptisms
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. Baptisms are available year-round at Salt & Light.
"Repent, and let every one of you be baptized..." — Acts 2:38
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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 someone will pray for you.
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Church Happenings
Wednesday at Salt & Light – June 17
5:45 PM - The Real Life Group | Upper Lobby - Left Side Near Playground Entrance
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. The group is designed to help people grow in community, encouragement, and connection.
Little ones are welcome, and older children may enjoy time playing outside together (weather permitting).
Whether you're new to Salt & Light or have been here for years, we'd love for you to join us as we walk through life together.
Questions Contact Ryan and Mandy Gossom 502-773-8453
7 PM - Worship and Bible Study
The Blueprint – Lesson 3: Redemption According to His Riches Ephesians 1:7–9
This Wednesday, we continue our study through Ephesians as we examine one of the richest passages in all of Scripture. In Ephesians 1:7–9, Paul reminds us that our salvation was not only planned by God before the foundation of the world, but purchased through the blood of Jesus Christ. Together we will explore what it means to be redeemed, forgiven according to the riches of God's grace, and recipients of a salvation that was designed with perfect wisdom and purpose. We will also discover how God has revealed the mystery of His will through Christ and why the ultimate reason for our redemption is found not in us, but in Him. Join us as we marvel at the grace, wisdom, and purpose of the God who planned our salvation and accomplished it through His Son.
The Blueprint Lesson Three | Ephesians 1:7-9 Study Notes
Nursery - 5th Grade | Lower Level
Middle and High School Youth | Lower Level - with Paul Thomas
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This Sunday - June 21
10 AM - Bible Classes - Listed Below
11 AM - Worship
The Real House of David III
2 Samuel 14:1-24 | The King and the Banished
After years of separation, a wise woman approaches David with a story that reveals both the power and limitations of an earthly king. In the process, we discover a beautiful picture of a greater King who protects the guilty, removes their reproach, and rescues them from their enemy. Join us this Sunday as we continue our study through the life of David and see how God's mercy reaches those who have been banished.
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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 gl.toomey@gmail.com
The Heart of Worship - Back of Stage – Adults and Youth
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 studying through the book of John 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
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 Keith@SaltandLightKy.org _________________________________________________________
Prayer Meeting - Friday, June 19 | 6:30 PM Sanctuary
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 408 S 1st St, LaGrange
Men from young to older adults are welcome as we study Colossians.
Questions? Contact Aaron Rieth 502-829-3024
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Vacation Bible School - July 20 - 24 | 6 - 8:40 PM
Emerald Island - An Irish Adventure Through Psalm 23
Child Registration - Ages 5 - 11 and Special Needs (with parent)
Register Here before it opens to the public on Friday and classes fill.
Volunteers Needed:
Bathroom Monitor
Water Table
Security
Please Contact Jessica Walker 502-365-0839
Work Day - Sunday, June 28 | After Service - 4 PM
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.
Future Work Days - July 5, 12, and 19
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Pack the Pantry Food Drive - June 21-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. Please ask the volunteers to place perishable items in the refrigerator.
If you prefer to donate financially, our volunteers will shop for you. Please designate “Food Pantry” on your check or when giving online.
Thank you for donating and praying for this ministry!
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
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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
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Pat Barrett "I've Got A Fire" Tour - Saturday, October 3rd | 7 PM Salt & Light
Featuring new songs alongside beloved anthems like "Build My Life" and "Good Good Father", this is sure to be a joy-filled worship experience you will not want to miss.
Info patbarrettmusic.com
Tickets to the Salt & Light concert are available here
Questions? Contact Karen Shelton 502-639-6558
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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
Questions? Email Cheri Grinnell - Cheri@SaltandLightKY.org
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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
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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
or Lauren Engle (502) 802-1688
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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.
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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Baptistry Maintenance
Volunteer is needed to serve caring for the draining, cleaning, refilling, etc. of the baptistry.
For more details please email SaltandLightKY@gmail.com _________________________________________________________
Coffee Team Volunteers Needed - Sunday Mornings
Contact Lauri McNaughton 502-295-6675
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Grounds Volunteers Needed
Join the team to mow and/or weed eat the church property. Equipment provided, flexible schedule.
Contact Kurt Shelton 502-265-6828
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Security Team Recruitment Call
Volunteers are needed to serve with the Security Team for Sunday and Wednesday services and special events.
Text Mike Muller 270-300-1571 or Ryan Jansen 502-403-9841
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Children’s Ministry
For More Details or to Serve - text Jessica Walker 502-365-0839
Immediate Need: 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.
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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
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Agape Stitches
Donations of materials are needed for our projects to bless cancer patients, shelters, hospitals, police, and others:
Fabric (scraps are welcome)
Yarn
Sheets and Pillowcases
Zippers and Sewing Notions
Please place donations in a bag labeled "Agape Stitches" on the counter in the Upper Lobby on Sundays.
Future meeting dates to be announced.
If you are interested in making projects to contribute but cannot attend meetings, please contact Carol 720-313-0251
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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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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!