Midweek Check-in (Feb. 11, 2026)

Good evening, church family!

It is Wednesday again, and that means it’s time to pause for a midweek check-in. One week from today is a very special day in the church calendar. Ash Wednesday is on Feb. 18 this year, and it is the launch of the 40-day period that leads to Easter!

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent. For 40 days (plus Sundays) Lent reminds us of the words in Genesis 3 that a guilty Adam and Eve heard after they rejected God in the Garden of Eden: “Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return.”

Fortunately, there is deliverance from the consequences of sin (we’ll celebrate that on Easter!), and God does not leave us even at our worst. But until then there is value is sitting with our mess and brokenness and embracing a spirit of humility and confession.

The way this is all expressed in the season of Lent is to give something up – to fast – for 40 days. Some fast by giving up certain foods, especially meat, during this time. But I want to encourage you to personalize your fast during the season of Lent. Start with this question: What is something that is currently in my life that I may give up as a sacrifice to the Lord?

A good fast is often something that we may be a bit too dependent on – a drink, a snack, a convenience or indulgence that isn’t necessary but has become a bit overvalued in your life. Don’t make this too easy. It’s something that, if it were absent from your life, you would notice.

Another good approach is to give up something that then creates extra time that can be used in better ways. For example, fasting from the habit of watching TV in the evenings will free up time for prayer or Bible reading or maybe just a walk with an accountability partner.

Again, my encouragement for you is to make a sacrifice by giving up an activity or item for 40 days beginning next Wednesday (Feb. 18). The spiritual discipline of fasting is as ancient as it is effective in preparing hearts for a truly wonderful celebration on Easter Sunday!

Yet event now, says the Lord,

return to me with all your hearts,

with fasting, with weeping, and

with sorrow;

tear your hearts

and not your clothing.

Return to the Lord your God,

for he is merciful and compassionate,

very patient, full of faithful love,

and ready to forgive.

-Joel 2:12-13

Your pastor,

Billy Byler

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.

ALABASTER: In the month of February we will be receiving an Alabaster Offering to help support missions. All funds collected for the Alabaster Offering go to missionary building efforts, including churches, hospitals, orphanages and parsonages around the world. Bring your Alabaster Offering any Sunday in February.

WAM SPRING KICKOFF: Our Worship Arts Ministries' Spring Kickoff is Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the church. If you would like more information on how to join our worship arts team, contact Pastor Nate.

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:

• McDonalds offered free caviar on Tuesday, but their website crashed and people are furious about it.

• Fans at the Super Bowl had a wide variety of options at the concessions stands, including a $180 burger.

• A newborn cow was born on a very cold night in Kentucky, so the kids brought the calf into the house and cuddled with it on their couch.