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Weekly Bulletin
August 24, 2025
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Sunday Worship
Lovingkindness
Call to Worship
This is Our God
Welcome & Announcements
Child Dedication
Fellowship & Greeting Time
There is One Gospel
Remember Him
Bethany Family Prayer
Sermon: God’s Servant Prepares, Part 1
He Will Hold Me Fast
Benediction
Weekly Schedule
View our calendar HERE for the weekly schedule.
Highlights
Join a Community Group
Fall is the perfect time to jump into a community group for the first time. If you’ve never joined a group, or haven’t attended in a while, now is the time to find a group of believers to do life with. Go to bethanycentral.org/groups to learn more.
Starting Point Class: Learn about Bethany
Sunday, September 07, 9:00 am
Starting Point is a single-session class that meets during our first service in Room 813. It’s designed to help you learn who we are, what we believe, and how you can find your place in the life of our church family. You’ll also discover what to expect on Sunday mornings, how to navigate the building, and explore the ministries and classes we have available. To RSVP go to bethanycentral.org/start.
Summer Finale & Night of Worship
Join us for a full day of worship and connection. We’ll have a single outdoor service at 9:30am, with fellowship and refreshments beforehand. There will be no ABCs, Sunday School, or Children’s Church that morning, but nursery will be available. Be sure to bring a lawn chair for outdoor seating.
Then come back at 7:00pm for our Outdoor Night of Worship, followed by ice cream and more time to connect as we close out the summer together.
Announcements
Bethany Family News
Our congratulations to Jerad & Rachel Koch on the birth of their son, Dominic Lee, on Friday, August 15th.
Fall Ladies Bible Studies
Starts September 9th | Tuesdays 9:30-11 AM
Throughout the year, Bethany offers ongoing and short-term Ladies’ Bible Studies that meet at various times throughout the week. We have morning, afternoon, and evening classes. Several options are available for you to study God’s Word.
Seasons of Motherhood
Starts September 9th | Tuesdays 9:30-11 AM
This is a women’s group for moms of young kids, teens, and anything in between. They meet Tuesday mornings at Bethany to study The End of Me: Finding Resurrection Life in the Daily Sacrifices of Motherhood by Liz Wann. Childcare is provided. Sign up using MyBethany or contact the church office.
Widows Lunch
Wednesday, September 03, 11:30 am
If you are recently widowed, we would love to invite you to a special lunch hosted by Pastor Ritch and our Care Director, Jake, in the Bethany Café. This will be a simple time to enjoy tea sandwiches and treats, connect with our pastors, and share how we can best support and encourage you in this season.
Please RSVP through the church office or by emailing Katie at Katie@bethanycentral.org.
Wednesday Family Meal
Wednesdays | 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Join us starting September 2rd for Wednesday family meal. The cost is $3 for individuals with a $15 max per family. To help us plan, please RSVP using your MyBethany or by calling the church office by Monday afternoon. This Year we have new starting and ending times!
Parents Praying the Miracle
Thursdays, 6:00 - 7:00 pm
A ministry for parents burdened by their adult child’s physical, emotional, or spiritual well-being. Starting again Thursday, September 4th, the group will meet weekly from 6:15 pm to 7:15 pm in the Gathering Room. Contact Anna Powell at buglenose@hotmail.com with any questions.
Discussion Questions
Icebreaker: What’s the most extravagant or meaningful gift you’ve ever received — or given? What was the occasion? How did it impact you?
Discussion 1: A woman anointed Jesus with costly perfume, and some criticized her for “wasting” it. Why did Jesus defend her? Do you think this woman understood more than even the disciples? What does it show about her heart for Jesus and her willingness to sacrifice for Him?
Application 1: The woman gave generously and boldly to honor Jesus. Read 2 Samuel 24:24 and Malachi 1:6-14. What do these passages teach about giving God our “leftovers”?
Discussion 2: Judas agreed to betray Jesus, and at the Last Supper, Jesus announced that one of the twelve would do it. How do you think the other disciples felt hearing this? Why do you think Judas was willing to betray Jesus?
Application 2: What would it look like for you to extend the same kind of unconditional love that Jesus showed to Judas? How can we love those who have betrayed us in the past? Is there a point where you say, “Enough”?
Discussion 3: Peter was confident that he would never betray Jesus until Jesus predicted his betrayal. What can we learn about Peter’s character? Are there lessons we can learn from the disciples’ abandonment and Peter’s bold claims?
Application 3: What does it reveal about the nature of true faith — and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit — that the same men who abandoned and denied Jesus later became bold witnesses, even willing to suffer and die for Him?
