Heritage Sunday
May 22, 2022
| Pastor: Ralph Wrightstone | Bulletin Insert Photos | Music Director: Travis Oaks |
Welcome to Bethel's online service for this Sixth Sunday of Easter. This is "Heritage Sunday" on our church
calendar, set aside as a day for remembering people and events in the recent past that have
been significant for our faith traditions. This particular Sunday was chosen because of its
occuring near Aldersgate
Day, May 24, a foundational date for Methodism.
At Bethel, the service on this Sunday has been held for the past 35 years or so "on the banks
of Bethel Pond" where this faith community had its start in the summer of 1834. The "open air"
(though sheltered) service provides opportunities for each to share memories of moments in their
own faith journey. The service is followed by fellowship over a covered dish dinner in the shelter.
(Note the Link to Photos above)
The week ahead is also significant for the ending of the 40-Day period after Easter when Jesus
remained on earth. That occured on Ascension
Day, Thursday of this week, when Jesus returned to his home and the disciples began
once more waiting for what would come next.
If you come to this online service early and are able to join with us for the 11:00 service "at
the pond" we would love to see you there. But, if not, we hope that this little service will give
you a sense of the experience and meaning of the gatherings on this day.
for links to some Resource materials for today's service.
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 05/22/22 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.
symbol to play the audio file under a separate browser tab or in a new window. Then select the
"Bethel 05/22/22 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"
In a return to Pre-Covid practice, acolytes are bringing light to the candles on the altar to open this time of Worship. - . Slides -
Welcome and Announcements . (03:23)
- Opening Hymn
This is a favorite for opening Bethel's Heritage Sunday services: . Verses - "Church in the Wildwood" . (CH
121)
:
Another Hymn for you, in recognition of Aldersgate Day on Tuesday:
This is believed to be the hymn, written by Charles Wesley after his own conversion and sung upon the return of his brother John from his "heart warming" experience: . Verses
- "Where Shall My Wondering Soul Begin" . (UMH 312)
- Remembering some History of Bethel UMC - This set of Questions with answers presented at Bethel's 2001 Homecoming service may provide some memorable events to consider. (Click here for a printable list of the Questions and Answers.)
- - Sharing Stories from the Past . (05:56)
Heritage Sunday provides a time for sharing of personal stories...these come from the service on May 30, 2021 - . Slides - Call to Worship & Affirmation of Faith . (02:01)
We hope that you will participate privately or communally in this responsive reading as part of your worship service. - . Slides - Pastor's Thoughts, Prayers and Lord's Prayer .
(10:01)
The slides here include a list of those for whom prayers have been requested. - . Special Music: "Give Me That Old
Time Religion", sung by Travis at the 2021 Heritage Sunday service
- . Message: "Why Belong to a Church?" . (18:03)
The scripture referenced for today's message is John 14:15-21. You may wish to follow it in your own Bible. - Closing Hymn:
Travis accompanies this from last year's service at the pond: . Verses -
"How Great Thou Art" . (UMH 77)
- Closing Chorus:
. 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