The Table Is Set… But the Chairs Are Empty
Salt and Light Newsletter
March 18, 2026
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Pastor’s Thoughts:
The Table Is Set… But the Chairs Are Empty
This week, something was shared with me that I have not been able to shake.
Pastor Kirk had a dream that he believed was from the Lord, but he didn’t know what it meant.
In the dream, there were crowds of people leaving church, frustrated. They were all dressed like they were from another time, and they were searching for something but they couldn’t find it. What they were looking for was a mall. And in the dream, he knew why they were frustrated… they were there for the wrong reason. They weren’t being fed.
Then the scene shifted.
There was a table. In the middle of the table was a flame. And around the table were seven chairs… all empty.
Kirk said in the dream, “This is prophetic, I need to count these chairs.”
He counted seven… and then he woke up.
When he shared that with me, what immediately came to my heart was this:
Those weren’t two separate scenes. They were one message.
The people were frustrated because they were looking for something that could never satisfy them… while the very thing they needed was already available to them.
The table represents a place of communion with God.
The flame represents the Spirit of God.
And yet… no one was sitting at the table.
We are busy.
We are serving.
We are building.
We are planning what’s next.
But many times, we are doing all of that without first sitting at the table.
It reminds me of Mary and Martha in Luke 10.
Martha was distracted with much serving.
Mary sat at the feet of Jesus.
And Jesus said, “Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
Martha wasn’t wrong for serving… but it was not good for her to serve without sitting first.
I believe this is a word for us as a church.
We cannot build what God is calling us to build in our own strength.
We cannot “figure out” what only the Spirit of God can reveal.
We cannot stay full if we are not being fed.
Seven chairs.
In Scripture, seven is the number of completion.
If we want to be complete, not just busy…
Not just active…
Not just doing good things…
But truly full, whole, and led by the Spirit of God…
We have to come back to the table.
The table is set.
The Spirit is present.
But too often, the chairs are empty.
Maybe this week, the shift isn’t to do more…
Maybe it’s to sit more.
To pray more.
To listen more.
To seek Him before we serve Him.
Because when you sit with Him first…
Everything you do after that flows from the right place.
Let’s not be a people searching for something we already have access to.
Let’s be a church that fills the seats at the table.
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Salt & Light Thrift Store Update
We are in the final stretch! Construction is still underway this week, and if you would like to help, please contact Troy Barnes at (502) 472-8577.
Beginning next Wednesday, we will start receiving donations from 10:00 AM–4:00 PM each day. If you would like to volunteer for donation intake, you can sign up at saltandlightky.org/thrift or reach out to Troy directly.
Our signs are officially up at the new location, and we are working hard to finalize a grand opening date—stay tuned, it’s coming soon! Thank you for continuing to serve, give, and shop on purpose as we prepare to launch this new ministry.
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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 18
6 - 6:45 PM - Dinner | Upper Lobby Lasagna with Meat Sauce and White Chicken Lasagna, Salad, Garlic Bread, 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
Join us tonight as we continue our study through the Olivet Discourse, diving deeper into what Jesus revealed about the end times and what it means for us today. This third lesson will challenge you to see both the urgency and the hope found in God’s prophetic Word. Tonight’s lesson is “Do not Delay”
Wars and Rumors of Wars Lesson 3
Nursery - 5th Grade | Lower Level
Middle and High School Youth | Lower Level - studying through Joel with Paul Thomas _________________________________________________________
Prayer Meeting - Friday, March 20 | 6:30 PM Salt & Light
All are welcome as we gather to pray.
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This Sunday | 11 AM The Real House of David – The House God Built Part II: The Reign of David
You Will Bow | 2 Samuel 10
Sunday we walk through 2 Samuel 10 and see what happens when kindness is rejected and misunderstood. This message will challenge us to respond rightly when trouble comes our way and remind us that even in conflict, God is working out His purposes.
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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 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 _________________________________________________________
Celebrate the Resurrection at Salt & Light
Good Friday Service - April 3 | 7 PM
Resurrection Sunday - April 5
7 AM - Sunrise Service
Following Sunrise Service - 9:45 AM - Breakfast in the Upper Lobby
Scrambled Eggs, Sausage and Fruit
Volunteers are needed to serve and help clean up. Contact Dawn Downs (502) 525-2738
10 AM - Classes
11 AM - Worship
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Women’s Ministry Paint Night - Saturday, March 28 | 6 PMLadies (18+) are invited to a fun evening of fellowship, refreshments, and creativity as Amy Welbourne guides the group in painting a provided canvas tote bag to take home.
$30 per person.
Sign up deadline is March 21. Please register here
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Salt and Light Academy
Contact: Michelle.Elliott@SaltandLightAcademy.com
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
Salt and Light Academy Spring Showcase - Saturday, April 25 | 5:30 PM
Doors Open at 4:30 to enjoy the visual arts displays before the program starts at 5:30.
Our students will showcase their dedication and talents while sharing the vision of our school.
Penmanship
Art
Choir Performance
We invite you to remain after the showcase for the “Two Vessels” performance by our Patriot Players Troupe in the Theatre Arts department.
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Youth - Grades 6-12 Youth@SaltandLightKY.org
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
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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
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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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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
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 - a new volunteer opportunity and way to give - purchase and assemble quick and easy dinner kits. They are very popular and a big help for busy families. Each kit includes all of the ingredients along with the recipe card so it’s simple to prepare at home. The kits don’t need to be fancy - quick, easy, and cost-effective - helping make it a little easier for a family to prepare a nutritious meal at home.
reate kit(s) from your favorite simple recipes or check the Salt & Light Family Facebook group for posts with recipes.
Food Items Needed to Stock the Pantry
Frozen Chicken & Beef
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
Easter Egg Hunt - April 4
Needed: Empty plastic eggs and small items to fill eggs: individually wrapped candy and small favors - stickers, keychains, sticky hands, bracelets, figurines, stampers, etc. Bulk favors are available from Amazon and Oriental Trading.
Please take items to Children's Ministry in the Lower Level.
Volunteer Opportunity to Take Home: fill empty eggs with donated filler items.
Eggs and filler items provided.
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.
First 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!