Happenings – June 2, 2023

Posted on Jun 2, 2023 in Happenings |

WORSHIP WITH US – SUNDAY 10AM

Online Giving

Quick-Step Guide (PDF) for setting up your account and making your first donation.
 
Thank you for giving to McCormick United Methodist Church. Your gifts enable us to fulfill our mission of “Reaching Up and Reaching Out”.
 
from Rev. C. Nels Ledwell
 
THE NICENE CREED
 
During the past few weeks I have been working on our proposed by-laws and doctrines as we seek to become an independent Church. As we approach Trinity Sunday, I share with you one of the Creeds that I have included in our proposed doctrinal statement.
 
The Nicene Creed is a statement of belief widely used in Christian liturgy. It is called Nicene because it was originally adopted in the city of Nicaea (present day İznik, Turkey) by the First Council of Nicaea in 325.
 
We believe in one God,
   the Father almighty,
   maker of heaven and earth,
   of all things visible and invisible.
 
And in one Lord Jesus Christ,
   the only Son of God,
   begotten from the Father before all ages,
      God from God,
      Light from Light,
      true God from true God,
   begotten, not made;
   of the same essence as the Father.
   Through him all things were made.
   For us and for our salvation
      he came down from heaven;
      he became incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary,
      and was made human.
      He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate;
      he suffered and was buried.
      The third day he rose again, according to the Scriptures.
      He ascended to heaven
      and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
      He will come again with glory
      to judge the living and the dead.
      His kingdom will never end.
 
And we believe in the Holy Spirit,
   the Lord, the giver of life.
   He proceeds from the Father and the Son,
   and with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified.
   He spoke through the prophets.
   We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church.
   We affirm one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
   We look forward to the resurrection of the dead,
   and to life in the world to come. Amen.
________________________________________
 
The Nicene Creed (325-381 A.D.) provides a fuller explanation of the Christian faith. It is called Nicene because a general council of the church, similar to Vatican II held in the 1960s, met in the city of Nicaea in Asia Minor. The Council was called to deal with the heresy of Arianism, which was a denial of the Trinity. The Nicene Creed goes into more detail than the Apostles’ Creed on the Trinity and the person of Jesus.
 
A final version of the creed was formulated by another Council which met in Constantinople in 381 A.D. The creed is and has been from the start a topic of contention. In 598 a provincial church council meeting in Toledo, Spain, added the “filioque clause” which says that the Holy Spirit proceeded from the Father “and the Son.” This added clause was accepted by the Western but not the Eastern church. It became one of the causes of the schism between East and West in 1064 A.D. Today the clause is still proving to be a stumbling block to closer relations with the Eastern Orthodox church. The Nicene Creed is familiar to most churchgoers in liturgical churches, because it is used in the worship service on festivals and certain seasons such as Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter.
 
Next week I will show you another ancient creed.
 
See you in church this Sunday or online. We will recite the Nicene Creed.
Nels
 

Preparing for Worship

Sunday, June 4 – 10AM

Trinity Sunday and Holy Communion
Scripture Lesson: Matthew 28: 16-20
Message: “The Commissioned Pentecostal Church”
 

Acts of Kindness

Kindness Is Thanking Those Who Gave Their All!

Jimmy Fortune, one of my favorite singer/songwriters, sang tenor with the Statler Brothers until they disbanded in 2002. He has written and recorded many good songs, but one that is so appropriate as we just observed Memorial Day is “More Than a Name on a Wall”. Jimmy says he does not take credit for writing such a powerful song. He credits the Good Lord above for allowing him to be the catalyst for His message. “It’s a song that I felt – it’s from God – it just happened to pass through me,” Jimmy says. “I really feel it’s a message from God to the people that He means to hear it.”
 
“I had seen where there was a lot of controversy about The Wall, the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, DC,” he said. So, he made a trip to Washington to see all of the war memorials. When he got to the Vietnam Memorial, he said you couldn’t help but be amazed at how the more than 58,000 names on that wall seemed to go on forever.
 
As he got closer, he began to listen to the stories being shared, one especially from a mother caught his attention. She was tracing a name on the wall and her tears were coming down as she left a little note there. “I just listened to her talk into the wall and that just struck me as I stood there.” He returned home and within an hour he and fellow songwriter John Rimel had written the song. Twenty-seven years after its release, the song has stood the test of time – it has healed, honored, and reminded us of the sacrifices made by many. The powerful words of the song follow, but if you would like to listen to it, just click on the following link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FayaORYB9dg
 
“He’s More Than A Name On A Wall”
I saw her from a distance, as she walked up to the wall
In her hand she held some flowers, as her tears began to fall
She took out pen and paper as to trace her memories
She looked up to heaven, and the words she said were these
 
She said, “He really missed the family, being home on Christmas day
And he died for God and country in a place so far away
I remember just a little boy, playing war since he was three
And Lord this time I know, he’s not coming home to me”
 
Chorus
She said, “Lord my boy was special, and he meant so much to me
And Oh, I’d love to see him just one more time you see
All I have are the memories and the moments to recall
So Lord could you tell him he’s more than a name on a wall!”
 
Sometimes, kindness produces a surprise, as was the case with this week’s entry: While sitting in the waiting room at the Skin Clinic, I overheard the receptionist say to a patient who was checking out, “We have a young lady with us today who will be graduating this afternoon”. The patient was not visible from where I sat as there was a door separating the waiting area. I looked at the lady across from me and said, “we should clap when she comes through the door!” Ohers in the waiting area joined in to applaud as the door opened – out walked a beautiful young kindergarten graduate who was shocked, but she and her mom gave us a smile!
 
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!
 

FOOD PANTRY

Many thanks to Brad Meyers, Rich Jackson, Harry Shelley and Dan Staples for dividing up the nursery (new wall in the middle) to allow for the new home of our food bank. Lindy Stahlman helped Tina Sims get the pantry re-organized and ready to receive more food.
 
They take your donations and bag them in shopping bags so they are ready for those who need food for their families. Stop by and see the way they organized the new room!
 
If you would like to contribute, they are in need of:
     Fruits: Canned or individual serving size
     Cereal: Individual packets work best (oatmeal, grits, Cream                     of Wheat)
     Toilet paper
     Jam or Jelly
 
Note: there is a blue shelf marked “food drop off” in the pantry in front of the window.
 

CREIGHTON SCHOLARSHIP
APPLICATIONS IN OFFICE

The scholarship committee is currently accepting applications for this year‘s Creighton scholarship. Applications are available at the church office. The criteria for the selection of the scholarship winner are as follows: the candidate must be a graduating high school senior, who has been accepted at an institution of higher learning, and displays the traits of good character, service to others and academic excellence.
Questions?- call Lindy Stahlman
 

COFFEE HOUR FELLOWSHIP

GOODIES AND HOSTS NEEDED

Plenty of room for volunteers to host! You can ask a partner to join you as host. Goodies do not have to be home-made, store-bought are just fine! There is a sign-up sheet in the Fellowship Hall, Also, if you have not done it before, Carol Myers will be happy to work with you!
 

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.
 
 
 
 

EPWORTH CHILDREN’S HOME

MOTHER’S DAY OFFERING

Thank you for being such a special Christian and caring congregation and for your generosity. We collected $2,185 for the Epworth Children’s Home Mother Days offering. Our children are a blessing from God and our donation makes it possible for Epworth to care for children and youth who have no place to turn. Epworth Children’s Home provides independent living for youth after they graduate so they can continue their education. Some other programs they offer are Foster Families Care and a Family Care Center which provides for mothers and children so they can remain together.
 
Thank you for caring and your love.
 
Mission Team
 

“The Chosen” – Season 2 Bible Study

Begins Monday, June 5 – 5:30pm

Save the dates for the next “The Chosen” Bible Study beginning Monday, June 5th at 5:30. We will gather together for dinner each Monday during the study, then view an episode of The Chosen. After each episode we will break into small groups and study the scripture from that particular episode. All are welcome to attend! The study begins June 5th and runs until July 31st. We will not meet on July 3rd.
 
For those who haven’t seen season 1 yet, a link to the series is provided below. It’s free to watch and you’re encouraged to “Binge Jesus” although, you don’t have to have watched season 1 to attend the study but we’re sure you’ll go back to watch it after you’ve seen season 2!
 
Sign up sheets will be in Fellowship Hall at the church or you can email Kim Jackson.
 
The Chosen – click this link for The Chosen then select season 1 from the drop down menu.
 

MEN N MINISTRY

PANCAKE BREAKFAST

SUNDAY, JUNE 11 AFTER SERVICE

The Men N Ministry will be serving pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee after church on Sunday, June 11. John Yerdon will be mixing his own pancake batter for the event. A $ 5.00 donation will get you the works. The men will be donating proceeds to the church kitchen renovation project. We will be using our new warming oven to keep sausages and pancakes heated. This will offer faster service and warm food. Please plan on attending this fun and enjoyable church breakfast.
 
Thanks – Bob Rennie
 
NOTE: If you can help John prepare, cook, or serve the pancakes, there is a sign-up sheet in the fellowship hall.
 
 

Mental Health America of McCormick County

Lights Up Green to Celebrate

MENTAL HEALTH MONTH

McCormick, SC Chamber of Commerce, Town Hall, & McCormick UMC Lead The Way!
 

Mental Health Matters!

 

FABULOUS FUN SISTERS IN FAITH RETREAT

AUGUST 4 AND AUGUST 5

HICKORY KNOB

Fabulous Fun Sisters in Faith Retreat—1st EVER/Education Committee & Maxine Dunn
 
Our retreat foundation is based on Mark 6:31 “Let us go off by ourselves to some place where we will be alone, and you can rest a while”. Well, ok Hickory Knob isn’t in the wilderness, it’s just across the street, but how many of us take the time to relax and just enjoy ourselves with our Christian sisters? Thinking it would be fun to re-group and get to know one another…let the fun begin!!
 
The retreat (details forthcoming in another BLAST) will be Friday night August 4th and Saturday August 5th. The rooms are for one night only and are double occupancy, so grab a roomy or just sign up and be surprised!
 
What you need to do now is check your calendar, if you’re available write a commitment check to McCormick United Methodist Church for $25 and put EDUCATION COMMITTEE on it. This is holding your half of a room, the park is crowded in the summer and if we don’t fill the rooms we’ll need to give them back.
 
Activities will be Friday night and Saturday morning through lunch. Details will be worked out as we find out how many women will be involved.
 
Those women who would like to join us for Saturday morning activities only please call one of us and let us know you’re interested so we can plan. All are welcome and you can be a part of the program, or a participant! Let the Holy Spirit direct you!!!
 
Questions? Please call Maxine Dunn, or Kim Jackson or Wendy Kvale.
 

CHURCH PICNIC

SEPT 24

BAKER CREEK

Mark your calendars… Sept 24 at 10am.. service, followed by picnic at Baker Creek!
 
More details when we get closer.

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Happenings – May 26, 2023

Posted on May 26, 2023 in Happenings |

WORSHIP WITH US – SUNDAY 10AM

Online Giving

Quick-Step Guide (PDF) for setting up your account and making your first donation.
 
Thank you for giving to McCormick United Methodist Church. Your gifts enable us to fulfill our mission of “Reaching Up and Reaching Out”.
 
from Rev. C. Nels Ledwell
 
It’s Pentecost Again, So What?
 
This week we celebrate the birth of the Church and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Let’s be reminded of what the Church filled with the Spirit is to be about.
 
If we are to reach people for Christ we need people with passion and power. But we also need people with a purpose.
 
In the late 1800’s, no business matched the financial and political dominance of the railroad. Trains dominated the transportation industry of the United States, moving both people and goods throughout the country.
 
Then a new discovery came along—the car—and incredibly, the leaders of the railroad industry did not take advantage of their unique position to participate in this transportation development. The automotive revolution was happening all around them, and they did not use their industry dominance to take hold of the opportunity. In his video tape “The Search for Excellence”, Tom Peters points out the reason: The railroad barons did not understand what business they were in. Peter observes that “they thought they were in the train business. But, they were in fact in the transportation business. Time passed them by, as did opportunity. They couldn’t see what their real purpose was.”
 
If the railroad barons at the turn of the century had understood that they were in the transportation business and not the train business we would all be driving a Gould and not a Ford. The same thing happened in the watch and clock industry. The Swiss had dominated time keeping. They controlled 90% of all revenues made in their industry. They made the most precise gears and springs in the world. Their watches and clocks were perfect.
 
Then something new happened called the Quartz movement—LCD readout. Guess who invented it. A Swiss man. But because it had no gears or knobs or springs it was rejected. They failed to recognize that they were in the business of helping people tell time not making precision gears. They lost their dominance in the industry. They now control 20% of all revenue. Seiko is the dominant leader.
 
“If Sports Illustrated magazine understood it was in the sports information business, not the publishing business, we would have the Sports Illustrated Channel, not ESPN.”
 
And folks, if we at McCormick Methodist Church, forget that our purpose is making disciples for Jesus Christ we will also become obsolete. If we loose our focus and get distracted by tradition, habit, custom, ritual, routine, we will go the way of the trains, the Swiss, and Sports Illustrated. We must remember our basic identity. We must—whenever, however, wherever—fulfill our basic purpose.
 
I want to be part of a church whose soul purpose is to win people to Jesus Christ.
 
I want to be part of a church that is empowered by the Holy Spirit. A church that is going out into the streets with spiritual power and authority. The Holy Spirit compels us to go.
May we Catch the Spirit and save souls and transform the world.
 
See You in Church this Sunday or online for worship.
 
Your Pastor,
Nels
 
I hope you all enjoyed last Sunday’s worship service led by our Certified Lay Servant, Wendy Kvale. Thank you Wendy for your message and service that allowed me to celebrate Mother’s Day with my mother who will soon begin her 95th year of life in July. Wendy’s message and preparation is a credit to the Lay Servant Ministry Program of the United Methodist Church and this is a tradition we will continue to implement in our Church. We have some very gifted and talented members here at our Church that may just feel called to lead our Church in a special way. You will hear more about this opportunity in the months ahead.
 

Preparing for Worship

Sunday, May 28 – 10AM

Pentecost Sunday
Scripture Lessons:Acts 2: 1-21
Message: “The Chaos and Calmness of Pentecostal Power”
 

Acts of Kindness

Kindness Makes Us Smile!

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens … a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance … (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4)
 
Last week was a good week for harvesting Kindness entries! A heartfelt “thanks” goes to those who shared with us! The clip art above (from the Chronic Joy website) seemed to coordinate well especially with the first entry – I think you will agree!
 
Entry 1:
Humor and Kindness I was at Ingles and had purchased three cases of water. I am fairly strong so had no problem picking up the cases of water and putting them into the shopping cart. I got to my car and started to put them into my trunk when a young man came up and said, “Let me do that for you.”
I thought that was so refreshing to have him help me like that, without asking! So I thanked him profusely for being a polite person.
His response gave me a giggle.
“Ma’am, I was a boy scout and they taught us to help old ladies!”
I was helped and got a giggle out of it as well!
 
Entry 2:
Hickory Knob – Mother’s Day – As I was returning to my table with a full plate in one hand using my cane in the other, I passed a table. Immediately the man at the table jumped up, asked to carry my plate to my table, which he did and even went to the supply station and got me silverware. That small act of kindness made my day!
 
I have received many small acts of kindness from complete strangers and I pass them on at every opportunity. These small acts of kindness take so few minutes out of our busy schedules, but the message they send is more powerful than words can say. Messages like: “I see you”, “I care”, “You are important”, “May I help” – affirmations we all need, especially in today’s world.
 
Our obvious takeaway from both of these entries is that Kindness Makes Us Smile – and even makes us laugh at times – and each one is good medicine! So, let’s spread some smiles today!
 
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!
 

CREIGHTON SCHOLARSHIP
APPLICATIONS IN OFFICE

The scholarship committee is currently accepting applications for this year‘s Creighton scholarship. Applications are available at the church office. The criteria for the selection of the scholarship winner are as follows: the candidate must be a graduating high school senior, who has been accepted at an institution of higher learning, and displays the traits of good character, service to others and academic excellence.
Questions?- call Lindy Stahlman
 

COFFEE HOUR FELLOWSHIP

GOODIES AND HOSTS NEEDED

Plenty of room for volunteers to host! You can ask a partner to join you as host. Goodies do not have to be home-made, store-bought are just fine! There is a sign-up sheet in the Fellowship Hall, Also, if you have not done it before, Carol Myers will be happy to work with you!
 

First Tuesday
Stephen Ministry Corner
May 2023

Have you ever wondered why our church developed a Stephen Ministry program? One compelling aspect of Stephen Ministry is the role it plays in assisting the pastor in caring for the membership. Pastors cannot do it all!! A pastor is like a firefighter … when a crisis happens, he rushes to the scene to put out the fire. But shortly after that, another ‘fire’ will break out in the congregation and he will have to rush to that scene. Each ‘fire’ is important, but his time quickly becomes consumed by the second, third, and fourth ‘fires.’ And remember … the ‘fires’ are on top of his other duties as a pastor!
 
That’s where the Stephen Ministers come in!! The pastor will always be our ‘firefighter,’ but the Stephen Ministers are the people who come ‘after.’ They help those who are suffering sort through and clear the debris of crises and begin to rebuild. And the Stephen Ministers continue to give care as long as it is needed during the rebuilding process … one month, two months, six months, a year, and sometimes longer. They provide the steady, consistent, one-to-one follow-up care that the pastor wants to do but simply does not have enough time.
 
So remember … Stephen Ministers are people trained to provide one-on-one, confidential, non-judgmental Christian support for persons dealing with life’s ‘fires’ … people dealing with despair, anguish, anger, and grief. If you should 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 MUMC.
 
Start by calling Pastor Nels or one of the Stephen Leaders thru the church office at (864)852-2394 and begin a ‘fellowship’ with a Stephen Minister.
 

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.
 
 
 
 

EPWORTH CHILDREN’S HOME
MOTHER’S DAY OFFERING
WAYS TO GIVE… NEVER TOO LATE!

 
You still have time to contribute to the Epworth Children’s Home Mother’s Day offering!
 
CHECK or Online
If donating by check please make your check payable to MUMC and note Epworth on the subject line. You can put your check in the offering plate or mail/deliver to the office at MUMC P.O. Box 267 McCormick SC 29835
 

PENTECOST SUNDAY

WEAR RED TO CHURCH ON MAY 28

On Pentecost Sunday, we remember the day the disciples received the Holy Spirit in a special way. The story in Acts 2 describes a powerful wind and tongues of fire as the Holy Spirit was poured out on people from all over the world who came to Jerusalem to celebrate a Jewish feast. At the first Pentecost over 3000 people were baptized, creating the first church. This is why Pentecost is known as the birthday of the Christian church.
 
The word Pentecost comes from a Greek word meaning fiftieth. The Jewish Festival of Pentecost (called Shavuot, meaning “weeks” in Hebrew) falls on the fiftieth day after the original Passover. On that day, God gave the Torah to Moses on Mount Sinai. The Christian festival of Pentecost falls on the 50th day after the resurrection of Jesus.
 
Pentecost for Christians culminates the celebration and work of the church begun on Easter Day. In much of early Christianity, Easter Day (not Pentecost) became the primary day for baptisms. After their baptism, the newly baptized were then trained in basic Christian doctrine, including the meaning of the sacraments they had now experienced, as they prepared to take up their ministries in the life of the church.
 
The Season after Pentecost is the time of the church year to support new disciples and the whole congregation in living out the gifts we have been given in the name of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit
 

“The Chosen” – Season 2 Bible Study

Begins Monday, June 5 – 5:30pm

Save the dates for the next “The Chosen” Bible Study beginning Monday, June 5th at 5:30. We will gather together for dinner each Monday during the study, then view an episode of The Chosen. After each episode we will break into small groups and study the scripture from that particular episode. All are welcome to attend! The study begins June 5th and runs until July 31st. We will not meet on July 3rd.
 
For those who haven’t seen season 1 yet, a link to the series is provided below. It’s free to watch and you’re encouraged to “Binge Jesus” although, you don’t have to have watched season 1 to attend the study but we’re sure you’ll go back to watch it after you’ve seen season 2!
 
Sign up sheets will be in Fellowship Hall at the church or you can email Kim Jackson.
 
The Chosen – click this link for The Chosen then select season 1 from the drop down menu.
 

MEN N MINISTRY

PANCAKE BREAKFAST

SUNDAY, JUNE 11 AFTER SERVICE

 
The Men N Ministry will be serving pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee after church on Sunday, June 11. John Yerdon will be mixing his own pancake batter for the event. A $ 5.00 donation will get you the works. The men will be donating proceeds to the church kitchen renovation project. We will be using our new warming oven to keep sausages and pancakes heated. This will offer faster service and warm food. Please plan on attending this fun and enjoyable church breakfast. Thanks Bob Rennie
 

FABULOUS FUN SISTERS IN FAITH RETREAT

AUGUST 4 AND AUGUST 5

HICKORY KNOB

Fabulous Fun Sisters in Faith Retreat—1st EVER/Education Committee & Maxine Dunn
 
Our retreat foundation is based on Mark 6:31 “Let us go off by ourselves to some place where we will be alone, and you can rest a while”. Well, ok Hickory Knob isn’t in the wilderness, it’s just across the street, but how many of us take the time to relax and just enjoy ourselves with our Christian sisters? Thinking it would be fun to re-group and get to know one another…let the fun begin!!
 
The retreat (details forthcoming in another BLAST) will be Friday night August 4th and Saturday August 5th. The rooms are for one night only and are double occupancy, so grab a roomy or just sign up and be surprised!
 
What you need to do now is check your calendar, if you’re available write a commitment check to McCormick United Methodist Church for $25 and put EDUCATION COMMITTEE on it. This is holding your half of a room, the park is crowded in the summer and if we don’t fill the rooms we’ll need to give them back.
 
Activities will be Friday night and Saturday morning through lunch. Details will be worked out as we find out how many women will be involved.
 
Those women who would like to join us for Saturday morning activities only please call one of us and let us know you’re interested so we can plan. All are welcome and you can be a part of the program, or a participant! Let the Holy Spirit direct you!!!
 
Questions? Please call Maxine Dunn, or Kim Jackson or Wendy Kvale.

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Happenings – May 19, 2023

Posted on May 19, 2023 in Happenings |

WORSHIP WITH US – SUNDAY 10AM

Online Giving

Quick-Step Guide (PDF) for setting up your account and making your first donation.
 
Thank you for giving to McCormick United Methodist Church. Your gifts enable us to fulfill our mission of “Reaching Up and Reaching Out”.
 
from Rev. C. Nels Ledwell
 
How Grace can Delight a Crowd
 
One cool September night at Yankee Stadium in New York, a foul ball was hit into the lower left field stands. It was heading right toward a boy of about nine who had obviously come to the game that night hoping for just such a moment. He had a pair of cheap binoculars around his neck and was wearing an oversized Yankees cap and a small Little League glove which had the hardly-broken-in look of a mitt worn by a kid you let play right field in the late innings of hopeless games.
 
The foul ball was arching directly toward this boy’s outstretched hand, but suddenly, a man of about 35 wearing an expensive knit shirt and horn-rimmed glasses reached over the boy, jostling him aside, and caught the ball. In the jostle, the plastic binoculars were broken, and the boy, despite his mother’s comfort, was clearly crushed. Everybody in the left field stands had seen this, and, after a second or two of stunned silence, someone shouted, “Give the kid the ball!” Then another cried, “Give the kid the ball!” A couple of rows joined in unison, “Give the kid the ball!”
 
Horn Rims shook his head and put the ball in his pocket. That inflamed the whole left field crowd, and with one voice they took up the chant, “Give the kid the ball!” It spread to the center field stands, then to right field, until the whole outfield, including people who did not even know the story, were shouting, “Give the kid the ball!” Players began to glance up from the field to the stands to see what was going on.
 
Horn Rims remained stubbornly firm. Finally, a man got up out of his seat, walked over to Horn Rims and spoke some words patiently and gently to him. Horn Rims hesitated, then reached into his pocket and handed the ball to the kid. “He gave the kid the ball!” someone exclaimed. Then the whole stands thundered, “He gave the kid the ball!” Applause rippled around the stadium.
 
Then an even more strange thing began to happen. When another foul ball landed in the left field stands, the man who caught it walked over to Horn Rims and gave it to him. Horn Rims, incredulously, thanked him and took it. The next foul ball was caught by a man in a muscle shirt who was sporting a Fu Manchu mustache. He turned and tossed the ball to the kid, who, to everyone’s delight and surprise, caught it. More enthusiastic applause from the crowd, who had come that night to see a baseball game but witnessed instead a parable about justice and grace.
 
Could the offer of grace be contagious? Give it a try!
 
See you in Church or online this Sunday!
 
Your Pastor,
Nels
 

Preparing for Worship

Sunday, May 21 – 10AM

Seventh Sunday of Easter
Ascension Sunday
Sonshine Ringers playing Sweet Hour of Prayer
Scripture Lessons: 1 Peter 4: 12-14; 5: 6-11
Message: “Did You Catch the Devil?”
 

Acts of Kindness

Kindness Keeps Us Climbing for a Cause!

According to a May 3 article on the Good News Network by Andy Corbley, a man who attempted to summit the highest mountains in England, Scotland, and Wales to raise money for charity has now completed the challenge—with a refrigerator strapped to his back! The 38-year-old former soldier, Michael Copeland, conquered the three peaks challenge in just under 24 hours to raise money for the mental health charity, Mind.
 
“The fridge represents the burden that mental health can have on us all,” said Copeland. “I’m a massive over-thinker and always think I’m not good enough. I always want to be doing more.” The daredevil had to overcome grueling weather conditions including heavy rain, snow, and 40mph winds.
 
He ended up running downhill with the fridge from the summit of Snowdon to complete the challenge just in time. “I was running with the fridge on my back, it was banging against my back and it was very uncomfortable, but I couldn’t not finish it,” he said. “I felt like Forrest Gump.”
 
Copeland wasn’t always a mountain-goer. He took up the hobby during his country’s strict and total lockdowns as a means to help with his struggles against depression and anxiety. Dedicated to the army, when he left after the birth of his second child, he said he found it difficult to reintegrate with society. He directed his discipline and physical fitness into a bodybuilding passion.
 
As Christians, the Love of Jesus keeps us “climbing for a cause” (His cause!) as we, like Jesus’ “inner circle”, seek to have our own “mountain top experience” with Him! The mountains are to us a universal symbol of the “nearness of God” as we read in Psalm 121 – “I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
 
This week’s Kindness entry tells us of one who is “climbing for that cause” – While shopping in Dollar General this week, a lady came up to me and handed me a colorful “calling card from Jesus” that had the message of John 3:16 on it followed by “I Love You!- Jesus”. We shared from our faith for a few minutes, then I thanked her for her kindness. She responded that she liked to hand the cards out with a silent prayer that the Holy Spirit would touch that person’s life – I hope she could tell by my reaction that she is being very effective with her ministry!
 
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!
 

CREIGHTON SCHOLARSHIP
APPLICATIONS IN OFFICE

The scholarship committee is currently accepting applications for this year‘s Creighton scholarship. Applications are available at the church office. The criteria for the selection of the scholarship winner are as follows: the candidate must be a graduating high school senior, who has been accepted at an institution of higher learning, and displays the traits of good character, service to others and academic excellence.
Questions?- call Lindy Stahlman
 

FELLOWSHIP AFTER CHURCH SERVICE – HOSTS NEEDED

Many of you are enjoying the fellowship time following the services each week! If you have not come to the fellowship hall after the service, give it a try this week! There is always coffee, drinks, and goodies plus fellowship with the church family!
 
Carol Myers wants you to know there is a sign-up ready for April, May, and June. Please take the time to pick one Sunday to bring goodies (usually there are two folks that provide the goodies). Goodies do not have to home-made! You will be working with others to set up.. the veterans will show you the way!!
 
If you have a question or concern, call Carol Myers.
 

First Tuesday
Stephen Ministry Corner
May 2023

Have you ever wondered why our church developed a Stephen Ministry program? One compelling aspect of Stephen Ministry is the role it plays in assisting the pastor in caring for the membership. Pastors cannot do it all!! A pastor is like a firefighter … when a crisis happens, he rushes to the scene to put out the fire. But shortly after that, another ‘fire’ will break out in the congregation and he will have to rush to that scene. Each ‘fire’ is important, but his time quickly becomes consumed by the second, third, and fourth ‘fires.’ And remember … the ‘fires’ are on top of his other duties as a pastor!
 
That’s where the Stephen Ministers come in!! The pastor will always be our ‘firefighter,’ but the Stephen Ministers are the people who come ‘after.’ They help those who are suffering sort through and clear the debris of crises and begin to rebuild. And the Stephen Ministers continue to give care as long as it is needed during the rebuilding process … one month, two months, six months, a year, and sometimes longer. They provide the steady, consistent, one-to-one follow-up care that the pastor wants to do but simply does not have enough time.
 
So remember … Stephen Ministers are people trained to provide one-on-one, confidential, non-judgmental Christian support for persons dealing with life’s ‘fires’ … people dealing with despair, anguish, anger, and grief. If you should 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 MUMC.
 
Start by calling Pastor Nels or one of the Stephen Leaders thru the church office at (864)852-2394 and begin a ‘fellowship’ with a Stephen Minister.
 

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.
 
 
 
 

EPWORTH CHILDREN’S HOME
MOTHER’S DAY OFFERING
WAYS TO GIVE… NEVER TOO LATE!

 
You still have time to contribute to the Epworth Children’s Home Mother’s Day offering!
 
 
CHECK
Please make your check payable to MUMC and note Epworth on the subject line. You can put your check in the offering plate or mail/deliver to the office at MUMC P.O. Box 267 McCormick SC 29835
 
ON-LINE
Use this site and follow directions. 
 

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN

DINNER MEETING MAY 18

Ladies, mark those calendars and find a picture of your mother to bring with you to the UMW meeting on May 18 at 6pm!
 
With a theme like, I REMEMBER MAMA, you know we will have some interesting fellowship! You don’t want to miss it, so mark your calendars today! Everyone is welcome, feel free to invite your neighbors to also join us on May 18!
 
Watch for details!
 

“The Chosen” – Season 2 Bible Study

Begins Monday, June 5 – 5:30pm

Save the dates for the next “The Chosen” Bible Study beginning Monday, June 5th at 5:30. We will gather together for dinner each Monday during the study, then view an episode of The Chosen. After each episode we will break into small groups and study the scripture from that particular episode. All are welcome to attend! The study begins June 5th and runs until July 31st. We will not meet on July 3rd.
 
For those who haven’t seen season 1 yet, a link to the series is provided below. It’s free to watch and you’re encouraged to “Binge Jesus” although, you don’t have to have watched season 1 to attend the study but we’re sure you’ll go back to watch it after you’ve seen season 2!
 
Sign up sheets will be in Fellowship Hall at the church or you can email Kim Jackson.
 
The Chosen  – click this link for The Chosen then select season 1 from the drop down menu.

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Happenings – May 5, 2023

Posted on May 5, 2023 in Happenings |

WORSHIP WITH US – SUNDAY 10AM

Online Giving

Quick-Step Guide (PDF) for setting up your account and making your first donation.
 
Thank you for giving to McCormick United Methodist Church. Your gifts enable us to fulfill our mission of “Reaching Up and Reaching Out”.
 
from Rev. C. Nels Ledwell
 
Timeline to Independence
 
Since last December, our Church has journeyed through the discernment process to leave or stay in the United Methodist Church. The process has resulted in our Church voting to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church and become an independent Church. Our Next Steps team, your pastor and our attorney Lee Roper, have been very busy filing the necessary paperwork to place our Church on the Annual Conference agenda for approval to leave the denomination.
 
The process is a tremendous undertaking. Since February, we have been in the process of filling out insurance forms; obtaining property appraisals; preparing deeds for property transfer; gathering membership records; providing the Conference copies of our historical records; securing $140,000 to pay 2.5 years of apportionments, pension liability and 10% of our property and assets; and filing papers to close our church and open as a new entity seeking incorporation under our new name as McCormick Methodist Church.
 
Our present membership will automatically become members of our new Church entity. In addition, your pastor and attorney are preparing new incorporation papers and new by-laws so our Church can continue to operate in orderly fashion. Your pastor is in the process of leaving the United Methodist Church and serve you as an independently ordained pastor working under a new agreement as a pastor now hired by our Church.
 
Our payment and paperwork must be ready to submit to the Conference by May 15. The SC United Methodist Annual Conference will meet June 4-7 in Florence SC and will be voting to approve all churches requesting disaffiliation. Pending approval, the official day of disaffiliation will be June 30, 2023.
 
On July 1, we will be operating as an independent Methodist Church known as McCormick Methodist Church. We will continue to use the Church Council form of representative government we have presently with our new by-laws modeled after our current Book of Discipline. We anticipate our transition to be orderly with little interruption of our mission to make disciples and worship our Lord.
 
I am looking forward to the challenge of serving God as an independent Church and answering God’s call share the Good News of the Gospel to all who will listen. We must join together in prayer as we begin a new and exciting journey together.
 
See you in Church or online this Sunday,
 
Your Pastor,
 
Nels
 

Preparing for Worship

Sunday, May 7 – 10AM

Fifth Sunday of Easter
Holy Communion
Scripture Lesson: Acts 4: 1-22
Message: “Standing Healthy in the Name of Jesus”
 

Acts of Kindness

Be Kind to Your Mind!

Do you have any unused strands of green Christmas lights in storage? If so, here’s a neat idea for their use during the month of May, which is, as the above sign reminds us, Mental Health Month. I have found several strands myself and plan to use them for this special purpose.
 
So, what do green lights have to do with mental health? As a part of their Light Up Green campaign, Mental Health America is asking buildings all across the U.S. to light up green for “Go” and help spread awareness … and they say they would love our help! McCormick County’s MHA affiliate is promoting this locally through contact with government officials, and hopefully, we will see some green displayed – but why not create green displays of your own at home as well?
 
“Be kind to your mind” is a phrase that reminds us of the importance of taking good care of our mental health. When you google this phrase, you find several versions of the 7 Rules of Life by famous people like Rudyard Kipling and John D. Rockefeller. I am not sure of the author of the version below, but I share it because it is short and to the point:

As Christians, we can simplify our lives and reduce this number of rules to just one rule – Follow Jesus! Then the seven listed above will fall into place!
 
This week’s Kindness entry is about an act of kindness that “almost happened” – the sender shares valuable “after thoughts” – (Proverbs 3: 27 also offers this: “Do not withhold good from one who deserves it when you have the power to do it.”
 
I’ve heard that “almost” only counts in horse shoes, and I learned it definitely does not count in acts of kindness! A large, elderly lady and her young son were standing outside Walmart as I was entering the store. Each was carrying packages and looked distraught, and they both asked, “Can we use your cell phone? We need to call our home and have someone call us a cab to go home.” I replied that, of course, they could use my phone, and while searching for it, I realized I had left it in the car! I was parked at the other end of the parking lot and had already run out to the car one time to get my eyeglasses, so I told them I did not have the phone on me, which was true. I went into the store, and when exiting, they were still standing there, and I asked if they were able to call home and they said they were and were waiting for the cab. I wasn’t proud of my decision to not help, but I did feel better knowing someone had! I will go the extra mile the next time something like that happens.
 
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!
 

CREIGHTON SCHOLARSHIP
APPLICATIONS IN OFFICE

The scholarship committee is currently accepting applications for this year‘s Creighton scholarship. Applications are available at the church office. The criteria for the selection of the scholarship winner are as follows: the candidate must be a graduating high school senior, who has been accepted at an institution of higher learning, and displays the traits of good character, service to others and academic excellence.
Questions?- call Lindy Stahlman
 

FELLOWSHIP AFTER CHURCH SERVICE – HOSTS NEEDED

Many of you are enjoying the fellowship time following the services each week! If you have not come to the fellowship hall after the service, give it a try this week! There is always coffee, drinks, and goodies plus fellowship with the church family!
 
Carol Myers wants you to know there is a sign-up ready for April, May, and June. Please take the time to pick one Sunday to bring goodies (usually there are two folks that provide the goodies). Goodies do not have to home-made! You will be working with others to set up.. the veterans will show you the way!!
 
If you have a question or concern, call Carol Myers.
 

First Tuesday
Stephen Ministry Corner
May 2023

Have you ever wondered why our church developed a Stephen Ministry program? One compelling aspect of Stephen Ministry is the role it plays in assisting the pastor in caring for the membership. Pastors cannot do it all!! A pastor is like a firefighter … when a crisis happens, he rushes to the scene to put out the fire. But shortly after that, another ‘fire’ will break out in the congregation and he will have to rush to that scene. Each ‘fire’ is important, but his time quickly becomes consumed by the second, third, and fourth ‘fires.’ And remember … the ‘fires’ are on top of his other duties as a pastor!
 
That’s where the Stephen Ministers come in!! The pastor will always be our ‘firefighter,’ but the Stephen Ministers are the people who come ‘after.’ They help those who are suffering sort through and clear the debris of crises and begin to rebuild. And the Stephen Ministers continue to give care as long as it is needed during the rebuilding process … one month, two months, six months, a year, and sometimes longer. They provide the steady, consistent, one-to-one follow-up care that the pastor wants to do but simply does not have enough time.
 
So remember … Stephen Ministers are people trained to provide one-on-one, confidential, non-judgmental Christian support for persons dealing with life’s ‘fires’ … people dealing with despair, anguish, anger, and grief. If you should 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 MUMC.
 
Start by calling Pastor Nels or one of the Stephen Leaders thru the church office at (864)852-2394 and begin a ‘fellowship’ with a Stephen Minister.
 

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.
 
 
 
 

BISCUITS AND BLESSINGS

 
Biscuits & Blessings – Saturday, May 6 – 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon – Church Parking Lot On Hwy. 378 – The Evangelism Committee announces that, again this year, McCormick UMC will host Biscuits & Blessings to reach out to our community! This event is offered as a part of the Town of McCormick’s Trunks of Gold Event on Main Street that morning.
 
Men ‘N Ministry will serve up the blessing of delicious sausage biscuits, coffee, juice and water, and the blessing of live Christian music will be provided by Larry Freeland, lead singer of Praise Tyme Band, who is also a former member of the Swingin’ Medallions. You will enjoy old gospel hymns, some original songs, and some Oldies tunes you will recognize that have new lyrics. Bring your bag chairs – and pack an extra one or two to share with others!
 
VOLUNTEERS are needed to help with this event! You will find a sign up board in the fellowship hall – please be sure to sign up and offer your help with setting up, taking down, or with food preparation and service. And, let us all be praying for this special outreach project!
 
All proceeds go to benefit local charities.
 

EPWORTH CHILDREN’S HOME
MOTHER’S DAY OFFERING
SUNDAY, MAY 14

 
On Sunday, May 14, there will be a special offering for the Epworth Children’s home, located in Columbia, SC.
 
TRANSFORM A CHILD’S FUTURE.
Each year, Epworth Children’s Home provides care to children in our own communities who have experienced abuse, neglect, and loss. Epworth’s care breaks the destructive cycle and encourages children to aim higher in life. The physical, emotional, academic, and spiritual care they receive transforms their lives. On Sunday, May 14th, 2023, our congregation will support Epworth by collecting the Annual Epworth Mother’s Day Offering. We invite you to give generously to the children impacted by Epworth’s care and programs. Epworth does not receive apportionments from the United Methodist Conference. This offering is our opportunity to support this vital ministry.
 
Mother’s Day is your opportunity to support Epworth’s ministry.
 

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN

DINNER MEETING MAY 18

Ladies, mark those calendars and find a picture of your mother to bring with you to the UMW meeting on May 18 at 6pm!
 
With a theme like, I REMEMBER MAMA, you know we will have some interesting fellowship! You don’t want to miss it, so mark your calendars today! Everyone is welcome, feel free to invite your neighbors to also join us on May 18!
 
Watch for details!
 

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Happenings – April 28, 2023

Posted on Apr 28, 2023 in Happenings |

WORSHIP WITH US – SUNDAY 10AM

Online Giving

Quick-Step Guide (PDF) for setting up your account and making your first donation.
 
Thank you for giving to McCormick United Methodist Church. Your gifts enable us to fulfill our mission of “Reaching Up and Reaching Out”.
 
from Rev. C. Nels Ledwell
 
Is It God’s Voice I Hear
 
John M. Braaten offers us a wonderful illustration about who we discern God’s voice is our lives.
 
The call of our Lord is “hidden” in a whole chorus of worldly voices which beckon us. Other would-be shepherds seek to tempt us away from the Good Shepherd, the joy of his forgiveness and the security of his love. And when we are weak and confused we may fall victim to the enticements of other gods.
 
I am reminded of an American tourist who was traveling in the Mid East. He came upon several shepherds whose flocks had intermingled while drinking water from a brook. After an exchange of greetings, one of the shepherds turned toward the sheep and called out, “Manah. Manah. Manah.” (Manah means “follow me” in Arabic.) Immediately his sheep separated themselves from the rest and followed him.
 
Then one of the two remaining shepherds called out, “Manah. Manah.” and his sheep left the common flock to follow him. The traveler then said to the third shepherd, “I would like to try that. Let me put on your cloak and turban and see if I can get the rest of the sheep to follow me.”
 
The shepherd smiled knowingly as the traveler wrapped himself in the cloak, put the turban on his head and called out, “Manah. Manah.” The sheep did not respond to the stranger’s voice. Not one of them moved toward him. “Will the sheep ever follow someone other than you?” The traveler asked.
 
“Oh yes,” the shepherd replied, “sometimes a sheep gets sick, and then it will follow anyone.”
 
We have seen it, haven’t we? People, young and old, who are “sick.” Battered by the storms of life and distracted by voices urging them to go this way and that, they have lost their bearings and they don’t know where they are or where they are going. That can be more than a little frightening; it leads to despair, to hopelessness. And when someone is “sick” they will follow anyone who will promise a moment of happiness, a brief feeling of peace or forgetfulness, a sense that they are someone.
 
But the call of Jesus the Good Shepherd is, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” There is no better way, no greater truth, no happier life. Our Lord reaches out to us in love that we might follow him.
 
I am excited that we have chosen to be an independent Methodist Church. While I expect a few challenges as we begin our new journey, I know we will be fine as long as we listen to the voice of God and not the voice of being popular in this secular world. We are leaving the United Methodist Church because we desire to stick with the Word of God. This will bring new challenges to our Church but the power we shall experience in serving God truthfully will be huge.
 
See you in Church or online this Sunday!
 
Your Pastor,
Nels
 

Preparing for Worship

Sunday, April 30 – 10AM

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Scripture Lesson: 1 Peter 2: 19-25
Reference texts: Joshua 24: 14-16
Message: “Away From Murphy and Towards the Shepherd”
 
 

Acts of Kindness

Kindness – The Bible Tells Us So!

Kindness is a virtue that is praised throughout the Bible. One source reports there are 322 scriptural occurrences of kindness in 12 translations of God’s Holy Word. Here are just a few of them:
 
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29 (ESV) – This verse reminds us that our words have the power to harm or help others.
 
“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 (NIV) – This verse tells us that we should imitate God’s example and forgive others.
 
“But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.” Luke 6:35 (NIV) – This verse tells us that being kind to our enemies is a sure way to emulate God.
 
“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.” Proverbs 3:27 (NIV) – This verse reminds us that we should always do what we can to help others, especially if they are in need.
 
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,” Galatians 5:22 (NIV) – This verse tells us that kindness is a fruit of the Spirit. As Christians, we should strive to have the Spirit’s qualities in our lives.
 
This brings to mind the old Christian song about charity (kindness) that many of us learned as children – “Have faith, hope, and charity, that’s the way to live successfully … how do I know? The Bible tells me so!”
 
Kindness always involves doing the right thing. A good example of this is found in this week’s kindness entry: While emptying the bags in my shopping cart into my car at Walmart, I found a small item in the bottom of the cart that was not bagged, and I felt sure had not been scanned at the check-out. I took the item back to the check-out clerk – it was an inexpensive item, but would have made a difference in her checking out at the end of the day.
 
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!
 

CREIGHTON SCHOLARSHIP
APPLICATIONS IN OFFICE

The scholarship committee is currently accepting applications for this year‘s Creighton scholarship. Applications are available at the church office. The criteria for the selection of the scholarship winner are as follows: the candidate must be a graduating high school senior, who has been accepted at an institution of higher learning, and displays the traits of good character, service to others and academic excellence.
Questions?- call Lindy Stahlman
 

FELLOWSHIP AFTER CHURCH SERVICE – HOSTS NEEDED

Many of you are enjoying the fellowship time following the services each week! If you have not come to the fellowship hall after the service, give it a try this week! There is always coffee, drinks, and goodies plus fellowship with the church family!
 
Carol Myers wants you to know there is a sign-up ready for April, May, and June. Please take the time to pick one Sunday to bring goodies (usually there are two folks that provide the goodies). Goodies do not have to home-made! You will be working with others to set up.. the veterans will show you the way!!
 
If you have a question or concern, call Carol Myers.
 

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 MUMC.
 
Start by calling Pastor Nels or one of the Stephen Leaders thru the church office at (864)852-2394 and begin a ‘fellowship’ with a Stephen Minister.
 

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.
 
 
 
 

MEN n MINISTRY
TUESDAY, MAY 2 6PM

The next Men N Ministry meeting will be at 6pm, Tuesday May 2,2023.
 
God has provided us a wonderful cook! John Yerdon has come up with a tasty, easy-to-prepare dinner plan. Gordie Waine stepped up and volunteered to make the salad.
 
The devotion will be done by Gordie as well.
 
Harry Shelley will present this month’s program. Harry will be reviewing the Savannah River Basin environment, its management principles of operation, issues, fun facts and some history. Harry has been involved in these matters for many years and will have an outstanding program.
 
The meeting agenda will be focused on finalizing plans for the Saturday’s Trunks of gold festival and Biscuits and Blessing in the main parking lot. Looking forward to another successful and enjoyable fun gathering!
 
There are no sign-ups, just show up at 6pm on Tuesday and feel free to bring a friend!
 
Bob Rennie, president
Methodist Men n Ministry
 

CHURCH GROUNDS SPRING CLEANING
MAY 4 9AM

It’s that time of year!
 
We will be “spring cleaning” the outside grounds of the church properties on Thursday, May 4 at 9am. We’d like “to look our best” for the May 6 Biscuits and Blessings event!
 
Everyone will gather in the back parking lot at 9am. Then we will split off into three teams. If you have them, please bring your wheel barrows, rakes, wide shovels and trimmers, and don’t forget your work gloves and water! All members are encouraged to join us! No need to sign up, there are jobs for everyone!
 
Based on past experience, we should be finished around noon. Thank you from the Trustees!
 

SHREDDING DAY
SATURDAY, APRIL 29
SPONSORED BY MCCORMICK COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Tax season and spring cleaning will soon be over and it’s a good time to rid your home of unwanted paper. The CHAMBER will make available a large shredder for the community on Saturday, April 29 (9am-1pm) at the MACK (Main street in front of the MACK).
Please be sure to remove all staples from the paper.
 
Donations are appreciated and assist the CHAMBER for the Shred Truck’s service.
 

BISCUITS AND BLESSINGS

 
Biscuits & Blessings – Saturday, May 6 – 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon – Church Parking Lot On Hwy. 378 – The Evangelism Committee announces that, again this year, McCormick UMC will host Biscuits & Blessings to reach out to our community! This event is offered as a part of the Town of McCormick’s Trunks of Gold Event on Main Street that morning.
 
Men ‘N Ministry will serve up the blessing of delicious sausage biscuits, coffee, juice and water, and the blessing of live Christian music will be provided by Larry Freeland, lead singer of Praise Tyme Band, who is also a former member of the Swingin’ Medallions. You will enjoy old gospel hymns, some original songs, and some Oldies tunes you will recognize that have new lyrics. Bring your bag chairs – and pack an extra one or two to share with others!
 
VOLUNTEERS are needed to help with this event! You will find a sign up board in the fellowship hall – please be sure to sign up and offer your help with setting up, taking down, or with food preparation and service. And, let us all be praying for this special outreach project!
 
All proceeds go to benefit local charities.
 

EPWORTH CHILDREN’S HOME
MOTHER’S DAY OFFERING
SUNDAY, MAY 14

 
On Sunday, May 14, there will be a special offering for the Epworth Children’s home, located in Columbia, SC.
 
TRANSFORM A CHILD’S FUTURE.
Each year, Epworth Children’s Home provides care to children in our own communities who have experienced abuse, neglect, and loss. Epworth’s care breaks the destructive cycle and encourages children to aim higher in life. The physical, emotional, academic, and spiritual care they receive transforms their lives. On Sunday, May 14th, 2023, our congregation will support Epworth by collecting the Annual Epworth Mother’s Day Offering. We invite you to give generously to the children impacted by Epworth’s care and programs. Epworth does not receive apportionments from the United Methodist Conference. This offering is our opportunity to support this vital ministry.
 
Mother’s Day is your opportunity to support Epworth’s ministry.
 

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN

DINNER MEETING MAY 18

Ladies, mark those calendars and find a picture of your mother to bring with you to the UMW meeting on May 18 at 6pm!
 
With a theme like, I REMEMBER MAMA, you know we will have some interesting fellowship! You don’t want to miss it, so mark your calendars today! Everyone is welcome, feel free to invite your neighbors to also join us on May 18!
 
Watch for details!
 
BIRTHDAYS
April
Dick Kvale
Wendy Kvale
Scott Pitser
Barb Shelley
Bob Myers
Pat Winn
Nancy Vereb
Glenda Sartain
Dot Baggett
Pat Meyers
Gary Wolfe
Don Smith
 
May
Bill Hartz
Trely Wolfe
Rico Salliewhite
Marge Radosevich
Brad Meyers
Dave Kriger
Bernie Tarrant
Charlies Meyer
Joan Wessels
 
June
Lindy Stahlman
Mike Dunn
Clint Scott
Gordon Waine
Carol Wieboldt
Betty Weiss
Beverly Western
Sue Yerdon
Lola Rek
Josiah Salliewhite
Bob Roe
Rick Lindley
Turney Bowser
Ron Garling
 
 
ANNIVERSARIES
April
Mike & Charlotte Tallent
 
May
Bob & Deb Wissinger
 
June
John & Sue Yerdon
Gary & Paula Grady
Bud & Rosemary Freeman
Gary & Trely Wolfe
Mitch & Sue Mitchell
Bob & Marsha Garner
Kim & Rich Jackson
Fran & Jack Towers
Chuck & Pat Winn
Bill & Susie Hartz
Rico & Kristen Salliewhite
Al & Sue Gaer

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Happenings – April 21, 2023

Posted on Apr 21, 2023 in Happenings |

WORSHIP WITH US – SUNDAY 10AM

Online Giving

Quick-Step Guide (PDF) for setting up your account and making your first donation.
 
Thank you for giving to McCormick United Methodist Church. Your gifts enable us to fulfill our mission of “Reaching Up and Reaching Out”.
 
from Rev. C. Nels Ledwell
 
Who is the Greatest?
 
A friend shared with me a beautiful legend about a king who decided to set aside a special day to honor his greatest subject. When the big day arrived, there was a large gathering in the palace courtyard. Four finalists were brought forward, and from these four, the king would select the winner.
 
The first person presented was a wealthy philanthropist. The king was told that this man was highly deserving of the honor because of his humanitarian efforts. He had given much of his wealth to the poor.
 
The second person was a celebrated physician. The king was told that this doctor was highly deserving of the honor because he had rendered faithful and dedicated service to the sick for many years.
 
The third person was a distinguished judge. The king was told that the judge was worthy because he was noted for his wisdom, his fairness, and his brilliant decisions.
 
The fourth person presented was an elderly woman. Everyone was quite surprised to see her there, because her manner was quite humble, as was her dress. She hardly looked the part of someone who would be honored as the greatest subject in the kingdom. What chance could she possibly have, when compared to the other three, who had accomplished so much? Even so, there was something about her the look of love in her face, the understanding in her eyes, her quiet confidence.
 
The king was intrigued, to say the least, and somewhat puzzled by her presence. He asked who she was. The answer came: “You see the philanthropist, the doctor, and the judge? Well, she was their teacher!”
 
That woman had no wealth, no fortune, and no title, but she had unselfishly given her life to produce great people. There is nothing more powerful or more Christ-like than sacrificial love.
 
The king could not see the value in the humble lady. He missed the significance of the teacher. Often we miss the value of those around us. We are challenged to open our eyes and appreciate what even the least of these has to offer.
 
See you in Church or online this Sunday.
 
Your Pastor,
Nels
 

Preparing for Worship

Sunday, April 23 – 10AM

Third Sunday of Easter

Scripture Lesson: Luke 24: 13-35
Reference texts: Peter 1: 17-23
Message: “Word, Sacrament, Witness”
 
 

Acts of Kindness

Kindness – Stretches the Arms of Jesus Out to Far Away Places!

Charles and Asia Corbin (second from the right end in middle seated and back rows) have been serving the Lord in Niger for the past 10 years. They have 4 natural children and 3 adopted children. Here they pose with their church family on Easter Sunday – wearing their “Resurrection Day” smiles!
 

When Tom Urban shared his story with me about his daughter Asia, I asked for his permission to share it in our Kindness Update this week, and he modestly obliged. I reminded him that our church family needs to hear this beautiful story! So, here it is!

When my daughter Asia was about 8 years old, she said, “Dad, I want to be a missionary in Africa”. I said, “That’s great Asia”. (Of course I thought this was merely my little girl talking) As the years went by, the missionary talk would come up every now and then.
 
When Asia was about 16, in one of our missionary to Africa discussions, I said, “Asia, you need to have a plan. You can’t just stand on some African street corner handing out Bible tracts. Maybe you should consider something in the education or medical field. When you can help people in a practical way (James 2:15&16), they will be more apt to listen to the Gospel”.
 
The following year, Asia went to Emmaus Bible College in Dubuque, Iowa, earning a 1 year Bible Certificate and returned home getting her RN from Augusta State. That’s my 35 year old baby in the photo above with her church this past Easter Sunday. Ain’t God good!
 
As parents and caregivers, we live for moments when we see the Loving Kindness of Jesus revealed in the lives of those we love so much. Thank you, Tom, for blessing us by sharing this heartwarming story! As Christians, I think we all need to remind ourselves of the scripture you shared with Asia: 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? – James 2: 15 & 16
 
To learn more about Charles and Asia Corbin’s missionary work in Niger visit https://theoasisniger.com/
 
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!
 

CREIGHTON SCHOLARSHIP
APPLICATIONS IN OFFICE

The scholarship committee is currently accepting applications for this year‘s Creighton scholarship. Applications are available at the church office. The criteria for the selection of the scholarship winner are as follows: the candidate must be a graduating high school senior, who has been accepted at an institution of higher learning, and displays the traits of good character, service to others and academic excellence.
Questions?- call Lindy Stahlman
 

FELLOWSHIP AFTER CHURCH SERVICE – HOSTS NEEDED

Many of you are enjoying the fellowship time following the services each week! If you have not come to the fellowship hall after the service, give it a try this week! There is always coffee, drinks, and goodies plus fellowship with the church family!
 
Carol Myers wants you to know there is a sign-up ready for April, May, and June. Please take the time to pick one Sunday to bring goodies (usually there are two folks that provide the goodies). Goodies do not have to home-made! You will be working with others to set up.. the veterans will show you the way!!
 
If you have a question or concern, call Carol Myers.
 

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 MUMC.
 
Start by calling Pastor Nels or one of the Stephen Leaders thru the church office at (864)852-2394 and begin a ‘fellowship’ with a Stephen Minister.
 

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.
 
 
 
 

CHURCH GROUNDS SPRING CLEANING
MAY 4 9AM

It’s that time of year!
 
We will be “spring cleaning” the outside grounds of the church properties on Thursday, May 4 at 9am. We’d like “to look our best” for the May 6 Biscuits and Blessings event!
 
Everyone will gather in the back parking lot at 9am. Then we will split off into three teams. If you have them, please bring your wheel barrows, rakes, wide shovels and trimmers, and don’t forget your work gloves and water! All members are encouraged to join us! No need to sign up, there are jobs for everyone!
 
Based on past experience, we should be finished around noon. Thank you from the Trustees!
 

Widows Connection
6-Session Bible Study

 
 
This I Know For Sure
Taking God At His Word
By Babbie Mason, award-winning Gospel singer-songwriter & Bible teacher
Any women who would like to have this experience are encouraged to join this group on April 24 and get ready to discover how to experience the overwhelming grace and love of God!
 
If you have any questions, please contact Toni Graham.
 

SHREDDING DAY
SATURDAY, APRIL 29
SPONSORED BY MCCORMICK COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Tax season and spring cleaning will soon be over and it’s a good time to rid your home of unwanted paper. The CHAMBER will make available a large shredder for the community on Saturday, April 29 (9am-1pm) at the MACK (Main street in front of the MACK).
Please be sure to remove all staples from the paper.
 
Donations are appreciated and assist the CHAMBER for the Shred Truck’s service.
 

BISCUITS AND BLESSINGS

 
Biscuits & Blessings – Saturday, May 6 – 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon – Church Parking Lot On Hwy. 378 – The Evangelism Committee announces that, again this year, McCormick UMC will host Biscuits & Blessings to reach out to our community! This event is offered as a part of the Town of McCormick’s Trunks of Gold Event on Main Street that morning.
 
Men ‘N Ministry will serve up the blessing of delicious sausage biscuits, coffee, juice and water, and the blessing of live Christian music will be provided by Larry Freeland, lead singer of Praise Tyme Band, who is also a former member of the Swingin’ Medallions. You will enjoy old gospel hymns, some original songs, and some Oldies tunes you will recognize that have new lyrics. Bring your bag chairs – and pack an extra one or two to share with others!
 
VOLUNTEERS are needed to help with this event! You will find a sign up board in the fellowship hall – please be sure to sign up and offer your help with setting up, taking down, or with food preparation and service. And, let us all be praying for this special outreach project!
 
All proceeds go to benefit local charities.
 

EPWORTH CHILDREN’S HOME
MOTHER’S DAY OFFERING
SUNDAY, MAY 14

 
On Sunday, May 14, there will be a special offering for the Epworth Children’s home, located in Columbia, SC.
 
Did you know?
191
Number of children who lived at Epworth last year,
each one from our own communities in SC.
 
265
Number of children served through Epworth’s Foster Care Program.
 
100%
Of your Mother’s Day Offering provides comprehensive care for the children at Epworth.
 
Mother’s Day is your opportunity to support Epworth’s ministry.
 

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN

DINNER MEETING MAY 18

Ladies, mark those calendars and find a picture of your mother to bring with you to the UMW meeting on May 18 at 6pm!
 
With a theme like, I REMEMBER MAMA, you know we will have some interesting fellowship! You don’t want to miss it, so mark your calendars today! Everyone is welcome, feel free to invite your neighbors to also join us on May 18!
 
Watch for details!
BIRTHDAYS
April
Dick Kvale
Wendy Kvale
Scott Pitser
Barb Shelley
Bob Myers
Pat Winn
Nancy Vereb
Glenda Sartain
Dot Baggett
Pat Meyers
Gary Wolfe
Don Smith
 
May
Bill Hartz
Trely Wolfe
Rico Salliewhite
Marge Radosevich
Brad Meyers
Dave Kriger
Bernie Tarrant
Charlies Meyer
Joan Wessels
 
June
Lindy Stahlman
Mike Dunn
Clint Scott
Gordon Waine
Carol Wieboldt
Betty Weiss
Beverly Western
Sue Yerdon
Lola Rek
Josiah Salliewhite
Bob Roe
Rick Lindley
Turney Bowser
Ron Garling
 
 
ANNIVERSARIES
April
Mike & Charlotte Tallent
 
May
Bob & Deb Wissinger
 
June
John & Sue Yerdon
Gary & Paula Grady
Bud & Rosemary Freeman
Gary & Trely Wolfe
Mitch & Sue Mitchell
Bob & Marsha Garner
Kim & Rich Jackson
Fran & Jack Towers
Chuck & Pat Winn
Bill & Susie Hartz
Rico & Kristen Salliewhite
Al & Sue Gaer

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Happenings – April 14, 2023

Posted on Apr 14, 2023 in Happenings |

WORSHIP WITH US – SUNDAY 10AM

Online Giving

Quick-Step Guide (PDF) for setting up your account and making your first donation.
 
Thank you for giving to McCormick United Methodist Church. Your gifts enable us to fulfill our mission of “Reaching Up and Reaching Out”.
 
from Rev. C. Nels Ledwell
 
Choosing Our Direction
 
Jesus Christ has risen! He is alive! Because he lives, we live! I pray that all of you enjoyed Easter Sunday as much as I did. How awesome it is to feel the presence of the risen Christ and the victory over life and death that He give to us. On Easter Sunday as the scripture proclaims, “We are more than conquerors.”
 
Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make Easter Sunday and Holy Week a success and uplifting to all in our community. From Sunrise through the Easter Cantata, the Risen Christ was proclaimed. It is wonderful to remind ourselves that the power of the risen Christ is with us always. To that we say Amen!
 
We have a direction to choose for our Church. As you know, our Church voted to leave the United Methodist denomination as 92% of those voting felt the UMC was gravitating away from Biblical orthodoxy and offering no accountability to those violating our standards written in our Book of Discipline and the Holy Scripture. This departure will cost us $140,000 of our funds given in good faith by our membership to use for ministry glorify God. I find it disturbing that our Conference has chosen to add a charge of 10% of all the church assets in addition to 2.5 years of apportionments. We have submitted our paperwork and final approval of our departure will occur in Annual Conference the week of June 4th. If approved, our Church will officially leave the denomination the end of June.
 
This brings us our next big decision. Will we become and independent Church or join another denomination? Our task force examined several denominations that reflect our Wesleyan theology and quickly concluded that the only viable choice would be the newly formed Global Methodist Church. Thus, on Sunday, April 16 after the Church service, our task force will present the option of joining the Global Methodist Church or remain independent. There are positive and negative factors with both options and this will be discussed at the presentation.
 
You need to hear this presentation before we vote on April 23. Please attend or watch online the presentations before voting. Valuable information will be shared so you can make an informed decision.
 
Keep praying for God’s guidance for our Church. No matter which road we choose, we will serve the Lord!
 
See you in Church or online this Sunday,
 
Your Pastor,
Nels
 

Preparing for Worship

Sunday, April 16 – 10AM

Second Sunday of Easter

Scripture Lesson: John 20: 19-31
Reference texts:  Acts 2: 22-32,
                                 1 Peter 1: 3-9
Message: “Loving Thomas“
 

Kindness Update – Something to Smile About!

The photo above is reprinted from a March 27 posting on the Good News Network website. It is definitely one that should get the attention of Pastor Nels and Jimmy Smith! The “rest of the story” follows:
 
Happy the cow was never destined for greatness, born as he was a bull on a dairy farm. Yet despite his inability to produce milk, Happy had another valuable skill that began working the minute he dropped onto the grass of Barry Coster’s dairy—making people smile!
 
The Holstein calf was born with a smiley face on one side of his body, a result of the naturally random black and white markings typical of their breed. “We’ve seen some number sevens or love hearts on the head, and a few strange markings, but we’ve never seen anything that resembles a smiley face before,” Mrs. Megan Coster told ABC Australia.
 
Rather than joining the mating bull herd, Happy’s unique markings have landed him a role on the farm in perpetuity. Mr. Coster said many of his workers were keen to have him around as a kind of mascot. He makes people smile, and he’s one heck of a natural lawnmower!
 
Having just experienced Easter, we realize that is just what this Holy Season does for us – it brings us happiness – it makes us smile as we celebrate God’s endless blessings through the gift of love and hope in the freshness of spring. ‘Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the Resurrection of Jesus Christ…’ —1: Peter 1: 3
 
Now that’s something to smile about!
 
A smile was surely brought to the face of the young man whose kind attention to his job duties makes him the subject of this week’s Kindness entry: Standing in line at the check-out counter, I observed the young man at the cash register. He was so very pleasant and efficient; he handled the sale with the person in front of me while, without letting it interfere, responded to the customer before her who he had just checked out when he asked him for directions. He remained very attentive to his current customer and then with me. When I picked up my packages I told him, “In case you don’t hear this today, you are doing a terrific job and I thank you!”. With a big smile on his face, he responded, “thank you!”.
 
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!
 

FELLOWSHIP AFTER CHURCH SERVICE – HOSTS NEEDED

Many of you are enjoying the fellowship time following the services each week! If you have not come to the fellowship hall after the service, give it a try this week! There is always coffee, drinks, and goodies plus fellowship with the church family!
 
Carol Myers wants you to know there is a sign-up ready for April, May, and June. Please take the time to pick one Sunday to bring goodies (usually there are two folks that provide the goodies). Goodies do not have to home-made! You will be working with others to set up.. the veterans will show you the way!!
 
If you have a question or concern, call Carol Myers.
 

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 MUMC.
 
Start by calling Pastor Nels or one of the Stephen Leaders thru the church office at (864)852-2394 and begin a ‘fellowship’ with a Stephen Minister.
 

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.
 
 
 
 

NEXT STEPS

Mark Your Calendars

  • Sunday, April 16 Meet 11 AM (immediately after service for presentation)
  • Sunday, April 23 Meet 11AM (Immediately after service for vote)
NOTE: Presentation on April 16 will be live-streamed and archived on the website.
 

Presentation on Sunday, April 16 will include:

  • Financials involved in making the change
  • Why we have chosen not to go with a different old-line Methodist church
  • The Global path
  • The Independent path

Ballot

Official Ballot (PDF Format) – Ballots will be available after the presentation on April 16.
 
All ballots must be turned in by close of business on April 23, 2023, so give yourself plenty of time if you are mailing in your ballot, or bringing it by the office.
 

MISSION TRIP

OCT 1-6 KENTUCKY

A mission trip to Mt. Vernon, Kentucky is planned for Oct 1-6, 2023. This trip is beingplanned through Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) and Volunteers in Missions of the West Ohio Conference in the Methodist Church.
 
Dave and Patty Kriger are going from MUMC with a group from Fostoria, Ohio. The trip is to assist people in Kentucky to rebuild from storms experienced last year. There will be home repairs and construction involved. A maximum of 20 people will go and there are only a few spots left. Cost is $355 per person. A deposit of $50 is due by May 1 and the remainder if due July 1.
 
If interested, contact Patty Kriger.
 

Widows Connection
6-Session Bible Study

 
 
This I Know For Sure
Taking God At His Word
By Babbie Mason, award-winning Gospel singer-songwriter & Bible teacher
Any women who would like to have this experience are encouraged to join this group on April 24 and get ready to discover how to experience the overwhelming grace and love of God!
 
If you have any questions, please contact Toni Graham.
 

SHREDDING DAY
SATURDAY, APRIL 29
SPONSORED BY MCCORMICK COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Tax season and spring cleaning will soon be over and it’s a good time to rid your home of unwanted paper. The CHAMBER will make available a large shredder for the community on Saturday, April 29 (9am-1pm) at the MACK (Main street in front of the MACK).
Please be sure to remove all staples from the paper.
 
Donations are appreciated and assist the CHAMBER for the Shred Truck’s service.
 

BISCUITS AND BLESSINGS

 
Biscuits & Blessings – Saturday, May 6 – 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon – Church Parking Lot On Hwy. 378 – The Evangelism Committee announces that, again this year, McCormick UMC will host Biscuits & Blessings to reach out to our community! This event is offered as a part of the Town of McCormick’s Trunks of Gold Event on Main Street that morning.
 
Men ‘N Ministry will serve up the blessing of delicious sausage biscuits, coffee, juice and water, and the blessing of live Christian music will be provided by Larry Freeland, lead singer of Praise Tyme Band, who is also a former member of the Swingin’ Medallions. You will enjoy old gospel hymns, some original songs, and some Oldies tunes you will recognize that have new lyrics. Bring your bag chairs – and pack an extra one or two to share with others!
 
VOLUNTEERS are needed to help with this event! You will find a sign up board in the fellowship hall – please be sure to sign up and offer your help with setting up, taking down, or with food preparation and service. And, let us all be praying for this special outreach project!
 
All proceeds go to benefit local charities.
 

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN

DINNER MEETING MAY 18

Ladies, mark those calendars and find a picture of your mother to bring with you to the UMW meeting on May 18 at 6pm!
 
With a theme like, I REMEMBER MAMA, you know we will have some interesting fellowship! You don’t want to miss it, so mark your calendars today! Everyone is welcome, feel free to invite your neighbors to also join us on May 18!
 
Watch for details!
 
BIRTHDAYS
April
Dick Kvale
Wendy Kvale
Scott Pitser
Barb Shelley
Bob Myers
Pat Winn
Nancy Vereb
Glenda Sartain
Dot Baggett
Pat Meyers
Gary Wolfe
Don Smith
 
May
Bill Hartz
Trely Wolfe
Rico Salliewhite
Marge Radosevich
Brad Meyers
Dave Kriger
Bernie Tarrant
Charlies Meyer
Joan Wessels
 
June
Lindy Stahlman
Mike Dunn
Clint Scott
Gordon Waine
Carol Wieboldt
Betty Weiss
Beverly Western
Sue Yerdon
Lola Rek
Josiah Salliewhite
Bob Roe
Rick Lindley
Turney Bowser
Ron Garling
 
 
ANNIVERSARIES
April
Mike & Charlotte Tallent
 
May
Bob & Deb Wissinger
 
June
John & Sue Yerdon
Gary & Paula Grady
Bud & Rosemary Freeman
Gary & Trely Wolfe
Mitch & Sue Mitchell
Bob & Marsha Garner
Kim & Rich Jackson
Fran & Jack Towers
Chuck & Pat Winn
Bill & Susie Hartz
Rico & Kristen Salliewhite
Al & Sue Gaer

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Happenings – April 7, 2023

Posted on Apr 7, 2023 in Happenings |

EASTER SERVICES

Easter Sunday … April 9

Easter is a time for renewal. You have two opportunities on Easter to worship and celebrate the miracle of hope and eternal life.
 
A Sunrise service will be held at Baker Creek on Easter Sunday, April 9 at 7am. Time will be announced. Bring your company, neighbors and friends. Coffee and refreshments will follow.
 
There will also be a service at 10am in the MUMC sanctuary. The Chancel Choir will present an Easter Musical titled, “No More Night”. Refreshments will follow in the Fellowship Hall.
 
 

Online Giving

Quick-Step Guide (PDF) for setting up your account and making your first donation.
 
Thank you for giving to McCormick United Methodist Church. Your gifts enable us to fulfill our mission of “Reaching Up and Reaching Out”.
 
from Rev. C. Nels Ledwell
 
Easter Forgiveness
 
Let me tell you a true story that happened some time ago: A young boy’s father died in a car wreck when he was twelve years old. He read it in the newspaper before anyone got word to him to tell him about it. When he saw that picture of the family car smashed-up on the front page of the newspaper… and read that his dad had died in that accident, he was thrust immediately and painfully into the shocked numbness of deep grief.
 
Strangely, one of his very first feelings were those of guilt. He had remembered how some months before at a family picnic he was showing off with a baseball. At one point, he got careless and threw wildly; it hit his dad in the hand and broke his thumb. The young boy felt horrible. He said to himself, “What a terrible son I am! I have caused my dad great pain.”
 
It seemed that was all he could remember after his father’s death—the pain he caused his dad. Finally, the young boy went to see his pastor and told him about the deep feelings of guilt and about breaking his dad’s thumb.
 
The young boy… well, let me tell you in the boy’s own words, he said: I’ll never forget how my pastor handled that. He was so great. He came around the desk with tears in his eyes. He sat down across from me and said:
 
“Now, Jim,” that was the boy’s name, “you listen to me. If your dad could come back to life for five minutes and be right here with us… and if he knew you were worried about that, what would he say to you?”
 
“He would tell me to quit worrying about that,” Jim said.
 
“Well, all right,” the minister said, “then you quit worrying about that right now. Do you understand me?”
 
“Yes sir,” he said… and he did.
 
That minister was saying, “You are forgiven. Accept the forgiveness… and make a new start with your life.” The young boy did make a new start. And many years later, he served a 9,000 member church: St Luke s in Houston. The young Boy? James W. Moore, the author of over 30 books on Christian living.
 
That’s Easter. The Risen Lord comes back to life… and assures the disciples that they are forgiven.
 
  • Peter had denied his Lord three times.
  • Thomas had doubted.
  • All the disciples had forsaken Him.
 
But, Christ came back, forgave them, resurrected them. He came back to share with them… He comes again this Sunday, to share with you the joy, the encouragement and the forgiveness of Easter.
 
We follow Jesus to the Cross as He died for us…and celebrate His resurrection this week.
 
See you at Baker Creek, in Church or online this week.
 
Your Pastor,
Nels
 

Preparing for Worship

Thursday, April 6 – 6PM

Maundy Thursday Service

Holy Communion and Service of the Cross
Scripture Lesson: Matthew 26:14,31
Message: “Why Betrayal“
 

Sunday, April 9 – 7AM

Easter Sonrise Service at Baker Creek State Park

Scripture Lesson: Matthew 28: 1-10
Message: “Obeying His Words“
 

Sunday, April 9 – 10AM

Celebrating the Great Resurrection Day

Easter Cantata “No More Night”
Scripture Lesson: John 20: 1-18
Easter Homily: “The Goat“
 
 

WELCOME TO DAN STAPLES

 
MUMC is excited to welcome Dan Staples to our Church family!
 
Dan comes to us from Mt. Pleasant, Michigan and lives in Tara. He has been watching us for three years via live-stream! He likes boating, travel and all kinds of construction jobs! With the age of our church, I have a feeling he will put to work very quickly!
 

Kindness Update – Share Your Blessings at Easter!

10 Acts of Kindness to Do For Easter
We are reminded by Guidepost’s blogger Michelle Cox that Easter is a time to reflect on a God who loved us so much that He gave His life for us. As we think about how blessed we are on this day, she suggests taking this opportunity to be a blessing to someone else. Make acts of kindness a new part of your yearly Easter traditions!
 
Here are ten inspiring deeds you can do to share your blessings with friends, family, loved ones, and even strangers:
  1. Invite someone to Easter dinner at your house. Easter dinner is a wonderful tradition that brings the whole family together for good food and cherished memories. Why not share the love this season, whether in your home or by inviting someone to a meal in a restaurant?
  2. Ask someone to go to church with you on Easter Sunday. Invite someone you know who goes to church alone or wants to attend a service in a new place.
  3. Take a meal to someone alone on Easter. Many of us know someone—a neighbor or family friend—who will be spending Easter alone. Even if you are not able to invite them to join your own festivities, you can still brighten their day with acts of kindness on Easter.
  4. Fix Easter baskets for your friends and family. Nothing brings joy like receiving an Easter basket, even if you are an adult. Take on a tradition of putting together Easter baskets for your friends and family, not just the kids.
  5. Share your bounty. If we all took the time to help someone this Easter (and all the days after) how much more hope and love could we be sharing throughout our communities?
  6. Volunteer your time. No matter how you do it, spending your time serving others will truly put you in the Easter spirit!
  7. Pray for others. Let your Easter prayers for others focus on what this season is all about: hope, renewal, and new beginnings.
  8. Organize a neighborhood Easter egg hunt. Consider starting a new Easter tradition your neighbors will love.
  9. Donate to an animal shelter. Donate your money or time to an animal shelter or rabbit rescue. Your gift will help Easter’s abandoned rabbits get healthier, find forever homes, and bring joy to others even after Easter is over.
  10. 1Share the message of Easter with your family, friends and children. Don’t forget what Easter is all about. Share the message of Easter with everyone in your life!
 
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!
 

First Tuesday

Stephen Ministry Corner

April 2023

An important theme in the Lenten Season we are in the midst of is the humanity of Christ. We are reviewing again the story of how, in Jesus, God became fully human and fully experienced the wide range of emotions we all encounter in life. Jesus experienced joy and love in his service to his Father, but he also experienced loneliness, sadness, hurt, disappointment, grief, and abandonment. This is all part of being human.
 
Another part of being human is needing help from each other. God never intended us to be completely self-sufficient. Part of God’s plan is for each of us to turn to others for help when we need it. We need to remember Paul telling us, “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” [Galatians 6:2 (KJV)
 
Here at McCormick United Methodist Church our Stephen Ministers are here, ready and willing, to give that help to those struggling with difficult times. If you need someone to listen to you, with whom you can share your feelings, and receive acceptance and Christian love, please consider having a Stephen Minister. Start by calling Pastor Nels or one of the Stephen Leaders and begin a relationship with a Stephen Minister who wants to walk with you through whatever it is you are struggling with.
 
Start by calling Pastor Pastor Ledwell thru the church office at (864) 852-2394.
 

FELLOWSHIP AFTER CHURCH SERVICE – HOSTS NEEDED

Many of you are enjoying the fellowship time following the services each week! If you have not come to the fellowship hall after the service, give it a try this week! There is always coffee, drinks, and goodies plus fellowship with the church family!
 
Carol Myers wants you to know there is a sign-up ready for April, May, and June. Please take the time to pick one Sunday to bring goodies (usually there are two folks that provide the goodies). Goodies do not have to home-made! You will be working with others to set up.. the veterans will show you the way!!
 
If you have a question or concern, call Carol Myers.
 

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 MUMC.
 
Start by calling Pastor Nels or one of the Stephen Leaders thru the church office at (864)852-2394 and begin a ‘fellowship’ with a Stephen Minister.
 

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.
 
 
 
 

NEXT STEPS

Mark Your Calendars

  • Sunday, April 16 Meet 11 AM (immediately after service for presentation)
  • Sunday, April 23 Meet 11AM (Immediately after service for vote)
NOTE: Presentation on April 16 will be live-streamed and archived on the website.
 

Presentation on Sunday, April 16 will include:

  • Financials involved in making the change
  • Why we have chosen not to go with a different old-line Methodist church
  • The Global path
  • The Independent path

Ballot

Official Ballot (PDF Format) – Ballot will be made available following the presentation on April 16.
 
All ballots must be turned in by April 23, so give yourself plenty of time if you are mailing in your ballot, or bringing it by the office.
 

MISSION TRIP

OCT 1-6 KENTUCKY

A mission trip to Mt. Vernon, Kentucky is planned for Oct 1-6, 2023. This trip is beingplanned through Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) and Volunteers in Missions of the West Ohio Conference in the Methodist Church.
 
Dave and Patty Kriger are going from MUMC with a group from Fostoria, Ohio. The trip is to assist people in Kentucky to rebuild from storms experienced last year. There will be home repairs and construction involved. A maximum of 20 people will go and there are only a few spots left. Cost is $355 per person. A deposit of $50 is due by May 1 and the remainder if due July 1.
 
If interested, contact Patty Kriger.
 

Widows Connection
6-Session Bible Study

 
 
This I Know For Sure
Taking God At His Word
By Babbie Mason, award-winning Gospel singer-songwriter & Bible teacher
Any women who would like to have this experience are encouraged to join this group on April 24 and get ready to discover how to experience the overwhelming grace and love of God!
 
If you have any questions, please contact Toni Graham.
 

SHREDDING DAY
SATURDAY, APRIL 29
SPONSORED BY MCCORMICK COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Tax season and spring cleaning will soon be over and it’s a good time to rid your home of unwanted paper. The CHAMBER will make available a large shredder for the community on Saturday, April 29 (9am-1pm) at the MACK (Main street in front of the MACK).
Please be sure to remove all staples from the paper.
 
Donations are appreciated and assist the CHAMBER for the Shred Truck’s service.
 

BISCUITS AND BLESSINGS

 
Biscuits & Blessings – Saturday, May 6 – 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon – Church Parking Lot On Hwy. 378 – The Evangelism Committee announces that, again this year, McCormick UMC will host Biscuits & Blessings to reach out to our community! This event is offered as a part of the Town of McCormick’s Trunks of Gold Event on Main Street that morning.
 
Men ‘N Ministry will serve up the blessing of delicious sausage biscuits, coffee, juice and water, and the blessing of live Christian music will be provided by Larry Freeland, lead singer of Praise Tyme Band, who is also a former member of the Swingin’ Medallions. You will enjoy old gospel hymns, some original songs, and some Oldies tunes you will recognize that have new lyrics. Bring your bag chairs – and pack an extra one or two to share with others!
 
VOLUNTEERS are needed to help with this event! You will find a sign up board in the fellowship hall – please be sure to sign up and offer your help with setting up, taking down, or with food preparation and service. And, let us all be praying for this special outreach project!
 
All proceeds go to benefit local charities.
 
BIRTHDAYS
April
Dick Kvale
Wendy Kvale
Scott Pitser
Barb Shelley
Bob Myers
Pat Winn
Nancy Vereb
Glenda Sartain
Dot Baggett
Pat Meyers
Gary Wolfe
Don Smith
 
May
Bill Hartz
Trely Wolfe
Rico Salliewhite
Marge Radosevich
Brad Meyers
Dave Kriger
Bernie Tarrant
Charlies Meyer
Joan Wessels
 
June
Lindy Stahlman
Mike Dunn
Clint Scott
Gordon Waine
Carol Wieboldt
Betty Weiss
Beverly Western
Sue Yerdon
Lola Rek
Josiah Salliewhite
Bob Roe
Rick Lindley
Turney Bowser
Ron Garling
 
 
ANNIVERSARIES
April
Mike & Charlotte Tallent
 
May
Bob & Deb Wissinger
 
June
John & Sue Yerdon
Gary & Paula Grady
Bud & Rosemary Freeman
Gary & Trely Wolfe
Mitch & Sue Mitchell
Bob & Marsha Garner
Kim & Rich Jackson
Fran & Jack Towers
Chuck & Pat Winn
Bill & Susie Hartz
Rico & Kristen Salliewhite
Al & Sue Gaer
 

Read more...

Happenings – March 31, 2023

Posted on Mar 31, 2023 in Happenings |

WORSHIP WITH US – SUNDAY 10AM

Online Giving

Quick-Step Guide (PDF) for setting up your account and making your first donation.
 
Thank you for giving to McCormick United Methodist Church. Your gifts enable us to fulfill our mission of “Reaching Up and Reaching Out”.
 
from Rev. C. Nels Ledwell
 
Author Mickey Anders writes to us this question, “What Kind of Jesus Do You Want?” I would like to share with you his article as we contemplate the meaning of Palm/Passion Sunday.
 
Enjoy!
What Kind of Jesus Do You Want?
 
“Well, I don’t care if it rains or freezes,
Long as I have my plastic Jesus
Riding on the dashboard of my car
I could go a hundred miles an hour
Long as I got the Almighty Power
Glued up there with my fuzzy dice.”
 
That’s the way an old folk song starts. The chorus continues the theme this way:
 
“Plastic Jesus, plastic Jesus
Riding on the dashboard of my car
Through all trials and tribulations,
We will travel every nation,
With my plastic Jesus I’ll go far.”
 
The following verses say that you can buy Him “phosphorescent, glows in the dark, He’s Pink and Pleasant…” The anonymous author says he tries to run down pedestrians using the plastic Jesus’ halo as an aiming guide. He complains because his plastic Jesus is turning white because of stains from the smoke of his cigar. When the policeman stops him on suspicion that he is “tight,” he’ll never find the bottle because his plastic Jesus’ is hollow. The head comes off, and he uses Him for a flask, “a holy bar.”
 
That old song came to my mind when I pondered today’s passage because at its root is the question, “What kind of Jesus do you want?” Many people don’t want the real Jesus; they want a more convenient version.
 
When we look closely at the dynamics of that Palm Sunday, we are not really surprised at the Friday outcome. On the surface, it seems like the Triumphal Entry was a grand celebration, but underneath we find the seeds of the crucifixion lying among the palms.
 
But the real meaning of Palm Sunday for us today can be found in that same question I asked about each of the groups, “What kind of Jesus are you looking for?” Do you want a Miracle Jesus or Ritual Jesus? Do you want a Military Jesus or a Messiah Jesus? In more modern terms we might ask, “Do you want a plastic Jesus or a Prozac Jesus? Do you want your Jesus in a bottle or a Mr. Rogers kind of Jesus?”
 
If you are looking for any of those, you will be disappointed too. But note that the reason we are disappointed is that we are looking for the wrong kind of Jesus. A friend wrote me yesterday with a wonderful quote she heard on the radio. Each time one lady discovers someone claiming to be an atheist, she responds, “Tell me about the God you don’t believe in.” And when they do, she usually observes, “I don’t think I would like that kind of God either.” Our disappointments in God usually come from a wrong view of God. As J. B. Phillips said in the title of his wonderful little book, “Your God Is Too Small.”
 
Thank you Mickey for your article.
 
See you in Church or online this Palm Sunday. It will be huge! Our service will begin with a choral processional as we remember the journey of Jesus.
 
Your Pastor,
Nels
 

Preparing for Worship

Sunday, April 2 – 10AM

Palm/ Passion Sunday
Holy Communion and Palm Sunday Processional
Scripture Lesson: Matthew 21: 1-11
Matthew 26: 1-5
Message: “Two Sides of the Cross”
 

BAPTISM OF AVA COIN
GRANDDAUGHTER OF NANCY MANFREADY

MUMC Family was delighted to welcome Ava Coin into the family of God!
 
Ava is the daughter of Nicole and Eric Coin of Port Saint Lucie, Florida. She was born on August 5, 2022.
 
Ava won the hearts of our church family, and especially our pastor! We were thrilled to be able to participate in her Baptism!
 

Kindness Update – When Kindness Ran!

As we approach Palm Sunday, there is a sense of celebration in awaiting the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem! As people did back then, Palm Sunday is a day to wave palm branches and shout, “Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord! – Hosanna in the Highest!” (Matthew 21: 9).
 
At this week’s meeting of the Widows Connection, we had a discussion about Jesus’ story of the Prodigal Son and its message to us today about our Heavenly Father’s boundless love for us. We were reminded that, no matter how far we run from God – no matter how long we stay – we cannot outrun His Loving Kindness and Forgiveness – that He is always there to rescue us.
 
As “Easter people” who know “the rest of the story”, we might put on the “heart of the lost son” and run toward Jesus who is always ready to run toward us! As you click on the link below, I hope your heart will be as touched as mine has been by the powerful words of this song and the beautiful pictures that tell the story – the song is entitled “When God Ran”:
 
 
This week’s Kindness entry reflects the faith of a grandparent who obviously knows well the powerful story of the Prodigal Son! During a discussion with the receptionist while waiting for a recent medical appointment, she shared a grandparent story that was touching to me. Her grandson has Asperger’s syndrome and she was telling me about how for him everything is either black or white – there’s no in-between. He loves to go to church with his grandparents each Sunday, and while his parents do not attend church, she got a little twinkle in her eye when she said, “You never know what God may have planned!”!
 
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!
 

FELLOWSHIP AFTER CHURCH SERVICE – HOSTS NEEDED

Many of you are enjoying the fellowship time following the services each week! If you have not come to the fellowship hall after the service, give it a try this week! There is always coffee, drinks, and goodies plus fellowship with the church family!
 
Carol Myers wants you to know there is a sign-up ready for April, May, and June. Please take the time to pick one Sunday to bring goodies (usually there are two folks that provide the goodies). Goodies do not have to home-made! You will be working with others to set up.. the veterans will show you the way!!
 
If you have a question or concern, call Carol Myers.
 

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 MUMC.
 
Start by calling Pastor Nels or one of the Stephen Leaders thru the church office at (864)852-2394 and begin a ‘fellowship’ with a Stephen Minister.
 

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.
 
 
 
 

HOLY WEEK, AND EASTER SERVICES

Palm Sunday …April 2

Palm Sunday commemorates the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and begins the series of observances focusing on the events of Holy Week.  The service will be at 10am.
 

Maundy Thursday…April 6

Maundy is derived from the Latin word for “command,” and refers to Jesus’ commandment to the disciples to “Love one another as I have loved you.” Service starts at 6pm. Communion will be served.
 

Easter Sunday … April 9

Easter is a time for renewal. You have two opportunities on Easter to worship and celebrate the miracle of hope and eternal life.
 
A Sunrise service will be held at Baker Creek on Easter Sunday, April 9 at 7am. Time will be announced. Bring your company, neighbors and friends. Coffee and refreshments will follow.
 
There will also be a service at 10am in the MUMC sanctuary. The Chancel Choir will present an Easter Musical titled, “No More Night”. Refreshments will follow in the Fellowship Hall. 
 

CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS
DISCUSS NEXT STEPS AFTER DISAFFILIATION

Our Next Steps Team will be presenting their findings on our choices after the disaffiliation is complete.
 
The team will present information on joining Global, going independent, or joining another existing Wesleyan group.
Sunday, April 16 3pm – Sanctuary (This will be livestreamed and archived)
Tuesday, April 18 4pm – Sanctuary
 
Members will vote for their choice Sunday, April 23 in the  Sanctuary Immediately following the service.
 
May we remain in prayer as we make these difficult decisions. Father, you are abundant in loving kindness and wisdom.
Reassure our hearts by your great power and help us to discern your will for your Church.
 

“Walking with Christ to the Cross”
LENTEN BIBLE STUDY

The following Seven-Week Bible Study can be done by yourself at home, or with a group.
 
If you are interested in being part of a small group for this Bible Study, Kim Jackson is leading a Lenten Bible Study group on Saturday mornings at 10am in the Fellowship Hall. Please call Kim if you are planning on attending the Saturday sessions. 
 
To learn more and/or download a copy of the “Walking with Christ to the Cross Bible Study” Click the link below:
https://www.mccormickmc.org/lenten-bible-study
 

Widows Connection
6-Session Bible Study

 
 
This I Know For Sure
Taking God At His Word
By Babbie Mason, award-winning Gospel singer-songwriter & Bible teacher
Any women who would like to have this experience are encouraged to join this group on April 24 and get ready to discover how to experience the overwhelming grace and love of God!
 
If you have any questions, please contact Toni Graham.
 

SHREDDING DAY
SATURDAY, APRIL 29
SPONSORED BY MCCORMICK COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Tax season and spring cleaning will soon be over and it’s a good time to rid your home of unwanted paper. The CHAMBER will make available a large spreader for the community on Saturday, April 29 (9am-1pm) at the MACK (Main street in front of the MACK).
Please be sure to remove all staples from the paper.
 
Donations are appreciated and assist the CHAMBER for the Shred Truck’s service.
 

BISCUITS AND BLESSINGS

 
Biscuits & Blessings – Saturday, May 6 – 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon – Church Parking Lot On Hwy. 378 – The Evangelism Committee announces that, again this year, McCormick UMC will host Biscuits & Blessings to reach out to our community! This event is offered as a part of the Town of McCormick’s Trunks of Gold Event on Main Street that morning.
 
Men ‘N Ministry will serve up the blessing of delicious sausage biscuits, coffee, juice and water, and the blessing of live Christian music will be provided by Larry Freeland, lead singer of Praise Tyme Band, who is also a former member of the Swingin’ Medallions. You will enjoy old gospel hymns, some original songs, and some Oldies tunes you will recognize that have new lyrics. Bring your bag chairs – and pack an extra one or two to share with others!
 
VOLUNTEERS are needed to help with this event!  You will find a sign up board in the fellowship hall – please be sure to sign up and offer your help with setting up, taking down, or with food preparation and service. And, let us all be praying for this special outreach project!
 
All proceeds go to benefit local charities.
 
BIRTHDAYS
March
Lewis Bryant
Becky Lagroon
Joe Larate
Mike Smith
Marsha Garner
Larry Bonam
Josh Sandt
Susan Gaer
Jan Lamke
Shirley Bowser
Dale Tarrant
Bob Garner
 
April
Dick Kvale
Wendy Kvale
Scott Pitser
Barb Shelley
Bob Myers
Pat Winn
Nancy Vereb
Glenda Sartain
Dot Baggett
Pat Meyers
Gary Wolfe
Don Smith
 
May
Bill Hartz
Trely Wolfe
Rico Salliewhite
Marge Radosevich
Brad Meyers
Dave Kriger
Bernie Tarrant
Charlies Meyer
Joan Wessels
 
June
Lindy Stahlman
Mike Dunn
Clint Scott
Gordon Waine
Carol Wieboldt
Betty Weiss
Beverly Western
Sue Yerdon
Lola Rek
Josiah Salliewhite
Bob Roe
Rick Lindley
Turney Bowser
Ron Garling
 
 
ANNIVERSARIES
March
Ron &Donna Hutto
Larry & Sandy Bonam
Nancy & Wayne Manfready
Shirley & Turney Bowser
Brian & Gail Gore
Lewis & Barb Bryant
 
April
Mike & Charlotte Tallent
 
May
Bob & Deb Wissinger
 
June
John & Sue Yerdon
Gary & Paula Grady
Bud & Rosemary Freeman
Gary & Trely Wolfe
Mitch & Sue Mitchell
Bob & Marsha Garner
Kim & Rich Jackson
Fran & Jack Towers
Chuck & Pat Winn
Bill & Susie Hartz
Rico & Kristen Salliewhite
Al & Sue Gaer

Read more...

Happenings – March 24, 2023

Posted on Mar 24, 2023 in Happenings |

WORSHIP WITH US – SUNDAY 10AM

Online Giving

Quick-Step Guide (PDF) for setting up your account and making your first donation.
 
Thank you for giving to McCormick United Methodist Church. Your gifts enable us to fulfill our mission of “Reaching Up and Reaching Out”.
 
from Rev. C. Nels Ledwell
 
A God Who Weeps With You
 
The raising of Lazarus is a reminder that there will come a time when there will be no more pain or sorrow; there will come a time when there will be no more tears. Why? Because at the heart of the universe is a God who loves us.
 
That is the testimony of John in the Revelation. He writes, “Then I saw ‘a new heaven and a new earth,’ for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
 
Two images ought to stick in our minds forever. Jesus standing beside a friend’s tomb weeping. And even more striking, the eternal God of all creation wiping the tears from His children’s eyes. Cold, impersonal world? I don’t think so.
 
Let me close with an interesting story. A woman named Ella Wilcox once witnessed a woman sitting quietly by herself sobbing very noticeably in the middle of a train car. At first, Ella was a little bothered by the persistent weeping, but then she noticed another passenger in the car an older gentlemen who was sitting near the rear of the car. He was telling funny stories to the passengers sitting around him. Everybody smiled and chuckled along with the old man. After a while, some of the other passengers in the car started moving. They were getting up from their seats in the front, near the crying woman, and gravitating toward the back near the man telling the funny stories. Out of this experience, Ella Wilcox wrote these well-known words: “Laugh, and the world laughs with you. Weep, and you weep alone.”
 
When you are weeping, you may feel alone, terribly alone, but you are not. There is One who weeps with you. There is One who will one day wipe away every tear from your eyes. This One has power over life and death. This One is Jesus Christ and he has the power to call you forth from your tomb of tears and give you life once again.
 
Walk with us Lord!
 
See You in Church or online this Sunday.
 
Your Pastor,
Nels
 

Preparing for Worship

Sunday, March 26 – 10AM

Fifth Sunday in Lent
UMCOR Sunday
Holy Baptism
Scripture Lesson:  John 11: 17-45
Reference Texts:  John 11: 1-16
                               Ezekeil 37: 1-14
Message:  “If You Believe…”
 

RICH JACKSON COMMISSIONED
NEW STEPHEN MINISTRY LEADER

Rich Jackson was commissioned as the new Stephen Leader. He will help oversee our Stephen Ministry here at McCormick United Methodist Church by leading training, and supervising the Stephen Ministers in their training to learn how to provide care for those who are hurting and in need. A reception was held in the Fellowship Hall following the service.
 

MUMC CONGREGATIONAL CARE TEAM
ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATION

The Congregational Care Team visited with the sweet residents of Forest View Manor Retirement Center . Everyone is all smiles, waiting to dig in to John Yerdon’s delicious cake!!! The staff were also treated to John’s famous cake, they got the left overs!
 

FELLOWSHIP AFTER CHURCH SERVICE – HOSTS NEEDED

Many of you are enjoying the fellowship time following the services each week! If you have not come to the fellowship hall after the service, give it a try this week! There is always coffee, drinks, and goodies plus fellowship with the church family!
 
Carol Myers wants you to know there is a sign-up ready for April, May, and June. Please take the time to pick one Sunday to bring goodies (usually there are two folks that provide the goodies). Goodies do not have to home-made! You will be working with others to set up.. the veterans will show you the way!!
 
If you have a question or concern, call Carol Myers.
 

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 MUMC.
 
Start by calling Pastor Nels or one of the Stephen Leaders thru the church office at (864)852-2394 and begin a ‘fellowship’ with a Stephen Minister.
 

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.
 
 
 
 

UMCOR SUNDAY
MARCH 26

For more than 50 years, Methodist congregations have supported UMCOR Sunday. MUMC will celebrate UMCOR Sunday on March 26.
 
UMCOR Sunday, March 26, is one of our church-wide special Mission Sundays which calls us to share our goodness of life with those who are in need. Your gifts lay the foundation to share God’s love with communities everywhere. This special offering underwrites “costs of doing business.” and helps them keep the promise that 100 percent of any gift to a specific disaster through the year will go toward that project, not administrative costs.
 
There will be a collection at church on March 19. You can donate from home starting today by check or online.  If paying by check, please make payable to MUMC and note UMCOR on the subject line. You can drop it in the collection plate, bring it by the office or mail it to the church at MUMC Box 267 McCormick SC 29835. 
 
Please give generously and pray about following our Lord’s words from 1 John 3:18 “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but indeed and in truth.”
 

Widows Connection
6-Session Bible Study

 
 
This I Know For Sure
Taking God At His Word
By Babbie Mason, award-winning Gospel singer-songwriter & Bible teacher
 

Any women who would like to have this experience are encouraged to join this group on March 27 and get ready to discover how to experience the overwhelming grace and love of God!
 
If you have any questions, please contact Toni Graham.
 

HOLY WEEK, AND EASTER SERVICES

Palm Sunday …April 2

Palm Sunday commemorates the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and begins the series of observances focusing on the events of Holy Week.  The service will be at 10am.
 

Maundy Thursday…April 6

Maundy is derived from the Latin word for “command,” and refers to Jesus’ commandment to the disciples to “Love one another as I have loved you.” Service starts at 6pm. Communion will be served.
 

Easter Sunday … April 9

Easter is a time for renewal. You have two opportunities on Easter to worship and celebrate the miracle of hope and eternal life.
 
A Sunrise service will be held at Baker Creek on Easter Sunday, April 9 at 7am. Time will be announced. Bring your company, neighbors and friends. Coffee and refreshments will follow.
 
There will also be a service at 10am in the MUMC sanctuary. The Chancel Choir will present an Easter Musical titled, “No More Night”. Refreshments will follow in the Fellowship Hall. 
 

ACTS OF KINDNESS

Kindness Update – Have You Been Grace Bombed Lately? 

 
Two weeks ago, I was “Grace Bombed”! I had never even heard of the term, but let me tell you, it felt great, and I can only hope you get to experience it, too! As you see above, Grace Bomb – The Surprising Impact of Loving Your Neighbors – is a book by Patrick Linnell who describes a Grace Bomb as a ‘surprising act of love motivated by Jesus’. What better surprise could there be?
 
On page 92 in the book you find the following: “When people think of acts of kindness as random, it is usually because the kindness came from a stranger or random people. But Jesus clearly commanded us to love our neighbors, which will include many random people – making the act not at all random, but instead a simple obedience to the expressed will of God. In other words, Grace Bombs are not random acts of kindness, but intentional acts of love. We are just doing what Jesus told us to do.”
 
You can go to the Grace Bomb Company website and learn more about their program designed to help congregants of churches “start flexing their everyday faith muscles” and spread the hope of Jesus to their neighbors through the true source of grace, Jesus. The website describes Grace Bomb as more than a kindness movement; it provides “training wheels for the Great Commission”. Grace Bombing is done in the spirit of Hebrews 10:24, which encourages us to “In response to all he has done for us, let us outdo each other in being helpful and kind to each other and in doing good.”
 
The website shares real-time stories of Grace Bombs being dropped and received all around the country as inspiration for others to step into their own Grace Bombing adventures. Let us start our own Grace Bombing adventures at McCormick UMC and spread God’s Love!
 
This week’s Kindness entry came as a written message that was left in the Library after the Youth Class Jesus Love You “Snow Much” bulletin board was removed; the message found its way into the Kindness box in the window: “Please, Please, Save Me – Everyone loves what I say to them! Thank you Snow Much!”;
 
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!
 

CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS
DISCUSS NEXT STEPS AFTER DISAFFILIATION

Our Next Steps Team will be presenting their findings on our choices after the disaffiliation is complete.
 
The team will present information on joining Global, going independent, or joining another existing Wesleyan group.
Sunday, April 16 3pm – Sanctuary (This will be livestreamed and archived)
Tuesday, April 18 4pm – Sanctuary
 
Members will vote for their choice Sunday, April 23 in the  Sanctuary Immediately following the service.
 
May we remain in prayer as we make these difficult decisions. Father, you are abundant in loving kindness and wisdom.
Reassure our hearts by your great power and help us to discern your will for your Church.
 

“Walking with Christ to the Cross”
LENTEN BIBLE STUDY

The following Seven-Week Bible Study can be done by yourself at home, or with a group.
 
If you are interested in being part of a small group for this Bible Study, Kim Jackson is leading a Lenten Bible Study group on Saturday mornings at 10am in the Fellowship Hall. Please call Kim if you are planning on attending the Saturday sessions. 
 
To learn more and/or download a copy of the “Walking with Christ to the Cross Bible Study” Click the link below:
https://www.mccormickmc.org/lenten-bible-study
 

BISCUITS AND BLESSINGS

 
Biscuits & Blessings – Saturday, May 6 – 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon – Church Parking Lot On Hwy. 378 – The Evangelism Committee announces that, again this year, McCormick UMC will host Biscuits & Blessings to reach out to our community! This event is offered as a part of the Town of McCormick’s Trunks of Gold Event on Main Street that morning.
 
Men ‘N Ministry will serve up the blessing of delicious sausage biscuits, coffee, juice and water, and the blessing of live Christian music will be provided by Larry Freeland, lead singer of Praise Tyme Band, who is also a former member of the Swingin’ Medallions. You will enjoy old gospel hymns, some original songs, and some Oldies tunes you will recognize that have new lyrics. Bring your bag chairs – and pack an extra one or two to share with others!
 
VOLUNTEERS are needed to help with this event!  You will find a sign up board in the fellowship hall – please be sure to sign up and offer your help with setting up, taking down, or with food preparation and service. And, let us all be praying for this special outreach project!
 
All proceeds go to benefit local charities.
 
BIRTHDAYS
March
Lewis Bryant
Becky Lagroon
Joe Larate
Mike Smith
Marsha Garner
Larry Bonam
Josh Sandt
Susan Gaer
Jan Lamke
Shirley Bowser
Dale Tarrant
Bob Garner
 
April
Dick Kvale
Wendy Kvale
Scott Pitser
Barb Shelley
Bob Myers
Pat Winn
Nancy Vereb
Glenda Sartain
Dot Baggett
Pat Meyers
Gary Wolfe
Don Smith
 
ANNIVERSARIES
March
Ron &Donna Hutto
Larry & Sandy Bonam
Nancy & Wayne Manfready
Shirley & Turney Bowser
Brian & Gail Gore
Lewis & Barb Bryant
 
April
Mike & Charlotte Tallent

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