WORSHIP WITH US – SUNDAYS AT 10AM
from Rev. C. Nels Ledwell
Ready for His Blessing?
Carveth Mitchell shares one of his favorite stories of the great Danish philosopher, Soren Kierkegard, that concerns an emperor, touring his domain and receiving the accolades of his people. When the entourage reached the market square of one village, his carriage was surrounded by cheering villagers and peasants. To the amazement of his neighbors, one brash young farmer stepped out of the crowd and approached the emperor’s carriage.
“Give me a boon, Sire,” he pleaded. “Grant me a special blessing.”
The villagers were even more amazed at the emperor’s reply: “Of course, my good man,” he said. “Get into my carriage. Come with me. Live in my palace. Eat at my table. Marry my daughter. Be my son-in-law.”
The young man exclaimed his delight. To be the emperor’s son-in-law! Then he thought about it. No more Saturday nights at the pub with his friends. No more dirty, comfortable peasant clothes. He’d have to get dressed up. He’d have to take a bath – maybe every week. He’d have to clean his fingernails. He’d have to learn the manners of the court. He sadly shook his head and lowered his eyes. “No, Sire,” he said. “I would be too uncomfortable. It would pull me out of my comfortable customs. It would be too hard to live up to. It would take too much of me.”
“If you want to do something for me, give me a plot of ground, a farm, a house of my own; but to live in your palace, eat at your table, be your son-in-law – this is too much.” So he declined it.
You see – he wanted the emperor’s blessing; but he wanted it on his own terms. He wanted to be blessed in doing what he wanted to do – not what the emperor wanted him to do. He wanted to be blessed right where he was, not moved out of his comfortable customs. He wanted the blessing, but not the responsibility that went with it.
So when you ask God for His Blessing, will you be prepared to receive it even though it may just change your life? Change is required if we wish to be part of the Kingdom of God.
See you in Church or online so changes can be made!
Your Pastor,
Nels
Preparing for Worship
Sunday, August 10, 2025
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
Scripture Lesson: Luke 11: 1-10
Message: “The Domino Effect” – Wendy Kvale
Hymns:
Somebody Prayed
Seek Ye First
Sweet Hour of Prayer
Anthem: Seeking the Lost – Al Gaer and Lindy Stahlman
Volunteer to Host Coffee Hour
September volunteers needed. Sign up sheet is in the Fellowship Hall.
CHOIR AND BELL RINGER INVITATIION
Choir and Bell ringers will return to musical worship in September. If you’d like to find out more about us and possibly join us, you are invited to our kick off social gathering on August 13, 4-6PM at 105 Elam Drive, SLV. Like more information? Contact Lindy Stahlman.
MATTHEW AND KRISTI SCALES
MISSION IN UGANDA
How To Support
If you feel drawn to support their mission financially you can write a check, payable to MMC and noted Uganda 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—
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.
Volunteers Needed for Congregational Care Team
Dear Church Family,
One of the most powerful ways we reflect the love of Christ is by caring for one another in times of need. Whether someone is recovering from surgery, facing a difficult season, or navigating a time of grief, small
acts of kindness—like a hot meal, a ride to an appointment, or a friendly visit—can make a world of difference.
acts of kindness—like a hot meal, a ride to an appointment, or a friendly visit—can make a world of difference.
We are currently building a list of volunteers who are willing to step in when needs arise. You don’t need to commit to every request—just let us know how you feel called to help:
Meal Ministry – Provide or deliver a home-cooked or store-bought meal to someone in need.
Transportation Help – Offer rides to church, appointments, or errands for those unable to drive.
Visitation Ministry – Visit homebound members or those in the hospital or care facilities to provide companionship and encouragement.
If you’re willing to be on our list of helpers in any of these areas, please send Kim Jackson an email or add
your name/email to the sign-up sheet in Fellowship Hall.
your name/email to the sign-up sheet in Fellowship Hall.
You’ll be contacted as needs arise, with the opportunity to accept or decline depending on your schedule.
Let’s continue being the hands and feet of Jesus—loving one another well in both big and small ways.
In Christ’s love,
Your Congregational Care Team
Women’s Retreat Coming Soon
Friday, August 15th and Saturday, August 16th
A study of Esther, “For Such a Time as This” will be presented on Friday, August 15th and Saturday, August 16th. You’ll not want to miss our special guest speaker from Florida!! Please plan on spending time with us each day, here at our own Church, from 9AM to 3PM. Lunch will be included. Please sign up in the Fellowship Hall and give your $20.00 check to Karen Hicks or Patsy in the office.
No date yet for the September meeting, but Marc Heyman has graciously agreed to share with us a simple bread recipe.
MMC CRAFT SHOW AND COOKIE FACTORY
OCTOBER 4 – 9am to 2pm
Lindy Stahlman and Cindy Klausman are the new chairpersons for the Craft Show. Carol Tummons will be leading the bakers for the Cookie Factory.
Again, there will be tons of baked goods in the Fellowship Hall. Watch for notices about what is needed as the year goes on.
The Men N’ Ministry will be selling brats cooked on the grill, as well as soda and chips.
It is always a fun day of fellowship while raising funds for our missions!
PLANT SALE
Sue Wurtzbacher and Marge Radosevich will be asking for plants to sell in the Atrium. Watch for more details!
If you are planning on repotting, separating plants, or rooting new plants, and would like to share your bounty, please consider sharing your plants by donating to the MMW Craft Show Plant Sale.
Marge and I will set up several tables (depending on how many plants we get) in the Atrium.
Also if you have extra pots you no longer need (no plastic) or garden accents we would love to accept them also.
We usually have the plants dropped off at the church Friday (Oct 3). If for some reason you need to bring them sooner, we can work something out.
We usually have the plants dropped off at the church Friday (Oct 3). If for some reason you need to bring them sooner, we can work something out.
Thank you in advance for sharing.
Marge Radosevich and Sue Wurtzbacher
VENDORS
If you or a friend or neighbor is interested in participating in this year’s Craft Show, please contact Lindy Stahlman. Lindy will send you the pricing information and registration form. Don’t hesitate, the spots fill up quickly!
Indoor tables (8 ft) cost $40 and all crafts must be handcrafted. We also offer tent space (you supply the tents) for $25. Items do not have to be handcrafted.
More details about the event are available at https://www.mccormickmc.org/craft-show-2025/