from Rev. C. Nels Ledwell

 

 

Sometimes we need to learn from the least of these how to skip the unimportant so that we can see the most important. Stephen Shadeeg is an Arizona businessman, the father of four children, who told a wonderful story of a particular Christmas morning. He said they had a rule at their house that none of the children could go down to see gifts under the tree until the rest of the family was awake and they could all go together.

 

The year David was seven, he came bounding into their bedroom at 4:30 a.m., his face glowing with excitement, his mouth running at about ninety miles an hour. “Daddy! Mother! Come quick! I saw it!”

 

As they wiped the sleep from their eyes, both he and his wife knew what had happened. The rule had been broken. David had already discovered the new bicycle that he had been wanting for two years. They felt cheated that he had rushed ahead and they had missed seeing his discovery, but it was Christmas, after all, and they couldn’t scold him for being overly anxious.

 

They climbed out of bed, pulled on their robes and slippers, and David took them by the hands, dragging them down the hall. They woke the rest of the children, and with all the family in tow, David led them down the stairs and through the darkened living room toward a window on the eastern side of the house, totally oblivious of the bicycle which sat unnoticed beside the tree. He pointed his little finger to the eastern sky and said, “Look! The Star of Bethlehem! I’ve seen the star!”

 

The child was right. Skip the bicycle. See the star!

 

See you in Church or online this Second Sunday of Advent where truly we will look for the star.

 

Your Pastor,
Nels

 

Second Sunday of Advent
Holy Communion

Scripture Lesson: Isaiah 9: 1-7
Message: Living in the Light

Second in the Advent Series on Isaiah’s names of Jesus.
Please go to RightNow Media and watch the lesson on Wonderful Counselor.

Lift Up Your Head, Ye Mighty Gates
People Look East
Sing We Now of Christmas
It Came Upon the Midnight clear
Anthem: Play for Me Shepherd

 

Advent is a four-week season dedicated to reflective preparation for the arrival, “advent”, of Jesus Christ’s Nativity at Christmas time as well and Christ’s expected return in the Second Coming. During this important event on the church calendar, each week of Advent focuses on a different theme – hope, peace, joy, and love. Christians from all denominations and backgrounds celebrate Advent in different ways but all focus on the anticipation of waiting for the arrival of Jesus.

 

The Chrismon Tree is also full of light; symbols of the Christian faith grace its boughs. The Chrismons on the tree point us to the character and nature of God in Christ, and to our life of faith in Christ. We pray that the keeping of Advent will make us watchful and ready for the coming of God in Christ who brings salvation to all.

 

“The celebration of Advent is possible only to those who are troubled in soul, who know themselves to be poor and imperfect, and who look forward to something greater to come.” ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer

 

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, we may already be struggling to hear the tender voice of our Heavenly Father. Judi Bouchard would remind us that all we need to do is remember the lesson of the snow globe that follows: Thanks so much for sharing, Judi!

 

It was Christmas Eve, and eight-year-old Joey was opening presents with his family at Grandma Baker’s house.

 

Several presents were remaining, but Joey’s attention was distracted by the snow globe on Grandma’s credenza. Over and over, he shook the globe, watching in awe as the snow hid the cottage scene from view. It was as if he could make the cottage disappear!

 

“Joey, you have more presents to open,” his dad reminded him. But Joey persisted. The snow globe had captured his attention, and he couldn’t imagine any presents being as fun. Finally, Grandma Baker went over to Joey and tried a new tactic. “Joey, I love that snow globe too. Can I tell you why?” “Sure, Grandma,” he replied, still gazing at the globe.

 

“Joey, I’ve lived a long time, and I’ve found that life is often just like this snow globe. Sometimes we get all shaken up inside, and we can’t even see the things that are right in front of us.” “What do you mean, Grandma?” he asked quizzically. “How could we get shaken up like that?”

 

 

 

“That sounds pretty bad. What can we do when our heart gets that way? How can we see the picture again?” Grandma Baker smiled and picked up an old Bible from the coffee table. “There’s a Scripture passage that describes this, Joey.”

 

“The Bible talks about snow globes?” “No, not snow globes, but about what happens when our hearts get cloudy like that.” Flipping through the well-worn pages, she continued, “Psalm 46:10 tells us, ‘Be still, and know that I am God.’ When we quit what we’re doing and quiet our heart in God’s presence, the cloudy circumstances sink to the ground and let us see the beautiful picture again.”

 

 

May the words of this beautiful prayer by Helen Steiner Rice be ours at this special time of year: Bless us Lord, this Christmas, with quietness of mind; Teach us to be patient and always to be kind.

 

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!

 

 

 

“Joy to the world, the Lord is come!”

Brightly wrapped packages, Christmas trees, holiday parties, holly and the scent of pine, unending upbeat carols in shops and malls, visits from friends and family, baking and cooking, food everywhere–and the awesome, hushed joy of welcoming a tiny Infant to our world and our hearts–these are the images and memories of Christmas most of us celebrate and treasure.

 

But these joys are not felt by everyone. Each year there are people … the grieving, the ailing, the struggling, and the lonely … who dread the holiday season. They are not moved by the carols, not made hungry by the smells of things baking in the oven or a turkey in a roaster, not excited about the shopping, don’t want to decorate their Christmas tree. Instead, they are overwhelmed by feelings of despair … they dread the hustle and bustle, the anticipation, and the excitement.

 

Some of these people in our church and community have a Stephen Minister to help them cope, but many do not … and appear to be doing just fine, but are struggling. If you know of someone having a difficult holiday season, reach out to them.

 

And remember … If it’s you experiencing a difficult holiday season 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 should you need someone to help. We may be reached through the church office at (864) 852-2394.

 

Dear Beloved Church Family: I am SO thankful to our awesome God who sustains and strengthens me daily. And to all of you , my church family, for all the prayers, calls, food, cards that you have showered on me these past 3 months; the errands run on my behalf . Willing drivers who have taken me to the doctor appointments and those who have come to me so I can be included while I have been sidelined at home. I am So blessed by all of you and praise God for such a caring “family”.

 

I also am thankful that I am able to see you thru Livestream, sing lustfully, praise, pray, be uplifted and rejoice with you each Sunday. Although I would much rather be there in person and look forward to that time when I can return to worship and Young at Heart SS class regularly, I count this a blessing.. I did not know this journey would take so long for relief nor know how much longer it will be, but I do know how much of a blessing you are to me.

 

God Bless You!

Emilee Groh

 

 

On Sunday, November 24, Matthew and Kristi Scales shared their plans as they answer God’s call to mission in Uganda. They asked for the church family’s prayers and said they would appreciate any financial backing we could give them as they moved forward on this mission. They gave us a QR code where we can get regular updates via email. We can write to them also! They’d love to get to know our church family and answer any questions.

 

 

God led them to Mesa Global. This organization, based in Charlotte, NC is a 501c3 with over 400 missionaries globally. They exist to “bring all to the table,” by serving with the global church to equip local believers in ministry. This is accomplished by helping to plant churches, do evangelism, assist ministries in mercy and justice, so that local leaders are holistically formed to carry the gospel further.

 

During their talks with Mesa Global, it became clear that their ministry focus would be around agriculture simply because their entire family can do it. They have three children, who will also be going to Uganda. Kristi has dedicated her life to medicine but that could only be her ministry, farming they can all do. As they saw God’s lead toward agriculture as a mission, a small town in Uganda was brought up. In Bugiri, Uganda (around 6 hours drive from the capital) there is a ministry center called New Life Skills Ministry Center (https://hope58.org/). This center exists to transform lives and communities through equipping village pastors with vital biblical training, giving vulnerable village girls Christ centered life skills, and helping little ones get an excellent start to their educational journey in preschool.

 

On the property is a farm that has been neglected due to all the work needed from the missionaries already there (https://www.facebook.com/actis.mission). Their vision is for this farm to grow, not only in production of crops, but into a skills teaching center for the students and local community. They call this Farming God’s way. Just think about it, how much about farming points directly to the Gospel (the seed, the soil, the HARVEST Matthew 9:37).

 

Their past life experiences trained them for the tasks of this ministry. For example, years of practice with beef, cattle, hay and crop production. Their local church, Oakbrook, has graciously supported this calling for their family. Of course rural living in Union for years has given them the most experience of all! What a blessing from God because of this they feel uniquely qualified and called to reach out to this community in Uganda.

 

Please add the Scales family to your daily prayers.

 

If you feel drawn to support their mission financially….

 

You can write a check, payable to MMC and noted Scales 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—

 

 

Debbie Wissinger designed a flyer you can share with your groups, friends and neighbors! There is a printable copy at

 

You can forward it or print it and share it! Use it to invite all to our church!

 

Thank you, Debbie!

 

 

 

This Advent season, join us as Pastor Ledwell will lead us through an inspiring sermon series, uncovering the powerful names of Jesus and what they reveal about His love and presence. Each Sunday, Pastor Ledwell will preach on these meaningful themes:

 

• Emmanuel, God with Us
• Wonderful Counselor
• Everlasting Father
• I AM

• Sunday School Classes will study these lessons each week during Advent.
• Small Groups will meet Sundays at 4:00 PM for deeper discussion and fellowship.

 

Sign-up sheets for small groups are available in the Fellowship Hall, or reach out to Kim Jackson if you’d like to host a group in your home!

 

If you’re watching the sessions on your own, we’ll ensure you have access to the materials and can stream them easily to your TV.

 

Let’s grow in faith together this Advent season and prepare our hearts for the birth of Christ.

 

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

 

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

 

 

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”.

 

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.

 

 

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

 

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!

 

 

Looking forward to a memorable evening together. Merry Christmas and see you there!

 

 

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.

 

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.