Midweek Check-in (Sept. 3, 2025)

Good evening, church family!

This morning, I made a statement I hadn’t said for months: “I’m cold.”

Now, let’s be realistic here. I have officially been a resident of Kansas for 13 years. Do you know what that means? I cannot be fooled by temperatures in the 50s on the first week of September! You Kansas natives know this – September can bring ANYTHING. It is a very real possibility that September in Kansas could bring triple digit heat, morning frost, humidity, tornadoes, driving rain, thunder, perhaps an occasional earthquake. I wouldn’t rule out a volcano. And that’s all before lunch! September in Kansas? EVERYTHING is on the table.

But what we do know is that as unpredictable as the weather may be day-to-day, there is also an inevitability. We are moving toward cooler temperatures and away from summer heat.

Most days I enjoy a good walk or jog in the morning. But to make that happen while still giving proper time for all the demands of my family’s morning routine, I have to get up and out fairly early – usually before the sun rises. This morning that even meant putting on long sleeves and sweatpants! And it is staying darker longer in the mornings. We’re losing daylight.

But, without fail, the sun does rise. Sometimes it’s a beautiful, clear sunrise. Other times the clouds simply get brighter. But there is no stopping the inevitable brightening of the world around me each morning.

Change in our world is inevitable. And that can be an encouraging thought. In the face of evil, suffering and pain, we can certainly feel discouraged and hurt. But God has for us an inevitability that extends far beyond the changing of seasons. I shared a little of this last Sunday, but I want to drive the point home today:

“This is what God planned for the climax of all times: to bring all things together in Christ, the things in heaven along with the things on earth.”

-Ephesians 1:10

The end to evil, death and suffering is coming. And sometimes it may look like our world is taking some significant steps backward rather than making progress toward God’s goals. But the inevitable plans of God will not be stopped, and, make no mistake, these plans of God are good news!

“In the days when the seventh angel blows his trumpet, God’s mysterious purpose will be accomplished, fulfilling the good news he gave to his servants the prophets.”

-Revelation 10:7

So as we see the signs of changing seasons this week, let the inevitability of God’s good news bring you hope! We serve a God who is alive, active and at work!

Your pastor,

Billy Byler

LOVING ONE ANOTHER: Our next ladies’ event is Saturday, Sept. 13 from 1-2:30 p.m. in the church foyer. If you’d like to bring something, there is a sign-up sheet in the foyer.

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.

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.

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 historic church building in Sweden was moved 3 miles east because the world’s largest underground iron-ore mine is threatening to swallow the entire town. The thousands of visitors who came to watch the relocation were served a special treat: Reindeer cheesesteaks.

·      A longstanding tradition at the University of Colorado includes an actual, living, breathing buffalo running out onto the field before each home football game. The university announced that its buffalo (named Ralphie) is retiring “due to an indifference to running.”

·      With only 113 days until Christmas, don’t delay on getting that special someone a truly thoughtful gift: like this toaster that will toast Snoopy’s face onto your bread. (Not a Snoopy fan? Also available in Bob Ross, Hello Kitty, Shrek, Boba Fett and Darth Vader).