Resurrection Sunday
April 5, 2026
Bethany United Methodist Church
1208 St John’s Place
Brooklyn, NY 11213
Dr. Andrea Smith, Pastor
Liturgist: Sis. Suginia Jones
Media Team: Tynisa Caesar, Sanville Vernon, Barnet Moriah
Praise Team: Alana Chang, LaTanya Davis, Hugh Fletcher
Organist: L. Daniel Jean /Drummer: Maurice Facey
PRELUDE: Organist Daniel Jean
WELCOME: Sis. Suginia Jones
*CALL TO WORSHIP:
L: Easter people, Christ is risen! God is doing a new thing!
P: Hallelujah! Christ is risen!
L: Life has conquered death! Love has overcome fear!
P: Hallelujah! Christ is risen!
L: God has transformed a dead end into a new start!
P: Hallelujah! Christ is risen!
L: Easter people, raise your voices! Christ is risen!
P: Christ is risen indeed! Hallelujah!
OPENING HYMN: “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” UMH# 310
OPENING PRAYER:(unison)
In thy hand, we see the whole cosmos; Heaven and earth reflect the mystery of thy handiwork. In thy hand, we see a little child. Men and women are recaptured by the event of Bethlehem. In thy hand, we see the scar of the cross. Thy suffering on Golgotha vanquishes sin and death. In thy hand, behold a new light, Day and night are transformed in the glory of Easter morning. Amen
PRAYER OF CONFESSION: (unison)
O God, still creating, we hear your promises of a new day of joy and peace,
and we are skeptical. We expect things to go on the same as they always have,
from bad to worse. The past will keep us guilty, the future will make us afraid,
and the present will burden us with too little time and too much to do. Forgive our lack of faith, our quickness to believe that you do not hear us, and our pessimism about tomorrow. Do a new thing in our hearts, and let us be glad and rejoice in your abundant care; through Christ, we pray. Amen.
PRAISE and WORSHIP: Holy Forever, Let Praises Rise, At the Cross
MISSION STATEMENT (Please Stand):
As Disciples of Jesus Christ, our Mission is to be:
Demonstrators of His Love,
Messengers of His Gospel,
and Sharers of His Teachings.
WELCOME OF VISITORS AND PASSING THE PEACE:
CHURCH NOTICES:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY/WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES
TIME OF GIVING:
We welcome your Tithes and Offerings today as we honor the Lord through our giving. Offerings can be given through various ways: give to an Usher, deposit in the offering basket, drop off in the church mailbox or through PayPal or Zelle. If you are using Zelle, please enter bethanyunitedbklyn@gmail.com to find us.
OFFERTORY: (MARCHING) Follow the Ushers’ directions.
OFFERTORY HYMN: “We’ve Come This Far By Faith ” AAHH# 412
DOXOLOGY: “God Is So Good” AAHH# 156
PRAYER OF DEDICATION:
God of New Beginnings, you roll away more than stones. You roll away despair and doubt, fear and failure. On this Resurrection morning, we offer our gifts in gratitude for the new life we have found in Christ. Let these offerings be signs of our commitment to live differently — eyes open, hearts awakened, hands ready to serve. May what we give today help announce to the world that hope is alive, love has triumphed, and joy cannot be contained. Use us and what we offer to keep telling the story: Christ is risen, indeed! Amen.
SELECTION: Cathedral Choir
SCRIPTURE READINGS:
Old Testament: Ps. 118:1-2, 14-24
New Testament: Mt. 28:1-10
The word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
GLORIA PATRI: “He is Lord” UMH# 177
HYMN: “The Day of Resurrection” UMH# 303
SERMON: Dr. Andrea Smith, Pastor
COMMUNION: Pgs: # 7-11
Communion Hymns: UHM# 306, 308,396
PASTORAL PRAYER: Dr. Andrea Smith, Pastor
CLOSING HYMN: “Marching to Zion” UMH# 733
BENEDICTION: Dr. Andrea Smith, Pastor
Go now in the blessing of God, who meets death with life, hatred with love, and hopeless endings with abundant possibilities, to build a community of life, love, and flourishing as Easter people, followers of the Risen Christ! Amen.
POSTLUDE: “Hallelujah Chorus”
Announcements
Beginning today, Pastor will be doing a Sermon series from Easter to Pentecost, “From Resurrection to Release.”
THE TWELVE TRIBES FUNDRAISING CHALLENGE IS HERE!
We’re excited to launch a fun, community‑building fundraiser inspired by the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Each member of our church family will be assigned to a tribe based on their birthday month. Throughout the campaign, each tribe will work together in friendly collaboration to help us reach our fundraising goal for the ministry. Each tribe is asked to raise at minimum $2000.
This is a joyful way to celebrate our unity, honor our biblical heritage, and support the ongoing work of our church. No competition — just collective generosity, teamwork, and a chance to meet new people in your “tribe.”
Please submit your name and birth month to any member of the Stewardship Committee. Our Kickoff Sunday will be Sunday, April 12. The campaign will run until Harvest Sunday, November 22, 2026
Let’s come together as one church with twelve tribes, one mission, and one heart. Thank you for your support and your spirit of generosity.
Our Long Island West District Meeting with D.S. Abel will be held on Saturday, April 11th, from 9:30 – 1 pm at Butler Memorial UMC at 3920 Paulding Ave. Bronx, 10466. Members are invited to come and hear what is going on in our district and conference.
For questions or payments, please get in touch with Sister Veda Drummond, Monica Bartley, or Sister Beatriz Sherwood. Thank you for your continuous support!
Women’s Day Events
1) Tea Party/ Fashion Show – June 6
Team – Rosemary Malcolm, Colleen Barrington, Cynella Simon
2) Bethany Cruise – September 19th
an exciting brunch cruise around Manhattan on the Spirit of New York.
The cost of the cruise is $200.00 per adult and $180.00 for children under 12.
Secure your seat by making a deposit. Deposits are being taken by Sister Norma and Sister Yvette
3) Prayer Breakfast- Saturday, Oct. 24th
Team – Sis. Mayleen Frederick, Sis. Violet Thom
These teams need additional participants to help make the events successful. Additional events are under consideration.
Trip to Chicago: Seats are still available for our trip to Chicago.
Trip is Sunday, August 16th – 22nd
Dual Occupancy- $1,065; Single Occupancy- $1,310
In addition to being a fun trip, this is a fundraiser for the church.
Please speak to any member of the travel team for more details and to reserve your seat.
On Sunday, April 19th, will be our “Women In
Faith” Sunday. Our Guest speaker will be Deaconess Darryl Norman.
Colors: White/Peach, please come out and support.
Please note that all announcements for the Sunday’s bulletin must be received by the office no later than Wednesday, at 12 noon.
Graduation season will soon be upon us! To get an early start, we are asking all members who have children, grandchildren, or relatives graduating in 2026 to please submit their names to Sis. Venice or Sis. Mayleen.
We look forward to celebrating our graduates and their achievements.
Bethany’s Support Group will be available for support.
Join us for prayers and conversation on the 2nd and 4th Sundays after church.
Please meet with them at the front of the Sanctuary.
Let’s Pray Together. Join us every
Wednesday Morning at 6:00 am on the Conference Call. Tel # 267-807-9601 Access code 843974659#
Petals & Pearls, A Mother’s Day Brunch
Join Quest for Christ on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 12:00 pm for Petals & Pearls, A Mother’s Day Brunch, dedicated to honoring the beauty, strength, and love of mothers and mother figures. This thoughtfully curated, elegant brunch experience will feature delicious courses, warm fellowship, and heartfelt tributes. Come dressed in your beautiful pearls. Tickets are $45. Tickets can be purchased in-person by seeing one of the Quest for Christ leaders or online. Scan the QR code or go to the following link for online purchases. http://tiny.cc/QFCBRUNCH Also, see flyers in the foyer downstairs on the table or on the bulletin board for the link and QR code. Bring a friend or two!
Sick and Shut-In
| Name | Telephone |
| Clement Holder | N/A |
| Emily Isles | 718-346-0817 |
| Eastlyn Welch | N/A |
| Pauline Osborne | Four Seasons |
| Grace Gyimah | 917-334-7105 |
| Sandra Dubois | 718-774-4836 |
| Jean Best | 718-778-4179 |
| Amelia Cooper | 347-247-6067 |
| Hilda Dyce | 718-251-6351 |
| Pinkney Headley | 718-342-1056 |
| Joyce Thompson | 718-649-6550 |
| Sydney Campbell | 347-204-0850 |
| Queenie Power | 917-215-2473 |
| Una Wickham | 718-773-8645 |
| Silvine Moore | 718-363-1091 |
| Reginald Lawrence | 347-792-0159 |
| Carmen Headley | 718-735-4189 |
| Veronica Jackson | 934-867-9373 |
| Cynthia Strachan | 347-262-1816 |
| Winsome Johnson | N/A |
| Nevel Burnett | Brooklyn Downtown Nursing Home 727 Classon Ave |