Second Sunday of Christmas
January 1, 2023
| Pastor: Ralph Wrightstone | Bulletin Insert Photos | Music Director: Travis Oaks |
Happy New Year!
This 1st Sunday of the New Year finds us still in the Christmas Season with the
Twelfth Day of Christmas coming Friday, on Epiphany, the traditional day when the
Magi arrived marking the revealing of the newborn Prince of Peace to the world. Next
Sunday will be Epiphany Sunday on our liturgical calendar. The Season of Epiphany
will continue until Ash Wednesday which precedes the Season of Lent.
As this NEW Year progresses, it is unlikely to be so orderly as the calendar's plan.
Perhaps a proper New Year's Resolution this year would be to seek and follow the
path God has planned for each of us. (Click on the Bible at the top of this
page for more on that)
for links to some Resource materials for today's service.
(Note: The "2023 Monthly Worship Calendar" on the Resource page hilites
the seasons and special days of the UMC Liturgical Calendar)
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.
:
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 01/01/23 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 01/01/23 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 . (03:04)
- Opening Hymn
This traditional hymn is appropriate as we look forward to Epiphany on Friday. . Verses -
"We Three Kings" . (UMH 254)
:
(Let us know if you have a favorite hymn that you would like to have included in an online service.) - . Slides - Call to Worship, Apostle's Creed and Gloria
Patria . (02:46)
We hope that you will participate privately or communally in this responsive reading as part of your worship service. - . OT Scripture Reading: "Isaiah 63:7-9" . (02:01)
......consider following along with a favored translation of your own. - Special Music
. "The Way He Loves You", sung by
Travis, from last New Year's Service
- . Slides - Pastor's Thoughts, Prayers and Lord's Prayer . (16:29)
The slides here include a list of those for whom prayers have been requested. - . Message: "What Do We Fear Most?" . (17:49)
You may wish to follow the reading of Matthew 2:13- 23 in your own Bible. (The "Church" message on this day, with the same topic, will be on the "Sermons" page of Bethel's web site later this week.) - . 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:
This hymn closes the Christmas story with the kings at the manger . Verse .
"Sing We Now of Christmas" . (UMH 237)
- 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