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                                                                                 

Leader:  Jesus said, “I came to bring fire to the earth—

and how I wish it were already kindled!”

People:  We come seeking the fire that purifies,

the light that reveals truth,

and the warmth that brings courage.

Leader:  Jesus warned, “Do you think I have come to bring peace?

No, I tell you, but rather division.”

People:  We come ready to follow the way of justice,

even when it disrupts comfort,

even when it brings hard conversations and deep change.

Leader:  True peace is not the absence of conflict,

but the presence of justice, mercy, and love.

People:  We will risk comfort for compassion,

step off the curb for what is right,

and welcome the stranger as God’s beloved.

Leader:  The time is now. The Spirit is moving.

Let us read the signs of this moment and follow the call of Jesus.

All:  Come, Holy One—kindle your fire within us.

Make us brave, make us loving, make us whole.

Let us worship in community.                                                                                             

Opening Hymn               Potluck Hymn

Scripture Lesson              Luke 12:49-56                    

Sermon                        “Jesus the Divider”                                 Dr. Keith Ray

Thoughts to Ponder:

In Luke 12:49–56, Jesus speaks unsettling words about fire and division—words that challenge our ideas of peace. This week we explore how true peace is not found in avoiding conflict, but in confronting injustice with courage and compassion.

From families facing hard truths, to churches welcoming strangers, to disciples stepping “off the curb” for what is right,

we’ll consider how the gospel calls us into risky, redemptive action.

Where are we invited to cause some good trouble today?

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.                        *************************************************************************************

Calendar of Service -  

August 24 - Keith Ray

August 31 - Keith Ray

September 7 -  Keith Ray; Session meeting

September 14 - Keith Ray

September 21 - Keith Ray

September 28 - Keith Ray

Outdoor services are being suspended until the weather cools - late summer/early fall.                                                                *********************

The next Keenagers event is New Foundations Back to School Bingo party on Friday, August 29, at 6 pm.  Set-up begins at 5 pm.  Snack Sacks contributions are appreciated - beverages, candy, crackers.

Please contribute Bingo prizes if you can.  Here are some suggestions:

• Rechargeable book lights/ night light that clip on
• decks of cards
• Art supplies - small canvases, art markers, sketch books, yarn, etc.  Craft kits for teens.
• Slime craft kits/  Wooden magnets kit
• Adult coloring books and colored pencils
• Fleece throws and Blankets
• Earbuds
• Throw pillows
• Gift cards for Fast Food/ Walmart (suggested $10 value)
• Snacks and Treats - Sweet or salty/ Individually packaged

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Maggie Miller has made a special request of the congregation to help in wishing her sister Pat a happy birthday on August 30.  Pat is in a nursing home in Iowa and loves to receive mail.  If you are able to send a card, Pat’s address is: Ft. Dodge Health and Rehab, 728 14th Ave North, Ft. Dodge, Iowa 50501, Attn: Pat Worrel.  Thank you!

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Watch: "What is open and relational theology?"

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A special GAMAC fundraising event is Ray McGee’s Jazz Club featuring Willmatic & Friends at The Bleckley Station on September 25, 2025, at 7:00 PM. Table seating with food and drinks is $75/person or $600/table of 8.

For tickets and information about the 2025/2026 GAMAC concert season visit www.gamac.org or call (864) 231-6147.

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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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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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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:  Rosie Thompson; Jay Lyn Martin and Jerry Meehan; Glennie Burns; 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; All those affected by the extreme weather conditions.