First Sunday of Lent
February 18, 2024
| Pastor: Ralph Wrightstone | Bulletin Insert Photos | Music Director: Travis Oaks |
This is the First Sunday of the Season of Lent with five more to follow as we progress toward Easter. Pastor Ralph's message: The Love of Truth, part 2 will be the sixth in his sermon series: God Bless America Again. You will find the earlier messages in the series on the Sermons page of Bethel's web site.
Today's Resource page includes some informational items about the Season of Lent and also continues the 9 service series of lenten worship plans from the UMC Discipleship Ministries that began on Ash Wednesday. Although the UMC DM services, with the theme of: Depths of Love, are not related to Bethel's online services, we hope that they may provide you another opportunity to explore the meaning of the season.
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 02/18/24 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 02/18/24 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 . (03:19)
- Opening Hymn
.
Verses .
"Amazing Grace, My Chains Are Gone" . (W&S 3104)
:
(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 of Faith and Gloria Patria .
(02:43)
We hope that you will participate privately or communally in this responsive reading as part of your worship service. - . Old Testament Reading:
Exodus 23:9-13 (01:13)
......consider following along with a favored translation of your own. - .
Slides - Pastor's Thoughts and Prayers .
(09:57)
The slides here include a list of those for whom prayers have been requested. - . Special Music:
"I Can't Even Walk without You Holding My Hand", sung by Travis in last week's service.
(He preceded the song with
these words of introduction.)
- The Message
. Scripture:
Matthew 22:34-40 .
(01:11)
You may wish to follow the reading of the scripture in your own Bible.
. Message: "The Love of Truth, part 2" .
(22:20)
. A Prayer for You .
(01:14)
. Closing Remarks .
(00:55)
(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 .
"O How He Loves You and Me" . (TFWS 2108)
- Benediction and Closing Chorus:
. 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