Weekly Bulletin
March 22, 2026
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Sunday Worship
Prelude: The Way the Truth and the Life
Welcome & Announcements
His Mercy is More
Jesus Firm Foundation
Baptisms (First Service)
All I have is Christ
Bethany Family Prayer
Sermon: Gospel Confrontation
Before the Throne of God Above
Benediction
Weekly Schedule
View our calendar HERE for the weekly schedule.
Highlights
Easter & Good Friday Services
Friday April 3rd, 6:00 pm join us for a special event meant to help us reflect on the sacrificial death of our Savior. The evening will include baptisms and communion (NO nursery or childcare provided).
Sunday April 5th, 9:00 & 10:30 am join us for Easter Sunday at Bethany. There will be no ABC’s, Sunday School, or Children’s Church this week. Nursery will be provided for ages 2 and under.
Baptism Opportunity: Good Friday
Friday, April 3rd, 6:00 pm
There is an opportunity to be baptized at our upcoming Good Friday service. 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.
Budget Q&A Meeting
Sunday, March 29th, After 2nd Service | Room 812/813
The proposed 2027 budget is posted on the wall in the office for you to review and copies are available on the credenza outside of the office for you to pickup. The Budget Q&A meeting is the key place to ask questions and get clarity as we look towards the vote at the upcoming annual meeting. If you have questions or need clarity please plan to attend.
Announcements
No Awana or Youth Group Wednesday
Wednesday, March 25th
Awana and Youth Group will not meet this week (Wednesday, March 25) due to spring break. All normal activities (family meal, Awana, and Youth Group) will resume the following week (Wednesday, April 1st). Men’s Bible Study is still meeting.
2026 Foodshare Canathon
Bethany is again partnering with the Peoria Area Anti-Hunger Coalition to sponsor the 2026 Foodshare Canathon. Canathon bags are still available. Please fill a bag with non-perishable and canned food items and return it to the drop boxes in the foyer as soon as possible.
Suggested items include canned fruits and vegetables, canned meats (tuna, salmon, chicken, beef), soups, chili, peanut butter, cereal, pasta, boxed dinner mixes, and personal hygiene items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, or body wash. All donations will go to Hands of Grace, a ministry of Grace Baptist Church and a sister church of Bethany.
Welcome Team Lunch
Sunday, March 29th, 12:00–2:00 pm
Join us in the Gym to learn more about the Welcome Team departments and receive important updates from our new Safety Team. This lunch is for both current team members and anyone interested in joining the Welcome Team. Please RSVP to graciekelch14@gmail.com so we can plan accordingly.
BEST Lunch & Learn
Monday, April 06, 11:00 am
BEST (Boomers Engaged in Serving and Sharing Together) is hosting a lunch in the High School Room. Eric Ham will be with us to share helpful information about funeral planning. Use myBethany to RSVP or call the church office.
Email Newsletters
Monday, March 30th, 11:00 am
Sign up to receive weekly emails from Bethany and get bulletin information in your inbox each week. Together Day by Day is an email devotional delivered each weekday written by elders and pastors across Bethany. Sign up using your MyBethany or email erik@bethanycentral.org to be added to either email list.
RightNow Media
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.
Discussion Questions
Icebreaker: Are there some people you tend to act differently around? Why or why not? (Maybe a certain side of the family, or a group of friends)
Discussion 1: Paul recounts a public confrontation with Peter because Peter’s behavior no longer aligned with the truth of the gospel (vv.11–14). Why do you think Paul saw this as a gospel issue rather than a personal disagreement? What does this moment teach us about how our actions can either clarify or confuse the gospel for others?
Application 1: Peter’s actions were shaped by who was watching him (vv.11–14). Where do you feel pressure to adjust your behavior based on the people around you? How might the gospel free you to live more consistently, without fear, performance, or pretending?
Discussion 2: Paul explains that justification comes by faith in Jesus Christ, not by works of the law (vv.15–16). Why is it so tempting to measure spiritual standing by performance rather than grace? How does this passage challenge the idea that we can earn or maintain God’s approval through effort?
Application 2: Where do you feel the pull to measure yourself spiritually — through good behavior, religious activity, or comparison with others? How might resting more fully in Christ’s finished work bring freedom instead of pressure? What are other ways in which we can fall into the trap of trying to measure our spirituality?
Discussion 3: Paul says, “I have been crucified with Christ,” describing a life no longer centered on self but lived by faith in the Son of God (vv.19–20). What does it mean for your identity to be rooted in Christ rather than in performance or approval? How should that identity shape our obedience in everyday decisions and habits?
Application 3: If “Christ lives in me” truly defines your life (vv.19–20), how should that shape the way you approach everyday decisions this week? Where might God be inviting you to trust Him instead of relying on yourself? How does the gospel redefine what you believe actually leads to life and freedom?
