Fifth Sunday of Easter
May 3, 2026
| Pastor: Ralph Wrightstone |
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This Fifth Sunday of Easter is the 29th day of "Eastertide" with just 11 days remaining for the disciples to enjoy the presence of the risen Christ and for Jesus to prepare them for his leaving them. The message today: "Hide and Watch" sounds like how the disciples might react to Jesus' leaving, but it's speaking of...God.
On this first Sunday of the month, communion will be a part of both services.
On the resource page, the UDM supplied Easter Season worship series, "Stories That Matter", continues with the topic: "You Know the Way", reminding us of Jesus' instructions to the disciples, and us, during those last days.
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 05/03/26 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 05/03/26 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.
- . Slides - Welcome and Announcements . (02:36)
An "Announcements" slide has information about the appointed pastor for next year.
- Opening Hymn
. Verses . "He Leadeth Me" . (UMH 128,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 . (02:09)
We hope that you will participate privately or communally in this responsive reading as part of your worship service. - .
Old Testament Scripture: Psalm 31:1-5 . (01:04)
......consider following along with a favored translation of your own. - Lesson from the Psalms -
This series is only a part of the online service
. Introduction and Reading: Psalm 98 . (02:00)
You may wish to follow the reading of the scripture in your own Bible.
. Pastor's thoughts about the Psalm . (09:21)
- . Slides . Prayer Concerns and the Lord's Prayer . (03:26)
The slides here include a list of those for whom prayers have been requested. - Hymn of Preparation
. Verses . "Fill My Cup, Lord" . (UMH 641,x2)
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. New Testament Scripture:
John 14:1-14 . (02:09)
You may wish to follow the reading of the scripture in your own Bible. - The Message
. "Hide and Watch" . (12:57)
(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 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.
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The Great Thanksgiving - You may wish to follow this part of the communion ritual from the hymnal as you partake the elements. - Closing Hymn
. Verses . "God Be With You, Till We Meet Again" . (UMH 672,v1,4)
- 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