Fifth Sunday After Pentecost
Independence Weekend
July 2, 2023
| Pastor: Ralph Wrightstone | Bulletin Insert Photos | Music Director: Travis Oaks |
Welcome to Bethel's online service for this Fifth Sunday after Pentecost. This is not a
"red-letter" day on the church calendar, but coming two days before July
4th makes it Independence Weekend Sunday on the U.S. civil
calendar, a special time indeed. 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.
One red letter day on the church calendar was missed last week...June 28 was the 320th
anniversary of John Wesley's Birthday,
though he was actually born on June 20,1703 by the Julian Calendar in use at that time.
Bethel's services today begin a series of sermons intended to help reveal (make real) to us
Jesus' "gift" to his followers, the companion that is to accompany them on their journey of
discipleship...the "Holy Spirit".
for links to some Resource materials for today's service.
We are also having a service at 11:00 this morning in Bethel's sanctuary.
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 07/02/23 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 07/02/23 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 . (03:24)
- Opening Hymn
.
Verses . "They'll Know We Are Christians by Our Love" . (TFWS
2223)
:
Other Hymns (from the FREEDOM hymns) . Verses -
"God of Every Nation" . (UMH 435)
. Verses .
About - "This is My Song" .
(UMH 437)
. Sing
Along - This is My Country with Tennessee Ernie Ford
:
(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 .
(03:07)
We hope that you will participate privately or communally in this responsive reading as part of your worship service. - . Scripture Reading:
"Genesis 1:1-5" .
(01:38)
......consider following along with a favored translation of your own. - .
Slides - Pastor's Thoughts, Prayers and Lord's Prayer .
(09:36)
The slides here include a list of those for whom prayers have been requested. - . Special Music:
"America the Beautiful", sung by Travis Oaks on July 4, 2021
- The Message
. Introduction and Scripture:
"John 1:1-5" .
(01:16)
You may wish to follow the reading of the scripture in your own Bible.
. Message: "Come Holy Spirit" .
(19:45)
(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)
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 .
"Spirit Song" . (UMH 347)
- Closing Chorus and 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