First Sunday after Epiphany
January 11, 2026
| Pastor: Ralph Wrightstone |
Bulletin
Insert Photos |
This First Sunday after Epiphany finds us in a New Season, the Season of Epiphany, or the time of "Sundays after Epiphany". There are 5 of these...6 if you include "Transfiguration Sunday" at the end, leading up to "Ash Wednesday", which begins the 40 day "Season of Lent".
There are many stories and traditions associated with these seasons that can provide material for study and reflection during this time...But the "other name" associated with this period, that is, "Ordinary Time", allows much more freedom for choosing topics for sermons. For us, it allows returning to a series begun before Advent...in which we were learning more about "Our Friend Jesus" with today's message: "Your Marvelous Friend, Jesus".
On the Resource Page, the UDM supplied worship plan:"Power of Presence", in the series:"Glory Revealed", looks at one of the traditional themes for this day, the "Baptism of the Lord".
There are many stories and traditions associated with these seasons that can provide material for study and reflection during this time...But the "other name" associated with this period, that is, "Ordinary Time", allows much more freedom for choosing topics for sermons. For us, it allows returning to a series begun before Advent...in which we were learning more about "Our Friend Jesus" with today's message: "Your Marvelous Friend, Jesus".
On the Resource Page, the UDM supplied worship plan:"Power of Presence", in the series:"Glory Revealed", looks at one of the traditional themes for this day, the "Baptism of the Lord".
for links to some Resource materials for today's service.
For those unable to attend the 11:00 AM Sunday 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 01/11/26 Service" browser tab or return to this window to open the Link to the "slides". Use your browser's back/return arrow to come back to this page from the slides. It is best to close the tab or window of an audio file before starting to play 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 01/11/26 Service" browser tab or return to this window to open the Link to the "slides". Use your browser's back/return arrow to come back to this page from the slides. It is best to close the tab or window of an audio file before starting to play 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 . (01:57)
- Opening Hymn
. Verses . "I Stand Amazed" . (UMH 371,v1,4)
:
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 . (02:23)
We hope that you will participate privately or communally in this responsive reading as part of your worship service. - .
Old Testament Scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:14-16 and commentary . (02:24)
......consider following along with a favored translation of your own. - . Pastor Intro and Reading: Psalm 83 . (02:47)...and...
. Thoughts about the Psalm . (09:29)
- . Slides . Prayer Concerns and the Lord's Prayer . (03:04)
The slides here include a list of those for whom prayers have been requested. - Hymn of Preparation
. Verses . "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" . (UMH 526)
- The Message
. Scripture:
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 . (01:26)
You may wish to follow the reading of the scripture in your own Bible.
. Message:
"Your Marvelous Friend, Jesus" . (13:06)
(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 . "Blest Be the Tie That Binds" . (UMH 557)
- 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