🌟 MAY THEME: FAITH AT A CROSSROAD🌟

🌟THE RISE OF AMERICAN FUNDAMENTALISM 🌟

This month, our theme is Faith at a Crossroad: The Rise of American Fundamentalism. Each week, we’ll take a deeper look at a different aspect of fundamentalist Christianity—not to attack, but to understand. We’ll explore how this movement emerged just over a century ago in response to enormous social change, and how it continues to shape the way many people understand Christianity, the Bible, and even Jesus himself. Week one examines the rise of the fundamentalist movement; week two looks at the doctrine of biblical inerrancy; week three explores dispensationalism and the obsession with end-times prophecy; and week four reflects on the spiritual cost of certainty. Through it all, we’ll ask: What happens when faith becomes more about fear than love—and what might a more courageous, compassionate Christianity look like today?

Church Estate Sale on Saturday, May 3

7:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

We’re making room for new beginnings, and you’re invited to be part of it! As we transition out of our church building, we’re holding a special estate sale filled with treasures both practical and sentimental. From furniture and kitchen supplies to kids’ and adult clothing, electronics, art, and even a piano—there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re setting up a home, searching for a deal, or just want to support the next chapter of our ministry, your presence makes a difference.

📍 101 S Line Street, Greer

Come browse, shop, and share stories as we lovingly pass these items on.

Dear Beloved Community,

Weekly Reflection – What I Was Taught as a Southern Baptist Wasn’t the Gospel of Jesus

I grew up believing that what I was taught in church was the original gospel. That biblical inerrancy was a given. That God had clearly defined roles for men and women. That salvation was personal, heaven and hell were literal, and the Bible offered a plain meaning to anyone willing to read it obediently. I assumed these beliefs stretched back to Jesus himself. What I didn’t know then—but have come to understand—is that many of these “eternal truths” weren’t first-century convictions. They were twentieth-century reactions to modern science, women’s suffrage, racial integration, and the Social Gospel’s insistence that following Jesus meant transforming society—not just souls.

This month, we are taking a look at fundamentalist Christianity. We will examine how these notions about the nature of God, Jesus, and the Bible are not rooted in the writings of the Old Testament prophets, the teachings of Jesus, the writings of Paul or even church history. What it taught as “eternal truth” in many churches was largely a product of early 20th-century America—a direct response to the social upheaval of the early Industrial era. As the world began to change, some Christians clung harder to certainty. They elevated inerrancy, narrowed salvation, and moralized just about everything. It wasn’t theological discovery—it was defensive posture.

I don’t say this to be dismissive. I say it because it’s liberating. Once I saw the historical scaffolding behind what I had been taught, I could finally start to disentangle cultural reaction from spiritual truth. And in that space, the gospel re-emerged—not as a weapon to police society, but as a movement of love, justice, and radical grace. I invite you to join me on this journey of discovery as we answer the question: What does faith look like when it responds out of courage instead of fear?

Blessings,

Pastor Brian

New Day continues its mission to become a "church beyond the walls" with a broad range of activities to build community and several ways to grow in your faith and spirituality over the rest of this month.

*Note the location for each event.

Upcoming Events Summary

Church Garage Sale: Saturday, May 3, 2025, 7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Bible Study: Sunday, May 4, 2025, 10:30 a.m. at Other Lands. The Social Gospel: What Happens When Faith at the Crossroads Chooses Courage Over Fear.
Monthly Social Event Bowling: Saturday, May 10, 2025. Bowling at Bowlero in Greenville. Contact Gary Harris for more information.
Worship Service: Sunday, May 18, 2025, 10:30 a.m. at Other Lands.
Monthly Community Service: Friday, May 30, 2025. Star Party at Generations Group Home. 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. PLEASE SIGNUP.

If you'd like to add anything for next weeks' community prayer, please contact Pastor Brian at pastor@newdayccc.com.

Prayers for Jason's mother Pat who was diagnosed with cancer.
Prayers for Liz's allergies.
Prayers for Scott who is recovering from appendicitis. The surgeon suggested that he try antibiotics and see if that provides relief instead of surgery.
Prayers for Sam who is in transition in her home and professional lives.
Prayers for Miss Judy who has Fuchs Dystrophy and has surgery scheduled for May 14.
Prayers for Andrea whose nerve pain has greatly improved in her legs, but she still a lot of pain in my low back and hips.
Prayers for Sarah is also experiencing severe knee pain.
Prayers for Cheryl who has ongoing health concerns.
Prayers for Greg and Cheryl's newborn grandson.
Prayers for our church as we move to a new chapter in our history as we sell our building in Greer.
Prayers for Faith as they recover from a ministroke.
Prayers for Beth who needs dental work.
Prayers for Gary as he deals with multiple health issues.
Prayers for Joe as he deals with an ongoing sleep condition.
Prayers for Ed who has early signs of dementia.
Prayers for Vanessa and her family.
Prayers for the Harper family.
Prayers for Brooke and Myrna's cat Finn who is having more frequent strokes.
Prayers for Brooke's brother and his husband.
Prayers for Krista's dad as he continues to undergo therapy following a stroke.
Prayers for those who are struggling with physical, mental, and economic challenges.
Prayers for those who have suffered trauma and those who suffer from anxiety, depression and other mental health issues.
Prayers for those suffering the effects of war.
Prayers for our nation as we face local, national, and global challenges.
Prayers for those of us who are suffering from the blistering attack on our community by the current administration.
Prayers for Pastor Brian, Beth, Scott, and others who have unspoken requests this week.

Please support the work of the church

by donating your time, talent, and tithe.

As of 5/1/25

Tithe Income: $5,288

Other Income: $8,375

Expenses: $19,400

Net Loss: -$5,737

As we embrace new opportunities in 2025, your support is more vital than ever. Your generosity fuels our mission to serve the LGBTQ community, provide a welcoming space for worship, and grow into all God calls us to be. Every gift, no matter the size, helps us continue creating a space of love, connection, and hope. Thank you for being part of this journey—your contributions truly make a difference.

Click the link below to give through our Flocknote portal or donate through Zelle to treasurer@newdayccc.com.

Give to General Fund

UPDATE ON CHURCH BUILDING SALE / FORMATION OF NEW COMMITTEE

Our church building sale is moving forward, and we have a confirmed closing date of May 12. This space has held our prayers, our laughter, and our shared dreams—and as we prepare to say goodbye, we also give thanks for all the ways it has served our community. As we look to the future, a new committee is forming to thoughtfully explore how we might invest the proceeds from the building sale in ways that support our continued operations and ensure our long-term survival. We especially want to make sure these resources serve our ongoing call to be a church beyond the walls—grounded in justice, inclusion, and compassion. If you’re interested in being part of this discernment committee, please reach out to Pastor Brian.

New Day Christian Community Church
MEETING LOCATION - OTHER LANDS

731 Rutherford Road, Greenville, SC 29609

New Day Christian Community Church exists to provide a diverse, open, and affirming Christian community to all who desire a discipleship walk with Jesus Christ by offering challenging worship experiences, mission-based service opportunities, and Biblical learning so that we are empowered to reach out to others, introduce them to the love and strength of the beloved community, and invite them to join the faith journey of discipleship.