Third Sunday of Easter
April 19, 2026
| Pastor: Ralph Wrightstone |
Bulletin Insert Photos |
This is the Third Sunday of Easter, as we progress toward Jesus' ascension to heaven. This Sunday is also special in the UM Church calendar, called "Announcement Sunday"...In the Methodist church all pastoral appointments are for a single year from the first Sunday of July until the last Sunday of June. Pastoral appointments for all churches are determined in the early months of the calendar year to assure that every church is assigned a pastor (at least one) that is appropriate for the coming year at that church, based upon many considerations. This is the Sunday on which all those determinations are revealed within the individual churches.
Pastor Ralph has let us know that he is retiring (again?) at the end of this year and his replacement will be announced in the service this morning.
In both services today, he will bring his 17th sermon in the series, "Our Friend Jesus", with today's message: Forever Promises. On the resource page, the UDM supplied Easter Season worship series, "Stories That Matter", continues with the topic: "Astounded Us", about the reactions of those on the road to Emmaus, on that first Easter.
Pastor Ralph has let us know that he is retiring (again?) at the end of this year and his replacement will be announced in the service this morning.
In both services today, he will bring his 17th sermon in the series, "Our Friend Jesus", with today's message: Forever Promises. On the resource page, the UDM supplied Easter Season worship series, "Stories That Matter", continues with the topic: "Astounded Us", about the reactions of those on the road to Emmaus, on that first Easter.
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 04/19/26 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 04/19/26 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 . (02:21)
An "Announcements" slide has additional information about the assigned pastor.
- Opening Hymn
. Verses . "Lord of the Dance" . (UMH 261,v1,4)
:
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 . (02:28)
We hope that you will participate privately or communally in this responsive reading as part of your worship service. - .
Old Testament Scripture: Proverbs 3:1-12 . (02:04)
......consider following along with a favored translation of your own. - Lesson from the Psalms
. Introduction and Reading: Psalm 96 . (02:15)
You may wish to follow the reading of the scripture in your own Bible.
. Pastor's thoughts about the Psalm . (10:12)
- . Slides . Prayer Concerns and the Lord's Prayer . (03:28)
The slides here include a list of those for whom prayers have been requested. - Hymn of Preparation
. Verses . "Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross" . (UMH 301,v1,4)
-
. New Testament Scripture:
Revelation 1:1-7 . (02:03)
You may wish to follow the reading of the scripture in your own Bible. - The Message
.
"Forever Promises" . The Proclamation . (15:59)
(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 . "There's a Sweet, Sweet Spirit in this Place" . (UMH 334)
- 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