WORSHIP WITH US – SUNDAYS AT 10AM
from Rev. C. Nels Ledwell
O Little Town of Bethlehem: A Story of Faith
Keith Wagner tells the story of one of our favorite Christmas hymns. His story is below.
One of my all-time favorite Christmas hymns is “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” It has been around since 1868 although it wasn’t formally used in churches until 1892. It is a hymn which is packed with emotion, a song about the Christ Child, born to Mary, a song filled with the creative power of God intervening in history with the gift of a savior.
For me “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” depicts the Christmas story as a story of hope, a story where the divine and the human come together in an amazing but humble way. It is also an invitation for both the non-believer and the believer. For the non-believer it is an announcement of what God has done and for the believer it is a challenge to increase one’s faith.
What might surprise you is how this great hymn came to be. It was written by Phillips Brooks, Episcopal priest. Brooks was serving the Holy Trinity Church in the City of Brotherly Love (Philadelphia, PA). He had just returned from a trip to The Holy Land which inspired him to write the words. “When he returned to America he still had Palestine singing in his soul.” (from Stories of Christmas Carols by Ernest K. Emurian, Baker Book House Co., page 97)
Brooks was a bachelor. His church organist and Sunday School superintendent, Lewis Redner was also a bachelor and Brooks gave the words to him and asked him to create a tune for the upcoming Christmas celebration. Redner procrastinated and struggled with the creation of a tune to go with the 5 stanzas that Brooks had written. It wasn’t until the night before the celebration that Redner got inspired in the middle of the night and created the song as we know it. The following day a group of 36 children and 6 Sunday school teachers introduced the song created by the 2 bachelors. That was on December 27th, 1968. It wasn’t published as an official hymn of the Episcopal Church until 1892. The following January, Phillips Brooks died, never knowing the magnitude of the hymn that he created.
For some reason the 4th stanza has been dropped from the original score. “Where children pure and happy Pray to the blessed Child, Where misery cries out to thee, Son of the mother mild; Where charity stands watching And faith holds wide the door, The dark night wakes, the glory breaks, And Christmas comes once more.” The stanza includes the line, “And faith holds wide the door.”
This hymn, like the story of the annunciation of Mary in the gospel of Luke, is a story about faith.
See you in Church or online this Sunday where the Dear Christ enters into our lives.
Your Pastor,
Nels
Nels
Preparing for Worship
Sunday, December 22, 2024 10:00 AM
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Scripture Lesson: Exodus 3: 13-15
Meditation: “To You, I Am”
Meditation: “To You, I Am”
Hymns:
O Little Town of Bethlehem
It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
The First Noel
Christmas Cantata “A Simple Christmas”
It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
The First Noel
Christmas Cantata “A Simple Christmas”
Third in the Advent Series on Isaiah’s names of Jesus.
Please go to RightNow Media and watch the lesson on Everlasting Father.
Please go to RightNow Media and watch the lesson on Everlasting Father.
Hymns:
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
Candle Light, Sacred Light
Away In a Manger
What Child is This?
Handbells will be playing our Prelude and Anthem
THANK YOU FROM PATSY RHINEHART
To the McCormick Methodist Church:
I would like to thank you all for your prayers, your kindness and your warm hospitality that were shown to me on Sunday, December 18. I truly thank God for giving me the opportunity to meet and share in the service and the fellowship. I pray that God continues to bless each and every one of you all and I thank the Group that made my beautiful and warm prayer quilt. I love it and love you all – May God continue to bless each and every one of you! Merry Christmas and I pray you all have a great and prosperous New Year!
With Love, Patsy C. Rhinehart
NOTE: Patsy says that her prayer quilt is displayed on her bed for all her friends and family to see!
Acts of Kindness
Waiting for Baby Jesus!
We have one more Sunday during Advent as we await the Holy Birth of Jesus on Christmas Day. This period of waiting took on a new meaning for me this year, and I’d like to share it with you.
Soon after we were married in the late sixties, I went to the local ceramics shop in downtown McCormick and created what came to be our family’s nativity set (left photo above). Since that time, it became a tradition to display it in our home during the Advent Season. It wasn’t “fine china”, but it was fine to me!
Our garage fell victim to Hurricane Helene on September 27 and was later demolished on November 27 – the day before Thanksgiving. Among the three huge containers of ruins that went to a landfill were our Christmas decorations that were stored there – decorations that tell our family’s story.
Among those decorations was our Nativity set, and with the beginning of Advent, my thoughts turned to Christmas decorations, of course! A trip to the Salvation Army Thrift Store resulted in finding a 9-foot pre-lit Christmas tree! After a trip to the Dollar Tree, I suddenly had beautiful ornaments, and my tree was so beautiful! In the thrift store, I also noticed a small Hefty plastic storage bag that contained figures to a Nativity set – I counted the pieces – 10 in all. The set looked complete, so I made the purchase.
At home later, I discovered the Star was missing – the empty manger was there but no Baby Jesus! As you see in the photo on the right, my new Nativity is on display, and, like all of us, it is awaiting the birth of Jesus!! I don’t have to have the figurine of the main character of the Christmas Story, I already know how the story ends, and I will welcome Jesus anew in my heart on Christmas Day! The absence of Baby Jesus in my Nativity set reminds me to keep looking for Him not only during Advent but also throughout the coming year! And when I look for Him, I will find Him in the many kindnesses displayed by His people in so many ways as they share Jesus with one another! Merry Christmas!
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!
MATTHEW AND KRISTI SCALES
MISSION IN UGANDA
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE SCALES FAMILY!
We are praying this Christmas season is full of intent worship of our savior who came so humbly to save us all.
This season has been extra special for us, we are trying to enjoy each moment.
We wanted to express our gratitude for all the prayers lifted in our name. Also for the support financially we have received so far. If you are interested in year end giving, or becoming a monthly supporter PLEASE let us know, we are still seeking regular support as we prepare for the Ugandan mission field.
UPDATES!
We are leaving for North Carolina on January 6th to begin Cultural Intensive training. Our family of 5 will learn strategic missionary training for the field.
Our Commission Service is planned for February 9th at 5pm, Oakbrook Community Church Jonesville, SC. Please mark your calendars because we want YOU there!
February 18th is our scheduled launch date to Uganda!
We are praying for you and again THANK you for even reading this email. Don’t forget this season to allow the Christmas story to change you,nlet God OVERSHADOW you (Luke 1:35)
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—
CELEBRATE THE BIRTH OF JESUS
McCORMICK METHODIST CHURCH
Thank you to the Sonshine Ringers for presenting “Bells of Praise” and “Go Tell It on the Mountain” at our service on December 15. We are so fortunate to have a Handbell Choir!
If you missed the beautiful music on Sunday, you can see it on https://www.mccormickmc.org/livestream-archives/
On Sunday, December 22 the MMC Choir will present the Cantata, “A Simple Christmas”
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
We recommend you watch the video about I AM on:
https://app.rightnowmedia.org/en/content/details/458407
On Tuesday, December 24 at 3PM there will be a Christmas Eve service.
Everyone is welcome!
There will be Carols, The Story, Communion and Candlelight.
Prepare Your Heart for Advent with Us!
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
To enhance your experience, we’ll also be using video lessons by J.D. Greear on RightNow Media, perfectly complementing the weekly messages.
Here’s how you can be part of it:
- 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.
INVITE YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS
ADVENT AT MMC
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!
METHODIST MEN
JANUARY 7 6PM FELLOWSHIP HALL
Mark your new calendars
The Methodist men will meeting for the first 2025 meeting on January 7. We welcome all men, including your friends and neighbors!
Dinner will be served at 6pm followed by a devotion by Gary Grady. There will be some short business discussions. Dinner will be prepared by Don Smith, who will be making his famous sloppy Joe’s.
Our guest speaker is Yule Gurreau. He will be discussing the history and war in the Ukraine. He came to America seeking political asylum. Please feel free to invite other men, we would like a good turn-out for our first 2025 meeting!
Bob Rennie President, Methodist men
YEARLONG CHURCH-WIDE STUDY INITIATIVE
RIGHTNOW MEDIA
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.
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.
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
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.