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Weekly Bulletin
November 10, 2024
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Sunday Worship
Prelude: Grace Alone
Call to Worship
Lovingkindness
Welcome & Announcements
Veteran Recognition
Bethany Family Prayer
My Soul Will Wait
Unto Him (Jude 24-25)
Sermon: A Sure Comfort
More Love to Thee
Benediction
Weekly Schedule
View our calendar HERE for the weekly schedule.
Highlights
GO Partner Christmas Gift Collection
Each year we have the privilege to bless our GO Partners with a special Christmas gift. Envelopes to contribute are available throughout November on tables in the foyer as you leave the sanctuary or in your ABC rooms. Or give online at bethanycentral.org/gogive.
Veterans Day
We have created a list of those who are active duty or veterans of the military connected with our church so that you can keep them in your prayers. You can pick up the list on the welcome tables next to the printed bulletin, or get a digital copy at bethanycentral.org/vet.
October Financials
In an effort to keep you up to date on the status of our finances here are the financial numbers for the previous month:
| Giving | Expenses | Budget |
| $245,071 | $196,785 | $261,645 |
| YTD Giving | YTD Expense | YTD Budget |
| $1,357,839 | $1,406,112 | $1,569,870 |
Announcements
Operation Christmas Child
Bring great joy and the Good News to children in need around the world. Ready-made boxes are available at a table in the foyer near the gym entrance for you to take or you can build a box online by going to bethanycentral.org/occ.
Bylaw Change Q&A Session
Wednesday, December 11 at 6:00 pm
We have an important vote on proposed changes to our church bylaws coming up at the January congregational meeting. To help prepare, we’ll host three Q&A sessions to answer questions and discuss the details of these changes. The next session will be Wednesday, December 11 at 6:00 pm. The proposed changes are posted on the office window. The proposed changes are posted on the office window.
BEST Lunch & Learn
Monday, November 18, 11:00 am
BEST (Boomers Engaged in Serving and Sharing Together) is hosting a lunch that will take place in the High School Room. The Bethany Brass group will be with us share their music ministry. Use your myBethany to RSVP or call the church office.
Gift Cards for College Students
Sunday, November 17
We are sending out gift cards to college students again this holiday. Please send your college student’s address to Abby Pfeiffer at abby@bethanycentral.org by November 17. If you would like to donate $5 or $10 gift cards, please drop them off in the church office by November 17.
BEST Day Trip to The Beef House Christmas Show
Thursday, December 19
We will travel via Peoria Charter to The Beef House for a fabulous lunch and Christmas show. Tickets are $80 per person which includes: the show, buffet meal, salad, Beef House rolls, a soft drink, dessert, and Peoria Charter Coach transportation. RSVP at bethanycentral.org/beefhouse or call the church office at 309-692-1755.
Adult Co-ed Soccer
Tuesdays at 6:00PM
Soccer meets outside on the Bethany soccer fields from May-November (weather dependent) and inside the Bethany gym from January-April. If you have any questions, contact Mandy Hobbs: aswright@mail.bradley.edu.
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
Think back to Christmases and birthdays growing up. What were some gifts you were hoping to get that stand out in your memory? Did you get them?
Discussion Questions
What do you think Paul means when he says, “eternal comfort”? How is that different from temporal or worldly comfort, and why is it important to understand the difference as believers?
Paul states that our “good hope” comes through grace. What is the relationship between a positive future expectation (“good hope”) and grace? How would you describe a “good hope”? In what ways might it differ from secular or worldly concepts of hope?
What does it look like when a person has an established heart? What characteristics will be true about them? What two characteristics does Paul specifically mention?
Application Questions
What has God’s comfort looked like throughout your life? Can you share a story where you experienced the comfort of God? What has made God’s comfort “eternal” for you personally?
What things are you tempted to put your hope in besides the hope that comes through the Father? How can you know what you are placing your hope in? What characteristics are there for the person whose hope is in God vs. the person who places their hope in something else?
Do you feel like a person who is established in the hope, comfort, and encouragement that comes from God? Do you feel like a Christian who is strong and steadfast in your faith? Do you see that strength flowing out in your actions and your words? Why or why not?
