Weekly Newsletter – January 26, 2026
đź“–Sunday Recap
This week, our worship looked a little different. Some of us gathered in person Friday night, while others joined online from home. The weather kept us apart physically on Sunday, but we are grateful for the tools that allow us to connect and worship together, even when circumstances make it difficult. Still, technology can never fully replace the blessing of being together; singing, praying, and sitting in God’s presence side by side. I look forward to seeing everyone this weekend!
Our sermon this week focused on Jesus’ victory over temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). Immediately after His baptism, when He had just been empowered by the Spirit, Jesus was led into the wilderness to face Satan. Hungry, tired, and alone, He was tested in His humanity, but unlike anyone else, He remained perfectly obedient and faithful.
In every test, Jesus responded with Scripture, trusting God’s timing and refusing to take shortcuts. He models for us what true faithfulness looks like: obedience even when it’s hard, reliance on God instead of self, and worship of God alone. His victory in the wilderness reveals the perfection of Jesus, the Son of God, who withstood every temptation and remained fully faithful.
Jesus was faithful in temptation and is worthy of our trust and awe. This week, we can follow His example by pausing before we take the easy path, trusting God’s timing instead of our own. When temptation or strong desire arises, remind yourself of God’s truth, not immediate gratification or convenience, and let Scripture guide your response. Lean on Jesus in the struggles you face, knowing that the same Son of God who stood firm in the wilderness is with you now, giving strength, wisdom, and faithfulness for every challenge.
Happening This Week
Wednesday
- NO Wednesday Morning Bible Study
- 11 am – Graveside Service For Bill Lear
Sunday
- 9:00am – Worship
- 5:30pm – Thrive
- 6:00pm – Small Groups
🗓️ Mark Your Calendar
February 5th: Winter Jam – We will leave the church at 3:45 pm. A light meal will be provided for the drive over. We should return to the church around 1 am. Tickets cost $45. 6th grade and up can attend without a parent, 5th grade and under are invited with a parent. Please get in touch with Ms. Ryan before January 23rd for more information or to sign up.
February 6th: Men, join us at Oilbelt Christian Service Camp for an evening focused on Messy Grace: Bridging the Tension of Truth and Grace with guest speaker Caleb Kaltenbach, pastor at Shepherd Church and author of Messy Grace. Caleb brings a powerful perspective shaped by his upbringing and will help us think biblically about living with both truth and grace. The night includes a meal, worship, and the main session. Cost is $25. Sign up at church—we’ll take a bus.
Check out the video below to get more info.
🙏 Prayer Requests
Please be praying for:
Family of Bill Lear
Adelyn Vallette – eye infection
Skylar Leaf & family – injuries from car accident
Dale Weber – hospice
Gale Balding – health issues
Wes Clodfelter – surgery recovery
Angie Hayes – cancer treatments
Kayanna Smith – health issues
Kay Mason – Placed on Hospice
Elizabeth Stevens – surgery recovery
Tyler Mason – Praise! He is home.
Alechia Roosevelt – cancer
Joann Garrison – cancer
If you have a prayer request, contact church office at 618-456-8563 or fill out a card on Sunday.
See you Sunday!