Weekly Newsletter – May 11, 2026

Pastor Dustin Leek   -   May 11, 2026

đź“–Sunday Recap

This week in Matthew 9:9–17, we saw the authority of Jesus on display in a powerful way—not just in miracles, but in how He moved toward outsiders and transformed lives. Jesus called Matthew, a despised tax collector, to follow Him, and everything changed. Matthew left behind his old life and immediately began using his home and relationships to bring others to Jesus. The message was clear: Jesus does not build His kingdom around status, image, or worthiness. He calls sinners into a new life and a new kingdom.

We also saw the contrast between Jesus and the Pharisees. While the religious leaders stood at a distance criticizing who Jesus associated with, Jesus sat at the table with sinners. He showed mercy without compromising truth. Jesus reminded them that sick people need a doctor and quoted Hosea 6:6: “I desire mercy and not sacrifice.” Religion without mercy hardens hearts, but the mercy of Christ moves toward broken people with compassion and truth.

Finally, Jesus explained that He did not come to patch up old religious systems but to make all things new. Following Jesus is more than outward ritual or tradition—it is a transformed relationship with Him. When Jesus changes a person, old lives are left behind and new life begins.

This passage challenges us to examine how we see people. Are we defining others by their past, or believing Jesus can truly transform lives? Like Matthew, we are called to use our homes, conversations, and relationships to introduce people to Jesus. We can move toward people with grace and truth, remembering that none of us came to Christ with everything together. Jesus welcomed sinners, changed lives, and still does today.

 

Watch Yesterday’s Sermon Here:

 

Happening This Week

Wednesday:

  • 10am – Bible Study

Saturday:

  • 7am – Men’s Breakfast
  • 1-3pm – Graduation Party for Ava Giese. 
    • This is a come and go party to congratulate Ava

Sunday:

  • 9am – Worship
  • 10:20am – Sunday School
  • No Evening Service 

🗓️ Mark Your Calendar

Service Opportunity:

🙏 Prayer Requests

Please be praying for:
Rita Giese – Tuesday medical procedure
Larry Michels – hospital with severe burns
Treyson Cohoon – 13-year-old hospital
Randy Snelling – broken back
Savannah Scott – broken arm
Twyla Walter – health issues
Kerri McCaleb – recovery
Andrew Seibers – healing from accident
Sherry Balding – surgery recovery
Pam Varner- heart cath
Wayne Zirkle – cancer treatments
Abigail Clodfelter Henson – health issues
Dan Greifzu -health issues
Family of Stanley Dorney
Family of Alta Krajec

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

See you Sunday!