Midweek Check-in (Nov. 19, 2025)

Good morning, church family!

Today I want to tell you the story of a little boy. His dad took him to church every Sunday. And his dad was known for having a powerful voice – one that really stood out when he sang. In fact, he was considered one of the best singers in the church. So the little boy made it a habit of standing close to his father each Sunday morning just so he could hear his dad’s voice ring out as the church sang.

Years later, this young man, now grown up, went into the family business – running a mercantile shop on the east coast. But the young man remembered his father’s voice and decided to sit down and write a song with him in mind.

It was 1897 in a small town in New Jersey. And the young man, Jonhson Oatman Jr. wrote these words:

Count your blessings, name them one by one

Count your blessings, see what God has done.

Count your blessings, name them one by one.

Count your many blessings, see what God has done.

We’re in a season when we take some time, specifically, to acknowledge the blessings in our lives. And we’ve been teaching the kids at church to do the same by learning this song!

Many of you have helped me out by singing along as the kids learn this old church song, which is now 128 years old! But I think the words and message are as relevant as ever.

Remember to count your blessings this week! Your mood will improve greatly just by acknowledging all that we have to be thankful for.

“Don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good gift, every perfect gift, comes from above.”

-James 1:16-17

Your pastor,

Billy Byler 

SUPPORT PASTOR NATE: Thursday evening is a big one for our worship pastor Nate Boone. As part of his graduate program at Wichita State, Pastor Nate will have his Graduate Trumpet Recital on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Wiedemann Hall on the campus of Wichita State University. I’d love to see us support Pastor Nate as a church as he completes this important part of his graduate work. The recital is open to the public with no tickets needed.

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP: Last week I confessed a strong feeling of mine in my sermon: I hate cancer. It is pervasive, debilitating, can take lives and destroy a household. My own life has been deeply impacted by the loss of a loved one due to cancer. However, our God is greater than even this evil disease. We have a cancer support group that meets monthly for prayer, support and encouragement specifically for those dealing with a cancer diagnosis and for their loved ones. The next meeting is this Saturday, Nov. 22 at 10 a.m. at the church.

VISION SUNDAY: Every Sunday is special, but I want to give a specific encouragement for this coming Sunday (Nov. 23). I’m calling it Vision Sunday, in which I’ll give an introductory message on the direction of our church in 2026. Our pastoral staff, church board and leaders have been praying and planning for the upcoming year, and we’re excited to see what God has in store for us. So, if possible, please make sure you’re here this Sunday. I don’t want anyone to miss out as we prayerfully consider God’s vision and mission for us in 2026! With a special format in place for our Vision Sunday, we’ll have the kids in children’s church for the entirety of the service, and, of course, if you’re sick, out of town or unable to attend for any other reason you can join us through our live stream of the worship service on our YouTube channel.

CHRISTMAS AT WOODLAND LAKES! Mark your calendars for these festive events and services coming up at the church!

·HANGING OF THE GREENS: Help us decorate the church for the Advent and Christmas seasons followed by a soup supper THIS SUNDAY (Nov. 23) starting at 4 p.m. This is always a fun time with the people of the church!

·ANGEL TREE: Starting Nov. 30 you’ll see a Christmas tree in the lobby with angel ornaments. On each angel is a family who could use a little help this Christmas. If you’re able, pick up an angel and help bless a family in need with a few gifts this Christmas! Please deliver the gifts to the church by Sunday, Dec. 14.

·SONGS OF THE SAVIOR: Join us for our Christmas Worship Service on Sunday, December 14 at 6:30 p.m. for an evening of familiar Christmas songs, worship and communion.

·CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE: Bring the entire family for Christmas Eve at Woodland Lakes, Dec. 24, 6-7 p.m. The candlelight service will include traditional Christmas hymns and a special reading of the Christmas story.

EMBRACE GRACE: The next launch of our Embrace Grace classes begins soon. Embrace Grace is a ministry to help single, pregnant ladies navigate the journey of pregnancy, childbirth and parenthood with weekly classes that provide education, support, encouragement and prayer. If you or someone you know would like more information, please contact Sherilyn Elder.

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:

·Two kids in Sweden were looking through the pages of Guinness World Records and asked their dad to break a world record. So he did… by shoving 81 matches up his nose.

·A woman selling her house in Tennessee discovered someone stole her driveway.

·With only 36 days until Christmas, who wouldn’t love these non-stick, glow-in-the-dark, chip finger guards? For just $17.99 these plastic covers for your fingers promise the freedom to eat all the Christmas snacks you want without the messy inconvenience of getting chip residue all over your hands.