Midweek Check-in (Aug. 26, 2026)

Good evening, church family!

I want to take a moment today to briefly reflect on the unknown, the secret, the behind-the-scenes stuff that we don’t even know.

And I’m not talking about bad stuff. We’re often quick to think that the unknown and the untold stories are all negative or dark. Make no mistake, those do exist in this world.

However, don’t forget about the unstoppable, inexhaustible, powerful work of the Holy Spirit that continues all around us, regardless of our level of understanding or awareness.

We see this even in scripture. One time, in Mark 7, a deaf man was brought to Jesus. The need was obvious. Jesus’ care and concern was clear. A miracle was about to happen.

But first – before the mighty work of God took place – Jesus did something else.

“Jesus took him away from the crowd by himself…”

Mark 7:33a

At least on this day, Jesus wasn’t interested in the fame or attention or positive reaction from the masses that another miraculous healing would bring. Regardless of the crowds, Jesus was going to intervene. But He did so quietly, discreetly, hidden.

And in some back alley or private room, the miracle occurred for this deaf man.

“At once, his ears opened, his twisted tongue was released, and he began to speak clearly.”

-Mark 7:35

Jesus went on to give instructions to not tell anyone about the miracle. That… didn’t work. People can’t help but talk when real solutions, real power and real authority are revealed.

Still, at the heart of Jesus’ ministry that day was a mind for the hurting, the broken and the wounded – not a mind for attention, fame or credit.

In our present day, the kind and faithful acts of millions of believers likely go unnoticed and unreported. We don’t do it for credit. We do it because we desire to be faithful to a faithful God.

Sometimes not even a pastor knows all that is done, all that is sacrificed and all that is committed in the name of Jesus. But I know the kind, selfless, generous acts of a faithful church echo throughout the heavens. Jesus told us this.

“Your Father who sees what you do in secret will reward you.”

-Matthew 6:4b

So I just want to say a thank you to the thankless, and a recognition to the unrecognized. The Lord’s servants are many and are active even when the world doesn’t know it.

Your pastor,

Billy Byler

SWEET SEND OFF: Join us this Sunday (Aug. 30) immediately after the Sunday morning worship service for a farewell reception for Pastor Nate and Jessica Boone. If you can help by bringing a sweet treat to share, sign up in the foyer or contact Kim Eckels or Ginger Graham.

FIFTH SUNDAY: The kids will join us in the morning worship service this Sunday and stay with us on this fifth Sunday of the month. This gives our volunteers a break and gives the kids a chance to participate in the full worship service. We’ll have activity packs for the kids, and they’ll get a chance to join us for a praise song during our worship time. See you Sunday!

BED-BUILDING EVENT: We have the opportunity to bless dozens of kids right here in Wichita. Join us on Saturday, Sept. 5 when we’ll meet in our parking lot to build beds for local kids who don’t have a bed of their own. Breakfast starts at 8 a.m. and lunch will be provided when we’re done. We’ll have all the plans and tools necessary to get the job done. We just need people willing to help! All ages and ability levels are welcome. Sign up in the church foyer this Sunday!

BAPTISM SUNDAY: Our next Baptism Sunday is on September 20. If you would like to learn more about baptism or sign up to be baptized, please contact Pastor Billy.

KIDS QUIZZING: This fall we are bringing back the Nazarene Kids Quizzing curriculum in our children’s ministry during the Sunday School hour. If you would like to help as we re-establish this valuable, Bible-based training, see our children’s director Tiffany Newell for more info.

TIME CHANGE: On Wednesday evenings starting next week (Sept. 5) our kids and youth ministries will start and end a bit earlier, which will help with bed times as we enter a new school year. These ministries will begin at 6:30 p.m. and end at 7:45 p.m.

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:

·       Just a head's up: yesterday marked exactly four months until Christmas Day! With that in mind, here’s an actual, working motorcycle that fits in a suitcase.

·       How do you know summer is over? As of Tuesday, the Pumpkin Spiced Latte is officially back at Starbucks, along with an Iced Pecan Crunch Latte, an Iced Banana Bread Latte and a hedgehog cake pop.

·       Scientists have figured out how to turn recycled plastic and agricultural waste into… cookies! They are NOT pumpkin spiced cookies.