Weekly Newsletter – February 2, 2026
đź“–Sunday Recap
This week’s message called us to wrestle honestly with the idea of surrender, not as a vague spiritual concept, but as the clear and costly call of Jesus. Scripture shows us that surrender begins with seeing Jesus clearly. Before Jesus ever asks anyone to follow Him, Matthew makes it clear who He is: the promised King, God with us, the victorious Son, and the Light who drives out darkness. When we truly see Jesus for who He is, surrender isn’t forced or manipulated, it becomes the only response that makes sense. Like the first disciples, seeing Jesus clearly leads to leaving control behind and trusting Him fully.
That surrender shows itself in obedience. When Jesus called Simon, Andrew, James, and John, they were busy, working, providing, living normal life. Yet they responded immediately. Surrender doesn’t wait for life to slow down or for conditions to be perfect. It listens for Jesus’ voice in the middle of the noise and responds with action. Following Jesus always means letting go of something, sin, comfort, control, misplaced priorities, so that His will takes first place. This doesn’t mean abandoning responsibility, but reordering our lives so that everything we do is shaped by obedience to Christ.
The question for us isn’t whether we know Jesus, but whether we’re truly following Him. Are we surrendered, or just familiar? This week, take time to ask what “nets” you might still be holding onto, habits, attitudes, comforts, or distractions that are keeping you from full obedience. Surrender isn’t a one time moment, it’s a daily decision to listen, obey, and let go. As you go about your work, your family life, and your routines, choose to place Jesus first and explain your faith to those around you. When we see Jesus rightly, we surrender fully, and when we surrender fully, He uses our lives to shine His light right where we are.
Happening This Week
Wednesday:
- 10am – Wednesday Morning Bible Study
Friday:
- Men’s night, bus leaves at 430
Sunday:
- 9am – Worship
- 10:20am – Sunday School
- 5:30pm – Thrive
- 6:00pm – Small Group
🗓️ Mark Your Calendar
K-2 Class Starting:
This week we’re excited to start a new K–2 class on Sunday mornings. Students in kindergarten through second grade will be released before the sermon and will have their own lesson in their own space. Our toddler class will still meet as usual, this is an additional class created just for our K–2 kids. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mrs. Ryan.
Men’s Breakfast: Saturday Feb 21 @ 7am
Clodfelter/Howard “I Do” BBQ: Friday, Feb 27 @ 7pm
You’re invited to come and celebrate Hannah Clodfelter and Ethan Howard as the prepare for marriage. This will be a relaxed wedding shower with good food and good company, and it’s open to everyone, men and women are welcome. Come help us celebrate this special season for the couple.
Please let Marissa Turpin or Shauna Clodfelter know if you plan to attend.
🙏 Prayer Requests
Please be praying for:
Gale Balding – hospital
Adelyn Vallette – eye infection
Skylar Leaf & family – injuries from car accident
Wes Clodfelter – surgery recovery
Angie Hayes – cancer treatments
Kayanna Smith – health issues
Elizabeth Stevens – hospital
Cherry Anderson – hospital
Joann Garrison – cancer
Family of Dennis Splittorff
Family of Bill Lear
Family of Dale Weber
Family of Ada Parks
If you have a prayer request, contact church office at 618-456-8563 or fill out a card on Sunday.
See you Sunday!