Weekly Newsletter – February 16, 2026
đź“–Sunday Recap
This week we moved from the character of the Beatitudes to the visibility of our faith in Matthew 5:13–20. Jesus makes it clear that following Him is not private or hidden. He doesn’t say, “Try to become salt and light.” He says, “You are.” As kingdom people, our lives are meant to preserve what is good, push back darkness, and shine in a way that points beyond ourselves. The goal is not attention, applause, or winning arguments. The goal is that people would see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven. Our faith is visible, our works are practical, and our goal is vertical.
We were also reminded that Jesus did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it. True righteousness is not outward rule-keeping like the Pharisees modeled; it is a heart transformed by Christ that shapes everything we do. We don’t manufacture light on our own. We reflect Him. As we follow Jesus, our words, reactions, priorities, and integrity begin to look different. That difference is what makes God visible in a divided, cynical world.
This week, ask yourself honestly: Is anything covering my lamp? In your workplace, home, conversations, and even online, are people seeing Christ or just more of the culture? Look for one intentional way each day to shine; speak with grace when others are harsh, choose integrity when it costs you, show mercy instead of judgment. We live differently so people see God clearly. When we shine, the spotlight doesn’t land on us, it leads others to Him.
Happening This Week
Wednesday:
- 10am – Wednesday Morning Bible Study
Saturday:
- 7am – Men’s Breakfast
Sunday:
- 9am – Worship
- 10:20am – Sunday School
- 5:30pm – Thrive
- 6:00pm – Small Group
🗓️ Mark Your Calendar
K-2 Class Starting:
A new K–2 class on Sunday mornings has started. 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.
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:
Rodney Harder – hospice
Michael Walter – health issues
Kieffer Mewes – broken hand
Kendal Loudermilk – health concerns
Elizabeth Stevens – Grayville nursing home
Jerry Mason – strength & recovery
Teresa Schnautz – upcoming cataract surgeries
Scharlene Fewkes – hospital
Olivia Smith – 8-year-old diagnosed with Type I diabetes
Cally Mitchell- cancer treatments
Adelyn Vallette – eye infection
Wes Clodfelter – surgery recovery
Angie Hayes – cancer treatments
Kayanna Smith – health issues
Joann Garrison – cancer
Family of Kenny Martin
Family of Richard Judge
Family of Alechia Roosevelt
Family of Kay Mason
Family of Gale Balding
Family of Bill Lear
If you have a prayer request, contact church office at 618-456-8563 or fill out a card on Sunday.
See you Sunday!