Weekly Reminders
Sunday, January 18, 2026
"Salt & Light"
Micah 6:8; Matthew 5:13-16 NIV
Rev. John Donaldson
“Sometime ago my brother and I were driving one evening to Chattanooga, Tennessee, from Atlanta. He was driving the car. And for some reason the drivers were very discourteous that night. They didn’t dim their lights; hardly any driver that passed by dimmed his lights. And I remember very vividly, my brother A.D. looked over and in a tone of anger said: “I know what I’m going to do. The next car that comes along here and refuses to dim the lights, I’m going to fail to dim mine and pour them on in all of their power.” And I looked at him right quick and said: “Oh no, don’t do that. There’d be too much light on this highway, and it will end up in mutual destruction for all. Somebody's got to have some sense on this highway.”
The above quote is from Martin Luther King Jr’s sermon titled “Loving Your Enemies”, from Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, 1957, Montgomery, Alabama. This coming Monday is the U.S. federal holiday honoring the life and legacy of Dr. King. Every time I look back at his messages, I’m amazed by his courage to follow Jesus’ simple command, “love your enemies.” Dr. King understood that Jesus was not simply interested in our personal salvation; Jesus is interested in community transformation. Our Lord’s statement that we are to be the “salt of the earth” and “light of the world” is not simply for our benefit – we are supposed to impact the world for good. How are you being salty? Are your lights turned on?
Blessings,
Pastor John
The above quote is from Martin Luther King Jr’s sermon titled “Loving Your Enemies”, from Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, 1957, Montgomery, Alabama. This coming Monday is the U.S. federal holiday honoring the life and legacy of Dr. King. Every time I look back at his messages, I’m amazed by his courage to follow Jesus’ simple command, “love your enemies.” Dr. King understood that Jesus was not simply interested in our personal salvation; Jesus is interested in community transformation. Our Lord’s statement that we are to be the “salt of the earth” and “light of the world” is not simply for our benefit – we are supposed to impact the world for good. How are you being salty? Are your lights turned on?
Blessings,
Pastor John
News & Announcements
Sunday School Planning Meeting
Are you interested in our church offering more Sunday School classes on Sunday mornings? And are you willing to help make this happen? If so, join us at 5 p.m. on Thursday, January 22, in the Fellowship Hall.
EC Food Ministry
The EC Food Ministry is requesting ketchup and mustard during January and February. Please drop off in the bins located in the Crossroads Connection Center and Sanctuary or bring them to the church office.
Youth Ski Retreat
Our Youth Director, chaperones and many of our youth are up in Maggie Valley this weekend on a Ski Trip! Let’s pray that it is a fun, safe, and meaningful trip for them all!
Valentine's Dinner
Our February 4 Wednesday Night dinner this year will have a Valentine's theme, and we are looking for 4 or 5 brave couples willing to play the “newlywed game” after the meal! If willing, please let the church office know.
Missions Announcement
We are partnering with Circle of Life and giving Valentine's and small gifts to residents at Nancy Hart Nursing Center, and a goodie basket for staff. There are 67 residents and 70 staff. Suggestions are hard candy, pocket tissues, chapstick, etc. Items can be brought to the church office, and donations are welcome. Circle of Life has bought hand lotion for the residents, which has a scripture on it. When speaking to a staff member, we were told they would appreciate anything!
Are you interested in our church offering more Sunday School classes on Sunday mornings? And are you willing to help make this happen? If so, join us at 5 p.m. on Thursday, January 22, in the Fellowship Hall.
EC Food Ministry
The EC Food Ministry is requesting ketchup and mustard during January and February. Please drop off in the bins located in the Crossroads Connection Center and Sanctuary or bring them to the church office.
Youth Ski Retreat
Our Youth Director, chaperones and many of our youth are up in Maggie Valley this weekend on a Ski Trip! Let’s pray that it is a fun, safe, and meaningful trip for them all!
Valentine's Dinner
Our February 4 Wednesday Night dinner this year will have a Valentine's theme, and we are looking for 4 or 5 brave couples willing to play the “newlywed game” after the meal! If willing, please let the church office know.
Missions Announcement
We are partnering with Circle of Life and giving Valentine's and small gifts to residents at Nancy Hart Nursing Center, and a goodie basket for staff. There are 67 residents and 70 staff. Suggestions are hard candy, pocket tissues, chapstick, etc. Items can be brought to the church office, and donations are welcome. Circle of Life has bought hand lotion for the residents, which has a scripture on it. When speaking to a staff member, we were told they would appreciate anything!
Our annual Soup Ministry will take place on Saturday, January 31. Please bring warm, homemade vegetable soup in crockpots, and we will mix together at 11 a.m. Corn bread or muffins are needed, as well as volunteers to take the soup. We are also in need of boxes to carry the soup.
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