Weekly Newsletter – November 10, 2025
šSunday Recap
Weāve all heard the saying, āSticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.ā James 3 reminds us that isnāt true. Words carry incredible weight. They can build trust or break hearts, bring peace or cause pain. They reveal more than whatās in our mouths; they show whatās in our hearts. Every conversation, post, and reaction we give is like a spark that has the power to warm or to burn.
In this weekās message from James 3, we looked at how real faith shows up in the way we speak and the way we think. The tongue may be small, but it steers the direction of our lives. Words guided by pride or emotion can divide and destroy, while words guided by the Spirit bring healing and peace. James teaches that real faith guards its words and seeks Godās wisdom. True wisdom is humble, gentle, merciful, and sincere. It builds others up and plants peace instead of conflict.
Pay attention to your words this week. Do they sound like someone whose heart belongs to Christ? Let the Spirit guide what you say and how you say it. Seek the wisdom that comes from aboveāpure, peace-loving, and full of mercy. When Christ fills your heart, He transforms your words, and through you, He brings peace to those around you.
Happening This Week
Saturday
Men’s Breakfast –
Saturday, November 15 @ 7am
Our first Menās Breakfast this past Saturday was a great success; good food, great conversation, and real encouragement. Weāre making it a regular thing! Men, join us on the third Saturday of each month for breakfast, fellowship, and a short devotion. The next one is Saturday, November 15 at 7:00 a.m. at FCC West Salem. All men are welcome, come hungry and leave encouraged!
Sunday
- 9:00am – Worship
- 10:15am – No Sunday School – OCC packing party
- 5:30pm – Thrive (Youth Only)
- 6:00pm – Adult Small Groups
Operation Christmas Child Packing Party š
Join us on Sunday, November 16 during Sunday School as we come together to pack shoeboxes for children around the world! Each box is a simple but powerful way to share the love of Jesus and bring joy to a child in need this Christmas season. All supplies will be provided, just bring a willing heart and helping hands. Letās make a difference together, one box at a time!
šļø Mark Your Calendar
Church Directory Photos
Sunday November 16 & Wednesday October 19thĀ
Weāre updating our church directory, and weād love for you to be part of it! Directory photos will be takenĀ Sunday, November 16 (10:15 AMā8:00 PM)Ā andĀ Wednesday, November 19 (5:00 PMā8:00 PM)Ā here at the church.
Each session takes about 10 minutesāquick, easy, and withĀ no sales pitchājust a chance to have your photo included in our updated directory. A church directory helps us stay connected, put faces with names, and strengthen our sense of family within the church.
Sign up at the church to reserve your time slot!
š Prayer Requests
Please be praying for:
Jennifer Skodinski – surgery
Dale Weber – cancer
Alice Hering – recovery
Rhonda Leek – surgery recovery
Ginger Boewe – strength
Dax Leaf – baby having surgery November 11th
Jeff Scott – broken hand
Elizabeth Stevens -recovery and moved home Tuesday
Nancy Wallace – brain aneurysm
Rita Giese – recovery
All those affected by the hurricane
Joey Parisher -deployment
Harley Lear – recovery
Family of Kathryn Thomason Wood
Family of Zachary, Kelsey, Vada Rose and Samuel Bailey
If you have a prayer request, contact church office at 618-456-8563 or fill out a card on Sunday.
See you Sunday!