Life Is Rarely Just One Emotion at a Time
Salt and Light Newsletter
March 4, 2026
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Pastor’s Thoughts
Holding Joy and Sorrow Together
Life is rarely as simple as one emotion at a time.
And when someone you love deeply is suddenly gone, it leaves a space in your life that nothing else can completely fill.
Both of those truths are very real for me this week.
Tomorrow marks five years since my wife Sarah passed away. Five years since our family walked through one of the hardest seasons of our lives. Loss like that changes you. It reshapes how you see time, family, and the small moments you might have once taken for granted.
But tomorrow is also a day of celebration in our home.
It is my daughter’s twelfth birthday.
That means tomorrow will hold both remembrance and celebration. It will be a day where grief and gratitude sit side by side. And if life has taught me anything over the past five years, it is that those two things often walk together.
Grief has a way of reminding us how deeply we loved someone. The empty spaces we feel are the evidence of the place they held in our lives. You never really stop missing someone who meant that much to you.
But the Lord, in His kindness, does not stop working in our lives when loss comes. He continues to give grace. He continues to give strength. And sometimes, He even brings new joy in places we never expected.
Ecclesiastes reminds us that there is “a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.” Sometimes those seasons are separated by years. But sometimes they arrive on the very same day.
Tomorrow we will celebrate a birthday in our home. We will laugh, eat cake, and thank God for the life and joy of a twelve-year-old girl.
And tomorrow I will also quietly remember Sarah and thank God for the years we shared together.
Both things are true. Both things are part of the story God continues to write in our lives.
And if the past five years have taught me anything, it is this: God does not waste our pain, and He does not abandon us in it. His grace really is enough to carry us through sorrow and still allow joy to return.
Life is rarely just one thing at a time.
Sometimes it is joy and sorrow, held together by the grace of God.
— Pastor Justin
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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 – March 4
Tonight we continue our Wednesday night study through The Olivet Discourse—one of the most important prophetic teachings Jesus ever gave. In Matthew 24, Jesus prepares His followers for a world filled with deception, conflict, and uncertainty, while reminding us where our hope truly lies.
Wars and Rumors of War Bible Study
6 - 6:45 PM - Dinner | Upper Lobby Mac and Cheese with Smoked Turkey Sausage, Salad Bar, Fruit, 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
Special Men’s and Women’s Bible Study Tonight – 7:00 PM
Tonight will be a special evening as we gather together for worship and then separate for focused men’s and women’s Bible study. We will begin with worship as one church family, and then the women will meet upstairs in the fellowship hall while the men remain in the sanctuary. The men’s study will also be live streamed.
Chip Gilmour will be leading the men in a study focused on the difference between simply being part of the crowd and becoming a committed disciple. Throughout Jesus’ ministry, crowds gathered, but His purpose was always deeper. Tonight’s study will present a clear and practical strategy for moving beyond casual Christianity into a faithful, personal walk with God.
Jennifer Morrison will be leading the women in a study of Psalm 23, “The Lord is My Shepherd,” connecting it to our current study through the life of David. She will explore how the Lord cares for His sheep and how living dependent on Him brings freedom from hunger, fear, friction, and the many burdens we carry.
This will be a meaningful and intentional night of growth, encouragement, and deeper discipleship. We hope you will join us.
Nursery - 5th Grade | Lower Level
Middle and High School Youth | Lower Level - studying through Joel with Paul Thomas _________________________________________________________
Daylight Savings Time begins this Sunday, March 8
Move your clocks forward one hour Saturday evening.
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This Sunday March 8 | 11 AM
The Real House of David – The House God Built
Part II: The Reign of David
When He Reigns | 2 Samuel 7:8
This Sunday we continue our series The Real House of David as we look at 2 Samuel 8 and what happens when the right king is on the throne. David’s victories, expanding kingdom, and ordered leadership show us something deeper about our own lives—when Christ truly reigns, enemies are defeated, our faith grows, and our lives begin to take shape according to God’s design.
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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
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 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 _________________________________________________________
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 - enjoy activities for the whole family, concessions available, bounce houses
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
Spring Fundraiser and School Showcase - Saturday, April 25
Save the date for this special Salt and Light Academy event. More details coming soon.
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Youth - Grades 6-12 Youth@SaltandLightKY.org
Lock-In - Friday, March 6 7 PM - 8 AM Saturday, March 7 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.
Survivor Weekend - May 16 - 7 AM - May 17 11 AM Local Family Farm Compete as teams, complete outdoor challenges and camp out.
Questions - please contact Paul or Sarah Thomas Youth@SaltandLightKY.org
Registration Deadline - May 1st.
Mandatory Parent Meeting - Sunday May 3rd after Service in the Youth Room
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__ _______________________________________________________
Agape Stitches - Informational Meeting Sunday, March 8 After Service Upper Lobby
Ladies, come together for a sweet time of encouragement and fellowship as we sew, knit, crochet, and quilt to bless those in need. These gifts will be an opportunity to share the gospel with those He leads to receive them.
There will be easy projects for those who desire to learn these skills.
Meeting date and time will be determined at the Informational Meeting.
For More Information Contact Debbie Duvall 502-321-8798
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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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Women of the Word Bible Study- Tuesdays | 9:45-11:30 AM
at Sharon Holbert’s Home
Contact Sharon 502-235-6687 _________________________________________________________
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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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.
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."
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Baptistry Maintenance - volunteer opportunity to serve caring for the draining, cleaning, refilling, etc. of the baptistry. For more details please email SaltandLightBC@gmail.com
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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
Immediate Needs:
Frozen Chicken & Beef
Breakfast Sausage
Frozen Pizza
Frozen Lasagna
Eggs
Additional Needs:
Tuna
Hamburger Helper
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.
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, please text Kristen Tingle 502-931-7987
for a private appointment to shop in the pantry.
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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
1st Work Day - Sunday, April 19 after service - any time you can give that afternoon will be appreciated
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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
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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!
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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!