February 12, 2023
| Pastor: Ralph Wrightstone | Bulletin Insert Photos | Music Director: Travis Oaks |
This Sixth Sunday after Epiphany brings us near the end of the
"Season after Epiphany". Today's scripture finds Jesus continuing his "Sermon on the
Mount". Following the Beatitudes and instructions for his disciples (being "Salt and
Light"), Jesus then turns to interpretations of "The Law" that may seem rather harsh at
first. However each of the "laws" considered deals with a breakdown in a relationship, and
Jesus' words include a resolution in encouraging Reconciliation...the subject of today's
message.
The calendar this week has a very popular "secular holiday" on Tuesday, Valentine's Day, that has been cause to set many heart's "aflutter"...but the subject of "Love" is really at the heart of Jesus' sermon. After the service, on this second Sunday of the month, we are having a "Love Luncheon"...with all of the food and refreshments provided by the church. If you have come to this online service early this morning and have time to make it to the church, we look forward to joining with you in this special gathering... if not we hope this service prepares you for the coming week.
The calendar this week has a very popular "secular holiday" on Tuesday, Valentine's Day, that has been cause to set many heart's "aflutter"...but the subject of "Love" is really at the heart of Jesus' sermon. After the service, on this second Sunday of the month, we are having a "Love Luncheon"...with all of the food and refreshments provided by the church. If you have come to this online service early this morning and have time to make it to the church, we look forward to joining with you in this special gathering... if not we hope this service prepares you for the coming week.
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 at the traditional service time...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 02/12/23 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.
symbol to play the audio file under a separate browser tab or in a new window. Then select the
"Bethel 02/12/23 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 . (03:54)
- Opening Hymn
. Verse .
"Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)" (W&S 3104)
:
Another Hymn for you...one that seems appropriate for this Sunday before Valentine's day. . Verse .
"When Love is Found" (UMH 643)
:
And, borrowing from last year's Valentine Service, Paul's "Love Chapter" in 1 Corinthians for you to read.
:
(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, Gloria Patria .
(02:43)
We hope that you will participate privately or communally in this responsive reading as part of your worship service. - . OT Scripture Reading:
"Psalm 119:1-8, 9"
with reflection on v9 .
(02:23)
......consider following along with a favored translation of your own. - . Slides - Pastor's Thoughts, Prayers and Lord's Prayer .
(13:14)
The slides here include a list of those for whom prayers have been requested. - . Message: "Reconciliation" .
(18:51)
You may wish to follow the reading of Matthew 5:21-37 in your own Bible.
(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:
. Verse .
"Softly and Tenderly" (UMH 348)
- 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