IN THIS WEEK’S UPDATE
• How to Build a Better Life
• Elder Recap
• What's Your Number?
• Outside the Walls
• Last Week's Insights
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2026
How to Build a Better Life
We spend much of our lives trying to win the game of life, accumulating more, accomplishing more, and chasing the things we believe will make us successful. But this week, as we explore Ecclesiastes 9, we'll be reminded that life is short, and when the game is over, it all goes back in the box.
So what really matters? Join us as we discover that the object of life isn't how much we accumulate, but the life we receive through Jesus and how we choose to live it.
RECAP FROM THE ELDER UPDATE
At our First Sunday Luncheon, an update from the Elder Board was shared regarding Woodcrest's finances, the Kidcrest remodel, and the ongoing co-pastor search.
Financial Update: September income totaled $78,048, with expenses of $65,520, resulting in a surplus of $12,528 for the month. Year-to-date, income has exceeded expenses by $46,963.
Kidcrest Remodel: An additional $50,427 was paid toward the remodel in September using proceeds from the property sale. Our children have now moved into their new classrooms, and we hope to host an open house in December so everyone can see the completed space. The elders expressed their heartfelt appreciation to the Kidcrest staff and volunteers for their dedication throughout the past 15 months of transition and construction.
Co-Pastor Search: The Elder Board is currently pursuing one candidate for the position, although no offer has been made. The elders are hopeful they will have more information to share in the coming weeks.
Thank you for your continued generosity, prayers, and support as we move forward together as a church family. Feel free to write board@woodcrest.org if you have any questions.
WHAT'S YOUR NUMBER?
DISCOVERING YOUR PERSONALITY WITH THE ENNEAGRAM
Saturday, November 14 | 9:00 AM–Noon
God created you with a unique personality that reflects who He is in our world. Join us for a free Enneagram workshop led by Kelly Wright as we explore this helpful tool for self-discovery. You'll gain a better understanding of your personality and how to grow into a healthier reflection of God in your everyday life.
The workshop is free, and everyone is welcome! CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP
OUTSIDE THE WALLS: Holiday Meals for Community
This Thanksgiving, Woodcrest's Dollar Club and Outside the Walls ministry are teaming up with Powerhouse Community Development Corporation to help local families enjoy a complete holiday meal.
You can also be part of this effort by volunteering alongside others in our community at Parkade Plaza. There are several ways to help:
November 11–20: Help assemble Thanksgiving food boxes during two-hour weekday shifts.
Saturday, November 21 | 8:00 AM–2:30 PM: Help distribute food boxes to families during the drive-through event.
Questions? Contact Sherry.
CLICK HERE TO VOLUNTEER
OUTSIDE THE WALLS: Loaves and Fishes
Last Saturday evening, Woodcrest volunteers and friends served a delicious dinner to 126 neighbors at the Loaves and Fishes soup pantry! Guests enjoyed baked potatoes topped with chili and cheese, glazed carrots, coleslaw, mandarin oranges, and homemade cookies from John Barton.
A big thank you to everyone who helped prepare, serve, and share a warm meal with our neighbors!
Our next opportunity to serve at Loaves and Fishes will be Saturday, January 30. Questions? Contact Sherry.
LAST SUNDAY'S INSIGHTS
Matt Gordon continued our How to Build a Better Life series, exploring Ecclesiastes 7 and 8 and the importance of wisdom when life doesn't make sense. Matt introduced the Hebrew word "hevel," often translated as "meaningless," but better understood as vapor, mist, or fog. Life is temporary, unpredictable, and sometimes difficult to understand. Yet even when we can't see the whole picture, God's wisdom helps us find our way.
Highlights
• Life is foggy, but the fog won't last. We don't always understand why things happen or what tomorrow holds. Wisdom doesn't give us every answer, but it helps us remain steady when life becomes uncertain. We can trust that God sees what we cannot.
• Expect imperfect people. Ecclesiastes reminds us that no one is without sin. Even good people will disappoint us, and we will disappoint others. Matt encouraged us not to take every criticism to heart or allow the opinions of others to control our lives. Wisdom helps us respond with grace and perspective.
• Choose wisdom over temptation. Life presents plenty of distractions and opportunities to compromise our values. Like a lamp lighting the next step, God's Word guides us even when we cannot see the entire path. We don't need to know everything about the future to make a wise decision today.
• Remember who is really in charge. Ecclesiastes acknowledges that people in authority don't always act wisely or fairly. Matt reminded us that we should never surrender our character because someone else has surrendered theirs. Earthly power is temporary, but God's authority is not.
• Trust God's timing, not your own. We naturally want good choices to bring immediate rewards and wrongdoing to have immediate consequences. But life doesn't always work that way. The story of Joseph reminds us that God can bring good out of years of injustice, disappointment, and waiting, even when we cannot understand His timing.
• Live with a bigger perspective. Matt described four levels of thinking: the mystery of God, the truth revealed through Scripture, the evidence of God's goodness in creation, and our own personal experiences. Wisdom comes from keeping these perspectives together rather than allowing our immediate circumstances to define everything.
Takeaway
We don't have to understand everything to live a meaningful, joyful life. Matt encouraged us to examine our thinking, know God through His Word and community, trust that He is present, and savor the goodness around us. Whether it's a moment of laughter, time with family, or a simple everyday blessing, there is joy to be found even in life's uncertainty. As Matt reminded us, "We live a partial why with a total who." When we know who holds the future, we can take the next step with confidence.
OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF
• Check out Kidcrest, our children’s ministry HERE
• The Loop: sign up for our student ministry newsletter HERE
• Watch services at WoodcrestWorldwide.org
• Engage on Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
• Download the Woodcrest App: CLICK
• Last, but definitely not least: Set up a recurring donation