“As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God.” Psalm 42:1   Hello friends, Wishing you all a Blessed Memorial Day. I spent some time praying in Bethel’s Memorial Garden this morning and took these pictures. I hope you will join me in giving thanks for all who have given their lives in service for our freedom today. I share below the prayer I wrote for this weekend: Awesome and majestic God, Your creative power, your glory and holiness astound us, as you chose to link your life with ours in a most personal way – by sharing our humanity. In Jesus Christ, you revealed the human face of your power, your glory, and your love. Again, astounding us, you equip us for our journey through life, by breathing new and everlasting life into our very beings, through the gift of the Holy Spirit. Holy God – Creator, Redeemder, and Sustainer of our lives – we worship and adore you today and always. God of Love, Prince of Peace, this Memorial Day weekend we pause to remember all those who have given their lives in service to our great country. We certainly give you thanks for their brave and courageous acts, defending the abundant freedoms we so easily enjoy. Let us also a take a moment to renew our own commitments to peace work and to community-building. Our country is divided, Lord, but we can grow together one step at a time. Help us to work together, to work for peace, and to build up your kingdom right here in Forest Acres – on our street corner, in our neighborhood, and in our community. Let us remember those who have given their lives in the past, in the name of our country, and also for those who have worked for peace, for community-building, for the church. Merciful God, when we treat our part of the world as a commodity to be used rather than a gift to be cherished, forgive us. When we fail to care for and protect your lovely creation, with its mountains, oceans, forests, and valleys, forgive us. Forgive us when we fail to live out the commandment to love one another as Jesus loves us, when we judge a person by the color of their skin, by their possessions or their achievements, rather than accepting them as persons loved and accepted by you. Life-giving God – fill us anew with your creative power that we may be reborn in your image, glorifying you in and through who we are, and what we say and do in Jesus’ name. We pray this and all things in your most Holy name, AMEN. We invite you to join us for worship today. You may find our worship service on YouTube and posted to our Bethel UMC Facebook page. Links to our Facebook page, YouTube channel, and an order of worship are shared below. Bethel’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bethelmethodistcolumbia. Bethel’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOPfIqRQ6Nt6B3-bxNyPJDA. If you would like to receive a DVD of our worship service, please email a request to Sheryl at office@bethelmethodistcolumbia.com. We would be happy to send you one! If you are in need, please do not hesitate to let us know. The church office is closed, but we are checking the voicemail messages and emails regularly. The telephone number to the church office is (803) 787-3058 and the church office email is office@bethelmethodistcolumbia.com. Pastor Julie and Pastor Reggie may be reached directly on their personal cell phones at any time: Julie Belman: (803) 319-6169 Reggie Rowell: (843) 697-6967 May the Peace of Christ surround you today, and always, Pastor Julie * * * * * * * * * * * * * Sunday Worship at Home Bethel UMC Columbia | Rev. Julie Songer Belman May 24, 2020 Preparation: Find a spot in your home for yourself/your family to engage in worship. Include your Bible, a candle, and a lighter or matches (or battery operated candle or low wattage table lamp), if possible. You might consider a small cross as well. Welcome: Thank you for joining us! Please listen closely as Jason makes several key announcements. We pray you will be blessed by your time of worship with us today. Prelude: “Marvelous Grace” While Bill plays the prelude, we invite you to light or turn on the candle/lamp to acknowledge the presence of the Holy Spirit in your worship. Take a deep breath and give thanks for God’s presence. Psalter: Psalm 42, read by Emily Rose Walker and Jason Barrs. Prayers of the People: Please join with Pastor Julie as she prays today. Pray for yourself, your family, your church community, your city, your state, your country, our world. Pray for the global health situation, particularly for those who are sick, those who are lonely, those who are gripped by fear, those who are facing financial hardship, those without safe shelter, those who are hungry, our healthcare workers, our leaders in every realm. Give thanks, once again, for God’s faithfulness and seek God’s guidance for ways to offer love and grace in the world right now. The Lord’s Prayer: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. Scripture: This week, Pastor Julie is preaching on Galatians 3:23-29. We invite you to open your Bibles (or the Bible app on your phone!) at home and read along. Sermon: “We Are the Living God” Rev. Julie Songer Belman Listen to, watch, or read a sermon. You can find access to all of Bethel’s recent sermons on our website: https://bethelmethodistcolumbia.com/recent-sermons/. Offertory: “In Christ Alone” sung by Jason Barrs Your continued support of God’s ongoing work at Bethel UMC is sincerely appreciated. Contributions to the mission of Bethel {Knowing, Loving, Serving: so the world may experience Christ’s Love!} may be made by mailing a check to 4600 Daniel Drive, Columbia SC 29206, or giving online at: bethelmethodistcolumbia.com. You may also contact your bank to have them draft a check on your behalf. *We are still collecting for our Epworth Mother’s Day Offering! This check may be made directly to Bethel and marked for Epworth; mailed to Epworth Children’s Home at 2900 Millwood Avenue, Columbia SC 29205; or given online: https://www.epworthchildrenshome.org/support/impact/. Benediction: Say these words aloud: In the spirit of God’s unchanging love, live the stories of faith we have heard this day. In the melody of God’s song within us, sing the faith we have received this day. In the hope of God’s unfailing help, share the grace we have touched this day. Go and tell the world how much God has done for us! Go in Peace: Check on someone you love today. |
Knowing, Loving, Serving… So The World Will Know Christ's Love
Knowing, Loving, Serving…
So the World Will Know Christ’s Love
So the World Will Know Christ’s Love
0 Comments