Bulletins

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” — Hebrews 10:24-25

Weekly Service Bulletin

November 1, 2026

The bulletin announcements for November 1st are listed below:

SERVICE TIMES

Sunday Morning Services: 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.

Sunday School: 9:30 a.m.

Sunday School (HS and the Bridge): 11:00 a.m.

A Junior Church for children 5-9 years old is held during the 1st and 3rd services. A Nursery is available at all three services.

Kurt’s Sermon Notes-Romans 8: 14-17 (8:00 and 11:00 AM): Contentment is a key element for giving thanks. Are you content with your life? Not that you should not have goals or desire to achieve more, but if those goals and desires do not come to pass, are you content with your life? Contentment is achieved by knowing whose you are, having an honest opinion of yourself, and the realization of what is important in life. Romans 8: 14-17, teaches us the amazing truth about being a child of God. As His children we are more than conquerors in life and always loved. You can know contentment and be thankful because you belong to God eternally!

Don’s Sermon Notes-1 Peter 2:9-10 (9:30 AM): November 1st is All Saints Day. It is the holiday that we use to remember and recognize the saints, both known and unknown. What does it mean to be a saint? Who qualifies as a saint? Am I good enough to be included in those with that title? It's not about you or how good you are but rather about the holiness that God has bestowed upon you through the grace of Jesus. That being said, the title comes with some responsibilities. Today we're going to talk about them.

Just a Reminder- during the 9:30 Worship Service, there is also Sunday School classes available for Pre-School through 8th Grade for our youth and adult classes as well. The High School and The Bridge Sunday School classes meet during the 11 AM time frame.

Dollar Club- We will be meeting at 9:15 this morning to select our next recipient. We are in need of nominations, please be looking for others that God can bless through us.

Building Fund- Do not forget the Building Fund in your giving.

Elder’s Meeting- We will be meeting on Tuesday evening at 7 PM.

Administrative Ministry- We will be meeting on Wednesday evening at 7 PM in the Believer’s classroom.

Thanksgiving Dinner-Our annual Thanksgiving Meal will be on November 22nd at Betty Jane’s Kitchen. The meat and the drinks will be provided you just need to bring a side dish or dessert and a friend. Let us celebrate the goodness of God in our lives together.

Chili Dinner- November 15th from 4:30 -6:30 PM at St. Mary’s Parish Hall for a donation. All proceeds go to Food For Kids.

Men’s Clothing- The Compassionate Clothing Closet in Paris is in immediate need of men’s pants, jeans and under garments. If you can donate, please deliver them on Mondays from 10 AM – 1 PM.

Operation Christmas Child- November gift ideas include everything that has been suggested over the last several months. Lists are available at the OCC table. You are also welcome to donate to the mailing cost at $10.00 each.

Ladies Aid; Mark Your Calendars- Christmas dinner and cookie plates will be held on Dec. 12th at 6 PM. Additional information will be forthcoming.

Bible Study –We started our new study “The Gospel of John-When God Became Man” by Max Lucado. Join this interesting group on Thursdays starting at 6:30 PM.

‍Ridge Runners- Need a little help with a project around your home? Call the Church and ask if a Ridge Runner can help you. Brochures are in the foyer on the bulletin table.

EasyTithe- This online giving platform has been cancelled. We are encouraging our members and friends to begin using our new platform, Planning Center. There is information on our website and app. If you would like help with Planning Center, please call the office at 217.463.8024; Don Gordon and Austin Rice can also provide assistance.

Youth News!

BASK - We meet on Wednesdays from 3:30 – 5:30 PM.

Jr. High Youth Group - Sunday evenings from 5:30 – 7:30 PM.

Sr. High Youth Group - Wednesday evenings at 6 PM.

Jr. Church ..is looking for volunteer teachers. Students dismiss before the sermon. Caitlin will be happy to answer any questions.

Children’s Christmas Program - Sunday, December 20th at 6 PM. Practice will start in Nov. at the beginning of the 9:30 Sunday School hour and at BASK, both times are not required.

Pen Pals - If you have been corresponding with your Pen Pal, good for you. If you have been praying for your Pen Pal, great! If your Pen Pal has moved on OR if you have forgotten who your Pen Pal was, no worries. We are doing a bit of changing/rearranging, focusing on our older kiddos. HOWEVER, you are welcome and encouraged to keep in touch with your Pen Pal. If your Pen Pal is no longer at Bell Ridge and you would like a new Pen Pal, please let me know or if you never had a Pen Pal and would like one we will try and match you up. Thank you all for your patience and don’t forget to CHECK the MAILBOX. Tammy Burgett (217.232.5758)

Gratitude and Appreciation

Thank you to everyone who came out to our Trunk or Treat! We are so thankful for all the volunteers who decorated their trunks, handed out treats, helped with the hayride and bonfire, provided the meal, and made the evening so special. We are so blessed to have such a wonderful church family!

Thank You - Don, Caitlin, Koen and I wish to thank you for all of the encouragement and gifts that you shared with us during Minister’s Appreciation Month. God Bless You!

Thank You - To everyone that shared in the Compassionate Clothing Closet’s blanket drive and the Farm Bureau’s sock drive! May God bless those who receive these gifts.

Misc

Bulletin Announcements- By accessing “About” on our webpage you will seek titled “Bulletins.” Our bulletin announcements for the current Sunday and previous Sunday will be posted there.

Online Giving- Is available on our website by clicking on “Give.” There are multiple ways to financially support Bell Ridge. You are welcome to click on your desired method and then follow the directions.

October 25, 2026

The bulletin announcements for October 25th are listed below:

SERVICE TIMES

Sunday Morning Services: 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.

Sunday School: 9:30 a.m.

Sunday School (HS and the Bridge): 11:00 a.m.

A Junior Church for children 5-9 years old is held during the 1st and 3rd services. A Nursery is available at all three services.

Kurt’s Sermon Notes-Matthew 6:19-21 (9:30 AM): We started thinking about Thanksgiving last week. What we are thankful for usually has great value in our hearts and mind, so the question I have for you this week is, what do you treasure? They say beauty is in the “eye of the beholder” and I believe that is true of our treasures; what you value is different than what I value. Jesus warns us in the book of Matthew 6:19-21, that we should not store up our treasures here on earth but to store up heavenly treasures. The treasures that we value most should have eternal value. So, I ask you again, what do you treasure?

Don’s Sermon Notes-Daniel 3 (8:00 and 11:00 AM): Where was God when tragedy struck? Where was God when evil happened to me? Where was God when injustice took place? Often times the answer to those questions isn’t one that makes sense to us. One thing that is certain is that God will be with us through it all. In this world, unfortunately, we will face hardship that is beyond our control and understanding. We can find hope in knowing that we have the only God who can save. The only God who is present with his people in the midst of their trouble. The only God who turns evil around for good.

Trunk or Treat- This evening at 6 PM; we will be having an evening of fun, fellowship, and food. Come join us!

This is Newsletter Week- We will be preparing “The Link” for mailing at 10:30 AM on Tuesday morning.

Daylight Saving Time- Fall back on the morning of November 1st.

October is Minister Appreciation Month- There are baskets in the foyer where you can leave encouragement for the Ministers.

Sock Drive- The Edgar County Farm Bureau is hosting a Sock Drive to benefit the students in the Paris schools. There is a tote in the foyer for your gift.

Blanket Drive- The Compassionate Clothing Closet is hosting a blanket drive to benefit their clients. The blankets may be new or gently used. There is a tote in the foyer to put your donation.

The Dollar Club- We are in need of nominations, please be looking for others that God can bless through us.

Operation Christmas Child- October gift ideas include everything that has been suggested over the last several months. Lists are available at the OCC table.

Bible Study –We started our new study “The Gospel of John-When God Became Man” by Max Lucado. Join this interesting group on Thursdays starting at 6:30 PM.

Ridge Runners- Need a little help with a project around your home? Call the Church and ask if a Ridge Runner can help you. Brochures are in the foyer on the bulletin table.

EasyTithe- This online giving platform will be cancelled on Saturday, October 31st. We are encouraging our members and friends to begin using our new platform, Planning Center. There is information on our website and app. If you would like help with the conversion to Planning Center, please call the office at 217.463.8024; Don Gordon and Austin Rice can also provide assistance.

Youth News!

BASK - We meet on Wednesdays from 3:30 – 5:30 PM. We have a field trip planned to Southfork Homestead this week.

Jr. High Youth Group - Sunday evenings from 5:30 – 7:30 PM.

Sr. High Youth Group - Wednesday evenings at 6 PM.

Jr. Church ..is looking for volunteer teachers. Students dismiss before the sermon. Caitlin will be happy to answer any questions.

Children’s Christmas Program - Sunday, December 20th at 6 PM; Practice will start in Nov. at the beginning of the 9:30 Sunday School hour and at BASK, both times are not required.

Pen Pals

If you have been corresponding with your Pen Pal, good for you. If you have been praying for your Pen Pal, great! If your Pen Pal has moved on OR if you have forgotten who your Pen Pal was, no worries. We are doing a bit of changing/rearranging, focusing on our older kiddos. HOWEVER, you are welcome and encouraged to keep in touch with your Pen Pal. If your Pen Pal is no longer at Bell Ridge and you would like a new Pen Pal, please let me know or if you never had a Pen Pal and would like one we will try and match you up. Thank you all for your patience and don’t forget to CHECK the MAILBOX. Tammy Burgett (217.232.5758)

Misc

Bulletin Announcements- By accessing “About” on our webpage you will seek titled “Bulletins.” Our bulletin announcements for the current Sunday and previous Sunday will be posted there.