Gathering with Dr. Keith Ray

Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 10:15 a.m.

Fifth Sunday of Easter

Today’s service will be held indoors in the sanctuary as an in-person service and also live streamed at this link.
https://www.youtube.com/@NorthAndersonCCP

Click on “live” for the live stream. Join us!

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Gathering Music Polly Dunford
Welcome and Announcements
Cierra Donnelly
Call to Worship

Leader: More than kind or charitable, or even humane,
this Love we proclaim, that calls us, takes on flesh and bone and vulnerability.

People: We gather here to practice Love’s solidarity, rising up in the valleys and shadows of death.

Leader: More than nice, or agreeable, or even polite, this Love that forms us risks siding with the last and the least.

People: We come together to become Love’s liberation, building collective power to resist injustice.

Leader: More than tolerant or accepting, or even affirming, this Love that guides us opens to new stories of harm and new visions of flourishing

People: We join together to embody Love’s accountability, laying down our defenses to grow beyond the edges of our knowing.

Leader: More than peaceful or unifying, or even friendly, this Love that compels us dares to imagine beyond empire.

People: We worship to remember Love’s future praying, praising, and protesting until Love’s kingdom comes.

Opening Hymn Potluck Hymn
Scripture Lesson Revelation 21:1-6

Sermon
“The Here and Now of the Real Presence”
Dr. Keith Ray

Thoughts to ponder: In a book entitled In the Time of the Butterflies, one of the main characters says, "Courage! It was the first time I had used that word. I tasted it. It was a delicious word," The character, Maria Teresa, experiences a sacred moment when she embraces bravery in the face of fear. Her words suggest that courage is not just a human emotion, but a spiritual experience—something that connects her to a deeper sense of purpose. In choosing to act against injustice, she begins to feel the presence of the Divine working through her, guiding her toward truth and justice. This quote reminds us that when we take courageous steps to confront wrongdoing,

we often encounter something greater than ourselves—a sense of divine strength and clarity that moves with us in the struggle.

Let’s consider this idea as we continue to read from Revelation.

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 -

May 25 - Dave Johnson — Outdoors

June 1 - Dr. Keith Ray

June 8 - Dr. Keith Ray — Outdoors

June 15 - Rev. Deb Richardson-Moore

June 22 - Dr. Keith Ray — Outdoors

June 29 - Dr. Keith Ray — Outdoors

Outdoor services will be held on 2nd, 4th, 5th Sundays, weather permitting.
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New!! YouTube: NorthAndersonCCP

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Peanut Butter Whiskey at NACCP! On Saturday May 17th, we will host Laurie’s band, Peanut Butter Whiskey (PBW), for a free concert at NACCP! You can learn more about PBW here: https://www.facebook.com/RockinTheSouthland2022. Her band will be on our stage from to 5:00-7:00 pm. Those who attend will have hamburgers and hot dogs to enjoy while listening. Come join us for a memorable evening of music "in the woods at NACCP!” Bring your friends and a chair!
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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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An updated church directory is available for upload. If you do not have the password, please send request to mhc.clemson@gmail.com
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Please join Presbyterian Earth Care (PEC) for this unique monthly opportunity for community and meaningful Bible study! The study will run for 75 minutes each session. Dates: May 26th at 7 pm. Study Leaders: Rev. M. Courtenay Willcox and Rev. Lucy Youngblood. For more info and Zoom link: https://presbyearthcare.org/bible-study-pw-2024-2025/
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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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Adult Children of Alcoholics & Dysfunctional Families Support Group meets each Thursday from 6:00-7:00 p.m. at Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church, 1501 Sandy Springs Rd., Sandy Springs, SC. This is a 12-steps program. For more information, call 864-844-7137. Please share this with anyone who may benefit from this group.

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Remember the glass “tip jar” is still on the piano. Dave and Polly will donate the “tips” to a cause related to music, such as bringing music to schools.
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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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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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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: Laurie Gentry’s granddaughter, Ava; Rosie Thompson; Jerry Meehan; Michael Little’s friend Elaine; Glennie Burns; Mary Alice Mundy; Latha 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: 4200 Liberty Highway, Anderson, SC 29621
Phone: 864-225-3575
Website: naccpchurch.org
Church News: naccpnews@yahoo.com
Instagram: northandersonccp
Facebook: NorthAndersonCommunityChurchPresbyterian
YouTube: NorthAndersonCCP