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Sunday Worship
Weekly Schedule
Starting Point is a single-session class that meets during our first service in the Gathering Room. 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.
Our monthly compassion offering collection is after our services this week. This isn’t part of our regular tithes—this is something special we do to express Christ’s love by meeting needs within our church, our community, and around the world. The compassion fund is overseen by our elders and benevolence team. You can contribute by visiting bethanycentral.org/compassion or by giving to the Compassion Fund after the service—look for ushers holding special offering baskets as you exit.
Announcements
Bethany is offering a new Wednesday night men’s Bible study this semester focused on the book of Titus. In Paul’s letter to Titus, we see that spiritual strength is built on sound doctrine. Join us in the Fireside Area as we grow in our knowledge of God and His glorious gospel, and allow God’s Word to shape our lives toward love and good works.
Seasons of Motherhood is a women’s group for moms with kids in every stage—from young children to teens and everything in between. The group meets on Tuesdays at church with childcare and focus on a Scripture-rich Bible study. This semester, we will study Childproof: Parenting by Faith, Not Formula by Julie Lowe as they grow together and stay grounded in God’s truth. Sign up through MyBethany or contact the church office.
BEST (Boomers Engaged in Serving and Sharing Together) is hosting a Lunch and Learn that will take place in the Bethany Café. We will explore what it means for the church to be a welcoming and loving community, reflecting on the biblical “one anothers” and how practicing them brings spiritual, mental, and physical benefits. Use your myBethany account to RSVP or call the church office and feel free to bring a friend with you.
Join others from our community in a winter walk that raises awareness and support for men and women experiencing homelessness. This one-mile walk is designed to build compassion and provide tangible help by supporting Pathway Ministries, which offers shelter, care, and a path toward sobriety for those coming off the streets. To learn more and get involved, visit bethanycentral.org/path.
Access an extensive library of faith-based videos for kids, youth, and adults, available on any device. It’s easy and free to join. Visit bethanycentral.org/rightnowmedia and click “Request an invitation.” We’ll send you an email invitation to set up your account so you can take advantage of this great resource.
Our radio ministry featuring the teaching of Pastor Ritch airs each Sunday at 11am on WBNH 88.5FM. Or go to knowingchrist.org to hear each broadcast.
Icebreaker: Describe yourself with a fun “title” that explains what you are best at (outside of your actual job). (Examples: “Chief Coffee Drinker,” “Director of Nap Time,” or “Master of Trivia.”)
Discussion 1: Paul emphasizes that he is an apostle “not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ.” Why do you think Paul starts his letter by establishing his authority so strongly? What was happening in the Galatian churches that made this opening necessary
Application 1: Why does it matter today that the gospel we believe does not originate from human ideas but from God Himself? How should the divine origin of the gospel shape your confidence, your witness, or your willingness to stand firm when the message of Christ is challenged?
Discussion 2: Paul summarizes the gospel compactly in verses 3–4: Jesus “gave Himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age.” What stands out to you about this description of Jesus’ work? Do you notice anything in particular about how Paul frames this gospel summary?
Application 2: Are there ways we subtly drift into a “Jesus plus something else” mindset — believing we must contribute to our salvation through performance, spirituality, or personal effort? Where are you tempted to add conditions (good behavior, political alignment, or ministry productivity) to the gospel?
Discussion 3: Paul roots everything “according to the will of our God and Father.” What does this teach us about the heart of God in salvation? Why do you think Paul added this foundational idea to his summary of the gospel?
Application 3: Because salvation is God’s divine plan, what pressures or burdens does that lift from your life this week? How can resting in God’s will and Christ’s finished work bring freedom, assurance, and joy into a situation you are facing right now?

