Midweek Check-in (April 23, 2025)

Good morning, church family!

I come to you on this Wednesday after Easter Sunday with a full heart! And I want to give a big thank you to you, the good people of our church, for the roles you played in making our Easter celebration so wonderful.

We give the glory to God in all that we do, and it is His victory we celebrate on Easter Sunday morning. I’m thankful for a meaningful Good Friday service, where the Word of God testified to the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross with music and candlelight setting the table for the rest of the weekend.

Our sunrise service – which somehow did not get rained out! – demonstrated the inevitability of the light. Even the clouds and darkness could not hold back the light of Easter Sunday morning!

And I so enjoyed welcoming in the church as the sanctuary doors opened and our praise team led us in proclaiming He’s Alive! It was a joy to meet extended family, friends and those the Lord led into our community Sunday morning. Again, my heart is full.

So now we linger in the bliss and victory of the empty tomb and resurrected Christ. Though the implications are vast, our responses are important:

Will we run to seek answers and clarity on God’s work and God’s will?

Will we open our eyes to see all that God is doing and, as we do, strengthen our belief?

Will we assess some things in our own life and, if necessary, let some things die and leave them behind?

As you contemplate these Easter questions, my prayer for you is that God will supply you with all that you need to seek, see and commit to His ways.

Come to me, all you who are struggling hard and carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Put on my yoke, and learn from me. I’m gently and humble. And you will find rest for yourselves. My yoke is easy to bear, and my burden is light.

-Jesus, Matthew 11:28-30

May the sustaining grace of Jesus guide you with each step you take this week!

Your pastor,

Billy Byler

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP: Our monthly Cancer Support Group meeting will take place this Saturday (April 26) at 10 a.m. at the church. If you or someone you know is facing a cancer diagnosis, this group is an excellent resource and community for Godly encouragement, prayer and support.

BAPTISM: We have several who are interested in baptism, and we are planning a Baptism Sunday in the weeks after Easter. If you would like to know more about how you can experience the grace and joy of baptism, please contact Pastor Billy.

SAVE THE DATE FOR VBS 2025: This summer we’re inviting all kids to Trust Jesus in a Wild World with TRUE NORTH – our Vacation Bible School that will run each evening June 18-20. Be on the lookout for more information as we draw closer to the summer. We’ll have a volunteers’ meeting on May 18.

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 man was walking along the shore of Lake Michigan, got trapped in some quicksand, and, during the rescue, found love.

• If you’re an early riser, look to the east Friday at 4:30 a.m. when Saturn, Venus and the moon will align just right to form a celestial smiley face.

• A fish called the northern snakehead has the coloring of a python and the ability to breathe air, walk on land and survive for days out of water. If you see one in Missouri, you’re supposed to chop its head off and, if you want to, eat it.