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Hello McCormick Methodist Church Family,

 

It is a great joy and honor to have the opportunity to serve you as your next Pastor. Growing up in a Christian family, I was always intrigued and interested in the life of faith and my call to ministry has taken me from active life in Church and Youth Group to leadership in Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Intervarsity Christian fellowship, to Seminary, to Jerusalem, Israel-Palestine, to Ministry, and now here. Serving our Lord is something I do not take lightly and hopefully over a period of time my commitment to prayer and respect for all human persons, their relationships, and families will show. Every human life is a sacred gift, but not everything humans are Christ-like behavior. As a follower of Jesus, I believe living a Christ centered life is the most fulfilling life a person can have.

 

As person of faith, my daily desire is to Take One Step Closer to Christ and encourage others to do the same. Some of the most profound influences I have had in my life besides Jesus have been people like John Wooden, Lou Holtz, Coach K, and Nick Saban. John Wooden’s pyramid of Success, Lou Holtz’ doing the right thing, Coach K’s golden standard, and Nick Saban’s process of being champion has an impact on my thinking. Thanks to the influence of a Pastor back home in Indiana, the phrase Take One Step Closer to Christ has served as a good reminder to me about why I am here and doing what I do. In the weeks and months ahead, you will begin to hear me reference this phrase. Feel free to use it during your day and as a form of your communication in your daily walk.

 

Currently, our church has a lot of “new” going on. A new Pastor a new association with a denomination and an upcoming new year. With newness comes change and not all change is good, but only change that leads towards closer relationship with Jesus Christ and our loved ones gives us long lasting fulfillment. We are all aware that our time on earth is limited and we have a wide variety of ways in which we can spend it. Some will spend it on themselves and others on their families, their relationships, and/or on various causes. Through how we choose to spend our time, let us remember that the greatest thing a person can do is to serve our Lord and be one with him. There have been many people who have contributed to the ministry here and great ways and as we enter into this new time, let us remember when we make decisions to make them in such a way that leads us to Take One Step Closer to Christ.

 

Before I close, I would to give you an update on what is going to take place with our transition from an Independent Methodist Church to a Global Methodist Church (GMC) as well as address a topic of conversation that has come up in a handful of conversations I have had with people since I have been here.

 

First, as there is a small team of members who will be initiating the application and transition to the GMC. Once this application is submitted and received by the GMC, I will be in contact with the GMC on my next steps on the engagement with the GMC. This will likely take shape in a variety of forms. As that relationship occurs and evolves, I will be in proper communication with the leadership here at our church. This will be an ongoing conversation and if you would like to know further details, please feel free to ask. Later this month, there is a Church Council meeting being held and at that meeting further matters of the GMC will be discussed as well as future plans of ministry at this church. Please keep our leadership and church in prayer as this evolves.

 

Next, since arriving to McCormick, I have been blessed to have had a lot of good conversations with many people and there are so many people to thank. I am grateful for these conversations and for all of you who have welcomed me in the way that you have. However, do to whatever reason it may be, the topic of “politics” have come up as well as some things that has happened in the past. On “politics,” I perceive the purpose of “politics” is really about policies in which govern people for the sake of human flourishing. “Politics” have no place in the church, but conversations surrounding both the World, National, State, County, and Local news is natural and normal and will occasionally appear amongst people in the church. As a Pastor, I am associated with Jesus Christ, not a political party. The Church does stand for certain things and there are churches that do to lean one way or another depending on its denominational affiliation. But, for me, personally, my commitment is to Jesus Christ and the ministry of Christ.

 

As a Methodist Pastor, I have a connection to John Wesley and how he communicated the Gospel. As a soon to be Global Methodist Pastor, you need to know that I will be influenced by the language of the Global Methodist Church as well. But, in light of this connection, you need to know that ultimately my commitment is to Jesus Christ and his ministry. There are going to be times in which you will agree with things that I say and do, and everyone is entitled to his/her own opinion. However, let us remember that our church is here to participate in the ministry of Jesus and our ultimate aim is Take One Step Closer to Christ both individually and collectively.

 

In conclusion, it’s great to be here and I look forward to serving as your Pastor.

 

In Jesus’ Name,

 

Pastor Jake Weber
1 Philippians 3:16

 

As I was doing my daily devotion this morning, I started thinking of this Christmas season! I find when we meditate on the greatness of our Lord, we see that God reveals Himself in so many ways. Are you aware of all that He has done for you and our world? Are your eyes open? Are your ears open? Is your heart open? Meditate on the things he has revealed to us. Take time to notice that God has been at work in our lives since creation.

 

Now, at this special Advent Season, as we prepare for God’s climactic chapter…our Savior’s arriving on earth…take the time to rest in His promises. Know that today when you hear His voice – listen to Him, be aware and open your hearts to the beauty & promise this blessed Christmas brings. Rest in the promise that God is among us. (Hebrews 4:7) We, the Church are God’s House and it’s our job to share our hope, peace, and joy in Christ!

(Hebrews 3:6)

 

Prayer is answered,
Wendy Kvale
Lay Leader

 

 

Greetings Congregation, We had our meeting after services on Sunday, December 7, 2025, and voted to go Global. The vote was 49 yes, 20 no, and 1 abstain. More information will be forth coming. Right now we will enjoy our Lord’s birth!

 

This years Elder Basket Campaign has been a huge success!! Because of your wonderful monetary donations, Keepers of the Word will be able to purchase food and necessity items to fill between 60-65 Elder Baskets.

 

We received two emails from Lee Anne Lamar of Keepers of the Word, thanking all of you with heartfelt thanks. Lee Anne’s words:

 

 

Thank you Jesus! Ajo and Amen

 

Sign up sheet is in the Fellowship Hall.

 

 

 

 

 

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—

 

 

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 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.

 

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.

 

Dear Church Family,

 

One of the most powerful ways we reflect the love of Christ is by caring for one another in times of need. Whether someone is recovering from surgery, facing a difficult season, or navigating a time of grief, small
acts of kindness—like a hot meal, a ride to an appointment, or a friendly visit—can make a world of difference.

 

 

If you’re willing to be on our list of helpers in any of these areas, please send Kim Jackson an email  or add
your name/email to the sign-up sheet in Fellowship Hall.

 

You’ll be contacted as needs arise, with the opportunity to accept or decline depending on your schedule.

 

Let’s continue being the hands and feet of Jesus—loving one another well in both big and small ways.

 

In Christ’s love,

Your Congregational Care Team

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A service of Ordination and Commissioning will be held this coming Sunday, December 14, 2025 at 4PM for our new Pastor Jake and Wendy Kvale. Pastor Nels will be returning to do the ordination ceremony. Pastor Jake will be ordained and Wendy will be commissioned as a certified Lay Minister of the McCormick Methodist Church.
Light refreshments will be offered after the service. All are welcome to come.

 

Thursday, December 18, 2025 the Church Finance meeting will be held in the Fellowship Hall and 6PM. This meeting is open to all Church members, and immediately following is the Church Council meeting at 7PM. This meeting is also open to any church members wishing to attend.

 

 

The group meets on the first and third Fridays of the month at 10 a.m. Their mission emphasis is mental health. 24:7 is open to all, so any who would like to be a part of this experience please do so. Please contact Linda Kidd if you would like additional information.

 

Widows Connection Meetings are held monthly on the fourth Monday at 4 p.m. from September to May. For questions, contact Toni Graham or Linda Kidd.

 

The MMW met on December 5, 2025 for a brown bag lunch with 11 in attendance. We discussed giving money to help charities in the area. After voting on three charities it was decided that we would give money to John de la Howe, Paul Dennis, and McCormick School District in coordination with the McCormick County Sheriff’s Department ‘s 21 children in need.

 

We also voted to have our meetings on the third Wednesday of the month starting in January.