Bethel 05/23/21 Service

On this Pentecost the disciples were gathered to celebrate the 50 days having past since Passover had ended. It has been 10 days since Jesus' Ascension and they were still waiting for the promised "gift from the Father". The lectionary scripture from Acts 2:1- 21 describes what happened then. From there, the disciples would go out to become witnesses of Christ's redemption message "to the ends of the world" and the meaning of "Pentecost" would be forever changed.

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 05/23/21 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 . (04:17)
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Aldersgate Walking Tour - adapted from a presentation made today in the church service
Opening Hymn
. Verses - "Shout to the Lord" . (TFWS 2074)
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Other Hymns
This Charles Wesley hymn invokes the spirit of Pentecost for us today:
. Verses - "Spirit of Faith Come Down" . (UMH 332)
This is believed to be the hymn, written by Charles Wesley after his own conversion and sung upon the return of his brother John from his "heart warming" experience:
. Verses - "Where Shall My Wondering Soul Begin" . (UMH 312)
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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 . (03:05)
. OT Scripture Reading: "Ezekiel 37:1- 14" . (03:40)
......consider following along with a favored translation of your own.
Special Music
- Holy Spirit, sung by Tenesa and Travis
. Slides - Pastor's Thoughts, Prayers and Lord's Prayer . (08:40)
Please continue to include this prayer for the youth among your prayers for Bethel at this time.
. "Youth" Message: "Walking with God" . (12:34)
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 2:1- 21 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 - "Spirit Song" . (UMH 347)
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