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Thank you for giving to McCormick Methodist Church. Your gifts enable us to fulfill our mission of “Reaching Up and Reaching Out”.

 

from Rev. C. Nels Ledwell

 

 

This Sunday we will celebrate the ministry of this body of Christ known as McCormick Methodist Church. It will be a day of celebration and thanksgiving for all the gifts and talents that are shared together in ministry by all who attend our Church. You will hear testimonies and witnessing from many of our Church members. As your Pastor, I give thanks that we have so many talented and gifted people that are willing to answer God’s Call to serve together in ministry. Below is an article from the Global Methodist Church on the ministry of the Laity.

 

God has entrusted His work in this world to the whole people of God. All Christians are called through their baptism to be in ministry to others, both as individuals and as a part of the church, using the gifts and graces with which they have been equipped by the Holy Spirit. Every layperson bears the responsibility for carrying out the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), but likewise each have been given the power by God to do so. For like the variety of spiritual gifts described in the scriptures, the diversity of our outreach efforts knows no limit either when we serve Christ with joy and thanksgiving. With other heirs of the Protestant Reformation, we embrace the notion of “the priesthood of all believers” and we call upon both laity and clergy to work together in a partnership of servant hood. As suggested in Ephesians 4:12-13, Christ has not given to pastors the task of doing the ministry by themselves, but of equipping those in the church for such works of service, so that “the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”

 

We believe that it is only as each individual, whether lay or clergy, bears witness to God’s grace that the world may come to know Christ and respond to His invitation to have life in abundance. Each member is therefore expected to be a witness for Christ in the world, a light and leaven in society, and a reconciler in a culture of conflict, identifying with the agony and suffering of the world and radiating and exemplifying the Christ of hope. As the people of God, we must either win the world to Christ, or abandon it to those forces that oppose Him. Beyond the diverse forms of ministry is this ultimate concern: that all persons will be brought into a saving relationship with God through Jesus Christ and be renewed after the image of their creator (Colossians 3:10). This means that all Christians are called to minister wherever Christ would have them serve and witness in deeds and words that heal and free. Toward that end, the full participation of all who believe is vital and cannot be evaded if the gospel is to be heard and received.

 

See you in Church this Sunday or online as we celebrate our ministry together as the body of Christ. It will be huge!

 

Your Pastor,
Nels

 

 

It never ceases to amaze me! Every time I start to think about retiring from our Church, we do something great and it renews my calling to serve as your Pastor. Last Saturday many came together for our Craft and Cookie Factory and all had a blast watching our vendors sale various items to hundreds of visitors and then sitting down for the brats prepared by the Men of the Church. Pastors rejoice when the Church comes together with an event that glorifies God. Thank you to all who helped make last Saturday a great day for MMC.

 

Sunday, you all showered me with cards, letters, and gifts for Pastor Appreciation Sunday. Your words of kindness and love are treasured by me and gives me courage and energy to continue serving as your Pastor. Thanks again for all who shared their kindness to me as their Pastor.

 

Together we will make a difference in our community as we serve and make disciples in the name of Jesus Christ.

 

Your Pastor,
Nels

 

Laity Sunday Celebration

 

 

We have enjoyed having Patty and Dave as a part of our church family for some time. They decided on Sunday, they would like to transfer their membership to McCormick Methodist Church. We are so happy they did!

They are originally from Pickerington, Ohio, and have been married for forty years. They have spent time living in Arizona. They enjoyed traveling the country in their fifth wheel for several years before settling down in Savannah Lakes.

 

Note: Dave and Patty participated in a Mission Trip, with Volunteers in Mission, to Mt. Vernon, Kentucky last week and they have volunteered to share their experience with us this coming Sunday (Laity Sunday).

 

Welcome to Dave and Patty! We are very fortunate to have new members with your energy and willingness to share!

 

Not so sure we surprised you but we want you to know it’s a fact that we appreciate all that you do for us, as a church family and as individuals. We have had an unusual few years with you by our side. You got us through COVID, disaffiliation, and many events in the church. You were always right there with us and we appreciate it!

 

Your sermons are inspiring and thought-provoking, we love the way you always share a lesson from the Bible, then you explain it (often with your own power points), and then have an antidote to further bring it on home to us. We know it takes a lot of time to prepare those sermons and we again thank you!

 

This week’s Kindness entry (below) reminded me that when kindness shows up, teamwork happens! And that is just what happened this past Saturday for this year’s Craft Show and Cookie Factory. Although I was not there, I went to the MMC website and looked at the many pictures and saw what a successful event it was! Praise God!

 

As we all know, this event doesn’t happen without months of planning and preparation, and much applause goes to Barb Shelley and all those who follow her leadership to make this a reality for us. When McCormick Methodist Church opens its doors to the community like this, the lovingkindness of Jesus Christ shows up every time!

 

Out of curiosity about teamwork and its connection to kindness, I found the following on the Got Questions? website – (Your Questions – Biblical Answers). While the word teamwork does not appear in the Bible, the Word of God does contain a lot of information about working together … The most foundational team is the one created when someone accepts Christ as Lord and Savior. From that very instant, the newborn child of God is never alone (Hebrews 13:5). The believer has the advantage of being part of his own “God team,” with the benefits of the guidance of the Holy Spirit (1 John 2:27), the priestly provisions of Jesus (Hebrews 10:19–22), and the eternal love of a faithful Father (1 Corinthians 1:9; 10:13).

 

 

Teamwork happens when we model kindness and we receive our reward of kindness in return – that’s what happened this past Saturday at McCormick Methodist Church!

 

This week’s Kindness entry: I showed up at the church today at 7:10 am to find a whole bunch of “helpers” to set up for the Craft Show! It was heartwarming to see them there and they were even smiling! We are so blessed to have a church family that is there when we need their help!

 

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!

 

 

The women’s group was very pleased with the bake and plant sale. Both of them sold out, and along with the $670 from vendor fees they profited a nice amount to use in their missions. The men (who only had one roll left) were also pleased to have profited over five hundred dollars to use on their missions, including building ramps for those with mobility problems.

 

The vendors did very well and thank the Church family for your friendliness and help with their tents, and carrying their boxes, soups, wreaths to and from the cars. One vendor told me this is her favorite show because she feels so welcome! Thank you to all those that were able to attend and thank you for being willing to help as needed!

 

Photos from the event are at 

 

We all must agree the fall craft show was an outstanding event and a blazing success! Church members showed up and did what was needed to be done. The Methodist men had an overflowing of workers and were able to switch off and help wherever needed. Set up and take down was smooth and orderly. What a group of senior citizens! Brats and drink sales were over the top. We sold everything we purchased. The revenue generated will serve the needy well. Count us in for 2024.

 

 

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.

 

It’s wonderful to see our guests and our church family sit down together with a cup of coffee and a treat after church! Many new friendships are developing!

 

It’s time to sign up to be the hosts for October, November and December. Please take a minute on Sunday to sign up for a time to bring some goodies. They do not have to be home-made, remember! If you have any questions, please contact Carol Myers.

 

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.

 

 

On October 15, we will begin collecting items for “Elder Baskets”.

 

“Elder Baskets” are plastic laundry baskets filled with non-perishable items, which are given to elderly Native Americans in need. Many Native Americans live well below the poverty line. The Committee on Native American Ministries give these baskets to help them through particularly trying times.

 

MMC will join the ministry, under the direction of Lola Rek, starting on October 15. The church family is asked to bring items and put them in the laundry baskets.
The baskets will be organized and delivered the week of November 6-11.

 

Here are the suggested items. Note, you can bring as many items you want any week.

 

 

There is a table set up in the Fellowship Hall by the back wall for your donations.

 

Donations for the Native American Elder Baskets:
Week #1: Oct. 15 – Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Toilet Paper, Shampoo, Bar Soaps
Week #2: Oct. 22 – Cans of Meats, Canned Vegetables, Peanut Butter, Pasta, Fruit cups
Week #3: Oct. 29 – Soup, Evaporated Milk, Dried Beans & Rice, Oatmeal, Instant Potatoes
Week #4: Nov. 5 – Laundry Detergent, Dish Detergent, Paper Towels & Trash Bags.

 

You are welcome to donate other non-perishable items, such as coffee, coffee mugs, and granola/breakfast bars. Seasonal candies are also greatly appreciated.

 

If you would rather make a monetary contribution and let us do the shopping, please make a check out to MMC and put “Elder Baskets” in the memo section. You can leave your check in the offering plate, take to the office or mail to the church at MMC P.O. Box 267, McCormick SC 29835.

 

You can also donate to the Elder Basket Fund at Home online.

 

We pray this will show our Native American friends the “Love of Christ” at Christmas.

 

 

To purchase these prints, please contact Lola Rek or call the Church at (864) 852-2394.

 

Alpha is an 11 week course designed to create a space for honest conversation around some of life’s biggest questions. It is designed to provide guests, churched and unchurched, an opportunity to connect with one another while providing the opportunity to share thoughts, ideas, and opinions in a safe and caring environment. Alpha helps bring people together while providing the chance to encounter Jesus.

 

Each week consists of a meal together, viewing a video taped talk and then breaking into small discussion groups.  Both Rich and Kim Jackson attended the Alpha Course in 2010, feel free to ask them any questions you may have.

 

Sign up sheets in the Fellowship Hall.

 

 

Weekly Topics
Oct 15 – Why and How Should I Read the Bible?
Oct 22 – How Does God Guide Us?
Oct 29 – Who is the Holy Spirit?
Oct 29 – What Does the Holy Spirit Do?
Oct 29 – How Can I Be Filled with the Holy Spirit?

Nov 05 – How Can I Resist Evil?
Nov 12 – Does God Heal Today?
Nov 19 – What About the Church?

 

Please pray for the Alpha Course. Pray that our church family members see this as an opportunity to evangelize to their friends and neighbors.

 

Besides our wonderful Bible Studies, we are lucky to have three Sunday School classes. Everyone is welcome! Give them a try this week!

 

“Young at Heart” Class
They will be starting a Max Lucado Bible study called, Unshakable Hope on Oct 1. In Unshakable Hope, Max Lucado unpacks 12 of the Bible’s most significant promises, equipping you to overcome difficult circumstances by keeping your focus on the hope found in the promises of Scripture. Lindy Stahlman is the leader (organizer) and says it’s okay to grab a snack or two first, they don’t start until around 11:15. Why not visit this week? They meet in the second classroom and welcome new folks!

 

Wesley Adult Sunday School Class
You might want to grab a snack and visit the Wesley Adult Sunday School class, which meets in The Wesley Room, next to the choir room. They use Cokesbury Adult Bible Studies Books and themes change each quarter. The theme for Fall quarter is “God provides”. Lessons for this continue until November 26. The Winter quarter theme will “God Abides” and looks at three ways we experience God’s presence with us. Each lesson is completed on one Sunday, so you can join us anytime. Gail Gore is the Teacher, and encourages you to call her with questions.

 

The Youth Sunday School Class meets in the Church Library following the Worship Service and after having a chance to grab some “goodies” in the Fellowship Hall. The curriculum generally consists of exploring Pastor Nels’ message a little further. Young people of all ages are always welcome to attend! Linda and Jessica Kidd welcome all children, including visitors!

 

Watch for some of their work on the bulletin board as you start down the ramp toward the Fellowship Hall.