Fourth Sunday of Easter
April 30, 2023
| Pastor: Ralph Wrightstone | Bulletin Insert Photos | Music Director: Travis Oaks |
This Fourth Sunday of Easter falls 21 days after the resurrection, just past the mid-point
of Jesus' time with the disciples for preparing them to take the Gospel Message to the world. He
gives them both a promise and a warning in telling them "I Am the Good
Shepherd"...with a caution expressed in today's message: "Close the Back Door!".
Thursday of this week is the U.S.
National Day of Prayer on the secular calendar with a purpose that invites all "to turn to
God
in prayer and meditation". Of course we recognize this as a daily responsibility but it is
good to
know that, on at least one day each year, the entire nation is encouraged to "turn to God".
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. 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.
:
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.
:
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 04/30/23 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.
symbol to play the audio file under a separate browser tab or in a new window. Then select the
"Bethel 04/30/23 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 . (02:54)
- Opening Hymn
.
Verses . "Victory in Jesus" . (UMH 370, v1,3)
:
(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 . (03:24)
We hope that you will participate privately or communally in this responsive reading as part of your worship service. - . NT Scripture Reading:
"Acts 2:42-47" .
(02:03)
......consider following along with a favored translation of your own. - .
Slides - Pastor's Thoughts, Prayers and Lord's Prayer .
(16:25)
The slides here include a list of those for whom prayers have been requested. - Message:
. Scripture: "
John 10:1-10" . (01:50)
(You may wish to follow the scripture reading in your own Bible.)
. Message: "Close the Back Door!" . (17:35)
(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 of the Living God" . (UMH 393)
- Closing Chorus & 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