First Sunday of Lent
February 22, 2026
| Pastor: Ralph Wrightstone |
Bulletin
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This is the First Sunday of Lent, a Season which actually began last Wednesday, Ash Wednesday. Just as Epiphany was a season of preparation for Christ to enter our world and gather his followers....Lent is a time of preparation for his leaving them to continue the work of spreading his words.
In both services today, pastor Ralph will continue the sermon series whose theme is "Jesus as Your Friend", this week with the message of Jesus as "Your Jewish Friend".
On the Resource Page of this service, a new UDM supplied Lenten worship series:"Renewed in Mercy" will begin with the message "Mercy on the Wilderness Road". (This series actually began with the online Ash Wednesday service last week.)...In today's UDM service I recommend Hymn 2051...it was new to me.
In both services today, pastor Ralph will continue the sermon series whose theme is "Jesus as Your Friend", this week with the message of Jesus as "Your Jewish Friend".
On the Resource Page of this service, a new UDM supplied Lenten worship series:"Renewed in Mercy" will begin with the message "Mercy on the Wilderness Road". (This series actually began with the online Ash Wednesday service last week.)...In today's UDM service I recommend Hymn 2051...it was new to me.
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 02/22/26 Service" browser tab or return to this window to open the Link to the "slides". Use your browser's back/return arrow to come back to this page from the slides. It is best to close the tab or window of an audio file before starting to play 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 02/22/26 Service" browser tab or return to this window to open the Link to the "slides". Use your browser's back/return arrow to come back to this page from the slides. It is best to close the tab or window of an audio file before starting to play 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"
- . Slides - Welcome and Announcements . (02:29)
- Opening Hymn
. Verses . "There's Within My Heart a Melody" . (UMH 380,v1,3,5)
:
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 . (02:19)
We hope that you will participate privately or communally in this responsive reading as part of your worship service. - .
Old Testament Scripture: Exodus 19:1-11 . (02:47)
......consider following along with a favored translation of your own. - Lesson from the Psalms
. Introduction and Reading: Psalm 88 . (02:34)
You may wish to follow the reading of the scripture in your own Bible.
. Pastor's thoughts about the Psalm . (09:55)
- . Slides . Prayer Concerns and the Lord's Prayer . (02:37)
The slides here include a list of those for whom prayers have been requested. - Hymn of Preparation
. Verses . "Jesus Calls Us" . (UMH 398,v1,5)
- The Message
. Scripture:
John 15:9-17 . (01:25)
You may wish to follow the reading of the scripture in your own Bible.
. Message:
"Your Jewish Friend" . (12:45)
(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 . "On Eagle's Wings" . (UMH 143,2reps)
- 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