Midweek Check-in (Apr. 22, 2026)

Good morning, church family!

Few things grab our attention like sacred moments in sacred spaces, and we as a church witnessed this in real time this past Sunday.

Earlier in the week, our children’s director Tiffany Newell went before our church board and shared her testimony that God was calling her to lifelong ministry. She has served faithfully as a lay leader and volunteer for many years, but this next step will center on God’s call for her to step into pastoral ministry.

Our church board agreed! Tiffany was unanimously granted a local minister’s license, which begins a journey of further exploring her calling, with the support of her lead pastor, church board and church congregation.

Then we told the kids, and what they did in response was the highlight of Sunday morning!

The children of our church gathered around Mrs. Tiffany, laid hands on her outstretched arms and prayed over her. Even these kids, in their own capacity of understanding, participated as witnesses to her calling.

It is such a joy to see someone respond to God’s calling on their life. That joy extends further when the church gathers to affirm God’s calling.

Over the next year Tiffany will continue this exploration of her calling with the guidance of the church board and lead pastor. There are requirements for pastoral education and experience she’ll receive along the way. After at least one year, she’ll be eligible to apply for a minister’s license from the Church of the Nazarene’s Kansas District, which would come with the title of “pastor”, and, after further assessment, education and experience, she eventually would become eligible to apply to become an ordained minister in the Church of the Nazarene.

This is a long, multi-year journey. Pastor Nate Boone and I are both ordained ministers and will help Tiffany, along with the support of the church board and congregation.

So I’m asking for your continued affirmation of Tiffany’s calling by praying for her and our children’s ministry. The Lord is clearly at work in the lives of our kids, and it is beautiful to see them come to know Jesus, be baptized and grow in their faith!  

Some people brought children to Jesus so that he would place his hands on them and pray. But the disciples scolded them. “Allow the children to come to me,” Jesus said. “Don’t forbid them, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to people like these children.” Then he blessed the children and went away from there.

-Matthew 19:13-15

Your pastor,

Billy Byler

THE NEXT INITIATIVE: What is this all about? We’re seeking the Lord’s will and direction for the future of our church with some big plans and goals. So it’s really important to attend each Sunday morning to participate in this important season. Read more about The NEXT Initiative at woodlandlakescc.com/next.

VISION GATHERINGS: Vision Gatherings are happening now! Please don’t be one of the few to miss out! Vision Gatherings meet in homes around Wichita (some on weeknights, some on weekends), and each provide an opportunity to come hear details about The NEXT Initiative and the goals and vision for the church. You’ll also receive some delicious refreshments and drinks along with the opportunity to ask questions and share comments. Spots are filling up quickly so sign up online.

IGNITE PRAYER & WORSHIP NIGHT: Join us Wednesday evening, May 6 for a worship experience in which we’ll take time to pray for our church, our “ones” and the commitments we’re making to the Lord. This is a time of worship and prayer with music, candlelight and hands-on experiences that you won’t want to miss!

CONTACT INFO: We have recently sent important church announcements through letters in the mail and through emails. If you are not receiving these, please update your contact info with us so we know how best to communicate to you.

PRAYER: I’d like to know how I can best pray for you. We have a way to submit prayer requests online anytime day or night, which will help me join you in prayer.

JUST FOR FUN: Hey, you read Pastor Billy's midweek check-in all the way to the end! As a reward, check out these crazy stories I came across recently:

• A group of students at a Kansas high school spotted the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile at a grocery store near their school and somehow managed to land the vehicle as their ride to prom!

• Collectors are, apparently, paying up to $220 for a single ant from Africa.

• Sometimes I don’t understand why people do things. So I do research to learn. I researched why people in San Francisco gathered to dig a really big hole at the beach. I still don’t understand why people do things.