Today’s service may be viewed on Facebook Live Stream at this link, hear it in the church parking lot at 107.1 FM, or join us in person outdoors at the woods stage. 

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Gathering Music Sharon Fowler

          Laurie Gentry          

Welcome and Announcements Rosie Thompson        

Call to Worship

As we gather today as a community shaped by the teachings and ways of Jesus, we remind ourselves that we are created to be instruments of justice-love.

We affirm who we are.

I am a lovable, creative person, made in the likeness of God. 

I give myself permission to enjoy being myself: 

to love without fear of rejection, 

to create with imagination, 

to change without fear of the future, 

to work for justice and peace in the world, 

within God’s all embracing creativity.

Opening Hymn           “Let Us Build a House - All Are Welcome”          Hymnal #301

1)  Let us build a house where love can dwell and all can safely live,

a place where saints and children tell how hearts learn to forgive.

Built of hopes and dreams and visions, rock of faith and vault of grace;

here the love of Christ shall end divisions:

all are welcome; all are welcome; all are welcome in this place.

2)  Let us build a house where prophets speak, and words are strong and true,

where all God’s children dare to seek to dream God’s reign anew.

Here the cross shall stand as witness and as symbol of God’s grace;

here as one we claim the faith of Jesus:

all are welcome; all are welcome; all are welcome in this place.

3)  Let us build a house where love is found in water, wine, and wheat;

a banquet hall on holy ground where peace and justice meet.

Here the love of God, through Jesus, is revealed in time and space;

as we share in Christ the feast that frees us:

all are welcome; all are welcome; all are welcome in this place.

4)  Let us build a house where hands will reach beyond the wood and stone

to heal and strengthen, serve and teach and live the Word they’ve known.

Here the outcast and the stranger bear the image of God’s face;

let us bring an end to fear and danger:

all are welcome; all are welcome; all are welcome in this place.

5)  Let us build a house where all are named, their songs and visions heard

and loved and treasured, taught and claimed as words within the Word.

Built of tears and cries and laughter, prayers of faith and songs of grace;

let this house proclaim from floor to rafter:

all are welcome; all are welcome; all are welcome in this place.

Scripture          Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

Sermon       Complaining vs. Critiquing: What’s the Difference?   Dr. Keith Ray

Question to Ponder: How can we be a community that critiques society in light of our understanding of an ethic of love without falling into a life of negativity and defeat?

Prayers of the People

Closing Hymn/Offertory       “Come, Great God of All the Ages”   Hymnal #309

1)  Come, great God of all the ages; make your earthly mission known;

speak through every deed and person; let your way and will be shown.

Guide the church to true commitment; give direction now, we ask;

fit us for the work of building; dedicate us to the task.

2)  Come, Christ Jesus, flesh and spirit, sure foundation, cornerstone;

help us form the church eternal; may your vision be our own.

Send a message to each follower; lead all people to your way;

urge us to strong faith and action as we build the church today.

3)  Come, great Spirit, in and with us, tune our ears to hear your call;

through the moving of your presence, let redeeming love recall

ministry in dedication, love embodied in our deeds;

challenge us to do your bidding, see your purpose, fill all needs.

4)  Come, O come, in celebration, household of the one true God;

in commitment and rejoicing let us go where Christ has trod;

as we act in faith and reverence, let us, Lord, the future see;

place us in the church triumphant, now and for eternity.

                                                                                                                                                                       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

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Calendar of Service 

July 16 - Dr. Keith Ray; Indoor service

July 23 - Elaine Nocks; Outdoor service

July 30 - Dr. Keith Ray; Outdoor service

August 6 - Dr. Keith Ray; Indoor service.  1st Sunday Potluck meal

August 13 - Rev. Dr. Tom Richie; Outdoor service; Communion

August 20 - Dr. Keith Ray; Indoor service

August 27 - TBD

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The next PFLAG meeting is Thursday, July 13, 2023, at 7 pm at the church.  Everyone is invited to come and participate, listen and share ideas.

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To current and potential choir members from Polly Dunford: Let’s have a choir practice on Sunday, July 16 at 9:25 am in the choir room. I have a short anthem that I think we can learn (for some, review) and then sing it during the service that day. Call or text Polly at 864-940-0640 with any questions.
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The Board of the Anderson Forum for Progressive Theology (AFPT) invites NACCP members and friends to attend an informal conversation with Rob Gentry on July 16 from 2 – 3:30 pm at the home of Bitsy Pickens (405 Boulevard, Anderson). Rob will share the story of his visit to a holy man in India where he experienced unexplainable miracles. Please note that this is not an official AFPT event and will not be publicized as such; however, all interested parties are welcome to attend.
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There will be a Keenagers planning meeting on July 26th at 11 am. Bring your own lunch, ideas, and willingness to be an event coordinator!

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Our very own Thor Raines will be featured in the Summer Breezin’ original rock show at Centre Stage in Greenville. The show runs July 13 – August 6. Visit centerstage.org for more info and tickets.
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Congratulations to our very own Rosie Thompson for being cast as the lead in Market Theatre’s production of She Kills Monsters! The show will run in November, so stay tuned for more details.

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Thanks to Polly Dunford and the Building Committee for a great solution for preventing chair marks on the new floors!
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Thanks to Manella for coordinating with a local Boy Scout who is rebuilding benches in our Labyrinth as his Eagle Scout project.
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Food donations continue to be needed for AIM (Anderson Interfaith Ministries). They are especially in need of peanut butter and jelly but don’t forget to keep re-filling our basket designated for the AIM pantry to cover all of their needed items.
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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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If you are interested in a class on Advanced Directives and/or the “Stop the Bleed” program, let Barb Barham know so that she and Rosie Thompson can plan accordingly for future programming.

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Sarah Shumpert shared the Westside Community Center needs a new roof. They are asking folks to donate $40 in honor of the 40th anniversary of Martin Luther King Day being signed into legislation as a national holiday. Donations can be made online through the United Way of Anderson County.  Use the “Donation Description” box to designate your donation for the Westside Community Center roof.

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Remember in prayer: Linda McFall; Patti Pitts; Bonnie Marsden and son Michael; Glennie Burns; Mary Alice Mundy; Jason Harding; Mike Johnston; Madison Bishop (Whitney’s niece); Jackie Moore; Latha and Cheryl Semones; Immigrant families; Victims of all violence, oppression, and injustice; People of Ukraine. 

NACCP is an inclusive Faith Community that values questions

and the journey to the answers.

Ministry Leader: Dr. Keith Ray
keithdray@gmail.com

Pianist and Choir Director: Polly Dunford

Mailing address: P.O. Box 4346, Anderson, SC 29622

Phone: 864-225-3575

Website:  naccpchurch.org

Church News:  naccpnews@yahoo.com

Instagram:  northandersonccp

Facebook:  NorthAndersonCommunityChurchPresbyterian