BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH and PRESCHOOL

Bethel Lutheran Church, Gurnee worships weekends On Sunday mornings at 8:00 A.M. and 10:45 A.M. The worship schedule for twelve summer weekends   (June 7 through August 31) changes to a Saturday evening service at 6:00 P.M. and a Sunday morning service at 9:00 A.M. Seasonal services, for example Advent and Lent, are held on Wednesdays (and Maundy Thursday and Good Friday) at 7:00 P.M.

The 8:00 A.M. service on Sundays is held in our Worship Center/Gymnasium in order to accomodate the larger attendance at that service. All other services are normally held in the Sanctuary. Occasionally, major festival services may also be held in the Worship Center.

Holy communion (Eucharist) is celebrated on the first, third and fifth Sundays of the month and on major feast days. The Lord’s Supper is celebrated according to the Lutheran Confessions based on the teaching Jesus gave his desciples and us that he is truly present in this meal.  Confident that our sins are forgiven, we experience our oneness with him and each other as he gathers us at his table. His true body  and blood, given and shed for us, we share in this meal as he invites in Matthew 26:26-28 “Take and eat; this is my body...Drink from it, all of you.  This is my blood.”  Those sharing these beliefs and who normally commune as Lutherans are invited to receive the communion bread and wine.  All others are invited to the altar for a blessing.   An elder or the pastor will answer questions. (See below for more information on the Eucharist.)

Resources used include Lutheran Worship, Supplement 98, Songs for Disiciples, and The Lutheran Hymnal.

Men and Women of all ages serve as Lay Readers, Ushers, attendants in the small nursrey, and Greeters. Youth assist as Acolytes and Crucifers.  Elders distribute Holy Communion.   Fellowship follows the 8:00 A.M. service.

A hearing enhancement system is provided in the sanctuary for those who require hearing assistance.

Eucharist

Selections from the 8/31/2008 9:00 a.m. service