Continued on page 2

Suffering is a topic addressed often in Scripture and yet one frequently neglected by the happy Christian. Such neglect leaves us unready for the future and unproductive in the present. This world is broken and at some point its brokenness will spear us through and through. So I invite you to think with me for a few moments over the uncomfortable topic of suffering.

A friend experiencing an extreme trial recently lamented, “I do not know how much more I can withstand.” Those unfamiliar with deep suffering raise their eyes in surprise at such words coming from a person of faith, while those familiar with suffering nod at the authenticity of this solemn anguish. Dark trials burn up our internal resources and leave us with nothing more inside. We then groan, “How long, O Lord? How long?”

In health and happiness, we feel that we are strong in faith and that nothing could shake us. Suffering surprises us by pulling the covers off

our soul revealing the fragile nature of our inner world. One of my good friends in ministry is a man that I esteem to the highest degree for his faith and communion with God. Yet in his present distress he comments, “Today is a better day but I faced some fears and thoughts last night that I never dreamed I would face.” If that has not happened to you yet, it is good to thank God for the reprieve He has given. But it is a reprieve that will likely be shattered some day by some terrible hammer.

As we endure painful circumstances, two theological anchors dropped deeply into the sea of our soul will keep us from drowning in the tempest. We can rest upon the twin anchors of God’s sovereignty over every event and God’s love over His own. The God who loves us with an infinite love sovereignly sends every storm that rages against our peace. No storm comes upon us apart from our Father’s design. And every design of God is fashioned from His love for us. We can trust Him even as

Grace Is For the Weak

3 Mission Services The Connection Café In Memoriam Over the Coffee Cup

4 Men’s Ministry Daylight Savings Ends First Prayer Membership Class PrimeTime Fellowship Men’s Basketball

5 Adult Bible Communities Biblical Counseling

6 Birthdays & Anniversaries

7 November Calendar

8 Children’s Ministry

9 Open Hearts Open Homes Operation Christmas Child Women’s Ministries

10 Disaster Response

11 Int’l Student Ministry Flip This House College Care Packages Handbell Choir

12 Feast of Thanks &Turkey Bowl A Community Christmas

Dr. Ritch Boerckel

Senior Pastor

“Grace” continued from page 1

we cry out in bewilderment to Him. Job secured these two anchors during sunny days so that when the storm rained heavy blow upon blow against him, he was able through tears to say, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.” Job did not understand all that God was doing, but He knew that God could be trusted to be doing something meaningful in the midst of his severe losses.

The question that rings so loudly to the sufferer is “Why?” If we can find purpose, then we can persevere. Meaningless pain is the worst kind. We long to find a purpose that would make our pain meaningful. And thankfully, God is not silent regarding our trials’ significance. God does not reveal every aspect regarding His wise design for our grief, but He does reveal enough for us to trust Him in it. He designs enough purpose in our trials to sustain our joy in them. His purpose moves us not merely to a resigned acceptance but to a hopeful joy.

What eternal purpose does the Bible teach regarding trials that God in love sovereignly sends to sweep over us? Let us call Peter, James and Paul to the witness stand.

1 Peter 1:6-7 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

James 1:2-4 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Romans 5:3-5 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

God’s eternal purpose for our trials includes destroying sin, building our faith and revealing His

glory in our lives. These give us joy everlasting. Woefully, these precious purposes cannot be accomplished apart from personal experience in the fire. We do not typically grow deeply from other people’s trials.

Why are harsh trials so necessary to the refining of our faith and the rearranging of our lives? Why can’t I learn to hate sin without such hardships? Why can’t I learn to lean on God without experiencing anguish? Why can’t I fix my heart on eternity without the heat of God’s furnace searing my whole being? The answer is that trials bring us to the end of ourselves like nothing else can. They move us in desperation toward God for His help.

God does not give His grace to the strong; He gives His grace to the weak. The Physician does not make house calls to the healthy; He visits the sick. The value of our trials flows from the personal weakness they uncover. Without draining trials, we proudly put our human efforts to work to carve a life that is fulfilling and peaceful. God lovingly places us in His fire to consume our prideful independence. His fire awakens our creaturely neediness and drives us to seek God as our refuge.

Paul came to realize this through his own anguish. He writes in 2 Corinthians 12, “So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Our greatest strength is our weakness and our greatness weakness is our strength. Trials are a treasure because they lead us to God. “Thank you, Lord, for using trials to make us weak so that we can be strong in You.”

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Mission Services This Month

South Side Mission 1127 S. Laramie Street, Peoria November 17 at 6pm

Peoria Rescue Mission 601 SW Adams Street, Peoria November 18 and 21 at 7:30pm

Contact Jon Baumann at 303-5656 for further details.

J E U S

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A

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Thank You, dear Lord, for so many things;

How can we tell You, so much You do bring?

And we will try to rejoice as we share,

Name some of the good that You daily prepare.

Kindness and joy are from Your hands

Steadfast and sure are what You command.

Given so freely if we seek Your will.

Infinite God Who loves us all still.

Vigilant You are to all who believe,

I thank You, dear God, for all I receive!

Nothing too hard for You to renew,

God, let me give praise for this love from You!

Daily You walk by my side all the way,

And care for my needs as to You I do pray.

Your love and Your care abide with me still,

Prepare me, dear Lord, to do Thy sweet will!

Remember the sacrifice that You gave for me,

And thank You each day ‘til Your face I see.

In heaven I’ll thank You and praise You anew,

So help me be thankful in all that I do.

Even today I give thanks for Your care,

Following You gives me joy as I share!

One by one we will enter Your gates,

Remembering ‘til then to keep our path straight.

And help us to share Your love every day,

Leaning on You to show us Your way!

Loving You, Lord, in all that we do,

thanking again ‘til our day is through.

In Memoriam Joyce Teaney

November 29, 1943 - October 10, 2013

A Memorial Reception will be held at Bethany on Saturday, November 2 from 1-3pm.

Rosalind “Rose” Schaer February 15, 1936 - May 30, 2013

A Memorial Service will beheld at Bethany on Saturday, November 9 at 2pm.

The Connection Café will be opening November 10

The Connection Café is a ministry of connection, where people can connect with God, with other people, and with ministries, strengthening their connection within the body of Christ at Bethany Baptist Church. It is located in the foyer and will have coffee and teas at no charge. We are praying now for people who are interested in serving in the ministry by striking up conversations with new people, offering to pray with people, answering questions about ministries to people, having spiritual conversations with people, and helping people connect to God, to others and to Bethany. How can I get involved? Join The Connection Café Team! The Connection Café is looking for people to help connect people with each other and help connect people with God. Contact Denny and Jan Reed at (309) 370-4083 or dnjreed@pcwildblue.com.

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First Prayer Wednesday, November 6 & 20 6:30pm in the Prayer Room Join us as we set aside time for focused prayer as a church family. Nursery and childcare provided. First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people. I Timothy 2:1

Discovering Church Membership Sundays at 9:45 Beginning November 17

If you are interested in joining the church or learning more about Bethany, plan to attend this class which will be held in the Conference Room on Sunday mornings at 9:45am from November 17 to December 1. Sign up by calling the office at 692-1755.

PrimeTime Fellowship Monday, November 18 11:00am

All those age 50 and up are invited to join us! Our own Eric Betts (Tech Sgt. with the Air National Guard) will be joining us and sharing his testimony. Main dish will be provided. Bring a side or dessert to share. To sign up, call the church office at 692-1755.

Daily Light Savings Ends Saturday, November 2 Set your clocks back one hour before going to bed on Saturday, November 2!

Men’s Basketball Monday nights at 7pm for men college age and up For details, contact Grant Hannah (grant.hannah85@gmail.com) or Gary Stoller (grstoller@gmail.com).

Men’s Breakfast Saturday, November 16 at 7:30am

All men are invited for great food and fellowship. Pastor Ritch will be sharing. Sign up by calling the office at 692-1755.

Men’s Ministry

Save the Date

Simulcast at Bethany. Watch next month’s

Broadcaster for more information.

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Adult Bible Communities

Family

I always enjoyed sharing our discoveries with brothers and sisters in Christ. I’m truly blessed that our CrossPoint class is an honest and humble family of believers that love to study God’s Word together and minister to each other’s lives. Class discussions are my favorite time. Sometimes we fly off course a bit, but somehow the Spirit always navigates us safely through.

Life

It’s amazing how this ancient book is so relevant today. Only God’s Word can cut right through to the heart and speak truth to our lives. Many common themes run throughout Scripture. Faith, holiness, mercy, truth, and other great themes are stressed from beginning to end. This helps us to prioritize our lives around what’s really important.

You can do it!

I was surprised how accessible the Scriptures are to each of us. It’s a true blessing to have the advantage of great Bible teachers, but we should never take that to mean we can’t understand the Bible ourselves. The Scriptures open up for us when we ask the simple question: what is the author’s main point?

It was a crazy idea. Teaching through the entire Bible at the pace of a book per week sounded exciting, enlightening … and terrifying. It was over a year ago when the CrossPoint ABC took off on this adventure called the Bible Flyover, but together, and by God’s grace, we came to a safe and happy landing. I would love to share with you just a few personal “take homes” from our trip. Let’s use the acronym F-L-Y.

We’ve been all over the map on our journey, but the compass keeps pointing us back to Christ. We’d love to have you join us for our next adventure! What’s next? I have an idea. But I need to check gas prices first…

Brian Phillips teaches the CrossPoint ABC. They meet in Room 817 on Sunday mornings at 9:45. We encourage everyone to participate in an ABC for your joy.

Biblical Counseling Training Conference Let’s get to know one of our biblical counseling conference speakers Let me introduce you to Dr. Steve Viars. He is:

Senior Pastor of Faith Church in Lafayette, Indiana, since 1987 Instructor at Faith Bible Seminary Author of Putting Your Past in its Place Married to Kris and father of three

What you need to know about Steve. He is: One of the most engaging conference speakers you will hear A faithful student and teacher of the Word who has honed the skill of relating God’s truth to people’s lives A joy-filled and hopeful pastor living out what he preaches An experienced counselor who is able to bring Christ into the breadth of hurts people face A challenging equipper, provoking excellence in those he trains

Come to the Biblical Counseling Training Conference, “Equipping You For Christ-Centered Counseling,” February 9-14, 2014, at Faith Church, Lafayette, Indiana, and meet Steve for yourself. You will be challenged!

Visit www.faithlafayette.org/conferences to check out more from Dr. Steve Viars, and while you are there, be sure to register for the Conference or contact Melody Lewis at the church office at (309) 692-1755 or melody@bethanycentral.org for more information.

We’re looking forward to seeing you there!!!

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1 - Caleb Haywood - Sandy Howell - Shirley Mitzelfelt - Evan Smith - Rong & Fang Qu 2 - Emily Doty - J. Kurt Hidden - Jennifer Koch - Amy Park - Jason Schrepfer - Brad & Nancy Dunham - Jeremy & Nicole Powell 3 - Jan Mosier - Mike Rice - Jonathan Rumbold 4 - Mailys Bateman - Noelle Bates - Donna Jost - Ernie Perkins - Gary Zumwalt - Jon & Joy Baumann - Rick & Mary Smith 5 - Seth Burnham - Cheryl Harvey - Sue Magnuson - Dan Wilton - Jennifer Weers 6 - Erin Blucker - Corrine Kallina - Cindy King - Sydney Meuth - Janet Morris - Donna Parr - Jeff Stahl 7 - Bill Akright - Morgan Flinn - Andrew Fouts - Andrea Jensen - Vivian Moon - Brian Parrish - Abby Pfeiffer - Beau Rakestraw - Ann Rebholz - Isabelle Stauffer - Gary & Ann Bryant 8 - Donald Davis - Janet Farwell - CJ Larson - Dede Warner - Brian & Jill Phillips

9 - Norah Esslinger - Bridget Schnepel - Chris & Joy Siebenborn - Dennis & Carol Tracy - Joe & Joy Unseth 10 - Don & Helen Hrivnak 11 - Dave Fuelberth - Austin Lonergan - Debbie Shafer - Mikayla Nerad 12 - Lydia Hoerr - Jonah Johnson - Mary Louise Keys - Nathan Schellenberg - Ryan Siebethal - Michael Todd - Chris & Sandra Larson 13 - Eva Barnes - Andy Hofmann - Pauline Tomlinson - Attaleigh Moon - Robert & Toni Cassidy - Brian & Tracy Parrish 14 - Bill Burnett - Deanna Musselman - Roman Hapke - Hezekiah Witte - Reese Yanko - Dennis & Sharon VanMeter 15 - Katie Kastelic - Henry Lueken - Bob Read - Marc Robinson 16 - Cindy Brown - Anna Marie Chave - Addison Church - Jonathan Davison - Derek Fischer - Autumn Luan - Isaac Ramsay - Steven Riney - Phil & Anna Sceggel 17 - John Billhymer - Hannah Schellenberg - Justin Schepke - Mike Weber - Lon & Rita Grebner - Keith & Kathy Harvey

18 - Amanda Gustafson - Eric Charles - Ellie Graham - Anna Herring - Tara McClelland - Julie Roth - Marsha Zielinski - Will & Sara Good 19 - Charlie Billhymer - Gigi Billhymer - Michael Gonzales - Spencer Larson - Brent Mosier - Emily Weers - Zach & Jodi Mayne 20 - Hailey Buhl - Lauren Kelch - Jake Meister - Tina Myatt - David Weiss - Ben & Melissa Miller 21 - Barry Anderson - Jonathan Eisenmann - Jay Fuller - Pat Hadley - Jonah Powell - Kevin Qu - Lauren Queen - Nancy Queen - Barry Schnepel - Mark Tolson - Jim & Sarah Borop 22 - Larry Crossett - Michael Myers - Mazie Streitmatter - Kaleigh Walin - Bill Weber - Damilola Taiwo 23 - Thomas Hadsell - Deloris Isaacs - Christian Kim - Nathaniel Mayne - Doug Talbot - Scott & Bonita Flinn 24 - Kolben Haroldson - Sarah Pascual - Kevin Scholl - Hannah Ugorji - Jeffrey & Lisa Collins - Mark & Marlea Yonke

25 - Carson Benedict - Andrea Gillespie - Jack Lonergan - Joe & Cora Grimaldi - Stanley & Susan Meinert 26 - Wes Benson - Erin Church - Ted Lueken - Luke Peters - Colton Rekus - Abigail Sauder - Galen & Joy Koch 27 - Lindsey Button - Toni Cassidy - Holly Miller - Jane Perkins 28 - Lisa Bryant - Bonita Flinn - Rick Gibbons - Blake Graham - Chad Herman - Jeff Howard - Setche Kwamu-Nana - Ryan Rumbold - Garrett Brock 29 - Joy Baumann - Brady Ellenbecker - Rachel Ellenbecker - Ava Heinz - Connie Hoerr - Don Hrivnak - Lena Kieser - Rosemary Moffatt - Barbara Moore - Caroline Taiwo - Dennis & Shelly Lester 30 - Emma Baumann - Jessica Boerckel - Angela DeSoto - Kailee Dowd - Sophie Meuth - Slone Windish

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November 2013 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 10:30-12:00pm Handbell Rehearsal

2 1:00-3:00pm Joyce Teaney Memorial Open House

3 8:15 & 11:00am Worship Services 9:45am Sunday School 4:00pm Children’s Choir 4:07pm Teen Choir

4 7:00pm Men’s Basketball

5 9:00am & 7:00pm Men’s Bible Studies

9:00am, 12:30pm, & 4:30pm Ladies Bible Studies 12:20pm & 6:15pm GriefShare

6 5:00-5:45pm Family Meal (Gondola) 6:15pm Awana Youth Group Handbell Rehearsal 6:30pm First Prayer 7:45pm Choir Rehearsal

7 8 9:00am MOPS 10:30-12:00pm Handbell Rehearsal 6:30-8:30pm Special Needs Date Night

9 9:00am ACC Choir & Orch. Rehearsal 10:00am Korinne Talbot Bridal Shower 2:00pm Rose Schaer Service

10 8:15 & 11:00am Worship Services 9:45am Sunday School 4:00pm Children’s Choir 4:07pm Teen Choir

Veteran’s Recognition Day

11 7:00pm Men’s Basketball

12 9:00am & 7:00pm Men’s Bible Studies

9:00am, 12:30pm, & 4:30pm Ladies Bible Studies 12:20pm & 6:15pm GriefShare

13 5:00-5:45pm Family Meal (BBQ) 6:15pm Youth Group Awana Prayer Room Open Handbell Rehearsal 7:45pm Choir Rehearsal

14 15 10:30-12:00pm Handbell Rehearsal

16 7:30am Men’s Breakfast

17 8:15 & 11:00am Worship Services 9:45am Sunday School Membership Class 4:00pm ACC Rehearsal 4:07pm Teen Choir

18 11:00am PrimeTime Fellowship 7:00pm Women Helping Women Work Night Men’s Basketball

19 9:00am & 7:00pm Men’s Bible Studies

9:00am, 12:30pm, & 4:30pm Ladies Bible Studies 12:20pm & 6:15pm GriefShare 6:00pm Hats of Hope Worknight

20 5:00-5:45pm Family Meal (Chicken Strips) 6:15pm Awana Handbell Rehearsal 6:30pm First Prayer Youth at First Prayer 7:45pm Choir Rehearsal

21 22 9:00am MOPS BRUNCH 10:30-12:00pm Handbell Rehearsal

23 9:00am ACC Choir & Orch. Rehearsal

24 8:15 & 11:00am Worship Services 9:45am Sunday School Membership Class 2:00pm Turkey Bowl 4:00pm Children’s Choir 5:30pm Feast of Thanks

25 7:00pm Men’s Basketball

26 9:00am & 7:00pm Men’s Bible Studies

9:00am, 12:30pm, & 4:30pm Ladies Bible Studies 12:20pm & 6:15pm GriefShare 7:30pm Charlotte Mason Group Mtg.

27 No Wednesday Evening Activities

28 Happy Thanksgiving! Office Closed

29 Office Closed

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|—— Junior High Retreat ———>

|—— Singles Retreat ———>

Children’s Ministry

Family Focus: Thanksgiving Countdown Play this Thanksgiving game with your family to help them focus on all they're thankful for. Plan to do one activity a day in the week leading up to Thanksgiving, before you have family prayer time.

Have family members take turns naming...

November 21 Seven people we can pray for this Thanksgiving season. November 22 Six attributes of God that mean the most to you. November 23 Five things that God created that you couldn’t live without. November 24 Four people that encourage you in your faith. November 25 Three things you’re thankful for about your family’s faith. November 26 Two things you’ve learned about God this year that have

changed your life. November 27 One verse that helps you understand Jesus more. November 28 Praise God together for all the blessings in your family’s life

SS and Children’s Church Lessons This Month We are thrilled to partner with you as you faithfully instruct your children in the truths of God’s Word. Please use the following scripture references to study with your children before lesson each week, so they can be prepared when they come to learn more.

AWANA Bethany has been blessed to have over 240 children come each Wednesday night for Scripture memory, games, and Bible time! Is your child involved in AWANA? We want to encourage you to disciple your children at home by working with them on their Scripture memory. Here are some tips to make Scripture memory simple, easy and fun (suggestions taken from www.awana.org).

Make flash cards – use lots of colorful markers and fun paper to encourage your child to learn the verse. Tape verses in a conspicuous area – tape their verse to the bathroom mirror, or somewhere by your child’s bed so they can review it as they fall asleep. Use only the first letter of each word – Print the first letter of each word in a verse on a white board or index card. As your child uses the first letters for clues to the next word, he is actually memorizing the verse. Reverse roles – When your child is having difficulty learning a section, reverse the roles. Ask your child to ‘teach’ the section to you. This helps both you and your child learn the verse.

REMINDER: There will be no AWANA or Family meal on November 27.

Wendy Kirkpatrick

wendy@bethanycentral.org

Celebrating the Birth of Christ Plan ahead to make the Christmas season a special time of reflecting upon Christ for you and your family! Resources will be offered to help you fill your homes with conversations about the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ! Beginning Sunday, November 10, there will be resources to celebrate the birth of Christ located in our Church Resource Center. Please prayerfully consider how you can purposefully shepherd your own heart (and your family’s!) toward the true reason for Christmas this year.

11-3 SS: Matthew 9:18-26 Jesus has the Power over Disease and Death CC: Jonah 1-4 Jonah Prophet to Nineveh

11-10 SS: Matthew 11:20-30 Jesus Promises Rest CC: Joel 1-3 Joel, Prophet to Judah

11-17 SS: Matthew 12:22-50 Jesus Rebukes the Pharisees CC: Isaiah 6 God Called Isaiah

11-24 SS: Matthew 13:1-23 Jesus Teaches the Parable of the Sower CC: Isaiah 7 Isaiah Confronted Ahaz

Grace and Peace Parent’s Night Out Friday, November 8, 6:30-8:30pm Parents of children with special needs are invited to bring their children (all children with special needs and their siblings) to church for two hours of Christ-centered fun, while the parents get a free night out on their own. Sign up in advance by visiting www.bethanycentral.org.

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Open Hearts Open Homes Orphan Care Ministry

On October 11-12 approximately 90 people attended the A Passion for the Fatherless 2013 Orphan Care Conference. The conference focused on the biblical foundation for orphan care and took steps toward equipping the local church to care for orphans in many different forms. Keynote speakers included: Tony Merida, Rick Morton, and Daniel Bennett.

Tony Merida, co-author of Orphanology, talked to conference attendees about being motivated and sustained by theology. Taking the group through Psalm 146, Pastor Merida encouraged those listening to have a high view of God through:

1. Praising Him continually2. Trusting God supremely3. Imitating Him faithfullyIn doing this, followers are able to minister out of the health of their soul which in turn sustains praise all for the glory of God.

Join us in praying for who that attended as they process how God would have them respond to the teaching they took in on this weekend.

Ongoing ministry: Focused Fellowship for ladies, the third Monday of each month at 7pm. Meeting at the home of Monica Lonergan (1111 W. Burnside Drive, Peoria.) For additional information, contact Amy at 251-7250.

openheartsopenhomesministry@blogspot.com

Operation Christmas Child

Since 1993, more than 100 million boys and girls in over 130 countries have experienced God’s love through the power of simple shoebox gifts from Operation Christmas Child. Samaritan’s Purse works with local churches and ministry partners to deliver the gifts and share the life-changing Good News of Jesus Christ.

Pick up a ready-made box and a form with mailing label from the Resource Center in the church foyer. Bring filled boxes back with your $7 donation to cover mailing cost by Sunday, November 17. Contact Carol Vance at 387-2021 for more information.

For more information visit: www.samaritanspurse.org

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Women’s Ministries

Work Nights

Bethany Fellowship of Churches Women’s Event

January 17-18, 2014 at Bethany Baptist

Save the date and watch your worship bulletin and next month’s Broadcaster for more details.

Women Helping Women Monday, November 18 at 7pm Women Helping Women serves those experiencing miscarriage, still birth, early infant death, and infertility. On work nights we prepare products and kits for keepsake boxes that will help parents through the difficulty of losing a child. Sewing skills are not required. Contact Nicole Pepper at 683-1181.

Hats of Hope Tuesday, November 19 at 6pm The work nights are an opportunity to come and meet some cancer survivors, use your gifts and talents in sewing and knitting, or simply to cut fabric and make fabric flowers for hats for cancer patients. Yarn and materials are supplied for you if you desire to make hats at home. Contact: Holly Miller at 648-1693 or hlm112770@aol.com.

Bridal Shower for Korinne Talbot Saturday, November 9 at 10am

Korinne is engaged to Alexander Smillie. They are registered at Amazon.com and Bed Bath & Beyond.

Jesus showed compassion toward people by touching and healing many who had physical needs and demonstrating His love and care even through the ultimate act of compassion—that of dying on the cross as a substitute for our sins. Following Christ's example, Bethany desires through these ministries to care for people, touching them physically while also ministering to their spiritual needs.

As part of Bethany's Compassion Ministries, the Disaster Response, Recovery and Service Ministry is focused on meeting physical and spiritual needs resulting from poverty, natural disaster, physical infirmity, life/family

circumstances, and other causes. To date, these efforts have centered around construction, relief, and maintenance related activities in response to natural disasters, care for widows/singles, support for inner-city ministries, meeting special needs, and caring for our own Bethany facilities. A few of the ways in which volunteers from the Bethany community of churches have helped in recent months include:

Peoria-area flood response

Rebuilds following tornado damage in Joplin, MO, and

Hurricane Sandy destruction in Nassau County, NY with

Samaritan's Purse. “Building the Walls” initiative for the homeless in Mexico

Through this ministry, volunteers have had the opportunity to “Help in Jesus’ Name” as they meet the physical needs of those they serve. More importantly, the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been shared with homeowners, neighbors, contractors, and others with whom the team has come in contact as they extend a helping hand.

As this ministry continues to identify and respond to developing needs, we are experiencing a growing list of opportunities to provide physical support and spiritual encouragement. We need and welcome all men and women with an interest in supporting this important ministry to the local community and beyond. Minimum qualification is a heart for service!! Again, everyone is welcome and able to contribute!!

If you are interested in joining the Disaster Response, Recovery, and Service Ministry team, contact Barry Heisey Jason Barley Roger Krikke

heisey.j.barry@gmail.com jason.barley@gmail.com emsdad55@gmail.com

Home and auto repair, maintenance, and construction to singles, widows, elderly,

and special needs.

Landscaping and maintenance support for our Bethany facilities.

Disaster Response, Recovery and Service Ministry a division of Bethany’s Compassion Ministry

By Barry Heisey

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“Flip This House”

March 7-8, 2014

Save the date and plan to join us for a conference

with Clay and Renee Crosse.

HolyHomes was founded by popular recording artist Clay Crosse and his wife Renee after they went through a re-commitment of their marriage and home to Christ in 1998. Their story of how God restored their marriage from near destruction is a driving force behind the ministry HolyHomes. We are excited to welcome Clay and Renee in March. Please save the date on your calendar and watch your worship bulletin and future issues of the Broadcaster for additional information.

Interested in joining a Handbell Choir?

You do not need any special skills to play handbells we will provide training. If you can count to ten you can play handbells!

Join a day time or evening choir.

Daytime Choir: meets every Friday from 10:30am – 12:00pm in the Choir Room

Evening Choir: meets every Wednesday from 6:15pm-7:15pm in the Choir Room

Questions? Contact Pastor Fred at fred@bethanycentral.org or 309.692.1755.

Use Your Vehicle as an Inroad to the Gospel

Since the start of the semester at Bradley we've come in contact with more international students than any year before. One of the biggest opportunities both to serve these students and build relationships where we can point them to the hope of the Gospel is through giving driving lessons. I know this can sound a bit crazy, but it really can be one of the things that starts to soften students and create opportunities for the Gospel.

If you are interested, even in the very least, in driving with a student, please let me know. I can give you more information about what it actually looks like to try to teach someone to drive and give you some pointers on how to get started. We won't just throw you in the passenger seat, at least not right away.

For more information, contact Joel Taylor at joelmtaylor@gmail.com.

If you have a student who is currently at college,

please contact the church office with their

address.

College Care Packages

Did you know that our church has over 100 college students? In November we will be sending them care packages from our church body.

We are collecting miscellaneous food, snack, and fun items to send in boxes to our college students. Donations can be dropped off at the Welcome Center now through November 10.

For more information, contact Kari in the church office at kari@bethanycentral.org.

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Feast of Thanks Sunday, November 24 — 5:30pm

Plan now to join us for a time of sharing a meal and giving thanks to God for

His provision for us in this past year.

Turkey and beverage will be provided.

Bring any two of: Veggie, Salad, Dessert

RSVP online or through a bulletin

insert.

Before the Feast of Thanks join us for the

Turkey Bowl at 2pm On Our Property

This is our annual “old folks”

vs. youth football game.

Come to play or to cheer for

your team. See Aaron for

details. We will also offer

Ultimate Frisbee.

Light Has Come

A Community Christmas 2013 Invite your friends and family!

Saturday, December 7 at Bethany Baptist Church

2:00pm and 6:00pm

FREE Tickets are required for each performance. They will be available at the Welcome Center,

the office (692-1755), or online beginning Nov. 10.

A Community Christmas will also be held: Dec. 6 at 7pm at Five Points, Washington

Dec. 8 at 6pm at Living Hope Community Church, Bartonville

For more information visit www.ACommunityChristmas.com

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

P A I D PEORIA, ILLINOIS PERMIT NO. 917

Return Service Requested

Bethany Baptist Church

7422 N. Heinz Lane

Edwards, IL 61528