Israel and Islam || A Spiritual line is Being Drawn
Salt and Light Newsletter
November 5, 2025
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Pastor’s Thoughts
Israel and Islam || A Spiritual line is Being Drawn
There is a sobering shift taking place in our nation, and the church must not look away. Over the past couple of years, I have watched many believers grow hesitant and uncertain about supporting Israel, while at the same time Islamic ideological influence is growing openly on American soil. The cultural narrative is shifting quickly, and many Christians are being swept along in the tide without realizing they are surrendering biblical conviction for cultural acceptance. What we are witnessing is not merely political tension; it is a spiritual dividing line being drawn. We must be established in truth.
Israel is not a modern invention. Israel is not a political convenience. Israel is God’s covenant people, named by God, established by God, and preserved by God. The land of Israel is not symbolic. It is real land promised to a real people. The term “Palestine,” by contrast, does not originate from Scripture. After the Jewish revolt in A.D. 135, the Roman Empire renamed Judea as Syria Palaestina in an attempt to erase Jewish identity from the land. In other words, Israel is the biblical reality, and “Palestine” is a political revision layered on top of it. Even the Quran acknowledges that the land belongs to the children of Israel. We do not need modern think tanks to tell us what God has already made plain.
At the same time, we must hold compassion and truth together. I grieve for every innocent person caught in war. I grieve for Christians in Gaza, for families who have been crushed, displaced, and terrified. And I do not excuse sin simply because Israel commits it. Christian conviction must be honest and mature. That maturity requires us to acknowledge that Israel has not initiated these conflicts impulsively. They have endured decades of terror, rockets fired into their neighborhoods, kidnappings of their citizens, and public vows of annihilation written into the founding documents of their enemies. The world was horrified by the brutal attacks of October 7th and then somehow shocked when Israel responded. A nation under attack is not required to lie down and be destroyed. While we pray for justice and mercy, we must reject the false moral equivalence that treats a sovereign nation defending its citizens the same as a terror organization that hides behind its own civilians. These are not the same.
Some argue that God’s promise, “I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you” (Genesis 12:3), was meant only for Abraham personally and not for Israel as a nation. I have even seen videos where public figures who reference this promise are mocked for not knowing where it is in Scripture, and the passage is then dismissed as irrelevant to modern Israel. But God does not leave this covenant vague or limited. He clarifies it directly and repeatedly:
“I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you… and I will give to you and your descendants the land of Canaan as an everlasting possession.”
— Genesis 17:7–8
“I will perform the oath which I swore to Abraham your father… and in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed.”
— Genesis 26:3–4
“The land on which you lie I will give to you and your descendants… and in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
— Genesis 28:13–14
Then the New Testament confirms that the church has been grafted in, not to replace Israel, but to share in what flows from the root:
“Do not boast against the branches… you do not support the root, but the root supports you.”
— Romans 11:18
The covenant has not been dissolved. The promise has not been revoked. The church did not become Israel. The church was brought into God’s redemptive story through Israel.
Meanwhile, the global landscape is shifting. Europe offers a preview of what a post-Christian society becomes: Islamic political and cultural rule is growing rapidly, and entire cities are being reshaped not through war, but through population, ideology, and not so gradual cultural dominance. The same pattern is emerging here. In Dearborn, Michigan, public demonstrations have openly supported global intifada, which means uprising, not peaceful protest. A Muslim socialist was just elected mayor in New York City. Many universities and cultural power centers now align themselves with movements that openly reject biblical authority and openly denounce Israel. The danger is not that every supporter of these movements is malicious, the danger is that they are confidently misled. Powerful ideological forces are shaping public sentiment with the goal of dismantling the very Christian foundations that once safeguarded freedom, virtue, and truth.
This is not about calling people enemies. It is about recognizing a spiritual battle at work and the danger in which we stand. There are forces operating right now that oppose the Lordship of Christ, the truth of Scripture, and the freedom of the church. And they will gladly use confusion, fear, compassion-language, and moral pressure to turn the hearts of believers away from the Word of God. Our task is to stand in clarity. Clarity born from the presence and leading of the Holy Spirit.
Like I have said, neutrality is not an option. Comfort is not safety. The church is being sifted. The question before us is not, “What does everyone think?” The question is, “Do we believe the Word of God?”
As for me, I choose Scripture. I choose Christ. And I choose to stand with Israel. I am not against Palestinians. But I stand against falsehood, against false gods, and against the deception that seeks to silence the gospel.
This is not a time for wavering.
We must stand.
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Church Happenings
Wednesday Night – November 5
6 - 6:45 PM - Dinner | Upper Lobby Chili, Ham and Bean Soup, Cornbread, Salad, 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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Thanksgiving Food Drive – Collecting through Nov 12
Salt & Light is providing Thanksgiving meals to 21 families in need in our community. The Food Pantry needs the following items to complete those meals, anything you can share - 1 box or can or several - will be a blessing:
Yams/Sweet Potatoes - 20 cans
Gravy - 13 cans
Cranberry Sauce - 16 cans
Dried Mashed Potatoes - 15
Stuffing Mix - 15
Cornbread Mix - 15
Frozen Turkey - 19
Frozen Pies - 21
There are more on a waiting list so if more is given it will enable us to serve, share the gospel, and pray with more families.
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 of food, 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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Coat Drive - Collecting through December 7
Salt & Light is collecting new and gently used, clean, warm coats, hats, gloves and scarves for the children, teens and adults at Good News Homes.
Please place in the labeled bins at the church entrances through Sunday, December 7th.
Questions? Text Sally Moriarty 502-216-3868
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Prayer Meeting - Friday November 7 | 7 PM | Sanctuary
Come together for a time of prayer for our church, families, and country. _________________________________________________________
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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This Sunday – November 9 | 11 AM
The Real House of David – Part I: The Rise of David
Message: 2 Samuel 2:12-32 When You Resist God
This Sunday: You Can’t Beat Sin, Outrun God, or Make Peace with Rebellion. In 2 Samuel 2, Abner’s divided loyalty leads to destruction, not because God abandons him, but because he refuses to surrender to God’s chosen king. When we resist Christ’s rule, we only exhaust ourselves. The call is surrender. Not defeat, but freedom.
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The Bible and The Constitution of The United States of America
Sundays through 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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Grant's Giving 5K Timed Run and 3K Walk/Run - Sunday, 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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Healthy Eating/Biblical Instruction for Health - Mondays through 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 502-235-6687
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Foundations of Freedom Benefit Dinner - Thursday November 13th | 6:30 PM (Doors Open at 6 PM) Sanctuary at Salt & Light
Celebrating God’s Faithfulness - an evening of dinner, fellowship, increasing awareness, and fundraising for Salt and Light Academy, the K-8 Christian School that is the mission of Salt & Light Church.
Business Casual Event for Adults Only (age 18 and over). All are welcome. Please share the information with community leaders, church pastors, and business owners that might be interested in attending.
Dinner is catered and generously sponsored by Texas Roadhouse in St. Matthews and Nana Kama’s Cupcakes.
The program for the evening will include a video, a presentation by Salt and Light Academy Middle School Students, a message by Pastor Justin Walker, and conclude with Worship. Guided Tours will be available.
Tickets are free and limited to 200. Please reserve your ticket here.
Table Sponsorship - $200 for a table for 8 with recognition as an event sponsor.
Please email Michelle Elliott michelle.elliott@saltandlightacademy.com
Volunteers are needed to serve in a variety of areas from set up, registration, ushering, photographing and videoing the event, to clean up. There is a huge need for volunteers to assemble the food plates and serve to guests at their tables.
Please register to serve here.
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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 to serve and 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 9th.
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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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Decking the Halls for Christmas
Sunday, November 23 12:30-2:30 PM & Saturday, November 29 9 AM-Noon
It's time to get into the Christmas spirit!! Stay after the service with us on Sunday, November 23rd, to put up Christmas trees and string them and the skywalks with lights!
We'll decorate the trees on Saturday, November 29, from 9am to noon.
Come one or both days and be a part of preparing our church building for the celebration of the birth of Jesus, our Lord & Savior!
Sign Up Here to let the Event ministry know you’d love to help!!
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Salt and Light Academy Fundraiser at Texas Roadhouse - Monday, November 24 | 4-9 PM
Only at 5005 Shelbyville Rd - St. Matthews Location
Tell your server you are there for Salt and Light Academy and 10% of your total food purchases
will be donated to Salt and Light Academy.
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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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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
Currently studying Colossians
Questions? Email Cheri Grinnell - Cheri@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 - $134,294 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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Children’s Ministry
Teachers for 4-6 year old class - 11a Sundays - God has sent many precious children to Salt & Light in recent weeks and they need teachers to share the gospel and Bible with them while their parents worship and learn in the Sanctuary service.
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
Greet and Check-In children and their families to the nursery and their classes when they arrive on Sunday morning and/or Wednesday evening. Text Debbie Duvall 502-321-8798
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Food Pantry - Food Stamps did not receive funds on Nov 1 so the need is greater giving us an opportunity to meet needs in the name of Christ, share the gospel, and pray with those we serve.
FAQs
The Food Pantry is located off campus in Ballardsville/Crestwood.
People are seen by appointment only, there are not set hours.
The Pantry is open to ANYONE AND EVERYONE! You do not need to be a member or attend S&L.
We are a ministry that serves a physical need as well as spiritual. We pray with everyone and share the gospel.
Donations can be brought to church for Wednesday or Sunday services.
Mark items with “Food Pantry” and take them to the coffee bar. Please ask that perishable items be Refrigerated or Frozen.
If you want to make a large donation of food, please text Courtney Day 502-648-5447 and someone can meet you at the pantry.
The pantry has a freezer and two refrigerators, and plenty of shelf space for non-perishable items. Bring all the food, we have space for it!
Thanks for donating and praying for this ministry!
If you know someone in need of food, please encourage them to text Courtney Day 502-648-5447 for an appointment to shop in the pantry.
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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
Guns4Good Raffle - $20 per ticket
A parent-led fundraiser for Salt & Light Academy
4 guns will be individually awarded with first name drawn having first choice, second having second choice of the remaining guns, etc.
Purchase tickets at the front desk inside the main entrance during school hours or text Paul Thomas 502-480-7287
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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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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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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!