Midweek Check-in (Sept. 24, 2025)

Good morning, church family!

On this midweek check-in, I’d like us to consider a recent conversation I had with a dear friend whom I deeply respect.

The tone was almost apologetic: “Pastor, I can’t do a whole lot, but I can always pray.”

In a rare moment of clarity, I had a quick response.

“If you can always pray, you are doing a whole lot.”

I understand the heart of that person’s statement. We often wish we could do more, say more, fix things. I feel the same way. But even in situations in which we feel absolutely powerless, I’m so thankful for the prayer warriors I have in my life.

Prayer is not only important; it is irreplaceable in the life of any believer. We have various prayer ministries at our church, and I know by the time I stand in the pulpit on Sunday morning I have been prayed for by groups of people no less than three times within the previous 24 hours. Believe me, I need it!

And this is not a new teaching. The very first followers of Jesus knew it as well.

“The prayer of the righteous person is powerful in what it can achieve.”

-James 5:16

No matter what you say or do for the Lord today, don’t let it replace your prayers. If you don’t know what to pray – you’re in good company! Jesus’ disciples asked him, and He provided the exact words to pray in Luke 11:1-4. You can also pray the Psalms. Might I suggest Psalm 23, Psalm 51 or, perhaps my favorite, Psalm 37.

The act of prayer may move mountains, but I also pray that it will move you. Let’s remember to be a praying people this week!

Your pastor,

Billy Byler

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP: The next monthly meeting for our cancer support group is this Saturday (Sept. 27) 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.

ALABASTER BOXES: This Sunday (and every Sunday in September) you can pick up an Alabaster offering box in the church lobby. Take one of these boxes home to help you collect your spare change for the next six months, and in February we’ll collect the Alabaster Offering, which goes exclusively toward the building of churches, hospitals, orphanages and parsonages on the mission field across the world!

FAMILY GAME NIGHT: Monday, Sept. 29 the entire family is invited for game night at the church. We’ll have everything from basketball to board games and much more! Can you beat Pastor Billy and CJ at cornhole? The answer is no, but come try anyway! The fun starts at 6:30 p.m.

MISSIONS FUNDRAISER: A local karate group that uses our church facilities regularly will have their annual karate tournament Oct. 4, and we have the opportunity to sell concessions at the event and raise funds for upcoming missions projects. You can help by volunteering your time (even just a two-hour shift would help) and/or donating supplies. We’re in need of nacho cheese, tortilla chips, hamburger and hotdog buns, chips, condiments and bottled drinks. Check the sign-up sheet in the lobby for more details.

ALL-CHURCH WORKDAY: We need your help with several projects inside and outside the church property. So join us Saturday, Oct. 11 starting at 8 a.m. with breakfast at the church and special guest speaker Col. (ret.) Cathy McClain, who will share about servant leadership before we get to work!

WHISPER CLOSE 2025 LADIES’ RETREAT: The annual Kansas District ladies’ retreat is Oct. 17-18 at the Wichita Marriott featuring special guest speaker Jill Barber.  The cost for the two-day event is $79, which includes dinner on Friday evening and breakfast Saturday morning. Register online by Oct. 3.

LAY MINISTER’S ACADEMY: Save the date for the next Lay Minister’s Academy Oct. 25, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Pratt, KS. This event is designed to encourage, equip, resource, and network volunteers who serve in our local churches. Lunch is included! Register here.

ADOPTION PARTY: Come celebrate with Angie Morris and her four newly adopted children (Hayze, Cylis, Kaizer and Skylynn) at a party at the church on 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!

BAPTISM: We have had several people express interest in getting baptized! If you’d like to learn more about baptism, contact Pastor Billy.

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 zoo in the United Kingdom has a giraffe with a chronic nasal condition that makes it difficult to breathe, so the zoo taught the giraffe to use a large, giraffe-sized inhaler. It’s working!

·      A gardener in Indiana has broken a record by growing the world’s tallest sunflower. It’s 35 feet, 9 inches high!

·      With only 92 days until Christmas, check out the newly-released Charmera, a 1-ounce camera on a keychain from Kodak for $30.