WORSHIP WITH US – SUNDAYS AT 10AM
from Rev. C. Nels Ledwell
Just Stay in the Race
Mary Hollingsworth tells a story about the noted director of biblical epics, Cecil B. DeMille. When they began working on the movie Ben Hur, DeMille talked to Charlton Heston–the star of the movie–about the all-important chariot race at the end. He decided Heston should actually learn to drive the chariot himself, rather than just using a stunt double. Heston agreed to take chariot-driving lessons to make the movie as authentic as possible.
Learning to drive a chariot with horses four abreast, however, was no small matter. After extensive work and days of practice, Heston returned to the movie set and reported to DeMille.
“I think I can drive the chariot all right, Cecil,” said Heston, “but I’m not at all sure I can actually win the race.”
Smiling slightly, DeMille said, “Heston, you just stay in the race, and I’ll make sure you win.”
Those are the words of God to everyone through a time of tumultuous change: “John, Mary, Heather, you just stay in the race, and I’ll make sure you win.” Look for God’s hand. If you cannot see it in the event itself, look for it in the aftermath when you are putting your life back together. I promise you, God’s hand will be there.
Come to worship with us or online this Sunday and learn how God is in our race to help us win!
Your Pastor,
Nels
Nels
A Word of Thanks and Appreciation from Your Pastor
Thanks to all of you I had a wonderful birthday last Sunday. You all made turning Medicare age much more enjoyable than I ever thought it could be. Your cards of love and monetary gifts are much appreciated. The lunch was delicious and a great time was had by everyone as we came together. I also received gifts such as a divine Cheesecake, Buckeyes that are addictive and even a cow quilt. I’m so thankful I told the SPRC chair I would extend my contract for 6 more months from June if you will have me. I have served bigger churches, fancier churches, and even richer churches, but this one has a love that is reflected in Jesus Christ. For this I am very thankful.
Nels
Preparing for Worship
Sunday, November 17, 2024 10:00 AM
Twenty-Sixth Sunday After Pentecost
Stephen Ministry Sunday
Scripture Lesson: Hebrews 10: 11-25
Message: “The Bedrock of Faith”
Hymns:
O God, Our Help In Ages Past
On Eagles Wings
He Touched Me
I Am Thine O Lord
Go Now In Peace
On Eagles Wings
He Touched Me
I Am Thine O Lord
Go Now In Peace
HAPPY BIRTHDAY NELS!
The Family Ministries Committee did a wonderful job of organizing a spaghetti luncheon to celebrate Nels’ birthday on Sunday.
The spaghetti, served with salad and garlic bread was delicious! And of course to top it all off, John Yerdon made one of his famous carrot cakes!!
Good job goes to John (and Sue) and Carol Tummons and all those who helped set up, cook and clean up!
HURRICANE HELENE RELIEF
SAMARITAN’S PURSE
LAST DATE FOR COLLECTION IS NOVEMBER 24
$5,865 was sent to Samaritan’s Purse from the MMC family. They continue to help folks hit by Hurricane Helene. At sites across North Carolina, they are doing tree work, mudding out homes, removing debris, and tarping roofs. Heavy equipment is being used to clear private driveways and private roads. In some areas, they are also offering water and potable water to the community.
It is not too late to contribute. Another check will be sent on November 24. Thank you for your generosity!
If you want to donate cash, please put the cash in an envelope and note Samaritan’s Purse on the front. Please make checks payable to MMC and note Samaritan’s Purse. Checks may be put in the offertory plate or brought to the office. If mailing your check, the address is MMC, P.O. Box 267, McCormick SC 29835.
If you would like to donate via our website, go to https://secure.myvanco.com/YQQ5/campaign/C-ZAEF
Please continue to pray for all those affected by the storm.
Acts of Kindness
Kindness Update – Remembering Our Veterans!
Many of us remember Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” that has 60 adaptations for seasons like Easter, Christmas, etc. As we honor and remember on Veterans Day this week, I received an email from a dear friend in Augusta, Georgia that I would like to share with you just in case you haven’t heard it – it was new to me, and it is Big Geek Daddy’s Hallelujah Veterans. You may click on the link below to hear it, but first I just want to give you a little background on my friend.
Her name is Anne, and she is faithful to send me patriotic remembrances throughout the year. She was originally from France and met and married her husband Lloyd during his wartime military service many years ago. Lloyd died of throat cancer some years back following a valiant battle with the disease; during that time, he served as leader of a support group for laryngectomees in Augusta.
Although her command of the English language is limited, Anne uses her command of her computer to faithfully honor and remember her husband and American Veterans past and present and reminds others to do the same. I am so very thankful for her kind reminders. Please join me in clicking the link below to sing “Praise the Lord!” for all who have served and continue to serve so that we might enjoy the freedoms we have today as Americans:
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 Bible tells us, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”
Thank you to those who already pledged! The finance committee will use the figures to work on the 2025 budget.
It is never too late to pledge! If you have not filled out a commitment card, there are extras in the office.
It is never too late to pledge! If you have not filled out a commitment card, there are extras in the office.
You may want to consider using Vanco to make your donations. You can set it up to pay automatically, which is wonderful, especially when you are away or unable to attend in person. You get a message from them when it makes the donation. You can stop or change the amount at any time. It is secure and part of our website.
Please fill out the commitment card, even if using Vanco. This helps the finance team to budget.
THANKSGIVING BAGS FOR OUR COMMUNITY
RETURN BY NOVEMBER 17
ELDER BASKET MINISTRY
BASKETS IN FELLOWSHIP HALL
THIS IS WEEK FOUR! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
At the November 11 service, the Prayers and Squares team presented hundreds of large prayer squares to be presented to the Native American Outreach Ministry, along with the filled laundry baskets! Lorna Hill thanked the Prayers and Squares team for all their hard work!
“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 has joined the ministry, under the direction of Lorna Hill. The church family is asked to bring items and put them in the laundry baskets, located along the back wall of the Fellowship Hall.
Here are the suggested items. You can bring as many items you want any week, but, remember, they need to be delivered by Nov 17.
Donations for the Native American Elder Baskets:
Week #4: Nov. 17 – 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 online
We pray this will show our Native American friends the “Love of Christ” at Christmas.
Our goal is to have many, many baskets full of needed items for the Native American Outreach Ministry to deliver to the Native Elders over the holidays.
POINSETTIAS FOR THE SANCTUARY
EXTENDED TO NOVEMBER 15
We will again use red poinsettias to decorate the sanctuary during Advent season. You may order as many as you want in honor or memory of loved ones. The cost is $6.50 for each poinsettia.
There will be a form in the bulletin on Sunday. Please either put your money or check in the collection plate on Sunday or bring by the office. If paying by check, please make the check payable to MMC and note poinsettia.
If you are not going to be in church and would like to order a poinsettia in honor or memory of a loved one, mail in your request to the church office at MMC P.O. Box 267, McCormick SC 29835. (checks payable to MMC and noted poinsettia)
Include the following information….
IN MEMORY OF…
IN HONOR OF…
GIVEN BY (YOUR NAME)..
PHONE #…
___QUANITY OF POINSETTIAS ORDERED
___I WISH TO TAKE MY POINSETTIA(S) HOME AFTER CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE
___I WOULD LIKE MY POINSETTIA(S) TO BE TAKEN TO A SHUT-IN OR NURSING HOME
IN HONOR OF…
GIVEN BY (YOUR NAME)..
PHONE #…
___QUANITY OF POINSETTIAS ORDERED
___I WISH TO TAKE MY POINSETTIA(S) HOME AFTER CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE
___I WOULD LIKE MY POINSETTIA(S) TO BE TAKEN TO A SHUT-IN OR NURSING HOME
ADVENT SERIES
PREPARE YOUR HEARTS FOR ADVENT!
This Advent season, we invite you to join us for a meaningful 4-week Bible study, using RightNow Media to access powerful video teachings by J.D. Greear.
Each week, Pastor Ledwell will preach on the same theme, offering deeper insights as we explore the names of Jesus and what they reveal about His love and presence.
Weekly Themes:
- Emmanuel, God with Us – Experience the closeness of God.
- Wonderful Counselor – Discover the wisdom and guidance Jesus brings.
- Everlasting Father – Reflect on the eternal love of our Savior.
- I AM – Encounter the fullness of who Jesus is.
Each session will be accessible on RightNow Media, and we’ll gather to watch and discuss these powerful lessons. Let’s journey through Advent together, preparing our hearts for the birth of Christ.
Stay tuned for more details!
CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE
SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS
DECEMBER 7 2-4PM FELLOWSHIP HALL
The Evangelism Committee is planning a Christmas Event in conjunction with Holiday on Main in McCormick. It will be held on Saturday, December 7 from 2-4pm. They are planning on having a professional Santa Claus in the Fellowship Hall, which will be decorated with child-friendly decorations. There will be children’s bells and a choir in the Fellowship Hall, where cookies and punch will be served.
Fellowship Hall:
2:30 – 2:45 Shiloh Children’s Choir, Catherine Callahan director of the Children’s Choir
3:00.- 3:15 McCormick First Baptist Church, Stacey Gulledge director of the Children’s Bell
Choir
2:30 – 2:45 Shiloh Children’s Choir, Catherine Callahan director of the Children’s Choir
3:00.- 3:15 McCormick First Baptist Church, Stacey Gulledge director of the Children’s Bell
Choir
The committee has also arranged for groups to sing in the sanctuary!
2:00 – 2:15 McCormick Methodist Church, soloist Patsy Wilson, accompanist Peggy Thomas
2:15 – 2:35 Mount Moriah Baptist Church, Pat Brady and the choir singing Christmas melodies
2:40 – 3:00 Shiloh, AME, Shiloh Mens Choir Group
3:00 – 3:20 Mount Zion AME, Nadine Adams, Mount Zion gospel choir
3:20 – 3:40 Zion Chelsea AME, Gena Wideman, soloist, accompanists Monica Kelly
3:40 – 4:00 Springfield AME, Kasandra Harper and the Springfield church ensemble
2:00 – 2:15 McCormick Methodist Church, soloist Patsy Wilson, accompanist Peggy Thomas
2:15 – 2:35 Mount Moriah Baptist Church, Pat Brady and the choir singing Christmas melodies
2:40 – 3:00 Shiloh, AME, Shiloh Mens Choir Group
3:00 – 3:20 Mount Zion AME, Nadine Adams, Mount Zion gospel choir
3:20 – 3:40 Zion Chelsea AME, Gena Wideman, soloist, accompanists Monica Kelly
3:40 – 4:00 Springfield AME, Kasandra Harper and the Springfield church ensemble
YOUR HELP IS NEEDED!
MARKETING
We need your help to spread the word about the Open House. Won’t you take a minute to send the flyer that the Evangelism committee developed to your friends and neighbors? Go to
https://www.mccormickmc.org/christmas-open-house-2024 and click the link labeled “Printable Flyer”.
We need your help to spread the word about the Open House. Won’t you take a minute to send the flyer that the Evangelism committee developed to your friends and neighbors? Go to
https://www.mccormickmc.org/christmas-open-house-2024 and click the link labeled “Printable Flyer”.
COOKIES are needed!
There is a sign up in the Fellowship Hall for all you wonderful bakers! Please bring the cookies to the church Friday, December 6, in the afternoon so they can arrange them for Saturday.
SECRET SISTER CHRISTMAS REVEAL PARTY
Attention McCormick Methodist Ladies!
As we come together to celebrate the joy of the season and our connections with one another, we’re excited to invite all participants of this year’s Secret Sister program to the Christmas Reveal Party!
When: Tuesday, December 17th at 5:30 PM
Where: Fellowship Hall
Where: Fellowship Hall
Join us for a festive evening of fellowship as we finally uncover the mystery of our Secret Sisters! We’ll enjoy a delicious meal, holiday treats, and share the joy of giving and receiving as we exchange our final gifts.
Please bring along a final gift for your Secret Sister. Feel free to dress in your holiday best or festive attire!
Sign-up sheets are on the round table in Fellowship Hall, please sign up as soon as possible. We are looking for volunteers to help bake Christmas cookies and set up, too. If you can help, please look for the sign-up sheet for that as well.
Looking forward to a memorable evening together. Merry Christmas and see you there!
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.