May 24, 2026
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Sunday Worship
How Great is the Greatness of God
Welcome & Announcements
Rejoice
Nothing but the Blood
Graduate Recognition
Bethany Family Prayer
Sing
Behold Him
Sermon: Gospel Longing
Unto Him
Benediction
Weekly Schedule
View our calendar HERE for the weekly schedule.
Highlights
Share Your Home to Share Your Hope
This summer, we’re issuing a simple challenge: Share Your Home to Share Your Hope. So here’s the challenge—host a gathering this summer and share your hope with someone. To make it easy, we’re pointing you to a free resource called Victory Beyond the Cup, a ready-to-use kit that turns one World Cup match into a real outreach opportunity.To begin Bethany is hosting a church-wide watch party in July—details coming soon. Grab your free kit and get training to host at bethanycentral.org/host.
Starting Point Class: Learn about Bethany
Sunday, June 14th, 9:00 am
Starting Point is a single-session class that meets 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 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.
VBS Registration & Volunteers
June 22-26 | 9:00am - 12:00pm
VBS is four weeks away! Now is the time to start registering your children for VBS. You can use your myBethany or visit the website. We also need many of you to volunteer to jump in and help us make VBS a reality this year. Visit bethanycentral.org/vbs to register your kids or to volunteer. We also want to encourage you to be inviting friends and neighbors.
Announcements
Graduate Recognition
High School
- Isaac Barngrover-Homeschool
- Ethan Berger-Homeschool
- Marcus Blackwell-Homeschool
- Grace Bonk-Homeschool
- Taylor Burke-Richwoods & ICC
- Alex Cordio-Homeschool
- Ethan Downing-Peoria Christian
- Hailey Dyer-Dunlap
- Andrew Gerig-Peoria Christian
- Evan Guymon-Homeschool
- Treyven Haroldson-Farmington
- Noah Herman-Homeschool
- Mallory Hodel-Dunlap
- Jake Hoerr-Peoria Christian
- Cade Krabbenhoft-Homeschool
- Magdelina Lindahl-Richwoods
- Autumn Luan-Homeschool
- Nathan Park-Morton
- Kali Plattner-Homeschool
- Louis Queen-Homeschool
- Lydia Rogers-Dunlap
- Cheyenh Smith-Homeschool
- Solomon Stoltzfus-Homeschool
- Allyn Uhler-Peoria Christian
- Jeremiah Waller-Homeschool
- Brianna Wichael-Homeschool
- Myles Zimmerman-Peoria Christian
College
- Brianna DeBacker-Truman State Univ.
- Sarah Ellison-Liberty Univ.
- John Horn-Taylor Univ.
- Frank Kelch-Kansas Wesleyan Univ.
- Marie Tanyu-Illinois Central College
- Micah Weidner-Bradley Univ.
- Lydia Wichael-Univ. of Arkansas
- Taya Zimmerman-Grand Canyon Univ.
Moooove Up Day
Sunday, May 31st
We’re excited to move all of our kids—3’s, Pre-K, and Elementary—up to their next class on the same day!
In the past, Elementary moved up in the fall, but this year everyone promotes together. Be sure to check the banners above each classroom for your child’s new class.
Men's Summer Bible Study: Sermon on the Mount
June 17 – August 5, 6:15–7:45 PM
This summer, the men of Bethany are walking through the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7) — the greatest sermon ever preached, where Jesus shows what it looks like to follow him as King in his new kingdom. Come ready to be challenged, sharpened, and strengthened alongside other men pursuing Christ together.
Discussion Questions
Icebreaker: Who is someone from your childhood or teen years who has impacted you the most? How did they influence you or show you love and care?
Discussion 1: In verses 8-11, Paul expresses his amazement and fear that the Galatians are actively turning back to observing “days and months and seasons and years.” He equates this rule-keeping to returning to the “weak and worthless elementary principles of the world.” Why is Paul so worried that they would return to their religious rituals? How might this be a form of slavery as Paul says in verse 8?
Application 1: What are some of the rules, checklists, or even religious calendars that people sometimes treat as essential? How can we guard against letting these practices become “worthless elementary principles” that turn us away from grace? Do you think all of these practices are wrong, or can they be helpful?
Discussion 2: In verses 12–16, Paul reminds the Galatians that they once had a deep, affectionate relationship when they first received the gospel — even to the point of sacrificial care. Why do you think Paul appeals so strongly to their shared history and closeness here? What does this reveal about how easily people can turn against faithful teachers? What do you sense about Paul’s heart in this section?
Application 2: Paul’s ministry to the Galatians was rooted in love, sacrifice, and trust long before this correction came. How might this passage shape the way we think about our relationship with pastors, teachers, or spiritual mentors? What warning signs should it raise when new voices or “new insights” begin to push us away from those who have faithfully loved us, taught us, and pointed us to Christ over time?
Discussion 3: The passage concludes in verses 17-20 with Paul describing his deep, almost painful concern, saying he is “in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you!” What does this intense, physical metaphor tell us about the weight and labor Paul felt for their spiritual maturity?
Application 3: Who has the greatest influence in shaping your spiritual thinking right now? What voices do you listen to, follow, or trust? How can we grow in discernment about those people you choose to let you influence spiritually?
