Midweek Check-in (Oct. 7, 2026)

Good evening, church family!

Here’s a thought for our midweek check-in: Sometimes the right decision is the less popular one.

Luke chapter five tells the story of a very popular Jesus. When you can heal the sick and teach with authority – crowds tend to gather. That’s what was happening as Jesus spoke up and stepped into active ministry. He filled empty nets with fish. He healed a man of a skin disease. And word began to spread.

Soon, the crowds were enormous.

“News of him spread even more and huge crowds gathered to listen and to be healed from their illnesses.”

-Luke 5:15

Things were going so well! People were actually listening. The crowds were seeking out Jesus. His approval rating must have been through the roof!

This was the time, of course, to maximize the attention! To expand the reach of the good news! We’re not one-at-a-timing it anymore, we’re mass communicating!

Attention is temporary. Strike while the iron is hot! Exponential growth is right within Jesus’ grasp! That’s what makes the very next verse so jaw-droppingly astounding.

 “But Jesus would withdraw to deserted places for prayer.”

-Luke 5:16

That’s how much Jesus loved being with the Father. That’s how much He loved prayer time, quiet time, time of reflection and solitude in the presence of the Lord.

How are you doing? Schedules are busy. Life is demanding. Opportunity doesn’t last. So get busy living!

Or… maybe the most important thing on your daily schedule is the one you should do even before you leave the house. If Jesus would give up all the attention, fame and potential growth just for some quiet time in prayer, how much more do we need the same?

Put down the phone, pick up the Bible. I promise it’ll be time well spent.

Your pastor,

Billy Byler

SANCTUARY SET UP: Thanks for your help stacking chairs this past Sunday as we prepare for the annual karate tournament. Now we need people willing and able to help reset the sanctuary for Sunday morning. The tournament will end Saturday sometime between 4 and 6 p.m. and we could use help then setting up chairs, replacing prayer cards and next step cards and making sure the sanctuary is ready for Sunday morning!

ALABASTER: Each September and February we collect 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 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!

KIDS QUIZZING: This fall we are bringing back the Nazarene Kids Quizzing curriculum in our children’s ministry during the Sunday School hour. If you would like to help as we re-establish this valuable, Bible-based training, contact our children’s director Tiffany Newell for more info.

PRAYER: I’d like to know how I can best pray for you. We have a way to submit prayer requests onlineanytime 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:

·       What do you get when you combine oatmeal, vanilla pudding, applesauce and a little green food coloring? The slime that was used on Nickelodeon’s hit gameshow Double Dare!

·       England hosted a Giant Vegetable Competition that included seven world records.

·       Christmas Day is just 79 days away, and here’s a unique gift idea: Addidas is partnering with Snickers to make candy bar football cleats. They go on sale (and will sell out) on Oct. 10.