Midweek Check-in (April 9, 2025)

Good afternoon, church family!

Let’s pause for a moment for a midweek check-in. Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you just needed to get something off your chest? Perhaps something had been rattling around your brain for a while, and you felt like it was time to get it out of there.

Maybe it’s a rant, and you just need to grumble for a bit.

Maybe it’s a dilemma, and you need to think out loud to help come to a solution.

Maybe you have something important you need to say to someone, but you just don’t know the right words to say.

There is a time and a place for that sort of thing. And the best time and place is often when you’re with a trusted friend. A good friend will listen without judgment, ask questions before offering advice, and just sit with you instead of quickly telling you what to do.

In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he had some deep thoughts. And it almost seems that he was rambling through those thoughts as he was writing them down. His dilemma – he likes serving the Lord in this life, but He also wouldn’t mind just finally getting to be with Jesus.

Sound familiar? Paul was a bit direct in the way he wrote it: “Because for me, living serves Christ, and dying is even better.” (Philippians 1:21)

Hey, Whoa. Be careful, Paul. Dying is better? Dying is preferred? That’s a dangerous line of thinking. That kind of talk could take you to some dark places in your mind. What are you talking about?

But then Paul continued to think through his thoughts – then he clarified: “But I don’t know what I prefer. I’m torn between the two because I want to leave this life and be with Christ, which is far better. However, it’s more important for me to stay in this world for your sake.” (Philippians 1:23-24)

Finally, here’s where he landed: “I’m sure of this: I will stay alive and remain with all of you to help your progress and the joy of your faith…” (Philippians 1:25)

You know, heaven is going to be good one day. That scene at the end of Revelation sounds beautiful and exciting and hopeful and all that we could ever want.

But we’re not there yet. And, to borrow an old phrase, we’ve got to be careful that we’re not so heavenly-minded that we’re no earthly good.

So Paul, after wrestling that out in his head and on paper, comes to a conclusion – not just for himself but also for his friends in Philippi. And I think it’s a good word for us today as well:

“Most important, live together in a manner worthy of Christ’s gospel.” (Philippians 1:27)

This Saturday, we’re going to do just that. We’re coming together, as a church, to celebrate the Easter season with a Family Picnic and Egg Hunt. It’s a way that we can enjoy each other’s company and also be a blessing to our community. We’ll have games, an egg hunt, a delicious meal hot off the grill, games for the kids and even some door prizes – all for free!

Thanks to the many of you who have already donated items for this event, and signed up to help. We need you.

You may be thinking – well, this isn’t an event for me. And you’re probably right. It’s not for you. It’s for people who need a stronger connection to God and His church, and I’m hoping that you’ll join us to help the unchurched members of our community make that connection.

So join us this Saturday, starting at 10:30 a.m. The weather is going to be gorgeous! And let’s demonstrate to the neighborhood how we’re living together in a manner worthy of Christ’s gospel. See you Saturday!

Your pastor,

Billy Byler

GRADUATION CELEBRATION: This Sunday (April 13) we will celebrate with our own Brian Lance with a graduation reception after the morning worship service. Bring a card and help us congratulate Brian for his upcoming graduation from Wichita State University.

GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE

Before Easter, we remember the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross and the turmoil and division leading up to the crucifixion. Join us April 18 at 6:30 p.m. to hear the Word read aloud and experience the darkness of Good Friday. This will bring proper context and set the stage for the hope and celebration of Easter Sunday.

EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE

New this year – let’s celebrate our Risen Lord and Savior at daybreak with a special Easter Sunrise Communion Service outside by the church pond starting at 6:45 a.m. The sunrise will be at 6:48 that morning, and if you have never experienced an Easter sunrise, I encourage you to bring a lawn chair or blanket and join us at the water’s edge for a one-of-a-kind Easter experience. There will be no Sunday School on Easter Sunday. Instead, join us for doughnuts and coffee in the café.

EASTER SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE

The celebration culminates in our Easter Sunday worship service starting at 10:30 a.m. in our sanctuary! Let’s worship Jesus and celebrate His resurrection in song, scripture and preaching of His Word.

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.

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP: Our monthly Cancer Support Group meeting will take place 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.

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:

• Earlier this year a Canada Goose landed in a Chicago neighborhood and built a nest. The problem – she was inside Wrigley Field! And because of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, it’s illegal for the goose to be moved or disturbed, so about 65 seats are now blocked off during Cubs games to accommodate the goose. Also, since the goose was discovered, the Cubs have won 4 out of 5 homes games and are now in first place.

• Last week, a 97-year-old tortoise did something she had never done before – she became a mother! She’s the oldest of her (critically endangered) species to become a first-time mom.

• A company in Germany has a new technological advancement for basketball courts: make them out of glass.