Weekly Newsletter – September 8, 2025

Pastor Dustin Leek   -   September 8, 2025

đź“–Sunday Recap

Trials aren’t something we can avoid, they’re a part of life in a broken world. James tells us they come in many forms and at unexpected times, but they don’t have to leave us bitter or hopeless. Instead, we can hold on to joy, not a fake happiness, but a steady confidence that God is good and at work in us, even in the hard moments. Trials become a place where God stretches us, deepens our trust, and builds endurance that we can’t gain any other way.

James also reminds us that when the pressure is heavy, we don’t have to figure it out on our own. God freely gives wisdom to those who ask Him in faith. But divided hearts; trying to lean partly on God and partly on ourselves, leave us restless and unstable. The call is to trust Him fully, to keep our eyes on Him, and to let His wisdom steady us in the storm. That’s what it looks like to have a faith that stands under pressure.

So here’s the question: do you really trust God in the pressure? When the trial comes, here are three steps James gives us:

  1. Choose joy – remind yourself of who God is and that He is still good, even here.
  2. Ask for wisdom – pray honestly and expectantly, believing God will guide you.
  3. Stand firm – don’t hedge your bets; trust Him fully rather than clinging to self-reliance.

That’s how faith grows stronger, not weaker, under the weight of trials.

đź“… Happening This Week

Sunday

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

🗓️ Mark Your Calendar

Thrive
September 14 @ 5:30pm

Thrive is our Sunday night youth program. There is something for students from nursery through High School!  Students share a meal together at 5:30, followed by class time starting at 6. Every kid is welcome, so invite your family and friends to join in! A bus will be running, so if your child needs a ride, just let the church office know.

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.

Sign Up Here: https://forms.gle/qqxz2Eu2AYHApXGZ9

🙏 Prayer Requests

Please be praying for:

  • Thrive – Students to grow in knowledge and understanding of Jesus
  • Family of Steve Greiner
  • Georgia Bunting – Surgery 9/9/25
  • John Giese – Hospital
  • Charlene Lynch – Surgery 9/12/25
  • Ginger Boewe – Moved to Villas of Holly Brook
  • Chuck Perry – Cancer
  • Rodney Hardner – Cancer
  • Kelli Savage – Cancer
  • Dina Reid – Recovery
  • Aaron Larkin – Cancer

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

 

See you Sunday!