Seventh Sunday after Epiphany
February 23, 2025
| Pastor: Ralph Wrightstone | Bulletin Insert Photos. | Music Director: Travis Oaks |
The Golden Rule is well known and easily recited, "Do Unto Others as You Would Have Them Do Unto You"...Jesus even said in Matthew 7:12 that it "sums up the Law and the Prophets" (NIV). In fact, in one form or another, it is a part of most religions in the world (see here)...and it might be most simply stated, in Jesus' terms: "Love Others as Yourself". But, for Jesus the words don't say it all... by explaining what it really means to "love others" in the scripture for today's message he makes it A New Commandment.
The worship plan provided by the UMC Discipleship Ministries on today's Resource page looks at this same passage with the theme: "Do to Others".
The worship plan provided by the UMC Discipleship Ministries on today's Resource page looks at this same passage with the theme: "Do to Others".
for links to some Resource materials for today's service.
For those unable to attend the 11:00 AM Sunday 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 02/23/25 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 02/23/25 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"
- . Slides - Welcome and Announcements . (02:53)
Click here to find out more about the Rural Church Revival mentioned in the announcements. - Opening Hymn
.
Verses . "They'll Know We Are Christians by Our Love" . (TFWS 2223)
:
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 . (02:38)
We hope that you will participate privately or communally in this responsive reading as part of your worship service. - . OT Scripture Reading:
Psalm 37:1-13 and commentary . (02:55)
......consider following along with a favored translation of your own. - .
Slides - Pastor's Thoughts, Prayers and Lord's Prayer . (11:28)
The slides here include a list of those for whom prayers have been requested.
The pastor's thoughts include a lesson on the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes.
Today Pastor Ralph will look at: Ecclesiastes 8:1-9. - Music Special
. "The Gift of Love" . sung by Judy in a 2021 service
- The Message
. Scripture:
Luke 6:27-38 . (03:13)
You may wish to follow the reading of the scripture in your own Bible.
. Message: "A New Commandment" . (16:31)
(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 . "Humble Thyself in the Sight of the Lord" . (TFWS 2131)
- 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