Register for GO Conference 2024
Weekly Bulletin
November 17, 2024
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Sunday Worship
Prelude: Grace Alone
Call to Worship
Sing
Welcome & Announcements
Walk-up Communion
Great is Thy Faithfulness
His Mercy is More
Sermon: A Sure Lord
Grace Greater than Our Sin
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.
Membership Class
Sunday, December 01, 9:00 am
The class meets in Rm 813 in the adult wing. This one-session class features videos & class discussion. You’ll learn more about Bethany and discover the importance of membership and joining your local church. Sign up by going to bethanycentral.org/membership.
Christmas Night of Worship
Sunday, December 08, 6:00 pm
Come celebrate the joy of Christmas and the incredible gift of Jesus at our Christmas Night of Worship! Enjoy an evening filled with carols, Christmas classics, and beloved songs that help us reflect on the hope of the season. Stay afterward for a dessert reception with festive treats and fellowship.
Announcements
Church Office Holiday Hours
Afternoon of 11/27 through 11/29
The office will be closed the afternoon of November 27th through Friday, November 29th for Thanksgiving. Please take note of these holiday hours in your planning.
Student Ministry: High School Winter Camp
Jan 17
-
19
Winter Camp registration opens on Wednesday, November 20th! All 9th-12th grade students are welcome to join us on January 17th-19th at The Uplands for a weekend of fun games, challenging lessons, and engaging small group and fellowship time. The cost is $150 per student, with scholarships available. Click the button below or contact the church office for more info.
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.
Church Cleanup Giveaway
November 24th 10am - 1pm
We’re cleaning out the church closets. With construction wrapping up, we have a variety of items that are no longer needed, including kids’ toys, file cabinets, rugs, chairs, strollers, baby items, and more.
Join us on Sunday, November 24th, from 10am to 1pm at the Compassion Building to see what you might need. All items are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Any remaining items will be donated to the Southside Mission at the end of the day.
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.
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.
Wednesday Family Meal
Wednesday, November 20, 4:45 pm
Join us this week for Pizza Night! The cost is $3 for individuals with a $15 max per family. To help us plan, please RSVP using your MyBethany or by calling the church office by Monday afternoon.
Discussion Questions
Icebreaker
If your life were made into a movie, whom would you choose to play yourself? What genre would best fit your life story? Who would you want to direct it?
Discussion Questions
Why do you think Paul emphasized the importance of prayer in the process of spreading the truth of the Gospel? How is the Lord honored by the spreading of the Gospel?
Paul asked the Thessalonians to pray that he be delivered from “wicked and evil men.” Whom might be referring to? What kind of prayer might this look like if you were to pray it personally? In what ways can we fight against those who try to stop the spread of the Gospel, while still loving and caring for unbelievers?
There are several ways to interpret Paul’s statement about “the steadfastness of Christ” (sometimes translated as “perseverance of Christ” or “patient endurance of Christ”). What are different ways to look at this concept? Which one do you think makes the most sense in the context of this passage? What is the connection between this concept and the love of God?
Application Questions
In what specific ways can you support and pray for the spread of the gospel in our community, nation, and world? Do you believe that prayer is emphasized in your life (especially in connection to sharing the Gospel)? Why or why not?
How do you handle setbacks when you seek to share the Gospel? How do you view those who actively hinder you or others from sharing?
Considering Paul’s prayer in verse 5, “direct your hearts to the love of God,” how can you cultivate a deeper awareness and understanding of God’s love in your life? Is that something you struggle with? (EX: “I know God loves me, but I don’t feel like he does.”)
