Septemer 20, 2026
Liturgist: Bro. Evan Hobbs
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
PRELUDE: Organist Daniel Jean
WELCOME: Bro. Evan Hobbs
*CALL TO WORSHIP:
Liturgist: In times of busyness and stress, when we feel surrounded by challenges on all sides…
People: We gather to learn to strive side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel.
Liturgist: In times of joy and rest, when we feel the goodness of God’s provision and abundance deep in our bones…
People: We gather to learn to strive side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel.
Liturgist: In times of conflict and distress, when we feel just how hard it is to live in unity together…
People: We gather to learn to strive side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel.
Liturgist: Disciples of Christ, come, let us worship God who empowers us to press on…
All: As we learn to strive side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel.
OPENING HYMN: “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” UMH # 110
OPENING PRAYER:
Mighty God, we enter your presence with thanksgiving and hope. You have formed us as your people. You join us on the journey of life through valleys, upon mountains, and on the plains. We set our attention and seek your wisdom, encouragement, and grace. Reveal your will and display your glory among your people as we worship your holy name. Amen.
PRAISE and WORSHIP
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: “What A Mighty God We Serve” AAHH# 478
DOXOLOGY: “Thank You, Lord” AAHH# 531
PRAYER OF DEDICATION:
Steadfast God, for us to live is Christ. In every season, you hold us, and in every struggle, you knit us together as one body. Receive these gifts as signs that we choose to stand firm, striving side by side, living as citizens of your kin-dom. Use what we offer to encourage the weary, strengthen your church, and bear witness that love is stronger than fear. Shape our common life to be worthy of the gospel, until our unity itself proclaims your grace. 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: Leviticus 6: 8-13.
The word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
GLORIA PATRI: “He Is Lord” AHH# 285
HYMN: “Open My Eyes That I May See” UMH # 454
SERMON: “KEEP THE FIRE BURNING” Bro. George Browne
Certificated Lay Speaker
St. Marks UMC
HYMN: “Breathe on Me Breath of God” UMH # 420
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER: Bro. George Browne
CLOSING HYMN: “Come We that Love the Lord” UMH# 733
BENEDICTION : Bro. George Browne
POSTLUDE
Lectionary Scripture Readings for the Week:
Exodus 16:2-15
Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45
Philippians 1:21-30
Matthew 20:1-16
Prayer Point for this Week…The Nation
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.
Bible Study will resume on Wednesday, September 23. There will be a daytime session from 12:30- 2 p.m. or an evening session from 7:30-9 p.m. We will be using the book “The Women of the Bible Speak” by Shannon Bream.
Our Charge Conference is scheduled for Sunday, October 11 at 1:30 pm. It will be held here at Bethany. The pastor is asking all Chairpersons to meet with their committees to format their end-of-year report and review the 2027 calendar for any dates they need. Reports are due by Friday, September 25th.
The pastor is looking to start a Mentoring Program for our children and youth. Many of you have the abilities to do so, and the pastor is asking you to sign up. Please write your name on a piece of paper, with the age group and sexuality you are comfortable mentoring. Drop the paper in the Offering Box so the pastor can receive it. Mentoring Training will be done.
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.
For all Bethany events, all programs must be seen and approved by the Pastor.
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
Happy Independence Day, Saint Kitts and Nevis
Following today’s service, September 20, 2026, Tribes Joseph (Ephraim and Manasse)/Benjamin for the months of November and December would like to hold a brief meeting with all members of the group.
The Saturday Program reopens on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
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!
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.
Bethany choir has resumed. Their rehearsals are on Saturdays at 4 pm. All who are interested in joining are welcomed.
We are cleaning out and renovating the nursery. If you or your committee has any items in there, please remove them promptly. Thank you
Quest For Christ, youth ages 13-18 will resume on Friday, October 16th.
Their meeting time is 6 pm-8:30 pm. All youth of the church and community are welcomed.
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.
Price includes a visit to the Farmers Market, lunch, and admission to ‘Joshua’.
Tickets can be paid for in a single payment or can be done in installments as follows:
First payment – $60.00 – September 20th
Second payment – $85.00 – October 11th
Final payment – $85.00 – October 25th
Payments to be made by check; no cash
There will be no refunds after October 25th
Payments can be given to Antoinette Anthony, Lavern Brown, Gayle Isles, Jennifer Joseph, or Yvette McKain
Women’s Day Events
Women’s Day service is on Sunday, September 27th. Please invite your friends and family as we celebrate the women of Bethany who continue to serve as they are empowered by God.
In keeping with our tradition, a sacrificial offering of $200 is suggested. The offering can be made over several weeks.
Prayer Brunch- Saturday, Oct. 24th at 11 a.m.; tickets are $40.00 and are available today. All donations are welcome, needed, and greatly appreciated.
Team – Sis. Mayleen Frederick, Sis. Violet Thom
United Women in Faith Announcement
The United Women in Faith invites you to join us for our Christmas Extravaganza at Hunterdon Hills Playhouse on Saturday, December 12, 2026.
The total cost of the trip is $185.00. The $50.00 deposit deadline has passed, and the final payment is due by November 1, 2026.
If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact Sister Beatriz Sherwood, Sister Veda, Sister Ena, or Tynisa.