Midweek Check-in (Oct. 29, 2026)

Good morning, church family!

It’s time for our midweek check-in – a good opportunity to pause, reflect on the week and focus our thoughts on things above.

Let’s look far above this week: the sun. That big ball of burning gas 93 million miles away is still up there. We see it come over the horizon every morning (did you see that gorgeous sunrise this past Sunday???), and it dips back down each evening. This time of year, the daylight is decreasing – a natural part of God’s created order as we yet again transition into a new season.

This Sunday the transition gets accelerated with the ending of Daylight Savings Time. We’ll fall back an hour early Sunday morning (an extra hour of sleep!). It means that our clocks will mark the sunrise and sunset an hour earlier. Today (Thursday) the sun will set at 6:33 p.m. On Sunday the sunset will come at 5:30 p.m.

After that, the moon and stars take over. And the meteors! The Southern Taurids is a meteor shower that will peak Nov. 5. With the moon waning, it’ll be a good time to see a handful of meteors each hour, and these are particularly known to be bright, slow-moving fireballs across the sky.

All that to say – sometimes nature just shouts with delight as God’s ordered creation testifies to His power and beauty! He created it all, and I love it when the Lord puts on a show. Whether it’s a colorful sunset, a shooting star that pops out of the darkness or the slow but inevitable changing of the seasons with golden leaves and cool mornings – God’s power is at work every single day. And you don’t even need a screen to enjoy it!

“God saw everything he had made: it was supremely good.”

-Genesis 1:31

Take time this week to see what God has made. It’s out there, day and night, and it is good.

Your pastor,

Billy Byler

NAME TAGS: I’d like us to take make an extra effort to wear our name tags on Sunday mornings. This is for the benefit of us all, but it will also be a blessing to our new staff member (worship leader Gabe Wilson) who wants to get to know each of you! If you don’t yet have a name tag, you can request one on the form at the welcome center or talk to Bill Price.

CHURCH WORKDAY: Winter is coming and we have some projects in and around our church facilities that need attention. Join us Saturday, Nov. 7 for breakfast followed by a church workday. All our welcome and there will be projects for every skill level.

LADIES MOVIE OUTING: Our revamped women’s ministry, L.I.F.T. (Ladies In Fellowship Together) is planning several upcoming events. The first one is a trip to the movie theater! Tuesday, Nov. 10, the ladies will see the 3:10 p.m. showing of Dummer Boy at the Regal Warren East. Purchase tickets in advance here.

VETERANS’ APPRECIATION DINNER: All veterans and family members are invited to an appreciation dinner on Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11. Help us prepare to honor you by letting us know how many in your family will attend. Church family, we’ll have invite cards for you to pick up on Sunday. We also need help setting up, preparing and serving the meal. If you would like to volunteer or contribute, contact Peggy Amos.

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!

MEMBERSHIP CLASS: Our next membership class is Sunday, Nov. 15 immediately after the morning worship service. Lunch will be provided, and you’ll learn all about the history, beliefs and ministries of Woodland Lakes Community Church as well as how to become a member. Let us know you’re interested.

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 college football program that has lost five games in a row and fired its coach just announced a strategy to get fans to attend their games: students who stick around for the fourth quarter get a chance to win free tuition.

·       On Oct. 31 Pringles will announce the “winner” of their recent contest: one special fan will get the “privilege” of, after death, having their remains stored in a Pringles can.

·       Christmas is just 57 days away. As out-of-town guests arrive, you’ll want to make sure the guest bathroom is fully stocked with the proper amount of bath spaghetti.