MAY 2016
ISSUE 1012
The Broadcaster In This Issue
Three Poems and a Point
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May Calendar Highlights
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May Showers Annual Meeting PrimeTime Fellowship Church Membership Class Women’s Helping Women Hats of Hope Prayer Rally
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Student Ministries Children’s Ministries
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Knowing Christ Radio
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125th Anniversary
Professors who teach preaching classes sometimes joke that a sermon is “three points and a poem.” By way of observation, the three points continue to be a mainstay, but the poem has largely disappeared from the modern sermon. Of course a poem is not a requirement for a biblical message so there is no sin in its absence. But I do believe poetry has a place in Christian thought.
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MusiCamp 2016
I am always thankful for members who share the poetry that they have written. Poetry is used by God in Scripture to connect our minds and emotions to His truth in ways that prose cannot. The Christian’s love of the Psalms is a testimony to this truth. So
Dr. Ritch Boerckel
for this Broadcaster article, I thought that I might share three poems and a point. I have selected two poems written by people from Bethany and one poem from a Christian hymn writer from the past. (I pray that by including two poems from our church members that I do not discourage others who have shared their own works with me. I wish I had space to share more! Please continue to use your creative talents to write!) Poems are meant to be read slowly . . . with a cup of coffee in one’s hand. So please, do not read these in a rush. They will be lost to you. But wait till you have some time to reflect and then enjoy! Continued on page 2.
Three Poems and a Point | Continued from page 1.
Poem #1: It is Enough by Sandy Miller It is enough— ’twas Mercy’s plan that One should die for all. It is enough— no other deed could redeem mankind’s fall.
Grace astounding— Grace abounding— is where our faith does rest. Christ’s love expressed in suffering is the legacy we confess.
So, Father, please forgive us; it’s our deepest, sin-stained plea. For it is enough that Jesus died— that He died for you and me.
It is enough to speak Christ’s name when prayerful thoughts are dry. It is enough to own His words, “It is finished!”—His final victory cry.
The brokenness we inherited from Adam caused a mutation on mankind’s soul. But the righteousness found in Christ alone is enough to make us whole.
But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
We cannot add one single drop to Christ’s sacrificial blood. The only favor we can claim was sanctioned by God’s love.
It is enough! It is enough! May this be our lifelong song. It is enough! It is enough! To Jesus we belong.
Poetry is used by God in Scripture to connect our minds and emotions to His truth in ways that prose cannot. Poem #2: Remember by Alexander Boerckel Remember Christ the Lord this day, For on the cross did Jesus stay Not because of some great worth in us, But for His joy he drank the cup Remember Him at work or play, He will never us betray God is the one and only king, So always let his praises ring
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Remember the saints around the world Who suffer so for Christ’s great name They need your prayers and kindness so, As they endure the persecution pain We are all called to be like them To suffer For Christ until the end So thank God today for his good grace And ever long to see his face
Remember Christ’s most hopeful promise, Do not be like doubting Thomas He will surely come again, And on that day be ready friend For it will be a glorious time But only if Christ is truly thine So go now friend and read the Word, And let the Words of Christ be heard.
Three Poems and a Point | Continued from page 2.
May Calendar Highlights Poem #3: Vanity of the World by William Cowper God gives his mercies to be spent; Your hoard will do your soul no good. Gold is a blessing only lent, Repaid by giving others food. The world's esteem is but a bribe, To buy their peace you sell your own; The slave of a vainglorious tribe, Who hate you while they make you known. The joy that vain amusements give, Oh! sad conclusion that it brings! The honey of a crowded hive, Defended by a thousand stings. 'Tis thus the world rewards the fools That live upon her treacherous smiles: She leads them blindfold by her rules, And ruins all whom she beguiles. God knows the thousands who go down From pleasure into endless woe; And with a long despairing groan Blaspheme the Maker as they go. Oh fearful thought! be timely wise; Delight but in a Saviour's charms, And God shall take you to the skies, Embraced in everlasting arms.
My point: God delights to use each of His gifts for His praise. If God has gifted you with creative talent, employ it for His glory! The church finds deeper joy in God as He communicates His wonder through the creativity of His people. The devil makes full use of sinful man’s creative gifts. May God’s people not be less zealous in our efforts!
May 1
Worship Services, 8:15 and 11:00am Sunday School/ABCs, 9:45am Budget Informational Meeting, 9:45am Children’s Choir, 4:00pm
May 4
Awana Awards, 6:15pm Jr. High/Sr. High Youth Group, 6:15pm
May 7
Toni Myatt Bridal Shower, 11:00am
May 8
Worship Services, 8:15 and 11:00am Sunday School/ABCs, 9:45am
May 13
Jr. High Late Night, 6:00pm
May 14
Lindsay Tollefson Bridal Shower, 10:00am
May 15
Worship Services, 8:15 and 11:00am Annual Meeting, 9:45am Sunday School, 9:45am Beakley Adoption Shower, 3:00pm Children’s Choir, 4:00pm
May 16
PrimeTime, 11:00am Women Helping Women, 7:00pm
May 17
Hats of Hope, 6:00pm
May 21
Stephanie Bleikamp Bridal Shower, 10am
May 22
Worship Services, 8:15 and 11:00am Sunday School/ABCs, 9:45am Discovering Church Membership, 9:45am Children’s S.S. Teacher Lunch, 12:30pm Children’s Choir, 4:00pm
May 29
Worship Services, 8:15 and 11:00am Sunday School/ABCs, 9:45am Discovering Church Membership, 9:45am
May 30
Memorial Day — Office Closed
View the entire calendar online at: www.bethanycentral.org/connect/calendar The Birthday & Anniversary List is available at the Welcome Center. 3
Showers This Month Toni Myatt Bridal Shower Saturday, May 7 at 11am in the Café Rosemary Moffatt and Tina Myatt invite all ladies to a Bridal Shower for Toni Myatt. Toni and her fiancé Strati Trilikis are registered at Target and Bed, Bath & Beyond.
Women’s Ministry Work Nights Women Helping Women Monday, May 16 at 7pm Join us as 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, 683-1181
Lindsay Tollefson Bridal Shower
Hats of Hope
Saturday, May 14 at 10:00am in the Café The Hornbrook Small Group invites all ladies to a Bridal Shower for Lindsay Tollefson. Lindsay and her fiancé Caleb York are registered at Amazon.com and Bed, Bath & Beyond.
Tuesday, May 17 at 6pm Use your gifts and talents in sewing and knitting, or simply 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, 648-1693
Josh & Janea Beakley Adoption Shower Sunday, May 15 at 3pm in the Café Kristin Hoyt invites everyone—couples, families, singles—to celebrate the adoption of Jade (age 3) and Jude (age 1) into the Beakley family. They are registered at Target.
Stephanie Bleikamp Bridal Shower Saturday, May 21 at 10am in the Café Lisa & Melissa Lueken invite all ladies to a Bridal Shower Brunch for Stephanie Bleikamp. Stephanie is engaged to Matthew Lueken and they are registered at Bed, Bath & Beyond and Amazon.com.
Annual Meeting Sunday, May 15 at 9:45am Join us as we celebrate what God has done this past year and vote on the 2016-17 budget and church officers.
PrimeTime Fellowship Monday, May 16 11:00am in the Sr. High Room
All those age 55 and up are invited to join us for a delicious lunch and sweet fellowship. Pastor Lyall will be sharing on Lessons Learned From Losing a Loved One. To sign up, call the church office at 692-1755.
Discovering Church Membership Sundays at 9:45am May 22, May 29, June 6
If you are interested in joining the church or just learning more about Bethany, plan to attend. Please RSVP to the church office at 692-1755 or email jennifer@bethanycentral.org. 4
Tuesday, June 14 Bus Trip From Bethany To Springfield Prayer Rally We will depart from Bethany at 9am. The event is from 12-1 pm. Bring a snack/lunch if desired. We will make a fast food stop following the event and plan to return by 3:30 pm. To sign up, please call the church office at 692-1755. The Decision America Tour is visiting all 50 state capitals this year to challenge Christians to pray for the United States and its leaders, and to live and promote biblical principles at home, in public and at the ballot box.
Children’s Ministries Our desire in Children’s Ministries is to come alongside parents to influence the next generation for the Lord. The Psalmist has this same heart’s desire: “Let me proclaim Your power to this new generation, Your mighty miracles to all who come after me” (Ps. 71:18b, NLT). As you look toward the summer, plan on your children joining us at VBS and MusiCamp. Here, your children will learn truths from God’s Word and learn songs that will apply these truths to their hearts for the rest of their lives. Let me share with you the words to a challenging children’s song—truths we all need to learn—truths to remember throughout life:
Ginny Smith — ginny@bethanycentral.org ALMIGHTY GOD When I feel “little” inside, I will trust in You, Lord, to provide all of the power to do what You have called me to, Almighty God.
If my heart would doubt or fear, then I’ll ask You, Lord, to draw near. As a child, I’ll take Your hand-in Your strength alone I’ll stand, Almighty God.
When I feel, oh, so small, that is when on You I’ll call— asking You to lift me up, giving strength to not give up, Almighty God.
For You are bigger than all my weakness. You are bigger than all my failures, too. Yes, You are bigger than all my fears, Lord. That’s why I am trusting in You!
For You are bigger than mountains that won’t move. You are bigger than giants that need to fall. Yes, You are bigger than seas that won’t part. You are bigger than any Jericho wall. When I do not understand what it is that You have planned, then I’ll ask for faith to live in the promises You give, Almighty God.
So, when I feel “little” inside, I will trust in You, Lord, to provide all of the power to do what You have called me to, Almighty God! Used by permission.
May you and your children have a wonderful summer growing in the Lord! 5
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NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE P A I D PEORIA, ILLINOIS PERMIT NO. 917
7422 N. Heinz Lane Edwards, IL 61528
Address Service Requested
MusiCamp 2016 JUNE 6 - 10 — 6:00 - 8:15pm For kids who have finished K—6th grade.
We will work on the Back to the Cross musical which will be presented on Sunday, June 12 at 6pm.
Cost is $10 per child (for t-shirts).
For more information or to volunteer to help contact: Dawn Hintz at hintzpack@gmail.com or Pastor Fred at fred@bethanycentral.org.