BETHEL CHURCH
WWW.BETHELSARNIA.COM
Welcome!
Welcome to Bethel! We are so glad to have you here! As you look through this Connect bulletin, we trust that you will quickly find that Bethel has something for you and your family. Our hope is that you will take the next step into our community and get involved. As you do, you will begin to see that Bethel is more than just a Sunday service, it is a family of everyday people following Christ to bring hope and change to the world - one life at a time.
Pastor Tim Gibb Lead Pastor
Watch This Weeks
BETHEL News
JANUARY 2012
This Month
Bethel News NEW YEARS DAY SERVICE - 10:30AM Bethel will be having a New Years Day service on Sunday January 1st at 10:30AM. Pastor Tim will be speaking along with Communion and special prayer for the coming year 2012. There will be no evening service that day.
DON MANN - JAN 8TH 6:30PM Don Mann, a PAOC Missionary who has served on our national executive for the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, will be our special guest speaker on Sunday, January 8th at 6:30PM. Come and hear what God is doing in missions through Don’s ministry.
CHARITABLE RECEIPTS Charitable receipts for 2011 will be mailed in early February 2012. If you have recently moved or any changes to your contact information, please let the church office know.
NOMINATIONS FOR ELDER BOARD Nominations for the church Elder Board will be received on Sundays January 22, 29 and Feb 5th. Nomination forms are available at the Welcome Desk on those dates. Our Annual Business meeting is scheduled for Wednesday March 21st.
MEMBERSHIP CLASS Do you desire to become an official member at Bethel Church? Membership classes will be held on Sunday February 5th and 12th at 9:30AM in the Board Room by the Main Office. Both classes are a requirement for membership. Sign-up at the Welcome Desk to be a part of these classes or call the church office.
Divorce Care, a ministry to those who are either separated or divorced, will resume with a new session of classes on Mondays beginning January 23rd. Contact the church office to signup or for more information or speak with Ministry Leaders Paul and Helen Dunn.
SPECIAL THANKS Special Thanks to Stephanie Courtney and all the choir members for their ministry this Christmas season. Thanks to Perry Routley and the Brass Band. Thanks to Matt Routley, Jordan Ouellette, Kim Gibb and media team for their work in designing the stage & decorating the lobby. Thanks everyone for blessing our church this Christmas!
M E S S A G E
S E R I E S
F O R
2 0 1 2
WHAT IS THE STORY? The Story is all about - the story of the Bible. Zondervan Bible Publishing has recently come out with a church program to assist people in reading the Bible. The Story, a book which takes the stories of the Bible and has arranged them in chronological order. Organized into 31 chapters, The Story reads like a novel while using selections of the actual NIV text of Scripture along with short transitions to connect the reader to the continuing story. The reader of The Story will gain a real understanding of the story of the Bible, its history and timeline. We are encouraging each attendee of Bethel to purchase a copy of The Story, and then to read a chapter each week in preparation for the message Pastor Tim will preach that Sunday. Over the course of the year, we will cover the stories of the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, both in the reading of The Story and in the Sunday messages. Our kids ministry, youth ministry and young adult ministry will also be following along each week with teaching from The Story. The Story for Kids and Teens is also available for personal reading or as a part of family devotions. Take advantage of this opportunity to go through The Story of the Bible as a church community and as a individual and as a family.
WHY THE STORY? It’s Biblical... The Story uses the actual NIV text of the Scripture. Reading the Bible is one of the primary disciplines of the Christian believer, yet sadly it is often neglected. As well, we have a responsibility to provide our young people a good knowledge of God’s Word. This church program, through reading The Story and Sunday messages, will provide for you and your family a solid understanding of the Word of God. It’s Unifying... Going through The Story as a church community will be a unifying experience. Each week, we are reading a chapter and preparing ourselves for the message on Sunday. You will feel like you are not alone but you are part of something that is bigger. It will assist you in being consistent in your reading as we will be going through The Story together. It’s LifeChanging... Whenever you make the Word of God a priority in your life - your life will be changed.
WHEN WILL IT START? The first message (Chapter 1) of The Story message series will be on Sunday, January 29th. A special Introduction Sunday will take place on Sunday, January 8th and books can be ordered that day. Books will then be distributed on Sunday January 22nd to begin reading chapter 1 that week in preparation for Sunday January 29th.
6 WAYS TO BE INVOLVED WITH THE STORY PERSONAL READING Each week read a chapter of the book The Story. This will also prepare you for that weeks Sunday message by Pastor Tim. Each chapter can be read in approximately 15 to 30 minutes. Make this a part of your weekly devotional schedule. You can purchase a copy of The Story from your local Christian bookstore, online or through Bethel Church. An audio version of The Story is also available for those who are not readers.
FAMILY TIME
AN EXERPT FROM THE STORY After Judas left, Jesus gave the disciples a glimpse of what was to come. He foreshadowed the fact that He was going to be “broken” and “poured out”-He was going to take humanity’s punishment for sin on Himself.
Using The Story for a weekly Family devotion time. For those with younger children, there are 3 versions of The Story for Kids for the age
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and
categories. Take advantage of this opportunity to go through God's Word
when he had given thanks, He broke it and gave
together as a family.
it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”
SUNDAY TEACHING
Then He took a cup, and when He had given
Each week Pastor Tim will be teaching on a certain aspect of that weeks
all of you. This is My blood of the covenant,
chapter of The Story with an emphasis on providing an overall
which is poured out for many for the forgiveness
chronological understanding of the stories of the Bible and on application of life principles. Most Sunday nights, Pastor Tim will go even deeper into the teaching of that week's reading lesson.
CHURCH MINISTRIES Our Kids ministry on Sundays will also be reviewing that weeks chapter lesson to reinforce the lesson. A teen edition of The Story is also available. Our youth ministry will be teaching each week on the scheduled chapter from The Story. Our Young Adult Ministry, LIFE, will be using their Tuesday night Bible study nights to review and discuss that weeks chapter of The Story.
thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it,
of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” Jesus warned his disciples that He would be with them only a little while longer. He went on to comfort his confused followers. “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in Me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place
SPECIAL BIBLE STUDIES
for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I
As a part of The Story message series, Bethel will offer various
you also may be where I am. You know the way
opportunities for additional study. These opportunities will be presented
to the place where I am going.”
will come back and take you to be with Me that
as a special seminar teaching on either a one-night teaching time, a Saturday morning or a Sunday school class. Examples: A mid-week 2
Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where
hour teaching on The Feasts of Israel, A Saturday morning seminar on
you are going, so how can we know the way?”
leadership from the book of Nehemiah, a two-week Sunday School class on Understanding the Tabernacle. (These are suggestions to simply provide an example.)
SMALL GROUPS
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know Him and have seen Him.”
For those interested in leading a small group discussion group as part of The Story message series or in being a part of a small group as we go through The Story, please speak to one of the Pastors. Pastor Tim will provide each week a lesson outline and discussion questions related to that weeks reading and Sunday message.
• Editors Notes in Italics • Scripture in Non-Italics
MATERIALS FOR THE STORY The Story is all about—the story of the Bible. Condensed into 31 accessible chapters, The Story sweeps you into the unfolding progression of Bible characters and events from Genesis to Revelation. Using the clear, accurate, and easy-tounderstand text of the NIV Bible, it allows the stories, poems, and teachings of the Bible to read like a novel. This is the book that we are encouraging every attendee at Bethel to purchase and to read a chapter each week, leading up to the Sunday service where Pastor Tim will teach from week's chapter lesson from The Story. Hardcover version.
The Teen Edition is exactly like The Story but it is soft-cover.
The Story for Kids has it all - the same 31 chapters as The Story for Adults - The Story for Kids is told using the New International Reader's Version (NIrV), the easiest to read of all Bible translations.Events, characters, and teachings are arranged in chronological order so you can better understand God's plan for creation and his people. This is a great read for bigger kids and as well as for family devotions as each chapter includes discussion questions.
The Story for Children is a unique collection of forty-eight Bible stories and tells the big picture of God’s enormous love for his children. The vibrant illustrations that accompany the stories help bring the Bible to life for readers of any age. Ages 2-5.
The Story for Little Ones is filled with vibrant illustrations and simple text that bring 31 pivotal Bible stories, including Creation, David and Goliath, and the birth of Jesus to life for children. At the end of each story, a simple message will help children personalize and remember the greatest story ever told. This picture book Bible, designed for children ages 2-5.
The Action Bible is not part of The Story program however, Pastor Tim highly recommends this Bible for kids as it presents the stories of the Bible in comic book form to captivate the attention of a child.
HOW DO I GET A COPY OF THESE MATERIALS? On Sunday, January 8th, Bethel will be distributing order forms where you can purchase these materials through Bethel church. Materials will then be available for you to pick up on Sunday January 22nd. As well, all of these materials are available through your local christian bookstore. Or you may purchase on-line. Some of these materials are available for your e-reader, kindle, nook, devises etc.
THE SCHEDULE 3 WEEK INTRODUCTION SERIES TO THE STORY Jan 8th - Introduction to TheStory
7 WEEK SERIES "MESSAGES FROM ABOVE" (THE PROPHETS)
Jan 15th - The Importance of God’s Word
June 3 - Chapter 15 – God’s Messengers
Jan 22nd - Creation: The Beginning of Life (Intro)
READING BEGINS THIS WEEK 6 WEEK SERIES "NEW BEGINNINGS" (PENTATEUCH)
(Elijah, Elisha, Amos, Hosea) June 10 - Chapter 16 – The Beginning of the End June 17 - Chapter 17 – The Kingdom’s Fall June 24 - Chapter 18 – Daniel in Exile July 1 - CANADA DAY CELEBRATION SERVICE
Jan 29 - Chapter 1 – Creation: The Beginning of Life
July 8 - Chapter 19 – The Return Home
Feb 5 - Chapter 2 – God Builds a Nation
July 15 - Chapter 20 - The Queen of Beauty and Courage (Esther)
Feb12 - Chapter 3 – Joseph: From Slave to Pharaoh
July 22- Chapter 21- Rebuilding the Walls (Nehemiah)
Feb 19 - Chapter 4 - Deliverance Feb 25 - Chapter 5 – New Commands and a New Covenant Mar 4 - Chapter 6 - Wandering Mar 11 - SPRING BREAK
3 WEEK SERIES "LESSONS IN COURAGE" (JOSHUA & JUDGES) Mar 18 - Chapter 7 – The Battle Begins Mar 25 - Chapter 8 – A Few Good Men…And Women Apr 1 - Chapter 9 – The Faith of a Foreign Woman (Ruth) Apr 8 - EASTER SUNDAY with John Wilkinson
5 WEEK SERIES "THE GOOD, THE BAD, & THE UGLY" (UNITED & DIVIDED KINGDOMS)
SUMMER BREAK - AUGUST TO SEPTEMBER 9TH 6 WEEK SERIES "WALKING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS" (THE GOSPELS) Sept 16 - Chapter 22 – The Birth of the King Sept 23 - Chapter 23 – Jesus Ministry Begins Sept 30 - Chapter 24 – No Ordinary Man Oct 7
- Chapter 25 – Jesus, The Son of God
Oct 14 - Chapter 26 – The Hour of Darkness Oct 21 - Chapter 27 – The Resurrection Oct 28 – ENCOUNTER SERVICES with Mike Livengood
Apr 15 - Chapter 10 – Standing Tall, Falling Hard (Samuel & Saul)
4 WEEK SERIES "GOD'S WORK IN WORLD & IN HEAVEN"
Apr 22 - Chapter 11 – From Shepherd to King (David & Saul)
(THE APOSTLES)
Apr 29 - Chapter 12 – The Trials of a King (David Reign & Sin)
Nov 4 - Chapter 28 – New Beginnings
May 6 - Chapter 13 – The King Who Had It All (Solomon)
Nov 11 - Chapter 29 – Paul’s Mission
May 13 - Chapter 14 – A Kingdom Torn in Two
Nov 18 - Chapter 30 – Paul’s Final Days
(Jeroboam & Rehoboam)
Nov 25 - Chapter 31 – The End of Time
20 - VICTORIA DAY SUNDAY
TheStory Message Series Concludes
27 - PENTECOST SUNDAY w/ David Wells, PAOC Superintendent
*Schedule Subject To Change
Give Me The Bible
Upcoming Event In 2012 REAL WOMEN EVENT - SAT FEB 11TH Saturday, February 11/2012 @ Bethel. Mark your calendars now & plan to spend a casual day with women of like faith. This will be a day of fellowship, worship,
One of the major problems in our society is Biblical illiteracy. We have a generation now that has little to no understanding of the Bible. A recent
teaching on the Father's Heart of Love, lunch, and a soaking & prayer time that you won't want to miss! Details to follow in upcoming Video Announcements.
American poll states that: - Fewer than half of all adults can name the four gospels - Majority cannot name more than two or three of the disciples
FAMILY DAY ICE SKATE - FEB 20TH Enjoy Family Day with Bethel at Clearwater Arena from 4-5PM for our Family Day Skate.
- Over 60% of Americans cannot name five of the ten commandments Sadly, this is not just a problem of those outside of the church, but also of those in the church. Recently, a Bible College president told me that he has noticed a major shift in the last 20-30 years. Students came out of our churches to Bible College with a reasonable knowledge of the Bible. Today, most students coming from our churches to Bible College, love God, but are Biblically illiterate.
FOUNDATION COURSE & RESTORATION RETREAT Our next Foundation Course is scheduled for Sunday March 25th at 6:30PM in the fellowship hall. The Restoration Retreat is scheduled for Friday March 30th (7:00-10:00PM) and Saturday March 31st (9:00AM-5:00PM). This is an excellent program to gain understanding in how to walk in victory in the Christian life and obtain your freedom from curses, bondages, and all that
There are numerous problems that come with Biblical illiteracy. One of those
stops you from achieving God’s plan for you life. Mark your
problems is that behavior often follows beliefs. Consequently with no moral
calendars now to schedule this time.
plumb line, our standards of morality are skewed, where good is evil and evil is good. So we slaughter the innocent (abortion), sparing the guilty (light sentences). We reward the wicked (corruption), depriving the good (teachers, etc). Divorce is made easy, adultery looked on lightly, and fornication is the norm. Evil (pornography, promiscuity) is allowed to spread in the name of
JOHN WILKINSON APRIL 8-10TH John and Caroline Wilkinson, of Shake the Nations ministries, will again be our guests
freedom, ripping families apart. The effect of such things destroys our
for 3 days of special Encounterl services on
families and communities.
April 8th, 9th and 10th.
We will not believe more than we know and we will not live higher than our beliefs. The many fronts of Christian compromise in this generation can be
DAVID WELLS - PENTECOST SUNDAY
directly traced to Biblical illiteracy in the church and with the absence of
Rev. David Wells, the General Superintendent
Biblical teaching in our homes and churches. We must become entirely
of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, will
serious about this problem.
be our special guest at Bethel on Pentecost
Sunday, May 27th, 2012 in our 10:30AM
This is why this year at Bethel; we are taking a very serious approach to going through the Bible with The Story program and Sunday teaching messages for the purpose of educating our community of faith in the Word of God. I want you to take advantage of this program emphasis at Bethel this year, as an individual and as a family, to maximize your participation in reading through The Story Bible and in the various teaching times Bethel will offer. Let us be a people that know and love the Bible. -Pastor Tim Gibb
service.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY Sunday mornings during service: Nursery - Newborn to Age 3 Pre-School - Ages 3 to 5 Kidsplosion - Grades 1 to 4 YOUTH MINISTRY Revo 3 - Thursday night Jr. & Sr. High Youth service [Ages 13-17} Additional activities planned throughout the year. ADULT MINISTRY We have many groups with ongoing activities, check the bulletin and website for details of what’s upcoming! Young Adults - Weekly Bible Study group called “Life” meets Tues nights in Bethel Cafe. Led by Chris & Linda Guerette and Steve & Cathy Fraser. Real Women - Ongoing activities for women of all ages. The Core Men’s Ministry - Activities for all men. Led by Shannon Smith. Keenagers Seniors Ministry - Monthly lunch or special activity. Led by Carl & Faye Johnson. Music Ministry - Is always looking for new talent, including choir, audio and visual personnel. Speak to Caleb or Stephanie Courtney. Small Groups - Organized throughout the year around specific themes. Usually 4 to 6 weeks long. A great way to connect with others. Bible Study - Tuesday night Bible Study & Hymn Sing. Led by Gilbert & Margo VanSligtenhorst. Foundation Course - A course on the essentials of Christian faith followed by a retreat weekend. Led by Pastor Keith Patrick.
Connect at Bethel
7:00 PM Service Richard Crisco 23
6:30 PM Service Richard Crisco 22 10:30 AM Service Pastor Tim Gibb
6:30 PM Service Pastor Tim Gibb
29 10:30 AM Service Pastor Tim Gibb “The Story-Chapter 1”
6:30 PM Movie “Courageous”
Follow-up
6:30 PM DivorceCare
6:30PM Financial Peace
30
Follow-up
6:30 PM DivorceCare
6:30PM Financial Peace
16
12:30PM Inside Out Jr. High-Hub
7:00 PM LIFE-Young Adults
6:30 PM Bible Study & Hymn Sing-Prayer Room
10
3
Tue
7:00 PM LIFE-Young Adults
6:30 PM Bible Study & Hymn Sing-Prayer Room
31
7:00 PM LIFE-Young Adults
6:30 PM Bible Study & Hymn Sing-Prayer Room
24
7:00 PM Service Richard Crisco
17
6:30 PM Prayer
25
6:30 PM Prayer
18
Thu
7:00 PM REVO3
12
5
7:00 PM REVO3
26
7:00 PM REVO3
19
6:30PM Prayer each evening
11
4
Wed
JANUARY 2012
Week of Prayer and Fasting Jan 9th-14th
9
2 OFFICE CLOSED
Mon
15 10:30 AM Service Pastor Tim Gibb
12:30PM Inside Out Jr. High-Hub 6:30 PM Service Don Mann
8 10:30 AM Service Pastor Tim Gibb “Intro To The Story”
NO Evening Service
NEW YEAR’S DAY Communion 10:30 AM Service Pastor Tim Gibb
1
Sun
www.bethelsarnia.com
2:00PM Keenagers—Movie “Courageous”
9:30 AM Mom’s Group -Foyer/Cafe
27
12NOON Keenagers Luncheon
9:30 AM Mom’s Group -Foyer/Cafe
20
9:30 AM Mom’s Group -Foyer/Cafe
13
6
Fri
7:00 PM Movie “Courageous”
28 9:00 AM Men’s Mini Retreat Day in Strathroy
21
14
7
Sat