Ascension Sunday
Gathering Music Polly Dunford
Welcome and Announcements Sarah Shumpert
Call to Worship
We gather in this place as a community bound together in love.
We gather in this place as a community committed to following in the ways and teachings of Jesus.
We gather in this place with hearts of praise and prayer.
We gather in this place to remember those who suffer in body, mind, spirit, and in their relationships.
We gather in this place to be reminded of our sacred worth.
We gather in this place to be reminded that all who live and breathe are of great value to the God we worship. Amen.
Opening Hymn Potluck Hymn
Scripture Lesson Luke 24:44-53
Message “From Escaping to Embracing” Dr. Keith Ray
Thoughts to ponder: The post-resurrection appearances of Jesus often emphasize the suffering Christ. I wonder if the theological thinkers are reminding us that human suffering, including a sense of the absence of God, is part of the life of faith.
Today we consider the story of the Ascension, not as a literal event, but as a reminder that even in a story emphasizing the glory of Jesus, we hear about his suffering.
As the late Fred Craddock often said, “Wherever you find human suffering (and we might add environmental suffering), that’s where you will find God.”
Prayers of the People
Special Music “God Be With You Till We Meet Again” Laurie Gentry, flute
by W. G. Tomer; Arranged by David Johnson Polly Dunford, piano
Closing Hymn and Offertory Potluck Hymn
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 -
May 19 - Rev. Lucy Youngblood
May 26 - Service and Lunch at South Main Chapel and Mercy Center; NO service at NACCP
June 2 - Dr. Keith Ray
June 9 - Dr. Keith Ray
June 16 - Dr. Keith Ray
June 23 - Rev. Laura Collins
June 30 - Dr. Keith Ray
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Jackie Moore has moved to the Terra Bella Marchbanks senior living facility. She is in room 201 and would love to have visitors.
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The next Keenager event will be a visit to the Lake Hartwell Wildlife Safari and the Hart County Botanical Gardens on May 22. Plan to leave from the church at 10 am.
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You may have noticed the new glass “tip jar” on the piano at church that serendipitously came about when someone didn’t claim a flower vase. Feel free to drop in a dollar or five when you like the music during the service. Dave and Polly will donate the “tips” to a cause related to music, such as bringing music to schools.
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The Undie Sunday campaign has begun in the lead-up to our next visit to the South Main Chapel and Mercy Center on May 26. Please bring new men’s and women’s underwear.
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Women’s clothing is needed for women coming out of incarceration. Good, gently used items please. All sizes.
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Church Clean-up day is Saturday, May 11, at 9:30 am. This usually take no more than 90 minutes. The sign-up sheet is in the church.
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The Bible Study Group (BSG) meets Mondays at 6:30 pm via Zoom. If you’d like to be added to the Zoom invite list then contact Cynthia at cynthiakwarner@mac.com. We’d love to have newcomers!
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Doug Booth encourages everyone to volunteer at PAWS – there is something for everyone, from socializing with the dogs on-site to taking a dog to lunch to hosting weekend visits. There are many dogs at the facility who crave human interaction. Additionally, don’t forget to bring in any donations of blankets to the church.
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Karen highlighted that the Prayer Tree has been moved into the sanctuary. If you have a prayer request to add to the tree, write in on one of the provided tags and hang it on a branch.
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Joanne reminds us all to keep up the food donations for AIM (Anderson Interfaith Ministries)! Bring your non-perishable items to the church. This is an on-going need that should become part of everyone’s shopping routine.
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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: Nancy and Charlie Blakely; Michael Little’s friend Becky; Shea Marsden; Linda McFall; Bonnie Marsden and son Michael; Jackie Moore; Glennie Burns; Mary Alice Mundy; Jason Harding; Madison Bishop (Whitney’s niece); Latha and Cheryl Semones; Immigrant families; Victims of all violence, oppression, and injustice; People of Ukraine; People of Israel and Palestine.
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
