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WORSHIP WITH US – SUNDAYS AT 10AM
from Rev. C. Nels Ledwell
Suffering and Repentance
John K. Bergland once was the editor of Abingdon Preachers Annual. I read this article back in 1992 and thought it was applicable to our message for this coming Sunday. Please read his article below and enjoy.
Trevor Beeson stood at the high altar of Westminster Abbey to celebrate the marriage of his daughter, Catharine, to Anthony, aged twenty-three. Nine months later he stood before the same altar for Anthony’s funeral, who was killed when his car ran into a wall in East London. Four months later, Trevor returned to the altar beside the coffin of his friend and hero Earl Mountbatten, who died when his fishing boat was blown to pieces by Irish terrorists. Reflecting on the experience, he said he could not blame God for these senseless tragedies. He wrote:
I should find it impossible to believe in, and worship, a God who arranged for the great servants of the community to be blown up on their holidays and who deliberately turned a young man’s car into a brick wall…This is not the God of love whose ways are revealed in the Bible and supremely in the life of Jesus Christ.
Beeson found two insights that helped him to cope with his tragedy and to look beyond it: “The first is that, although God is not responsible for causing tragedy, he is not a detached observer of our suffering. On the contrary, he is immersed in it with us, sharing to the full our particular grief and pain. This is the fundamental significance of the cross.”
Second, although we naturally ask, “Why did it happen?” Beeson discovered that the more important question is “What are we going to make of it?”; “Every tragedy contains within it the seeds of resurrection.” This is, after all, the whole point of our pilgrimage through Lent, to Good Friday, and Easter morning.
Are those who experience innocent suffering worse than anyone else? Of course not. It can happen to any of us.
But is there a connection between innocent suffering and human action? Of course there is, and unless we change our way of living, we may all experience the same suffering.
What does Jesus offer us when we experience this kind of suffering? The power of God to hold us firm, to give us strength, and to see us through.
See you in Church or online this Sunday and we will talk more about this in the morning message. Yes, it will be huge!
Your Pastor,
Nels
Nels
Preparing for Worship
Sunday, March 23, 2025 – 10AM
Third Sunday in Lent
Third Sunday in Lent
Scripture Lesson: Luke 13: 1-9
Message: “Just Like Us”
Message: “Just Like Us”
Hymns:
God of Grace and God of Glory
Shout to the Lord
Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me
Shout to the Lord
Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me
Anthem: Fly Away Medley
Kindness Update – Under His Wings!
Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing – Luke 13: 34
In the scripture above, Jesus just wanted to love Jerusalem as a hen loves and protects her chicks – in that same way He wants to love us today and be a part of our future. This was a focus of Pastor Nels’ message this past Sunday as he keeps us steered in the right direction on our Lenten Journey. Entitled “The Fox, A Hen, & Your Future” the message reminded us how Jesus focuses on our future. As Pastor Nels pointed out, being “under the wings of Jesus” is a really good place to be!
The scripture reminded me of how God uses the animals in His Kingdom to teach us and sometimes reach us in kind ways that we as human beings seem to be lacking. Then I thought about Fred Fuller and the great compassion that he and Carol have for animals and a story that he shared the other day. Fred has said that I could share it with you:
“Lexie’s Miracle”
When we bought her, our horse Lexie had seepage from her left eye. We called the vet who came, examined her and diagnosed that she had cancer in her eyelid. Lexie improved some, but on the vet’s second visit, the diagnosis was that the cancer had come back. We were advised at that time to just love Lexie for the time she had left as her condition wasn’t going to get better. Her eye was huge with swelling. So, love on her was what we did – Carol and I began an intense regimen of praying over Lexie. Two weeks later, on the vet’s third visit, we were told that Lexie’s cancer was gone! That was two years ago, and we thank God for His miracle of healing for Lexie. Fred says, “Lexie (and all animals) are a part of God’s creation; when you see the creativity that goes into a big animal like a horse, you can’t help but be aware of how wonderfully powerful and loving our God is! Lexie found her place “under His wings” – see her photo above that Fred sent to us! Thank you, Fred!
This week’s kindness entry shows that the kindness of doctors can go beyond treating their patients – We were on the receiving end of an act of kindest the other day at Self Hospital cafeteria. While waiting for a friend to finish taking some tests we decided to go to the cafeteria for some coffee a nurse raved about. To our surprise a doctor dressed in scrubs told the cashier to put our coffees on his bill. He refused to allow us to pay. It is a wonderful feeling to be a recipient of an act of kindness, and that is why doing small gestures of kindness feels so good. Best of all the world just feels better when kindness is seen around you.
Have you seen God today? If you see God at work this week, there are two ways you can share what you saw!
1) Be a blessing to others by sharing your Act of Kindness (no names please) on our website, or use this link! Then check back each week to learn how others are passing on acts of kindness! The link is https://www.mccormickmc.org/acts-of-kindness
2) There is a Kindness box in the library on the window sill, along with paper and pencil. Share your God-Wink, perhaps someone else will be inspired!
MATTHEW AND KRISTI SCALES
MISSION IN UGANDA
Looks like they are already working on the land!
If you feel drawn to support their mission financially you can write a check, payable to MMC and noted Uganda Mission and put it in collection plate, bring it by the office, or mail to the church (McCormick Methodist Church, PO Box 267, McCormick, SC 29835).
—or—
STEPHEN MINISTRY
READY TO LISTEN
If you are experiencing any type of difficulty and you need someone to listen to you, with whom you can share your feelings and receive acceptance and Christian love, please consider being in a relationship with a Stephen Minister at MMC.
Start by calling Pastor Nels or one of the Stephen Leaders and begin a ‘fellowship’ with a Stephen Minister. We may be reached through the church office at (864) 852-2394.
CONGREGATIONAL CARE COMMITTEE
The Congregational Care Committee wants you to know they are there to help you if you ever need transportation, meals or a visitor! Please contact Kim Jackson if you or someone you know needs help or if you would like to be added to the list of volunteers.
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Click the link below to view a short video on setting up your app.
Upcoming Events
NEW SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS
BOOK OF JAMES
Wendy Kvale, our Lay Leader, started a new Sunday School class. It is held in the Wesleyan Room at 11:15 (to give you time to get a sweet and coffee!
Wendy invites anyone who is interested to join her on a journey through the book of James to stop by on Sunday!
GAMES WITH FRIENDS
THIRD THURSDAYS 1:30PM
This announcement is for anyone excited about Christian Fellowship and having fun!! Games with Friends will start on March 20th and continue each 3rd Thursday of the month. We’ll meet from 1:30-3:30PM in the fellowship hall and decide on the games of the week to play.
MCCORMICK METHODIST WOMEN NEWS
Baby Bottles for Crossroads Women’s Center (Greenwood)
The baby bottles for the Crossroad Baby Bottle Campaign are in the Fellowship Hall. There will be a sheet to show who has taken a bottle to fill with coins. Funds raised enable CPC to offer free pregnancy tests, counseling, classes, ultrasounds, Bible Studies, and material assistance such as diapers and clothing. Bottles need to be returned by March 30.
The baby bottles for the Crossroad Baby Bottle Campaign are in the Fellowship Hall. There will be a sheet to show who has taken a bottle to fill with coins. Funds raised enable CPC to offer free pregnancy tests, counseling, classes, ultrasounds, Bible Studies, and material assistance such as diapers and clothing. Bottles need to be returned by March 30.
Holy Week and Easter Services
PALM SUNDAY – April 13 – 10AM
Palm Sunday commemorates the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and begins the series of observances focusing on the events of Holy Week.
MAUNDY THURSDAY – April 17 – 6PM
Wendy Kvale and Deb Wissinger will lead the service.
EASTER SUNDAY – April 20
SONRISE SERVICE – 6:30AM
Baker Creek State Park Pavilion
Baker Creek State Park Pavilion
Coffee and refreshments will follow. Bring your guests, neighbors and friends.
RESURRECTION CELEBRATION AND EASTER MUSICAL – 10AM
MMC Sanctuary
The Chancel Choir will sing the Easter Musical, “Because He Lives”. MMC Family members will provide the narration. Coffee and refreshments will follow in the Fellowship Hall.
MMC WOMEN MOVIE TIME
UNSUNG HERO
April 15 2pm
All women and their guests are invited to watch Unsung Hero in the Fellowship Hall on April 15 at 2pm. Popcorn and Lemonade will be provided!
UNSUNG HERO
In 1991, the Smallbone family moved from Sydney, Australia to Nashville, Tennessee, in pursuit of a new beginning. David and his wife, Helen, uproot their lives and six children seeking refuge in Nashville after the collapse of David’s music company in Australia following a $500,000 loss from one concert booking.
In 1991, the Smallbone family moved from Sydney, Australia to Nashville, Tennessee, in pursuit of a new beginning. David and his wife, Helen, uproot their lives and six children seeking refuge in Nashville after the collapse of David’s music company in Australia following a $500,000 loss from one concert booking.
As the family settles into their new home they encounter numerous challenges, including financial struggles and the daunting task of starting over in a foreign country. Despite the uncertainty, Helen’s unwavering faith and David’s determination propel them forward, instilling hope and resilience in their children.
THE CHOSEN SEASON 4
STARTS APRIL 28 (MARK YOUR CALENDARS!)
Join Us for an 8-Week Bible Study Featuring The Chosen (Season 4)!
Come be part of a special time of fellowship and discussion as we watch and explore The Chosen (Season 4) together. Each week, we’ll view an episode, then enjoy coffee, dessert, and meaningful conversation about the themes and scriptures it highlights.
Details:
When: Mondays, April 28 – June 23 (No meeting on May 26 for Memorial Day)
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Where: McCormick Methodist Church
What to Expect: Fellowship, coffee, dessert, and thought-provoking discussion
Where: McCormick Methodist Church
What to Expect: Fellowship, coffee, dessert, and thought-provoking discussion
Everyone is welcome! Let us know if you plan to join. Sign ups in Fellowship Hall.
MMC CRAFT SHOW AND COOKIE FACTORY
OCTOBER 4 – 9am to 2pm
VENDORS NEEDED
Lindy Stahlman and Cindy Clausman are the new chairpersons for the Craft Show. Carol Tummons will be leading the bakers for the Cookie Factory.
Sue Wurtzbacher and Marge Radosevich will be asking for plants to sell in the Atrium. Watch for more details!
VENDORS If you or a friend or neighbor is interested in participating in this year’s Craft Show, please email Lindy Stahlman. Lindy will send you the pricing information and registration form. Don’t hesitate, the spots fill up quickly!
Indoor tables (8 ft) cost $40 and all crafts must be handcrafted. We also offer tent space (you supply the tents) for $25. Items do not have to be handcrafted.
Again, there will be tons of baked goods in the Fellowship Hall. Watch for notices about what is needed as the year goes on.
The Men N’ Ministry will be selling brats cooked on the grill, as well as soda and chips.
It is always a fun day of fellowship while raising funds for our missions!
2025 Flower Calendar
Please sign up on the chart across from the office for a week that works best to supply the flowers for the sanctuary. Patsy will sign you up if you want, just give her a call at the Church office!