The United Church of Bethel

Sunday June 14th Worship Order & Readings

Tom Harty - Pastor, Becki Kondi - Keyboard & Vocals, Larry Noble - Guitar & Vocals

Prelude

Welcome and Announcements

Introit

Greeting and Responsive Call to Worship

L The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
P And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to the Lord
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God
It is right to give him thanks and praise

Strangers visit Abraham and Sarah,
and they welcome them with a feast!
How wonderful!
Strangers promise Sarah and Abraham
a child in their old age!
Too wonderful!?
Strangers leave Abraham and Sarah
To wait and ponder::
“Is anything to wonderful for God?”
Let us worship our Wonder-full God

Invocation and Lighting of the Altar Candles

Lord’s Prayer

W Hymn

Prayer of Confession

Like Sarah and Abraham, we may be discouraged,
tired of waiting for a future that seems impossible

Is anything too wonderful for God?

Oh God, you call us to seek you in all times and places,
and work with courage to prepare the way for your Kin-dom,
but our resolve too often fails and we give up too soon

Holy One, Have mercy.

Oh God, you call us to offer peace to friends and strangers
to prepare the way your Kin-dom,
but we fail to cultivate the spirit of peace in our own lives.

Christ, have mercy.

Oh God, you call us to be full of joyful confidence
to prepare the way for your Kin-dom, but anxious doubt often burdens us and
blocks our witness to your good news.

Holy One, have mercy.

Assurance of Pardon

Sarah laughed at first, doubting God’s promise;
Sarah laughed at last, delighted at God’s promise fulfilled.
May we laugh in hope and delight in pondering:
How wonderful: In Christ, our sins are forgiven!

Thanks be to God.

Passing of the Peace

First Reading: Exodus 19:2-8

Psalm: 100

Refrain: It is God that made us and we are God’s people

W Gloria Patri

Epistle: Romans 5:1-8

Choral Anthem

W Gospel: Matthew 9:35-10:8-23

W Hymn

Sermon

Joys and Concerns

Pastoral Prayer

Choral Response: Hear Our Prayer O Lord.

Offering

W Doxology

W Prayer of Dedication

W Hymn

W Benediction

W Choral Benediction

Genesis 1:1-2:4a

In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.

And God said, "Let there be a dome in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters." So God made the dome and separated the waters that were under the dome from the waters that were above the dome. And it was so. God called the dome Sky. And there was evening and there was morning, the second day.

And God said, "Let the waters under the sky be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear." And it was so. God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good. Then God said, "Let the earth put forth vegetation: plants yielding seed, and fruit trees of every kind on earth that bear fruit with the seed in it." And it was so. The earth brought forth vegetation: plants yielding seed of every kind, and trees of every kind bearing fruit with the seed in it. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the third day.

And God said, "Let there be lights in the dome of the sky to separate the day from the night; and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years, and let them be lights in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth." And it was so. God made the two great lights — the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night — and the stars. God set them in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth, to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day.

And God said, "Let the waters bring forth swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the dome of the sky." So God created the great sea monsters and every living creature that moves, of every kind, with which the waters swarm, and every winged bird of every kind. And God saw that it was good. God blessed them, saying, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth." And there was evening and there was morning, the fifth day.

And God said, "Let the earth bring forth living creatures of every kind: cattle and creeping things and wild animals of the earth of every kind." And it was so. God made the wild animals of the earth of every kind, and the cattle of every kind, and everything that creeps upon the ground of every kind. And God saw that it was good.

Then God said, "Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth."

So God created humankind in his image,
in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.

God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth." God said, "See, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit; you shall have them for food. And to every beast of the earth, and to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food." And it was so. God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.

Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all their multitude. And on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all the work that he had done in creation.

These are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created.

Psalm 8

How majestic is your name in all the earth!

O Lord, our Sovereign,
how majestic is your name
in all the earth!

You have set your glory
   above the heavens.
Out of the mouths of babes
   and infants
you have founded a bulwark
   because of your foes,
to silence the enemy
   and the avenger.

When I look at your heavens,
   the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars
   that you have established;
what are human beings
   that you are mindful of them,
mortals that you care for them?

How majestic is your name in all the earth!

Yet you have made them
   a little lower than God,
and crowned them
   with glory and honor.
You have given them dominion
   over the works of your hands;
you have put all things
   under their feet,

all sheep and oxen,
   and also the beasts of the field,
the birds of the air,
   and the fish of the sea,
whatever passes along the paths
   of the seas.

How majestic is your name in all the earth!

O Lord, our Sovereign,
how majestic is your name
in all the earth!

2 Corinthians 13:11-13

Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell. Put things in order, listen to my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.

Matthew 28:16-20

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

The United Church of Bethel

Sunday July 5th Worship Order & Readings

Tom Harty - Pastor, Virtual Becki Kondi - Keyboard, Larry Noble - Guitar & Vocals

Prelude

Welcome and Announcements

Introit

Greeting and Responsive Call to Worship

Jesus says Come to me—Everyone!

When I play a joyful tune
we’ll dance!
When I sing a lament
we’ll weep!
When I chant for justice
we’ll sing along!

Invocation and Lighting of the Altar Candles

Lord’s Prayer

W Hymn

Prayer of Confession

I know that all God’s commands are spiritual,

but I’m not.

I decide one way,

but then I act another, doing things I absolutely despise.

I decide to do good,

but I don’t really do it;

I decide not to do bad,

but then I do it anyway

I truly delight in God’s commands

But the power of sin sabotages my best intentions

My decisions to good don’t result in actions:

Sin is there to trip me up.

I’ve tried everything …

Who can help me?

Assurance of Pardon

Passing of the Peace

First Reading: Genesis 24:33-38, 42:49. 58-67

Psalm: 45: 10-17

Refrain: Your throne O God endures forever

W Gloria Patri

Epistle: Romans 7:15-25a

Choral Anthem

W Gospel: Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

W Hymn

Sermon

Joys and Concerns

Pastoral Prayer

Choral Response: Hear Our Prayer O Lord.

Communion

Offering

W Doxology

W Prayer of Dedication

W Hymn

W Benediction

W Choral Benediction

Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67

So he said, "I am Abraham's servant. The Lord has greatly blessed my master, and he has become wealthy; he has given him flocks and herds, silver and gold, male and female slaves, camels and donkeys. And Sarah my master's wife bore a son to my master when she was old; and he has given him all that he has. My master made me swear, saying, 'You shall not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I live; but you shall go to my father's house, to my kindred, and get a wife for my son.'

"I came today to the spring, and said, 'O Lord, the God of my master Abraham, if now you will only make successful the way I am going! I am standing here by the spring of water; let the young woman who comes out to draw, to whom I shall say, "Please give me a little water from your jar to drink," and who will say to me, "Drink, and I will draw for your camels also" — let her be the woman whom the Lord has appointed for my master's son.'

"Before I had finished speaking in my heart, there was Rebekah coming out with her water-jar on her shoulder; and she went down to the spring, and drew. I said to her, 'Please let me drink.' She quickly let down her jar from her shoulder, and said, 'Drink, and I will also water your camels.' So I drank, and she also watered the camels. Then I asked her, 'Whose daughter are you?' She said, 'The daughter of Bethuel, Nahor's son, whom Milcah bore to him.' So I put the ring on her nose, and the bracelets on her arms. Then I bowed my head and worshipped the Lord, and blessed the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who had led me by the right way to obtain the daughter of my master's kinsman for his son. Now then, if you will deal loyally and truly with my master, tell me; and if not, tell me, so that I may turn either to the right hand or to the left."

And they called Rebekah, and said to her, "Will you go with this man?" She said, "I will." So they sent away their sister Rebekah and her nurse along with Abraham's servant and his men. And they blessed Rebekah and said to her,

"May you, our sister, become thousands of myriads;
may your offspring gain possession
of the gates of their foes."
Then Rebekah and her maids rose up, mounted the camels, and followed the man; thus the servant took Rebekah, and went his way.

Now Isaac had come from Beer-lahai-roi, and was settled in the Negeb. Isaac went out in the evening to walk in the field; and looking up, he saw camels coming. And Rebekah looked up, and when she saw Isaac, she slipped quickly from the camel, and said to the servant, "Who is the man over there, walking in the field to meet us?" The servant said, "It is my master." So she took her veil and covered herself. And the servant told Isaac all the things that he had done. Then Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah's tent. He took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her. So Isaac was comforted after his mother's death.

Psalm 45:10-17

Your throne O God endures forever and ever

Hear, O daughter,
consider and incline your ear;
forget your people
and your parents' house,
and the king will desire
your beauty.
Since he is your lord,
bow to him;
the people of Tyre will seek
your favor with gifts,
the richest of the people
with all kinds of wealth.

Your throne O God endures forever and ever

The princess is clothed
in her chamber
with gold-woven robes;
in many-colored robes
she is led to the king;
behind her the virgins,
her companions,
follow.
With joy and gladness
they are led along
as they enter the palace
of the king.
In the place of ancestors you, O king,
shall have descendants;
you will make them nobles
in all the earth.
I will cause your name to be celebrated
in all generations;
therefore the peoples will praise you
forever and ever.

Your throne O God endures forever and ever

Romans 7:15-25a

I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree that the law is good. But in fact it is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot do it. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me.

So I find it to be a law that when I want to do what is good, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God in my inmost self, but I see in my members another law at war with the law of my mind, making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

[Jesus said:] "But to what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the market-places and calling to one another,
'We played the flute for you, and you did not dance;
we wailed, and you did not mourn.'
"For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon'; the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax-collectors and sinners!' Yet wisdom is indicated by her deeds."

At that time Jesus said, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

"Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Prelude

Welcome and Announcements

Introit

Greeting and Responsive Call to Worship

L The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
P And also with you.
L Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to the Lord
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God
It is right to give him thanks and praise
We shout for joy
to God who rides upon the clouds!
We sing praises to our awe-inspiring God,
before whom the earth quakes,
and whose abundant blessings provide for all in need!
God is Sovereign over the earth,
Defender of the defenseless, and Parent to orphans;
God creates families for those who are alone.
God leads captives to freedom
and breaks the yoke of oppression.
God goes forth before the people,
marching through the wilderness of their lives,
bringing forth restoration and justice.
Sing praise to God,
Rider of the ancient skies,
who dwells in holiness.
Proclaim the power of God!
O God, how awesome you are in your sanctuary!
You give power and strength to your people.
Let us worship God!

Invocation and Lighting of the Altar Candles

Lord’s Prayer

W Hymn 68 RED O Beautiful for Spacious Skies

Prayer of Confession

Blessed One, you created human beings
for your glory and pleasure.
Forgive us for being self-absorbed and
choosing to live solely for ourselves.
Forgive us for ignoring the prompting of your Spirit,
your purpose for our lives, and for placing our will above yours.
Grant us courage to share in Christ’s sufferings, to be his witnesses, and
to carry your loving compassion to a hurting world. Amen

Assurance of Pardon

As the Body of Christ,
we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to be Christ’s witnesses.
Each of us has our own story of what Jesus’ life means for us.
Through our life-stories we can convey hope to the hopeless,
joy to the downtrodden, and peace where there is turmoil.
Therefore, let us “clothe ourselves in humility,”
sharing the Good News of Christ, that we “may all be one.”
In this God is well pleased

Passing of the Peace

First Reading: Acts 1:6-14

Psalm:68

Refrain: Sing, Sing to God, Sing Praises to God’s Holy Name

W Gloria Patri

1 Peter 4: 12-14,5:6-11

Choral Anthem

W Gospel John 17:1-11

W Hymn NCH 302 Crown with your richest crowns (3 Verses)

Sermon

Joys and Concerns

Pastoral Prayer

Choral Response: Hear Our Prayer O Lord.

Offering

W Doxology

W Prayer of Dedication

W Hymn NCH 571O God of Love O God of Peace

W Benediction

W Choral Benediction

Acts 1:6-14

So when they had come together, they asked him, "Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?" He replied, "It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going and they were gazing up towards heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up towards heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven."

Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day's journey away. When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying, Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers.

Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35

Sing, Sing to God, Sing Praises to God’s Holy Name

Let God rise up,
   let God's enemies be scattered;
let those who hate God
   flee before God.
As smoke is driven away,
   so drive them away;
as wax melts before the fire,
   let the wicked perish before God.
But let the righteous be joyful;
   let them exult before God;
let them be jubilant with joy.

Sing, Sing to God, Sing Praises to God’s Holy Name

Sing to God,
   sing praises to God's name;
lift up a song to the one who rides
   upon the clouds —
be exultant before God
   whose name is the Sovereign.

Father-Mother of orphans
and protector of widows
is God in God's holy habitation.

God gives the desolate
   a home to live in;
God leads out the prisoners
   to prosperity,
but the rebellious live
   in a parched land.

Sing, Sing to God, Sing Praises to God’s Holy Name

O God, when you went out
   before your people,
when you marched
   through the wilderness,
the earth quaked,
   the heavens poured down rain
at the presence of God,
   the God of Sinai,
at the presence of God,
   the God of Israel.

Rain in abundance, O God,
   you showered abroad;
you restored your heritage
   when it languished;
your flock found a dwelling in it;
   in your goodness, O God,
you provided for the needy.

Sing, Sing to God, Sing Praises to God’s Holy Name

Sing to God,
O kingdoms of the earth;
sing praises to the Lord,

O rider in the heavens,
the ancient heavens;
listen, God sends out a voice,
a mighty voice.

Ascribe power to God,
   whose majesty is over Israel;
and whose power is in the skies.
Awesome is God
   in God's sanctuary,
the God of Israel gives power
   and strength to God's people.

Blessed be God!

1 Peter 4: 12-14; 5: 6-11

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice in so far as you are sharing Christ's sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory, which is the Spirit of God, is resting on you.

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. Discipline yourselves; keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

John 17:1-11

After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed.

"I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them. And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one."

The United Church of Bethel

Sunday May 17th Worship Order & Readings

Tom Harty - Pastor, Becky Kondi - Keyboard & Vocals, Catie Kondi - Vocals

Acts 17:22-31

Then Paul stood in front of the Areopagus and said, "Athenians, I see how extremely religious you are in every way. For as I went through the city and looked carefully at the objects of your worship, I found among them an altar with the inscription, 'To an unknown god.' What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mortals life and breath and all things. From one ancestor he made all nations to inhabit the whole earth, and he allotted the times of their existence and the boundaries of the places where they would live, so that they would search for God and perhaps grope for him and find him — though indeed he is not far from each one of us. For 'In him we live and move and have our being'; as even some of your own poets have said, 'For we too are his offspring.'
"Since we are God's offspring, we ought not to think that the deity is like gold, or silver, or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of mortals. While God has overlooked the times of human ignorance, now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will have the world judged in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed, and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead."

Psalm 66:8-20

Refrain:Let the sound of God's praise be heard,

Bless our God,
   O peoples,
let the sound of God's praise
   be heard,
who has kept us among the living,
   and has not let our feet slip.

For you, O God,
have tested us;
you have tried us
as silver is tried.

Refrain:Let the sound of God's praise be heard,

You brought us
   into the net;
you laid burdens
   on our backs;
you let people ride
   over our heads;

we went through fire
and through water;
yet you have brought us out
to a spacious place.

I will come into your house
   with burnt-offerings;
I will pay you my vows,
   that my lips uttered
and my mouth promised
   when I was in trouble.

I will offer to you burnt-offerings
   of fatlings,
with the smoke of the sacrifice
   of rams;
I will make an offering
   of bulls and goats.

Refrain:Let the sound of God's praise be heard,

Come and hear,
   all you who fear God,
and I will tell
   what God has done for me.
I cried aloud to God,
   and extolled God with my tongue.

If I had cherished iniquity
in my heart,
God would not have listened.

But truly God has listened;
God has given heed
to the words of my prayer.

Blessed be God, because God has not
rejected my prayer
or removed God's steadfast love
from me.

Refrain:Let the sound of God's praise be heard,

1 Peter 3:13-22

Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an account of the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence. Keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God's will, than to suffer for doing evil. For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit, in which also he went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison, who in former times did not obey, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight people, were saved through water. And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you — not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him.

John 14:15-21

[Jesus said:] "If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you for ever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you.

"I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them."

The United Church of Bethel

Sunday April 26th Worship Order & Readings

Tom Harty - Pastor, Becky Kondi - Keyboard & Vocals, Katie Kondi - Vocals

Prelude

Welcome and Announcements

Introit

Greeting and Responsive Call to Worship

L The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God,

and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

P And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.

We lift them up to the Lord

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God

It is right to give him thanks and praise

Travelers on the Way, what shall we do?
We shall praise God
who hears our prayers,
who draws near to us,
and brings new life out of death.

Dear Ones, how shall we live?
With the confidence of God’s beloved children,
with security and joy of God’s saving grace.

Friends old and new, what is the promise?

New life, forgiveness of sin, the Spirit as gift!

Beloved Siblings, how shall we praise?

We lift our voices and our hearts in love, thanks, and praise!

We will praise the Lord as long as we live

Invocation and Lighting of the Altar Candles

Lord’s Prayer

W Hymn

Prayer of Confession

Heavenly Stranger, our Companion on the Way,
we yearn for your love and grace. We seek your wisdom and guidance.
We relish the joy which burns within our hearts when you are with us.
Yet, sometimes we would cling to you,
hoard the blessings of relationship with you,
and not share your love with others.
Forgive us, Dear One.
Remind us that your love is to be carried throughout the world.
Press us to share the hope and joy of your love,
so that someone who hungers for spiritual food
may be filled by our witness to your grace.
Shine the light of your Spirit through us,
so that we may show your Way those who long for peace
and help to revive those in whom hope has died. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon

God may come to us, unrecognized, as a stranger.
The Risen Christ reaches out to us in unexpected ways
as we travel our own Emmaus roads.
May the Word of our Stillspeaking God
continue to burn in our hearts

Passing of the Peace

First Reading: Acts 2:14a, 36-41

Psalm: 116 1-4, 12-19

Refrain: I will praise God as long as I live (as long as I live)

W Gloria Patri

Epistle: 1 Peter 1:17-23

Choral Anthem

W Gospel Luke 24:13-35

W Hymn

Sermon

Joys and Concerns

Pastoral Prayer

Choral Response: Hear Our Prayer O Lord.

Offering

W Doxology

W Prayer of Dedication

W Hymn

W Benediction

W Choral Benediction

The United Church of Bethel

Sunday June 7th Worship Order & Readings

Tom Harty - Pastor, Becki Kondi - Keyboard & Vocals, Larry Noble - Guitar & Vocals

Prelude

Welcome and Announcements

Introit

Greeting and Responsive Call to Worship

In the name of the Creator, the Christ and the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God

and the Word was God.

In the beginning the Spirit of God swept over the face of the waters.

In the beginning God said, “Let us make humankind in our image.”

And so we came into being, created by God who exists in community.

We are here as God’s community to worship the Source of our being.

Invocation and Lighting of the Altar Candles

Lord’s Prayer

W Hymn NCH 31 All things bright and beautiful

Prayer of Confession

Let us pray.

Holy God, We were created in your image,

an image of mutuality and respect for one another;

an image of a dance ever moving, ever in tune one with others;

an image of community with shared blessing and mission.

You have given us dominion over the work of your hands.

You have charged us to be fruitful and multiply,

to make disciples of all nations.

Forgive us God; we have denied our purpose.

We have abused the earth’s resources for our own selfish gain

and the consequences wreak havoc upon the fish of the sea,

the birds of the air and every living thing that moves upon the earth.

Forgive us God; we have defiled your image.

We have regarded some of your children as “other”

and therefore beyond the reach of your love and care

because their professed faith in you, or lack thereof,

is different from our own.

Forgive us God; for we have sinned.

Assurance of Pardon

God desires to see broken relationships restored

and has heard our prayer.

In the name of Jesus the Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit,

we are forgiven.

Thanks be to God.

Passing of the Peace

First Reading: Genesis 1:1-2:4a

Psalm: 8

Refrain: How majestic is your name in all the earth

W Gloria Patri

Epistle: 2 Corinthians 13:11-13

Choral Anthem

W Gospel: Matthew 28:16-20

W Hymn NCH 469 O Grant us Light

Sermon

Joys and Concerns

Pastoral Prayer

Choral Response: Hear Our Prayer O Lord.

Offering

W Doxology

W Prayer of Dedication

Communion

Hymn RED 217 Praise to the Living God

W Hymn NCH 470 Golden Breaks the Dawn

W Benediction

W Choral Benediction

Genesis 1:1-2:4a

So God created humankind in his image,
in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.

These are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created.

Psalm 8

How majestic is your name in all the earth!

O Lord, our Sovereign,
how majestic is your name
in all the earth!

You have set your glory
   above the heavens.
Out of the mouths of babes
   and infants
you have founded a bulwark
   because of your foes,
to silence the enemy
   and the avenger.

When I look at your heavens,
   the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars
   that you have established;
what are human beings
   that you are mindful of them,
mortals that you care for them?

How majestic is your name in all the earth!

Yet you have made them
   a little lower than God,
and crowned them
   with glory and honor.
You have given them dominion
   over the works of your hands;
you have put all things
   under their feet,

all sheep and oxen,
   and also the beasts of the field,
the birds of the air,
   and the fish of the sea,
whatever passes along the paths
   of the seas.

How majestic is your name in all the earth!

O Lord, our Sovereign,
how majestic is your name
in all the earth!

2 Corinthians 13:11-13

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.

Matthew 28:16-20

The United Church of Bethel

Sunday May 31st Worship Order & Readings

Tom Harty - Pastor, Becki Kondi - Keyboard & Vocals, Larry Noble - Guitar & Vocals

Prelude

Welcome and Announcements

Introit

Greeting and Responsive Call to Worship

All elders and youth,
Come and worship!
All you saints, all you sinners,
Come and worship!
Wise counselors, teachers, parents and all in authority,
you who think deep thoughts,
all of you who have simple faith, like a child’s,
you who heal the sick and do miraculous acts,
all preachers of the Gospel,
all who can discern differing spirits,
everyone gifted with tongues,
you who are interpreters of tongues,
Come and worship!
All you whose spirits are red
with the power of the Great Spirit,
Come and worship!
Alleluia! Alleluia!
We praise God with one voice, one body,
one church, one mind, one spirit.
We are shining red
with the power of our Great Spirit

Invocation and Lighting of the Altar Candles

Lord’s Prayer

W Hymn NCH 272 On Pentecost They Gathered

Prayer of Confession

God of every tribe and nation,
Our gifts are yours to use,
yet we often take them to ourselves
And hide them from one another and from you.
we confess that we know we cannot hide from you,
That our gifts are for giving away
in your world
for your work.
Forgive us for running our spirits to frivolous things.
Forgive us for forgetting what integrity means:
living the shapes you have given us,
right now,
until our blood and our fire
reveal your holy, red power.

Assurance of Pardon

Forgiveness is your balm for us when we fail you.
Thank you, God of the wind and flame,
for sharing yourself with us in the blood of the lamb,
the fire of the ascension
and the smoke of the Holy Spirit

Passing of the Peace

First Reading: Numbers 11:24-30

Psalm: 104: 24-34, 35b

Refrain: O God How Manifold Are Your Works

W Gloria Patri

Epistle: 1 Cor. 12: 3b-13

Choral Anthem

W Gospel: Acts 2: 1-21

W Hymn NCH 292 Breathe on Me, Breath of God

Sermon

Joys and Concerns

Pastoral Prayer

Choral Response: Hear Our Prayer O Lord.

Offering

W Doxology

W Prayer of Dedication

W Hymn NCH 63 Holy Spirit, Truth Divine

W Benediction

W Choral Benediction

Numbers 11:24-30

So Moses went out and told the people the words of the Lord; and he gathered seventy elders of the people, and placed them all around the tent. Then the Lord came down in the cloud and spoke to him, and took some of the spirit that was on him and put it on the seventy elders; and when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied. But they did not do so again.

Two men remained in the camp, one named Eldad, and the other named Medad, and the spirit rested on them; they were among those registered, but they had not gone out to the tent, and so they prophesied in the camp. And a young man ran and told Moses, "Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp." And Joshua son of Nun, the assistant of Moses, one of his chosen men, said, "My lord Moses, stop them!" But Moses said to him, "Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the Lord's people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit on them!" And Moses and the elders of Israel returned to the camp.

Psalm 104:24-34, 35b

O God, how manifold are your works!

In wisdom
you have made them all;
the earth is full
of your creatures.

Yonder is the sea,
   great and wide,
creeping things innumerable
   are there,
living things both small
   and great.

There go the ships,
and Leviathan
that you formed to sport
in it.

These all look to you
to give them their food in due season;

O God, how manifold are your works!

when you give to them,
they gather it up;
when you open your hand,
they are filled with good things.

When you hide your face,
they are dismayed;
when you take away their breath,
they die and return to their dust.

When you send forth your spirit,
they are created;
and you renew the face
of the ground.

May the glory of God endure
forever;
may God rejoice in God's works —

O God, how manifold are your works!

God who looks on the earth
and it trembles,
God who touches the mountains
and they smoke.

I will sing to God
as long as I live;
I will sing praise to my God
while I have being.

May my meditation be pleasing to God,
for in God do I rejoice.

Bless God, O my soul.
Praise be to God!

O God, how manifold are your works!

1 Corinthians 12:3b-13

[N]o one can say "Jesus is Lord" except by the Holy Spirit.

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses.

For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body —Jews or Greeks, slaves or free — and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

Acts 2:1-21

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.

Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, "Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs - in our own languages we hear them speaking about God's deeds of power." All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "What does this mean?" But others sneered and said, "They are filled with new wine."

But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them: "Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o'clock in the morning. No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:

   'In the last days it will be, God declares,
      that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh,
         and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
         and your young men shall see visions,
         and your old men shall dream dreams.
   Even upon my slaves, both men and women,
      in those days I will pour out my Spirit;
         and they shall prophesy.
   And I will show portents in the heaven above
      and signs on the earth below,
         blood, and fire, and smoky mist.
   The sun shall be turned to darkness
      and the moon to blood,
      before the coming of the Lord's great and glorious day.
   Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.'

The United Church of Bethel

Sunday May 24th Worship Order & Readings

Tom Harty - Pastor, Larry Noble - Guitar & Vocals

Prelude

Welcome and Announcements

Introit

Greeting and Responsive Call to Worship

L The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God,

and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

P And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.

We lift them up to the Lord

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God

It is right to give him thanks and praise

We long for community
and the Presence of God.

In whom we live and move and have our being.
This day Christ tells us that we will never be alone.

An Advocate—spirit of Truth--will share our journey.

With whom we will live and create community and celebrate being.
May love of God be with you.

And the joy of Christ surround you.
May we know the presence of the Advocate
as we gather in this community of peace,
May your Truth lead us to the path of discipleship
with deeds of bold mercy and courageous justice.

As an Easter People following a Risen Lord,
may the life of Jesus live on in us and through us. Amen.

Invocation and Lighting of the Altar Candles

Lord’s Prayer

W Hymn NCH 13 O My Soul, Bless your Creator

Prayer of Confession

Holy Advocate,
It seems, at times, we forget that you know us at our very depth.
We become anxious and afraid that you are not with us,
in these days of isolation and worry.
Yet even now you call us to the work of imagination,
generosity and patience,
which are possible when we remember Whose we are.
By your mercy, help us to live out the commandments of Christ
within these walls, beyond this hour.

May we become for the world
the very presence of justice, hope and peace

Assurance of Pardon

All of us have been created and called to be in community
Which today takes many forms!
Know this, but more importantly, live this:
As God’s children we are loved and equipped for great ministry.
Follow Jesus’ commandment to love boldly, even in solitude,
as you are held in the grace and love of Go

Passing of the Peace

First Reading: Acts 17:22-31

Psalm: 66: 8-20

Refrain: Let the sound of God’s praise be heard

W Gloria Patri

Epistle: 1 Peter 3: 3-22

Choral Anthem

W Gospel John 14: 15-21

W Hymn NCH 289 Come Forth, O Love Devine

Sermon

Joys and Concerns

Pastoral Prayer

Choral Response: Hear Our Prayer O Lord.

Offering

W Doxology

W Prayer of Dedication

W Hymn NCH 99 Abide with Me

W Benediction

W Choral Benediction

Acts 2:14a, 36-41

But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them: "Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified."

Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, "Brothers, what should we do?" Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him." And he testified with many other arguments and exhorted them, saying, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added.

Psalm 116:1-4,12-19

Refrain: I will call on God as long as I live (as long as I live)

I love God,
because God has heard my voice
and has heard my supplications.

Because God inclined an ear
to me,
therefore I will call on God
as long as I live.

I will call on God as long as I live (as long as I live)

The snares of death encompassed me;
the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me;
I suffered distress
and anguish.

Then I called
on the name of God:
"O God, I pray,
save my life!"

What shall I return to God
for God's bounty to me?
I will lift up the cup of salvation
and call on the name of God,

I will pay my vows
to God,
I will pay them
in the presence
of all God's people.

Precious in the sight of God
is the death of God's faithful ones.

O God, I am your servant,
and the child of your servant.
You have loosed my bonds.

I will offer to you
a thanksgiving sacrifice;
I will call on the name
of God.

I will pay my vows
   to God
in the presence
   of all God's people,
in the courts of the house
   of God,
in your midst,
   O Jerusalem.
Praise be to God!

I will call on God as long as I live (as long as I live)

1 Peter 1:17-23

If you invoke as Father the one who judges all people impartially according to their deeds, live in reverent fear during the time of your exile. You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish. He was destined before the foundation of the world, but was revealed at the end of the ages for your sake. Through him you have come to trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are set on God.

Now that you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth so that you have genuine mutual love, love one another deeply from the heart. You have been born anew, not of perishable but of imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God.

Luke 24:13-35

Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, "What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?" They stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, "Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?" He asked them, "What things?" They replied, "The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him." Then he said to them, "Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?" Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.

As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, "Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over." So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?" That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying, "The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!" Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread

The United Church of Bethel

Sunday April 19th Worship Order & Readings

Tom Harty - Pastor, Becky Kondi - Keyboard & Vocals, Larry Noble - Guitar & Vocals, Katie Kondi - Vocals

Prelude

Welcome and Announcements

Introit

Greeting and Responsive Call to Worship

L The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God,

and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

P And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.

We lift them up to the Lord

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God

It is right to give him thanks and praise

Sing a new song!

A springtime shout-out to life!

Sing praise to our joyful Easter God

Whose power brings new life out of death!

Immerse doubt and despair in the fountain of new birth

Find refreshment and strength for a future of hope!

For God has taken ordinary things

And made them extraordinary:

Sing a New Song!

Invocation and Lighting of the Altar Candles

Lord’s Prayer

W Hymn NCH 43 Love Divine all Loves Excelling

Prayer of Confession

Redeeming God,

with you there is always more life, more hope, more joy.

When doubt assails us, and we fail to recognize you at work in our lives,

Lord, have mercy!

When fear impairs our faith, and our eyes and ears and hearts

do not know you,

Christ, have mercy!

When anger and sorrow stop us from doing the risky work of love,

Lord, have mercy!

Assurance of Pardon

Within every kernel of doubt, there is a spark of life and hope.

In those times when our faith falters,

when we cannot recognize the presence of the Holy among us,

God takes our faith and transforms it,

patiently showing us the many ways Christ walks among us.

Look around you:

as close as your own beating heart,

and in the eyes of your nearest neighbor,

grace abounds at the heart of all life.

You are all God’s children, loved without condition,

be in that place and spirit of peace. Amen.

Passing of the Peace

First Reading: Acts 2:14a, 22-32

Psalm: 16

Refrain: In your right hand are pleasures forevermore

W Gloria Patri

Epistle: 1 Peter 1:3-9

Choral Anthem

W Gospel John 20:19-31

W Hymn NCH 253 Yours is the Glory Resurrected One

Sermon

Joys and Concerns

Pastoral Prayer

Choral Response: Hear Our Prayer O Lord.

Offering

W Doxology

W Prayer of Dedication

W Hymn NCH 474 I’m So Glad Jesus Lifted Me

W Benediction

W Choral Benediction