Fourth Sunday of Lent
March 14, 2021
| Pastor: Ralph Wrightstone | Bulletin . Insert . Photos | Music Director: Travis Oaks |
On this Fourth Sunday of Lent we find Jesus, in the Gospel reading, using a story in this week's Old Testament reading to provide meaning for the cross. Just as the Bronze Serpent on a Pole protected the people from death from the serpent's bite, simply by looking at it, those who look up to and believe the one crucified, will "not perish but have eternal life".
The week ahead will also provide us a memorial to Saint Patrick and the first day of Spring.
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 03/14/21 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 03/14/21 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 - "We Bring the Sacrifice of Praise" . (TFWS 2031)
Other Hymns
These hymns relate to our coming to the foot of the cross:
. Verses - "Beneath the Cross of Jesus" . (UMH 297)
. Verses - "My Faith Looks Up to Thee" . (UMH 452)
. Verses - "Lift High the Cross" . (UMH 159)
:
(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: Numbers 21:4-9
......consider following along with a favored translation of your own. - Special Music
. "All My Hope", performed by Travis in last Sunday's church service
- . Slides - Pastor's Thoughts, Prayers and Lord's Prayer . (09:15)
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Please continue to include this prayer for the youth among your prayers for Bethel at this time. - . "Youth" Message: "The Law of the Serpent" . (09:28)
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 3:14-21 in your own Bible. (The "Church" message on this day will be on the "Sermons" page of Bethel's web site later this week.) - Closing Hymn:
. Verse - "Have Thine Own Way, Lord" . (UMH 382)
- 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