Midweek Check-in (Jan. 21, 2026)

Good evening, church family,

It's time for another midweek check-in! Oswald Chambers once asked himself a question: “Am I as spontaneously kind to God as I used to be, or am I only expecting God to be kind to me?”

We often ask God for blessings, for provision, for some sort of intervention. And that’s not wrong. He asks us to bring our cares and petitions to Him (1 Peter 5:7). However, aside from what we expect from the Lord, what might we be bringing to Him? The idea of being “spontaneously kind to God” is a fascinating one, because it turns the tables on our relationship with the Lord. Instead of constantly seeking something from God, perhaps we should also treat Him with the respect, reverence, worship and kindness that He deserves.

Remember when we first came to know the Lord as our Savior? The words of the prophet Jeremiah speak to such a time.

The Lord proclaims:

I remember your first love,

your devotion as a young bride,

how you followed me in the wilderness,

in an unplanted land.

-Jeremiah 2:2

Later on Jesus showed up, and He issued a similar call to a specific person. Matthew was born into the faith, yet he had turned aside and chose to instead pursue wealth. He became a tax collector – a despicable, traitorous job that required him to work with the Roman leaders who were oppressing his people. But… it paid well!

Yet Jesus called him out of that life, reminded him of his roots, and Matthew responded by becoming a disciple. When onlookers questioned Jesus’ motives, He replied with a powerful statement that applies to the church today as well.

When Jesus heard it, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor, but sick people do. … I didn’t come to call righteous people, but sinners.”

-Matthew 9:12,13b

The church is at her best when she’s full of sinners in need of a Savior; not saints in need of an escape. I’m thankful for the time we spend each Sunday in prayer when we confess and repent of our sins and receive forgiveness. I need it! We need it! And praise the Lord for a Savior who forgives and saves!

Your pastor,

Billy Byler

WINTER WEATHER: So, uh. Looks like we might see a few snow flurries this weekend. As of Wednesday evening, we haven’t made any changes to the church calendar, but keep an eye on our website, social media accounts and your email inbox to stay up to date on winter weather impacts. Be safe and stay warm!

BAPTISM: We will once again celebrate the sacrament of baptism this Sunday! If you are interested in being baptized, please contact Pastor Billy.

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP: Our cancer support group is a community of love, prayer and encouragement for those impacted by the evils of cancer. This group meets monthly in the church café, and the next meeting will be this Saturday, Jan. 24 at 10 a.m.

CHILI COOKOFF: Help us put away the Christmas decorations, then stick around for a chili cookoff this Sunday, Jan. 25 starting at 5 p.m. All are welcome to participate by bringing a crockpot full of your best chili recipe for everyone to sample.  

CORNHOLE NIGHT: All men are invited to an evening of eating dinner and playing cornhole on Monday, Jan. 26 at 6:30 p.m. in the church lobby. Bring a friend and your appetite!

MEN’S BREAKFAST: The next men’s breakfast will be Saturday, Jan. 31 at 7:30 a.m. in the church café. All men are welcome to bring your appetite and a friend for some good food and conversation.

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 space company is now taking reservations for a yet-to-be-built hotel on the moon. The initial deposit starts at $250,000.

·A container ship navigating through stormy seas lost two containers overboard and now raw onions and uncooked french fries are washing up on a nearby beach.

·An inventor is showcasing a new product: an umbrella drone! Instead of using one hand to hold up an umbrella, enjoy the convenience of being followed around by a tarp-covered drone hovering just inches from your head!