First Sunday after Christmas
December 31, 2023
New Year's Eve
| Pastor: Ralph Wrightstone | Bulletin Insert Photos | Music Director: Travis Oaks |
On this First Sunday after Christmas we are reminded that the Christmas Season,
the Twelve Days of Christmas, is not yet over but continues through January 5th, Friday.
For some that Twelfth day of Christmas is the time for taking down those Christmas decorations.
Saturday, Jan 6th, Epiphany on the Chrisian calenar, will begin a new
Season of Epiphany.
Today is the last day of 2023 so it does mark the End of something...the old year.
As tomorrow, New Year's Day, is the traditional time for making resolutions to
turn over a new leaf in the coming year, today's sermon topic: An Attitude
Adjustment, is a timely subject.
Tina Oaks, Bethel's lay leader and licensed local minister, will be bringing the message
today while pastor Ralph and Judy will be away for a few days of vacation and celebration of
their wedding anniversary on 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 12/31/23 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.
symbol to play the audio file under a separate browser tab or in a new window. Then select the
"Bethel 12/31/23 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 . (01:01)
- Opening Hymn
.
Verses .
"Shine Jesus Shine" . (TFWS 2173)
:
(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 .
(02:17)
We hope that you will participate privately or communally in this responsive reading as part of your worship service. -
.
Slides - Prayer Concerns, Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer .
(02:13)
The slides here include a list of those for whom prayers have been requested. - The Message
. Scripture:
Romans 12:2 .
(00:17)
You may wish to follow the reading of the scripture in your own Bible.
. Message: "A Year-End Attitude Adjustment" .
(17:37)
. Closing Prayer .
(00:51)
(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 .
"They'll Know We Are Christians by Our Love" . (TFWS 2223)
- 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