Midweek Check-in (June 24, 2026)

Good evening, church family!

Let’s pause on this sunny summer Wednesday for a midweek check-in. I want to share a story about a little boy.

Clint sat in his classroom along with his classmates. Well, “sit” may not be the right word.

To put it nicely, Clint was a high-energy kid. Perhaps more accurately – Clint was disruptive.

He didn’t mean to. He was a good kid at heart. But he was also a kid who just couldn’t sit still. He was always bouncing, tapping, twitching, fidgeting – anything but sitting quietly. And sometimes, many times, it was a distraction.

His classmates near him told him to stop tapping.

His teacher reminded him to sit still.

Threats were made.

Consequences were explained.

Ultimatums were laid out.

None of it made a difference.

Clint decided to sit on his hands. That did nothing.

Clint tried to force himself to calm down. That didn’t work either.

Finally, after the problem continued day after day after day, Clint’s teacher asked him to stay after class. What threat or punishment awaited Clint? He didn’t know, but he knew he deserved it. He couldn’t deny it.

Clint knew he was a distraction.

Clint knew he was a disruption.

Clint knew he was a problem.

Clint’s teacher sat him down, one-on-one, and explained to him: “You’re not in trouble. Have you ever tried this?”

The teacher pulled out a pair of drumsticks and placed them in Clint’s hands. Then the teacher looked Clint in the eye and said a few words that changed Clint’s life.

“I don’t think you’re a problem,” the teacher said. “I think you’re a drummer.”

The rest is history. Clint went on to become not only a proficient drummer; he’s a professional, award-winning drummer who has traveled the world playing the drums AND as a motivational speaker. He has told his story to huge crowds, teaching leaders, educators and ordinary people how to lead, bring about change and help others find their calling.

Sometimes, dealing with kids requires patience, listening and the ability to think creatively. Clint’s life was changed because of a teacher who refused to label him a “problem.”

This summer we’re launching a new ministry at our church. We’re calling it Prayer Partners. Each one of the kids who are a part of our church could use an encouraging, supportive prayer partner in their lives. Would you be willing to be that voice?

We’ll do the training, run background checks and offer events to help you connect with the child assigned to you. In fact, our training evening is July 1. If you’d like more information, contact Children’s Director Tiffany Newell.

Your pastor,

Billy Byler

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:

·       A giraffe has gone missing from a ranch in Texas, and you can earn a nice reward of $5,000 if you find it!

·       A professional air conditioner cleaner in Australia has been crowned the loudest man in the world after yelling at 122.4 decibels, which is the same noise level as a chainsaw held next to your ear.

·       Starting in July, a group of 12 brave scientists will board an oddly-shaped research vessel, head for the Arctic Ocean and get intentionally stuck in the ice for eight months.