Sunday, February 25 at 10:15 a.m. Church Gathering with Dr. Keith Ray

2nd Sunday in Lent

Today’s service may be viewed on Facebook Live Stream at this link in the comfort of your own home or in person in the sanctuary.  Join us!

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Gathering Music                        Polly Dunford                  

Welcome and Announcements         Thor Raines                                  

Call to Worship

Do not be afraid to answer the call to discipleship.

What does the call require?

Letting go of our life as we know it. Following the way of the community and love. Aligning our soul with the Divine.

We step out in the way of Jesus by finding our true selves and sharing ourselves with others.

Do not be afraid to walk in the way of Jesus.

We answer the call, unashamed and unafraid.  Amen.

Opening Hymn      Hymnal #751 

  “From the Nets of Our Labor - We Will Rise Up and Follow”

1)  From the nets of our labors, through the noise and confusion,

from the city or seashore, Jesus summons us all.

Refrain — We will rise up and follow, Christ before and beside us,

loving pattern to guide us, as we answer the call.

2)  When we faint and grow weary from the bearing of burdens,

with a message of comfort, Jesus summons us all. Refrain

3)  In the eyes of the stranger — tearful, joyous, or frightened —

in the face of each neighbor, Jesus summons us all. Refrain

4)  When we hear words of hatred spreading fear or false witness,

words that cry to be challenged, Jesus summons us all. Refrain

5)  In each moment of courage, steadfast even through trembling;

in the yearning for justice, Jesus summons us all. Refrain

6)  Like disciples before us, from the city or seashore,

risking selfless compassion: Jesus summons us all. Refrain

         

Scripture Lesson Mark 8:31-38

                 

Sermon     “Interventions and Hard Conversations”             Dr. Keith Ray

Thoughts to Ponder:  Sometimes love demands hard conversations with ourselves, with people we love, with the church.  But the purpose is always for transformation and rehabilitation. Jesus speaks harsh truth to Peter not to drive Peter away but to put him on a path to a life of purpose. How might we, during this season of Lent, engage in our own growth as people of hope and love?

Prayers of the People

Closing Hymn and Offertory    Hymnal #765

      “May the God of Hope Go with Us - Song of Hope”

May the God of hope go with us every day, 

filling all our lives with love and joy and peace.

May the God of justice speed us on our way, 

bringing light and hope to every land and race.

Praying, let us work for peace; singing, share our joy with all;   working for a world that’s new, faithful when we hear Christ’s call.    

 

Benediction

Discussion

Shalom       (“May you be well and whole and in communion with all creation.”)

                          Shalom, my friends, Shalom, my friends, Shalom, Shalom.

                            Till we meet again, Till we meet again, Shalom, Shalom.

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Calendar of Service -

March 3 -  Dr. Keith Ray; 1st Sunday Potluck

March 10 - Dr. Keith Ray

March 17 - Rev. Nancy Blakely; Communion; Session meeting

March 24 - Dr. Keith Ray - Palm Sunday

March 31 - Dr. Keith Ray - Easter

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Adopt-A-Highway:  NACCP Trash Collectors will gather on Saturday 24 February at 9:00 AM to collect trash strewn along a one-mile stretch on each side of 4200 Liberty Highway.  The more people we have, the less time we will need!  If you have friends who might be willing to help, please invite them!  

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Choir practice will meet every Sunday at 9:25 AM in the choir room. The remaining choir practice dates for this season are 2/25, 3/3, 3/10, 3/17, and 3/24. 

We will sing during services on 3/3, 3/10, 3/17, and 3/24.
Please come a little early so that you are ready to start on time.  See you all then!  Polly  (864) 940-0640

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The Anderson Symphony Orchestra will present “Anderson’s Got Talent” this Sunday, February 25, at 3:00 pm in the Rainey Fine Arts Center at Anderson University.  Featured will be Dr. Howard Kim and AU students who have won the Concerto and Aria Competition.  For tickets, call the GAMAC office at 864-231-6147 or go to www.GAMAC.org 

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The Kudzu Krew is now the “Kudzu Killers” who are set to take out the kudzu that has invaded our labyrinth.  New members are welcome!  If you have the energy and/or interest in joining, please let Cynthia know via email (cynthiakwarner@mac.com

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Check out the FREE concert by the Astralis Chamber Ensemble at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Clemson on Wednesday, March 6 at 7:30 pm.  The church acoustics are great!  Parking is easy!  So mark your calendars!

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Market Theatre presents “Jersey Boys” opening March 8.  Drew Whitley is directing, Thor Raines is choreographing the show, and Rosie Thompson is understudying the role that Joe Pesci had in the movie. 
The group from church will see the show on Sunday, March 24, with lunch before the show.  More details to follow.

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“Is it I, Lord?” a Maundy Thursday Tableau is coming back to NACCP on Thursday March 28. This is a short drama that tells the story of the disciples and Jesus during the last supper. We need 16 individuals to perform short monologues!  (You don’t have to memorize, although it would be nice) Please sign up with Laurie G PS- stay tuned for Easter schedule
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PAWS is currently in need of blankets.  Please bring them to church if you have donations.

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The Bible Study Group (BSG) meets Mondays at 6:30 pm via Zoom. Dave Johnson is guiding us through the book of Exodus. If you’d like to be added to the Zoom invite list then contact Cynthia at cynthiakwarner@mac.com. We’d love to have newcomers!

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Joanne reminds us all to keep up the food donations for AIM (Anderson Interfaith Ministries)!  Bring your non-perishable items to the church.  This is an on-going need that should become part of everyone’s shopping routine.

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Are you interested in becoming a member of NACCP?  Would you like to make this community your spiritual home?  Please contact Keith at keithdray@gmail.com or at 864-508-1530. 

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Remember in prayer:  Michael Little’s friend Becky; Shea Marsden; Linda McFall; Bonnie Marsden and son Michael; Jackie Moore; Glennie Burns; Mary Alice Mundy; Jason Harding; Madison Bishop (Whitney’s niece); Latha and Cheryl Semones; Immigrant families; Victims of all violence, oppression, and injustice; People of Ukraine; People of Israel and Palestine.

NACCP is an inclusive Faith Community that values questions

and the journey to the answers.

Ministry Leader: Dr. Keith Ray
keithdray@gmail.com

Pianist and Choir Director: Polly Dunford

Mailing address: P.O. Box 4346, Anderson, SC 29622

Phone: 864-225-3575

Website:  naccpchurch.org

Church News:  naccpnews@yahoo.com

Instagram:  northandersonccp

Facebook:  NorthAndersonCommunityChurchPresbyterian