Midweek Check-in (June 3, 2026)

Good evening, church family!

It’s time to take a break for a midweek check-in.

Isn’t it nice to feel safe and warm? Sometimes that’s all we want. But is it what’s best for us?

My family spent part of our spring watching a mother robin from our bedroom window. We watched her and her mate build a nest, then care for three tiny eggs. She sat on that nest through wind, rain and squirrel visits. A few weeks later, those eggs hatched and three hungry mouths popped up! Momma bird was busy then! Finally, the little hatchlings grew some feathers and ventured out – except one.

One little robin hatchling just wouldn’t leave the nest. CJ watched it, called me and gave me the play-by-play. It hopped on the edge of the nest, looked around, spread its wings and then… settled back in where it was safe and warm.

It was time. It had all its feathers. It just needed to take that first step.

Today, the view out of our bedroom window shows… an empty nest. That last little bird finally did what little birds are designed to do.

What step of faith do you need to take today? Is it time? Do you have all you need (all that God has given you)? Do you just need to take that first step?

You can stay where it’s safe and warm. Or you can experience life as you were designed to live.

"We put our hope in the Lord.

He is our help and our shield.

Our heart rejoices in God

because we trust his holy name.

Lord, let your faithful love surround us

because we wait for you."

-Psalm 33:20-22

Your pastor,

Billy Byler

HEAVEN’S MYTHBUSTERS: What does the Bible say about heaven? What does Jesus say about heaven? Each Sunday in June we’re going to look at heaven from a biblical perspective to see what we can believe and what crazy ideas we need to leave behind (hint: you don’t need to learn how to play the harp!). Join us at 10:30 a.m. starting this Sunday!

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 and must attend an informational meeting immediately after the Sunday morning worship service on June 14 in the sanctuary.

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:

• There’s an animal in Africa called an aardwolf that looks like a furry hyena mixed with an anteater and eats hundreds of thousands of termites nightly.

• A new roller coaster at Six Flags in Texas is set to open this year and when it does it will break six world records including tallest drop (309 feet) and fastest dive (87 mph).

• A superstitious softball player for the Texas Longhorns claims she has a secret weapon that helps her on the field. Anytime she sees a ladybug, she eats it.