Weekly Bulletin
March 29, 2026
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Sunday Worship
Prelude: All My Boast is in Jesus
Welcome & Announcements
By Faith
The Solid Rock
Bethany Family Prayer
Fellowship and Greeting Time
Yet Not I But Through Christ in Me
Sermon: Gospel Justification
Jesus Paid it All
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.
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.
Annual Meeting & Single Service
Sunday, April 19th
Our Annual Meeting is a time to hear ministry updates and, if you are a member, take part in the vote for the annual budget and elected officers. We’ve scheduled our services to allow more attendees and members to join this important meeting.
We will have a single service at 9:30 AM (no Sunday School, ABC’s, or Children’s Church). Nursery will be offered for both. The Annual Meeting will follow the service at 11:00 AM, with lunch provided.
Announcements
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.
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.
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.
Grand Parents at Prayer
Monday, March 30th, 11:00 am
All grandparents are invited to join us at Bethany for an hour devoted to praying for your grandchildren. The meeting is held in the Bethany Library. For questions contact Rod Abel at rbabel4952@gmail.com.
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: What is something you used to think made you impressive or “cool” that really doesn’t matter much anymore?
Discussion 1: Paul makes a clear distinction between being “justified” by faith in Jesus Christ and not by works of the law (vv.15–16). Why do you think Paul is so emphatic here, repeating this idea multiple times in just a few verses? What problem is he trying to correct by drawing such a sharp contrast between faith and works?
Application 1: Even when we believe salvation is by grace, it’s easy to slip back into performance-based thinking. Where do you find yourself measuring your standing with God by effort rather than by faith in Christ alone? What causes you most often to slip back into performance-based thinking?
Discussion 2: Paul points out that even people with strong religious backgrounds still need to be made right with God through Christ (vv.15-16). What does this tell us about the limits of religious knowledge, good behavior, or moral effort when it comes to salvation?
Application 2: In what ways might your church background or Bible knowledge make it tempting to feel more secure with God than others? How does this passage remind us that everyone stands on the same ground before God through Christ? How might this attitude shape our witness to others?
Discussion 3: Paul uses the phrase “we know that a person is not justified by works of the law.” He suggests the truth about justification is something that must be known and acted upon. Is there a difference between knowing (intellectual agreement) and truly believing (trusting your life to)? How does this verse protect us from pride on one hand and despair on the other?
Application 3: If your right standing with God is truly secured by faith in Christ, how should that shape the way you respond to failure or weakness? What would it look like to rest more fully in grace rather than striving to earn God’s approval?
