Epiphany Sunday
First Sunday of New Year
January 3, 2021
| Pastor: Ralph Wrightstone | Bulletin . Insert . Photos | Music Director: Travis Oaks |
Happy "End of 2020"...the past week brought us into a New Year but we are still in the "Christmas Season" as it continues right up to Epiphany on Wednesday. An Epiphany is sometimes thought of as a "lightbulb moment" when an understanding comes of something previously unknown. The "Epiphany" that we are celebrating is that the birth of the baby Jesus is recognized as the fulfillment of prophecies that have meaning to those in distant regions, represented by the arrival of "the Three Kings" to the home of the baby. The graphics at the top of this page provide access to information about the "New Year", the "Epiphany" event and "Season", and those Three Kings.
for links to some Resource material for this service.
We are also having a service at 11:00 this morning in Bethel's sanctuary. An insert to the bulletin, provided by a link above, presents Bethel UMC's policy regarding these gatherings during the time of COVID-19 restrictions.
:
For those unable to attend the services at the church, a new service will be available here online before 10:00 am each Sunday morning, using the same format as the on-site service. So you may "gather" here for an "Early Service" at 10:00 or the traditional service at 11:00...actually it will be available here at any time all week. We hope that you will find it a refreshing place to come into God's house.
NOTE: Each part of this online service consists of an audio file and, for most, a Link to a pdf file of "projection slides". Click on the
symbol to play the audio file under a separate browser tab or in a new window. Then select the "Bethel 01/03/21 Service" browser tab or return to this window to open the Link to the "slides". It is best to stop the playing of one Audio segment and close its tab or window before starting another.
We hope that you will fully participate in the service provided here, taking the time to raise your voice or read along with the hymns and responses, and listening to the recorded messages and songs that have been prepared for you. Realize that, though not meeting face-to-face, you are virtually gathering with many others for this time of worship, celebration and spiritual refreshment.
:
For those unable to attend the services at the church, a new service will be available here online before 10:00 am each Sunday morning, using the same format as the on-site service. So you may "gather" here for an "Early Service" at 10:00 or the traditional service at 11:00...actually it will be available here at any time all week. We hope that you will find it a refreshing place to come into God's house.
NOTE: Each part of this online service consists of an audio file and, for most, a Link to a pdf file of "projection slides". Click on the
symbol to play the audio file under a separate browser tab or in a new window. Then select the "Bethel 01/03/21 Service" browser tab or return to this window to open the Link to the "slides". It is best to stop the playing of one Audio segment and close its tab or window before starting another.
We hope that you will fully participate in the service provided here, taking the time to raise your voice or read along with the hymns and responses, and listening to the recorded messages and songs that have been prepared for you. Realize that, though not meeting face-to-face, you are virtually gathering with many others for this time of worship, celebration and spiritual refreshment.
- . Verse - Prelude/Processional - "Sing Alleluia to the Lord"
During normal times...acolytes would bring light to the candles on the altar, followed by the pastor and other worship leaders...today, it simply provides an opening for this time of Worship. - . Slides - Welcome and Announcements
- Opening Hymn
. Verse - "Majesty" . (UMH 176)
:
Other Hymns
This is the classic hymn for the Three Kings:
.Verses - "We Three Kings" . (UMH 254)
Here's another from the "Christmas Lessons and Carols" online service:
.Verses - "From a Distant Home" . (UMH 243)
- . Slides - Call to Worship, Apostle's Creed and Gloria Patria
- - OT Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 31:7-14
......consider following along with a favored translation of your own. - . Slides - Pastor's Thoughts, Prayers and Lord's Prayer . (08:54)
- - "Youth" Message: "Where is He?" . (08:54)
Though addressed to the "Youth", whom we truly miss seeing on Sundays, this message is for all of us. You may wish to follow the reading of Matthew 2:1-12 in your own Bible. - . About - Holy Communion (02:29)
We normally use consecrated crackers and grape juice during the service but you may use other elements for the acts of remembrance as you participate. During this time of "social distancing", the church service uses individual packets for communion taken in the pews. - Closing Hymn:
. Verse - "Glorify Thy Name" . (TFWS 2016)
- Closing Chorus & Benediction:
. Verse - "Bind Us Together"
Please let us know of any problems you have with or suggestions about this site by sending an email to "bumctlh@gmail.com". If you have any announcements or prayer concerns you would like included next week you may contact Pastor Ralph Wrightstone directly at: 850-591-9785