Bethel UMC: Sermons and Special Music

Sermons and Special Music

This page provides audio recordings of sermons and special music from services at Bethel during the pastorate of Ralph L. Wrightstone.
NOTE: Because of restrictions imposed during the coronavirus pandemic, formal sevices in Bethel's sanctuary were suspended after March 22, 2020. After that, "virtual" online services using pre-recorded audio segments were provided with links from the "Service Page" of this web site. These continued even after unrecorded "open-air" and later inside services began at the church. The following recordings are from services held in the church during the year 2023.

From Bethel UMC Services of
January 1, 2023 thru December 31, 2023

Click on the symbol to begin playing an audio recording.

December 2023

31 - First Sunday After Chistmas and New Year's Eve
Bethel Lay leader Tina Oaks speaks today while pastor Ralph and Judy are away for a few days
...... (15:00) - Message: "A (Year-End) Attitude Adjustment"
...... (02:33) - Some Holy Humor (for pastor Ralph)
...... (09:33) - Continuing "An Attitude Adjustment"
...... (01:00) - Closing Prayer

24 - Fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve
Morning Message
...... (02:19) - Text . Message Scripture - Luke 1:26-38
...... (16:59) - . Message: "Wrapped in a Cloud"
Christmas Eve Message
...... (01:32) - Text . Message Scripture - Matthew 4:12-17
...... (11:51) - Message: "A Great Light"

17 - Third Sunday of Advent
...... (02:34) - Text . Message Scripture - John 1:6-9,19-28
...... (18:43) - Message: "Fear of Dark or Light?"
...... (03:15) - Closing Remarks and Prayer

10 - Second Sunday of Advent
...... (02:23) - Text . Message Scripture - Mark 1:1-8
...... (15:49) - Message: "It's a Heart Thing"
...... (00:27) - Closing Prayer

03 - First Sunday of Advent
...... (04:53) - Text . Message Scripture - Mark 13:21-37
...... (15:11) - Message: "Are You Ready?"
...... (00:38) - Closing Prayer

November 2023

26 - Twenty-Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
...... On this sunday between Thanksgiving and Advent, the message deals with the meaning of Thanksgiving. Both church and online services include a Chrismon Service in preparation for the new year.
...... (02:41) - Text . Message Scripture - Matthew 25:31-46
...... (09:32) - Message: "Going,Going,Gone!"
...... (00:26) - Closing Remarks

19 - Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
...... Thanksgiving Sunday
...... (03:01) - Text . Message Scripture - Matthew 25:14-30
...... (the scripture is being read today by Joann George)
...... (02:06) - Commentary on the Scripture
...... (25:46) - Message: "Commitment Without Fear"
...... (00:20) - Closing Prayer

12 - Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
...... (02:02) - Text . Message Scripture - Matthew 25:1-13
...... (21:42) - Message: "Are You Soaked in the Holy Spirit?"
...... (04:29) - Closing Remarks about prayer language

05 - Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost
...... All Saints Sunday
...... (02:46) - Text . Introduction and Scripture - Matthew 23:1-15
...... (15:55) - Message: "Confronting Hypocrisy with Humility"
...... (03:35) - Celebrating "All Saints"
...... (05:13) - Conclusion of Message

October 2023

29 - Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost (17th and concluding sermon of a series)
...... Conclusion of the Holy Spirit School
...... (01:10) - Text . Introduction and Scripture - Acts 2:1-4
...... (25:31) - Message: "Baptism in the Holy Spirit"
At the end of the sermon pastor Wrightstone introduces four "Prayers for Receiving the Baptism in the Holy Spirit"
...... (02:06) - Introduction to the 4 Prayers
...... (04:37) - Text . The four Prayers for Baptism in the Spirit

22 - Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost (16th sermon of a series)
...... (03:49) - Text . Introduction and Scripture - Revelation 1:1-11
...... (30:14) - Message: "Invitation to Spirit Baptism"
...... (00:26) - Next Week

15 - Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost (15th sermon of a series)
...... (01:34) - Text . Scripture - John 16:5-15
...... (16:05) - Message: "Our Helper"
...... (02:19) - A Prayer of Invitation

08 - Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost (14th sermon of a series)
...... (01:26) - Text . Introduction and Scripture - Philippians 4:4-9
...... (21:34) - Message: "Knowledge of and Experiencing God"
...... (03:06) - Closing Prayer

01 - Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost (13th sermon of a series)
...... (02:10) - Text . Message Scripture - Galatians 5:16-26
...... (29:55) - Message: "Assertive Posture"
...... (01:33) - Closing Prayer

September 2023

24 - Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost (12th sermon of a series)
...... (02:30) - Text . Introduction and Scripture - Galatians 5:16-26
...... (19:27) - Message: "Life in the Spirit, Part 2"
...... (00:39) - Closing Remarks and Prayer

17 - Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost (11th sermon of a series)
...... (02:27) - Text . Scripture - John 3:1-17
...... (22:52) - Message: "Born in the Spirit"
...... (01:16) - Closing Prayer

10 - Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost (10th sermon of a series)
...... (01:39) - Text . Intro and Scripture - John 16:25-33
...... (26:25) - Message: "Life in the Spirit"

For the three Sundays from Aug 20-Sept 3, there were no online services and the church services were not recorded. Pastor Ralph did make recordings of his sermon, as he normally does for the online service, and sent copies to those who receive notices about the weekly services. Those recordings were used for the next three entries of this page of sermons so that there will be no gaps in the ongoing Holy Spirit School series of sermons.

03 - Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost (9th sermon of a series)
...... (24:45) - Message: "Challenging Corruption"
...... (01:03) - Closing Prayer

August 2023

27 - Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost (8th sermon of a series)
...... (26:33) - Message: "Clothed with Power"
...... (00:40) - Closing Remarks

20 - Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost (7th sermon of a series)
...... (16:36) - Message: "Unleashing the Power of the Holy Spirit"
...... (09:19) - "Some Travel Tips"
...... (00:51) - Closing Prayer

13 - Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost (6th sermon of a series)
...... (01:09) - re-Introduction to the "Holy Spirit School" series
...... (02:46) - Text . Scripture - Psalm 51
...... (30:15) - Message: "The Desert Places, Part II"
...... (00:37) - Closing Prayer

06 - Tenth Sunday after Pentecost (in a "recess" to the Holy Spirit School, Bethel's Lay Leader, Tina Oaks, brings the message today.)
...... (01:51) - An Introductory Story
...... (02:13) - Text . Scripture - Matthew 18:21-35
...... (17:19) - Message: "Will You Forgive?"
...... (01:14) - Closing Prayer

July 2023

30 - Ninth Sunday after Pentecost (5th sermon of series)
...... (02:09) - Text . Comments and Scripture - Luke 14:1-13
...... (31:09) - Message: "Unleashing the Power
...... (01:36) - Text . Closing Prayer

23 - Eighth Sunday after Pentecost (4th sermon of series)
...... (01:37) - Text . Comments and Scripture - Acts 10:(21-43),44-48
...... (26:32) - Message: "The Desert Places"
...... (01:24) - Text . Closing Prayer

16 - Seventh Sunday after Pentecost (3rd sermon of series)
...... (02:37) - Text . Scripture and commentary - John 14:15-21
...... (23:49) - Message: "Holy Spirit School"
...... (00:55) - Closing Prayer

09 - Sixth Sunday after Pentecost (2nd sermon of series)
...... (02:26) - Text . Introduction and Scripture - Acts 1:1-11
...... (30:09) - Message: "The Holy Spirit"
...... (00:27) - Next Week

02 - Fifth Sunday after Pentecost (1st sermon of series)
...... (01:42) - Text . Introduction and Scripture - Matthew 1:1-5
...... (27:07) - Message: "Come Holy Spirit"

June 2023

25 - Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
...... (03:04) - Text . Introduction and Scripture - Matthew 10:24-39
...... (16:31) - Message: "Fork in the Road" (...wait for it...)
...... (00:30) - Closing Words

18 - Third Sunday after Pentecost
...... (00:52) - Introduction
...... (01:29) - Text . Scripture - Matthew 9:35-38, The Need for Workers
...... (03:20) - Text . Scripture - Matthew 10:5-23, Instructions for the Disciples
...... (22:51) - Message: "Herding Cats"

11 - Second Sunday after Pentecost - The church message on this day was not recorded. This message on the same topic was prepared for the online service
...... (02:54) - Text . Scripture - Matthew 9:9-13,18-26
...... (16:27) - Message: "On the Fringe"

04 - Trinity Sunday
...... (01:42) - Text . Introduction and Scripture - Matthew 28:16-20
...... (22:14) - Message: "Go Make Followers of Jesus"

May 2023

28 - Pentecost, Memorial Sunday
...... (02:48) - A "Spirited" Song for Pentecost
...... (04:45) - Text . Introduction and Scripture - Acts 2:1-21
...... (20:08) - Message: "Go With the Flow"
...... (01:54) - Closing Prayer

21 - Seventh Sunday of Easter
...... (03:58) - Text . Introduction and Scripture - John 17:1-12; The Prayer of Jesus
...... (17:33) - Message: "The Fire of Life"
...... (00:52) - Closing Remarks

14 - Sixth Sunday of Easter
This Mother's Day/Heritage Sunday service was held at Bethel Pond so these recordings were made for the online service on the same topic.
...... (01:34) - Text . Introduction and Scripture - John 14:15-21
...... (12:27) - Message: "Invincible"

07 - Fifth Sunday of Easter
...... (03:17) - Text . Introduction and Scripture - John 14:1-14
...... (16:16) - Message: "The Way"
...... (01:51) - Closing Remarks

April 2023

30 - Fourth Sunday of Easter
...... (02:18) - Text . Introduction and Scripture - John 10:1-10
...... (01:20) - Commentary on the reading
...... (20:53) - Message: "Shut the Back Door!"

23 - Third Sunday of Easter
...... (04:29) - Introduction (some "dessert" before the "meat")
...... (03:51) - Text . Scripture - Luke 24:13-35
...... (17:02) - Message: "Broken"
...... (04:03) - Special: "Because He Lives", sung by Judy and Travis

16 - Second Sunday of Easter
...... (03:18) - Text . Scripture - John 20:19-31
...... (01:54) - Commentary from the Bible
...... (14:58) - Message: "If You See it, Do You Believe it?"
...... (02:00) - Conclusion
...... (04:39) - Special: "I Can't Even Walk Without You Holding My Hand"
...... In this Travis expressed the need for and the very real presence of God in our lives

09 - Easter Sunday
...... (01:52) - Introduction
...... (02:26) - Text . Scripture - "Matthew 28:1-10"
...... (03:36) - Special: "Then Came the Morning, Travis and Tricia
...... (13:54) - Message: "A Powerful Stone"
...... (05:30) - Another Message: The Resurrection Change
...... (02:42) - Conclusion

02 - Palm Sunday
...... (02:05) - Text . Scripture - "Matthew 21:1-11"
...... (12:05) - Message: "Flash Mobs"

March 2023

26 - 5th Sunday of Lent
...... (02:22) - Text . Introduction and synopsis of Scripture - "John 11:1- 45"
...... (01:13) - Reading of Scripture part 2 - "John 11:21-29"
...... (16:05) - Message: "When Time Stands Still"

19 - 4th Sunday of Lent
...... (03:14) - Text . Introduction and Message Scripture part 1 - "John 9:1- 34"
...... (01:45) - Text . Message Scripture part 2 - "John 9:35-41"
...... (24:22) - Message: "The Mud Room"
...... (00:58) - Message: Closing Remarks

12 - 3rd Sunday of Lent
...... (7:35) - Text . Message Introduction and Scripture: "John 4:5- 42"
...... (21:48) - Message: "A Real Well?"

05 - 2nd Sunday of Lent
...... (05:19) - Text . Message Introduction and Scripture: "John 3:1-17"
...... (21:13) - Message: "Born of the Spirit"

February 2023

26 - 1st Sunday of Lent
...... (02:33) - Text . Message Introduction and Scripture: "Matthew 4:1-11"
...... (21:13) - Message: "Protect Your Spirit"
...... (00:58) - Presenting "Tempt- Proof" Certificates

19 - Transfiguration Sunday
...... (03:13) - Text . Message Introduction and Scripture: "Matthew 17:1-13"
...... (21:57) - Message: "Are You Afraid...of the Dark?"
...... (01:49) - Closing Remarks and prayer

12 - 6th Sunday after Epiphany
...... (06:00) - Text . Message Scripture: "Matthew 5:21:37"
...... (23:03) - Message: "Reconciliation"
(There was an interruption at about 09:35 into the message at which time it was necessary to change microphones...as the message continues there will be a change in the volume and tone of the recording.)
05 - 5th Sunday after Epiphany
...... (03:23) - Text . Message Introduction and Scripture: "Matthew 5:13-20"
...... (04:47) - Text . Comments and Scripture: "Revelation 21:9-23"
...... (20:19) - Message: "Salt and Light"
...... (01:04) - Closing Remarks

January 2023

29 - 4th Sunday after Epiphany
Pastor Ralph refers to a previous series of sermons on "Hurts, Hangups and Habits" also based upon "The Beatitudes". Click here to find that series.
...... (03:29) - Text . Message Introduction and Scripture: "Matthew 5:1-12"
...... (18:31) - Message: "Happiness"
...... (00:25) - Closing Prayer

22 - 3rd Sunday after Epiphany
...... (03:14) - Text . Message Introduction and Scripture: "Matthew 4:12-25"
...... (20:53) - Message: "By the Sea"
...... (00:38) - Closing Prayer

15 - 2nd Sunday after Epiphany
...... (04:31) - Text . Message Introduction and Scripture: "John 1:29-42"
...... (00:23) - Text . A Cornerstone Scripture: "Isaiah 28:16"
...... (19:31) - Message: "A Cornerstone"

08 - 1st Sunday after Epiphany
Pastor Ralph and Judy are out of town this weekend. Lay Leader Tina Oaks is bringing the message today.
...... (20:26) - Message: "A New Year, A New Heart"
...... (03:43) - Closing Remarks
...... (06:57) - Special Music: "Jesus the Light of the World", sung by Travis before the message

01 - New Year's Day
...... (01:22) - Introduction
...... (01:27) - Text . Scripture: Matthew 2:13-23
...... (17:40) - Message: "What Do You Fear Most?"

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