Third Sunday after the Epiphany
Today’s service will be held indoors in the sanctuary as an in-person service and also live streamed at this YouTube link. Click on “live” for the live stream. Join us!
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Gathering Music Polly Dunford
Welcome and Announcements Sylvia Cheek
Call to Worship
Leader: The Spirit of God has called us to this place and time.
People: We gather to hear God’s liberating word of love.
Leader: Today, past and future meet in the holiness of now.
People: May the Spirit of God at work in Jesus, also work in us.
Leader: May the vision of flourishing for all be imprinted on our hearts.
People: And may it be enacted in our lives!
Opening Hymn “Need For Care” Handout
Words and music by Scott Kearns. 2015. R. Scott Kearns.
Published 2018 by File 14: PostPurgical Resources
Where there be need for care may a hand bring it there.
When I see need for care as I can may I bring it there.
Needs there be ev’rywhere, may all hands reach to share.
When we see need for care as we can may we bring it there.
Scripture Lesson Luke 4:14-21
Sermon “Looking for a Messiah” Dr. Keith Ray
Thoughts to Ponder: Throughout history, humans have searched for a messiah, a chosen one, who would use power to bring some kind of change in fortune and society. Indeed, some of Jesus’ own companions expected he would bring some dramatic, cataclysmic end to Roman occupation and rule. But just like the preachers in Appalachia where I was raised had to reinterpret their notions of the end times when their chosen date of the end passed, Christians have had to reinterpret what the coming of the messiah means. Indeed, we are still doing it today. What are the marks of the coming of God in our midst? Perhaps it is not to wait on some outside force to impose justice and righteousness upon our world. Perhaps that is work left up to us. Maybe we are the chosen ones we’ve been waiting for. Let’s talk about it together.
Joys and Concerns
Prayers of the People
Closing Hymn and Offertory “Stand for What Is Right” Handout
Words and music by Jim Strathdee
Words and music 2006. Desert Flower Music
1) When injustice harms our friends, stand for what is right.
When the violence never ends, stand for what is right.
Refrain: Yes, stand and speak, work and pray and keep your courage strong.
The Spirit of God will be leading us through our whole life long.
2) When the children have no voice, speak for what is right.
When the mothers have no choice, speak for what is right.Refrain
3) When we hurt our mother earth, work for what is right.
When we deny each other’s worth, work for what is right.Refrain
4) When the world seems most unfair, pray for what is right.
When we’re lost in deep despair, pray for what is right.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.
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Reprinted with permission under One License #A-625711. All rights reserved.
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Calendar of Service -
February 2 - Dr. Keith Ray; 1st Sunday Potluck meal
February 9 - Dr. Keith Ray
February 16 - Rev. Dr. Steve Morgan
February 23 - Dr. Keith Ray; Worship Committee meeting
The Outreach Committee is sponsoring a Bingo Party for the teenagers at New Foundations Home for Children, 2300 Standridge Road, Anderson 29625, on Friday, February 7, at 6 PM. We are asking NACCP participants to arrive between 5 and 5:15 PM. NEEDED: Inexpensive prizes for 34-40 teens, ages 13-17 years. Most New Foundation teens are male; only 9 of the residents are female. Also needed are refreshments for the party - sodas and snacks of any or all kinds. Please contact Outreach Chair Ann Blackwood if you can help with the fun outreach!
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The Beach Ball, a fundraiser for the Greater Anderson Musical Arts Consortium (GAMAC), will be on Thursday, February 13 at 7:00 PM at the Bleckley Station in Anderson. Call (864) 231-6147 or visit GAMAC.org/specialevents for tickets. Reservations required by February 10.
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NACCP on YouTube. Our gatherings are now available on YouTube. You can live stream us, or see recordings. If you are interested in being a part of our NACCP AV Team, please contact Cynthia (cynthiakwarner@mac.com) or Joanne (843.607.3862).
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Bible Study meets on Mondays at 6:30 pm through Zoom. Dave Johnson is guiding us through the book of Deuteronomy (editor’s note: it’s far more interesting than it sounds!). If you’d like to be added to the Zoom invite list, contact Cynthia at cynthiakwarner@mac.com.
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An updated church directory is available for upload. If you do not have the password, please send request to mhc.clemson@gmail.com
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Hurricane Helene Relief News:
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Please join Presbyterian Earth Care (PEC) for this unique monthly opportunity for community and meaningful Bible study! The study will run for 75 minutes each session. Dates: Jan. 26th, Feb. 23rd, Mar. 23rd, Apr. 28th, May 26th all at 7 pm. Study Leaders: Rev. M. Courtenay Willcox and Rev. Lucy Youngblood. For more info and Zoom link: https://presbyearthcare.org/bible-study-pw-2024-2025/
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Sarah Shumpert, AIM Board member, shares this update about the AIM Food Pantry: given the increased need in the community, AIM has increased the number of food boxes distributed to 55 per day (this is up from around 35 per day prior to COVID). The increase in distribution means that the pantry empties much faster than before. Please keep that in mind as you bring in food items. Also, the pantry is completely out of peanut butter and they would love to restock this item!
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Adult Children of Alcoholics & Dysfunctional Families Support Group meets each Thursday from 6:00-7:00 p.m. at Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church, 1501 Sandy Springs Rd., Sandy Springs, SC. This is a 12-steps program. For more information, call 864-844-7137. Please share this with anyone who may benefit from this group.
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The glass “tip jar” is still on the piano at church. Feel free to drop in any amount when you like the music during the service. Dave and Polly will donate the “tips” to a cause related to music, such as bringing music to schools.
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If you would like to donate to the family of Eric Childs, who was tragically killed in a car accident, please use this link: https://gofund.me/6340eb47. Eric’s wife Jessicka Spearman heads the PFLAG group that meets at NACCP.
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Women’s clothing is needed for women coming out of incarceration. Good, gently used items please. All sizes.
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Doug Booth encourages everyone to volunteer at PAWS – there is something for everyone, from socializing with the dogs on-site to taking a dog to lunch to hosting weekend visits. There are many dogs at the facility who crave human interaction. Additionally, don’t forget to bring in any donations of blankets to the church.
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Karen highlighted that the Prayer Tree has been moved into the sanctuary. If you have a prayer request to add to the tree, write it on one of the provided tags and hang it on a branch.
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Joanne reminds us all to keep up the food donations for AIM (Anderson Interfaith Ministries)! Bring your non-perishable items to the church. This is an on-going need that can easily become part of everyone’s shopping routine.
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Are you interested in becoming a member of NACCP? Would you like to make this community your spiritual home? Please contact Keith at keithdray@gmail.com or at 864-508-1530.
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Remember in prayer: Michael Little’s friend Mark; Shea Marsden; Linda McFall; Glennie Burns; Mary Alice Mundy; Latha and Cheryl Semones; Immigrant families; Victims of all violence, oppression, and injustice; People of Ukraine; People of Israel and Palestine; Victims of Los Angeles Fires.
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