Weekly Newsletter – February 23, 2026

Pastor Dustin Leek   -   February 23, 2026

đź“–Sunday Recap

In Matthew 5:21–48, Jesus makes it clear that following Him is not about polished behavior but a transformed heart. The religious leaders had reduced God’s commands to outward compliance, but Jesus says the issue goes deeper. Anger sits at the root of murder. Lust begins adultery in the heart. Casual promises reveal shaky integrity. Retaliation exposes pride. The standard isn’t lowered — it’s intensified. Jesus shows that sin isn’t just what we do; it’s what we dwell on, nurture, and refuse to surrender. God isn’t after surface-level rule keeping. He wants the inner life fully aligned with Him.

The call is personal and practical. Who is shaping your heart — Jesus or the voices of culture, social media, and convenience? Are there grudges you need to release? Habits you need to cut off? Words that need to become more truthful? Jesus’ words confront us, but they also invite us to grace. We cannot perform heart surgery on ourselves, but the One who raised the standard is the same One who went to the cross to redeem us. So don’t just try harder this week. Surrender deeper. Let Him transform what’s beneath the surface so your actions naturally reflect a changed heart.

Happening This Week

Wednesday:

  • 10am – Wednesday Morning Bible Study

Friday:

  • 7 – 9pm: Clodfelter/Howard I DO BBQ.

A family friendly wedding shower for Hannah Clodfelter and Ethan Howard. The bride requests guests to bring a favorite recipe from your family kitchen to her family kitchen.

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.

OIL BELT CHRISTIAN SERVICE CAMP Ladies Day 2026
Saturday, March 21

All ladies of the church are invited to attend Ladies Day at Oil Belt. This is a great event at camp. If there is enough interest we will take the church bus. If interested please sign up at Church, the cost is $25. This years program includes:

Featured speaker: Lydia Florence
Worship: Salem First Christian Church Worship Team

Easter Day Camp – April 2 – 12:30 – 5:30pm

3-year-olds thru 5th grade students are invited to attend this day even tat Church as we explorer the importance of the Biblical events of Easter. Use the Q code below to register.

 

🙏 Prayer Requests

Please be praying for:
Rita Giese – health issues
Michael Walter – health issues
Keiffer Mewes – broken hand
Kendal Loudermilk – health concerns
Elizabeth Stevens – Grayville nursing home
Jerry Mason – strength & recovery
Teresa Schnautz – upcoming cataract surgeries 23rd & Mar. 2nd
Scharlene Fewkes – hospital
Olivia Smith – 8-year-old diagnosed with Type I diabetes
Adelyn Vallette – eye infection
Wes Clodfelter – surgery recovery
Kayanna Smith – health issues
Joann Garrison – cancer
Family of Rodney Harder
Family of Jeff Carlson
Family of Kenny Martin
Family of Richard Judge
Family of Alechia Roosevelt
Family of Kay Mason
Family of Gale Balding

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

See you Sunday!