Sunday, December 17 at 10:15 a.m. Church Gathering with Dr. Keith Ray

3rd Sunday of Advent

Christmas Pageant 

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!

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Gathering Music                            Polly Dunford                  

Welcome and Announcements                       Tom and Vicki Wright        

Advent Song “When God is a Child”  (verses 1-3)                   Handout

        Words by Brian Wren; Music by Joan Collier Fogg

1989. Hope Publishing Co.  All rights reserved.

Hope is a star that shines in the night, leading us on till the morning is bright.

When God is a child there’s joy in our song. The last shall be first and

the weak shall be strong, and none shall be afraid.

,

Peace is a ribbon that circles the earth, giving a promise of safety and worth.

When God is a child there’s joy in our song.  The last shall be first and

the weak shall be strong, and none shall be afraid.

Joy is a song that welcomes the dawn, telling the world that Jesus is born.

When God is a child there’s joy in our song.  The last shall be first and

the weak shall be strong, and none shall be afraid.

Third Sunday of Advent — Lighting the Third Advent Candle of Joy            Tom Wright

                                                                        Vicki Conrad-Wright

(Begin with the first two candles relit.)

Voice 1: “The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and shouting.” (Isaiah 35:1‒2)

Voice 2: What does joy feel like in the new world?

All: Joy feels like everlasting love. Joy feels like the freedom to be who God created me to be. Joy feels like sharing love and kindness.      

Joy feels like pride.

Voice 2:  Advent is the beginning of this new world, a better world, where joy boldly bubbles up in unexpected places.

Voice 1:  May it be so.

Voice 2:  (Third Advent candle is lit.)  Amen. 

All: Amen. 

Hymn and Offertory     “Now the Heavens Start to Whisper”             Hymnal #94

1)  Now the heavens start to whisper, as the veil is growing thin.

Earth from slumber wakes to listen to the stirring, faint within: 

seed of promise, deeply planted, child to spring from Jesse’s stem!

Like the soil beneath the frostline, hearts grown soft to welcome him.

2)  Heavy clouds that block the moonlight now begin to drift away.

Diamond brilliance through the darkness shines the hope of coming day.

Christ, the morning star of splendor, gleams within a world grown dim.

Heaven’s ember fans to fullness; hearts grow warm to welcome him.

3)  Christ, eternal Sun of justice, Christ, the rose of wisdom’s seed,

come to bless with fire and fragrance hours of yearning, hurt, and need.

In the lonely, in the stranger, in the outcast, hid from view:

child who comes to grace the manger, teach our hearts to welcome you.

A Poem for Advent                                               Rev. Keith Ray

Prayers of the People

Pageant “The Jingle Bell Miracle”                     Directors:  Drew Whitley,

                                                                 Rosie Thompson, Thor Raines

“Angels We Have Heard on High” Hymnal #113

1)  Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o’er the plains,

and the mountains in reply echoing their joyous strains.

Glo-ri-a in excelsis De-o!  Glo-ri-a in excelsis De-o!

2)  Shepherds, why this jubilee?  Why your joyous strains prolong?

What the gladsome tidings be which inspire your heavenly song?

Glo-ri-a in excelsis De-o!  Glo-ri-a in excelsis De-o!

3)  Come to Bethlehem and see him whose birth the angels sing;

come, adore on bended knee Christ, the Lord, the newborn King.

Glo-ri-a in excelsis De-o!  Glo-ri-a in excelsis De-o!

“O Little Town of Bethlehem”             Hymnal #121

1)  O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie!

Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by.

Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light;

the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

2)  For Christ is born of Mary and, gathered all above,

while mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love.

O morning stars, together proclaim the holy birth,

and praises sing to God the king, and peace to all on earth.

3)  How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given!

So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of his heaven.

No ear may hear his coming, but in this world of sin,

where meek souls will receive him, still the dear Christ enters in.

4)  O holy child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray;

cast out our sin and enter in; be born in us today.

We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell;

O come to us; abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!

“The Angel Song”                                  Lilliana Sanchez, soloist  

“While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks” Hymnal #118

1)  While shepherds watched their flocks by night, 

all seated on the ground, the angel of the Lord came down, 

and glory shone around, and glory shone around.

2)  “Fear not,” said he, for mighty dread had seized their troubled mind:

“Glad tidings of great joy I bring to you and humankind, 

to you and humankind.

3)  “To you, in David’s town this day, is born of David’s line the Savior,

who is Christ the Lord, and this shall be the sign,

and this shall be the sign:

4)  “The heavenly babe you there shall find to human view displayed, 

all humbly wrapped in swathing bands,

and in a manger laid, and in a manger laid.”

5)  Thus spoke the seraph, and forthwith appeared a shining throng

of angels praising God, who thus addressed their joyful song,

addressed their joyful song:

6)  “All glory be to God on high, and to the earth be peace;

good will to all from highest heaven begin and never cease,

begin and never cease!”

“We Three Kings of Orient Are”            Hymnal #151

1)  We three kings of Orient are; bearing gifts we traverse afar,

field and fountain, moor and mountain, following yonder star.

Refrain:  O star of wonder, star of night, star with royal beauty bright,

westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light!

2)  Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain, gold I bring to crown him again,

King forever, ceasing never over us all to reign.                                     Refrain

3)  Frankincense to offer have I; incense owns a deity nigh;

prayer and praising gladly raising, worshiping God Most High.          Refrain

4)  Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume breathes a life of gathering gloom;

sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, sealed in the stone-cold tomb.  Refrain

Benediction

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.

Gathering for Punch

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Calendar of Service -

December 24 -Dr. Keith Ray (Lessons and Carols at 10:15; Candlelight Service at 7 pm)

December 31 - Rev. Dr. Steve Morgan

*********************

Our Christmas pageant will be on Sunday, December 17 during the service. If you signed up to be play a part, please remember to arrive at 9:15 am for costumes and a run-through.

********************

Community Outreach — New Foundations is also asking for Christmas gifts for the children who live at the home.  Please bring your unwrapped gifts to church by Sunday, Dec. 17.  

***********************

Congratulations to our three new Elders - Andi Nelson, Ann Blackwood and Joanne Batten.  They will join with Session beginning January 2024.

***********************

We will have a Winter Solstice Labyrinth walk on December 21 at 4 pm.

******************

PAWS is currently in need of blankets.  Please bring them to church if you have donations.

******************

Two choir practices on December 24 - one at 9:25 AM and the second at 6:15 PM. Please be seated and ready to rehearse at the starting time. There is no choir practice on Dec. 17. Questions? Contact Polly (864) 940-0640.

****************************

Theatre opportunity — This show features our NACCP family: “Willy Wonka” at Greenville Theatre, Dec. 2 - 17.  Go to greenvilletheatre.org for booking tickets.

*******************

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!

*********************

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.

*********************

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. 

**************************

Remember in prayer:  Ann Blackwood; 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.

New Foundations Home for Children

Suggestions for Christmas Gifts

Art supplies                                    Hygiene products - Always a need!

#2 pencils                                         

shampoo and hair conditioner

mechanical pencils and extra lead body wash and body lotion

sketch books toothpaste and toothbrushes

watercolor paper hair brushes and combs

canvases feminine products

acrylic paints and brushes

colored pencils Garments for males and females

paint by number kits sports bras

simple cross stitch kits socks

watercolor paints t-shirts

other craft kits appropriate for teens underwear

solid color Polo shirts

$25 Gift Cards black belts

Walmart joggers

Amazon

QT Cleaning supplies

Chick-Fil-A wipes

Old Navy disinfectant spray

bleach and laundry detergent

MP3 players and headphones dryer sheets

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

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

2nd Sunday of Advent 

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!

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Gathering Music                      Polly Dunford                  

Welcome and Announcements           Sharon Fowler

Anthem     “Carol for Advent” Words by Nancy Price & Don Besig and Music by Don Besig 

Advent Song “When God is a Child”  (verses 1 and 2)                   Handout

        Words by Brian Wren; Music by Joan Collier Fogg

1989. Hope Publishing Co.  All rights reserved.

Hope is a star that shines in the night, leading us on till the morning is bright.

When God is a child there’s joy in our song. The last shall be first and

the weak shall be strong, and none shall be afraid.

Peace is a ribbon that circles the earth, giving a promise of safety and worth.

When God is a child there’s joy in our song.  The last shall be first and

the weak shall be strong, and none shall be afraid.

Second Sunday of Advent — Lighting the Second Advent Candle of Peace  Barb Barham

Sharon Fowler

(Begin with the first candle relit.)

Voice 1:  “The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion will feed together, and a little child shall lead them.” (Isaiah 11:6)

Voice 2:  What does peace look like in the new world?

All:  Peace looks like a flowing river where every living thing has what they need to flourish.

Peace looks like a place where those who are weak are not afraid of those who are strong.

Peace looks like good conversations around big tables.

Voice 2:  Advent is the beginning of this new world, a better world,

where we can boldly build a good life together.

Voice 1:  May it be so.

Voice 2:  (Second Advent candle is lit.)   Amen.

Opening Hymn       “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” Verses 1, 2, 5, 6, 7       Hymnal #88

    Words - Latin prose; Music - Plainsong, adapt. by Thomas Helmore

1)  O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel,

that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

2)  O come, thou Wisdom from on high, who orderest all things mightily:

to us the path of knowledge show; and teach us in her ways to go.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

5)  O come, thou Key of David, come, and open wide our heavenly home;

make safe the way that leads on high, and close the path to misery.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

6)  O come, thou Dayspring, come and cheer our spirits by thine advent here;

disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death’s dark shadows put to flight.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

7)  O come, Desire of nations, bind all peoples in one heart and mind;

bid envy, strife, and discord cease; fill the whole world with heaven’s peace.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

Scripture Lesson Isaiah 40:1-11 

Sermon             “Dreams or Possibilities?”                Dr. Keith Ray

Advent pondering: Advent waiting is an invitation to consider the possibilities of a world of justice, love, and peace.  And yet, is such thinking simply utopian fluff? 

The prophet encouraged us to hold fast to dreams. As does Langston Hughes:

Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.

(Langston Hughes, 1901-1967)

Special Music “Immanuel”                Kristin Cascio, soprano

              by Point of Grace                David Johnson, guitar

Arranged by David Johnson                   Polly Dunford, piano

No decorations  No tree with tinsel No lights this year at home

The rooms are silent  No carols play It’s the first time she is alone

But what a wonder  She says “There’s comfort”

Immanuel  Our God is with us Yes he is with us still

Immanuel He has not left us  And he never will

They may be next door Maybe the next row But there’s someone with a heartache

They face the seasons The happy greetings With no joy in this holiday

For all the broken Here in this moment

Immanuel  Our God is with us Yes he is with us still

Immanuel He has not left us  And he never will  

Communion        Invitation to the Table            Rev. Nancy Blakely 

                            The Great Thanksgiving 

                            The Breaking of the Bread

                            Prayer after Communion      

Prayers of the People

Closing Hymn and Offertory               Hymnal #89

      “For You, O Lord, My Soul in Stillness Waits”  (verses 1-4)

Words and Music by Marty Haugen

Refrain:  For you, O Lord, my soul in stillness waits; truly my hope is in you.

1)  O Lord of Light, our only hope of glory, 

your radiance shines in all who look to you;

come, light the hearts of all in dark and shadow.    Refrain

2)  O Spring of Joy, rain down upon our spirits;

our thirsty hearts are yearning for your word;

come, make us whole, be comfort to our hearts.    Refrain

3)  O Root of Life, implant your seed within us,

and in your advent, draw us all to you,

our hope reborn in dying and in rising.          Refrain

4)  O Key of Knowledge, guide us in our pilgrimage;

we ever seek, yet unfulfilled remain;

open to us the pathway of your peace.       Refrain

Benediction

Discussion

Congregational Meeting

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.

******************************************************************************************************

Calendar of Service -

December 17 - Dr. Keith Ray; Christmas Pageant

December 24 -Dr. Keith Ray (Lessons and Carols at 10:15; Candlelight Service at 7 pm)

December 31 - Rev. Dr. Steve Morgan

*********************

Music Abounds — On Friday, December 8 at 7:00 pm, GAMAC presents Christmas in Anderson at Anderson University’s Rainey Fine Arts Center.  $23 per person and children are free with the donation of a new, unwrapped toy to benefit the Upstate Fatherhood Coalition.

********************

Church Clean-up days are the 2nd Saturday of the month at 9:30 am and usually take no more than 90 minutes.  The sign-up sheet is in the church.  Our next clean-up day will be Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 9:30 am. 

***********************
The Keenagers Christmas Party and lunch will be on Wednesday, December 13 at 11:30 at church.  Meats will be provided.  Please bring a side dish and/or dessert to share.  Bring a white elephant gift for a fun game.

********************

The next PFLAG meeting will be Thursday, December 14, at 7:00 pm.  All are welcome!

********************

New Foundations Home for Children will have a Christmas Bingo party on Sat., Dec. 16, at 3:00 pm.  Donations of prizes would be greatly appreciated.  

Community Outreach — New Foundations is also asking for Christmas gifts for the children who live at the home.  Below is a list of gift suggestions.  Please bring your unwrapped gifts to church.  

***********************

We will have a Winter Solstice Labyrinth walk on December 21 at 4 pm.

******************

PAWS is currently in need of blankets.  Please bring them to church if you have donations.

******************

Choir practice each Sunday through Dec. 24. No practice on December 17.  Please be seated and ready to rehearse at 9:25 am so we can make full use of our practice time.   Questions? Contact Polly at (864) 940-0640. 

****************************

Theatre opportunity — This show features our NACCP family: “Willy Wonka” at Greenville Theatre, Dec. 2 - 17.  Go to greenvilletheatre.org for booking tickets.

*******************

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!

*********************

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.

*********************

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. 

**************************

Remember in prayer:  Ann Blackwood; 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.

New Foundations Home for Children

Suggestions for Christmas Gifts

Art supplies                                        Hygiene products - Always a need!

#2 pencils                                           shampoo and hair conditioner

mechanical pencils and extra lead        body wash and body lotion

sketch books                                              toothpaste and toothbrushes

watercolor paper                                        hair brushes and combs

canvases                                                      feminine products

acrylic paints and brushes

colored pencils                                              Garments for males and females

paint by number kits                                   sports bras

simple cross stitch kits                                 socks

watercolor paints                                           t-shirts

other craft kits appropriate for teens           underwear

                           solid color Polo shirts

$25 Gift Cards                                         black belts

Walmart joggers

Amazon

QT                                                                Cleaning supplies

Chick-Fil-A                                                      wipes

Old Navy                                                         disinfectant spray

                       bleach and laundry detergent

MP3 players and headphones          dryer sheets

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

Sunday, December 3 at 10:15 a.m. Church Gathering with Dr. Keith Ray

1st Sunday of Advent 

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!

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Gathering Music                   Polly Dunford                  

Welcome and Announcements       Rosie Thompson

Anthem “A Litany for Advent”  Words and Musical Arrangement by Shirley W. McRae

Tune set to the English folk melody “O Waly Waly”

Advent Song “When God is a Child”   (verse 1 only)                   Handout

        Words by Brian Wren; Music by Joan Collier Fogg

1989. Hope Publishing Co.  All rights reserved.

Hope is a star that shines in the night, leading us on till the morning is bright.

When God is a child there’s joy in our song. The last shall be first and

the weak shall be strong, and none shall be afraid.

First Sunday of Advent (Focus: Isaiah 64:1–9; Hope for Renewal)   Rosie Thompson

                                                Drew Whitley

Reader 1: O God, we light the first candle of Advent. (The reader lights the first candle.)

Reader 2: We kindle it with hope. We long for you to come to our world, to break through and reign with compassion, justice, and peace.

Reader 1: The prophet Isaiah also cried to God to tear open heaven and come down. He called God’s people to do right. Isaiah called them to be refashioned like clay by God, the potter. This Advent, we call out to God.

People: Mighty God, creator of the world, break through all that keeps us from you. We ask for your mercy and reform us in your image. This Advent, may we stay awake to your visiting us with your justice, love, and peace. Amen.

Opening Hymn Potluck Advent Hymn    

Scripture Lesson Mark 13:24-37

Sermon Advent: Daring Deeds and Kindled Hope     Dr. Keith Ray

Thoughts to consider: The late Rev. Dr.  Howard Thurman, first African American dean of the chapel at Boston college, writes:  “The movement of the Spirit of God in the hearts of men (and women) often calls them to act against the spirit of their times or causes them to anticipate a spirit which is yet in the making. In a moment of dedication, they are given wisdom and courage to dare a deed that challenges and to kindle a hope that inspires.” 

What might this reflection mean for us along our Advent journey?

Prayers of the People

Closing Hymn and Offertory         Potluck Advent Hymn    

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.

******************************************************************************************************

Please join us for 1st Sunday Potluck meal following worship service.  

**********************************************************************

Calendar of Service -

December 10 - Dr. Keith Ray

December 17 - Dr. Keith Ray; Christmas Pageant

December 24 -Dr. Keith Ray (Lessons and Carols at 10:15; Candlelight Service at 7 pm)

December 31 - Rev. Dr. Steve Morgan

*********************

GAMAC has two programs coming up soon.  On Sunday, December 3 at 3:00 pm, there is a Messiah Sing-Along at 1st Baptist Church, 307 S. Manning Street, Anderson. Sing along with Handel’s beloved Christmas oratorio!  $10 per person.

Music Abounds — And then on Friday, December 8 at 7:00 pm, GAMAC presents Christmas in Anderson at Anderson University’s Rainey Fine Arts Center.  Our own Lilliana Sanchez has the only solo in the program.  $23 per person and children are free with the donation of a new, unwrapped toy to benefit the Upstate Fatherhood Coalition.

********************

Church Clean-up days are the 2nd Saturday of the month at 9:30 am and usually take no more than 90 minutes.  The sign-up sheet is in the church.  Our next clean-up day will be Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 9:30 am. 

***********************

Outreach — New Foundations is also asking for Christmas gifts for the children who live at the home.  See below is a list of gift suggestions.  Please bring your unwrapped gifts and items to the church by Sunday, December 10. 

***********************
There will be a Congregational Meeting on December 10 to elect new Elders. Please attend.

********************

The Keenagers Christmas Party and lunch will be on Wednesday, December 13 at 11:30 at church.  Meats will be provided.  Please bring a side dish and/or dessert to share.  Bring a white elephant gift for a fun game.

********************

New Foundations Home for Children will have a Christmas Bingo party on Sat., Dec. 16, at 3:00 pm.  Donations of prizes would be greatly appreciated.  

***********************

We will have a Winter Solstice Labyrinth walk on December 21 at 4 pm.

******************

PAWS is currently in need of blankets.  Please bring them to church if you have donations.

******************

Choir practice each Sunday through Dec. 24. No practice on December 17.  Please be seated and ready to rehearse at 9:25 am so we can make full use of our practice time.   Questions? Contact Polly at (864) 940-0640. 

****************************

Theatre opportunity — This show features our NACCP family: “Willy Wonka” at Greenville Theatre, Dec. 2 - 17.  Go to greenvilletheatre.org for booking tickets.

*******************

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!

*********************

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.

*********************

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. 

**************************

Remember in prayer:  Ann Blackwood; 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.

***********************************************************************************************

New Foundations Home for Children

Suggestions for Christmas Gifts

Art supplies Hygiene products - Always a need!

#2 pencils                                          Shampoo and hair conditioner

mechanical pencils and extra lead    Body wash and body lotion

sketch books                                         Toothpaste and toothbrushes

watercolor paper                                     Hair brushes and combs

canvases                                                  Feminine products

acrylic paints and brushes Colored pencils

Garments for males and females

paint by number kits                              Sports bras

simple cross stitch kits                              Socks

watercolor paints                                         T-shirts

other craft kits appropriate for teens        Underwear

solid color Polo shirts joggers

$25 Gift Cards                                            

Walmart                                                        Amazon

QT                                                              Old Navy

Chick-Fil-A                                                 

disinfectant spray, wipes Cleaning Supplies: bleach and laundry detergent

MP3 players and headphones          dryer sheets

********************************************************************************************************

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

Sunday, November 26 at 10:15 a.m. Church Gathering with Rev. Lucy Youngblood

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!

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Gathering Music           Polly Dunford            

Welcome and Announcements  Andi Nelson                             

Call to Worship   Psalm 112: 1-3

One:  Praise the Lord!  Happy are those who fear the Lord, 

who greatly delight in his commandments.

All:  Their descendants will be mighty in the land;

the generation of the upright will be blessed.

One:  Wealth and riches are in their houses,

and their righteousness endures forever.

Opening Hymn                “Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above” Hymnal #645

1)  Sing praise to God who reigns above, the God of all creation,

the God of power, the God of love, the God of our salvation.

With healing balm my soul is filled, and every faithless murmur stilled:

to God all praise and glory!

2)  What God’s almighty power has made God’s gracious mercy keepeth; 

by morning glow or evening shade God’s watchful eye ne’er sleepeth.

Within the kingdom of God’s might, lo!  all is just and all is right:

to God all praise and glory!

3)  The Lord is never far away, but, through all grief distressing, 

an ever present help and stay, our peace and joy and blessing, 

as with a mother’s tender hand God gently leads the chosen band:

to God all praise and glory!

4)  Thus all my toilsome way along I sing aloud thy praises,

that all may hear the grateful song my voice unwearied raises.

Be joyful in the Lord, my heart; both soul and body, take your part:

to God all praise and glory!

Scripture         Exodus 1:1-10

Sermon                       “Giving Thanks"         Rev. Lucy Youngblood            

Prayers of the People

Closing Hymn/Offertory      “In the Lord I’ll Be Ever Thankful”          Hymnal #654 

In the Lord I’ll be ever thankful; in the Lord I will rejoice!

Look to God; do not be afraid. 

Lift up your voices; the Lord is near.

Lift up your voices; the Lord is near.  

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

* * * * * * * * * * * * *  

 Please stay after worship service to help decorate the church for Advent.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *  

Calendar of Service - Worship services are indoors until the weather warms in Spring.

December 3 - Dr. Keith Ray - 1st Sunday Potluck

December 10 - Dr. Keith Ray

December 17 - Dr. Keith Ray; Christmas Pageant

December 24 -Dr. Keith Ray (Lessons and Carols at 10:15; Candlelight Service at 7 pm)

December 31 - Rev. Dr. Steve Morgan

*********************

Please bring your Fall Food Fest items by November 26 at 5:00 pm. See details at the end of the bulletin.

******************

We will have a Winter Solstice Labyrinth walk on December 21 at 4 pm.

******************

Choir practice each Sunday through Dec. 24. Please be seated and ready to rehearse at 9:25 am so we can make full use of our practice time. I’m planning for the Advent/Christmas Eve services. Check your calendars to see when you won’t be available on Dec. 3, 10, and 24 (morning and evening). I have a schedule sheet on the piano in the choir room. Please sign your name under the date you’re not available. Questions? Contact Polly at (864) 940-0640. 

Also from Polly: We will take a pause on our current pool of Potluck Hymns during the Advent season. Please select your favorite Advent songs (pages 82-107 of the hymnal) for a new pool of Advent songs to choose from.

****************************

Church Clean-up days are the 2nd Saturday of the month at 9:30 am and usually take no more than 90 minutes.  The sign-up sheet is in the church.  Our next clean-up day will be Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 9:30 am. 

***********************
An upcoming show featuring our NACCP family: “Willy Wonka” at Greenville Theatre, Nov. 30 – Dec. 17.

*******************

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!

*********************

Jay Lyn shares that the Anderson County Public Library is seeking volunteers to fulfill a variety of duties. Please call the main number at 864-260-4500 and ask for Kelly.

**********************

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.

*********************

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. 

**************************

Remember in prayer:  Ann Blackwood; Linda McFall; Bonnie Marsden and son Michael; Jackie Moore; Glennie Burns; Mary Alice Mundy; Jason Harding; Mike Johnston; 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; People of Acapulco and Lewiston, Maine. 

NACCP Fall Food Fest

Who —  North Anderson members and friends may participate. 

What —  A fun food drive to fill the shelves at AIM’s Food Cupboard by the end of November 

Where —  Collect food at home and then bring to church.

When —  Beginning November 8, add one of the items on the checklist below daily to your donation box and bring your filled box to church on Sunday, November 26 by 5:00 PM.  

Why —  Because we have plenty to share and some folks may not have enough to eat. 

LIST OF POSSIBILITIES

Cereal Peanut butter 

Stuffing mix Boxed potatoes

Macaroni and Cheese Canned fruit

Canned tomatoes Canned tuna 

Dessert mix Applesauce

Cranberry sauce Canned beans

Box of crackers Taco kit

Box/bag of rice Oatmeal

Pasta Spaghetti sauce

Chicken noodle soup Tomato soup

Canned corn Canned vegetables

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

Sunday, November 19 at 10:15 a.m. Church Gathering with Dr. Keith Ray

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!

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Gathering Music                Polly Dunford            

Welcome and Announcements Barb Barham                                              

Call to Worship   

In the midst of a world where people hunger and thirst,

come worship a God who feeds the hungry.

In the midst of a world where people are abused and oppressed,

come worship a God who calls for compassion and justice.

In the midst of a world filled with wars and rumor of war,

come worship a God who desires nothing less than peace for the world.

In the midst of a world of spiritual emptiness,

come worship a God who gives life meaning.

Come worship a God whose grace and love know no end.

Opening Hymn                “There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy” Hymnal #435            

1)  There’s a wideness in God’s mercy, like the wideness of the sea.

There’s a kindness in God’s justice, which is more than liberty.

There is no place where earth’s sorrows are more felt than up in heaven.

There is no place where earth’s failings have such kindly judgment given.

2)  For the love of God is broader than the measures of the mind.

And the heart of the Eternal is most wonderfully kind.

If our love were but more faithful, we would gladly trust God’s Word,

and our lives reflect thanksgiving for the goodness of our Lord. 

Scripture      Matthew 25:15-30

Sermon                      “Balancing Prudence With Risk"       Dr. Keith Ray                

Thought to consider: I sometimes wonder if organized religion is overly prudent, that is, so focused on self preservation that keeps it from being committed to a kind of radical self-giving that we see embodied in the stories and teachings of Jesus. 

Risky behavior seems to be a part of communities committed to justice. 

What are we willing to risk? 

Prayers of the People

Closing Hymn/Offertory           “The Way Old Friends Do”            Handout 

    Words and Music by Benny Andersson; Arranged by David Johnson

         1980. All rights reserved.

You and I can share the silence, finding comfort together, the way old friends do.

 I always turn to you for guidance, we stand up for each other the way old friends do.

Times of joy, and times of sorrow, we will always see it through.

I don’t care what comes tomorrow, we can face it together the way old friends do.  

You and I can share the silence, finding comfort together, the way old friends do.

 I always turn to you for guidance, we stand up for each other the way old friends do.

Times of joy, and times of sorrow, we will always see it through.

I don’t care what comes tomorrow, we can face it together the way old friends do.  

We can face it together the way old friends do.  

Times of joy, and times of sorrow, we will always see it through.

I don’t care what comes tomorrow, we can face it together the way old friends do.

We can face it together the way old friends do.

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

* * * * * * * * * * * * *  

Reprinted with permission under One License #A-625711.  All rights reserved.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *  

Calendar of Service - Worship services are indoors until the weather warms in Spring.

November 26 - Rev. Lucy Youngblood; Decorate the church for Advent

December 3 - Dr. Keith Ray - 1st Sunday Potluck

December 10 - Dr. Keith Ray

December 17 - Dr. Keith Ray; Christmas Pageant

December 24 -Dr. Keith Ray (Lessons and Carols at 10:15; Candlelight Service at 7 pm)

December 31 - Rev. Dr. Steve Morgan

*********************

Please plan to stay after the service on November 26 to help decorate the church for Advent.
******************

We will have a Winter Solstice Labyrinth walk on December 21 at 4 pm.

******************

Choir practice each Sunday through Dec. 24. Please be seated and ready to rehearse at 9:25 am so we can make full use of our practice time. I’m planning for the Advent/Christmas Eve services. Check your calendars to see when you won’t be available on Dec. 3, 10, 17, and 24 (morning and evening). I have a schedule sheet on the piano in the choir room. Please sign your name under the date you’re not available. Questions? Contact Polly at (864) 940-0640. 

Also from Polly: We will take a pause on our current pool of Potluck Hymns during the Advent season. Please select your favorite Advent songs (pages 82-107 of the hymnal) for a new pool of Advent songs to choose from.

****************************

Please bring your Fall Food Fest items by November 26. See details at the end of the bulletin.

******************

Andi Nelson will host her Thanksgiving potluck dinner in the barn at Rabbit Hill Farm, 423 Sargent Road, Pendleton, on Nov. 23, 2023, at 1:00 PM.  Bring a chair and a dish to share.

****************************

Church Clean-up days are the 2nd Saturday of the month at 9:30 am and usually take no more than 90 minutes.  The sign-up sheet is in the church.  Our next clean-up day will be Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 9:30 am. 

***********************
Upcoming shows featuring our NACCP family to watch for: “She Kills Monsters” at Market Theatre, Nov. 17 – 20.    “Willy Wonka” at Greenville Theatre, Nov. 30 – Dec. 17.

*******************

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!

*********************

Jay Lyn shares that the Anderson County Public Library is seeking volunteers to fulfill a variety of duties. Please call the main number at 864-260-4500 and ask for Kelly.

**********************

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.

*********************

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. 

**************************

Remember in prayer:  Ann Blackwood; Linda McFall; Bonnie Marsden and son Michael; Jackie Moore; Glennie Burns; Mary Alice Mundy; Jason Harding; Mike Johnston; 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; People of Acapulco and Lewiston, Maine. 

NACCP Fall Food Fest

Who —  North Anderson members and friends may participate. 

What —  A fun food drive to fill the shelves at AIM’s Food Cupboard by the end of November 

Where —  Collect food at home and then bring to church.

When —  Beginning November 8, add one of the items on the checklist below daily to your donation box and bring your filled box to church on Sunday, November 26 by 5:00 PM.  

Why —  Because we have plenty to share and some folks may not have enough to eat. 

LIST OF POSSIBILITIES

Cereal Peanut butter 

Stuffing mix Boxed potatoes

Macaroni and Cheese Canned fruit

Canned tomatoes Canned tuna 

Dessert mix Applesauce

Cranberry sauce Canned beans

Box of crackers Taco kit

Box/bag of rice Oatmeal

Pasta Spaghetti sauce

Chicken noodle soup Tomato soup

Canned corn Canned vegetables

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

Sunday, November 12 at 10:15 a.m. Church Gathering with Dr. Keith Ray

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!

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Gathering Music                   Polly Dunford            

Welcome and Announcements             Thor Raines                                

Call to Worship  (Inspired by Wisdom of Solomon 6:12-16)

One: Wisdom is radiant and unfading, and she is easily discerned by those who love her, and is found by those who seek her.
Many: We hear your Still Speaking voice. We come to you, Wisdom, seeking knowledge and understanding.
One: Wisdom is radiant and unfading, and she is easily discerned by those who love her, and is found by those who seek her.
Many: We remember your marvelous acts and faithful instruction. We come to you, Wisdom, as you have been near to us!
One: Wisdom is radiant and unfading, and she is easily discerned by those who love her, and is found by those who seek her.
Many: We trust in your guidance and place our hope in you through feast and famine. We come to you, Wisdom, to worship and to serve.

Opening Hymn                   “Morning Has Broken” Hymnal #664                                                                   Words by Eleanor Farjeon; Music is a Gaelic melody

      1)  Morning has broken like the first morning; blackbird has spoken like the first bird.

          Praise for the singing! Praise for the morning! Praise for them, springing fresh  

            from the Word! 

    2)  Sweet the rain’s new fall sunlit from heaven, like the first dewfall on the first grass.

         Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden, sprung in completeness where God’s feet pass.

     3)  Mine is the sunlight! Mine is the morning, born of the one light Eden saw play!

          Praise with elation; praise every morning, God’s recreation of the new day!  

Scripture     Matthew 25:1-13

Sermon                                    “Be Prepared"                    Dr. Keith Ray

Thoughts to Ponder: What does it mean to be prepared as a community committed to following in the ways and teachings of Jesus? 

We prepare our retirement accounts for life after work. 

How do we “fund” the work we are called to embrace as those influenced 

by the witness of Jesus? 

Prayers of the People

Closing Hymn/Offertory        “Love the Lord Your God”     Hymnal #62                                   Words and Music by Jim and Jean Strathdee

Love the Lord your God with all your heart.

Love the Lord your God with all your soul.

Love the Lord your God with all your mind.

Love the Lord your God with all that you are.

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

* * * * * * * * * * * * *  

Calendar of Service - Worship services are indoors until the weather warms in Spring.                                     November 19 - Dr. Keith Ray

November 26 - Rev. Lucy Youngblood; Decorate the church for Christmas

December 3 - Dr. Keith Ray - 1st Sunday Potluck

December 10 - Dr. Keith Ray

December 17 - Dr. Keith Ray

December 24 -Dr. Keith Ray (Lessons and Carols at 10:15; Candlelight Service at 7 pm)

December 31 - Rev. Dr. Steve Morgan

*********************

A note to the choir from Polly: Dear Choir, thank you for your beautiful singing Sunday as you sang Dave’s arrangement of “The Way Old Friends Do”. You had a lovely sound as well as a nice blend. We’ll have choir practice each Sunday through Dec. 24. Try to be seated and ready to rehearse at 9:25 am so we can make full use of our practice time. I’m planning for the Advent/Christmas Eve services. Check your calendars to see when you won’t be available on Dec. 3, 10, 17, and 24 (morning and evening). I have a schedule sheet on the piano in the choir room. Please sign your name under the date you’re not available. Questions? Contact Polly at (864) 940-0640. 

Also from Polly: We will take a pause on our current pool of Potluck Hymns during the Advent season. Please select your favorite Advent songs (pages 82-107 of the hymnal) for a new pool of Advent songs to choose from.

****************************

Please bring your Fall Food Fest items by November 26. See details at the end of the bulletin.

******************

The next Keenagers event will be painting Christmas gourds on November 15 at noon at NACCP. (Either eat before you come or bring your lunch with you.) Gourds and paints will be provided but some additional paint brushes will be needed.

*********************

Andi Nelson will host her Thanksgiving potluck dinner in the barn at Rabbit Hill Farm, 423 Sargent Road, Pendleton, on Nov. 23, 2023, at 1:00 PM.  Bring a chair and a dish to share.

****************************

Church Clean-up days are the 2nd Saturday of the month at 9:30 am and usually take no more than 90 minutes.  The sign-up sheet is in the church.  Our next clean-up day will be Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 9:30 am. 

***********************
Upcoming shows featuring our NACCP family to watch for: “She Kills Monsters” at Market Theatre, November 10 – November 20.    “Willy Wonka” at Greenville Theatre, November 30 – December 17.

*******************

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!

*********************

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.

*********************

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. 

**************************

Remember in prayer:  Ann Blackwood; Linda McFall; Bonnie Marsden and son Michael; Jackie Moore; Glennie Burns; Mary Alice Mundy; Jason Harding; Mike Johnston; 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; People of Acapulco and Lewiston, Maine. 

NACCP Fall Food Fest

Who —  North Anderson members and friends may participate. 

What —  A fun food drive to fill the shelves at AIM’s Food Cupboard by the end of November 

Where —  Collect food at home and then bring to church.

When —  Beginning November 8, add one of the items on the checklist below daily to your donation box and bring your filled box to church on Sunday, November 26 by 5:00 PM.  

Why —  Because we have plenty to share and some folks may not have enough to eat. 

LIST OF POSSIBILITIES

Cereal Peanut butter 

Stuffing mix Boxed potatoes

Macaroni and Cheese Canned fruit

Canned tomatoes Canned tuna 

Dessert mix Applesauce

Cranberry sauce Canned beans

Box of crackers Taco kit

Box/bag of rice Oatmeal

Pasta Spaghetti sauce

Chicken noodle soup Tomato soup

Canned corn Canned vegetables

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

Sunday, November 5 at 10:15 a.m. Church Gathering with Dr. Keith Ray

Daylight Saving Time Ends - Turn clocks back 1 hour.

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!

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Gathering Music                Polly Dunford            

Welcome and Announcements           Diane Lee

My Story                       Sharon Fowler                                    

Call to Worship 

If you have come to this service feeling weak,

may you find strength;

If you have come feeling tempted,

may you find freedom; If you have come feeling angry

may you find calm;

If you have come feeling confused,

may you find wisdom; If you have come feeling sad,

may you find joy...

Whatever our mood or need, may we now

be truly aware of God's empowering presence among us and within us. 

Opening Hymn                                    Potluck Hymns

Scripture     Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18

Sermon            “Holiness and the Progressive Christian"  Dr. Keith Ray

Thought to Ponder: Is it possible to reclaim a word like “holiness” in a progressive theology? Let’s talk about what the word means and how it might apply to us. 

Celebrating Our 52nd Anniversary

Prayers of the People

Closing Hymn/Offertory                   Potluck Hymns

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

* * * * * * * * * * * * *  

Please join us for 1st Sunday Potluck meal following worship service.  

**********************************************************************

Calendar of Service - Worship services are indoors until the weather warms in Spring.                                                  November 5 - Dr. Keith Ray  - 1st Sunday Potluck

November 12 - Dr. Keith Ray

November 19 - Dr. Keith Ray

November 26 - Rev. Lucy Youngblood

December 3 - Dr. Keith Ray - 1st Sunday Potluck

December 10 - Dr. Keith Ray

December 17 - Dr. Keith Ray

December 24 - Dr. Keith Ray

December 31 - Rev. Dr. Steve Morgan

*********************

Andi Nelson will host her Thanksgiving potluck dinner in the barn at Rabbit Hill Farm, 423 Sargent Road, Pendleton, on November 23, 2022, at 11:00 AM.  Bring a dish to share.

****************************

Church Clean-up days are the 2nd Saturday of the month at 9:30 am and usually take no more than 90 minutes.  The sign-up sheet is in the church.  Our next clean-up day will be Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 9:30 am. 

***********************
Choir practice will be on the first and third Sundays in November (November 5 and 19) at 9:25 AM in the choir room.  Questions? Call or text Polly Dunford at (864) 940-0640.

***********************

Upcoming shows featuring our NACCP family to watch for: “She Kills Monsters” at Market Theatre, November 10 – November 20.    “Willy Wonka” at Greenville Theatre, November 30 – December 17.

*******************

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!

*********************

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.

*********************

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. 

**************************

Remember in prayer:  Linda McFall; Bonnie Marsden and son Michael; Jackie Moore; Glennie Burns; Mary Alice Mundy; Jason Harding; Mike Johnston; 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; People of Acapulco and Lewiston, Maine. 

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

Sunday, October 22 at 11:00 a.m. Worship and Lunch a South Main Chapel and Mercy Center

No Gathering at NACCP.

Sunday, October 29 at 10:15 a.m. Church Gathering with Dr. Keith Ray

Blessing of the Animals

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

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Gathering Music                   Polly Dunford            

Welcome and Announcements     Manella Calhoun                            

Call to Worship 

The animals of God's creation inhabit the skies, the earth, and the sea.
They share in the fortunes of human existence
and have a part in human life.
God, who confers gifts on all living things,
has often used the service of animals
or made them reminders of the gifts of salvation.

Animals were saved from the flood
and afterwards made a part of the covenant with Noah. (GENESIS 9:9–10)

The paschal lamb recalls the passover sacrifice
and the deliverance from slavery in Egypt. (EXODUS 12:3–14)

A giant fish saved Jonah; (JONAH 2:1–10)

ravens brought bread to Elijah; (1 KINGS 17:6)

animals were included in the repentance of Nineveh; (JONAH 3:7)

and animals share in Christ's redemption of all God's creation.
We, therefore, invoke God's blessing on these animals.
As we do so, let us praise the Creator
and thank God for setting us as stewards
over all the creatures of the earth.

Opening Hymn                “O God, Your Creatures Fill the Earth”                    Handout

Words by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette; Tune: Forest Green, Traditional English melody

Text: Copyright 2011 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved

1)  O God, your creatures fill the earth with wonder and delight,

And every living thing has worth and beauty in your sight.

So playful dolphins dance and swim; your sheep bow down and graze.

Your songbirds share a morning hymn to offer you their praise.

2)  You made the pets we welcome in — they're wondrous blessings, too.

With paws and whiskers, wings and fins, they offer praise to you.

O Lord, you call us to embrace these creatures in our care.

May we show kindness, love and grace to all pets everywhere.

3)  You made the creatures on each farm; you know the things they need.

May they grow healthy, safe from harm, and safe from human greed.

Just as a shepherd loves the sheep, you know their joy, their pain.

Lord, bless the animals we keep; may all farms be humane.

4)  Your creatures live in every land; they fill the sky and sea.

O Lord, you give us your command to love them tenderly.

We're called to have dominion here — to care for them always.

By loving creatures you hold dear, we offer you our praise.

Scripture Various lessons from our Call to Worship

Sermon                  Dr. Keith Ray

“Amy-Jill Levine’s Dog and the Lessons of the Animals"                 

Thought to ponder:  We are part of an interconnected universe that includes all of creation. Today we pause to mindfully give thanks for the companionship of animals. 

How can we best honor them and the awesome creation in the coming days?

Blessing of the Animals  

Prayers of the People

Closing Hymn/Offertory     “A Place in the Choir”        Handout

Words and music by Bill Starnes

Copyright@1978 Mineral River Music. All rights reserved.

Refrain:  All God’s creatures got a place in the choir, some sing low,

some sing higher, some sing out loud on the telephone wire,

and some just clap their hands, or paws, or anything they got now.

1)  Listen to the bass, it’s the one on the bottom where the bullfrog croaks

and the hippopotamus moans and groans with a big t’ do,

and the old cow just goes “Moo.” Refrain

2)  The dogs and the cats they take up the middle while the honeybee hums

and the cricket fiddles, the donkey brays and the pony neighs

and the old coyote howls. Refrain

3)  Listen to the top where the little birds sing on the melodies 

with the high notes ringing.  The hoot owl hollers over ev’rything

and the jaybird disagrees. Refrain

4)  Singing in the night time, singing in the day the little duck quacks,

then he’s on his way.  The possum ain’t got much to say,

and the porcupine talks to himself. Refrain

5)  It’s a simple song of living sung ev’rywhere by the ox and the fox

and the grizzly bear, the grumpy alligator and the hawk above,

the sly raccoon and the turtle dove. Refrain

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

Reprinted with permission under One License #A-625711.  All rights reserved.  

* * * * * * * * * * * * *  

Calendar of Service 

November 5 - Dr. Keith Ray  (Indoors)  1st Sunday Potluck

November 12 - Dr. Keith Ray (Outdoors, weather permitting)

November 19 - Dr. Keith Ray  (Indoors)  

November 26 - TBD

*********************

Church Clean-up days are the 2nd Saturday of the month at 9:30 am and usually take no more than 90 minutes.  The sign-up sheet is in the church.  Our next clean-up day will be Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 9:30 am. 

***********************
Choir practice will be on the first and third Sundays in November (November 5 and 19) at 9:25 AM in the choir room.  Questions? Call or text Polly Dunford at (864) 940-0640.

***********************

Thor Raines is looking for volunteers for the Children’s Museum Halloween event on October 28th. If interested, please contact Thor.

***********************

A new GAMAC Chorale concert, “How the West Was Sung” will be performed at First Baptist Church on November 3 at 7:30 pm. You can purchase tickets at gamac.org.

*********************

Upcoming shows featuring our NACCP family to watch for: “She Kills Monsters” at Market Theatre, November 10 – November 20.    “Willy Wonka” at Greenville Theatre, November 30 – December 17.

*******************

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!

*********************

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.

*********************

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. 

**************************

Remember in prayer:  Linda McFall; Bonnie Marsden and son Michael; Jackie Moore; Glennie Burns; Mary Alice Mundy; Jason Harding; Mike Johnston; 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; People of Acapulco and Lewiston, Maine. 

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

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

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!

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Gathering Music                   Polly Dunford            

Welcome and Announcements         Sharon Fowler                          

Call to Worship 

One: We come from the East, the West, the South, and the North into this sacred space to worship the living God who walks with us.

People: O, God, we worship you for who you are, for loving and granting us your grace.

One: We lift our hands in praise to you and open our hearts to worship you in the fullness of who we are.

ALL: Let us worship the Lord our God with joyful and thankful hearts. Amen!

Opening Hymn                “In Christ There Is No East or West”                    Hymnal #318

    Text by John Oxenham; Music by Alexander Robert Reinagle

1)  In Christ there is no east or west, in him no south or north,

but one great fellowship of love throughout the whole wide earth.

2)  In Christ shall true hearts everywhere their high communion find;

his service is the golden cord close binding humankind.

3)  Join hands, disciples of the faith, whate’er  your race may be.

All children of the living God are surely kin to me.

4)  In Christ now meet both east and west; in him meet south and north.

All Christly souls are one in him throughout the whole wide earth.      

Scripture       Matthew 21: 33-46  

Sermon            “When the You of the Story Is Us"                  Dr. Keith Ray

Theme:  The story of the farmworkers and the landowner reminds us that what is ours is not really.  The goods we possess, the community we inhabit, the world where we live...these are all gifts/grace, designed to be used for higher purposes.  And when we hold them too tightly it’s as though we are saying we no longer need others, a higher power, or even God. 

 The story invites us to do the hard work of self reflection. 

Prayers of the People

Closing Hymn/Offertory     “Dear Lord and Father of Mankind”        Hymnal #169                                                     Text by John Greenleaf Whittier; Music by Frederick Charles Maker

1)  *Dear Lord and Father of mankind,* forgive our foolish ways;

reclothe us in our rightful mind, in purer lives thy service find,

in deeper reverence, praise.

2)  In simple trust like theirs who heard beside the Syrian sea

the gracious calling of the Lord, let us, like them,

without a word rise up and follow thee.

3)  O Sabbath rest by Galilee, O calm of hills above,

where Jesus knelt to share with thee the silence of eternity,

interpreted by love!

4)  Drop thy still dews of quietness, till all our strivings cease;

take from our souls the strain and stress, and let our ordered lives

confess the beauty of thy peace.

5)  Breathe through the heats of our desire thy coolness and thy balm;

let sense be dumb, let flesh retire; 

speak through the earthquake, wind, and fire, O still, small voice of calm!

*Or “Dear Lord, Creator good and kind”                  

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

* * * * * * * * * * * * *  

Join us after worship to pack treat bags for South Main Chapel lunch next week.

Calendar of Service 

October 22 - Service/Lunch at S. Main Chapel and Mercy Center; NO service at NACCP; Collection for Undie Sunday
October 29 - Dr. Keith Ray (Outdoors) - Blessing of the Animals

*********************

Bill Bailey reminds us all to sign up for church clean-up.  Clean-up days are the 2nd Saturday of the month at 9:30 am and usually take no more than 90 minutes.  The sign-up sheet is in the church.  Our next clean-up day will be Saturday, October 14, 2023, at 9:30 am.                                                                                                                                                                                     ***********************

The Concert of Hope and Remembrance will be on Saturday, October 14 at 7:00 pm at Boulevard Baptist Church in Anderson. Tickets can be purchased by calling Roger at (864) 222-3500 or emailing him at roger@caanderson.org?

********************* 

Choir practice will be on the first and third Sundays in October and November (Oct. 15, November 5 and 19) at 9:25 AM in the choir room. Current and new members are welcome! Questions? Call or text Polly Dunford at (864) 940-0640.

***********************

The next Keenager event will be a trip to Hagood Mills for a storytelling festival on Saturday, October 21. The event is 10 am until 4 pm and admission is $5. They have limited food vendors, or you can bring your own lunch. Bring your own chair. If you’d like to carpool, then meet at the church at 9 am.

**********************

We will be serving lunch at South Main Chapel and Mercy Center and joining in with their church service on Sunday, October 22, 2023.  Sign up to bring a dish.  Everyone may bring a dessert; no sign-up necessary.  We will pack sweet treat bags on Sunday, October 15 after worship service.  

**********************

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!

*********************

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.

*********************

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. 

**************************

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

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

Sunday, October 8 at 10:15 a.m. Church Gathering with Rev. Deb Richardson-Moore

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

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Gathering Music                   Polly Dunford            

Welcome and Announcements       Sarah Shumpert

Call to Worship 

If the human body, body of blood and muscle,

is to live, it needs salt.

If the body of Christ, body of peace and justice,

is to live, it needs us!

If the earthly creation, bustling and blooming,

is to flourish, it needs the sun’s light.

If the new creation in Christ is to flourish,

it needs the Spirit’s light!

Jesus says we are salt of the earth, light of the world.

Our faith, our love, our hope —

essential as salt and light.

But if salt isn’t salty?

It isn’t what it’s meant to be.

And if a light doesn’t shine?

It isn’t what it’s meant to be.

Jesus says we are salt of the earth, light of the world.

Briny and bright, we are God’s faithful people.

We shall be who we are meant to be in Christ:

a welcoming oasis, a compassionate community,

a justice-making people, giving glory to God!

Opening Hymn                    “Here in This Place - Gather Us In”                  Hymnal #401          

      1)  Here in this place the new light is streaming; now is the darkness vanished away;

     see in this space our fears and our dreamings brought here to you in the light of this day.

     Gather us in, the lost and forsaken; gather us in, the blind and the lame;

     call to us now, and we shall awaken; we shall arise at the sound of our name.

2)  We are the young, our lives are a mystery.  We are the old who yearn for your face.

We have been sung throughout all of history, called to be light to the whole human race.

Gather us in, the rich and the haughty; gather us in, the proud and the strong;

give us a heart, so meek and so lowly; give us the courage to enter the song.

3)  Here we will take the wine and the water; here we will take the bread of new birth.

Here you shall call your sons and your daughters, call us anew to be salt for the earth.

Give us to drink the wine of compassion; give us to eat the bread that is you;

nourish us well, and teach us to fashion lives that are holy and hearts that are true.

4)  Not in the dark of buildings confining, not in some heaven, light years away:

here in this place the new light is shining; now is the kingdom, and now is the day.

Gather us in and hold us forever; gather us in and make us your own;

gather us in, all peoples together, fire of love in our flesh and our bone.

Scripture Matthew 5:13-16

Sermon         “Pass the Salt"          Rev. Deb Richardson-Moore

Theme:  We are called to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. 

     How do we conduct our lives to influence others around us?

Prayers of the People

Closing Hymn/Offertory     “This Little Light of Mine”           Traditional hymn

Arrangement 1981.  Augsburg Publishing House.  All rights reserved.

1)  This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

2)  Hide it under a basket?  No!  I’m gonna let it shine.

Hide it under a basket?  No!  I’m gonna let it shine, 

let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

3)  Don’t let the world blow it out.  I’m gonna let it shine.

Don’t let the world blow it out. I’m gonna let it shine,

let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

4)  Share my light with others!  Yes!  I’m gonna let it shine.

Share my light with others!  Yes!  I’m gonna let it shine.

let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.                   

Benediction

Discussion

Congregational Meeting  

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

Reprinted with permission under One License #A-625711. All rights reserved.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *  

Calendar of Service 

October 15 - Dr. Keith Ray (Indoors); Pack treat bags for South Main lunch.
October 22 - Service/Lunch at S. Main Chapel and Mercy Center; NO service at NACCP; Collection for Undie Sunday
October 29 - Dr. Keith Ray (Outdoors) - Blessing of the Animals

*********************

The next PFLAG meeting will be on Thursday, October 12 at 7:00 pm at church.  All those interested are welcome to join in the conversation.

***********************

You're invited to Hats Off to Women, AIM's Annual Luncheon. AIM's Decorated Table Event to benefit the Women and Children Succeeding Program. Join us on Thursday, October 12 from 11 am to 2 pm at the Anderson Sports and Entertainment Center for guest speakers, decorated table contest, great food and shopping! Preview Party: Come shop before the event and vote on your favorite table on Wednesday, October 11 from 5 to 7 pm. For more information about the event go to aimcharity.org.  Please contact Susan Anderson at susan.anderson@aimcharity.org or 864-965-9082 for further questions about vendor opportunities at the event, making a donation, or having a table at the luncheon.

**********************

Bill Bailey reminds us all to sign up for church clean-up.  Clean-up days are the 2nd Saturday of the month at 9:30 am and usually take no more than 90 minutes.  The sign-up sheet is in the church.  Our next clean-up day will be Saturday, October 14, 2023, at 9:30 am. ***********************
The Concert of Hope and Remembrance will be on Saturday, October 14 at 7:00 pm at Boulevard Baptist Church in Anderson. Tickets can be purchased by calling Roger at (864) 222-3500 or emailing him at roger@caanderson.org?

********************* 

Choir practice will be on the first and third Sundays in October and November (Oct. 15, November 5 and 19) at 9:25 AM in the choir room. Current and new members are welcome! Questions? Call or text Polly Dunford at (864) 940-0640.

***********************

The next Keenager event will be a trip to Hagood Mills for a storytelling festival on Saturday, October 21. The event is 10 am until 4 pm and admission is $5. They have limited food vendors, or you can bring your own lunch. Bring your own chair. If you’d like to carpool, then meet at the church at 9 am.

**********************

We will be serving lunch at South Main Chapel and Mercy Center and joining in with their church service on Sunday, October 22, 2023.  Sign up to bring a dish.  Everyone may bring a dessert; no sign-up necessary.  We will pack sweet treat bags on Sunday, October 15 after worship service.  

**********************

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!

*********************

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.

*********************

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. 

**************************

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

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

Sunday, October 1 at 10:15 a.m. Church Gathering with Dr. Keith Ray and Rev. Nancy Blakely

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!

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Gathering Music                   Polly Dunford            

Welcome and Announcements         David Sanders

Call to Worship 

One: We gather as God’s people to celebrate the beauty of our diversity.

All: Let us love each other as God loves us beautifully and wonderfully made in God’s image.

One: We give thanks for who we are, Beloved of God.

All: Let us open our hearts to God’s spirit of love and unity.

One: We celebrate the gifts of all gathered here today.

All: Let us worship God with all we are and celebrate the beauty of all God’s creation.

Opening Hymn                              1st Sunday Potluck Hymn      

Scripture      Luke 24:13-35

Sermon         “The Table of the Beloved Community”            

Rev. Nancy Blakely, Moderator; Rev. Keith Ray, Ministry Leader

Theme: Today we will explore the significance of the ritual act of Communion as we explore the story of Jesus appearing on the road to Emmaus. 

Prayers of the People

Invitation to Communion

Communion Hymn     “Come to the Table of Grace”  Hymnal #507

1)  Come to the table of grace. 

Come to the table of grace.

This is God’s table; it’s not yours or mine. 

Come to the table of grace.

2)  Come to the table of peace . . . 

3)  Come to the table of love . . .

4)  Come to the table of hope . . .

5)  Come to the table of joy . . .

Celebrating the Table of Mercy and Love

Prayer after Communion

Closing Hymn/Offertory     1st Sunday Potluck Hymn

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

* * * * * * * * * * * * *  

Please join us after worship service for our 1st Sunday Potluck meal.  

* * * * * * * * * * * * *  

Calendar of Service 

October 8 - Rev. Deb Richardson-Moore (Outdoors) - Congregational Meeting (Elder Nominating Committee); Session meeting
October 15 - Dr. Keith Ray (Indoors); Pack treat bags for South Main lunch.
October 22 - Service/Lunch at S. Main Chapel and Mercy Center; NO service at NACCP; Collection for Undie Sunday
October 29 - Dr. Keith Ray (Outdoors) - Blessing of the Animals

*********************

Choir practice for current and new members will be on Sunday, October 1 at 9:25 am in the choir room. Choir practice will be held on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of October and November.  Questions? Call Polly Dunford at 864-940-0640.

***********************
You're invited to Hats Off to Women, AIM's Annual Luncheon. AIM's Decorated Table Event to benefit the Women and Children Succeeding Program. Join us on Thursday, October 12 from 11 am to 2 pm at the Anderson Sports and Entertainment Center for guest speakers, decorated table contest, great food and shopping! Preview Party: Come shop before the event and vote on your favorite table on Wednesday, October 11 from 5 to 7 pm. For more information about the event go to aimcharity.org.  Please contact Susan Anderson at susan.anderson@aimcharity.org or 864-965-9082 for further questions about vendor opportunities at the event, making a donation, or having a table at the luncheon.

**********************
We will be serving lunch at South Main Chapel and Mercy Center and joining in with their church service on Sunday, October 22, 2023.  Sign up to bring a dish.  Everyone may bring a dessert; no sign-up necessary.

**********************

The next Keenager event will be a trip to Hagood Mills for a storytelling festival on Saturday, October 21. The event is 10 am until 4 pm and admission is $5. They have limited food vendors, or you can bring your own lunch. Bring your own chair. If you’d like to carpool, then meet at the church at 9 am.

**********************

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!

*********************

Bill Bailey reminds us all to sign up for church clean-up.  Clean-up days are the 2nd Saturday of the month at 9:30 am and usually take no more than 90 minutes.  The sign-up sheet is in the church.  Our next clean-up day will be Saturday, October 14, 2023, at 9:30 am. 

*********************

The Concert of Hope and Remembrance will be on Saturday, October 14 at 7:00 pm at Boulevard Baptist Church in Anderson. Tickets can be purchased by calling Roger at (864) 222-3500 or emailing him at roger@caanderson.org?

*********************

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.

*********************

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. 

**************************

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

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

Sunday, September 24 at 10:15 am. Church Gathering with Dr. Keith Ray

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

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Gathering Music           Polly Dunford            

Welcome and Announcements    Joanne Batten                

Call to Worship 

One: Bless the name of the Holy One forever and ever!

Many: Great is our God and greatly to be praised.

One: Bless the name of the Holy One forever and ever!

Many: This generation will tell the next generation so they may tell the next generation of the Holy One’s magnificent and mighty acts.

One: Bless the name of the Holy One forever and ever!

Many: We declare the abundant goodness, graciousness, and holy love of our God. Praise the Holy One!

Opening Hymn              “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee”               Hymnal #611

    Words by Henry van Dyke; Music by Ludwig van Beethoven 

1)  Joyful, joyful, we adore thee, God of glory, Lord of love!

Hearts unfold like flowers before thee, opening to the sun above.

Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; drive the dark of doubt away.

Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day.

2)  All thy works with joy surround thee; earth and heaven reflect thy rays;

stars and angels sing around thee, center of unbroken praise.

Field and forest, vale and mountain, flowery meadow, flashing sea,

chanting bird and flowing fountain, call us to rejoice in thee.

3)  Mortals, join the happy chorus which the morning stars began.    

Love divine is reigning o’er us, joining all in heaven’s plan.

Ever singing, march we onward, victors in the midst of strife.

Joyful music leads us sunward in the triumph song of life.     

Scripture Matthew 20:1-16                     

 Sermon           “The God Market”           Dr. Keith Ray

Something to ponder:  In the midst of growing economic inequality, what do we do with a parable of Jesus that pictures laborers getting the same wage, 

whether they worked all day or for one hour?   

What does this mean? 

Prayers of the People

Closing Hymn/Offertory        “For the Fruit of All Creation” Hymnal #36

          Words by Fred Pratt Green; Music is a Welsh melody

1)  For the fruit of all creation, thanks be to God.

For the gifts to every nation, thanks be to God.

For the plowing, sowing, reaping, silent growth while we are

sleeping, future needs in earth’s safekeeping, thanks be to God.

2)  In the just reward of labor, God’s will be done.

In the help we give our neighbor, God’s will be done.

In our worldwide task of caring for the hungry and despairing,

in the harvests we are sharing, God’s will be done.

3)  For the harvests of the Spirit, thanks be to God.

For the good we all inherit, thanks be to God.

For the wonders that astound us, for the truths that still confound us,

most of all that love has found us, thanks be to God.      

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

* * * * * * * * * * * * *  

Calendar of Service 

October 1 - Dr. Keith Ray/Rev. Nancy Blakely (Indoors) - Communion dialogue service; Potluck meal
October 8 - Rev. Deb Richardson-Moore (Outdoors) - Congregational Meeting (Elder Nominating Committee); Session meeting
October 15 - Dr. Keith Ray (Indoors)
October 22 - Service/Lunch at S. Main Chapel and Mercy Center; NO service at NACCP
October 29 - Dr. Keith Ray (Outdoors) - Blessing of the Animals

*********************
Market Theatre presents “Rock of Ages” in Carolina Wren Park September 21-25 at 7:30 pm. It’s free!  Come early and get a good place to sit in the park.  Bring your own chair.  Drew Whitley is the director, Thor Raines and Claude Newsome are in the cast.

*********************

The Autumnal Equinox labyrinth walk will be on Saturday, September 23, 2023.  Due to anticipated heavy traffic for weekend sports events, come and walk the labyrinth when you can.  

**********************

On Saturday, September 30 at 7:00 pm, Jamie Dean will present organ music at Saint Andrew Catholic (SAC) Church in Clemson. Her presentation will span a wide variety of music:  Alain Litanies, Hailstork Black Spiritual arrangements, Barber Adagio for Strings, Bach, Elgar and more. The concert is part of SAC’s Campus-Edge Concert (CEC) series and is free.  Parking at SAC is easy - unlike most parking in Clemson! The address is 209 Sloan Street.

*********************

Choir practice for current and new members will be on Sunday, October 1 at 9:25 am in the choir room. Questions? Call Polly Dunford at 864-940-0640.

***********************
You're invited to Hats Off to Women, AIM's Annual Luncheon. AIM's Decorated Table Event to benefit the Women and Children Succeeding Program. Join us on Thursday, October 12 from 11 am to 2 pm at the Anderson Sports and Entertainment Center for guest speakers, decorated table contest, great food and shopping! Preview Party: Come shop before the event and vote on your favorite table on Wednesday, October 11 from 5 to 7 pm. For more information about the event go to aimcharity.org.  Please contact Susan Anderson at susan.anderson@aimcharity.org or 864-965-9082 for further questions about vendor opportunities at the event, making a donation, or having a table at the luncheon.

**********************
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!

*********************

Bill Bailey reminds us all to sign up for church clean-up.  Clean-up days are the 2nd Saturday of the month at 9:30 am and usually take no more than 90 minutes.  The sign-up sheet is in the church.  Our next clean-up day will be Saturday, October 14, 2023, at 9:30 am. 

*********************

The Concert of Hope and Remembrance will be on Saturday, October 14 at Boulevard Baptist Church in Anderson. 

*********************

We will be serving lunch at South Main Chapel and Mercy Center and joining in with their church service on Sunday, October 22, 2023.  More details will follow.

**********************

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.

*********************

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. 

**************************

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

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

Sunday, September 17 at 10:15 am. Church Gathering with Dr. Keith Ray

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!

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Gathering Music               Ed Yokley            

Welcome and Announcements     Bonnie Marsden          

Call to Worship 

One: Bless the Holy One with our whole selves. Praise the Maker of our being!

Many: Remember the mighty deeds and the good works of our God.

One: The Sovereign One endows us with many gifts and equips us to do good work.

Many: Remember the mighty deeds and the good works of our God.

One: Holy Love entered the world without condemnation but with grace and forgiveness, mercy and compassion, redemption and restoration.

Many: Hallelujah! We give thanks for the mighty deeds and the good works of our God!

Opening Hymn              “There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy”               Hymnal #435

  Words by Frederick William Faber; Music is a Dutch melody; Arranged by Julius Rontgen

1)  There’s a wideness in God’s mercy, like the wideness of the sea.

There’s a kindness in God’s justice, which is more than liberty.

There is no place where earth’s sorrows are more felt than up in heaven.  

There is no place where earth’s failings have such kindly judgment given.

2)  For the love of God is broader than the measures of the mind.

And the heart of the Eternal is most wonderfully kind.

If our love were but more faithful, we would gladly trust God’s Word,

and our lives reflect thanksgiving for the goodness of our Lord.

Scripture  Matthew 18:21-35 

Sermon           “The Impossibility of Forgiveness”           Dr. Keith Ray

 Thoughts to ponder: As followers of the teachings and ways of Jesus, how do we practice forgiveness when we have been harmed or hurt?  It’s not an easy ask or expectation.

 Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors?  Really?  Let’s ponder it together.   

Prayers of the People

Closing Hymn/Offertory        “Help Us Accept Each Other” Hymnal #754

      Words by Fred Kaan; Music by Doreen Potter

1)  Help us accept each other as Christ accepted us;

teach us as sister, brother, each person to embrace.

Be present, Lord, among us and bring us to believe

we are ourselves accepted, and meant to love and live.

2)  Teach us, O Lord, your lessons, as in our daily life

we struggle to be human and search for hope and faith.

Teach us to care for people, for all, not just for some,

to love them as we find them, or as they may become.

3)  Let your acceptance change us, so that we may be moved

in living situations to do the truth in love;

to practice your acceptance until we know by heart

the table of forgiveness, and laughter’s healing art.

4)  Lord, for today’s encounters with all who are in need,

who hunger for acceptance, for justice and for bread,

we need new eyes for seeing, new hands for holding on:

renew us with your Spirit; Lord, free us; make us one!  

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

* * * * * * * * * * * * *  

Calendar of Service 

September 24 - Dr. Keith Ray  - Outdoors

October 1 - Dr. Keith Ray/Rev. Nancy Blakely (Indoors) - Communion dialogue service; Potluck meal
October 8 - Rev. Deb Richardson-Moore (Outdoors) - Congregational Meeting (Elder Nominating Committee); Session meeting
October 15 - Dr. Keith Ray (Indoors)
October 22 - Service/Lunch at S. Main Chapel and Mercy Center; NO service at NACCP
October 29 - Dr. Keith Ray (Outdoors) - Blessing of the Animals

*********************
Change of Venue - Laurie Gentry’s band Peanut Butter Whiskey’s venue has changed for Saturday, Sept. 16.  They will not be at Peace of Pie in Fairplay, but will be at the following address:  261 Joann Circle, FairPlay. Please text Laurie at 864-320-4360 if you can attend.

********************

Men's meal on Saturday, September 16 at 5 pm in the back room of the Golden Corral. All individuals who identify as men are invited. PFLAG guys are invited and welcomed! Just a time for guys to fellowship, have a meal… tell lies and tall stories. Please let Jason Harding know either by text or phone 864-401-1344 if you plan to attend so he will have an estimate of how many to expect.

**********************

Market Theatre presents “Rock of Ages” in Carolina Wren Park September 14-25 at 7:30 pm. It’s free!  Come early and get a good place to sit in the park.  Bring your own chair.  Drew Whitley is the director, Thor Raines and Claude Newsome are in the cast.

*********************

Vicki Wright is looking for someone to buy her Peace Center ticket to “MJ The Musical” on September 20.  Let her know if you are interested. It’s a great seat!

**********************

GAMAC is sponsoring a benefit event on Thursday, September 21 at 7 pm at The Bleckley Station.  Ray McGee’s Jazz Club is returning for one night only featuring R&B vocalist Wanda Johnson, jazz saxophonist Alan Nowell, and the Shannon Hoover Quartet.  Reservations are required.  Club table of 8 at $600 and Club Table seat at $75 include heavy hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages.  Adult General Admission is $25 with concessions on sale. Reserve Table Seats by September 18!   Call 864-231-6147.
***********************

The Autumnal Equinox labyrinth walk will be on Saturday, September 23, 2023.

**********************

On Saturday, September 30 at 7:00 pm, Jamie Dean will present organ music at Saint Andrew Catholic (SAC) Church in Clemson. Her presentation will span a wide variety of music:  Alain Litanies, Hailstork Black Spiritual arrangements, Barber Adagio for Strings, Bach, Elgar and more. The concert is part of SAC’s Campus-Edge Concert (CEC) series and is free.  Parking at SAC is easy - unlike most parking in Clemson! The address is 209 Sloan Street.

*********************

Choir practice for current and new members will be on Sunday, October 1 at 9:25 am in the choir room. Questions? Call Polly Dunford at 864-940-0640.

***********************
You're invited to Hats Off to Women, AIM's Annual Luncheon. AIM's Decorated Table Event to benefit the Women and Children Succeeding Program. Join us on Thursday, October 12 from 11 am to 2 pm at the Anderson Sports and Entertainment Center for guest speakers, decorated table contest, great food and shopping! Preview Party: Come shop before the event and vote on your favorite table on Wednesday, October 11 from 5 to 7 pm. For more information about the event go to aimcharity.org.  Please contact Susan Anderson at susan.anderson@aimcharity.org or 864-965-9082 for further questions about vendor opportunities at the event, making a donation, or having a table at the luncheon.

**********************
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!

*********************

Bill Bailey reminds us all to sign up for church clean-up.  Clean-up days are the 2nd Saturday of the month at 9:30 am and usually take no more than 90 minutes.  The sign-up sheet is in the church.  Our next clean-up day will be Saturday, October 14, 2023, at 9:30 am. 

*********************

The Concert of Hope and Remembrance will be on Saturday, October 14 at Boulevard Baptist Church in Anderson. 

*********************

We will be serving lunch at South Main Chapel and Mercy Center and joining in with their church service on Sunday, October 22, 2023.  More details will follow.

**********************

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.

*********************

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. 

**************************

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

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

Sunday, September 10 at 10:15 a.m. Church Gathering with Rev. Dr. Steve Morgan

North Anderson Community Church, Presbyterian

Gathering with Rev. Dr. Steve Morgan

Sunday, September 10, 2023 at 10:15 a.m.

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

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Gathering Music                Polly Dunford            

Welcome and Announcements     Diane Lee

Events and things to know about with our heads

Call to Celebration in the Woods      “When I Am Among the Trees” by Mary Oliver

(Modified without permission to the plural form)

When we are among the trees,

especially the willows and the honey locust

equally the beech, the oaks and the pines,

they give off such hints of gladness.

we would almost say that they save us, and daily.

We are so distant from the hope of ourselves,

in which we have goodness, and discernment,

and never hurry through the world

but walk slowly, and bow often.

Around us the trees stir in their leaves

and call out, “Stay awhile.”

The light flows from their branches.

And they call again, “It’s simple,” they say,

“and you too have come

into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled

with light, and to shine.”

Sharing of Concerns 

Notes of Personal Joys and Sorrows, Gladness and Sadness 

to know about with our hearts

    (Persons will be invited to place rocks in creation waters to represent their concerns.)

Celebration Song of Life  “What a Wonderful World”       Handout

    by George David Weiss and Bob Thiele; Arranged by David Johnson

From One World, Many Voices songbook, Interfaith Center at the Presidio, 2002.

Used by permission from Abilene Music, Range Road Music and Quartet Music. All rights reserved.

1)  I see trees of green, red roses too, 

I see them bloom for me and you, 

and I think to myself

What a Wonderful World.

2)  I see skies of blue and clouds of white,

the bright blessed day, the dark sacred night,

and I think to myself

What a Wonderful World.

3)  The colors of the rainbow, so pretty in the sky are also on the faces of people goin’ by,

I see friends shakin’ hands, sayin’ “How do you do!”  They’re really sayin’ “I love you.”

4)  I hear babies cry, I watch them grow.

They’ll learn much more than I’ll every know

and I think to myself  What a Wonderful World.

Yes, I think to myself  What a Wonderful World.  

Wisdom Lesson for the Day     Exodus 12:1-14

The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt: This month shall mark for you the beginning of months…Tell the whole congregation of Israel that on the tenth of this month they are to take a lamb for each household… Your lamb shall be without blemish, a year-old male. You shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month; then the whole assembled congregation of Israel shall slaughter it at twilight. They shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses in which they eat it. They shall eat the lamb that same night; they shall eat it roasted over the fire with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. Do not eat any of it raw or boiled in water, but roasted over the fire, with its head, legs, and inner organs. You shall let none of it remain until the morning; anything that remains until the morning you shall burn. This is how you shall eat it: your loins girded, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it hurriedly. It is the passover of the Lord. For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both human beings and animals; on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the Lord. The blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live: when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague shall destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.

This day shall be a day of remembrance for you. You shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord; throughout your generations you shall observe it as a perpetual ordinance.

Message Thoughts       Rev. Dr. Steve Morgan

What Happens When We Question Supernatural Theism?

Solo Song of Response (while Giving our Gifts)  “Let the Mystery Be” by Iris DeMent

      Thomas Fellow, soloist; David Johnson, guitar; Laurie Gentry, ukulele

Everybody is wondering what and where they all came from
Everybody is worrying 'bout
Where they're gonna go when the whole thing's done
But no one knows for certain and so it's all the same to me
I think I'll just let the mystery be.

Some say once you're gone you're gone forever
And some say you're gonna come back
Some say you rest in the arms of the Savior if in sinful ways you lack
Some say that they're coming back in a garden
Bunch of carrots and little sweet peas
I think I'll just let the mystery be.

Everybody is wondering what and where they all came from
Everybody is worrying 'bout
Where they're gonna go when the whole thing's done
But no one knows for certain and so it's all the same to me
I think I'll just let the mystery be.

Some say they're going to a place called glory
And I ain't saying it ain't a fact
But I've heard that I'm on the road to purgatory
And I don't like the sound of that
I believe in love and I live my life accordingly
But I choose to let the mystery be.

Everybody is wondering what and where they all came from
Everybody is worrying 'bout
Where they're gonna go when the whole thing's done
But no one knows for certain and so it's all the same to me
I think I'll just let the mystery be

I think I'll just let the mystery be

Departing Song  “Let Love Be Real”                Handout

    Tune is Londonderry Air, Words by Michael Forster 

1)  Let love be real, in giving and receiving,

without the need to manage and to own;

a haven free from posing and pretending,

where every weakness may be safely known.

Give me your hand, along the desert pathway,

give me your love wherever we may go:

as God loves us, so let us love each other,

with no demands, just open hands and space to grow.

2)  Let love be real, not grasping or confining,

that strange embrace that holds yet sets us free;

that helps us face the risk of truly living,

and makes us brave to be what we might be.

Give me your strength when all my words are weakness,

give me your love in spite of all you know.

3)  Let love be real, with no manipulation,

no secret wish to harness or control;

let us accept each other’s incompleteness,

and share the joy of learning to be whole.

Give me your hope through dreams and disappointments,

give me your trust when all my failings show.

Sending Away Thoughts   A Franciscan Blessing

Discussion What do you think?

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                        

Reprinted with permission under One License #A-625711.  All rights reserved.

Sunday, September 3 at 10:15 a.m. Church Gathering with D.r. Keith Ray

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!

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Gathering Music                   Polly Dunford            

Welcome and Announcements           Karen Manley          

Call to Worship 

One: Give thanks to the Holy One!

Many: The God of our ancestors is with us!

One: Give thanks to the Holy One!

Many: We call upon the name of our God, and our God responds.

One: Give thanks to the Holy One!

Many: The steadfast and faithful love of our God lasts forever!

Opening Hymn              “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty ”                   Hymnal #1

1)  Holy, holy, holy!  Lord God Almighty!  

Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee.

Holy, holy, holy!  merciful and mighty!  

God in three persons, blessed Trinity!

2)  Holy, holy, holy! all the saints adore thee, 

casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;

cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee, 

who wert, and art, and evermore shalt be.

3)  Holy, holy, holy!  though the darkness hide thee,

though the eye of sinfulness thy glory may not see,

only thou art holy; there is none beside thee,

perfect in power, in love and purity.

4)  Holy, holy, holy!  Lord God Almighty!

All thy works shall praise thy name, in earth and sky and sea.

Holy, holy, holy!  merciful and mighty!

Good in three persons, blessed Trinity!

Scripture    Romans 12:9-21

Sermon          “The Real Calling of Humility”         Dr. Keith Ray

Thoughts to Ponder: We often think of humility as being passive or weak. 

But what if the work of humility comes from a place of strength, 

knowing that we are all created in the image of the Divine? 

Prayers of the People

Closing Hymn/Offertory        “Spirit, Open My Heart”  Hymnal #692

Refrain  —  Spirit, open my heart to the joy and pain of living. 

      As you love may I love, in receiving and in giving.

              Spirit, open my heart.

1)  God, replace my stony heart with a heart that’s kind and tender.

All my coldness and fear to your grace I now surrender.      Refrain

2)  Write your love upon my heart as my law, my goal, my story.

In each thought, word, and deed, may my living bring you glory, Refrain

3)  May I weep with those who weep; share the joy of sister, brother.

in the welcome of Christ, may we welcome one another. Refrain

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

* * * * * * * * * * * * * 

Please join us after worship service for our 1st Sunday Potluck meal.  

* * * * * * * * * * * * *  

Calendar of Service 

September 10 - Rev. Dr. Steve Morgan - Outdoors
September 17 - Dr. Keith Ray - Indoors
September 24 - Dr. Keith Ray  - Outdoors

*********************
Bill Bailey reminds us all to sign up for church clean-up.  Clean-up days are the 2nd Saturday of the month at 9:30 am and usually take no more than 90 minutes.  The sign-up sheet is in the church and there is an empty September slot waiting for your name!  Our next clean-up day will be Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 9:30 am. 

***************************

The next Market Theatre production will be Rock of Ages – free in Carolina Wren Park starting September 14.

*********************

Vicki Wright is looking for someone to buy her ticket to “MJ The Musical” on September 20th. Let her know if you are interested. It’s a great seat!

**********************

The Autumnal Equinox labyrinth walk will be on Saturday, September 23, 2023.

**********************

We will be serving lunch at South Main Chapel and Mercy Center and joining in with their church service on Sunday, October 22, 2023.  More details will follow.

**********************

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.

*********************

The Concert of Hope and Remembrance will be on Saturday, October 14 at Boulevard Baptist Church in Anderson. 

*********************

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. 

**************************

Sarah Shumpert shared the Westside Community Center needs a new roof. They are asking folks to donate $40 in honor of the 40th anniversary of Martin Luther King Day being signed into legislation as a national holiday. Donations can be made online through the United Way of Anderson County.  Use the “Donation Description” box to designate your donation for the Westside Community Center roof.

************************

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

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

Sunday, August 27 at 10:15 a.m. Church Gathering with Dave Johnson

Last minute change of plans for Sunday — Keith has Covid and will be isolating for at least 5 days, so he will not be here Sunday.  Get well soon!                                                                                                                 

And at the 11th hour, Dave Johnson is stepping in to lead our service.  Thanks, Dave! 

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!

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Gathering Music                   Polly Dunford            

Welcome and Announcements             Thor Raines          

Call to Worship 

Leader:  Here today there is love, freely available to all.

Not our human loving, fragile and intermittent,

but God’s supreme love.

All:  May a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth,

break forth into joyous songs of praise.

Leader:  Here today is love, higher than our loftiest hopes,

deeper than the immensities of time and space,

God’s inclusive love.

All:  Let the seas roar their praise,

and everything in them.

Let the rivers clap their hands

and the hills sing together their happiness.

Leader:  The joy of the living Christ Jesus be with you all.

All:  And also with you.

Opening Hymn           “Sing a Happy Alleluia”                                   Handout

         Words by Shirley Erena Murray, Tune by Robert Clatterbuck, Arranged by Jim Strathdee

Words copyright 1992. Hope Publishing Co. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Music copyright 1999. Hope Publishing Co. All rights reserved. Used by permission. 

1)  Sing a happy alleluia, sing it out with heart and style

We’re the echo of God’s laughter, we’re the image of God’s smile.

Refrain Alleluia, all creation, alleluia, everyone!

Alleluia, all creation, alleluia, everyone!

            Last time: Alleluia, everyone! Alleluia, everyone!

 2)  We’re the proof of God’s good humor, we’re the twinkle in God’s eye

  Made to shine, reflect the glory,  given light and space to fly. Refrain

                                                                                                                                                                           3)  Sarah laughed at God’s good timing, Mary sang and David danced,

Jesus smiled and hugged the children so is life for us enhanced.   Refrain

4)  Ev’ry day sing alleluia!  We are loved, though so absurd,

Human, foolish, chosen people, God still takes us at our word!      Refrain

Scripture Matthew 16:13-20    

Sermon          “Do You Know Who I Am?”         Dave Johnson

Prayers of the People

Closing Hymn/Offertory        “More of the Ways of Love”  Handout

by Scott Kearns

    Copyright 2013 R. Scott Kearns. All rights reserved.      

1)  May my heart be a heart be a heart of love.

May I grow so that I may know more of the ways of love.

May our world be a world, be a world of love.

May we grow so that all may know more of the ways of love.

In heart, in words, in deeds in the world, more of the ways of love.

2)  May my words be the words be the words of love.

May I grow so that from me flows more of the ways of love.  

May our world be a world, be a world of love.

May we grow so that all may know more of the ways of love.

In heart, in words, in deeds in the world, more of the ways of love.

3)  May my deeds be the deeds be the deeds of love.

May I grow so that I may show more of the ways of love.

May our world be a world, be a world of love.

May we grow so that all may know more of the ways of love.

In heart, in words, in deeds in the world, more of the ways of love.

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

Reprinted with permission under One License #A-625711.  All rights reserved.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * 

Calendar of Service 

September 3 - Dr Keith Ray - Indoors; 1st Sunday Potluck meal; Session meets.
September 10 - Rev Steve Morgan - Outdoors
September 17 - Dr Keith Ray - Indoors
September 24 - Dr Keith Ray  - Outdoors

*********************
New Foundations Home for Children is seeking school supplies. Please bring your donations to the church by Sunday, August 27.  

***********************

Have you seen “Oppenheimer”?  Would you like to talk to others who have seen it?  What would it be like to work in Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL)?  Gloria Bennett, who worked at LANL for 31 years and who retired to Anderson SC and has been part of our NACCP congregation for several years, will be available this Sunday, August 27 immediately after church for Conversation about Oppenheimer.  If you are interested, please join us (even if you have not seen the movie) for an interesting time together.  We will provide a light lunch for those who opt to join us.

***********************
Free Campus Edge Concert at St. Andrew Catholic Church ∙ 209 Sloan Street, Clemson.

On Sunday, Aug 27 at 2:00, join Jamie Dean (piano), Mandy McAtee (cello), Desirée Werth (clarinet), and Danielle Martin (violin & viola) as they perform an hour-long concert in a variety of musical styles and ensemble arrangements.  All ages are welcome, there is no admission charge, the church is handicap accessible, and there is plenty of parking.

************************

The Keenagers are still finalizing their upcoming schedule of activities, so stay tuned! In the meantime, mark your calendars for Wednesday, August 30, for an afternoon of games and (homemade) ice cream from 1 to 4 pm!

On Wednesday, November 8, 2023, the program will be painting gourds for the holidays with Ann Blackwood as the leader.  

*************************

Bill Bailey reminds us all to sign up for church clean-up.  Clean-up days are the 2nd Saturday of the month at 9:30 am and usually take no more than 90 minutes.  The sign-up sheet is in the church and there is an empty September slot waiting for your name!  Our next clean-up day will be Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 9:30 am. 

***************************

The next Market Theatre production will be Rock of Ages – free in Carolina Wren Park starting September 14.

*********************

Vicki Wright is looking for someone to buy her ticket to “MJ The Musical” on September 20th. Let her know if you are interested. It’s a great seat!

**********************

The Autumnal Equinox labyrinth walk will be on Saturday, September 23, 2023.

**********************

We will be serving lunch at South Main Chapel and Mercy Center and joining in with their church service on Sunday, October 22, 2023.  More details will follow.

**********************

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.

*********************

Auditions are happening now for the GAMAC-sponsored Anderson Children’s Choir for the 2023-2024 school year. Boys and girls ages 8-10 (grades 3-5) are invited to try out.  Rehearsals will be held on Thursdays from 5:00-6:30 at St. John’s United Methodist Church and will begin this Thursday, August 24.  Call (864) 231-6147 or visit www.gamac.org for more information.

*********************

The Concert of Hope and Remembrance will be on Saturday, October 14 at Boulevard Baptist Church in Anderson. 

*********************

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. 

**************************

Sarah Shumpert shared the Westside Community Center needs a new roof. They are asking folks to donate $40 in honor of the 40th anniversary of Martin Luther King Day being signed into legislation as a national holiday. Donations can be made online through the United Way of Anderson County.  Use the “Donation Description” box to designate your donation for the Westside Community Center roof.

************************

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

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

Sunday, August 20 at 10:15 a.m. Church Gathering with Dr. Keith Ray

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!

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Gathering Music                  Polly Dunford            

Welcome and Announcements            Andi Nelson          

Call to Worship 

One:  O God Embodied, the one made flesh who dwelt among us, help us to arrive this morning with a “yes.”  A “yes” to our faith that says our bodies are good and holy, just as and however they are.

All:  A “yes” to show up here, even if our minds may be in other places at times.

One:  A “yes” to believing enough in you, this community, and our own call to know this is where we need to be in this moment.

All:  A “yes” to bringing all that comes from and through our hearts to you, O Heart-maker.

One:  Come, let us bring ourselves to God’s table of plenty,

All:  With our inherent worth and dignity to guide us.  Amen.

Opening Hymn              “Lord, Prepare Me”                           Hymnal #701

Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true.

With thanksgiving, I’ll be a living sanctuary for you.

Scripture    Matthew 15:21-28

Sermon        “Rule Breaking Jesus” Dr. Keith Ray

Question to ponder:  When are we called to break the rules (or laws)?

Prayers of the People

Closing Hymn/Offertory        “Walls Mark Our Bound’ries”        Handout

      Words by Ruth Duck; Music by Jim Strathdee

Words - 1996.  The Pilgrim Press.  Music - 1997.  The Pilgrim Press.  All rights reserved.

1)  Walls mark our bound’ries and keep us apart; 

walls keep the world from our eyes and our heart.

Tables are round making room for one more,

welcoming friends we had not known before.

So build us a table and tear down the wall!  

Christ is our host.  There is room for us all!

2)  Walls make us sure who is in and who’s out;

walls keep us safe from all question and doubt,

but at a table in open exchange

new ties are formed as our lives rearrange.

So build us a table and tear down the wall!  

Christ is our host.  There is room for us all!

3)  Once we were strangers, divided, alone.

Hate and distrust built a wall stone by stone.

Now at a table the bread that we share

joins us to Christ in a circle of care.

So build us a table and tear down the wall!  

Christ is our host.  There is room for us all!

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

Reprinted with permission under One License #A-625711.  All rights reserved.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Calendar of Service 

August 27 - Dr. Keith Ray - Outdoors

*********************
Laurie’s Peanut Butter Whiskey Band will be performing at Jocassee Valley Brewing on Saturday, August 19 at 6:30 pm. Don’t miss it!

**********************

New Foundations Home for Children is seeking school supplies. Please bring your donations to the church by Sunday, August 27. Copies of the list of needed items are in the church. 

***********************

The Keenagers are still finalizing their upcoming schedule of activities so stay tuned! In the meantime, mark your calendars for Wednesday, August 30 for an afternoon of games and (homemade) ice cream from 1 to 4 pm!

*************************

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.

*********************

Auditions are happening now for the GAMAC-sponsored Anderson Children’s Choir for the 2023-2024 school year. Boys and girls ages 8-10 (grades 3-5) are invited to try out.  Rehearsals will be held on Thursdays from 5:00-6:30 at St. John’s United Methodist Church and will begin this Thursday, August 24.  Call (864) 231-6147 or visit www.gamac.org for more information.

*********************

The Youth Choir for the Concert of Hope and Remembrance will begin practicing on Tuesday, August 22 at 6:00 at Boulevard Baptist Church in Anderson. Boys and girls who are rising third graders through early teens are invited to join the choir. Boys whose voices are beginning to change are welcome to attend. There is no audition. The concert will be on Saturday, October 14 at the same location.

*********************

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. 

**************************

Sarah Shumpert shared the Westside Community Center needs a new roof. They are asking folks to donate $40 in honor of the 40th anniversary of Martin Luther King Day being signed into legislation as a national holiday. Donations can be made online through the United Way of Anderson County.  Use the “Donation Description” box to designate your donation for the Westside Community Center roof.

************************

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

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

Sunday, August 13 at 10:15 a.m. Church Gathering with Rev. Dr. Tom Richie

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!

* * * * * * * * * * * *

“At every moment, our lives are an intermingling of beauty and brokenness; you might say that beauty and brokenness are two sides of the same human coin.”   Matthew Stuhlmuller

Gathering Music                Polly Dunford            

Welcome and Announcements     Lin Hagen                      

Call to Worship 

You who gather in this place today, look around now and see the faces of those you know and love. 

Neighbors, friends, family, and creatures, a community of kindred hearts.  (Pause and look at the faces.)

You who gather in this place, take a moment now to look around and see the faces of those you hardly know.

Strangers, sojourners, forgotten friends, the ones who need an outstretched hand.  (Pause and look around.)

Members of North Anderson Church and guests, take a moment to look around and honor all the cherished lives assembled here.  (Pause and look around.)

We acknowledge a unique Presence that shines in you, in me, and in every person and creature on earth. 

You who gather in this place today, come, let us unite our lives as one in search of all that is redemptive and live-giving. 

Opening Hymn             “Morning Has Broken”                 Hymnal #664  

     1)  Morning has broken like the first morning; blackbird has spoken like the first bird.

          Praise for the singing! Praise for the morning! Praise for them, springing fresh  

            from the Word! 

    2)  Sweet the rain’s new fall sunlit from heaven, like the first dewfall on the first grass.

         Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden, sprung in completeness where God’s feet pass.

     3)  Mine is the sunlight! Mine is the morning, born of the one light Eden saw play!

          Praise with elation; praise every morning, God’s recreation of the new day!  

Contemporary Reading                        “Hope” by Lisel Mueller  

It hovers in dark corners
before the lights are turned on,
it shakes sleep from its eyes
and drops from mushroom gills,
it explodes in the starry heads
of dandelions turned sages,
it sticks to the wings of green angels
that sail from the tops of maples.

It sprouts in each occluded eye
of the many-eyed potato,
it lives in each earthworm segment
surviving cruelty,
it is the motion that runs
from the eyes to the tail of a dog,
it is the mouth that inflates the lungs
of the child that has just been born.

It is the singular gift
we cannot destroy in ourselves,
the argument that refutes death,
the genius that invents the future,
all we know of God.

It is the serum which makes us swear
not to betray one another;
it is in this poem, trying to speak.

“Hope” by Lisel Mueller from Alive Together. © Louisiana State University Press, 1996.

Scripture               Luke 14:15-24

Sermon       “If I Were Going to Preach a Sermon”            Rev. Dr. Tom Richie

Contemporary Reading                      “One Song” by Rumi                                                

Every war and every conflict
between human beings has happened
because of some disagreement about names.

It is such an unnecessary foolishness,
because just beyond the arguing
there is a long table of companionship
set and waiting for us to sit down.

What is praised is one, so the praise is one too,
many jugs being poured into a huge basin.
All religions, all this singing, one song.

The differences are just illusion and vanity.
Sunlight looks a little different
on this wall than it does on that wall
and a lot different on this other one,
but it is still the same light.

We have borrowed these clothes,
these time-and-space personalities,
from a light, and when we praise,
we are pouring them back in.

Hymn of Invitation                           “Live into Hope”                                  Hymnal #772           

1)  Live into hope of captives freed, of sight regained, the end of greed.

The oppressed shall be the first to see the year of God’s own jubilee!

2)  Live into hope!  The blind shall see with insight and with clarity,

removing shades of pride and fear, a vision of our God brought near.

3)  Live into hope of liberty, the right to speak, the right to be,

the right to have one’s daily bread, to hear God’s word and thus be fed.

4)  Live into hope of captives freed from chains of fear or want or greed.

God now proclaims our full release to faith and hope and joy and peace.

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

This sacred table is a reminder of who we are, what we are, and how we are, and that is enough.  Let us gather at this table.

Prayers of the People

Closing Hymn and Offertory                    “Though I May Speak”                Hymnal #693             

1)  Though I may speak with bravest fire, and have the gift to all inspire,

and have not love, my words are vain, as sounding brass, and hopeless gain.

2)  Though I may give all I possess, and striving so my love profess,

but not be given by love within, the profit soon turns strangely thin.

3)  Come, Spirit, come, our hearts control; our spirits long to be made whole.

Let inward love guide every deed; by this we worship, and are freed.

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

* * * * * * * * * * * * *  

Calendar of Service 

August 20 - Dr. Keith Ray; Indoor service

August 27 - TBD

************************
Laurie’s Peanut Butter Whiskey Band will be performing at Jocassee Valley Brewing on Saturday, August 19 at 6:30 pm. Don’t miss it!

**********************

Auditions are happening now for the GAMAC-sponsored Anderson Children’s Choir for the 2023-2024 school year. Boys and girls ages 8-10 (grades 3-5) are invited to try out. Call (864) 231-6147 or visit www.gamac.org for more information.

*********************

The Youth Choir for the Concert of Hope and Remembrance will begin practicing on Tuesday, August 22 at 6:00 pm at Boulevard Baptist Church in Anderson. Boys and girls who are rising third graders through early teens are invited to join the choir. Boys whose voices are beginning to change are welcome to attend. There is no audition. The concert will be on Saturday, October 14 at the same location.

***********************

New Foundations Home for Children is seeking school supplies. Please bring your donations to the church by the last Sunday in August. Copies of the list of needed items are in the church. 

***********************

The Keenagers are still finalizing their upcoming schedule of activities so stay tuned! In the meantime, mark your calendars for Wednesday, August 30 for an afternoon of games and (homemade) ice cream from 1 to 4 pm!

*************************

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.

*********************

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. 

**************************

Sarah Shumpert shared the Westside Community Center needs a new roof. They are asking folks to donate $40 in honor of the 40th anniversary of Martin Luther King Day being signed into legislation as a national holiday. Donations can be made online through the United Way of Anderson County.  Use the “Donation Description” box to designate your donation for the Westside Community Center roof.

************************

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

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

Sunday, August 6 at 10:15 a.m. Church Gathering with Dr. Keith Ray

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!

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Gathering Music           Polly Dunford            

Welcome and Announcements  Barb Barham          

Call to Worship  (adapted from Psalm 145)

Leader:  The Holy One is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

People:  The Holy One is good to all, with compassion for all God’s creation.

Leader:  The Holy One upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.

People:  The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season.

Leader:  You open your hand, satisfying the desire of every living thing.

People:  The Holy One is just in all ways and always kind.

Leader:  The Holy One is near to all who call on God, to all who call in truth.

People:  The Holy One fulfills the desire of all who are in fear and also hears their cry and saves them.

Leader:  The Holy One watches over all who love the Divine Presence.

All:  My mouth will speak the praise of the Holy One, and all flesh will bless God’s holy name forever and ever.

Opening Hymn   “Your Faithfulness, O Lord, Is Sure”         Hymnal #42 

1) Your faithfulness, O Lord, is sure in all your words, your gracious deeds;

you gently lift all burdened souls and well provide for all our needs.

2) The eyes of all are fixed on you; by you their wants are all supplied;

your open hand is bountiful and every soul is satisfied.

3) Lord, you are just in all your ways, and kind in everything you do;

forever near you stand to hear and help all those who call on you.

4) My mouth shall speak your praise, O Lord; my soul shall bless your holy name;

let all things living join the song of praise, from age to age the same.  

Scripture Genesis 32:22-31

Sermon        “A Wrestling Match” Dr. Keith Ray

Theme:  The portraits of the Divine in the Bible are varied, including the notion that to live a life of spiritual discernment includes periods of restlessness and wrestling with Truth. Here’s a question to ponder today:  What does it mean to wrestle with God?

Prayers of the People

Closing Hymn/Offertory     “You Shall Go Out with Joy”   Hymnal #80

You shall go out with joy and be led forth with peace;

the mountains and the hills will break forth before you;

there’ll be shouts of joy, and all the trees of the field will clap,

will clap their hands.

And all the trees of the field will clap their hands;

the trees of the field will clap their hands;

the trees of the field will clap their hands while you go out with joy.  

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

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Please join us after worship service for our 1st Sunday Potluck meal.  

* * * * * * * * * * * * * 

Calendar of Service 

August 13 - Rev. Dr. Tom Richie; Outdoor service; Communion

August 20 - Dr. Keith Ray; Indoor service

August 27 - TBD

************************ 

Market Theatre’s 24 Hour Musical will be happening Friday-Saturday, August 4-5.   The chosen show - It's "Peter Pan!" -  will be announced to the cast on Friday night at 7 pm, and they have 24 hours to put the whole show together. Performance is 7 pm Saturday night, August 5, at AU’s Henderson Auditorium.  Proceeds go to the Cleo Bailey Experiment.

*********************
Auditions are happening now for the GAMAC-sponsored Anderson Children’s Choir for the 2023-2024 school year. Boys and girls ages 8-10 (grades 3-5) are invited to try out. Call (864) 231-6147 or visit www.gamac.org for more information.

*********************

The Youth Choir for the Concert of Hope and Remembrance will begin practicing on Tuesday, August 22 at 6:00 at Boulevard Baptist Church in Anderson. Boys and girls who are rising third graders through early teens are invited to join the choir. Boys whose voices are beginning to change are welcome to attend. There is no audition. The concert will be on Saturday, October 14 at the same location.

*********************

Our very own Thor Raines is featured in the Summer Breezin’ original rock show at Centre Stage in Greenville. You have only a couple more chances to catch the show which runs through Sunday, August 6. Visit centerstage.org for more info and tickets.
************************
Congratulations to Rosie Thompson and Thomas Fellows for being cast in Market Theatre’s production of She Kills Monsters! The show will run in November, so stay tuned for more details.

***********************
Food donations continue to be needed for AIM (Anderson Interfaith Ministries). They are especially in need of peanut butter and jelly but don’t forget to keep re-filling our basket designated for the AIM pantry to cover all of their needed items.
************************

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. 

**************************

Sarah Shumpert shared the Westside Community Center needs a new roof. They are asking folks to donate $40 in honor of the 40th anniversary of Martin Luther King Day being signed into legislation as a national holiday. Donations can be made online through the United Way of Anderson County.  Use the “Donation Description” box to designate your donation for the Westside Community Center roof.

************************

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

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