Bethel 05/16/21 Service

On the Seventh Sunday after Jesus' crucifixion, the disciples were again waiting...but unlike that Resurrection morning when they were scattered, frightened and hopelessly waiting for an uncertain future, on this day they were joyously gathered together in the temple praising God...waiting for a promised gift. The lectionary reading from Luke reports how just three days prior, 40 days after the resurrection, they had witnessed the Ascension of the Lord after receiving an assignment for their future and the promised gift "of power from on high". Now they were still...waiting...

Click on the "Bethel United Methodist Church" script above
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.
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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 05/16/21 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.

. 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 . (03:00)
Opening Hymn
. Verses - "Open the Eyes of My Heart, Lord" . (W&S 3008)
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Other Hymns
This Charles Wesley hymn must have been written for an Ascension Sunday:
. Verses - "Hail the Day that Sees Him Rise" . (UMH 312)
...and this hymn describes our appropriate response:
. Verses - "Lord, I Lift Your Name on High" . (01/07/18). . (TFWS 2088)
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(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 . (02:52)
. OT Scripture Reading: "Psalm 1" . (03:01)
......consider following along with a favored translation of your own.
. Slides - Pastor's Thoughts, Prayers and Lord's Prayer . (11:02)
Please continue to include this prayer for the youth among your prayers for Bethel at this time.
. "Youth" Message: "The Power to Witness" . (11:51)
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 Acts 1:1-11 in your own Bible. (The "Church" message on this day, with the same topic, will be on the "Sermons" page of Bethel's web site later this week.)
Closing Hymn:
. Verses - "I Surrender All" . (UMH 354, 1 vs)
Closing Chorus & Benediction:
. Verse - "Bind Us Together"

Thank you for coming. Our prayer will be that we will soon all gather again for worship in Bethel's Sanctuary, but until then we'll be here for you on Sunday morning.

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