Midweek Check-in (June 18, 2026)

Good evening, church family!

I’m a little late on our midweek check-in, but I wanted to drop in to say something about heaven.

We’re halfway through our series on heaven, and the next two Sundays we’ll address two important topics: Where do believers in Christ go when they die? (June 21) and What will eternity look like? (June 28).

This past Sunday we jumped into the topic Jesus spoke about over and over again: the Kingdom of Heaven. In stories, and sermons and teachings and parables – it just seemed like Jesus couldn’t stop talking about the Kingdom of Heaven! It’s a place where God rules and reigns in mercy and justice. It’s a place of blessing and beauty. And it’s a place that just will not stay within its borders.

That’s right. The Kingdom of Heaven refuses to stay in heaven. It’s constantly breaking into this world in new and beautiful ways. I had lunch with a bunch of friends Sunday afternoon (a big meal together is a good example of heaven breaking in on earth), and the friend sitting next to me (Gordon) leaned over and said, “You know, the kingdom of heaven is coming, but I heard it’ll be delayed in Wichita because of road construction.”

We laughed and laughed – the kind of laughter that makes eating difficult. Here’s the truth: Some heavenly things are just worth the wait. And some heavenly things just won’t wait. Laughter, good food and good friends are a heavenly gift that doesn’t make us to wait until heaven. It’s the same with a beautiful sunset, a card from a friend, a walk on a cool morning, clear skies with a view of the evening stars (and Venus and Jupiter this week!). And countless other ways we see God’s beauty and goodness in this world.

Look around, church family. The Kingdom of Heaven is breaking in constantly! Make no mistake, there is still evil and sorrow and wickedness and disappointment that ought not to be. Sometimes, it rains on our ice cream party. And that’s no fun. But one day all of that will be no more.

Until then, I’m thankful for those heavenly kingdom glimpses. Did you see an example this week? I’d love to hear about it. See you Sunday!

Your pastor,

Billy Byler

PRAYER PARTNERS: We’re launching a new ministry this summer that will connect kids with prayer partners within the church for prayer, encouragement and mentorship. All adult volunteers will receive training and background checks. For more information, contact Children’s Director Tiffany Newell.

MEN'S BREAKFAST: On this special Father's Day weekend all men are welcome to join us at the church this Saturday at 7:30 a.m. for a breakfast feast! Come hungry and bring a friend!

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP: The next monthly meeting of our cancer support group is Saturday, June 27 at 10 a.m. at the church. If you or someone you know is dealing with a cancer diagnosis, this group is a wonderful source of prayer, encouragement and support.

2026 DISTRICT ASSEMBLY: Woodland Lakes Community Church has long been a part of the Church of the Nazarene, and each summer Nazarenes from all over Kansas gather at the annual District Assembly. This year it will be downtown at Wichita First Church of the Nazarene (1400 E. Kellogg Dr.). All are welcome to attend! Here’s what to expect:

·      Thursday, July 30 – The opening worship service starts at 7 p.m. and will feature District Superintendent Kendall Franklin giving his annual report. I’d love to see a great turnout from our church in support of Pastor Kendall.

·      Friday, July 31 – The annual ordination service begins at 7 p.m. This is a sacred, holy worship service in which General Superintendent Gustavo Crocker will bring a message and we will witness the ordination of three ministers and honor one retiring minister.

·      Saturday, Aug. 1 – The annual EQUIP Day runs from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and features plenary speaker Selena Freeman plus several workshops and seminars focused on specific ministry topics (more info to come).

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.

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:

·       Science has proven that mosquitos do target some people more than others, though they don’t fully understand why. But a study shows that mosquitos tend to target two types of people: those who have been drinking beer and pregnant women in their second trimester.

·       Researchers have discovered a new species of shark that can walk on its four fins.

·       A man in Germany has built the world’s largest Lego hotdog. It stretches 6 feet, 6.7 inches and took him a little more than a year to complete.