Third Sunday of Lent
March 7, 2021
| Pastor: Ralph Wrightstone | Bulletin . Insert . Photos | Music Director: Travis Oaks |
On this Third Sunday of Lent we are about halfway on the journey to the cross in Jerusalem.
The lectionary gospel story
from John concerns Jesus' "cleansing of the temple" when he drove out the money-
changers and the animal market from the temple in Jerusalem. While the other gospels report this
event in Holy Week, before Easter, this one comes early in John's gospel during another passover
visit by Jesus. But both accounts emphasize the purity of purpose for "God's House". Based upon
other references (e.g. 1 Cor 6:19) to our body as a "temple of the Holy Spirit",
this incident may also have meaning for our care for our own body.
for links to some Resource material for this service.
We are also having a service at 11:00 this morning in Bethel's sanctuary. An insert to the
bulletin, provided by a link above, presents Bethel UMC's policy regarding these gatherings during
the time of COVID-19 restrictions.
:
For those unable to attend the 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 03/07/21 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.
:
For those unable to attend the 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 03/07/21 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"
During normal times...acolytes would bring light to the candles on the altar, followed by the pastor and other worship leaders...today, it simply provides an opening for this time of Worship. - . Slides -
Welcome and Announcements .
- Opening Hymn
. Verses - "I
Am Thine, O Lord" . (UMH 419)
:
(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
- . OT Scripture Reading: Psalm 19:1-14
......consider following along with a favored translation of your own. - . Slides - Pastor's Thoughts, Prayers and Lord's Prayer . (11:50)
:
Please continue to include this prayer for the youth among your prayers for Bethel at this time. - . "Youth" Message: "Soul Soup" . (11:57)
Though addressed to the "Youth", whom we truly miss seeing on Sundays, this message is for all of us. You may wish to follow the reading of John 2:13- 25 in your own Bible. (The "Church" message on this day will be on the "Sermons" page of Bethel's web site later this week.) - . About - Holy
Communion (02:29)
We normally use consecrated crackers and grape juice during the service but you may use other elements for the acts of remembrance as you participate. During this time of "social distancing", the church service uses individual packets for communion taken in the pews. - Closing Hymn:
. Verse - "He Is
Exalted" . (TFWS 2020)
- 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