Weekly Newsletter – March 2, 2026

Pastor Dustin Leek   -   March 2, 2026

đź“–Sunday Recap

In Gospel of Matthew 6, Jesus confronts a tension that still presses on us today: display versus devotion. Giving, prayer, and fasting were normal rhythms of faith for God’s people. They weren’t fringe practices; they were expected. That’s why Jesus says “when you give,” “when you pray,” and “when you fast”,not if. The issue isn’t just whether we practice spiritual disciplines, but why we practice them. It’s possible to do all the right things and still miss the heart of it. If our devotion is aimed at being seen, admired, or affirmed by others, then the applause we receive is the only reward we’ll get. But if our devotion is aimed at honoring God, then even the quietest act done in secret is seen and treasured by our Father in heaven.

Jesus calls His followers to give in secret, to pray without performance, and to fast with humility. In each case, He shifts the focus from public recognition to private relationship. The Father “who sees what is done in secret” is not looking for spiritual actors, but for sincere hearts. The application is both simple and searching: check your motives. Before you give, ask, “Who is this for?” Before you pray, ask, “Am I talking to God or performing for people?” Before you fast or serve, ask, “Do I want His presence, or their praise?” Our devotion should honor God, not impress people. One day, the compliments, the reputation, and the recognition will fade. What will remain is one question: Did you do it for Him?

Happening This Week

Wednesday:

  • 10am – Wednesday Morning Bible Study

Sunday:

  • 9am – Worship
  • 10:20am – Sunday School 
  • 5:30pm – Thrive 
  • 6:00pm – Adult Small Groups 

🗓️ Mark Your Calendar

 

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:
All Champion Labs employees that lost their jobs
Pat Prosser – ICU
Adam & Melinda Bunting & children – health issues
Dan Greifzu -surgery March 2nd
Rita Giese – health issues
Michael Walter – health issues
Keiffer Mewes – broken hand
Kendal Loudermilk – health concerns
Elizabeth Stevens – Nursing home
Jerry Mason – strength & recovery
Teresa Schnautz – Cataract surgery March 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

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

See you Sunday!