What If It Were Just… Appreciation Month?
Salt and Light Newsletter
October 22, 2025
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Pastor’s Thoughts
What If It Were Just… Appreciation Month?
What if, instead of Pastor Appreciation Month, we simply called it Appreciation Month?
Imagine what our church would look like if, instead of appreciation being directed at one or two people, it overflowed to everyone who serves. Every hand, every heart, every unseen act of love. That is what I believe the Lord delights in, a church where gratitude runs deep and humility keeps us grounded.
There is something beautiful about a body of believers who serve quietly for the glory of Christ. But there is also a danger that can creep in when God blesses a church: pride. Pride whispers, “Look what we’ve built,” and then turns into, “Look at what I’ve done,” and that leads to, “They couldn’t do this without me.” Humility has an answer: “Look what God has done.”
Scripture reminds us, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). I don’t know about you, but I would rather have His grace than His resistance. Humility is not thinking less of ourselves, it is thinking rightly about God. Every good thing in our church, every changed life, every soul reached, is by His hand and for His glory.
I am deeply grateful for the love and encouragement you have shown to me, to Pastor Kirk, and to Pastor Paul this month. But as we reflect on appreciation, I cannot help but think of how many others in our church also deserve to be honored for their service. Ministry was never meant to rest on the shoulders of a few. It is the calling of the whole body of Christ.
I think of our elders and deacons who lead and serve with steadfast hearts. The musicians who help us worship. The nursery workers who love the littlest ones. The teachers and school staff who pour into students daily. The youth and children’s ministry leaders investing in the next generation. The food pantry team, the outreach and prison ministries, the sound and media crew, and the volunteers who clean, mow, cook, and maintain the building. The prayer warriors who intercede quietly behind the scenes. And those who help prepare our newsletters and announcements, and then show up to print, fold, and pass out bulletins so that our church family can stay connected and encouraged.
Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 12:4–7, “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.” Every one of these roles matters deeply. You may think no one notices, but God does. “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister” (Hebrews 6:10).
Jesus said, “Whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave, just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:26–28).
When we walk in humility, God’s grace flows freely. When we serve in unity, His glory shines brightly.
And honestly, the greatest gift you could give to me, or to any of us, would be to love and appreciate one another. To hear that you took the time to thank someone who serves beside you, to encourage them, or even to bless them in some small way, would be the greatest encouragement we could receive. That is what a healthy church looks like, a family that honors Christ by honoring each other.
Let’s continue to be a church marked by both humility and love.
Pastor Justin
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Celebrating New Life in Christ!
We rejoiced as two believers followed Christ in believer's baptism at Salt & Light this week. 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:
Elias Avera
Evelyn Simmons
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Church Happenings
Wednesday Night – October 22
6 - 6:45 PM - Dinner | Upper Lobby
Smoked Chicken Thighs, Hash Brown Casserole, Baked Beans, and Dessert
A $5 donation is requested that will cover food costs with additional going to the Building Fund. If you cannot make a donation, please join us for dinner, all are welcome.
7:00 PM – Nursery, Children’s, Middle and High School Groups (Lower Level)
Bible Study — Romans (Sanctuary)
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From our Event Planning Ministry
October is Pastor Appreciation Month – Tonight is the last night to bring your personal notes and monetary donations to show our pastors how much we appreciate their service and dedication. They will be presented to them this Sunday, October 26.
A box for your notes and cards (please label with pastor's name) will be on the Library desk.
Any amount you want to give is welcome and will be anonymous. Please place monetary gifts in a separate envelope labeled “Pastor Appreciation” and place in the offering box tonight, October 22. Make checks payable to Salt and Light. Gifts may also be sent by Venmo to @Sally-Moriarty-1
Questions - call or text Sally Moriarty 502-216-3868
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This Sunday – October 26 | 11 AM
The Real House of David – Part I: The Rise of David
Message: 2 Samuel 1:17-27 The Song of the Bow
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Prayer Meeting - Friday October 24 | 7 PM | Sanctuary
Come together for a time of prayer for our church, families, and country. _________________________________________________________
Weekend to Remember - October 24-26 Hyatt Regency Louisville
A two-and-a-half-day getaway designed to help couples reconnect, refresh, and grow closer through God’s design for marriage.
Register with our group name Salt&Light at weekendtoremember.com. Questions? Contact Ryan Gossom 502-773-8453
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Young Adults | Next Chapter (Ages 18-31)
We’re bringing the group back after being quiet for a while. A lot of people have asked about getting together again, so we’re starting to plan things and get the group going. It is for anyone around 18–31 who wants to stay connected, build friendships, and grow in faith together.
We’ll start with some simple hangouts and events as we rebuild the rhythm.
Bonfire - Saturday, October 25 | 6:30 PM Jerry and Susan Hines’ Home
491 Hi-Grove Hill Road, Bedford, KY 40019
Hot dogs, brats, and condiments provided - bring chips, drinks, and a friend.
Signal Group - please message with a request to join and stay in the loop.
Questions or to be added to the Signal group - 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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Thanksgiving Food Drive – Collection Dates Oct 22 – Nov 12
Salt & Light is providing Thanksgiving meals to families in need in our community.
The Food Pantry is collecting the following items to assemble the meals:
Canned – Corn / Peas / Green Beans / Yams / Gravy / Cranberry Sauce Dried Mashed Potatoes Mac and Cheese Stuffing Mix Cornbread Mix Frozen Turkey and Pies
Place donations on the hospitality counter near the Coffee Bar in the Upper Lobby. Please ask the Coffee Bar volunteers to place frozen turkeys and pies in the freezer.
If you know someone in need who would be blessed to receive a meal, please encourage them to contact Courtney Day 502-648-5447
Saturday, November 15 - Families will pick up meals at the Food Pantry, located at the former Salt & Light location in Ballardsville.
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Healthy Eating/Biblical Instruction for Health - Mondays October 27 - December 1
6 – 8 PM Bill & Sally Moriarty's Home in La Grange
Merging modern day food options with Biblical instruction for health.
Navigating the current health crisis with better food choices, a 6 week journey.
All ages are welcome to attend. No childcare.
RSVP and details text Sally 502-216-3868
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Women of the Word Bible Study- Tuesdays | 9:45-11:30 AM at Sharon Holbert’s home
Questions? Contact Sharon at 502-235-6687
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Titus 2 Women’s Ministry - Thursday, October 30 | 7 - 9 PM
Fellowship and connection for ladies 18 and up. Invite your friends!
Guest speaker Joyce Oglesby
Future Event Dates:
November 20 - Last Meeting of 2025
January 29, 2026
February 26
March 26
April 23
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Community Evangelism Outreach - Saturday, November 1 | 3 - 5 PM
Gather in the front parking lot to pray and divide into teams to go into the community to share the gospel and pray with those we meet.
Questions or for weather concerns - text Bruce Karcher 615-482-3158 _________________________________________________________
The Bible and The Constitution of The United States of America
Sundays November 2 - December 21 | 10 - 10:50 AM Upper Lobby
Studying the vital role of the Bible in American History as outlined in this book.
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Family Nerf Day - Saturday, November 8 | 2 - 4 PM Upper and Lower Lobby
Nerf battles for families of all ages. Bring your own guns or borrow ours.
We will supply bullets, water, and a safe zone for no nerf wars.
Register here by November 4th!!
Donations of nerf guns would be appreciated. Text Jessica Walker 502-365-0839 or bring to the Children’s Ministry area in the Lower Lobby.
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Grant's Giving 5K Timed Run and 3K Walk/Run - November 9 | 2-7 PM
Goshen Library 12505 Harmony Landing Rd Goshen, KY 40026
Grant's Giving Foundation provides sport and extra-curricular equipment to Louisville's under-served youth.
Help Salt and Light Academy win the $750 prize for having the most participants by registering Here for the race!
When you register - select "Join a Team" at the bottom, then select Salt and Light Academy from the dropdown.
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Thanksgiving Dinner - Saturday, November 15 | 6 PM Salt & Light
A special evening to gather over a potluck meal, fellowship, and give thanks with our church family.
Sign Up Here for the food you will bring.
All food will need to be in foil pans the church will provide.
Pans will be available for pick up from the hospitality counter in the Upper Lobby after service on Sundays, November 2nd and 9th.
Please take a pan for each dish you are preparing.
Please bring your prepared food to the dinner in the provided pan hot and ready to serve. The church is providing serving spoons and utensils.
Please note: we cannot accommodate crock pots.
The church will purchase frozen turkeys and need volunteers to bake, debone/slice, and bring to the dinner hot and ready to serve in the provided foil pan.
Turkeys will be available for pickup after church Sunday, November 2nd.
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Night of Worship and Thanksgiving - Wednesday, Nov 19 | 7 PM Sanctuary
We may even have a Christmas carol or two.
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Salt & Light Cookbook
As you prepare foods 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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Lee Corps - Tuesdays | 7 - 9 PM Upper Lobby
Lee Corps prepares America’s youth, ages 12-18, to excel in leadership and military skills preparation with a Christian worldview to serve their country and communities. They offer 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 - $121,845 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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Family Communication Board
Salt & Light Family, we have a bulletin board 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”. Teachers, if you need someone to share their experiences or talents with your class, please post your need.
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 new family sharing board often, there may be a message that will be a blessing for you!!
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Salt & Light Academy
Foundations of Freedom Banquet - Thursday November 13th
A Mission Advancement Fundraiser for Salt and Light Academy
If you know of a community leader, church pastor, or business owner that might like to know more about this mission, please see Michelle Elliott or email michelle.elliott@saltandlightacademy.com
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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Children’s Ministry
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
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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! Contact Sharon Holbert at 502-235-6687
Book Donations appreciated — view our wishlist:
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Production Team
Slides, sound, cameras — no experience needed, we will train you!
Volunteers needed for Sunday morning and Wednesday night services.
A member of the production team is involved in practice for a community play and cannot run slides on Wednesday evenings for the month of October. If you could help, they will train you and greatly appreciate the help to make services run smoothly.
Email: Production@SaltandLightKy.org
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Care Ministry
If you are in need of care (hospital, long-term facility, homebound), contact Lori: Ltummonds@msn.com or 502-876-0702
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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!