Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost
September 17, 2023
| Pastor: Ralph Wrightstone | Bulletin Insert Photos | Music Director: Travis Oaks |
Welcome to Bethel's online service for this Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost. The
sermon today continues the series in The Holy Spirit School, following last week's
"Life in the Spirit" with a look at being "Born in the Spirit".
With the searing days of Summer sun still fresh in our memories, we look forward to the Equinox on Saturday, the first day of Fall when the days become shorter, and hopefully cooler...And today is another important date in American History, known as Constitution Day, celebrating the signing of the U.S. Constiturion 236 years ago on Sept 17,1787.
With the searing days of Summer sun still fresh in our memories, we look forward to the Equinox on Saturday, the first day of Fall when the days become shorter, and hopefully cooler...And today is another important date in American History, known as Constitution Day, celebrating the signing of the U.S. Constiturion 236 years ago on Sept 17,1787.
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 09/17/23 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 09/17/23 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 . (04:25)
- Opening Hymn
.
Verses . "Lord, I Lift Your Name on High" . (TFWS 2088)
:
(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 and Gloria Patria .
(03:22)
We hope that you will participate privately or communally in this responsive reading as part of your worship service. - . Proverb for This Week:
"Proverbs 19:3".
(01:37)
......consider following along with a favored translation of your own. - .
Slides - Pastor's Thoughts, Prayers and Lord's Prayer .
(12:52)
The slides here include a list of those for whom prayers have been requested. - The Message
. Scripture:
"John 3:1-17" .
(02:33)
You may wish to follow the reading of the scripture in your own Bible.
. Message: "Born of the Spirit" .
(29:09)
. Closing words .
(00:51)
(The "Church" message on this day, with the same topic, will be on the "Sermons" page of Bethel's web site later this week.) - Closing Hymn
.
Verses .
"I Surrender All" . (UMH 354, vs 1)
- Benediction and 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