Article 7

This holiday podcast includes music from many of Bethany's choirs recorded during the Advent and Christmas seasons, with special thanks to Linda Hemphill our Music Director and "Team Roadie" our sound board operators who have been providing some very good material for me to share! I pray the readings and music in this podcast helps you to celebrate the coming our Savior. Merry Christmas! 

This podcast was recorded in the summer of 2021 after Bethany Lutheran finished a challenging season for our children's choirs.  At the start, I'll talk a bit about the name of this podcast and how it relates to what I am thinking about for the future of our church during and after the current pandemic. The sermon and the song after are all about Daniel and the Lion's Den, plus there is a bonus hand bell anthem, "Holy, Holy, Holy".  

In the introduction, I share some news about worship at Bethany in Alexandria, Virginia for the summer of 2021. There are also a few facts about Daniel before the sermon that was recorded on June 6. At the end, enjoy getting your "Marching Orders" from organist, Linda Hemphill. 

31 sermons later, I got to finally say "the end"!  Except that it is not really the end because there is so much of "The Story" that we are a part of right now, and even more that is "not yet." It is better to say "Amen!" It shall be so! This podcast includes the final sermon in the spiritual growth series called "The Story" as well as a special Mother's Day music offering by mother/daughter duo Linda and Lindsay Hemphill. 

The second last chapter of "The Story" gives us some encouragement from the Apostle Paul to Timothy. As a church, we heard this while going through our pandemic self-quarantine when most of our members were worshiping at home. The music at the end is J.S. Bach's "Sheep Will Safely Graze" played by Linda and Lindsay Hemphill. 

This chapter of "The Story" is all about the missionary journeys of Paul. The sermon zooms in on Philippi where the the church starts with a merchant, a slave girl and a jailer's family. This gives us a glimpse of how the Body of Christ comes together and is sent out by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

The music in this podcast is performed by the praise team at Bethany Lutheran, Created 2 Worship (C2W). At the beginning and at the end, there are two songs used in our Easter season worship. 

Chapter 28 of "The Story" takes us to the birth of the church after the Resurrection of Jesus. The title of my sermon is "They Never Stopped".  At the time this was preached (one year ago) we were learning terms like "lock down" and "social distance" and dealing with the fact that the church could not hold public worship. Still, "we never stopped" trying to connect with as many people as possible. And today, we are thinking about what will happen post-pandemic. I think the attitude is the same as the Apostles in Acts. May it be said of us that we "never stopped." 

One year ago, I was wondering what would become of Easter during quarantine! As I continue to collect the remaining sermons of "The Story" for this podcast, I reflect a little on how things have changed over this past year. The sermon from Easter Sunday latches onto two phrases in the Gospel of Matthew and "The Story" chapter 27. Finally, listen to an instrumental of "The Hallelujah Chorus" from Handel's "Messiah" performed by the organ and trumpet. 

At the Last Supper, a cup is passed after Jesus says words of blessing and then pronounces, “This is my blood of the new covenant…”.  Later, in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prays that “this cup” may be taken away. Cups are used in different ways throughout the Bible, and in this chapter, we see a cup of blessing and a cup of wrath. Both are significant to know the depths of God’s love for us and our salvation.  This sermon is from last year's Good Friday service. At the end, there is an organ postlude, "Echo" by J.S. Bach, performed by Linda Hemphill. 

"The Story" reaches a climax with God's decisive action to overcome our sinful nature and even death itself. The sermon on this podcast was preached one year ago when we only had a small group in church broadcasting online. You will hear some of what we were all going through, including our (no) communion practices at the time. There is also a hymn sung by our small group that began our Maundy Thursday service.  

This podcast collects some of the readings and music you are likely to hear at Bethany Lutheran around Christmas time. Merry Christmas! And my God bless us, every one. 

“You are the messiah,” Peter confesses. What is a messiah? The title connects us to the kingdoms of David and Solomon and the expectation of God’s people to be saved from their enemies. People in the days of Jesus debated what signs to look for to know that God has sent the Messiah. As Jesus approaches the end of His earthly mission, He gives a sign to the people and to us that identifies who He is and what He has come to do. This podcast includes the organ piece, "Rhosymedre" by John D. Edwards (1805 - 1885) played by Linda Hemphill. 

Powerful words and powerful miracles astonish those around Jesus of Nazareth in chapter 24 of “The Story”. Jesus gives the greatest commandment, He finds the lost, He silences the wind with a word, and beats back the devil’s hold on this world by banishing demons, sicknesses and blindness. Then there comes the moment when one of His disciples is sinking and shouts, “Lord, save me!”  Jesus reaches out His hand. Through all these words and actions of our savior, we may begin to understand the meaning of the word “salvation” and why the ongoing work of Jesus through the church is so important.

Water is very prevalent in chapter 23 of “The Story”. We begin with the ministry of John the Baptist by the Jordan River and then water is turned to wine at a wedding, and that is followed with a discussion about being born again through “water and the Spirit.” Where is all this water leading us? Jesus discusses “Living Water” at a well in Samaria and the mission and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth starts to come into focus for His disciples and also for us.

 This sermon was recorded at a special "Christmas in the Spring" service where we marked God's entrance into "The Story" with chapter 22.  The mission of Jesus includes adopting us into His family and that gives us something to celebrate! Going with the "Christmas" theme, C2W (Created 2 Worship) offers the instrumental "I Wonder as I Wander." 

“He was a teacher well versed in the Law of Moses, which the Lord, the God of Israel, had given.” – Ezra 7:6

“Let us start rebuilding!” – Nehemiah 2:18

God provides for the exiles who were returning from the east. Two men who were instrumental in rebuilding – one, a person who was an effective and canny leader who helped to defend the Jews from the enemies that surrounded them. The other one “devoted himself to study and observance of the Law of the Lord.” One helped the physical rebuilding, while the other helped the spiritual rebuilding. When the bottom falls out, how does God help us and equip us to rebuild both physically and spiritually?  

The year 2020 has not been good for podcasting, so far, but this sermon I felt I had to get out because I feel it is an important message. Do you belong at our church? Who are the little ones in Matthew 18? Listen to the sermon from this past Labor Day weekend along with music from our Summer Singers performing "Teach Me, O Lord, the Way of Thy Statutes" by Attwood and the hymn "Rock of Ages."  

“…who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” – Esther 4:14 (ESV)

“And the city of Susa held a joyous celebration” – Esther 8:15 (NIV)

There are quite a few banquets in the book of Esther, but no mention of God’s name. This story takes place in the city of Susa, which was very far away from Jerusalem. God’s name is never mentioned in this story, but God was still present with His people. With each banquet in the book of Esther, we see His power at work. How do these banquets help us to see God’s work in our time, as well? Who else might be raised up as a hero, called upon for “such a time as this?”

A Persian king decrees that the way home is open to the exiles. Zerubbabel the governor and Joshua the High Priest go with the first group, and the foundation for the Temple is laid so that the house of God may be rebuilt. At an assembly of celebration, there were shouts of praise, but also tears of sorrow among those who remembered what was lost.  Enter the prophets Haggai and Zechariah who help keep the people focused on the rebuilding, and Haggai has a message particular who remember the glory days: God will again appear in the Temple. This connects us to the larger story of our salvation when God will indeed suddenly appear. 

Daniel is among the exiles in Babylon who were chosen as advisers to the king. Like his ancestor, Joseph, he stands out for the wisdom and insight God gives to him. Through Daniel and three of his fellow exiles, the kings who sit on the throne in Babylon come to understand who is real ruler who has given them their authority. God’s power is shown time and time again until the day appointed for the exile approaches and the kingdom changes hands. Daniel shows the king the writing on the wall. Through Daniel, we also may come to know and trust the God who rules over all.

At the end of the podcast, stay tuned for bonus music from "Created to Worship" (C2W), the instrumental "Just A Closer Walk with Thee". 

“By the waters of Babylon, there we sat down and wept, when we remembered Zion” – Psalm 139:1

“Son of man, can these bones live?” – Ezekiel 37:3

In chapter 17 of “The Story”, the scenes shift between the prophet Jeremiah who bears witness to the last days of Jerusalem from within the city walls, and the prophet Ezekiel who is among the exiles in Babylon. Both prophets faithfully rebuke the sins of the people that brought these events about, but they also give the people hope. Ezekiel is taken to a desolate valley where bones are the only thing left of the human lives that once animated them. Can these bones live? God sends a powerful message to His people of life and hope even in the midst of death and devastation.

The Eighth Century B.C. closes with the destruction of the northern tribes at the hands of the Assyrians. The southern tribes need faithful leadership and a clear Word from God to avoid the same destruction.  Who will God send? Enter one of the greatest of the writing prophets, whose message of power and comfort to the people of Judah gave them hope for a future. And the Word that Isaiah saw is not just for that immediate future because God gives the prophet foresight to the time when God Himself will enter “The Story.”

The northern tribes have turned away from The Lord, led by a series of kings who “did evil” and aroused God’s anger. God raises two messengers, Elijah and Elisha. Through the ministry of these two prophets, God wants to turn the hearts of His people back to Him. Elijah is first, and after his time is through, he is succeeded by Elisha, who asks for a “double portion” of Elijah’s spirit.

That happens when Elisha sees a “chariot of fire and horses of fire” as they bear his mentor away. Those chariots of fire appear again, when Elisha prays for the eyes of his servant to be opened so that servant can see how God was active and working to guide His people. Can Elisha show us how God is at work in this world, opening our eyes and revealing His presence to us?

We have read about prophets in the previous chapters of “The Story,” but going forward, they begin to play a far more central role.  When the nation of Abraham’s ancestors splits in two, the northern tribes are led into idolatry by their king. God answers by sending someone “by the Word of the Lord.” Will the Word bring people back to faith or will they drift further away from God?

After the sermon, keep listening for a musical bonus from Created 2 Worship playing "Poor, Wayfaring Stranger". 

“The Lord appeared to Solomon.”  That phrase is repeated a few times through chapter 13 of "The Story". God appears to give Solomon wisdom, and then the glory of the Lord appears when the Temple in Jerusalem is dedicated. And then there is one last time as God speaks after Solomon “turns his heart” away from The Lord.  As we prepare to celebrate the revealing of God’s glory in Jesus through the festival of Epiphany, we’ll look at the life of Solomon and see how wisdom and worship point our hearts to see God’s glory in our lives.  

There is also an Epiphany musical bonus in this podcast! The Bethany Singers present a nice arrangement of "O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright". 

In chapter 12 of “The Story” a king covets, and that leads to adultery and murder. Is this still the an that is after God’s own heart? Or will God turn away from David like He did King Saul? In this chapter, we discover one of the greatest gifts that we receive from God: FORGIVENESS.

God finds a new king by looking into the heart of the youngest son of Jesse, who was tending the sheep when God sent Samuel to anoint the one God would choose. This is the story of the first kings of Israel and it foreshadows God’s great plan of salvation. Last week, we read about a king who turned his heart away from God. This week, we see that God’s intention for His people is to have a king with the heart of a shepherd.

“Give us a king.” the people say. This points the way to the time when God would send the ultimate King to save His people once and for all.  It begins well with the new king able to assemble the whole nation to repel their enemies. Like some servants before, God calls the person from the smallest and least to do His will. But once this person is given the power and authority, will humble service be his story, or will insecurity and greed get the better of him? Can we learn something for our lives about God’s definition of power?

The story of Ruth is both simple and complicated at the same time. It is a simple story about a bond of love that brought a foreign woman into the tribe of Judah. But it is also covers some complicated points of the covenant law during a time when fidelity to God was hard to find. But through one family’s faithfulness, we get a great foreshadowing of God’s great plan of salvation as Ruth and Naomi find a redeemer who will save them from poverty even as their future descendant will redeem us from our sin. 

Samson’s last words make for a fitting title to this week’s chapter of “The Story”. In this chapter, the people of Israel time and time again forget the covenant God had made with them so that they would be a kingdom of priests and a holy people. Foreign powers invade and only then do to the tribes remember that they have sinned and need God’s help. God remembers His mercy and remembers His covenant and remembers His promises even when the people forget time and time again. What comfort do we have today because God remembers us?

As a promise passed on through centuries, the land that God showed to Abraham is now before the tribes of Israel. After the previous generation dies in the wilderness and Moses says his final words, it is time for Joshua and the Israelites to inherit that land. As they enter, God repeats His promises to Joshua, saying “I will never leave you or forsake you.” God is faithful and keeps every promise, going before Joshua’s armies and giving them the victory. The promises and victory that guide this journey lead us to know better the ultimate battle that was fought for our salvation. How can knowing that victory help us against spiritual enemies, today? What promises of God can we cling to?

There is a musical bonus after the sermon from Bethany's Created 2 Worship group as they sing the spiritual, "Joshua Fit The Battle of Jericho." 

We begin on Mt. Sinai where God thunders on the mountain and the people shrink back in fear. No one can approach God’s terrible power and the radiance of His glory, except for Moses, who was chosen to receive the words God sends to His people. But on the mountain God calls His people a “kingdom of priests” and a “holy nation” and gives instructions to Moses to build a structure where, God says, “I will dwell among them.” However, it does not take long for the people to turn away from God’s ways. But following this story again sets up a pattern of sin, forgiveness and worship that is still part of the fabric of our story, today.

In this podcast, you will hear the sermon preached on Reformation Sunday at Bethany Lutheran in Alexandria, Virginia. As a musical bonus, you will also hear "One Faith, One Hope, One Lord" by Courtney offered by the Bethany Singers and Brass. 

After Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, you would expect the rest of “The Story” to unfold in the land God promised to them and their descendants. But, in chapter three, we go from Caanan to Egypt and the road there is filled with a series of misfortunes for Jacob’s son, Joseph. But because God’s hand is in all of Joseph’s life, there can be a reconciliation at the end of this chapter that foreshadows how God will bring all people into His family. 

Abraham and Sarah journey from their home to the place that God promises to them and to their descendants. It is a journey of faith, both because of the physical travel involved, and also because of the way God keeps them on the right spiritual path. Many centuries later, the Apostle Paul writes, “Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations.” How can you be against all hope and also in hope? Abraham, Sarah and later Isaac learn that this is a God thing. And when a child is born, Abraham and Isaac foreshadow how God is going to save His people through the nation built by Abraham’s descendants. God will provide the sacrifice!  

At Bethany's Rally Day service for 2019, we introduced "The Story" - a program to read through the Bible. In the book of Genesis, we see the phrase "these are the generations" repeated. This connects well to our dedication to read and pass on God's Word so that "One generation" can "commend your works to another, and ...declare your mighty acts." (Psalm 145:4)

In the second of three "Kingdom Talks", I preach about “Kingdom Glory” based on 1 Timothy 1:12-17. God has acted in Paul’s life, so as he writes to his former travel partner, he expresses with joy how God has given him strength and has given so much grace that it has overflowed into his life. That leads to an expression of praise, similar to when David expressed his joy at the offerings people gave to build the first Temple in Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 29:11). Our giving is also in response to the great strength and overflowing grace God gives to us!

Church budgets are based on faith and the work of the Holy Spirit as much as they are on math and organizational objectives. That adds a certain supernatural element to church budgeting that drives most pastors and volunteers absolutely nuts while God and His angels (I’m sure) smile at us. In Luke 14:28 Jesus says to the great crowds who are following him that they must “count the cost.” Now here, I don’t think this is divine instruction for how to do a church budget. This is addressing something we do before we do any church budgeting or any work for the Lord. This cost has to do with our heart and our dedication to God as we work in His Kingdom.

In Hebrews 11:1, we read that “faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen.” The prophet Jeremiah held to his faith, convinced that the words of future judgment on Jerusalem were the true Word of God. The trouble was, there were so many other voices at the time that were giving a false testimony about God and a false hope to the people. Jeremiah teaches us that holding on to the Truth leads us to a conviction that is first believed, and then seen.

After the sermon, Soprano Barbara Yatrousis sings "O Savior, Hear Me.": Oh Saviour hear me, I implore thee,  In thee alone can peace be found, Thou canst sustain and thou restore me Whate'er the cares that hover round. Hear my supplication. O turn on me thy loving eyes; Lord I long for thy salvation, And would feign attain the prize. When cares of earth to me seem heavy Heart-sore I seek of thee relief, Thy grace remaineth ever ready To soothe my pain, to assuage my grief. Hear my supplication. O turn on me thy loving eyes; Lord I long for thy salvation, And would feign attain the prize.

“Faith is the assurance of things hoped for…”. If I were able to talk to the writer of Hebrews, today, I might challenge that person and ask why Abraham and Sarah are said to have had faith in what they hoped for without any mention of the redirection they had to receive from God along the way. But, looking again at Hebrews chapter 11, I think I can see that the writer is not focused so much on Abraham and Sarah, but on the object of their faith. After the sermon, there is a special instrumental version of "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" performed by Bethany's Created 2 Worship (C2W). 

We will reap in due time if we do not give up! Paul gives us many reasons for not giving up all through the letter to the Galatians. In our last trip to this little garden in Galatians, we'll revisit how Paul connects the Kingdom of God to God's creation and all the ways we may reap the good that is sown by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

A second walk through Paul's Galatians garden brings us to the fruit that grows by the power of the Holy Spirit.  As an added musical bonus, Linda and Lindsay Hemphill offer a beautiful rendition of "America, The Beautiful" - a song that is quoted throughout the sermon. 

Happy Summer! The Article 7 Podcast is back, again with three early summer sermons from a series preached at Bethany Lutheran Church and Preschool. This is a different look at Galatians for me as I noticed that there were a few agricultural connections that Paul makes, using language similar to other parts of the Bible. So, come and plant yourself by your listening device for a bit and prepare to grow in our love for God and for each other. 

Another five meditations are offered in this special holiday Podcast. This time, hear five Christmas Carols recorded live at Bethany Lutheran's Christmas and Advent services along with a little information about each carol. Merry Christmas! 

It has been a while, hasn't it? Well, the Article 7 podcast is back with a special Christmas gift for you. Normally, I share my sermons in this podcast, but this special episode is filled with readings and music to get you ready for the Christmas celebrations to come. The music you will hear was recorded at Bethany Lutheran Church during Advent and Christmas services from the past decade. Two offerings are from 2011 - a brass quintet and the Bethany Bells. You will also hear the children's bell choir (The King's Ringers) playing "O Come, O Come, Emmanual" from this year's Sunday School service; the group Created 2 Worship (C2W) offers "Song of Joy" from the Second Sunday in Advent, also this year. And the Bethany Singers and Praise Ringers are also heard from last year's Christmas services. In between are readings from the Hebrew prophets heard during the Advent season this year. 

Hello! It's been a while, hasn't it? Well, it is time to podcast again, especially since our Easter celebration at Bethany Lutheran was so joyful, this year. In this special episode of the podcast, you will hear all our choirs combine on a "Canon of Praise for Easter Morning" and then something unexpected. A rendition of "Dry Bones" from a special quartet that was put together for our annual Sunrise service. After the message from Easter Morning titled, "The Glory, Forever", you will hear some more joyous music to close out the episode. May God bless you with a bright and happy Easter season! Christ is risen...!

The Easter worship at Bethany Lutheran continues with the Praise Ringers, Bethany Singers, Bethany Brass and more congregational singing.  Part two of the Easter sermon is also here as once again we proclaim the Good News that Christ is risen!

Christ is risen! Hear some of the Easter celebration in word and song from Bethany Lutheran Church in Alexandria, Virginia.  This podcast has music from the Bethany Singers, Bethany Brass as well as some singing by the congregation.  The first part of the Easter sermon is here, as well.  Part two will be in the next podcast along with even more music from Easter Sunday

What is so good about Good Friday? A short explanation in the opening segment is followed by three readings and more music recorded at Bethany Lutheran Church in Alexandria, Virginia. 

The podcast is back to share some highlights from the Holy Week services at Bethany Lutheran in Alexandria, Virginia.  In this first episode, let me first apologize because there was a slight issue in the recording of the opening and closing segment.  It sounds a bit funny, but the words still get across.  If not, at least those segments are short and we get right to the music and one of the Gospel readings shared on Maundy Thursday night.  

The last part of our Podcast reboot comes with a reading of 2 Timothy, chapter 4.  There is some more Bethany music, as well, including a hymn by organist Linda Hemphill and a special "sign off" from my podcast guru, Matthew C. Ballard, whose Songbox Studio 4 has provided some of the bridge music you hear on Article 7.

The podcast reboot continues with part three of "Dear Timothy, Keep The Faith!"  The sermon recorded in this podcast reads through 2 Timothy chapter 3.  Before and after is some music recorded at Bethany Lutheran, including our children's choir, the Allelu Singers.  

Episode 2 of "Dear Timothy..." features some music from Created 2 Worship at Bethany Lutheran, and the sermon from our Assistant Pastor, Rev. Joseph B. Davis.  

After a long break, the podcast is back!  The relaunch begins with a sermon series I've been saving for a rainy day.  Also back is the music from Bethany Lutheran.  

A special Reformation edition of the podcast gives you some of the music and message from Bethany's special Reformation service held October 30, 2016.

We're back!  Yes, it is has been a while, hasn't it?  Well, the return of this podcast is due to some exciting events going on at Bethany Lutheran, this weekend.  I explain that and share the message and music of Bethany's Rally Day Sunday, 2016, which also fell on the same day as the 15th anniversary of 9/11.    

Enjoy a second sermon from the month of July and some of our worship at Bethany Lutheran Church in Alexandria, Virginia is shared in this podcast.  The last episode featured a teaching on evangelism.  This episode is all about mercy in the parable of the Good Samaritan.  Before and after the sermon, listen for the sweet sounds of C2W (Created 2 Worship).  

Uh... hello?  It has been quite a while since the last podcast.  We left off half way through "The Story" and will have to go back and pick it up at some point.  In the meantime, life at Bethany Lutheran Church has gone on.  In July, I did two sermons that were based on the Gospel of Luke, chapter 10.  The first was presented on July 3.  That Sunday, we also had a little fun with America's birthday thanks to the musical talents of Linda and Lindsay Hemphill.  

This is the last of three specials to give you some of the Easter celebration at Bethany Lutheran Church.  There is a lot of music that was recorded Easter Sunday.  Please note that there are parts that sound faint and others that are louder depending on their position to a recording microphone.  Our system is designed primarily for worship, but the recording can give you a sense of what we experience.  The message in this podcast is what was delivered at the Sunrise service, which is held at Mt. Comfort Cemetery in Alexandria, Virginia.  The sermon preached later at Bethany will be part of "The Story" series that we are in.  

This is a special podcast highlighting the Good Friday service conducted at Bethany Lutheran Church in Alexandria, Virginia.  The music you will hear is from the Bethany Singers.  The songs include “No Temple Now, No Gift of Price” by Hyslop; “O, Come and Mourn with Me” by Young and Mengel's “Is This the Savior?”.

We take a short break from "The Story" to give you some of the music and message from Holy Week 2016.  In this podcast you will hear the message from Maundy (Holy) Thursday and parts of the worship service, as well.  Including the choir anthems "Drop, Drop, Slow Tears" and "Behold Him in Dark Gethsemane".  

Episode 18 of "The Story" is a little unusual.  In the introduction, I experiment with a new recording method (let me know how you like it, and if you have any recommendations for portable recording).  Kindly ignore what I say about the music in the introduction as I changed my mind and decided to bring back two songs from the 2015 C2W concert at Bethany Lutheran.  Finally, the sermon is more of a conversation about Daniel 3.  The original sermon was never captured in a worship recording because there was no worship on that Sunday, thanks to Snowzilla.  Nonetheless, we made due on that day, and here in this podcast, as well.

The 2016 episodes of "The Story" continue with the exile of God's people.  The prophet Jeremiah reveals not only the judgment for sin, but also God's plan for forgiveness and restoration.  In addition to the sermon, there is also a musical offering by Bethany Lutheran's Praise Ringers.  Hear more about "The Story" and future podcasts in the introduction to this episode.

Time to get back on track and share the rest of "The Story"!  From Bethany's worship, you will hear the songs "Hosanna" and "Go, My Children" are led by C2W ("Created 2 Worship") and also the Old Testament lesson that was appointed for the "Baptism of our Lord" from our worship service.  "Living God" is the title of the sermon that focuses on Isaiah the prophet and faith-based vision.  

In episode 15 of "The Story", I have a little Christmas gift to end 2015.  No, not the "gift of Amos", which I mention in the sermon.  I am referring to the extra helping of Christmas music before and after the sermon.  Trinity Handbells offers "I Wonder As I Wander" (Niles arr.Bettcher), followed by the Hosanna Choir singing "We Praise You Jesus, At Your Birth" (arr. Shaw), and then the Bethany Bells playing "How Still We See Thee Lie" (arr. Edwards).  After the sermon, you will hear "Silent Night" with instruments, choir and congregation.  Thank you for listening in 2015!  The current sermon series - "The Story" - will continue in January 2016.  

More joyful Advent and Christmas music is heard in episode 14 of "The Story".  While the sermon explains the division of God's kingdom, the atmosphere of our worship reflected the third Sunday in Advent.  Consequentially, we have the Bethany singers singing the epistle lesson from Philippians ("Rejoice in the Lord"), and I added "Joy to The World" at the end from Christmas Eve 2014 with congregation, brass, organ and handbells.  

The Christmas crush of episodes continues with episode 13 of "The Story" and the wisdom of Solomon.  In addition to the sermon you will also hear our Sunday School children introduce and sing "Away in A Manger" and special musical guests Rachel and William Blase perform "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" arranged by the Piano Guys.  

King David calls himself the "sweet Psalmist of Israel" in his last words (2 Samuel 23).  The Psalms are a musical tradition in the church today that connect our lives to the power of God to transform us, as God transformed David.  We take a look at this aspect of King David at the beginning of Advent where we are celebrating the first coming of the King in David's line who was born on Christmas.  In this podcast, there is also a children's message, a children's choir anthem and some Advent organ music at the end.  

I have a little fun in the opening of this week's podcast to make the point that this is a great point to jump on board and catch "The Story" train.  David is introduced in this week's sermon, and he is someone after the Lord's own heart.  What does that mean?  I admit, I've been a little obsessed with this question, and that comes out in the sermon.  What also comes out in this podcast is a lot of music from all corners of Bethany Lutheran.  First, you will hear two selections from a recent C2W (Created 2 Worship) concert that highlights some of the great vocals you will hear when they lead worship at Bethany.  After the sermon is a special organ/flute duet by the mother - daughter team and of Linda and Lindsay Hemphill as they offer variations of "Nun Danket Alle Gott" at this year's Thanksgiving service.  

Where is the king?  We go looking in the next episode of "The Story."  First, search for part six of "Story Starters" and you will hear more about the Sunday School opening at Bethany Lutheran.  In the sermon, there is more about the search for a king in "The Story".  Finally, hear another selection from a recent concert at our church.  The song "Shine, Jesus, Shine" is offered by some young guests of C2W (Created 2 Worship).  

A look at faithfulness and redemption as "The Story" continues through the life of a woman named Ruth.  The Story Starters feature gets re-started and there is some music to enjoy, as well.  

Thank you for listening to this podcast.  Good choice!  In episode 8 of "The Story" we go through the book of Judges and talk about people who may not be our first choice to be heroes of the faith, but God's choice delivers His people time and again.  You'll hear the sermon from All Saints Sunday as well as music from our Praise Ringers, AIM choir and C2W (Created 2 Worship).  

After many years and many misfortunes in the wilderness, we get to land God promised in chapter seven of "The Story".  The sermon and music in this podcast were recorded at the Bethany Lutheran Reformation Sunday celebration for 2015.  The sermon includes some notes about Lutheran Church history tied in with the book of Joshua.  Special music in this podcast includes an anthem from our newly formed "Praise Ringers" playing an arrangement of "Ein Feste Burg" along with one of the hymns we sang where the brass instruments sounded especially good (to my ear) - Martin Luther's "O Lord, We Praise Thee."  Listeners who hang around until the very end may also hear the Linda and Lindsay Hemphill organ/flute duet playing "Amazing Grace."  

After God calls His people to holiness, we have some trust issues out in the wilderness in chapter six of "The Story".  Instead of the "Story Starters" feature normally heard in this podcast series, there is more music from C2W (Created 2 Worship) to enjoy.  

God calls His people to be a Kingdom of Priests and a Holy Nation after a daring rescue from slavery in the next chapter of "The Story".  It has been a while since I released a new podcast, so this episode will have a simpler format.  The sermon is sandwiched between two songs from the Bethany Lutheran singing group, C2W (Created 2 Worship).  

The next chapter of "The Story" is where God's actions bring about a major turning point.  The "Story Starters" feature looks at the role our assigned weekly readings play in this church campaign.  After the sermon, listen for the King's Ringers playing "Ring A Joyful Song".

I had to make a little adjustment for the sermon, this week, but we still have part three of "The Story" and an amazing act of forgiveness.  The third "Story Starter" targets the question of what Bible to use while we do this campaign.  At the end, hear some new music from our African Immigrant Ministry.  There is a clip from their "Praise and Worship" followed by the song "One More Time."  Whether you are listening one more time, or for the first time, may God bless you as we draw near to His Word.  

Continuing the podcast series that ties in to "The Story" at Bethany Lutheran Church in Alexandria, Virginia.  Week two begins with a major hint of how God is going to be with His people.  In addition to the second sermon in this series, there is also a new (to us) song by C2W (Created 2 Worship) and part two of the "Story Starters" feature.  

It all starts here!  Well, an amazing journey through the Bible starts here, at least.  This podcast is episode one of "The Story" - based on the book and campaign published by Zondervan Publishing.  Along with a sermon that begins at the beginning, there is also music from C2W (Created 2 Worship) and a new feature called "Story Starters".  There is a lot of "new" in this episode, so go ahead and jump aboard!

Well, it wasn't "Plan A", but this episode helps me to test out a new format for this podcast.  The sermon was not recorded in church, but in "studio".   That makes this reading of Ephesians chapter 6 a little more conversational.  Paul's words about putting on the full armor of God make for a good bridge as we launch "The Story" at Bethany Lutheran Church in Alexandria, Virginia.

The sermon series "Under Construction" works its way to Ephesians chapter 5 and some window installation.  How do we see the world and how does the world see us?  We will explolre some practical church building from Paul.  This podcast also gives some news from in and around our church before the sermon. 

In this episode, get the "Big Idea" that will guide Bethany's reading through The Bible beginning in September.  After that, enjoy a musical offering from some of the congregation's children and the fourth sermon in the "Under Construction" series.  "The Structure" reads through Ephesians chapter where we continue to build a church by using the gifts God gives, and do the works He created us to do.  

Once we know we are a part of God's plan, and we lay the foundation of Jesus and His saving grace, it is time to connect to a power source.  The third sermon of the "Under Construction" reads through Ephesians chapter 3 as Paul tells us how to connect to God's power as we build His church.  The sermon is followed by a C2W (Created 2 Worship) song that got its Bethany debut at the same service.  

The original plan was to give a quick introduction followed by a song captured at our Liberian Independence Day concert and then the sermon.  Fortunately, one of you noticed that the last podcast had been chopped off at the end, somehow.  So, this podcast will have the intended end for the previous episode before moving on to the second sermon in the series "Under Construction" where we are reading through the book of Ephesians to better understand how to build a church.  In this episode, Paul gives us the essential foundation.  If we do not begin properly, it will not be built properly.  The last song is by our African Immigrant Ministry (AIM) choir.  

Please pardon our dust as we are "Under Construction" these next few weeks, building a church according to the plan laid out in the letter to the Ephesians.  This podcast is getting back to work and we are getting ready to capture all the activity ahead for Bethany Lutheran Church.  Get a little preview in the feature and then stick around until the end of the podcast for a muscial treat provided by C2W (Created 2 Worship) singing "There is A Redeemer" - something that was recorded in May, but it was very appropriate to this message.  Subscribe to keep getting a weekly message from the Article 7 podcast!

In this off-beat special hear some highlights of children's minstry at Bethany Lutheran and hear bell choir music from our "Sounds Sweet" concert as well as the Allelu Singers presenting "A Technicolor Promise."

Holy Spirit Power concludes with the sermon from Pentecost Sunday.  There is a little science at the end of the message that involves a lighter and a balloon filled with some water.  Bethany's Preschool is in the feature and the Hosanna Choir provides some music to round things out. 

Holy Spirit fire is still spreading!  After a little fun introduction you will hear the second feature reading through the covenant that we signed to enter into Phase Two of our Congregational Renewal.  What does signing the covenant mean for Bethany Lutheran in the months ahead?  This feature helps to answer that question.  Also, music from C2W (Created 2 Worship) and organist Linda Hemphill who gave a little salute to our men and women in uniform following our service, as it was also Armed Foreces Day.  The fifth sermon in the "Holy Spirit Power" series looks at how God helps us get to "The Life Everlasting."

Episode 4 of "Holy Spirit Power" heats up this series with music from C2W (Created 2 Worship) and a look at the covenant the leaders and congregation signed to enter into phase 2 of "Congregational Renewal."  The sermon looks at the work of the Holy Spirit in raising the dead to life. 

Holy Spirit Power returns with the sermon at the beginning followed by music and testimonials that were given on Confirmation Sunday at Bethany Lutheran Church.  Also, a brief report on the results of our congregational meeting and the vote that decided if we were going into phase two of our Renewal process.  There will be more reports through the rest of this podcast series. 

In episode 2 of "Holy Spirit Power" the feature will answer four frequently asked questions about Congregational Renewal and an important vote we are taking at Bethany Lutheran Church, this weekend.  Then the Hosanna Choir gives us one of the versions of the Twenty Third Psalm we heard on "Good Shepherd Sunday" followed by sermon two in the series that looks at the power of the Holy Spirit in the church, today.

We're baa-ack!  A new podcast series begins with this episode.  As you tune in for some "Holy Spirit Power" you will also hear some soundbites (just to warn you - I say that word a lot in this episode!) from the 37th Southeastern District Convention and an anthem for the Easter season from Bethany Lutheran's Allelu Singers. 

Christ is risen...! This extra-sized podcast captures some snapshots of Bethany Lutheran's festival worship on Easter Sunday.  The #sermon is the final in the "Crossroads" series where the Gospel of Mark takes us between "Death and Life" in the final chapter. 

Aside from a brief introduction, this podcast contains the music highlights and the sermon from Bethany Lutheran's Good Friday service recorded April 3.  The highlights includes readings and selections from the Hosanna Choir.  Sermon seven in the "Crossroads" series takes us to the second last chapter in the Gospel of Mark and a major connection that ties the beginning of this Gospel to the end. 

 Traditionally, Maundy Thursday was when people would be reconciled to God and to each other - something we still observe with a longer time for confession and forgiveness, followed by a sharing of the peace at the beginning of Bethany's worship.  That is what happened this year on Thursday, April 2, just after the sermon.  In the sermon, we continue the "Crossroads" series that reads through the last half of Mark's Gospel.  We are at chapter 14 and the crossroads of "Friendship and Betrayal."  You will also hear some special music from Bethany's Hosanna Choir before and after the sermon. 

The Gospel of Mark comes to a dramatic high point as Jesus enters the Holy City and teaches us that the most exalted is also the most humble in God's Kingdom.  That is part 5 of this special series and the sermon that was given on Palm Sunday.  In addition, there is special music and highlights from that service. 

At the start of the podcast, you will hear me literally crossing the road in order to introduce part four of the "Crossroads" sermon series.  Also, hear more about some of our prayer ministry at Bethany Lutheran and listen to two more selections from the Choral Evensong service. 

We're taking this podcast to the street!  The introduction was recorded on my way to church walking some of the streets of our 22306 zip code.  In the introduction there is a word about the Pony Express and why someone may knock on your door in the next few weeks.  Before and after the "Crossroads" sermon you will hear some musical selections from Bethany's Choral Evensong service.