What Is Happening To This Dark World? Just a few days ago in Portland, Oregon, on Tuesday afternoon, December 11 a lone gunman wearing a hockey-style face mask and dark clothes walked into the pleasant, peaceful Clackamas Town shopping center carrying an assault rifle. Witnesses counted as many as 60 shots before the assailant turned the gun on himself. When this unleashed evil finally fell silent, three people were dead, including the 22 year-old killer.
by Dr. Ritch Boerckel
varied from individual to individual. But each consequence plummets the individual and the whole society into a deep spiritual darkness. The failure to submit to God leads to an abandonment to our base desires and such abandonment brings pain in spades upon individuals and culture at large. The list of consequences of forsaking God is endless: senseless massacres, babies born outside of the nurturing bonds of marriage, corporate greed and ruthlessness that Just hours ago, another news story undermines both economic prosperity and announced that 20 elementary school human dignity, sexual perversions that children and six other adults have perished destroy body and soul, deceit in personal as 20-year-old man opened fire in a school relationships that erodes basic trust in building in Connecticut. What sadness. communities and families, a rejection of What heartache. What evil! marriage vows that makes marriage itself a What is happening in this dark world? mockery, a resentment by the poor against I am not a secular sociologist. I am a pastor the rich and a resentment by the rich against the poor that leads to social unrest, a who sees the world through the lens of God’s revealed truth in Scripture. And here dependence on government as a god that is what I read about the days in which we live strips away individual liberties and essential responsibilities, a hatred for unborn babies as I read my Bible: that leads to the sanctioned deaths of But realize this, that in the last days difficult millions of the most vulnerable and times will come. For men will be lovers of innocent, . . . Where do I stop with such a self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, list? A culture that shakes her fist at God revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unleashes unfathomable despair upon unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious herself. gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers In our country, we are rapidly moving toward of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding a place where we not only are purposefully neglecting God, not only are proudly to a form of godliness, although they have rejecting God, but we are on the verge of denied its power (2 Tim. 3:1-5). criminalizing Him. That is to say, that our God warns us that in the last days mankind will turn from Him and turn inward toward (Continued on page 2) self. The consequences of such turning are
January 2013
Over the Coffee Cup Children’s Ministry Missions Open Hearts Open Homes Marriage Maintenance Couple’s Conference Valentine Banquet Biblical Counseling Conf. Evangelism Explosion Trewyn Opportunities The Gospel Institute January Calendar January Birthdays/Ann’y Ladies Studies Parent/Child Dedication Prayer Room Open GriefShare First Prayer
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Rummel Baby Shower Carver Bridal Shower
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Engage 2013
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Men’s Breakfast
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Men’s Basketball
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No Regrets Men’s Conf. Reality Check Women’s Conf.
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Continued from page 1 - What Is Happening To This Dark World?
culture is moving toward making the public acknowledgement of God and God’s truth to be against the laws of the land. It is beginning slowly . . . federal mandates requiring Christian companies to provide abortions, enormous fines given to Christian photographers who turn down same-sex wedding contracts, suspensions for employees who sign petitions for ballot initiatives promoting the biblical definition of marriage. All of these and more have already happened in our sweet land of liberty. So what are we to do? We of all people have reason for great hope! We are not of the darkness and so we do not despair. Evil and suffering are conquered in the death and resurrection of Jesus. As people transformed by God’s grace, we are to be God’s people bringing His truth, His righteousness, His love, and His peace to this world. We are effective in influencing our world only as we commit in faith to being separate from the world. We cannot be of the world and help the world at the same time. We must be separate. Separation from the world begins with earnest repentance from our affections for this world and the
idols of this world. Separation then calls us to sincere faith toward God and His provision. Faith believes that God alone rewards those who seek and serve Him. We never lose when we lose the world. We never die when we die to the things of this world. Without a death; we will not find life, nor give life. And the world will grow darker and darker. And we will be left wondering why. The London Times once solicited essays from several renowned authors on the topic: "What is wrong with the world?" The Times received a number of lengthy replies pointing to one or another trend, idea, or situation. Chesterton's contribution was a two-word letter: Dear Sirs, I am. Sincerely yours, G. K. Chesterton By the power of Christ in the Gospel, THAT is something that we can change!
Over the Coffee Cup
by Char Wallen
If I were to offer you anything you desired this new year, what would your answer be to me? Jack said he’d like a new car with all the extras on it. Kathy said she’d like a new job that paid very well. Grandma said she’d like a day away from home where she could just relax. Uncle Ben said he’d be happy with a cup of coffee. I’m trying to decide what I might like if you would offer me my desire. This isn’t easy to decide as many thoughts go through one’s mind. I’d like a friend to take me shopping and help me find a pair of brown flat shoes. I got tired of my household jobs, but do I want someone rearranging my format after all these years? Maybe I’d settle for a cup of coffee! What are your desires, or haven’t you given it much thought? What is important to you as you go through life? A new year is before us, and do you foresee any changes? They can be good or bad, but we surely want the good! What does the Bible say about desires? Let’s take some time and pursue it. Romans 7:18b says: “For I have the desire to do good, but I cannot carry it out.” Further, “who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 7:24-15) What must I do? “I desire to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart.” (Psalm 40:8) Then, “may He give you the desires of your heart, and make all your plans succeed.” (Psalm 20:4) P.S. God, please help me to daily follow your D E S I R E. Deity first, Encourager, Servant, Inspiration, Revere, Edifier for Your honor. Thank You; this is my desire.
Issue 975
VBS in January?
Jerry Sanderson
Time to start thinking about Vacation Bible School. It will be July 8-12 and the theme will be The Kingdom Chronicles – Standing Strong in the Battle for Truth and will combine some Old Testament with the Scripture focus on Ephesians 6:10-18. Mark your calendars. More information to follow. See Jerry Sanderson for more information.
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Sunday School
Pastor Kevin
Happy New Year! In January we will be starting to study Samuel. The Scriptures covered in January are: 6
Ruth 1-4
God’s Sovereignty in the Book of Ruth
13 1 Samuel 1–7
God Gives Israel a Prophet and Judge
20 1 Samuel 8–12
Israel Rejects God as King
Nursery
27 1 Samuel 13:1–14; 15:1–34
Saul Disobeys God
Praise God that we continue to see a lot of precious babies born at Bethany! What a privilege it is to give loving and safe care to the little ones so their parents can worship with peace of mind.
Parent Cards: Digging Deeper into the Truths of God’s Word
AWANA AWANA starts again on January 9.
If you are newer to Bethany, or if you have been at Bethany a long time, Nursery Ministry is for you. Bethany is blessed to have new children every week. Nursery is a foundational ministry that we ask all members and attenders to participate in. Are you on a Nursery Team yet? Teams serve only 4 times a year. Please see Jaclyn Taylor or Jerry Sanderson (jerry@bethanycentral.org) for more information.
Missions in January Would you like to pray more effectively for our missionaries this year? Sign up for the Missions Prayer Newsletter, which is distributed electronically each month (except during the summer). Visit the Bethany website and subscribe to the missions e-mail.
Parent Cards are available to you to help drive these truths home. These cards summarize the weekly lessons from Sunday School and Children’s Church, and include discussion questions and related family activities to enjoy together. We want to help you fill your homes with conversations about God and the Scriptures! Parent Cards are sent home with the children on the first Sunday of each month. You may also download current Parent Cards from our Children’s Ministry webpage or pick them up from our Children’s Ministry Registration Desk anytime.
Are you interested in short-term or full-time missions service? We would like to hear about your heart to serve and help you take the right steps to get to the missions field. We have a Nurture Program designed to help you prepare as well. Please contact Joel Taylor at 361-7958 or joelmtaylor@gmail.com to hear more about this vital program. -The Missions Committee
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Open Hearts, Open Homes: Question & Answers with Dan Hoyt. Dan and his wife Summer are in the process of adopting a daughter from Ethiopia and hope to bring her home soon. What can you tell us about the child you in the process of adopting? She's a gorgeous 21-month-old Ethiopian with at lot of spunk. Stunning eyes. Big smile. Hilarious giggle. Valentine's Day for a birthday. But really, we have a lot to learn about our precious daughter. What is something God has taught you as a result of the adoption process? I’ve learned some patience. I’ve learned about God’s attention to the details of our lives. I’ve learned to trust His sovereign kindness even when there’s pain. I’ve begun to learn how to love more like He does. I’ve learned that this world hates children (but God delights in rescuing). Bureaucracies are irrational. I’ve learned that I need my siblings (both natural and supernatural). I’ve learned to expect God to answer prayers unexpectedly.
Open Hearts Open Homes Orphan Care Ministry
I’ve learned that adoption is not merely an analogy, it’s reality. All over Scripture the joyous refrain of the saints is that God has given us His Name! We are His children. Before we were lost, alone, rebellious … but Jesus invested everything He had to make us His legal brothers and sisters. Yes, I have been saved from sin. From death. From hell. But oh, the joy! I’m part of a family!! How can we pray for you as you continue towards completing your adoption? 1. That the US Embassy paperwork and process will go smoothly and quickly. Lord willing, Amari will be home by Christmas or at least in early January. 2. Wisdom, love, refreshment, perspective … the heart resources we’ll need to prepare our family for this transition and to help Amari learn what family means. Please pray especially for Kalila and Adrielle as there is no way for us to prepare their hearts for the ups and downs ahead. 3. Please pray for provision. Amari was a waiting child. God directed us toward her and we are trusting Him to provide the funds to cover the agency charge as well as Amari’s medical needs. For more information about connecting with orphan care, check out the ministry blog: openheartsopenhomesministry.blogspot.com
Marriage Maintenance Checkups Have you ever gone to a car dealer for a 30,000–mile maintenance check? We want to offer the same type of service for something far more important than your car—your marriage! We would encourage everyone to consider participating in a Marriage Maintenance Checkup, especially those couples who will celebrate their first anniversary in 2013 or those who will celebrate an anniversary that is a multiple of five (fifth, tenth, fifteenth, etc.). In February, we will be offering 35-minute appointments with one of our pastors. Plan now to set aside time during the week of February 25-28 to invest in your marriage! Watch your bulletin for details.
Valentine’s Banquet Friday, February 15, 2012 Bethany Baptist Church Cost: $26 per couple
Don’t miss the 2013 Bethany Valentine Couple’s Conference! We are excited to announce that Pastor Ritch and Pastor Art Georges will be joining us for our annual Valentine Couple’s Conference on February 16. Be sure to mark your calendars and plan to join us for this valuable time. Meal prepared by Chef Lyall. Sign up will begin January 20 by bulletin insert, on-line at www.bethanycentral.org or by calling the church office at 692-1755. RSVP deadline: February 10
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Biblical Counseling Training Conference
As the first semester of The Gospel Institute comes to a successful close, we can’t help but look back and marvel at what God has taught us. Our vision is to make the pursuit of God in the Gospel our passion, and the Lord is doing just that.
February 10–15, 2013 It’s not too late to mark your calendars for the Biblical Counseling Training Conference being held at Faith Baptist Church in Lafayette, IN, February 10–15. The theme of the conference is “Equipping you for ChristCentered Counseling.” You might rightly ask, why should you register? This week is a life-changing week. You will be encouraged in your own personal walk with Jesus. This week is a ministry-changing week. Many have commented that this conference initiated a change in how they do all their ministries. This week is designed just for you. The conference instructors were chosen for you. There are six training tracks to help you where you are. Do not miss out on this great opportunity to be challenged, equipped, and renewed. If you have further questions, please contact Roger Anderson at (309) 634-9170 or rogeranderson555@gmail.com or Melody Lewis at (309) 692-1755 or melody@bethanycentral.org.
Evangelism Explosion The new EE semester will begin February 24 and run through May 19. Classes will meet Sunday afternoons from 1–4. There will be an informational meeting on Sunday, January 13, at 12:30 PM in the Senior High Room. For more information on EE or to sign up, contact Pastor Matt Morgan by calling the church office at 692-1755 or emailing matt@bethanycentral.org.
Trewyn Good News Club A new semester means new opportunities to help with the Good News Club at Trewyn School! If you are interested in helping on Tuesday afternoons from 2:30–4, contact Abby Pfeiffer in the church office by calling 692-1755 or emailing abby@bethanycentral.org.
Systematic Theology I students delved into Bibliology, learning about the inspiration of the Scriptures before moving onto attributes of God, the nature of man and sin, angelology and demonology, and conversion. Students in Delight in Discovery: Uncovering Treasures of Truth in the Scriptures learned about grammatical structures in the Bible, culture during biblical times, different literary forms in the Bible, and observation methods, resulting in learning how to do inductive Bible study. Please consider joining us next semester for Systematic Theology II, taught by Pastor Art Georges, or The Unfolding Story of God’s Revelation: A Historical Survey of the Scriptures, taught by Pastor Matt Morgan. Systematic Theology II students will continue their study of salvation before moving on to Christ, the Holy Spirit, the church, and last things. Systematic Theology I is not a prerequisite for Systematic Theology II. The survey of the Bible will be a chronological journey through God’s Word to discover overarching themes and messages. The spring semester runs from January 21 to April 8. Classes meet from 6–9 on Monday evenings at the Bethany Community Center at 7229 N. Knoxville Ave. Each class costs $60, and scholarships are available at peoriagospelinstitute.org/#/register. Students can expect to have 2–5 hours of homework every week, which consists of reading, reflection and application questions, group projects, research papers (3–5 pages), and application papers (2–3 pages). For more information and registration, visit peoriagospelinstitute.com or call the church office at 692-1755. Space is limited so sign up today!
January 2013 Sun
Mon
Tue
1
Wed
2 Happy New Year!
Thu
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Fri
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Sat
5
No Evening Activities
10:00am Kelli Rummel Baby Shower
Office Closed
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8:15 & 11:00am Worship Services 9:45am Sunday School
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6:30am First Prayer 5:00-5:45pm Family Meal 6:15pm AWANA Youth Group 6:30pm First Prayer 7:45pm Choir
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9:00am MOPS A
7:30am Men’s Breakfast
|—— Youth Snow Camp ——>
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8:15 & 11:00am Worship Services 9:45am Sunday School 12:30pm EE Info Meeting
7:00pm Men’s Basketball
9:00am Men’s Bible Study 9:00am Ladies Bible Studies Begin 12:20 & 6:15pm GriefShare Begins
5:00-5:45pm Family Meal 6:15pm AWANA Youth Group Prayer Room Open 7:45pm Choir
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8:15 & 11:00am Worship Services 9:45am Sunday School 12:30pm 2nd Grade Class Lunch
7:00pm Men’s Basketball
9:00am Men’s Bible Study
7:00pm Christy Carver Bridal Shower
9:00am MOPS A
8:00am-1:00pm BFC Reality Check Women’s Event
12:20pm & 6:15pm GriefShare
5:00-5:45pm Family Meal 6:15pm AWANA Youth Group Prayer Room Open 7:45pm Choir
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8:15 & 11:00am Worship Services 9:45am Sunday School Child Dedication Class 12:30pm Newcomer’s Lunch
7:00pm Men’s Basketball
9:00am Men’s Bible Study
5:00-5:45pm Family Meal 6:15pm AWANA Youth Group Prayer Room Open 7:45pm Choir
9:00am Ladies Bible Studies
9:00am Ladies Bible Studies 12:20pm & 6:15pm GriefShare
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9:00am MOPS B
5:30-9:00pm BFC Reality Check Women’s Event
Birthdays & Anniversaries
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2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 -
Al Dornon Brian Langley Weston Boerckel Mary Greb Eugene Pascual Jim Rowley Wilma Traeger John & Linda Schellenberg Jon Burnham Ron Fouts Abram Garcia Jimmy Houck Anna Kern Kade Kirkpatrick Alex Clark Aiden Grochowsky Kennedy Hoerr Jackie Holtz Gene Reinholtz Chelsea Winn Eliana Davis Sam Ruppman Julia Schellenberg Angie Wilton Erin Hufnagel Marilyn Boldry Wendy Coulter Vickie Elsasser Rachel Graham Eric Ham Gary Schwartzkopf Jake Siri Melinda Siri Brad Thurman Madalyn Unseth Muriel Unseth Kent Kallina Micaiah Wilmoth Jason & Audrey Schrepfer Bill Boldry Roxanna Hoffman Doug Oberlander Mackenzie Palmer Mallory Strawn Jaclyn Taylor Ed & Caroline Taiwo Natalie Bayko Chris Bryant Jenni Dowd Brad & Brooke Hougham Gabrielle Akright Greyson Deutsch Jenny Grant Warren Pepper Jacob Plumier Susan Turner Dan Waibel Audrey Barbour Eric Cochrane Claire Marquette Joshua Smith
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 -
Michael Duncan Mark Ellison Kaleb Hart Ron Hoyle Tessalei Plattner Chris Shynk Lorna Sheets Sarah Charles Taevin Hangartner Ellie Roth Diane Schell Benjamin Schellenberg Jane Scholl Nate Fraser Stacey Jacobs Toni Myatt Rich Noar David Ramsay Connor Schepke Brian Showalter Eliya Witte Asher Kern Joey Clore Sawyer Good Nate Kern Warren Netherton Aiden Puri Richard Qu Dave Wieland Erick Dawalt Ken Ellison Bob Goben Sandy Hartman Faye Talbot Judy Trentelman David Barnes Blake Dietz Michael Lied Nathaniel Walin Kitty Yanko Gene & Sarah Pascual Wyatt Davis BJ Gibbons Levi Moon Megan Scott Tom & Roberta Williams Jason Barley Rosie Boone Ruth Ann Clore Sarah Haywood Ethan Puri Isaac Zimmerman Mary Bertschi Molly Laugherty Harrison Queen Adelaide Taylor Don Vance Steve Walin Dean & Andrea Hoerr
22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 -
Noelle McMenamy Shelly Lester Anita Davis Kara Delaney Claire Kallina Roger Krikke Daniel Park Nancy Rabenhorst Lee Wilton Jim & Pauline Tomlinson Sarah Borop Megan Deets Karen Graham Kalila Hoyt Nathan Lindahl Macie Pascual Bryce Pollizze Lydia Betts Scott Flinn Amy Nofsinger Rong Qu Kerri Schellenberg Tina Strawn David Bayko Bev Burnham Faith Kim Melody Lewis James Locher Ethan Martin Yewande Taiwo Hannah Tucker Amanda Wilton Tracy Fischer Abigail Harms Joyce Scholl Sheila Shanklin Loren Gallup Adam Jost Bernice King Jason Lied Mayleen Liu Lindsay Tollefson Fred Brust Jason Church Jim Cochran Rodney Harms Ana Victoria Huerta Christopher Inman Bill & Ruth Burnett Audra Charles Becky Fuelberth Brenley Gerard Trent Gerig Lindsay Goben Jessica Gonzalez Jan Reed LaVerne Turner Mary Beth Zimmerman Fred & Marla Laugherty Jim Ausfahl Pauline Teubel Marilee Wilkinson
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Ladies Spring Bible Studies begin on January 15
Kelli Rummel Saturday, January 5, 2013 at 10:00am Peter and Kelli are expecting a baby boy in February. They are registered at Babies R Us and Target.
Informational brochures containing details about the Bible studies offered, book costs, teachers, and class dates are available at a table in the church foyer. You may register on-line at www.bethanycentral.org or at the table in the foyer. Childcare is provided for all daytime Bible Studies at no charge. Please be sure to indicate your childcare needs when you register for your Bible Study!
Parent/Child Dedication Class
Bridal Shower
Christy Carver Thursday, January 24, 2013 at 7:00pm Christy is engaged to Shane Castle. They are registered at Bed, Bath & Beyond.
Sunday, January 27, 2013 at 9:45am
Parents wishing to have a child dedicated should plan to attend this class in the Conference Room. We will cover what child dedication is, basic parenting principles, and an overview of resources Bethany offers. The next dedication will be held on February 10. Call the church office at 692-1755 to sign up.
Prayer Room Open On Wednesday evenings when there is no First Prayer, the Prayer Room will be open from 6:30-8:00pm for a time of self-led prayer. We invite you to drop in as you are able and come and go as you please. Prayer sheets will be available.
The months of January and February can be long lonely months. If your heart is aching for your loved one who has died, please join us and meet with others who truly will be an encouragement as you help each other work through your emotions of grief. Reaching out to each other brings a healing of it's own. We plan to begin a new series on January 15. Contact Dave or Marilynn Perry at 579-2408 for details.
February 9, 2013
Engage — Encouraging young people to confidently communicate and defend the Gospel The apologetics competition is open to young men or women from 7th through 12th grade, and the preaching competition is open to young men only from 9th through 12th grade. Check the Bethany website and download your copy of the rules and brochure. Contact Dan Wilton (dan@bethanycentral.org) for details.
First Prayer Wednesday, January 9, 2013 6:30am & 6:30pm
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All men college-age and older are invited to play basketball on Monday nights from 7-9pm.
Men’s Breakfast
Saturday, January 12 - 7:30am All men are invited for great food and fellowship as we kick off the 2013 No Regrets Men’s Conference with snapshots of speakers, seminar previews, testimonials, and compelling clips from Courageous. There will be a drawing for No Regret tickets Call the church office at 692-1755 to sign up.
Dates in January: 14, 21, 28 Contact Grant Hannah (grant.hannah85@gmail.com) or Gary Stoller (grstoller@gmail.com) for details.
NO REGRETS MEN’S CONFERENCE
TRANS FORMED BE. NOT. CONFORMED.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2
Romans 12:1
8:30AM-4:00PM
SIX POWER-PACKED MESSAGES FOR MEN | REAL LIFE TESTIMONIES EIGHT BREAK-OUT SESSIONS | WORSHIP | ONE TRANFORMATIONAL DAY Strong families and communities are built by people with a strong faith and focus on Jesus Christ. This conference will give you knowledge and tools to help you strengthen yourself, your family, your church, and your community. Come be challenged to turn your focus toward Jesus Christ and to live life with no regrets. Local break-out session speakers:
Main Sessions: Morning & Afternoon Keynote Kenny Luck, Men’s Pastor at Saddleback Church and Founder of Everyman Ministries
Seminars to help us live with no regrets through every season of life. With topics touching work, raising children, mentoring, empty nest, and retirement.
Transformed: Out of the Fray, Into the World James MacDonald, Senior Pastor at Harvest Bible Chapel A Transformed Dad Means a Transformed Family Dan Seaborn, Founder of Winning at Home Transforming Your World Through Excellence Vince D’Acchioli, Founder of On Target Ministries Game On: What Happens When a Man is Truly Transformed? Steve Sonderman, Founder of No Regrets Register 5 guys and get $5 at
Rod Abel, Kidz Heart Ministries Rich Gerberding, Men of A.I.M. Clayt Irmeger, His Harvest Ministry Steve Ivaska, Halftime Organization Matt Morgan, Bethany Associate Jerry Sanderson, Bethany Associate Kevin Sauder, Bethany Associate Joel Smith, Bethany Associate
Tickets available from the church office or at www.bethanycentral.org Cost: $15 in advance, $20 at the door—Lunch included Host Site: Bethany Baptist Church 7422 N. Heinz Ln. Edwards, IL Sponsored by: Central Illinois Men of Integrity
Bethany Baptist Church 7422 N. Heinz Lane Edwards, IL 61528
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE P A I D PEORIA, ILLINOIS PERMIT NO. 917
Return Service Requested
Please register by January 13, 2013.