Midweek Check-in (Oct. 1, 2026)
Happy October, church family! May I speak a word of encouragement into your week?
Construction takes time. But the temporary inconvenience leads to a better future.
Road construction is just part of life around Wichita, and the delays can be frustrating. But imagine a world with no maintenance, no repairs, no additional roads and lanes to address increased traffic demands.
I've been to countries where the infrastructure isn't maintained, and the entire city suffers because of it.
Now, imagine a life that isn't maintained, isn't repaired, isn't properly cared for. The risk is more than potholes and traffic jams.
Seasons of correction, discipline and trials aren't fun. But these are necessary parts of a growing spiritual life.
Here's Paul's take:
“...We even take pride in our problems, because we know that trouble produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope. This hope doesn’t put us to shame, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
Romans 5:3b-5
A faith and character refined by the experiences of life are built to endure! It's crazy to think we might rejoice in suffering, but I'm thankful for a God who directs the bigger picture.
Your pastor,
Billy Byler
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: Throughout the year we partner with a local karate instructor who uses our facilities for classes, and this group’s annual karate tournament is Saturday, Oct. 10. We will once again provide concessions during lunch at the tournament, and this year all funds raised will go to a Nazarene elementary school in Belize as they expand their facilities to educate and feed more than 250 students. We need food donations and volunteers to serve in the concessions stand to make this happen. Please bring your donations this Sunday! Contact Tiffany Newell for more info or sign up to volunteer at the welcome center this Sunday!
ALABASTER: We're collecting Alabaster donations, which go to build churches, parsonages, hospitals and other ministry buildings on the mission field. Alabaster donation boxes can be turned in on any Sunday or in the church office during the week.
FALL 2026 LAY MINISTER ACADEMY: This event will take place on Zoom on Sunday, Oct. 4 from 4-6 p.m. and is designed to equip and network ministry leaders and volunteers from all over Kansas. The first hour will be a special conversation with Dr. Amy Clarkson discussing the diversity of personalities we are called to serve. The second hour will be1 an opportunity to break into groups within ministry emphasis, coverse more specifically, and network! The event is free. Register here.
FALL 2026 LADIES’ RETREAT: This year’s Kansas District women’s retreat is at the Wichita Marriott (across from Costco) Oct. 16-17. Special guest speaker Susie Schellenberger will speak on the theme “More than You Can Imagine”. The cost is $79 for the weekend, but scholarship opportunities are available, if needed. Contact Pastor Cyndee Price or Melinda Martyn. Registration is now open.
FALL 2026 MEN’S RETREAT: This year’s Kansas District men’s retreat will take place at our church Friday evening through Saturday afternoon, Nov. 13-14. Activities include TopGolf, delicious meals, dynamic speakers, games, door prizes and the opportunity to connect with other men from all over Kansas. The cost is $100 for the weekend (or $50 if you can only attend one of the days), but scholarships are available, if needed. Register here and join Pastor Billy and the men of the church at this awesome annual retreat!
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:
· Scientists have presented new evidence that the erratic flight of butterflies is actually a stealthy way to avoid predators.
· As Alaskan bears prepare for hibernation, the annual fat bear contest wrapped up last week with the title going to a particularly fat brown bear named Backpack.
· Christmas Day is just 85 days away, and here’s a unique gift idea: A limited-edition candy corn perfume goes on sale tonight at 6 p.m. and will likely sell out immediately.
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