Midweek Check-in (Jan. 28, 2026)

Good morning, church family!

I want to thank you for your patience and understanding this past Sunday as the winter weather kept us from gathering in person. Not only did the snow pile up, but it was so cold on Sunday morning. That windchill was brutal!

Though we had to change plans, it is still a blessing to know that we worship a God who is not limited by the weather! I’m also thankful for a good backup plan that allowed us to quickly pivot to an online-only worship service when necessary. Backup plans are wonderful!

Do you know about God’s backup plan? I think it’s one of the most encouraging parts of scripture. And it’s found in 1 John 2. It starts this way:

“My little children, I’m writing these things to you so that you don’t sin.”

-1 John 2:1a

That’s the first plan. That’s what God desires for each of us. We weren’t created to live in sin, be broken by sin and eventually succumb to the captivity of sin. God’s original plan is filled with freedom, purpose, partnership and blessings.

But what happens if sin does creep in? What happens if we reject God’s plan. What happens if that first plan falls apart? Well, I’m really glad 1 John 2 keeps going…

“But if you do sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous one. He is God’s way of dealing with our sins, not only ours but the sins of the whole world.”

-1 John 2:1b-2

That’s God’s backup plan! It includes forgiveness – made possible by the selfless sacrifice Jesus made on the cross – and restoration. I’m amazed by the Lord’s patience, persistence and grace in our lives. We don’t deserve it, yet He remains faithful.

I don’t know what kind of backup plan you made need today. Just know that the Lord hasn’t given up on you. He’s provided the way to deal with our sins (and even the sins of the whole world!). Even when things go wrong, you have an Advocate! I hope that’s an encouraging thought for each of us today.

Your pastor,

Billy Byler

WEDNESDAY EVENING MINISTRIES: The south parking lot has been plowed and the sidewalks cleared of snow leading into the south entrance of the church. So tonight (Wednesday) we’re asking all groups and ministries to please use the south doors (the daycare entrance) to enter the church building.

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

MEN’S BREAKFAST: The next men’s breakfast will be this 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.

CHILI COOKOFF (RESCHEDULED): Help us put away the Christmas decorations, then stick around for a chili cookoff this Sunday (Feb. 1) starting at 5 p.m. All are welcome to participate by bringing a crockpot full of your best chili recipe for everyone to sample.  

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.

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 man in Australia was almost halfway through a 105-mile cycling race when he crashed his bicycle into a kangaroo. He won the race anyway!

• I think I’ll wait until it warms up a bit, but apparently it’s a good idea to burp your house.

• A rock climber made it to the top of 1,667-foot skyscraper by climbing up the outside of the building with no net and no ropes.