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Weekly Bulletin
December 17, 2023
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Sunday Worship
Prelude: Angels from the Realms of Glory
Call to Worship
Hark the Herald Angels Sing
Welcome & Announcements
Bethany Family Prayer
Crown Him
Behold Our God
Sermon: The Encore
Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
Communion
Benediction
Weekly Schedule
View our calendar HERE for the weekly schedule.
Highlights
Staff & Pastors Christmas Gift
The elders are collecting gifts to express our love and appreciation for our pastors & staff at this special time of year. You can give using envelopes available at the welcome tables or use the online form at bethanycentral.org/staffgift.
Holiday Services Schedule
Check out our upcoming holiday services schedule.
Special Christmas Eve Service: Sunday, December 24th, 4pm. No child care provided.
Combined Worship Services: Sunday, December 24th and Sunday, December 31st will each be a single service at 10:00 am. We will also not have Sunday School or Children’s church but nursery is available (0-2yrs).
November Financials
In an effort to keep you up to date on the status of our finances here are the financial numbers for the previous month:
| Giving | Expenses | Budget |
| $228,953 | $216,881 | $249,976 |
| YTD Giving | YTD Expense | YTD Budget |
| $1,570,404 | $1,719,062 | $1,749,834 |
Announcements
Bethany Family News
Our condolences to:
- Steve & Evelyn Herron on the loss of Evelyn’s mother Geraldine Schmidt on Wednesday, December 6th.
- The family of Pauline Teubel on her passing on Thursday, December 7th.
- The family of Al Walton on his passing on Sunday, December 10th.
Our congratulations to Mike & Becca Albertson on the birth of their daughter Lenora Ann, on Friday, December 8th.
Holiday Office Hours
Dec 25
-
Jan 01
The office will be closed Monday, December 25th, through Monday, January 1st. Please take note of these holiday hours in your planning.
Upcoming Baptism Opportunity
Sunday, January 14
There is an opportunity to be baptized at one of our upcoming services. If you are interested in participating, email info@bethanycentral.org or call the church office. Connect with us to begin the process or to talk with someone from our ministry staff team with any questions or concerns you may have about Baptism.
Year End Giving
Sunday, December 31
Thank you for faithfully giving to the Lord’s ministry here at Bethany. To have your gift posted in 2023, place your gift in the offering on Sunday, December 31st, or make sure your gift is postmarked or processed online by that date.
Wednesday Activities Holiday Schedule
All Wednesday activities are off for the next two weeks (12/20 & 12/27). Awana will be off January 3rd but Youth group will have an off site event on January 3rd from 6-8pm at Elevate in Peoria for $12. View the Youth Ministry calendar for more info on the Elevate Relaunch Party.
All regular Wednesday activities (including Family Meal) will resume starting January 10th.
Temple Builders ABC: New Series
Sunday, January 07
The Temple Builders Adult Bible Fellowship, that meets in room 807, will be starting a new series in the month of January. The series is a study of the book of Revelation for those new to the book.
Discussion Questions
Icebreaker:
What ‘hero’ from your life is most difficult to think about dying?
Discussion Questions:
What is the significance of Joash’s effort (or lack thereof) in striking the arrows?
What is the body reviving at the touch of Elisha’s bones meant to teach us about God’s presence and provision for His people?
What is the primary motivator of God’s compassion and graciousness to his people?
Application Questions:
What so often keeps us from cashing in with great faith on the blank checks God has written us (i.e. Jn 14:14)?
How does unbelief tempt you to limit God’s ability to work in this day, in this place, and in your life?
