Returning to Our First Love
Salt and Light Newsletter
May 13, 2026
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Pastor’s Thoughts
Returning to Our First Love
I have been thinking about this a lot lately myself.
I think one of the most dangerous things in the Christian life is learning how to “do” church without really walking closely with Jesus anymore.
I do not think most people intentionally walk away from their first love. I think they slowly leave it behind while trying to carry everything else.
Life gets busy.
Responsibilities pile up.
Schedules get full.
Pain changes you.
Ministry becomes work.
Faith becomes routine.
And before long, you realize you are still moving... but your heart is not burning for Jesus like it once was.
That is why Revelation 2 hits me so hard. Jesus said to the church at Ephesus:
“Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.” — Revelation 2:4 (NKJV)
He did not say they lost it.
He said they "left" it.
That means they still had doctrine.
Still had standards.
Still had works.
Still had activity.
But somewhere along the way, they drifted from the closeness they once had with Christ.
If I can be honest, this has been convicting me personally. It is possible to spend so much time working for Jesus that you neglect simply being with Jesus.
Preparing sermons is not the same thing as prayer.
Leading ministry is not the same thing as worship.
Studying to teach is not always the same thing as sitting quietly at His feet.
And I think all of us have seasons where we need to return a little.
Return to prayer that is personal instead of rushed.
Return to worship that is genuine instead of routine.
Return to opening God’s Word not just to prepare something... but because we are hungry to hear from Him again.
The good news is this:
Jesus still calls people back.
Maybe this week some of us need to slow down a little and remember what it was like when we first fell in love with Him.
— Pastor Justin Walker
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Supporting Our Academy Students
Thank you to everyone who has already given toward our Salt & Light Academy teacher training trip to Chesapeake, Virginia. So far, $765 has already been given—which means, with the matching gift, over $1,500 has already been raised toward this need! We are still working toward our remaining goal of approximately $3,000 to help cover food, gas, and lodging expenses for this important training opportunity. We are incredibly thankful for both the generous matching donor and for a church family that continues to invest in Christian education and the next generation. If you would like to help, you can give through the church and designate it for “Academy Training Support.”
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Salt and Light Thrift—A Good Gift from the Father of Lights
Salt & Light Thrift continues to be such a blessing to our church and community. What may look like “just a thrift store” has quickly become a place filled with joy, prayer, encouragement, and ministry opportunities.
Every week we are seeing people blessed through conversations, kindness, prayer, and practical help. Thank you to everyone who has donated, volunteered, prayed, and supported this ministry. God is truly using it in special ways.
We are still looking for volunteers, especially in donations and sorting, and we would love to have more people join the team.
Interested in serving or volunteering? Sign up today!
For hiring questions, contact Troy Barnes at 502-472-8577.
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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 – May 13
6 - 6:45 PM - Dinner | Upper Lobby Sausage Gravy and Biscuits, Cheesy Egg Casserole, Grits, Cinnamon Apples, Grapes, 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.
7 PM - Worship
This Wednesday night in our “Wars and Rumors of Wars” study through the Olivet Discourse, we will look at the Parable of the Ten Virgins in Matthew 25 in a message titled “Do Not Be Empty.” Jesus gives a sobering warning about the difference between appearing ready and truly being ready for His coming. One of the powerful truths we will see is this: the delay revealed what the excitement concealed.
Lesson 7 Study Notes
Nursery - 5th Grade | Lower Level
Middle and High School Youth | Lower Level - with Paul Thomas
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This Sunday - May 17
10 AM - Bible Study Classes - Listed Below
11 AM - Worship
Over the next two Sundays, we will take a short break from “The Real House of David” for a special mini-series titled “The Promise.” Together we will look at the promise of the Holy Spirit in Acts 1–2 and what it means for the church today. This Sunday’s message, “The Promise Given,” will focus on Jesus’ promise to empower His people through the Holy Spirit to continue His work in the world.
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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
Children – Birth-5th Grade – Lower Level Children's Area
Nursery and Bible classes for all agesChildren’s Ministry Director Jessica Walker 502-365-0839
New Members - 1st 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
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Prayer Meeting - Friday, May 15 | 6:30 PM Sanctuary
All are welcome as we gather to pray.
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Family Game Night - Saturday, May 16 | 6 PM Upper Lobby
Salt & Light Church and Academy families and their friends.
Bring Games, Snacks, and Drinks to share.
Please be Aware: Everything - People and Food - stay in the Upper Lobby Fellowship Area.
Off Limits Areas:
Lower Lobby
Sanctuary - including the stadium seating
Classrooms and Library
If you are coming, please RSVP by text to Heather Milby 502-337-4251 - please include your name if Heather does not have your contact information. _________________________________________________________
Evangelism Outreach - After Sunday Service | Upper Lobby
There are many ways to share your faith outside the church walls. The evangelism team will have a table set up near the far door after service each Sunday in May. We invite you to come by and talk with us about numerous opportunities to serve - food pantry, thrift store, community outreach, courtyard and homeless ministries, and more.
Questions or to learn more - text Bruce Karcher 615-482-3158
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Story Nights - Tuesday, May 19, 2026 | 6:30–8:00 PM at Salt & Light
Admission is Free. Everyone is welcome - invite friends, family, anyone who could use encouragement and hope.
Doors open at 6 PM.
We are partnering with WJIE and The Sound to host a Story Night Prayer and Worship event, a relaxed community-focused gathering with worship, prayer, and real-life testimonies.
The event will be broadcast live on WJIE radio and social media.
All the details are here
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Agape Stitches -Friday, May 22 | 1- 3 PM Carol Gianzero's Home
2903 Brookside Ct. La Grange (The Reserve at L'Esprit)
Ladies and teen daughters who enjoy or would like to learn sewing, quilting, knitting, and crochet are welcome and encouraged to attend. We make a variety of projects to bless cancer patients, shelters, hospitals, police, and others. A project will be provided at each meeting.
There will be no childcare and sharp needles and other items will not be a good environment for young children.
Future meeting dates: June 5 & 26, July 10 & 31.
A Saturday meeting will be announced soon.
If you are interested in being involved but cannot attend meetings, please contact Carol.
We would appreciate donations of materials needed for our projects:
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.
Questions - Contact Carol 720-313-0251
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High School Senior Graduation Recognition - Sunday, May 24 | 11 AM
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Vacation Bible School Work Day - Sunday, May 24 | After Service - 4 PM
Bring your lunch and join in. Any time you can give to prepare for VBS will be appreciated.
Future Work Days - June 7 & 28, July 5, 12, & 19
Questions text Jessica Walker 502-365-0839
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Youth Camp at Crossings - June 12-16
Please pray for our 49 Youth in grades 6-12 and their 10 chaperones as they prepare to attend summer camp. Pray that it will be life-changing as they grow in their faith, surrender their lives to Jesus Christ, and that He will be glorified.
Sponsors to cover the $400 cost for youth to attend camp are such a blessing. Many of our families have multiple teens attending and the cost can be prohibitive. To invest in the life of our youth by sponsoring in any amount please contact Paul and Sarah Thomas at Youth@SaltandLightKy.org
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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.
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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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Salt and Light Academy Contact: Michelle.Elliott@SaltandLightAcademy.com
Upper School (Grades 7-9) Student Openings - prospective students and families are encouraged to apply by completing the following online applications.
Application Portal:Start Here
Google Form Portal: Complete This Next
Now Hiring Mission-Minded Full-Time Educators
Teacher for 5th/ 6th Class
Please send your resume to Michelle.Elliott@SaltandLightAcademy.com
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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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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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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
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Food Pantry
Have you ever wanted to get involved with the food pantry but weren’t sure where to start? We would love to have you join us! One way to serve is by helping during our appointments with families in the community who visit. It’s a meaningful way to connect and be part of what God is doing through this ministry.
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.
Meal Kits - purchase and assemble quick and easy dinner kits that include the recipe and all of the ingredients to prepare the meal. The kits don’t need to be fancy - quick, easy, and cost-effective are perfect and a big help for busy families.
Create kit(s) from your favorite simple recipes or check the Salt & Light Family Facebook group for posts with recipes.
Most Needed Items to Stock the Pantry
Ground Beef, Chicken, Turkey and Pork
Breakfast Sausage
Frozen Pizza
Frozen Lasagna
Eggs
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, would like to volunteer to serve in the pantry, or have questions, please text Kristen Tingle 502-931-7987
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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.
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.
Items Currently Needed: School Glue, Hot Glue Gun Sticks, 5 gallon Buckets (with or without lids), Newspapers, Zip Sandwich and Gallon Bags. Please take to the Children’s Ministry area in the Lower Level.
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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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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!