Weekly Newsletter – November 3, 2025

Pastor Dustin Leek   -   November 3, 2025

📖Sunday Recap

In James 2:14–26, the apostle challenges believers to test whether their faith is alive or dead. He opens with a piercing question: “What good is it if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds?” (v.14). James pictures a believer who knows all the right truths but never acts. Knowledge without obedience, words without action, and belief without compassion all reveal a faith that has no pulse. Real faith, James says, is proven in how we respond to the needs around us and how we live out what we say we believe.

James goes on to show that real faith not only speaks, it trusts. In verses 18–20, he draws the contrast between those who only talk about belief and those who demonstrate it. Even demons, he says, believe that God exists, yet their belief produces fear, not obedience. Then James gives two living examples: Abraham, who trusted God enough to offer Isaac (vv.21–23), and Rahab, who trusted God enough to risk her life for His people (v.25). Their actions didn’t save them, but their obedience revealed genuine, living faith that trusted God completely.

For us, this passage is a call to wake our faith up. A faith that only talks is lifeless; a faith that trusts and moves is alive. If our faith never leads to service, sacrifice, or obedience, James says it’s not real faith at all. This week, let your faith breathe: meet a need, forgive a wrong, serve someone in love, or share the hope of Christ with someone who needs it. Don’t just say you believe; live like you do. Because, as James concludes, “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead” (v.26).

Happening This Week

Sunday

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

🗓️ Mark Your Calendar

 

Men’s Breakfast –
Saturday, November 15 @ 7am

Our first Men’s Breakfast this past Saturday was a great success; good food, great conversation, and real encouragement. We’re 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!

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!

Elder & Deacon Nominations

It’s time to prayerfully consider nominations for any new elders and deacons to serve alongside our current leadership team. Elders provide spiritual leadership, teaching, and oversight for the church, while deacons serve by meeting practical needs and supporting the ministry of the church family.

If you’d like to nominate someone, please talk with them first to ensure they are willing to serve. Nominees must be members for at least one year and meet the biblical qualifications found in 1 Timothy 3:1–13 and Titus 1:5–9.

Nomination forms are available at the church. Please turn them in to the office or place them in the prayer basket by Sunday, November 16. After nominations close, the elders will meet with all candidates for prayer and discussion.

🙏 Prayer Requests

Please be praying for:

  • Hazel Harness – recovery from fall
  • Alice Hering – surgery recovery
  • 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!