Today’s service has THREE choices.  You may view the Live Stream on Facebook at this link:  https://fb.me/e/3B7KUKdPK, hear it in the church parking lot at 107.1 FM, or join us in person outside / inside (masking voluntary). 

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Gathering Music                 Polly Dunford

Welcome and Announcements               Rosie Thompson     

Call to Worship          

One:  God of the gaps, show us how to build bridges

All:  As we seek to embrace your covenant of love.

One:  Help us to see more clearly our neighbor, the stranger,

All:  And give us the courage to walk with those who walk alone. 

One:  All praise to You for this Sabbath of rest and reflection.

Opening Hymn     “Walls Mark Our Bound’ries”        Handout

        Words by Ruth Duck; Music by Jim Strathdee

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!

Scripture Lesson             Luke 16: 19-31

Message               “A Great Chasm”                 Dr. Elaine Nocks

Offertory     “More of the Ways of Love”                   Handout

  Words and Music by Scott Kearns

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.

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.

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.

4)  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.

Re-Membering Our Journey           Introduction by Rob Gentry

Lane and Susan Pitts Tribute by Patti Pitts

Linda Flier Tribute by Bud Flier

Chuck Montgomery Tribute by Jim Ross

Evin Evans Tribute by Pat Bell

Ellie Wilson Tribute by Laurie Gentry

Prayer Concerns and Joys           Rosie Thompson

Benediction Dr. Elaine Nocks

Discussion

Shalom (Song of Peace)

Before we sing, we reflect, what does “Shalom” mean?  “Shalom” is taken from the root Hebrew word shalam*, which means to be safe in mind, body or estate.  It refers to an inward sense of completeness, fullness or a type of wholeness that encourages one to give generously, lavishly.  When we say or sing “Shalom”, we are literally saying, “I sincerely wish and hope you will abound in well-being and flourish in peace and all good things good and true.  *Related to Arabic salima  “was safe”, aslama “surrendered, submitted.”

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

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

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Calendar of Service

October 2 - Dr. Keith Ray   (Dr. Ray’s Installation)  1st Sunday meal; Sanctuary

October 9 - Dr. Keith Ray  (Blessing of the Animals)  Woods stage

October 16 - TBD

October 23 - South Main Chapel and Mercy Center meal (Serving TBD)

October 30 - TBD

Service locations will alternate between the sanctuary on 1st and 3rd Sundays, and our woods stage on 2nd, 4th and 5th Sundays as long as the weather permits. Please bring a chair if you have one.  Transportation available into the woods area for anyone who feels unsteady on the path.

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Market Theatre Dates to put in your calendar —

Thursday, October 6 at the Bleckley Station.  Arts for All Gala.  Join in for an evening to savor, celebrate, and support the arts!   Go to markettheatre.org and click on Tickets.

October 27- November 14    “Rent”   Drew Whitley plays Tom Collins, Thor Raines is part of the ensemble, and Rosie Thompson is the Assistant Stage Manager.  Go to markettheatre.org and click on Tickets.  These seats will sell out quickly!

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Bible Study Resumes

Was there really a time when snakes could talk?  Did God create the world in six days- or one day?  Were humans created early or late in the creation process?  Did the “mark of Cain” demonstrate God’s displeasure?  Was there a time when giants who were half-human and half-god (Nephilim) roamed the earth? Did Noah take only two of each animal on the ark?  Is it possible to rain 211 inches PER HOUR for 40 straight days?  Was there a time when everyone on earth spoke the same language?  Was it once okay to marry your niece- or your sister?  How about having sex with your father?  I’m just getting started.  This and much more will be covered in our Bible Study, on Mondays at 6:00.  It’s not too late to join us. If interested, contact me, David Johnson (ampaw2t@gamil.com) or Cynthia Warner (cynthiakwarner@mac.com) to be added to the email list.

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Blessing of the Animals will happen on Sunday, October 9.  In addition to bringing your fur babies, please help bless PAWS by contributing some pet items. Thank you!

Cat/Kitten Food (canned & dry) Dog toys

Dog/Puppy Food (canned & dry) Food Puzzles/Slow Feeders

Towels          Cat toys

Large Kong toys         Dog Treats/ Cat Treats

Newspapers         NylaBones

Dish Detergent          Blankets

Amazon Wishlist/Registry: Anderson County PAWS SC Foster and Shelter Wishlist

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Keenagers trip to Chattooga Belle Farms in Long Creek is set for Wed., October 19.  There will be side tours to Ramsey Creek Preserve natural cemetery and Chau Ram County Park.  Meet at the church at 11:00 AM to carpool.

RAMSEY CREEK PRESERVE HISTORY

Memorial Ecosystems, Inc., formed Ramsey Creek Preserve in 1996, the first green cemetery in the United States.

Remember in prayer: Bonnie Marsden and family; Tim and Michael Little-Bell and family; Linda McFall; Mike Johnston; Shea Marsden; Taylor Bishop (Whitney’s niece); Jason Harding; Steve Hallowell; Pat Weddle; Glenn Burns; Jackie Moore; Whitney Bishop; Latha and Cheryl Semones; Immigrant families; Victims of all violence, oppression, and injustice; Victims of COVID-19; People of Ukraine.