Sixth Sunday of Easter
May 5, 2024
| Pastor: Ralph Wrightstone | Bulletin Insert Photos | Music Director: Travis Oaks |
This Sixth Sunday of Easter is the 36th day of "Eastertide" with just 4 days remaining for the disciples to enjoy the presence of the risen Christ. Thursday of this week is known as "Ascension Day" and next Sunday will be celebrated as Ascension Sunday. The Resource Page has more about these observances.
This is the first Sunday of May, so Communion is a part of both online and church services today.
The message today notes that May is also a month in which many schools have graduation services to recognize students having reached a level of preparation that enables them to enter another stage of their lives. Jesus' leaving his disciples on Ascension Day might be understood as a "graduation day" for the disciples as they are ending an intensive 40-day training period and beginning a new stage of their lives as followers of Christ. The message: "Are You Ready for Graduation?" asks us to examine our own preparedness for going on as followers of Christ.
for links to some Resource materials for today's service.
For those unable to attend the 11:00 AM Sunday services at the church, a new service will be available here online before 10:00 am each Sunday morning, using the same format as the on-site service. So you may "gather" here for an "Early Service" at 10:00 or the traditional service at 11:00...actually it will be available here at any time all week. We hope that you will find it a refreshing place to come into God's house.
NOTE: Each part of this online service consists of an audio file and, for most, a Link to a pdf file of "projection slides". Click on the 
symbol to play the audio file under a separate browser tab or in a new window. Then select the "Bethel 05/05/23 Service" browser tab or return to this window to open the Link to
the "slides". It is best to stop the playing of one Audio segment and close its tab or window
before starting another.
We hope that you will fully participate in the service provided here, taking the time to raise your voice or read along with the hymns and responses, and listening to the recorded messages and songs that have been prepared for you. Realize that, though not meeting face-to-face, you are
virtually gathering with many others for this time of worship, celebration and spiritual
refreshment.
symbol to play the audio file under a separate browser tab or in a new window. Then select the "Bethel 05/05/23 Service" browser tab or return to this window to open the Link to
the "slides". It is best to stop the playing of one Audio segment and close its tab or window
before starting another.
We hope that you will fully participate in the service provided here, taking the time to raise your voice or read along with the hymns and responses, and listening to the recorded messages and songs that have been prepared for you. Realize that, though not meeting face-to-face, you are
virtually gathering with many others for this time of worship, celebration and spiritual
refreshment.
- . Verse - Prelude/Processional - "Sing Alleluia
to the Lord"
In a return to Pre-Covid practice, acolytes are bringing light to the candles on the altar to open this time of Worship. - . Slides -
Welcome and Announcements . (03:27)
- Opening Hymn
.
Verses . "Are Ye Able" . (UMH 530, vs 1,2,4)
:
Let us know if you have a favorite hymn that you would like to have included in an online service. - . Slides - Call to Worship, Apostle's Creed and Gloria
Patria . (02:30)
We hope that you will participate privately or communally in this responsive reading as part of your worship service. - . Scripture Reading:
Psalm 98 and commentary . (01:52)
......consider following along with a favored translation of your own. - . Youth Message: "A Happy Face!" .
(03:16)
- .
Slides - Pastor's Thoughts, Prayers and Lord's Prayer . (10:47)
The slides here include a list of those for whom prayers have been requested. - . Special Music: "The Gift of Love", sung by Judy on 11/01/21
- The Message
. Scripture:
John 15:9-17 . (02:30)
You may wish to follow the reading of the scripture in your own Bible.
. Message: "Are You Ready for Graduation?" .
(11:00)
(The "church message" on this day, with the same topic, will be on the "Sermons" page of Bethel's web site later this week.) - . About - Holy
Communion (02:29)
It has been customary to use consecrated crackers and grape juice during the service but you may use other elements for the acts of remembrance as you participate. During the time of "social distancing", the church service has used individual packets for communion taken in the pews. The service is now using more traditional bread and juice for communion taken at the altar but also offers the communion packets and provides for communion to be taken in the pew. - Closing Hymn:
.
Verses . "Spirit of the Living God" . (UMH 393, 2 rep)
- Closing Chorus & Benediction:
. Verse - "Bind
Us Together"
Please let us know of any problems you have with or suggestions about this site by
sending an email to "bumctlh@gmail.com". If you have any announcements or prayer concerns you
would like included next week you may contact Pastor Ralph Wrightstone directly at: 850-591-
9785