Know Their Story is Live!
Weekly Bulletin
August 3, 2025
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Sunday Worship
Bless the Lord O My Soul (Psalm 103)
Call to Worship
Praise the Lord Ye Heavens
Welcome & Announcements
Bethany Family Prayer
Jesus Firm Foundation
Christus Victor
Come Behold the Wondrous Mystery
Communion
Benediction & Compassion Offering
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.
Know Their Story: Book Giveaway
As part of our “Know Their Story” campaign, we want to help you engage others the way Jesus did by listening well and asking thoughtful questions. Our goal is to hear 2,000 new stories this year. To help, we’re giving away free copies of Questioning Evangelism by Randy Newman starting this week. This practical book reminds us that effective evangelism doesn’t require memorized answers, just a willingness to ask good questions and care deeply. Pick up your copy at the table in the foyer!
Awana is Coming Soon!
Awana is the discipleship heart of our Children’s Ministry—where kids are challenged to grow in their faith and make it their own. Registration is now open for the fall, and we’re excited for another great year!
We’re also looking for new leaders to join our Wednesday night ministry. We have openings from the nursery age through 5th grade. If you love God’s Word and want to invest in the next generation, this is a great place to serve. Training and support are provided—just bring a heart to disciple kids! Go to bethanycentral.org/awana to register or learn more.
Announcements
Bethany Family News
Our congratulations to Caleb & Jenni Ham on the birth of their daughter, Julia Elaine, on Friday, July 25th.
Our congratulations to Tavish and Jeni Anderson on the birth of their son, Finn Tracy, on Sunday, July 27th.
Our deepest sympathies to Chris & Val Wichael on the death Val’s father, Max Casteel, on Wednesday, July 30th.
Promotion Sunday
Sunday, August 03
This Sunday is Promotion Sunday, and we’re so excited to kick off the new year with you and your family. Children will move up to their new Sunday School classrooms, and we invite you to bring them directly to their new rooms at 9:00 AM to meet their teachers.
Malawi Trip Report Meeting
Sunday, August 10, 2:00 pm
We’re excited to invite you to a special event where the Malawi team will share highlights from their recent ministry trip. Hear firsthand about the impactful outreach, ministry, and transformative experiences they had. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with the team, hear about their experience and support global outreach.
MOMents
Friday, September 12, 9:00 am
MOMents is a group for moms with children aged 0 to Kindergarten, offering community, growth, and support. They meet every other Friday morning from 9:00 to 11:00 AM, with childcare provided. Each session includes breakfast, a creative activity, and discussions led by guest speakers on topics relevant to our lives. For more details and to register, go to bethanycentral.org/moments.
Youth Group "Parents Night"
Wednesday, August 13, 6:30 pm
Kick off the new school year with us! This is a great opportunity for the whole family to start the year strong. Parents will meet their student’s small group leaders, hear ministry updates, connect with other parents, and spend time in prayer for the year ahead. While parents connect, 6th–12th grade students will enjoy their own activities, and childcare will be provided for 5th grade and under. Go to bethanycentral.org/parentnight to register.
Child-Dedication Class
Sunday, August 10, 9:00 am
For those who want to have their child dedicated but have never attended the class. We will cover what child dedication is, basic parenting principles, and give an overview of Bethany resources. Contact the church office to register.
The next dedication will be held on August 24th.
Discussion Questions
Icebreaker: If you could live in a different country for a year, which country would you choose and why? Which region of the country would you choose?
Discussion 1: The Pharisees and Herodians tried to trap Jesus with a political question, but He responded with wisdom: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” What does Jesus’s answer teach about how we live as citizens of both God’s kingdom and the world? (See Romans 13:1-8)
Application 1: What things fall into the category of “Caesar” and what things into the category of “God”? What exceptions might there be to following laws and the rule of government? How can we support Christians standing for God’s work in the face of unjust laws?
Discussion 2: When asked which commandment is greatest, Jesus responds with love for God and neighbor. Why do you think He pairs these two together? What does this teach us about the connection between our relationship to God and how we treat others?
Application 2: Loving God and loving others are inseparable in Jesus’s teaching. How does our love for others show our love for God? Is it possible to love others and NOT love God?
Discussion 3: Jesus praised a poor widow who gave two small coins, saying she gave more than the rich because she gave “all she had.” What does this reveal about how God measures generosity and devotion?
Application 3: The widow gave sacrificially out of trust in God. What would it look like for you to give — not just money, but your time, energy, or attention — with that same kind of faith and surrender? How is this standard of giving different from religion or our culture?
