Fifth Sunday of Easter
May 7, 2023
| Pastor: Ralph Wrightstone | Bulletin Insert Photos | Music Director: Travis Oaks |
On this Fifth Sunday of Easter we might recognize that Jesus' times with the disciples
have been sudden, unexpected but with the purpose of assuring and preparing them for the task
that lay ahead. As they might have wondered just how long these appearances would continue and
what they would do if they stopped...they would find their answers in Jesus' words, spoken at
that last Passover meal and describing "The Way" to find and come to him.
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 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 05/07/23 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 05/07/23 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
.
Verses . "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" . (UMH 133)
:
(There are also other hymns appropriate for this time at the bottom of the Resource Page.
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 . (02:32)
We hope that you will participate privately or communally in this responsive reading as part of your worship service. - . NT Scripture Reading:
"1 Peter 2:1-12" .
(04:37)
......consider following along with a favored translation of your own. - .
Slides - Pastor's Thoughts, Prayers and Lord's Prayer .
(16:10)
The slides here include a list of those for whom prayers have been requested. - . Special Music:
"How Deep the Father's Love for Us", sung by Travis in last week's church service
- . Message: "The Way" .
(17:46)
You may wish to follow the reading of John 14:1-14 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)
It has been customary to use consecrated crackers and grape juice during the service but you may use other elements for the acts of remembrance as you participate. During the time of "social distancing", the church service has used individual packets for communion taken in the pews. The service is now using more traditional bread and juice for communion taken at the altar but also offers the communion packets and provides for communion to be taken in the pew. - Closing Hymn
.
Verses . "On Eagle's Wings" . (UMH 143, 2 reps)
- 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