Today’s service is originally planned to be held outdoors at the woods stage. We will attempt that location unless it is too wet and chilly. In which case, we will meet indoors in the sanctuary. Please plan to be flexible!
You may access the service through this link. Afterward, a recording of the service will be available through our website, on Facebook and YouTube. Join us!
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Gathering Music Polly Dunford
Welcome and Announcements Cierra Donnelly
Moment of Silence
Call to Worship*
Leader: We gather to worship the One who calls us to love our neighbors.
People: May our faith become visible through our love.
Leader: We are called beyond words and into action.
People: We gather to increase our faith with hands and feet.
Leader: May we see those who are hurting and respond with compassion.
People: May our faith show up in the way we live.
All: We come to worship, to love, and to serve. Amen.
Opening Hymn* “Dance with the Spirit” Handout
By Jim Strathdee. 1995. Desert Flower Music. All rights reserved.
1) Dance with the Spirit early in the mornin’,
walk* with the Spirit throughout the long day.
Work and hope for the new life abornin’,
listen to the Spirit to show you the way.
2) “move”*
3) “sing”*
4) “pray”*
Scripture Reading James 2:8-20
Through these words, may we hear the word of God.
Sermon “A Faith That Shows Up” Dr. Keith Ray
Thoughts to Ponder: What good are our deepest beliefs and values if they never shape the way we live? This Sunday, we’ll explore James 2:8–20 and its challenge to move beyond words into compassionate action. Whether you understand faith through God, community, human connection, or a commitment to a more just and loving world, James invites us to consider what it means to truly love our neighbors.
Along the way, we’ll reflect on the life and generosity of Dolly Parton and ask a simple but important question:
How can what we believe—or what we value most deeply—show up in the way we live?
Prayer of Reflection
Circle of Prayerful Care and Concern
Closing Hymn and Offertory* “When the Poor Ones” Hymnal #762
1) When the poor ones who have nothing share with strangers,
when the thirsty water give unto us all,
when the crippled in their weakness strengthen others,
then we know that God still goes that road with us,
then we know that God still goes that road with us.
2) When at last all those who suffer find their comfort,
when they hope though even hope seems hopelessness,
when we love though hate at times seems all around us,
then we know that God still goes that road with us,
then we know that God still goes that road with us.
3) When our joy fills up our cup to overflowing,
when our lips can speak no words other than true,
when we know that love for simple things is better,
then we know that God still goes that road with us,
then we know that God still goes that road with us.
4) When our homes are filled with goodness in abundance,
when we learn how to make peace instead of war,
when each stranger that we meet is called a neighbor,
then we know that God still goes that road with us,
then we know that God still goes that road with us.
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.
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Calendar of Services -
October 18 - Rev. Laura Beth Buchleiter; Worship Committee meets
October 25 - Rev. Laura Beth Buchleiter; All Saints’ Sunday
November 1 - South Main Chapel and Mercy Center service and lunch; NO service at North Anderson. Undie Sundays donations (all sizes requested).
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Close to Home Events (specific to NACCP)
Foothills Presbytery’s Committee on Ministry has officially approved Laura Beth Buchleiter to be our Moderator!
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There is still time to contribute pet foods and supplies for PAWS after Blessing of the Animals. See the list below and bring your items to church.
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Bible Study on Monday nights has begun a new study, and the topic is “Did Jesus Really Say That?” Study sessions will examine and evaluate written text throughout all Gospels. Contact Cynthia at cynthiakwarner@mac.com if you’d like to be added to the Zoom invite list.
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PFLAG’s Escape Room event is on Sunday, October 11 at 5:00 pm to celebrate Coming Out Day. The location is Exit 4 Escapes at 502 N Main St., Suites G & H. This is above the Bradbury Bistro. Afterwards, the group is getting food at Magnetic South and drinks at Growler Haus! Fun time for all!
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Seasonal choir practice begins Sunday, October 18, 9:25-10:00 in the choir room. All former choir members are encouraged to return as well as new folks who would like to sing during the Advent season.
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We will soon be able to sign up for foods to bring for South Main’s lunch on November 1. Undie Sundays has also begun to supply the church with underwear necessities; they are requesting ALL sizes of underwear and socks.
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Next meeting for the Meet and Eat group will be held on Wednesday, November 4, at 5:30 pm. Location is TBD. Everyone is welcome!
It’s early to plan for Thanksgiving, but mark your calendars for Andi’s Annual Potluck Meal on Thursday, November 26, at 1:00 pm at Andi Nelson’s farm, Rabbit Hill Farm. The address is 424 Sargent Drive, Pendleton. Bring a dish to share and a chair.
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If you are not “formally” a member of the church and would like to be, please reach out to Laura Beth (lb@laura-bethany.com). There are many ways to be part of community, this is simply one that we offer as an option!
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Shower Update: The shower has been paid for in full, but there are still a few details yet to be finished.
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Community Events
There are now two groups who have weekly meetings at church.
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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.
ChoRuss 3 December 2026 at 7:30 (Three Singers and their pianist)
Carrera Stamile 4 March 2027 at 7:30 (Mandolin instrumentalist)
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AIM's Food Pantry is currently asking for plastic grocery bags! Thank you for your support! #AIMThanksYOU #FoodDistributionLine
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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Keep up with the latest news from Foothills Presbytery here.
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Remember in prayer: Michael Crump and David Sanders; 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.