Bethel Church Service
First Sunday After Epiphany
January 11, 2026
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Click Here to see the bulletin for the service.
Note: the audio recording for the service was lost when saving it.
The audio components below are from the online service.
...Mark announces the service...and our senior acolyte lights the candles...
......gathering for the service.
Opening
Welcome and Announcements
Celebrations
Mark Carlson celebrates a 70th birthday...
...with a testamonial...
...sharing the story of his 70 years...
...now celebrate that birthday....
....and a 31st Anniversary for Ralph and Judy (on Epiphany)
Recognize Bethel 2026 Leadership Team
Pastor Ralph began by speaking about some traditional Wesleyan "rituals"
or "services" that serve to unify and direct the individual "Methodist" churches
The UMC Book of Worship describes many of these.
Some relate to the processes of baptism, membership, marriage...
...Others relate to the "business" of the churches...
...including the organization and responsibilities within the local church.
The service for Recognition of Leaders is used at the beginning of the year to affirm expectations for those chosen in the previous year's Charge Conference
Pastor Ralph identified those chosen, read the expectations and received affirmations by those present.
Basic to Methodist practice is affirming and confirming
the covenantal relationship between God and man.
It is common to have a special Covenant Renewal Service at the end of the year in a New Year's Eve "watch night" service, or at the beginning of a New Year.
Pastor Ralph acknowledged this by reading Wesley's Covenant Prayer from the Hymnal
UMH 607 - Covenant Prayer
Hymn: "I Stand Amazed in the Presence"Call to Worship
Jo Ann Carlson leads the reading of the "Call to Worship"...
...and the Apostle's Creed
Praises, Joys and Concerns
Prayer Concerns
Pastoral Prayer
Old Testament Scripture
Jo Ann Carlson reads the scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:14-16
...followed by commentary on the scripture
Hymn of Preparation
Hymn: "What A Friend We Have in Jesus"The Message
The recordings below are from the online service.
Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
Message: "Your Marvelous Friend, Jesus"
Closing
Hymn: "Blest Be the Tie That Binds"
Gather in center aisle, join hands, sing .
"Bind Us Together"...
...receive the benediction....and prayer for the dinner
Second Sunday fellowship dinner followed the service
alas, no pictures were taken
There were 11 here for the service today
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