Weekly Newsletter – September 29, 2025

Pastor Dustin Leek   -   September 29, 2025

đź“–Sunday Recap

We serve a mighty God! Our God created the heavens and the earth, sustains us daily, and most of all, gave us Jesus Christ so that we could be forgiven and have eternal life. Even though we are in Christ, belong to Him, life in this broken world is still full of trials and temptations. Temptation doesn’t come from God but from our own desires that pull us away from Him. If we give in, those desires lead to sin, and sin ultimately leads to death.

But James doesn’t just leave us with a warning; he points us to God’s goodness. Every good and perfect gift comes from our unchanging Father, who has already given us the greatest gift in Jesus. Sin promises satisfaction but never delivers; only God gives life, hope, and lasting joy. That means the way to resist temptation isn’t by sheer willpower but by trusting in God’s goodness.

So here’s the challenge: when temptation comes, be honest about it, don’t excuse it. Turn to God quickly in prayer and Scripture, and remind yourself that His gifts are better than anything sin could offer. If you’ve stumbled, don’t stay stuck in guilt; repent and run back to Jesus, because He is always faithful to forgive. Trials and temptations are part of life, but with the Spirit’s help, we can say “no” to sin and “yes” to life. Trust God’s goodness, and temptation will lose its power.

đź“… Happening This Week

Sunday

  • 9:00am – Worship
  • 10:20am – Sunday School
  • 5:30pm – Thrive (Youth Only)
  • 6:00pm – Adult Small Groups

🗓️ Mark Your Calendar

Small Groups
October 5

Small groups will officially begin the week of October 5. We decided to push the start date back a week since Pastor Dustin will be serving on a mission trip to Costa Rica, and we want to make sure everything is in place so our groups get off to a strong start. If you’ve already signed up, you’ll be contacted in the next few days with details about where your group will meet. We’re also excited to share that one of our groups will meet on Wednesdays at 10 a.m., beginning October 8, 2025.

Fall Festival
Saturday, October 18th 

Join us for our Fall Festival on Saturday, October 18th from 3–6 p.m. at the West Salem Square! This free family event will have something for everyone; bounce house, pumpkin painting, hayrides, a petting zoo, and plenty of chili to enjoy. It’s a great way to celebrate the season together, and we’d love for you to bring your family and friends.

We’ll also need help for this event, and opportunities to serve will be announced at church.

Fall Community Worship Service
Sunday, October 19th @10am

After hearing so many people say, “Why don’t we do more of these?” following our summer community service, we’re excited to host a Fall Community Worship Service! Join us on Sunday, October 19th at 10 a.m., the morning after Fall Fest. Seth Schnautz will be sharing the message, and we’d love for you to come worship with us.

🙏 Prayer Requests

Please be praying for:

  • Alice Hering – surgery Tuesday
  • Betty Straw – cancer
  • Katie Kearbey – cancer
  • Ashley Porter – kidney stones
  • Wes Clodfelter – broken hand
  • Capt. Michael Smith, U.S. Marines – duty for 3 years in Okinawa, Japan
  • Angie Hayes – test results
  • Thrive – Students to grow in knowledge and understanding of Jesus
  • Family of Steve Greiner
  • Chuck Perry – Cancer
  • Rodney Hardner – Cancer
  • Kelli Savage – Cancer

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

See you Sunday!