Bethel 10/03/21 Service

On this first Sunday of the month, a Communion Service is a part of both our online and church services. But today is a special day as the first Sunday in October is World Communion Sunday. United Methodist congregations join many Christian churches around the world for this celebration of unity among churches across denominations.
Click: World Communion Sunday to find out more about this day.

For a more general, detailed examination of our communion observances, click on:
This Holy Mystery
A United Methodist Understanding of Holy Communion

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 10/03/21 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 . (03:47)
Opening Hymn
. Verses - "I'm So Glad, Jesus Lifted Me" . (TFWS 2151)
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Other Hymns for you
Here is an oldie and a new one that seem appropriate for today:
. Verses - "One Bread, One Body" . (UMH 620)
. Verses - "Where Children Belong" . (TFWS 2233)
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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 . (02:47)
We hope that you will participate privately or communally in this responsive reading and affirmation as part of your worship service.
. OT Scripture Reading: "Psalm 26" . (01:28)
......consider following along with a favored translation of your own.
Special Music - Tina & Travis Oaks celebrated an anniversary during the church service today, and Travis sang this for the occasion:
. I Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now
. Slides - Pastor's Thoughts, Prayers and Lord's Prayer . (10:11)
The slides here include a list of those for whom prayers have been requested.
Please continue to include this prayer for the youth among your prayers for Bethel at this time.
. "Youth" Message: "Empowering the Powerless" . (19:19)
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 Mark 10:2-16 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.)
. 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:
. Verses - "Surely the Presence of the Lord is in This Place" . (UMH 328)
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