Second Sunday of Easter
April 7, 2024
| Pastor: Ralph Wrightstone | Bulletin Insert Photos | Music Director: Travis Oaks |
Notice that this is the 2nd Sunday of Easter, not Sunday after Easter because Easter Sunday, Resurrection Sunday, is not just a day but the beginning of a 40-day period during which Jesus was experienced in an earthly, physical form. Paul records that Jesus was experienced in this way by a group of 500 persons, so the Resurrection was not just a "one-time one-off" event, but a continuing experience. Our challenge is to retain that "Joy of Easter" through-out the Easter Season...and beyond.
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 04/07/24 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 04/07/24 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 bring light to the candles on the altar to open this time of Worship. - .
Slides -
Welcome and Announcements . (02:19)
- Opening Hymn
. Verses . "Lord, I Lift Your Name on High" . (TFWS 2088)
:
(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 .
(02:51)
We hope that you will participate privately or communally in this responsive reading as part of your worship service. - . Youth Message: "Doubting Thomas" . (04:09)
- . Old Testament Reading:
Psalm 133 and commentary . (02:02)
......consider following along with a favored translation of your own. - .
Slides - Pastor's Thoughts and Prayers .
(07:46)
The slides here include a list of those for whom prayers have been requested. - The Message
. Scripture:
John 20:19-31 and commentary . (04:12)
You may wish to follow the reading of the scripture in your own Bible.
. Message: "Free to Forgive" .
(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.) -
. About
- Holy Communion
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 has 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. - Closing Hymn
.
Verses .
"I'm so Glad Jesus Lifted Me" . (TFWS 2151)
- 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