Weekly Newsletter – August 25, 2025

Pastor Dustin Leek   -   August 25, 2025

đź“–Sunday Recap

On Sunday, we continued the theme of Heeding the Call by looking closely at 1 Samuel 15:17–24. In this passage, Samuel confronts King Saul for his failure to obey God’s clear command. Saul had been instructed to completely destroy the Amalekites and their possessions, but instead he kept what seemed valuable and tried to justify his actions by calling it sacrifice.

The problem was clear: Saul practiced partial obedience, but God had called for complete obedience. Samuel’s words cut to the heart:

“To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.” (1 Samuel 15:22)

From Saul’s downfall, we were reminded of three powerful truths:

  1. God’s way is always best. Obedience flows from trusting that His plans are wiser than ours.

  2. Obedience isn’t optional. God doesn’t want empty religion, excuses, or appearances—He wants our hearts surrendered to Him.

  3. Disobedience carries consequences. Saul lost his kingdom because of rebellion. We, too, miss God’s blessings when we choose our own way.

This message calls us to examine our lives honestly. Where might we be like Saul—offering God “almost obedience” while holding back in certain areas?

  • Are we excusing sin by calling it something less?

  • Are we giving God only part of ourselves while clinging to control in other areas?

  • Are we trying to cover disobedience with good works, hoping it will be “enough”?

The truth is simple but challenging: God is not after empty sacrifice, but full surrender.

If we confess and turn back to Him (1 John 1:9), He is faithful to forgive and to strengthen us to walk in obedience. To obey is better—because God’s way is always best, because it’s what He expects, and because it leads to life, blessing, and a bold witness for Christ.

 

đź“… Happening This Week

Sunday

  • 9:00am – Worship
  • 10:20am – Sunday School
  • 6:00 pm – NO Evening Service

🗓️ Mark Your Calendar

Thrive Kickoff
September 7 @ 5:30pm
Joins us as we kick off our Thrive season. What is Thrive? Thrive in our youth and small group program at FCC. We offer youth group for all ages on Sunday nights, as well as small groups at various times. Everyone is welcome to be a part of Thrive. Invite kids you know to come and get plugged into to our youth program!

This event will be outside (weather pending). We will have food, fellowship, and fun!

Small Groups
Begin September 21

It’s time to sign up for a small group! Whether it’s Sunday evening at the church, in someone’s home, or during the week, there’s a place for you. Last year, about 40 people joined a small group, we’d love to see even more this year. Our hope is that everyone would find a group where they feel known, encouraged, and spiritually fed.

Why are small groups important?

  • They help us grow deeper in our walk with Christ.
  • They create space for honest questions and real conversations.
  • They give us people to lean on, pray with, and walk through life beside.
  • They help the church stay connected outside of Sunday mornings.

Stop by the sign up sheet in the lobby to sign-up. Let’s take a step toward community, together.

🙏 Prayer Requests

Please be praying for:

  • Aaron Larkin – Cancer
  • Chuck Perry – Cancer
  • Anita Nelwin – Recovery
  • Charlene Lynch – Recovery
  • Mike Knepper – Recovery
  • Bill Hicks – Recovery
  • Family of Marvin Bailey
  • Family of Tina Belt
  • Family of Kenny Fewkes
  • Coen VanMeter – Recovering from brain surgery
  • Elizabeth Stevens – Broken leg recovery
  • Jeff Hunley – Surgery Recovery

If you have a prayer request, contact church office at 618-456-8563 or fill out a card on Sunday.

🤝 Serve With Us

Looking for ways to get involved:

Rooted After School Program
Rooted is right around the corner. There are many ways to help – school pick up, playground supervisor, homework assistant, activity leader, and more! Volunteers can assist weekly, monthly, or on an as-needed basis. We also need help providing snacks for our Rooted students. To volunteer at Rooted or provide snacks, please send Ms. Ryan a message or sign up at the sign-up station in the church lobby.

 

See you Sunday!