Midweek Check-in (Oct. 22, 2025)

Good evening, church family!

It’s a beautiful autumn Wednesday, so let’s pause to check-in.

Trees are simply amazing. They can grow to be taller than your house, wider than a city street and older than any other living thing in your neighborhood. And that’s just the visible parts. Under the ground their size doubles with root systems branching out far beyond what’s above ground. Fully grown, mature trees can often survive the worst of nature – rain, wind, hail, drought, flood and even wildfires.

The mighty tree in this photo, for example, was planted by our own Dick Graham. It was shorter than him when it went into the ground. You can see now that it has grown a bit taller. It extends not only over the house, but it’s also surpassed even the backyard!

From Genesis to Jesus, trees are present throughout scripture. A faithful reader of the Bible knows about the tiny mustard seed that grows into a sprawling, bird-loving tree (Mark 4:30-32), the mighty oaks of Mamre where Abram met the Lord (Genesis 18:1), and even the sycamore tree that helped a short man see Jesus (Luke 19:4).

Trees are rarely the main character in scripture, but they sure do seem to be around at important moments. I’d like us to spend some time considering the trees we encounter in scripture, because I think the biblical authors used trees as a sort of signpost or indicator. When we’re reading the Bible and we come across the mention of a tree, chances are something significant is about to happen.

So let’s be intentional about this. If you see a tree and it catches your eye, snap a photo! You can post the photo on social media using #TreeOfLife or simply email it to me. Especially this time of year, trees are just worth a second look.

So we’re going to take a good look over the next four Sundays in our new series: The Tree of Life.

“Happy are those who trust in the Lord,

who rely on the Lord.

They will be like trees

planted by the streams,

whose roots reach down to the water.

They won’t fear drought when it comes;

their leaves will remain green.

They won’t be stressed

in the time of drought

or fail to bear fruit.”

-Jeremiah 17:7-8

Your pastor,

Billy Byler

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP: The next monthly meeting for our cancer support group is this Saturday (Oct. 25) at 10 a.m. at the church. If you or someone you know is facing a cancer diagnosis, this group offers support, encouragement, prayer and hope with a community that understands the challenges you’re facing.

ADOPTION PARTY: Come celebrate with Angie Morris and her four newly adopted children (Hayze, Cylis, Kaizer and Skylynn) at a party at the church THIS SATURDAY (Oct. 25) at 2 p.m. We’ll hear a little more about Angie and the kids and their journey through foster care and adoption!

LAY MINISTER’S ACADEMY: It is not too late to register for the Lay Minister’s Academy this Saturday (Oct. 25) in Pratt, but don’t delay! This event is designed to encourage, equip, resource, and network volunteers who serve in our local churches. Lunch is included! Register here.

MEMBERSHIP CLASS: Our next membership class will be Sunday, Nov. 2 right after the morning worship service. Lunch will be provided. This class will cover the steps necessary to be received into membership at Woodland Lakes Community Church, including information about the history and beliefs of our church as well as our ministries and denomination and the privileges and expectations of members. Please RSVP to the church office.

VETERAN’S DAY CELEBRATION: All veterans and friends of veterans are welcome to our annual Veteran’s Day Celebration featuring live music with the Wichita State University Jazz Arts II on Sunday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. All veterans in attendance will receive a special gift, and there will be a reception with light refreshments to follow. If you would like to help with this event, we have a signup sheet in the lobby to bring cookies and items for punch.

MEN’S RETREAT: The annual Kansas District Men’s Retreat is Friday and Saturday, Nov. 14-15 right here at our church! The $100 registration includes Topgolf and dinner Friday evening and breakfast and lunch Saturday, along with dynamic speakers that will help you become the man God has called you to be! Join Pastor Billy at this event by Registering here by Nov. 5.

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:

·      The longest fingernails in the world belong to a Vietnamese man who spent 24 years growing his fingernails to just over 19 feet.

·      A wild bear in California broke into a zoo just to play with the other bears.

·      With only 64 days until Christmas, show off your sophistication with a 12-pack of bottled water from an actual iceberg. The Berg Water, with free shipping, is "only" $180.