Midweek Check-in (June 18, 2025)

Good afternoon, church family!

I have an important and earnest request for you today. We need your prayers.

This evening is the opening night of Vacation Bible School 2025! And we need you to pray for all the children who will be attending this week. We want them to know that in a wild world, we can trust Jesus!

Our theme “True North” is an Alaskan wilderness setting where the kids will discover God’s path for their lives. Let me give you a sneak peek. Tonight’s memory verse (we call them sticky scriptures) is this:

“Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”

-Matthew 14:27

Jesus said those words as He walked on water toward His disciples in a boat. Talk about a wild ride! We want to spread the good news that Jesus is with us – even in a wild world!

I hope you’ll also remember our volunteers in your prayers. We have already invested so much time in planning, preparing and decorating. I can’t wait for the kids to see it!

Our hope is that the next three evenings the kids will get to know Jesus in new, exciting ways. He is the way, the truth and the life!

Your pastor,

Billy Byler

TONIGHT: With the VBS activities tonight, there will be no other classes or small groups meeting at the church on Wednesday evening.

SATURDAY: This Saturday (June 21) all men are invited to our monthly men’s breakfast at the church at 7:30 a.m. Here’s an odd request: bring a chainsaw! We’ve got some downed tree limbs and branches to clear after this week’s storms, so after breakfast we could really use the help getting the outside grounds ready for this Sunday. Thank you!

THIS SUNDAY: We will have no kids Sunday School this Sunday. Instead, come early for a doughnut and then get ready for a full TRUE NORTH/VBS Sunday program in our 10:30 a.m. worship service.

BABY BOOM! Our church has recently seen an increase in the number of households with babies! We could use some additional volunteers to join our nursery rotation. If you want to be a part of the nursery team (training and background check required), please contact Tiffany Newell at kids@woodlandlakescc.com.

CHURCH CAMPS: The summer is quickly approaching and that means church camps!

·      Kids Camp for boys and girls who just completed 1st-6th grade is July 14-16 at Wheat State Camp in Augusta, KS. REGISTER BY FRIDAY (June 20). And please let us know you’re child has registered by calling the church office (316) 682-9522 or contacting Tiffany Newell.

·      Middle school camp is for students who just completed 6th-8th grade and will take place July 17-20 at Wheat State Camp. Register by July 1.

HELP OUR YOUNG PEOPLE GET TO CAMP: Church camps can be life-changing events for our kids and teens, and we don’t want anyone to miss out because of finances. If you can make a donation to help our young people get to camp, you can choose “camp donations” from our convenient, secure online giving platform. Or write “camp donation” on your check or offering envelope and drop it in one of our donation boxes on Sundays in the back of the church sanctuary or during the week in the church offices.

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP: The next meeting of our church’s cancer support group will take place June 28 at 10 a.m. at the church. If you or a loved one have recently experienced a cancer diagnosis – you don’t have to go through this alone! Come meet like-minded individuals who can help you in your journey.

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 consulting company has offered its employees $1,000 per year to spend on their mental health. Employees are excited at the news they can now use the money to buy Lego sets.

·      A hiker in Colorado got lost on the trail and called emergency services, who were able to guide him back to the trail over the phone. About a half hour later he called back after he was struck by lightning.

·      Scientists are using 8-foot drones to release thousands of mosquitos over Hawaii, and it’s a good thing.