from Rev. C. Nels Ledwell

 

 

Have you ever noticed that peace is an elusive quality in our world today, whether in the Middle East or in Asia, or even right here in our own community?

 

I read about an enthusiastic group of 1200 would-be peacemakers who began a “peace march” a few years back in Los Angeles. This group wanted to make a statement about the futility of war, and the importance of peace. A noble venture, wouldn’t you say?

 

Before they had gone too far, however, the peace march stalled out. About half of the group had disbanded because of petty bickering within the group. “The remaining marchers quickly polarized between those who were walkers and those who rode vehicles. Following that was a dispute over a dress code. Finally, they decided to settle some of the conflict with an election, but there was disagreement over who could vote. Eventually they came to an agreement, allowing even the children to vote, but then the election was declared invalid. The ‘peace march’ ended with a large percentage of those assembled refusing to speak to one another.” (1)

 

Jim Bruton in an article on the web describing this event commented like this: “And we wonder why nations cannot get along.”

 

In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, we find one of the most popular benedictions in the church. Verse 7 of chapter 4 reads: “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

 

What an important verse for this season of the year! Advent and Christmas are times when our hearts and minds naturally move toward the hope of peace on earth.

 

 

 

 

Blessed are they who find Christmas in the age-old story of a babe born in Bethlehem. To them a little child will always mean hope and promise to a troubled world.

 

Blessed are they who find Christmas in the Christmas star. Their lives may ever reflect its beauty and light.

 

Blessed are they who find Christmas in the joy of giving lovingly to others. They shall share the gladness and joy of the shepherds and wise men of old.

 

Blessed are they who find Christmas in the fragrant greens, the cheerful holly and soft flicker of candles. To them shall come bright memories of love and happiness.

 

Blessed are they who find Christmas in the happy music of Christmas time. They shall have a song of joy ever singing in their hearts.

 

Blessed are they who find Christmas in the message of the Prince of Peace. They will ever strive to help him bring peace on earth, goodwill to men (author unknown).

 

See you in Church This Sunday or online where we receive the blessing of the Peace of Christ!

 

Your Pastor,
Nels

 

Third Sunday of Advent

Scripture Lesson: Isaiah 9: 1-7, Luke 15: 11-24
Message: In the Light of Our Everlasting Father

 

Third in the Advent Series on Isaiah’s names of Jesus.
Please go to RightNow Media and watch the lesson on Everlasting Father.

 

Angels From the Realms of Glory
Candle Light, Sacred Light
Away In a Manger
What Child is This?
Handbells will be playing our Prelude and Anthem

 

As we send Christmas wishes to family and friends via emails, texts, and other means of social media instead of sending traditional cards, the mailman’s job probably gets a little lighter. Regardless of how we do it, the most important thing here is that we spread Christmas Joy with those we care about, and technology also allows us to do this throughout the year by sending inspirational messages and scriptures that spread the Love of Jesus. How wonderful that is! I must admit, though, that I enjoy receiving and reading cards and I also have difficulty discarding them. This poem was on the cover of a Christmas card I received years ago – I have held onto it because I love the way it describes the importance of our relationships with each other.

 

By George A. Gladden, Sr. (1935-2005)

I have a list of folks I know, All written in a book,
And every year when Christmas comes, I go and take a look.
That is when I realize these names are all a part,
Not of the book they’re written in, But of my very heart.
For each name stands for someone who has crossed my path sometime,
And in that meeting they’ve become the rhythm in each rhyme.
While it may sound fantastic for me to make this claim,
I feel that I’m composed of each remembered name.
And while you may not be aware of any special link,
Just meeting you has changed my life much more than you may think.
For once I’ve met somebody, the years cannot erase
The memory of a pleasant word or of a friendly face.
So, never think my Christmas cards are just a mere routine
Of names upon a Christmas list, forgotten in between.
For when I send a Christmas card that is addressed to you,
It’s because you’re on the list of folks I’m endeared to.
For I am but a total of the many folks I’ve met,
And you happen to be one of those I prefer not to forget.
Whether I have known you for many years or few,
In some way you have had a part in shaping things I do.
And every year when Christmas comes I realize anew.
The best life can offer is meeting folks like you.
So, may the spirit of Christmas that forevermore endures
Leave its rich blessings in the hearts of you and yours.

 

This week’s Kindness Entries:
While eating with my brother at Cracker Barrel, the front desk hostess came over to our table and told us that our meal had been paid for – what a nice surprise – the spirit of Christmas giving is alive and well! Just in case this generous gesture did not include a tip for our waitress, we gave her a tip and thanked her for her good service!

 

 

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!

 

Thanks to Janice Tipton and the Evangelism Committee for a wonderful open house on Saturday, December 7! There were many children and adults providing heavenly sounds in both the Fellowship Hall and the Sanctuary.

 

It was very special to have choirs from many local churches perform at the same place for those of all ages to enjoy! Of course, Santa and the cookies helped to make it even enjoyable!

 

To see pictures of the day, go to. https://www.mccormickmc.org/open-house-december-2024/

 

The Prayers and Squares team made two more beautiful quilts to be blessed by the church family and delivered to those needing comfort and prayers.The quilts on Sunday were for Patsy Rhinehart (in picture) and Pat Meyers. We pray both will find comfort, knowing many prayers were said while tying the knots.

 

 

The Prayers and Squares team works in the room between the office and Nel’s office. The ladies are often there working, but if you would like to have a quilt made for someone in pain, there are forms on the door if they don’t happen to be there!

 

Many thanks to Lorna Hill and her brother, Randy, for delivering the Elder Baskets. There was a lot of food and supplies thanks to the MMC family!

 

 

 

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—

 

 

 

One way we celebrate His birth at MMC is through music!

 

On Sunday, December 15 the Sonshine Ringers will be presenting “Bells of Praise” and “Go Tell It on the Mountain”.

 

We are so fortunate to have a Handbell Choir! Carol Tummons and the Sonshine Ringers always do a wonderful job, so make sure you come to church, or watch live-stream, or both!

 

The Advent Series is titled Everlasting Father.
We recommend you watch the video about Everlasting Father on:
https://app.rightnowmedia.org/en/content/details/458407

 

On Sunday, December 22 the MMC Choir will present the Cantata, “A Simple Christmas”, at 10AM.

 

Lindy Stahlman will be directing, Dan Tutt will be narrating, and Peggy Thomas will be accompanying on the piano. It proves to be a moving experience. Hope to see you there!

 

The advent Series for December 22 is I AM
We recommend you watch the video about I AM on:
https://app.rightnowmedia.org/en/content/details/458407

 

There will be Carols, The Story, Communion and Candlelight.

 

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.

 

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!

 

 

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!

 

We are thrilled to introduce a year-long church-wide study starting in January! Designed to foster spiritual growth and community connection, this study is available on RightNow Media.

 

RightNow Media Roadmap 2025 Highlights:
Ready-Made Resources: Roadmap 2025 features curated studies, each lasting about 5-10 weeks, with study guides. Each study is presented by different speakers and focuses on different facets of Christian life such as discipleship, life application, scripture study, outreach, and community relationships.

 

Each Sunday school class will be using Roadmap 2025 for their curriculum beginning in early January. Please feel free to join one of the Sunday school classes that meet each Sunday after service.

 

If you are interested in hosting a small group in your home, you might want to invite your neighbors and friends to watch with you, feel free to contact Kim for help in getting started.

 

You can check out the RightNow Media Roadmap 2025 here: https://www.rightnowmedia.org/roadmaps/adult-bible-study-roadmap-2025

 

Special 12 Week Small Group Study:
Wendy Kvale will lead a 13-session small group study on The Truth Project, offering in-depth guided discussions. The Truth Project is a ground-breaking small group curriculum on the Biblical worldview. This video-based Bible study is the starting point for looking at life from a biblical perspective. Join Dr. Del Tackett, as he takes you through 13 engaging video lessons on the relevance and importance of living the Biblical worldview in daily life, featuring insights from biblical experts like R.C. Sproul, Os Guinness and Gordon Pennington. This group will start in early January and meet at Wendy’s home or McCormick Methodist Church.

 

Look for Sign up sheets in Fellowship Hall

 

 

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.