Seventh Sunday After Easter
Pentecost Sunday
June 8, 2025
| Pastor: Ralph Wrightstone |
Bulletin
Insert Photos |
Music Director: Travis Oaks |
Welcome to Bethel's online service for this Eighth Sunday of Easter (the Seventh Sunday After). On this day, 10 days after Jesus' Ascension, the
disciples were gathered together still waiting for the "gift" promised them on that day.
For the Hebrew people it was the "Feast of Weeks", a "week of weeks" after Passover, called Pentecost (Pente- meaning 50th day, 7x7+1) and celebrating the end of the grain harvest which began the day after Passover. For the gathered followers of Jesus, this was also the day that their waiting ended when the "Holy Spirit" came and filled them "with power from heaven" just as Jesus had promised. Empowered by that Spirit, the disciples, led by fisherman Simon Peter, presented Jesus' message to a multi-lingual crowd drawn to Jerusalem for the Pentecost festival. The 3000 who responded that day gave birth to the body of believers now called the church...which is why Pentecost is now considered the "Birthday of the Church".-----------------------------
While pastor Ralph and Judy are returning from the UM Fla Annual Conference in Lakeland, Lay Leader Tina Oaks and music director Travis Oaks will be leading this service.
For the Hebrew people it was the "Feast of Weeks", a "week of weeks" after Passover, called Pentecost (Pente- meaning 50th day, 7x7+1) and celebrating the end of the grain harvest which began the day after Passover. For the gathered followers of Jesus, this was also the day that their waiting ended when the "Holy Spirit" came and filled them "with power from heaven" just as Jesus had promised. Empowered by that Spirit, the disciples, led by fisherman Simon Peter, presented Jesus' message to a multi-lingual crowd drawn to Jerusalem for the Pentecost festival. The 3000 who responded that day gave birth to the body of believers now called the church...which is why Pentecost is now considered the "Birthday of the Church".
for links to some Resource materials for today's service.
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 06/08/25 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 06/08/25 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 . (01:35)
- Opening Hymn
. Verses . "I Will Enter His Gates with Thanksgiving" . (TFWS 2270)
:
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 . (02:05)
We hope that you will participate privately or communally in this responsive reading as part of your worship service. - . Youth Message: "The Day of Pentecost" . (02:16)
- . OT Scripture Reading:
1 Samuel 17:32-37 . (01:15)
......consider following along with a favored translation of your own. - . Slides - Pastor's Thoughts and Prayers . (05:04)
The slides here include a list of those for whom prayers have been requested. - The Message
. Message: "Faith Over Fear" . (15:44)
(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 . "Spirit of the Living God" . (UMH 393)
- Closing Prayer and 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