The One Reason I'll Never Celebrate Pride Month
Salt and Light Newsletter
Pastor’s Thoughts
7 Reasons I'm Not Against Pride Month
Before you get upset with the title, hear me out.
Every June, Pride Month seems to find its way into our workplaces, schools, businesses, and social media feeds. We see rainbow flags, pins, advertisements, corporate campaigns, and endless posts celebrating Pride Month.
Many people assume that the Christian position comes from hatred, ignorance, fear, or some outdated tradition. The truth is, those assumptions couldn't be further from reality.
So before I tell you the reason I will never celebrate Pride Month, let me tell you seven reasons why I am "not" against it.
1. I'm Not Against Pride Month Because I Think Sexual Sin Is the Only Sin
One criticism often leveled against Christians is that we focus too much on sexual sin.
To be fair, sometimes that criticism may seem deserved. However, we must recognize that Christians are addressing the issues that are being celebrated, normalized, and promoted in their generation.
The Bible condemns far more than sexual sin.
It condemns pride, greed, envy, dishonesty, drunkenness, hatred, gossip and selfish ambition…
The same Bible that addresses homosexuality also addresses a host of other sins. But here is the difference that we must understand: there is no Hatred Month. There is no Gossip Month. There is no Adultery Month.
If there were months dedicated to celebrating those sins, I would oppose those as well.
Christians must engage the issues that are directly in front of them. That is why things like Pride Month and abortion become issues that many believers feel compelled to address.
2. I'm Not Against Pride Month Because I Hate Anyone
Jesus never gave Christians permission to hate people.
In fact, He commanded the exact opposite.
"By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35)
The Bible teaches that every person is created in the image of God. Every person has value. Every person deserves dignity, respect, and compassion.
Most importantly, the good news of Jesus Christ is for every sinner.
You don't have to agree with someone to love them.
You don't have to affirm every choice someone makes to treat them with kindness.
The Christian response to any person should never be hatred. If hatred is driving your convictions, your convictions need to be examined.
3. I'm Not Against Pride Month Because I Don't Understand Struggle
One of the greatest misconceptions about Christians is that we somehow believe we do not struggle with sin ourselves.
The reality is that every person fights desires, temptations, weaknesses, and sins.
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)
The Bible never presents one group of people apart from Christ as sinners and another group apart from Christ as righteous.
Apart from Christ, we are all sinful, unrighteous, and unclean.
The issue is not whether we struggle.
The issue is whether we are willing to submit our sinful nature to God and His revealed will.
4. I'm Not Against Pride Month Because I Think I'm Better Than Anyone Else
The Gospel leaves no room for arrogance.
The ground is level at the foot of the cross.
The person struggling with sexual sin needs Jesus. The person struggling with pride, greed, gossip, and anger needs Jesus. Every one of us stands before God in need of mercy.
If Christians ever communicate, "I'm better than you," we've forgotten what Christianity is about.
5. I'm Not Against Pride Month Because I Was Raised That Way
Some people assume Christians oppose Pride Month simply because that's how they were raised.
That may be true for some people. But as believers, our convictions cannot rest upon tradition alone.
The Bereans were praised because they examined the Scriptures daily to determine whether what they were hearing was true (Acts 17:11).
My convictions are not rooted in culture. They are not rooted in politics. They are not rooted in nostalgia for a previous generation.
They are rooted in what I believe Scripture teaches.
6. I'm Not Against Pride Month Because I'm Afraid of Change
Culture changes.
Truth does not. What was true 2,000 years ago is still true today. Jesus Christ is "the same yesterday, today, and forever." (Hebrews 13:8)
Christians are often accused of being on the wrong side of history. But our goal has never been to be on the right side of history. Our goal is to be on the side of the Lord. Honestly, I want to be counted among the sheep at His right hand.
History changes.
Public opinion changes.
God's Word does not.
7. I'm Not Against Pride Month Because I Want to Control Other People's Lives
God created humanity with the ability to choose and people make decisions every day with which I disagree.
That has always been true.
My responsibility as a Christian is not to force people to live according to biblical convictions. My responsibility is to faithfully proclaim what God has said.
People are free to reject it. People are free to disagree. But Christians are not free to rewrite it.
The One Reason I Will Never Celebrate Pride Month
After all of that, here is the reason.
I will not celebrate what God calls sin.
That's it.
That's the reason.
I will not celebrate adultery.
I will not celebrate pornography.
I will not celebrate greed.
I will not celebrate drunkenness.
I will not celebrate pride.
If God calls something sin, Christians should not celebrate it.
Scripture repeatedly teaches that God's design is one man and one woman within the covenant of marriage. From Genesis to Revelation, that pattern remains consistent.
When Scripture speaks about sexual relationships outside of God's design, it identifies them as sin. Romans 1:26-27. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. 1 Timothy 1:9-10.
As Christians, we do not possess the authority to redefine what God has already defined. We do not have the authority to bless what God calls sin. We do not have the authority to celebrate what God calls people to repent from.
Isaiah warned:
"Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil." (Isaiah 5:20)
That warning should humble every one of us. Because the temptation to redefine sin is not limited to one issue. Human beings have been doing that since the Garden of Eden.
We want God to adjust His standards to fit our desires. Yet Christianity has never been about conforming God to us. It has always been about conforming ourselves to Him.
The greatest act of love is not affirming every decision a person makes. The greatest act of love is telling the truth, even when the truth is difficult to hear. And the truth of the Gospel is not that some sinners need saving. The truth of the Gospel is that all sinners need saving.
Every sinner is headed for eternity separated from God. But God, in His love and mercy, made a way through Jesus Christ.
Every sinner can be forgiven.
Every sinner can be redeemed.
Every sinner can be transformed.
Not because we are good enough.
But because Jesus Christ died for sinners and rose again.
That invitation is for all of us.
Every single one.
–Pastor Justin
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Baptisms
This past Sunday, during our 15-Year Celebration Service, we celebrated one baptism.
Phil had not been to church in 21 years. Around midnight the night before, his mother called and invited him to come. He agreed. Phil’s mother does not even attend Salt and Light. It was her first time too!
After placing his faith in Jesus Christ, Phil smiled and said, "I haven't been in a church in 21 years... and I guess I still haven't."
He was right. Our service was outside, and the first time he stepped inside the building was to change clothes for his baptism.
What a reminder that the church is not a building—it is God's people gathered around the Gospel. We praise God for Phil's salvation and baptism and ask that you join us in praying for him as he begins his walk with Christ.
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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 10
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 - WorshipJoin us tonight as we continue The Blueprint through Ephesians. This week we'll explore Ephesians 1:4-6 and discover the incredible truth that before the foundation of the world, God had a plan for His people. Learn what it means to be chosen, adopted, and accepted in Christ, and how those truths shape our identity today.
Nursery - 5th Grade | Lower Level
Middle and High School Youth | Lower Level - with Paul Thomas
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This Sunday - June 14
10 AM - Bible Classes - Listed Below
11 AM - WorshipWhat do you do when someone gets away with evil? In 2 Samuel 13:23-37, Absalom faced that very question. Frustrated by David's inaction and consumed by a desire for justice, he took matters into his own hands with devastating consequences. This Sunday, we'll explore the difference between justice and vengeance, the danger of letting bitterness take root, and why God's way is always better than our own.
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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 - June 14 - 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 12 | 6:30 PM Sanctuary
All are welcome as we gather with fellow believers from churches in our community to pray. _________________________________________________________
Youth Camp at Crossings - June 12-16
Please pray for our 49 Youth in grades 6-12 and their 10 chaperones as they 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.
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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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The Brotherhood Men’s Discipleship - Saturday, June 13 | 10 AM Upper Lobby
Men 18 and over are encouraged to attend this small group discipleship.
Contact Aaron Phillips 502-645-0745
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Community Evangelism Outreach - Saturday, June 13 | 3 PM
Let’s continue as the harvest is ready.
We’ll meet in the front parking lot, divide into teams and pray before we head out at 3:30. We should conclude by 5 pm.
Questions or weather concerns text Bruce Karcher at 615 482-3158
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A Night of Worship in the Park - Saturday, June 13 | 4 Pm
Join us this Saturday for the Festival of Worship at Springs Park! Salt & Light Worship has once again been invited to help lead this community-wide evening of worship, fellowship, and encouragement. The event runs from 4:00–8:00 PM and will feature food trucks, live worship from several local churches, and a time of congregational singing. Our worship team will lead at approximately 6:30 PM. Bring a lawn chair and come spend an evening worshiping Jesus alongside believers from across Oldham County.
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Agape Stitches
Due to unexpected trips and family commitments, the next meeting will be in August or September. Date to be announced.
Questions - Contact Carol 720-313-0251
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Vacation Bible School Work Day - Sunday, June 28 | After Service - 4 PM
Bring your lunch and join us in preparing for VBS July 20-24. Any time you can give that afternoon will be appreciated.
Future Work Days - July 5, 12, and 19
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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 _________________________________________________________
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_________________________________________________________
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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Food Pantry
We would love to have you join us 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.
Work Days - June 28, July 5, 12 & 19 | After Service until 4 PM
Items Currently Needed: Ping Pong Balls. Please take to the Children’s Ministry area in the Lower Level.
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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!