Midweek Check-in (Aug. 27, 2025)

Good evening, church family!

Let’s pause for a midweek check-in!

Our baseball-themed series, Rounding the Bases, has taken us step-by-step and base-by-base on a journey of faith in Jesus. Though it’s been fun telling some of my favorite baseball stories, my hope is that you will grow closer not to America’s pastime but to the Savior of the world.

There is a difference between knowing about God and actually getting to know Him. For example, I know about the mail carrier. He comes to my house almost every day. Sometimes, when I’m at home during a delivery, I say hi. We know about each other. But the people I live with – my family – I don’t just know of them. I know them. Intricately. I can tell when something is off, something is good, something needs attention, etc.

And that kind of relationship doesn’t come lightly.

I am a God-fearing, American husband and dad in my 40s, which means my primary job at home is to wander around the house turning lights off. No! That’s not true. Well, I do that. But, more importantly, it’s my job to lead, to provide, to discipline and to love.

I know of the mail carrier. I know my family.

Perhaps you know of God. But do you know God?

A guy in the Old Testament named Job was described as a man of integrity and honesty. And His experience with God is just wild. And heartbreaking. And illuminating. Job confessed the idea I’ve been writing about today. He had known of God, but, in the end, he had a more intimate experience.

My ears had heard about you,

but now my eyes have seen you.

-Job 42:5

Then came perhaps the greatest blessings God had ever bestowed on one man.

I want to encourage you in the middle of this cool, rainy week – take some time to go beyond knowing of God. There are many ways to grow closer to the Lord, and it’s not difficult. Whether in prayer, reading the Bible, attending a life group, singing a worship song, journaling your thoughts – or the countless other ways to connect with our Lord and Creator.

The truly happy person

doesn’t follow wicked advice,

doesn’t stand on the road of sinners,

and doesn’t sit with the disrespectful.

Instead of doing those things,

these persons

love the Lord’s Instruction,

and they recite God’s Instruction

day and night!

-Psalm 1:1-2

He is waiting. Let’s remember to experience God and grow closer to Him this week.

Your pastor,

Billy Byler

CONNECTION: This past Sunday we launched two new ways to connect. If you’re thinking about taking the next step in your faith, fill out the Next Step card located in the pocket on the back of each chair or just fill out the online form. Similarly, if you have a prayer request, a simple and secure way to share is to fill out a prayer card.

LOVING ONE ANOTHER: Out next ladies’ event is Saturday, Sept. 13 from 1-2:30 p.m. in the church foyer. If you’d like to bring something, there is a sign up sheet in the foyer.

LAY MINISTER’S ACADEMY: Save the date for the next Lay Minister’s Academy Oct. 25, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Pratt, KS. This event is designed to encourage, equip, resource, and network volunteers who serve in our local churches. Lunch is included! Register here.

LABOR DAY: Our church offices will be closed Monday, Sept. 1 for Labor Day. Enjoy the holiday!

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:

·      Kids getting off the bus on the first day of school in Massachusetts were greeted by thousands… of bees! Forty students were stung but no serious reactions occurred. Recess was held indoors for the day.

·      An 80-year-old annual festival in Spain has an important rule: After a man climbs a greased pole to retrieve a ham, 22,000 people can throw tomatoes at each other.

·      The world record for holding your breath underwater was shattered this summer by a Croatian man who stayed underwater for TWENTY-NINE MINUTES!