Weekly Update

“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” — 1 Corinthians 15:55

This past weekend, my wife attended the funeral of a close friend’s father. Her friend is an only child who is now navigating an unimaginable season of grief—having lost her mother earlier this year as well. Then, last Monday, we received word of the tragic passing of another individual we know who was only 33 years old and took his own life.

Life can be deeply complicated and harsh.

Lately, I’ve been working on an 8-week discipleship study for Palmetto Life Church, and one of the upcoming weeks focuses specifically on the horrible effects and impact of sin. If the past few days have reminded me of anything, it’s that sin is the absolute worst. Paul reminds us in Romans that the wages of sin is death, a reality we will all eventually witness. Hebrews echoes this, telling us that man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment. It is incredibly easy for our minds to marinate on these heavy truths and allow them to pull us into a state of depression.

But thanks be to God, for the Christian, death is not the final chapter—it is the beginning of true life.

This past Sunday was a beautiful reminder of the unshakable hope we have in Christ. We saw six people step into the baptismal pool, and what I witnessed were faces of pure joy. Faces of life. These individuals were excited to share their decision to follow Jesus with our church family. This is exactly why Palmetto Life exists. This is what it looks like to bring life.

Over the next several weeks, we are going to highlight these baptism testimonies on our social media pages. I hope you will follow us on Facebook and Instagram to share in the joy of their stories.

I also pray that if you have never trusted Christ, or if you haven't yet followed Him in the step of obedience through baptism, you would reach out to me. Let’s talk and prayerfully consider what that next step looks like. May we all live with excitement that we serve a God who has utterly defeated death, and may we celebrate with those who just publicly declared His victory in their own lives.

Be a Blessing,

Pastor Matthew Phillips

PS - We have collected 25 backpacks and are halfway to our goal with 3 weeks to go.

Sunday, July 19, 2026:

10:30am - Worship

Passage: Mark 7:24–37

What’s Happening this Fall? Click each event for more information.

August 2: Blessing of the Backpacks - Purchase a backpack for a child in need and bring it to church by August 2. Staff of Logan will join worship Aug. 2; we’ll present backpacks and pray for teachers, students, and educators. Kids Life will give a special presentation. Goal: 50 backpacks.

August 19: Fall Kickoff Meal - Life can be tough, but you don't have to navigate it alone. Join us this year for a mid-week gathering designed to refresh your spirit and encourage you on your journey. This special dinner will provide you an opportunity to meet new people and hear about what PLC has in store for bible study in the Fall of 2026.

Dinner is $10 and we look forward to starting off this fall with you!

REGISTER HERE

September 13: Celebrate One Year of Palmetto Life - Save the date and invite a friend to join you as we celebrate one year of ministry at Palmetto Life Church. More details are coming soon!

Live Out: Make an Eternal Difference

Let us begin this week by intentionally praying for Elmwood, Earlewood, and Cottontown—asking God to open doors for the gospel. This summer, we have an opportunity to help our friends at Logan Elementary:

The Blessing of the Backpacks

• When: From now through Sunday, August 2

• Our Goal: To collect 50 empty backpacks for children at Logan Elementary facing unseen financial strains. (Note: You only need to purchase and donate the backpack itself—supplies do not need to be included!)

• How to help: Buy a new backpack and bring it to church on any Sunday between now and August 2.

• Drop-off Location: You can hand your backpacks directly to a First Impressions volunteer at the Welcome Tent on Sunday mornings.

Jesus didn't command the world to come to the church; He strategically sent the church into the world.

We have collected 25 Backpacks and are halfway to our goal!

Click Here to send in a prayer request.