Independence Sunday
July 3, 2022
| Pastor: Ralph Wrightstone | Bulletin Insert Photos | Music Director: Travis Oaks |
Welcome to Bethel's online service for this Fourth Sunday after Pentecost. This is not a "red-letter" day on the church calendar, but coming on the day before July 4th makes it Independence Weekend Sunday on the U.S. civil calendar, a special time indeed. This service borrows from the extensive information gathered for online services on this Sunday in the past two years, so there is not much new for this day beyond that, but I still find it interesting to look over again. I hope you enjoy it as well.
Clicking on the graphics at the top of this page will provide access to much information, including informative articles, appropriate hymns and a 5-minute "concert" of patriotic songs. There are links to additional information on the Resource page (click on the "Bethel UMC" script above).
Other parts of this service: the Welcome,Call to Worship, scriptures and Message are new for this service and follow closely the same items in the service in Bethel church today. Of course we look forward to all coming together in the church again, especially for the Communion Service today...but this service will be here for those who cannot.
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 07/03/22 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 07/03/22 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 . (04:25)
- Opening Hymn
. Verses - "Battle Hymn of the Republic" . (UMH 717, vs1,4,5)
:
Other Hymns (from the FREEDOM hymns) . Verses - "This is My Song" . (UMH 437)
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. Verses - "God of Every Nation" . (UMH 435)
. Verses - "Lift Every Voice and Sing" . (UMH 519 vs1,3)
:
(Let us know if you have a favorite hymn that you would like to have included in an online service.) - . Slides - Call to Worship & Affirmation of Faith . (03:23)
We hope that you will participate privately or communally in this responsive reading as part of your worship service. ..and thanks again to Lexie for helping with this part of the service. - . OT Scripture Reading: "Psalm 30" . (01:44)
......consider following along with a favored translation of your own. - . Slides - Pastor's Thoughts, Prayers and Lord's Prayer . (11:56)
The slides here include a list of those for whom prayers have been requested. - Special Music
. America the Beautiful, sung by Travis Oaks
- . Message: "Brush It Off" . (16:07)
The scripture referenced for today's message is Luke 10:1-20. You may wish to follow it in your own Bible. - . About - Holy Communion (02:29)
It has been customary to use consecrated crackers and grape juice during the service but you may use other elements for the acts of remembrance as you participate. During the time of "social distancing", the church service has used individual packets for communion taken in the pews. The service is now using more traditional bread and juice for communion taken at the altar but also offers the communion packets and provides for communion to be taken in the pew. - Closing Hymn:
. Verses - "Shalom to You" . (UMH 666)
- 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