Palm/Passion Sunday
April 2, 2023
| Pastor: Ralph Wrightstone | Bulletin Insert Photos | Music Director: Travis Oaks |
On this Last Sunday of the Season of Lent we find Jesus entering Jerusalem to be
received by an excited crowd of people who have experienced or heard of his previous three
years of ministry. None of them could have imagined the week that followed, now called
"Holy
Week", that would end with Jesus' body lying in a garden tomb. Clicking on the
graphics at the top of this page will provide descriptions of this procession of events.
-- On this first Sunday of the month we will also be celebrating Communion, remembering
Jesus' instructions to his disciples at "The Last Supper" on that
"Maundy Thursday".
Click on the graphics at the top of this page to find out more about the events in this
Holy Week.
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 04/02/23 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.
symbol to play the audio file under a separate browser tab or in a new window. Then select the
"Bethel 04/02/23 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 . (04:09)
- Time of Worship
We begin with the singing of a hymn:
. Verse .
"Come, Now is the Time to Worship" (W&S 3176)
:
(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 .
(02:46)
We hope that you will participate privately or communally in this responsive reading as part of your worship service. - . NT Scripture Reading:
"Philippians 2:5-11"
(01:34)
......consider following along with a favored translation of your own. - . Slides - Pastor's Thoughts, Prayers and Lord's Prayer .
(15:44)
The slides here include a list of those for whom prayers have been requested. - Special Music
.
"Holy Water" sung by Travis and Tricia in last Sunday's church service.
- . Message: "Flash Mobs" .
(13:01)
You may wish to follow the reading of Matthew 21:1-11 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.) - . 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:
. Verse .
"Surely the Presence of the Lord is in This Place" (UMH 328)
- Closing Chorus and 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