Fourth Sunday After Pentecost
Independence Weekend
July 6, 2025
| Pastor: Ralph Wrightstone |
Bulletin
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Music Director: Travis Oaks |
This Fourth Sunday After Pentecost comes at the end of a long weekend celebration of this country's Independence from foreign rule with a forward looking prospect of a new nation providing a government centered "closer to home" and promoting the interests of the colonists here.
That Independence of government provided a great deal of Freedom for a new government to operate without interference from outside...but what of the individual freedoms of the colonists, as that was a strong motivation for their coming to this country. The document signed on July 4th mentioned a truth that "all men are created equal" and the Rights of "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness" coming from their Creator. It also asserted that governments that have power over these should have it by the "consent of the governed". Surely, these statements must have given the colonists hope for more personal freedoms.
Today's service looks at the subject of "Freedom". The Youth-Message will consider the question: "Free for What?" and the Message will consider how to evaluate the actions resulting from new found freedom with the topic: "Motives Do Matter".
The Resource Page also has many items relating to the topic of Freedom.
That Independence of government provided a great deal of Freedom for a new government to operate without interference from outside...but what of the individual freedoms of the colonists, as that was a strong motivation for their coming to this country. The document signed on July 4th mentioned a truth that "all men are created equal" and the Rights of "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness" coming from their Creator. It also asserted that governments that have power over these should have it by the "consent of the governed". Surely, these statements must have given the colonists hope for more personal freedoms.
Today's service looks at the subject of "Freedom". The Youth-Message will consider the question: "Free for What?" and the Message will consider how to evaluate the actions resulting from new found freedom with the topic: "Motives Do Matter".
The Resource Page also has many items relating to the topic of Freedom.
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 07/06/25 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 07/06/25 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 . (01:54)
- Opening Hymn
. Verses . "Here I Am Lord" . (UMH 593)
:
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: "Free for What?" . (09:21)
- . OT Scripture Reading:
Psalm 30 . (01:42)
......consider following along with a favored translation of your own. - . Slides - Pastor's Thoughts and Prayers . (12:03)
The slides here include a list of those for whom prayers have been requested.
The pastor's thoughts include a lesson on the Old Testament book of Psalms. Today Pastor Ralph will look at: Psalm 57. - The Message
. Scripture:
Luke 10:1-11,16-20 . (02:40)
You may wish to follow the reading of the scripture in your own Bible.
. Message: "Motives Do Matter" . (14:43)
(The "church message" on this day, with the same topic, will be on the "Sermons" page of Bethel's web site later this week.) - . About - Holy Communion (02:29)
It has been customary to use consecrated crackers and grape juice during the service but you may use other elements for the acts of remembrance as you participate. During the time of "social distancing", the church service has used individual packets for communion taken in the pews. The service is now using more traditional bread and juice for communion taken at the altar but also offers the communion packets and provides for communion to be taken in the pew.
:
The Great Thanksgiving - You may wish to follow this part of the communion ritual from the hymnal as you partake the elements. - Closing Hymn:
. Verses . "I Surrender All" . (UMH 354)
- Closing Chorus & 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