September 28, 2025
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Sunday Worship
Prelude: Here For You
Call to Worship
My Soul Will Wait
Welcome & Announcements
Baptisms
Cornerstone
O Sacred Head Now Wounded
Bethany Family Prayer
Sermon: God’s Servant Suffers
Come Unto Jesus
Benediction
Weekly Schedule
View our calendar HERE for the weekly schedule.
Highlights
Connecting Matters
Sunday, October 5th, 9:00 am
Discover why connecting with the church family is essential for following Jesus together. In this single-session class you’ll explore biblical motivations for connection and learn how our Community Groups, ABC’s, and serving opportunities help you live them out. Whether you’re new to Bethany or looking to deepen relationships, this class will help you take your next step in belonging. Go to bethanycentral.org/connecting to register.
The Pasture (All Invited)
Wednesday, October 8th, 9:00 AM | Café
The Pasture is a space for members and attenders to connect with our pastors and elders—ask questions, share thoughts, or get to know one another. Whatever is on your heart—we’d love to hear from you. Coffee and pastries will be provided. Everyone is invited for this Q&A session.
Announcements
Bethany Family News
Congratulations to Daniel and Lindsey Sheaffer on the adoption of their daughter, Ava Lynn, on Monday, Sept. 15.
Our deepest sympathies to Josh & Sarah Berger on the death of Sarah’s father, Steve Bethel, on Tuesday, Sept. 16th.
Warning Concerning Bethany Lake
Our lake has experienced a fish kill due to the current drought, causing oxygen levels in the lake to drop. We are confident that the lake will rebound, but please refrain from fishing or entering the water until further notice. We are grateful for the Hermans and their help in this situation.
Winter Car Care Day
Saturday, October 18th
If you attend Bethany and are a senior saint, widow, single mother, or college student, our Car Care team wants to bless you by preparing your car for the winter, free of charge. Services include oil & filter changes, brake & suspension inspection, tire inspection, fluid top-off, air filter changes, and wiper blade replacement. Email Jake Tourtillott, our care director, at jake@bethanycentral.org today to schedule your free appointment.
Middle School Fall Retreat
October 3rd - 5th, 2025
Registration for the Middle School Fall Retreat is open! This weekend retreat is a special time for students to build fellowship, play fun games, enjoy great food, and grow in God’s Word. This year our theme for the retreat is Malachi: From Ruined to Restored. The book of Malachi confronts a sobering reality: even after revival, people can drift. For questions, contact the church office or email us at michelle@bethanycentral.org.
Women's Event: Recognizing Christ in Community
Saturday, October 4th, 10:00 am
Join the ladies of Bethany for a morning of fellowship, food, and devotion. We will travel the Emmaus Road and discuss how community thrives when Christ is at the center. Invite family, friends, and neighbors! RSVP using your mybethany.
Ladies Bible Overview
Thursdays, October 9th - November 13th, 9:30-11 AM
Join Jen Weers in a 6-week Bible Overview class on Thursdays at Bethany. This class is for anyone who is new to studying the Bible, wants a broader picture of the whole Bible, or wants a refresher on all God’s Word offers us, and provides a foundation for more in-depth study. Everyone is welcome so be sure to tell your friends! Use your myBethany to register.
Grandparents @ Prayer
Monday, September 29th, 11:00 am
All grandparents are invited to join us at Bethany for an hour devoted to praying for your grandchildren. For questions contact Rod Abel at rbabel4952@gmail.com.
Discussion Questions
Icebreaker: Would you rather have a rewind button or a pause button for your life? Why? How would you use it?
Discussion 1: The soldiers dressed Jesus in a purple robe, crowned Him with thorns, and mocked Him as “King of the Jews.” Why do you think Mark includes these cruel details? What does this moment show us about the human heart?
Application 1: Jesus endured shame and mockery without fighting back, remaining faithful to His purpose. Hebrews 12:3 tells us to “consider Him who endured from sinners such hostility against Himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” How does considering the hostility of sinners against Jesus help us to not grow weary? What is the author of Hebrews instructing us to do here?
Discussion 2: How does this moment of Jesus being degraded and humiliated connect to His identity as the suffering servant? How does it challenge our ideas of power and authority? How does Jesus demonstrate servanthood and humility for us (see Mark 9:35)?
Application 2: Jesus was willing to be dishonored, mocked, and ridiculed for us. How can we follow Jesus’s example to be dishonored, mocked, or even ridiculed for the sake of the gospel? How can we live in the same humility that Jesus models in this passage?
Discussion 3: Take a moment to meditate on the suffering, shame, pain, and injustice Jesus endured in this passage — mocked by soldiers, struck, spat on, and humiliated. What thoughts or emotions come to mind as you reflect on what He willingly endured for you?
Application 3: As you sit with the reality of Jesus’s suffering, how does it deepen your understanding of His love for you? How might remembering His sacrifice shape your attitude toward sin? How might it inspire your worship? How might it drive you to the sacrifices God is calling you to in your life?
