Second Sunday of Advent
December 10, 2023
| Pastor: Ralph Wrightstone | Bulletin Insert Photos | Music Director: Travis Oaks |
This Second Sunday of Advent has "Preparation" as the theme for the Advent Candle
lighting and Mary's preparation for the birth of her son by a visit from the angel Gabriel
is the topic for today's reading. The
message scripture relates to John the Baptist's role in preparing for the beginning of
Christ's
ministry and the message, "It's a Heart Thing", is about the preparation that must
take
place in the lives of Christ's followers.
As we use the lighting of Candles on the Advent wreath to guide us through this Season toward Christmas Day, last Thursday was the beginning of an 8-day celebration of Hanukkah, that also features the lighting of candles. This festival celebrates the return of the temple to the control of the Hebrew people two centuries before the birth of Jesus. As today it features family oriented activities including food, songs and game-playing, it is pleasing to think of a young Jesus enjoying such gatherings with his family in Nazareth.
As we use the lighting of Candles on the Advent wreath to guide us through this Season toward Christmas Day, last Thursday was the beginning of an 8-day celebration of Hanukkah, that also features the lighting of candles. This festival celebrates the return of the temple to the control of the Hebrew people two centuries before the birth of Jesus. As today it features family oriented activities including food, songs and game-playing, it is pleasing to think of a young Jesus enjoying such gatherings with his family in Nazareth.
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 12/10/23 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 12/10/23 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 . (02:53)
- Opening Hymn
.
Verses .
"Standing on the Promises" . (UMH 374)
:
(Let us know if you have a favorite hymn that you would like to have included in an online service.) -
.
Slides - Lighting of Second Advent Candle .
(01:59)
Janie Zody and Betty Brown are doing the readings for these online services. -
.
Slides - Call to Worship, Affirmation of Faith and Gloria Patria .
(02:45)
We hope that you will participate privately or communally in this responsive reading as part of your worship service. - . Old Testament Reading:
Isaiah 40:1-11 .
(02:07)
......consider following along with a favored translation of your own. -
.
Slides - Pastor's Thoughts, Prayers and Lord's Prayer .
(12:12)
The slides here include a list of those for whom prayers have been requested. -
. Special Music:
"A New Christmas Song",
written and sung by Travis for a
Carol Singing Service on last year's Second Sunday of Advent.
- The Message
. Scripture:
Mark 1:1-8 .
(01:36)
You may wish to follow the reading of the scripture in your own Bible.
:
.
Message: "It's a Heart Thing" . (12:18)
(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 .
"Go Tell it on the Mountain" . (UMH 251)
- 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