Sunday, October 25, 2026
Liturgist: Sis. Violet Thom
Media Team: Tynisa Caesar, Sanville Vernon, Barnet Moriah
David Thomas, Noah Thomas
Praise Team: Alana Chang, LaTanya Davis, Hugh Fletcher
Organist: L. Daniel Jean /Drummer: Maurice Facey
Pastor: Dr. Andrea Smith
Guest Preacher: Rev. Dr. Ava Jolley
PRELUDE: Organist Daniel Jean
WELCOME: Sis. Violet Thom
*CALL TO WORSHIP:
Liturgist: We are chosen children of God, bound together by the Holy Spirit.
People: We belong to God, and through God, we belong to one another.
Liturgist: When we feel tested by hard decisions, calls to advocate against injustice, competing narratives, and worrying misinformation, we remember:
People: We belong to God, and through God, we belong to one another.
Liturgist: When we struggle with damaged trust and the need to repair our relationships with God and one another, when we are called to go against the social current to build communities of mercy and justice, we remember:
People: We belong to God, and through God, we belong to one another.
Liturgist: Come, let us worship God whose grace surrounds us when we feel tested and tried, empowering us to remain faithful disciples of Jesus Christ when we face chaos, division, injustice, and hardship.
All: We come to worship God who chooses us, empowers us, and inspires us to live as the Body of Christ in a broken and hurting world. Amen.
OPENING HYMN: “And Can It Be That I Should Gain” UMH# 363
OPENING PRAYER:
Happy are we, O God, when our hearts are full, our ways are yours, and your call enlivens our spirits. Happy are we, O God, when our lives are guided by delight. We gather here today for just that, holy God. We gather to draw on all you would give us to be more fully yours. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
PRAISE and WORSHIP: You Deserve the Glory, Bless the Lord with Me, Jehovah Is Your Name
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 are Marching in the Light of God” AAHH# 164
DOXOLOGY: “Glory Be to the Father” AAHH# 654
PRAYER OF DEDICATION:
Loving God, you call us not only to believe the gospel, but to live it. You test our hearts not with trials meant to break us, but through the daily invitation to serve, to love, and to share our lives with one another. Receive these gifts as signs of our gratitude and our willingness to embody the good news of Christ. Use what we offer to nurture communities of compassion, where faith is lived gently, courageously, and with humility. May our witness—like Paul’s—be rooted not in pride or gain, but in love that gives itself freely for others. Amen.
MISSION STATEMENT: (please remain standing)
As Disciples of Jesus Christ, our Mission is to be:
Demonstrators of His Love,
Messengers of His Gospel,
and Sharers of His Teachings.
SCRIPTURE READINGS:
Old Testament: Psalm 1
New Testament: Matthew 22: 34-46
The word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
GLORIA PATRI: “Bless the Lord, O My Soul” AHH# 105
HYMN: “Search me, O God, and know my heart today”
SERMON: “Where Do You Stand?” Rev. Dr. Ava Jolley
HYMN: “Standing on the Promises” UMH# 374
PASTORAL PRAYER: Rev. Dr. Ava Jolley
CLOSING HYMN: “Trust and Obey” UMH# 467
BENEDICTION: Rev. Dr. Ava Jolley
POSTLUDE
Lectionary Scripture Readings for the Week:
Deuteronomy 34:1-12
Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17
1 Thessalonians 2:1-8
Matthew 22:34-46
Prayer Point for this Week…Unity and love in the church (Psalm 133:1)
Announcements
From the Pastor’s Desk:
The Pastor will be on a flexible work schedule between Bethany and Union during the week. If you need to speak to her, please call the office to make an appointment.
There will be NO joint services in October and November. We will have joint service here at Bethany for December Communion.
Bible Study has resumed on Wednesdays. There is a daytime session from 12:30- 2 p.m. or an evening session from 7:30-9 p.m. We are using the book “The Women of the Bible Speak” by Shannon Bream. Both studies will be conducted via Zoom. Zoom Information: Meeting ID: 843 3420 6486; Passcode: 099590; One tap mobile: +16465588656.
The pastor is asking all members to please take note that when you are sick/hospitalized, or have a death in the family, please call the office and notify the church so the pastor can be made aware of it.
The Worship Committee is asking the congregation to check their immediate surroundings after the service and to pick up any candy wrappers, tissue paper, water bottles, and similar items before leaving the sanctuary.
Notices
It’s that time of year again for the purchase of calendars and other items from the African American Expressions catalog. This year they have included some lovely socks for both men and women, as well as some beautifully designed bags. As you are aware, this has been an ongoing fundraising activity for Sister Norma, who donates the proceeds of her sales to the church. Please support her worthwhile efforts.
In gratitude
Sister Norma
For information about the Bethany Travel Team’s trip to Portugal and Barcelona from August 25, 2027, to September 5, 2027, please speak with any member of the team: sisters Antoinette Anthony, Yvette Dick-McKain, Gayle Isles, Jennifer Joseph, Shelley Roberts, Diana Russell, and Amanda Wesley.
Quest For Christ, youth ages 13-18, has resumed.
They meet from 6 pm to 8:30 pm. All youth of the church and community are welcome.
Bethany choir has resumed. Their rehearsals are on Saturdays at 4 pm. All who are interested in joining are welcome.
The Saturday Program has reopened.
Members, visitors, and friends are encouraged to spread the word to children in our community. The program is designed to nurture children ages 5–13 through activities such as homework assistance, Bible study, sports, games, culinary skills, interpersonal development, recreation, social activities, children’s choir, and much more. Saturdays | 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM. Please encourage your grandchildren, family members, friends, and neighbors to have their children join us!
The Brooklyn Crown Heights Lions Club, Inc. will host its Annual Literacy Fiesta on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Bethany United Methodist Church Hall. All children and teens are invited! There will be art and crafts, storytelling, vision screening, back-to-school supplies, and much more! Children are encouraged to attend, enjoy the activities, and choose books they would love to read and take home. Spread the word and save the date!
As a reminder, the mission community projects that the committees are working on will culminate on Sunday, November 8, at the church Anniversary. At that service, all committees will share what their mission project was.
Our Harvest Sunday, November 22nd, will be the collection of our Tribal Blessings Fundraiser. On that Sunday, we will have the procession of Tribes and presentations.
We are cleaning out and renovating the nursery. If you or your committee has any items in there, please remove them promptly. Thank you
Trip to Sight & Sound
We have been able to secure tickets to see “Joshua” at Sight and Sound.
The trip is on FRIDAY, December 4th, 2026.
Ticket price is $230.00 and is payable in full by Sunday, October 25th. Payments are to be made by check or money order.
Price includes visit to Farmers Market, lunch and admission to ‘Joshua’.
There will be no refunds after October 25th
Payments can be given to Antoinette Anthony, Lavern Brown, Gayle Isles, Jennifer Joseph or Yvette McKain
Shut-In
| Name | Telephone |
| Eastlyn Welch | The Atrium |
| Grace Gyimah | 917-334-7105 |
| Sandra Dubois | 718-774-4836 |
| Jean Best | 718-778-4179 |
| Hilda Dyce | 718-251-6351 |
| Pinkey Headley | 718-342-1056 |
| Joyce Thompson | 718-649-6550 |
| Sydney Campbell | 347-204-0850 |
| 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 |
| Veda Drummond | N/A |