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 Sharon Fowler
Call to Worship
Leader: We come seeking clarity, asking: Who is our neighbor?
People: Jesus shows us a world without boundaries, where even the outsider becomes the bearer of mercy.
Leader: We come with questions, hoping for answers that make us comfortable.
People: Jesus tells a story that makes us uncomfortable—in all the right ways.
Leader: In the Samaritan, compassion crossed the lines of race, religion, and reputation.
People: In the teachings of Jesus, the walls we build are broken down, and grace moves freely.
Leader: Come, let us gather to remember the one who calls us to “Go and do likewise.”
People: We come with open hearts, ready to be changed by mercy, justice, and love.
Opening Hymn Potluck Hymn
Scripture Lesson Luke 10:25-37
Sermon “The Wrong Helper?” Dr. Keith Ray
Thoughts to Ponder: We all know the story of the Good Samaritan—but do we hear it the way Jesus’ first audience did? In today’s sermon, we explore how this familiar parable challenges more than just our generosity—it challenges our comfort, our assumptions, and our boundaries. What if the person you feared most was the one to save you? What if grace shows up wearing the face you’ve been taught to avoid?
This is not just a story about helping. It’s a radical call to break down walls and recognize God’s image in every person—even the ones we least expect.
Come ready to see yourself in the ditch, and perhaps even in the Samaritan.
Joys and Concerns
Prayers of the People
Closing Hymn “Walls Mark Our Bound’ries” Handout Words by Ruth Duck; Music by Jim Strathdee
Words-1996. The Pilgrim Press. Music-1997. The Pilgrim Press. All rights reserved.
1) Walls mark our bound’ries and keep us apart;
walls keep the world from our eyes and our heart.
Tables are round making room for one more,
welcoming friends we had not known before.
So build us a table and tear down the wall!
Christ is our host. There is room for us all!
2) Walls make us sure who is in and who’s out;
walls keep us safe from all question and doubt,
but at a table in open exchange
new ties are formed as our lives rearrange.
So build us a table and tear down the wall!
Christ is our host. There is room for us all!
3) Once we were strangers, divided, alone.
Hate and distrust built a wall stone by stone.
Now at a table the bread that we share
joins us to Christ in a circle of care.
So build us a table and tear down the wall!
Christ is our host. There is room for us all!
Benediction
Discussion/ Informational Meeting
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. *************************************************************************************
Reprinted with permission under One License #A-625711. All rights reserved.
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The love and sympathy of the congregation is with Matt Wolf and his family - Etta, Samuel and Nancy - in the passing of Matt’s mother, Patricia Therese Wolf, on July 6, 2025. She was 91 years old and will have a service Tuesday morning in Ballwin, Missouri. May she rest in peace.
Calendar of Service -
July 13 - Dr. Keith Ray
July 20 - Dr. Keith Ray
July 27 - Dr. Keith Ray
Outdoor services are being suspended until the weather cools - late summer/early fall. *********************
On Sunday, July 13, during Discussion Time, there will be a short informational meeting about our “locked door” policy and a secret ballot polling so each person can have input. Session will then meet after church to consider the results in making a decision about the policy.
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South Main Chapel and Mercy Center has asked for help with their snack pack supplies. As you feel moved, any of the following items would be appreciated.
Needs are: canned tuna, potted meat, canned food with pop top lids, applesauce cups, crackers, cereal bars, fruit cups, cookies. Thank you for all your help.
Please bring your contributions in by Sunday, July 13.
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Three Nights on Nature is coming!
July 15, 7:00 pm - Dr. Mike Ferro - "A Few Stops on the Walk Around the Back Yard"
Collection Manager at the Arthropod Collection of Clemson University, a research and teaching resource, with 1.3+ million specimens.
July 16, 7:00 pm – Melissa Fuentes – “Nature’s Wonders, Part 2”
Curator of the Vertebrate Collection at the Bob and Betsy Campbell Museum of Natural History, Clemson University.
July 17, 7:00 pm – Dale Gilbert – “The Marvelous Gift of Weather”
Retired Meteorologist, yet working part time with WYFF4. Also, a football and basketball public address announcer for the Clemson Tigers.
NACCP folk: Please bring an item for the light refreshments to be shared with all.
Non-perishable food item(s) are also encouraged as donations to Hope Mission.
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Keenager event on June 22: Christmas in July! Meet at church — 11:00-1:00.
Our Chrismon ornaments need to be freshened up. All supplies will be provided. However, if you have a supply of gold and/or white craft items that you would like to use or share, please bring them along. Bring a bag lunch too. Water, tea and lemonade will be provided.
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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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