Worship

Lively music, reading, and preaching with special guests and a warm welcome. Communion on First Sundays.
Tuesday: Holy Week Devotions
by Rev. Dr. Joel Hortiales
Scripture: John 12:20-26, CEB
Some Greeks were among those who had come up to worship at the festival. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and made a request: “Sir, we want to see Jesus.” Philip told Andrew, and Andrew and Philip told Jesus.
Jesus replied, “The time has come for the Human One to be glorified. I assure you that unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it can only be a single seed. But if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their lives will lose them, and those who hate their lives in this world will keep them forever. Whoever serves me must follow me. Wherever I am, there my servant will also be. My Father will honor whoever serves me.
Devotional
It is very interesting that, in Jerusalem, a group of Greeks wanted to speak with Jesus. If we remember, the Greeks were thinkers and philosophers, captivated by the search for wisdom, they were interested in the person of Jesus. In my understanding he goes ahead to answer an existential question that possibly the Greeks who were looking for Him wanted to ask Him. Jesus defines the purpose of life by comparing it to the purpose of a grain of wheat. The grain of wheat has to fall into the ground and die in order to bear abundant fruit.
The life of Jesus is a clear way of exemplifying the purpose of life. His life, death and resurrection is compared to the grain of wheat that falls into the ground to bear much fruit. Imagine what would have happened if the Son of God had not died on the cross. Without Christ's death and resurrection there would be no salvation or eternal life.
Life was created in order to bear fruit; however, in order to bear good fruit we must understand that we must die. During this Lenten season, many of us take time to meditate on our purpose in life. That is why some of us set out to die to certain desires such as not eating certain types of food or not spending so much time on social networks, among others.
Undoubtedly dying to these desires will bear fruit in due time.
TUESDAY OF HOLY WEEK MAR 31, 2026
First reading
Isaiah 49:1-7
Psalm
Psalm 71:1-14
Second reading
1 Corinthians 1:18-31
Gospel
John 12:20-36
Ministries

Missions
We raise money to support local food banks, shelters, and charities, including our Good Samaritan Fund for needy neighbors. We cook for Emmanuel Dining Room and host a perpetual
food drive all year to feed the hungry.
To volunteer please call Nancy.
Contact Nancy Storer
storernancy@aol.com / 302-475-3549

In the old stone church, at 2615 Foulk Rd. we are full of affordable treasures & staffed by
volunteers. The proceeds go to charities such as Claymont Food Closet, Sojourner's House, Sunday Breakfast, Friendship House, and others.
Open Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 10-3
Volunteers needed Mon morning 9-11 to stock & price; Wed, Thurs. & Fri half day at checkout counter. Call Dora to help!

Presently we enroll about 60 children in classes for ages 2-5. We are a Christian preschool and daycare. Hours are full or part-time with lunch options as well as a summer camp.
Contact Vicki Antignani
chester.bethel.Preschool@gmail.com
Tel: 302-475-0377

Music Ministry
Carmella Selvaggio-Lynch is our Director of Music and organist. There is a bell choir headed by
Pam Manocchio and many opportunities to sing God's praise.
Contact Carmella Selvaggio-Lynch
carm12340@comcast.net | Tel: 302-475-3549
Weddings and Funerals
Weddings in the sanctuary are available to church members, their families, and folks in our surrounding community.
If you are interested in holding a funeral here, Pastor Kelly is ready to minister to you and your family, schedule permitting, regardless of your membership. Please contact the office at 302-475-3549.

