Ascension Sunday 2025

Today’s service will be held indoors in the sanctuary as an in-person service and also live streamed at this link.  Click on “live” for the live stream.  Join us!   

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Gathering Music                                        Polly Dunford               

Welcome and Announcements                Karen Manley                                      

Call to Worship 

We gather in this place as a community bound together in love.

We gather in this place as a community committed to following in the ways and teachings of Jesus.

We gather in this place with hearts of praise and prayer.

We gather in this place to remember those who suffer in body, mind, spirit, and in their relationships.

We gather in this place to be reminded of our sacred worth.

We gather in this place to be reminded that all who live and breathe are of great value to the God we worship. Amen. 

Opening Hymn             Potluck Hymn

Scripture Lesson                Luke 24:44-53

Sermon   “From Escaping to Embracing”                     Dr. Keith Ray

Thoughts to ponder: The post-resurrection appearances of Jesus often emphasize the suffering Christ. I wonder if the theological thinkers are reminding us that human suffering, including a sense of the absence of God, is part of the life of faith. Today we consider the story of the Ascension, not as a literal event, but as a reminder that even in a story emphasizing the glory of Jesus, we hear about his suffering.

As the late Fred Craddock often said, “Wherever you find human suffering (and we might add environmental suffering), that’s where you will find God.”

Joys and Concerns 

Prayers of the People 

Closing Hymn             Potluck Hymn

Benediction        

Discussion

Shalom  (meaning - “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 for 1st Sunday Potluck meal following worship service.

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Calendar of Service -  

June 8 - Dr. Keith Ray  —  Outdoors

June 15 - Rev. Deb Richardson-Moore

June 22 - Dr. Keith Ray  —  Outdoors

June 29 - Dr. Keith Ray  —  Outdoors

Outdoor services will be held on 2nd, 4th, 5th Sundays, weather permitting.
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A Celebration of Life for Jackie Moore will be held on Sunday, June 8, 2025, from 12 - 3 pm at the home of Michelle Ricketson.  Her address is 407 Shannon Way, Anderson, SC, 29625.  There will be a summer lunch served.

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The Anderson County Library is hosting a “tree” event which will last until October.  When you go to the library, write a wish on a supplied piece of cloth and then tie your wish to a tree there.  For every 20 wish ties on the tree, a new tree will be planted at the Anderson Civic Center in October.

You may be able to write your wishes at church and then they will be taken to the library.

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Bible Study meets on Mondays at 6:30 pm through Zoom.  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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Please remember to donate non-perishable food items to AIM (Anderson Interfaith Ministries).  An extra item when you shop is a great help to others in our community.

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Remember the glass “tip jar” is still on the piano.  Dave and Polly will donate the “tips” to a cause related to music, such as bringing music to schools.
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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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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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