April 19, 2026
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Sunday Worship
Psalm 150 (Praise the Lord)
Welcome & Announcements
It Was Finished Upon that Cross
Walk-up Communion
Lamb of God
Remember Him
King of Kings
Sermon: Gospel Blessing
I Set my Hope
Benediction
Weekly Schedule
View our calendar HERE for the weekly schedule.
Highlights
VBS Save the Date
VBS is about 9 weeks away. We want to let you know you can start registering your children as well as let us know if you can volunteer to jump in to help us make VBS happen this year. Don’t forget to mark your calendar! Visit bethanycentral.org/vbs for more info.
Share Your Hope Highlight: Soccer Ministry
For the next several weeks, we’ll have a table in the lobby sharing more about our soccer ministry and how you can get involved. As part of our Share Your Hope focus this year, this is a simple and meaningful way to live that out—by building relationships with those who are regularly in our facility but don’t yet know Christ. One of our greatest needs is for believers willing to step in, connect, and invest in these friendships. We’d love for you to stop by the table and learn more about how you can be part of what God is doing.
March Financial Update
In an effort to keep you up to date on the status of our finances, here are the financial numbers from the previous month:
| Giving | Expenses | Budget |
| $272,569 | $272,877 | $289,055 |
| YTD Giving | YTD Expense | YTD Budget |
| $3,078,625 | $2,904,137 | $3,179,600 |
Announcements
New Member Vote this Week
We are excited to vote on the following people for membership into our church family during our annual meeting this week.
- Ethan Downing
- Ashley Easley
- Brendan and Katie Streitmatter
Student Biblical Work Ethic Workshop
April 25th, 8:30am–12:00pm
Bethany families are invited to a workshop focused on developing a biblical view of work. Parents will be equipped with ways to cultivate a strong work ethic in their children, while students will learn to honor Christ in their work. The day includes a light breakfast, two sessions, fellowship, and lunch. Each family will receive a book and helpful resources. Childcare is available for 5th grade and under, and families of all ages are welcome!
Middle School Spring Retreat
May 1st – 3rd, 2026
This weekend is a great opportunity for students to build friendships, have fun, and grow in God’s Word. This year’s theme is Sharpening Your Sword: Effective Bible Study, helping students learn practical ways to understand and apply Scripture in everyday life. The retreat will be held at Faith Bible Camp in Yates City, IL. Parents are responsible for drop-off and pick-up.
Ladies Craft Night
Thursday, April 23rd, 6:00 pm
Join us for a Ladies Craft Night filled with creativity and conversation! We’ll be working with beautiful pressed flowers to create unique keepsakes—either mounting them on wooden plaques or using Mod Podge to decorate glass candle holders. No experience is needed—just come and enjoy a relaxing evening of crafting and connection!
Bethany Young Adult Group
Did you know Bethany has a Young Adult group? They meet weekly for service projects, Bible study, and events like volleyball nights. Stay connected and get updates by joining their GroupMe at bethanycentral.org/yaconnect.
Together Day by Day
Sign up to receive our Together Day by Day email devotional. This email is delivered each weekday and is written by elders and pastors at Bethany. It includes a devotional and prayer requests for those in the Bethany family as well as our GO Partners. To sign up go to Bethanycentral.org/togetheremail.
Discussion Questions
Icebreaker: What is a habit you’ve started more than once but never quite followed through on (working out, reading plans, a new skill, or learning an instrument)?
Discussion 1: Paul begins with a famous rebuke in verses 1-3: “O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you?” He then asks them a key question: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Why is it illogical (or “foolish”) to begin the Christian life by faith and then think you have to be perfected or completed by keeping rules (the “flesh”)?
Application 1: We all have seasons where we try to take over the spiritual reins from God. Are there areas in your life where you like to “take over” from God? Why? What helps you recognize when you’re no longer living by faith but by striving?
Discussion 2: Paul reminds the Galatians that they received the Spirit not by works of the law but by hearing with faith (vv.2–5). Why is it important that Paul points them back to their own experience with God? How does remembering how God first worked in your life help guard you against drifting into performance-based faith?
Application 2: Think back to a time when your faith felt real and alive. What practices or perspectives helped you depend on God rather than yourself? How might returning to those foundations renew your trust in Him today?
Discussion 3: Paul brings Abraham into the discussion, showing that righteousness has always come through faith, not works (vv.6–9). Why do you think Paul uses Abraham as his example? How does this connection show that the gospel of grace isn’t new, but part of God’s plan from the beginning?
Application 3: Paul calls those who are “of faith” the true “sons of Abraham.” Do you tend to see your Christian identity primarily as something based on your personal effort and obedience, or as an inherited identity? How does this understanding of an inherited identity through faith change how you look at the Christian life?
