************
Gathering Music Polly Dunford
Welcome and Announcements Karen Manley
Call to Worship (From Matthew 11:28–30)
One: Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary, and I will give you rest.”
All: We come—tired, hopeful, burdened, and open.
One: Not because we have it all together—
All: But because grace always welcomes us in.
One: Let us lay down what weighs us down—
All: And worship the One who brings peace.
By Jason Elder
Opening Hymn “For Everyone Born” Hymnal #769
1) For everyone born, a place at the table,
for everyone born, clean water and bread,
a shelter, a space, a safe place for growing,
for everyone born, a star overhead,
Refrain: and God will delight when we are creators of justice and joy,
compassion and peace: yes, God will delight when we are creators
of justice, justice and joy!
2) For woman and man, a place at the table,
revising the roles, deciding the share,
with wisdom and grace, dividing the power,
for woman and man, a system that’s fair,Refrain
3) For young and for old, a place at the table,
a voice to be heard, a part in the song,
the hands of a child in hands that are wrinkled,
for young and for old, the right to belong,Refrain
5) For everyone born, a place at the table,
to live without fear, and simply to be,
to work, to speak out, to witness and worship,
for everyone born, the right to be free,Refrain
Scripture Reading John 3:11-16
Sermon Rev. Laura Beth Buchleiter
“Grace: the gift of love given in and through wholeness”
Special Music “Grace” Sung by David Johnson
by Carolyn Hamlin
Prayerful Circle of Care
Closing Hymn and Offertory “Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound” Hymnal #649
1) Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see.
2) ’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved.
How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed!
3) Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come.
’Tis grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.
4) The Lord has promised good to me; his word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be as long as life endures.
5) When we’ve been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun,
we’ve no less days to sing God’s praise than when we’d first begun.
Additional Verse written by Rev. Laura Beth Buchleiter
Tis by God’s grace we dare believe
In Love’s enduring song!
And grace we give, grace we receive
In praise our whole life long.
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.
******************************
Meet with your church committee following worship service..
* * * * * * * * * *
Calendar of Service -
August 16 - Dave Johnson
August 23 - Rev. Laura Beth Buchleiter; Worship Committee meets
August 30 - Rev. Laura Beth Buchleiter
September 6 - TBD; Potluck Meal
September 13 - Rev. Laura Beth Buchleiter
September 20 - Rev. Laura Beth Buchleiter
September 27 - Rev. Laura Beth Buchleiter
****************
Meet and Eat group will gather next time on Wednesday, September 2, and the place TBD. Everyone is welcome!
******************
Anderson Forum on Progressive Theology (AFPT) will present Kieran Fox, MD PhD on August 9, 2026, at 3 pm at North Anderson Community Church Presbyterian. Dr. Fox will speak about his book, I Am a Part of Infinity: The Spiritual Journey of Albert Einstein. His talk will be both live and available via Zoom.
*****************
Our own Cierra Donnelly is in the cast of Electric City Playhouse’s production of “Heathers the Musical” that opens Friday, August 7 at 7:30 pm and runs through August 23. Synopsis: Westerberg High is ruled by Heather, Heather and Heather, the hottest and cruelest girls in all of Ohio. But misfit Veronica Sawyer rejects their evil regime for a new boyfriend, the dark and sexy stranger J.D., who plans to put the Heathers in their place - six feet under. Purchase tickets here.
****************
PFLAG meeting will be Thursday, August 13, at 7:00 pm. Everyone is welcome to come!
******************
Campus Edge Concerts (CEC) will begin their ninth season on Thursday, August 13th. These free concerts are hosted at St Andrew Catholic Church in Clemson. The venue has marvelous acoustics and easy parking. This message offers a chance to mark your calendars now! This season will include 3 concerts:
**************
The Bingo Party for New Foundations students will be held on Friday, September 18 at 6:00 pm. Set-up will start at 5:15 if you can help. Your help is also needed with getting prizes and providing refreshments. See Joanne Batten for any other information.
****************
Shower Update: The shower is still under construction with about a month to go. Please excuse the mess!
******************
Keep up with the latest news from Foothills Presbytery here.
*******************
Bible Study meets on Mondays at 6:30 pm through Zoom. The topic is Apocalyptic Eschatology along with the Book of Revelation. Dave says he will try to make sense of it! If you’d like to be added to the Zoom invite list, contact Cynthia at cynthiakwarner@mac.com.
*********************
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.
**********************
Remember in prayer: Nancy Fox; Peggy Casey; Steve and Brenda Swearingen; Jay Lyn Martin and Jerry Meehan; Mary Alice Mundy; Latha Semones; Immigrant families; Victims of all violence, oppression, and injustice; People of the World in ALL walks of life and strife.