Weekly Newsletter – October 27, 2025

Pastor Dustin Leek   -   October 27, 2025

📖Sunday Recap

Sunday’s message from James 2:1-13 called us to take a hard look at how we see people. The sermon opened with the story of a man who entered church disguised as homeless, ignored, judged, and asked to sit in the back, only to reveal himself as the new pastor. The story hit hard because it mirrors what James addresses, favoritism in the family of faith. Real faith doesn’t play favorites; it shows up in how we treat others. When we judge by appearance or status, we reveal more about our hearts than we’d like to admit. God shows no favoritism, and neither should His people.

James lays out a clear pattern for us to follow. He exposes the problem of favoritism in the church. He calls for a new perspective that sees people through the lens of faith, not the standards of the world. He reminds us of the principle of love, to love your neighbor as yourself, and closes with a promise that mercy triumphs over judgment. Each step points us toward authentic faith that lives out the gospel in everyday relationships.

So what does that look like this week? It means letting love lead in every interaction. Speak kindly, listen fully, and look for ways to show mercy. Invest time, attention, and care into the people God places around you. Let compassion interrupt your routine and don’t be afraid to get a little messy for the sake of the gospel. When the church begins to love like Jesus, without conditions and without judgment, the world gets a clearer picture of the One who first loved us. Mercy still triumphs, and God still uses His people to make it visible.

Happening This Week

Sunday

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

🗓️ Mark Your Calendar

Fall Festival – This Saturday!!
Saturday, November 1

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.

Men’s Breakfast – This Saturday!!
Saturday, November 1 @ 7am

Join us for our upcoming Men’s Breakfast! All men are invited to come enjoy a hearty meal, good fellowship, and a short devotion to encourage and challenge us in our walk with Christ. It’s a great chance to connect, share, and start the day with purpose. Bring a friend and come hungry, both for food and for the Word!

Church Directory Photos
Sunday November 16 & Wednesday October 19th 

We’re updating our church directory, and we’d love for you to be part of it! Directory photos will be taken Sunday, November 16 (10:15 AM–8:00 PM) and Wednesday, November 19 (5:00 PM–8:00 PM) here at the church.

Each session takes about 10 minutes—quick, easy, and with no sales pitch—just 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!

Operation Christmas Child Packing Party 🎁
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. Let’s make a difference together, one box at a time!

🙏 Prayer Requests

Please be praying for:

  • Hazel Harness – recovery from fall
  • Alice Hering – upcoming surgery
  • Rita Giese – recovery
  • Melissa Garrison – surgery recovery
  • Jeff Cralle – strength
  • Kelly Urfer – test results
  • Elizabeth Weiss – health concerns
  • Joey Parisher – deployment, Josh Parisher’s brother
  • Harley Lear – surgery recovery
  • Leroy Moore – recovery
  • Don Clements – hospital
  • Betty Straw – cancer
  • Bill Hicks – moved to assisted living
  • Katie Kearbey – cancer
  • Anita Newlin – strength
  • Family of Zachary, Kelsey, Vada Rose and Samuel Bailey
  • Family of Dylan Coston
  • Family of Judy Ethridge
  • Family of Ronnie Lemke
  • Family of Don Catt
  • Family of Karl Case
  • Family of Sherry Bradford

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

See you Sunday!