Bethel 03/26/23 Service

Fifth Sunday of Lent
March 26, 2023

Pastor: Ralph Wrightstone

Music Director: Travis Oaks

This Fifth Sunday of Lent is the last of the numbered Sundays of Lent as next Sunday, the Last "Sunday of Lent", is identified as "Palm Sunday" and begins "Holy Week" leading up to Easter. The message scripture for this week tells the story of Jesus' resurrection of Lazarus, the last of the 7 miracles recorded in the Gospel of John before the crucifixion. All of the Lectionary Scriptures listed in the church bulletin this week (or on this online service resource page) relate to some form of rebirth or renewal, from the "dry bones" of Ezekiel, the redemption in the Psalm, the "new life in the spirit" mentioned in the book of Romans (today's other scripture reading) to the resurrection of Lazarus in John's Gospel, all deal with God's power to give new life to those who believe.

Click on the "Bethel United Methodist Church" script above
for links to some Resource materials for today's service.

We are also having a service at 11:00 this morning in Bethel's sanctuary. 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 at the traditional service time...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 03/26/23 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"
In a return to Pre-Covid practice, acolytes are bringing light to the candles on the altar to open this time of Worship.
. Slides - Welcome and Announcements . (02:06)
Opening Hymn
. Verse . "Lord I Lift Your Name on High" (TFWS 2088)
:
(Let us know if you have a favorite hymn that you would like to have included in an online service.)
. Slides - Call to Worship, Affirmation, Gloria Patria . (03:17)
We hope that you will participate privately or communally in this responsive reading as part of your worship service.
. NT Scripture Reading: "Romans 8:5-11" (02:59)
......consider following along with a favored translation of your own.
. Slides - Pastor's Thoughts, Prayers and Lord's Prayer . (14:23)
The slides here include a list of those for whom prayers have been requested.
Special Music
. "Forgiven" sung by Travis in last Sunday's church service.
. Message: "When Time Stands Still" . (18:16)
You may wish to follow the reading of John 11:1-45 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:
. Verse . "I Surrender All" (UMH 354)
Closing Chorus and 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