Pentecost Sunday
Aldersgate Sunday
May 19, 2024
| Pastor: Ralph Wrightstone | Bulletin Insert Photos | Music Director: Travis Oaks |
This Eighth Sunday of Easter comes on the 50th day of the Easter Season, 10 days after Jesus left his followers with a promise to send them a helper for the task he had given them. On this day, the promise was fulfilled as the devotions of the disciples were interrupted by the arrival of God's Spirit with wind and flame and new powers of expression for the disciples. From there, they went out, as the body of Christ, the Church, to carry the Good News of the Gospel to "the ends of the earth"...making this 50th day, Pentecost, to be considered the Birthday of the Church.
On the UMC calendar this is also a special day, called Aldersgate Sunday, recognizing the May 24, 1738 "heartwarming" experience of John Wesley when he received the "assurance of his salvation" that led him to begin a religious movement called Methodist...making that day the Birthday of Methodism.
for links to some Resource materials for today's service.
For those unable to attend the 11:00 AM Sunday 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 05/19/23 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 05/19/23 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 . (01:58)
- Opening Hymn
.
Verses . "I Will Enter His Gates with Thanksgiving" . (TFWS 2270)
:
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 . (02:34)
We hope that you will participate privately or communally in this responsive reading as part of your worship service. - . Scripture Reading:
Ezekiel 37:1-14 . (03:47)
......consider following along with a favored translation of your own. - . Youth Message: "Your Ticket to Heaven" .
(04:27)
- .
Slides - Pastor's Thoughts, Prayers and Lord's Prayer . (11:29)
The slides here include a list of those for whom prayers have been requested. - The Message
. Scripture:
John 16:25-33 . (01:47)
You may wish to follow the reading of the scripture in your own Bible.
. Message: "Breaking Through" .
(14:09)
(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 . "I'm So Glad, Jesus Lifted Me" . (TFWS 2151)
- 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