Epiphany Sunday
First Sunday of the New Year
January 7, 2024
| Pastor: Ralph Wrightstone | Bulletin Insert Photos | Music Director: Travis Oaks |
Today, we seem once more to be hurrying through the seasons with the end of Christmastide on
its Twelfth Day, Friday, then Epiphany following on the next day, Saturday, and now, on
Sunday
we are into a new season with the First Sunday after Epiphany. The Wise
Men have barely time to pause at the manger, unwrap the gifts and hit the road for
home to avoid meeting up again with Herod. While the standard liturgy rushes ahead into the
Baptism
of Jesus for its emphasis on this day, pastor Ralph is taking a longer
view of the Epiphany with today's message "The Guiding Star of Epiphany".
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 01/07/24 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 01/07/24 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 . (03:26)
- Opening Hymn
.
Verses .
"From a Distant Home" . (UMH 243)
This seldom sung hymn comes from the UM Hymnal as a hymn for Epiphany. After a brief introduction melody, the music continues with the pace of a camel's walk and verses that describe those wise men's journey and their guiding star.
:
(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 .
(04:01)
We hope that you will participate privately or communally in this responsive reading as part of your worship service. - . Old Testament Reading:
Psalm 29 .
(01:30)
......consider following along with a favored translation of your own. -
.
Slides - Pastor's Thoughts and Prayers .
(12:19)
The slides here include a list of those for whom prayers have been requested. - The Message
. NT Reading:
Matthew 2:1-12 .
(03:14)
You may wish to follow the reading of the scripture in your own Bible.
.
.
Message: "The Guiding Star of Epiphany" .
(14:01)
(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
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 .
"There's a Song in the Air" . (UMH 249)
- 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