from Rev. C. Nels Ledwell

 

 

James W. Moore shares this story for all who need a reminder of how the Body of Christ loves her members.

 

It was a cold Christmas Eve a few years ago. Will Willimon, Dean of the Chapel at Duke University, was rushing his family to get in the car. They were running late for the communion service. “Where are the sermon notes? Where is the pulpit robe? Don’t forget to turn off the lights. Everybody get in the car and be quiet!”

 

On the way to the church… rushing through the traffic, their 5-year-old- daughter, Harriet, got sick at her stomach and she up-chucked all over the car. “Great!” Will Willimon thought, “If people only knew what preachers go through.” He wheeled into the church parking lot and jumped out of the car, leaving his wife, Patsy, to clean up the car and get the kids into the church… and he thought, “If people only knew what preachers’ spouses go through.”

 

His wife, Patsy, led a still unsteady and pale Harriet into the church. They sat on the back pew in the darkness… just in case Harriet got sick again. Their son, William, age seven, ran down to the front of the church to sit with his grandparents. Will Willimon threw on his robe, took a deep breath, and joined the choir for the processional. He made it through the first part of the service… and the sermon. Then came Holy Communion. Will Willimon’s wife, Patsy, came down to the altar to receive the sacrament, but she left 5 year old Harriet on the back pew. Harriet was still so pale and so weak and so sick. But then something beautiful happened. Seven-year-old William got up and came back to the communion rail. “What on earth is he doing?” wondered his parents. “He’s already received communion once. What is he up to?” They watched him race to the back of the church and scoot down the pew toward his sister. He opened his hands… revealing a small piece of bread. “Harriet,” he said, “This is the body of Christ given for you.” Without hesitation, little Harriet picked the bread out of her brother’s hands and plopped it into her mouth and said, “Amen.” And in that moment Holy Communion had never been more holy. Then 7-year-old William patted his 5-year-old sister Harriet on the head. He smiled. She smiled. And then he turned and ran back down to the front of the church to re-join his grandparents. (The Christian Ministry, July-August 1989, p. 47)

 

Think of that. Her 7-year-old brother William thought to include her. Either because she wasn’t being included or he thought it might help her feel better he reached out to his sister with what really mattered—the body of Christ in the form of communion. There’s a name for that… it’s called LOVE! What a beautiful thing it is when our children rise to the occasion and teach us once again the power of love, the wonder of love, the miracle of love.

 

This Sunday we will talk about the Body, Love and have communion together.

 

See you in Church or online this Sunday.

 

Your Pastor,
Nels

 

Sunday, February 2, 2025 10 AM
Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

Holy Communion
Scripture Lesson: 1 Corinthians 12: 12-28
Message: “Body Building”

Jesus Call Us
Come, Thou Almighty King
Be Present at our Table Lord
Where He Leads Me
Go Now in Peace
Anthem: Come, Come Unto Me

 

Browsing the Good News Network as Super Bowl LIX approaches, it was refreshing to find the kindness story below that puts things in proper perspective in light of all the media hype that is associated with pro football these days. I enjoyed it and thought you might as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This Week’s Kindness Entry: Walking out into the grocery store parking lot the other day, I saw a woman near my car waving her arms in the air. Drawing near, I realized it was an old friend I hadn’t seen in many years. She had locked her keys in her car and needed a ride to the Blood Connection where her husband was making a platelet donation and could drive her back over to her vehicle when finished. We caught up on old times on the way, and when she got out, she said, “your kindness to me should be reported to someone”. I told her I knew just what to do to take care of that!

 

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!

 

In the Methodist Church we have a position called Lay Leader, and I’m happy to say I’m filling this position! The Lay Leaders’ primary job is to connect with the people of the church, the leadership of the church and the local community. I’m looking forward to talking to you and finding out how you wish to participate in our church activities. Please call me anytime, if you know me, you know I love to talk!!!

 

I’ll be meeting with each of our groups to see what their needs are and how they wish to move forward to help the growth of our church in 2025. At this point I’ve met with our new Worship Leader, Deb Wissinger and the new Fellowship gals, Toni Graham & Nancy Vereb.

 

The fellowship gals have made the decision to take over the decorating of the fellowship hall and Deb from the Worship Team agrees. So, if you have questions regarding what’s happening in the fellowship hall please reach out to Toni &/or Nancy. Please discuss any fellowship hall decorating or needs with them. They’re coming up with some new directions for any volunteer who wants to sign up for the coffee hour which they’ll add to the detailed notebook that’s available for the kitchen help you might need to do a fellowship Sunday.

 

We’re hoping that some of our “groups” or Sunday schools or committees will sign up this year. Fellowship is a major part of any church and is as important as any committee and hopefully easier to do!!!

 

Wendy Kvale

Lay Leader 2025

 

Being an Usher is a great way to connect with your church family and be one of the first smiling faces people see when they visit us! Ushers provide an invaluable service. Thank you to all who served in 2024! Past ushers, please watch for an email from Shannon Stewart to coordinate the February 2025-end of January 2026 Usher schedule, and let her know the month you would like to serve! Also, if anyone wants to become an usher, please let her know.

 

Ushers are NO LONGER responsible for security (A different group handles security!).

 

Usher responsibilities include handing out bulletins, lighting the candles for service, locking the door nearest your station once service begins, lighting and extinguishing candles, and (once a month) assisting with communion. What a lovely way to be Christ’s servant!

 

If interested, call or text Shannon Stewart.

 

 

If you feel drawn to support their mission financially you can write a check, payable to MMC and noted Uganda Mission and put it in collection plate, bring it by the office, or mail to the church (McCormick Methodist Church, PO Box 267, McCormick, SC 29835).

—or—

 

Following the service, several like to go to the Fellowship Hall and grab a cup of coffee and a sweet, and enjoy the fellowship of the MMC family.

 

We need folks to host. This means setting up the coffee (there are specific directions on the counter), and providing some cookies, muffins, or fruit to share.

 

Sign up to help (usually two sign up for one Sunday). The sign-up is on the table in the Fellowship Hall.

 

 

If you are experiencing any type of difficulty and you need someone to listen to you, with whom you can share your feelings and receive acceptance and Christian love, please consider being in a relationship with a Stephen Minister at MMC.

 

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

 

The Congregational Care Committee wants you to know they are there to help you if you ever need transportation, meals or a visitor! Please contact Kim Jackson if you or someone you know needs help or if you would like to be added to the list of volunteers.

 

 

 

Beginning this new year, we’re embarking on a transformative yearlong churchwide study focusing on scripture, Christian living, and discipleship. Designed to inspire spiritual growth and build deeper connections within our church family, this study is available through the McCormick Methodist digital library on RightNow Media.

 

• Sunday School Integration: Adult Sunday school classes will adopt this study as part of their curriculum.
• Small Groups: Small groups are encouraged to participate by incorporating the study into their gatherings. This would be a great small in home group study. If you would like to participate in this study let Kim Jackson know and she’ll help get you started.
• Individuals: Individuals can participate on their own devices/tvs. Need help? Contact Kim Jackson

MEN N MINISTRY
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4 6PM

• Do you feel “done” with your loved one’s substance use issue?
• Are you compelled to understand why they are using?
• Do you long to stay in a relationship with your loved one but aren’t sure how to do that?
• Do you want to help but don’t know how?

McCormick Methodist Women Meeting
Wednesday, February 5 – 3PM

SOUPER BOWL SUNDAY

FEBRUARY 9

MMC FOOD PANTRY
NEEDS RESTOCKING

• Small jars of peanut butter or peanut butter with jelly mix
• Cream soups for casseroles
• Boxes or bags of pasta (plain)
• Small cans of fruit

 

Please sign up on the chart across from the office for a week that works best to supply the flowers for the sanctuary. Patsy will sign you up if you want, just give her a call at the Church office!

 

from Rev. C. Nels Ledwell

 

 

Mickey Anders, writes that in Luke 4 we find what he calls Jesus’ inaugural sermon. 

 

Every four years the new president of the United States gives his inaugural address. In it, he articulates his program or his plan of action for his term of office. See if you recognize the President who made the following remarks:

 

“With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation’s wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.” – Abraham Lincoln, 1865.

 

“This great nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself–nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1933.

 

“And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.” – John F Kennedy, 1960.

 

“Americans are generous and strong and decent, not because we believe in ourselves, but because we hold beliefs beyond ourselves.” — George W. Bush, 2001

 

“It is the American sound. It is hopeful, big-hearted, idealistic, daring, decent, and fair. That’s our heritage, that’s our song. We sing it still.” — Ronald Reagan, 1985

 

“We look ahead in our uniquely American way — restless, bold, optimistic — and set our sights on the nation we know we can be and we must be.” — Joe Biden,

 

“Your voice, your hopes, and your dreams, will define our American destiny. And your courage and goodness and love will forever guide us along the way.” — Donald J. Trump, 2017

 

You can add here a quote from Monday’s speech from Donald J. Trump.

 

This Sunday’s Scripture is Luke’s version of the opening moments of Jesus’ public ministry. We might call this his inaugural sermon.

 

Luke 4 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, 19to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” 20And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

 

While many of these Presidents did wonderful work in either 4 or 8 years, Jesus did more in three than any of them. He also made the best speech!

 

I vote for Jesus and pray he will guide our nation and our new President.

 

See you in Church or online this Sunday!

 

Your Pastor,
Nels

 

Sunday, January 26, 2025 10 AM
Third Sunday after the Epiphany
Scripture Lesson: Luke 4: 14-30
Message: “From Tickled to Ticked”

 

Pastor Nels’ sermon on January 19 gave us a great overview of the story of Jesus’ first miracle found in John 2: 1-11 when He responds to His mother Mary’s concern about the fear of running out of wine at a wedding. She asked Jesus to help, and He turns water into wine. Pastor Nels explained that John tells us that this miracle was a sign to us of Jesus’ respect for his mother, that He was always filled with compassion (and kindness!) and wanted to help keep the wedding celebration going. It was also a sign that God’s blessings are available through Him, the Christ, and that in Christ we are abundantly blessed.

 

Further, we learn that God provides our greatest needs, inducing optimism about the future. Just as Jesus used the servants to help by filling the unclean pots with water, so does He involve us in accomplishing His miracles today. The unclean pots he used remind us that Jesus takes the worst of us and transforms us into something beautiful and wonderful! Hooray for Jesus! Hooray for us!

 

There is a transforming redemption story that comes to my mind as I think about this miracle of Jesus. It is found in the words of a popular country song that reached the top of the Christian Country Music chart in 1998. The song is “Wine Into Water” by T. Graham Brown who struggled with bipolar disorder and alcoholism. He stopped drinking and this song came from that experience. He credits God and his wife Sheila of 45+ years for his ability to win those battles. The words are found below, but I encourage you to copy and paste the link below in your web browser to listen to this beautiful song:

 

 

 

I shook my fists at heaven for all the hell that I’ve been through
Now I’m begging for forgiveness and a miracle from you! (Chorus)

 

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!

 

Being an Usher is a great way to connect with your church family and be one of the first smiling faces people see when they visit us! Ushers provide an invaluable service. Thank you to all who served in 2024! Past ushers, please watch for an email from Shannon Stewart to coordinate the February 2025-end of January 2026 Usher schedule, and let her know the month you would like to serve! Also, if anyone wants to become an usher, please let her know.

 

Ushers are NO LONGER responsible for security (A different group handles security!).

 

Usher responsibilities include handing out bulletins, lighting the candles for service, locking the door nearest your station once service begins, lighting and extinguishing candles, and (once a month) assisting with communion. What a lovely way to be Christ’s servant!

 

If interested, call or text Shannon Stewart.

 

 

If you feel drawn to support their mission financially you can write a check, payable to MMC and noted Uganda Mission and put it in collection plate, bring it by the office, or mail to the church (McCormick Methodist Church, PO Box 267, McCormick, SC 29835).

—or—

 

Following the service, several like to go to the Fellowship Hall and grab a cup of coffee and a sweet, and enjoy the fellowship of the MMC family.

 

We need folks to host. This means setting up the coffee (there are specific directions on the counter), and providing some cookies, muffins, or fruit to share.

 

Sign up to help (usually two sign up for one Sunday). The sign-up is on the table in the Fellowship Hall.

 

 

If you are experiencing any type of difficulty and you need someone to listen to you, with whom you can share your feelings and receive acceptance and Christian love, please consider being in a relationship with a Stephen Minister at MMC.

 

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

 

The Congregational Care Committee wants you to know they are there to help you if you ever need transportation, meals or a visitor! Please contact Kim Jackson if you or someone you know needs help or if you would like to be added to the list of volunteers.

 

 

 

Beginning this new year, we’re embarking on a transformative yearlong churchwide study focusing on scripture, Christian living, and discipleship. Designed to inspire spiritual growth and build deeper connections within our church family, this study is available through the McCormick Methodist digital library on RightNow Media.

 

• Sunday School Integration: Adult Sunday school classes will adopt this study as part of their curriculum.
• Small Groups: Small groups are encouraged to participate by incorporating the study into their gatherings. This would be a great small in home group study. If you would like to participate in this study let Kim Jackson know and she’ll help get you started.
• Individuals: Individuals can participate on their own devices/tvs. Need help? Contact Kim Jackson

MEN N MINISTRY
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4 6PM

• Do you feel “done” with your loved one’s substance use issue?
• Are you compelled to understand why they are using?
• Do you long to stay in a relationship with your loved one but aren’t sure how to do that?
• Do you want to help but don’t know how?

McCormick Methodist Women Meeting
Wednesday, February 5 – 3PM

SOUPER BOWL SUNDAY

FEBRUARY 9

MMC FOOD PANTRY
NEEDS RESTOCKING

• Small jars of peanut butter or peanut butter with jelly mix
• Cream soups for casseroles
• Boxes or bags of pasta (plain)
• Small cans of fruit

 

Please sign up on the chart across from the office for a week that works best to supply the flowers for the sanctuary. Patsy will sign you up if you want, just give her a call at the Church office!

from Rev. C. Nels Ledwell

 

 

Once I read an article about a man named Paige Patterson. Paige was removed from the Southern Baptist Convention for making rude comments to women. While this was unfortunate, he did make a great contribution to evangelism and ministry. Paige’s style of ministry and even his theology may not exactly fit ours, but Paige cares about people. Paige ministered to troubled youth in ways that no one else did. He would go to places where youth were, like bars, nightclubs and the streets. At first the people in his church were in shock. This was a new experience and a new ministry for them. But soon they got over their shock and got on board and began a campus ministry to reach out to youth. And the youth responded positively: they liked having people from the church meet them where they were without getting obnoxious.

 

One night Paige was asked to leave a nightclub because, the manager told him, he was running off his business. Paige says it was no big deal. Anyway, as he stepped out onto the front porch, Paige noticed a big man sitting there with a can of beer in his hand, who was a bouncer for the club. “Looks like it’s been a rough night,” Paige said casually. The big man nodded and said it indeed had been.

 

“I don’t want to offend you,” Paige told him, “but if you died where you’re sitting right now, would you be in heaven or hell?” The man instantly crushed the can he was holding, and beer shot everywhere. “I can’t believe you asked that question,” he said in disbelief. “I was just sitting here thinking how I was going to kill myself when I got home.”

 

“There’s no reason to do that,” Paige told him, “nothing’s that bad.” Then Paige began to witness to the man about his faith in Jesus Christ. He told the man that God still loved him. And the two men talked for the next thirty minutes. The next Sunday this man went to church and committed his life to Jesus Christ.

 

Somehow I can see Jesus doing that kind of ministry if he were with us here physically today. Oh, not just in night clubs. But in offices and in living rooms and at Little League ball games – any place he could be with and get to know people. Jesus cares about people. That means he cares about you and me. Don’t be put off by the formality of “church.” Look beyond the robes and rituals. Look to a risen Savior who gave his life for only one purpose: people.

 

Ten Basic Statements about ministry: (with credit to Warren and David Wiersbe)

 

1. The foundation of ministry is character.
2. The nature of ministry is service.
3. The motive for ministry is love.
4. The measure of ministry is sacrifice.
5. The authority of ministry is submission.
6. The purpose of ministry is the glory of God.
7. The tools of ministry are the Word and prayer.
8. The privilege of ministry is growth.
9. The power of ministry is the Holy Spirit.
10. The model for ministry is Jesus Christ.

 

We have a ministry to do here at McCormick Methodist Church. We can’t do it as well without your personal ministry and calling being a part of it.

 

See you in Church or online this Sunday.

 

Your Pastor,
Nels

 

Sunday, January 19, 2025 10 AM
Second Sunday after the Epiphany
Scripture Lesson: John 2: 1-11
Message: “The Sign from the Wedding”

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
Glory Be to the Father
Through It All
I Sing the Almighty Power of God

 

 

Our thoughts and prayers lately have certainly been with our neighbors on the west coast as the devastating wildfires have raged in southern California. Among the many stories that have surfaced – some sad, some bad – the ones that always “rise to the top” are the many uplifting stories of people helping people – reaching out in kindness – and here are just a few. These stories make you want to look up like these two young boys and say, “Thank you, God!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Praise God for His reminders of His Lovingkindness even during such devastation!

 

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!

 

Being an Usher is a great way to connect with your church family and be one of the first smiling faces people see when they visit us! Ushers provide an invaluable service. Thank you to all who served in 2024! Past ushers, please watch for an email from Shannon Stewart to coordinate the February 2025-end of January 2026 Usher schedule, and let her know the month you would like to serve! Also, if anyone wants to become an usher, please let her know.

 

Ushers are NO LONGER responsible for security (A different group handles security!).

 

Usher responsibilities include handing out bulletins, lighting the candles for service, locking the door nearest your station once service begins, lighting and extinguishing candles, and (once a month) assisting with communion. What a lovely way to be Christ’s servant!

 

If interested, call or text Shannon Stewart.

 

 

McCormick Methodist Family has sent two checks to support the Uganda Mission through Mesa Global. Thus far, $22,692 has been sent. Each month, a check will be sent with any donations designated to the Uganda Mission.

 

If you feel drawn to support their mission financially….

 

You can write a check, payable to MMC and noted Scales Mission and put it in collection plate, bring it by the office, or mail to the church (McCormick Methodist Church, PO Box 267, McCormick, SC 29835).

—or—

 

 

Hello from training!

 

We’ve just completed our first week of training at Center for Intercultural Training (CIT) in Union Mill, NC! Thank you for all your prayers this week, and to those who checked in on us.

 

This week was a focus on Spiritual Formation for us individually and as a family. Learning new rhythms for our family, being in close living quarters, eating every meal together, seeing each other in the middle of a weekday have been new experiences for us but very special moments.

 

Matt and I have spent a lot of time this week, thinking, praying and spending much needed special moments with our Savior. We have gotten to practice gratitude, pray in examens, spend time in the scripture with Lectio Divina, and write out prayers of confession. Each session and topic were a new and wonderful way of worshipping our Lord.

 

So how about you? When was the last time you had a special time with the Lord? The weather this weekend seems to have slowed us all down, maybe God’s waiting for you? We read the story of the blind man this week in Mark. We have read that story several times in our lives but this was the first time we read it and realized that Jesus simply is standing in front of a man and asking “What do you want me to do for you?” (Mark 10:46-52). He may be standing in front of you asking the same, the question is how will you answer Him?

 

 

Prayer Request for us:

• Please pray for our time in training to continue to be fruitful, and that we will give each other grace as we each process this transition and the one to come.
• We have some big items to sale soon (car, camper) and we ask for prayers that God be in control of these transactions, so they are glorifying to Him.
• We are in need for suitcases for our trip to Uganda, if anyone has a large suitcase, they want to part with please let us know or pray we find some.

 

 

Following the service, several like to go to the Fellowship Hall and grab a cup of coffee and a sweet, and enjoy the fellowship of the MMC family.

 

We need folks to host. This means setting up the coffee (there are specific directions on the counter), and providing some cookies, muffins, or fruit to share.

Sign up to help (usually two sign up for one Sunday). The sign-up is on the table in the Fellowship Hall.

 

 

Carol Tummons and John Yerdon have been planning a soup/chilli lunch for Super Bowl Sunday. They are thinking they will offer two kinds of soup and two kinds of chili.

 

There will be a love offering to cover the cost.

 

We will keep you posted!!!

 

This would be a great time to invite your neighbors to join us!

 

Beginning this new year, we’re embarking on a transformative yearlong churchwide study focusing on scripture, Christian living, and discipleship. Designed to inspire spiritual growth and build deeper connections within our church family, this study is available through the McCormick Methodist digital library on RightNow Media.

 

• Sunday School Integration: Adult Sunday school classes will adopt this study as part of their curriculum.
• Small Groups: Small groups are encouraged to participate by incorporating the study into their gatherings. This would be a great small in home group study. If you would like to participate in this study let Kim Jackson know and she’ll help get you started.
• Individuals: Individuals can participate on their own devices/tvs. Need help? Contact Kim Jackson

MEN N MINISTRY
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4 6PM

• Do you feel “done” with your loved one’s substance use issue?
• Are you compelled to understand why they are using?
• Do you long to stay in a relationship with your loved one but aren’t sure how to do that?
• Do you want to help but don’t know how?

 

The guest speaker at the Men N Ministry dinner meeting will be Tammy Batson, a member of Thrive Family Recovery Resources. Invite a friend (or two) to attend with you!

 

 

The following are needed for our food pantry. Please leave on the table in the pantry. Thank you for your support!

 

Small jars of peanut butter or peanut butter with jelly mix
Cream soups for casseroles
Boxes or bags of pasta (plain)
Small cans of fruit

 

 

If you are experiencing any type of difficulty and you need someone to listen to you, with whom you can share your feelings and receive acceptance and Christian love, please consider being in a relationship with a Stephen Minister at MMC.

 

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

 

The Congregational Care Committee wants you to know they are there to help you if you ever need transportation, meals or a visitor! Please contact Kim Jackson if you or someone you know needs help or if you would like to be added to the list of volunteers.

 

from Rev. C. Nels Ledwell

 

 

There is an odd little carol which is sometimes sung on this first Sunday after Christmas. It begins:

 

There’s snow on the mountain and ice on the pond,
The Wise Men are home now in the back of beyond.
The Shepherd’s have left us; the heavens are dumb;
There’s no one to tell us why Jesus has come.

 

It ends:

 

But God’s in His heaven, and Jesus has come
To show every sinner he’s welcome back home,
To be this world’s Saviour from hunger and fear,
And give us new courage to face the New Year.

 

We have courage to face this New Year because of Jesus. He is Immanuel—God with us and for us.

 

May 2025 be a great year for us as we serve the Lord and make disciples.

 

See You in Church or online this Sunday!

 

Your Pastor,
Nels

 

Please accept my heartfelt thanks and gratitude for all the wonderful cards and gifts you gave me for Christmas. Your love and friendship in Christ will never be forgotten. It is truly a blessing from God to me to serve as your Pastor.

 

Thanks again!
Nels

 

Charge Conference
Our Annual Meeting of the Charge Conference will be held Sunday, January 12, immediately following our worship service. All Church Council Member are expected to attend. Please send in your reports to the Pastor by this Tuesday so they may be compiled and distributed.

 

Sunday, January 12, 2025 10 AM
First Sunday after the Epiphany
Scripture Lesson: Ephesians 2: 4-10
Message: “The Gift of Purpose”

There’s a Song in the Air
The First Noel
God of Love and God of Power

 

 

Our Congregational Care Team had a wonderful time visiting the residents and staff at Forest View Manor during the Christmas season! Marc Heyman played Christmas carols on his guitar, filling the room with music and joy. The residents were so happy to sing along to familiar tunes.

 

A big thank you to John Yerdon for baking a delicious Christmas cake that everyone enjoyed, and to Linda Vietri for her thoughtful handmade cards, crocheted shawls and ornaments for each resident and staff member. Her kindness brought smiles to many faces!

 

We’d love for YOU to join us on our monthly visits to Forest View Manor! ️ We go on the first Tuesday of every month, meeting at the church at 1:30 PM. It’s a wonderful opportunity to share Christ’s love and brighten someone’s day. If you’d like to join us see Mary Thompson for details.

 

 

Epiphany was Monday, January 6, marking the arrival of the Three Wise Men who had followed the Star of Bethlehem to see Baby Jesus with their rich gifts and showing to the world that Christ is the greatest gift to all humanity. We know the familiar story of the lowly shepherds who had also followed the Star to see Jesus after a visit by an angel of the Lord while they tended their flocks in the countryside. You might say the shepherds were also “wise men” for seeking Jesus as the angel instructed though they were frightened at first.

 

I believe the message of Epiphany for us today is that God still wants us to seek and follow the “Star” – the Light of Jesus – surrender to Him, invite Him to enter our hearts, and share His Light with others. To help us do that as we enter a New Year, I share the words below that Judi Bouchard shared with me – they give specific suggestions that also spread kindness! Thanks for sharing, Judi!

 

Prepare. Life is short.
Life is short. Tell those you love how much they mean to you.
Life is short. Be generous in forgiving and letting go.
Life is short. Sing with a heart full of joy, even if you sing off-key.
Life is short. Life is a life of deep gratitude.
Life is short. Eat dessert first, read a good book, let go of things that don’t matter, including past slights & hurts.
Life is short. Go to church, say your prayers, fall in love with Jesus again, and again.
Life is short. Wake up, stay alert, be prepared, light the lamps, get ready. Listen for the knock; answer the call; serve where you are sent.
Life is short. Dream, but don’t just dream, follow your dreams.
Life is short. Make a list and then check things off.
Life is short. Dance.
Life is short. Jesus is coming. Jesus is here!
Life is short !

 

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!

 

Excitement was high when the church family got to be a part of a Baptism! We have not had a baby baptized in the church since Emma’s sister, Ava, two years ago.

 

We celebrated Emma starting her spiritual journey at our church! There were a lot of smiles, especially when Emma decided to cry loudly (what a wonderful sound in the church!) and Nels was able to settle her by walking her around and introducing her to each of us!

 

Thank you to the Coins family for sharing such a wonderful experience with us!

 

Baby Steps.
I heard a sermon over the holidays a few years ago about how we should take ‘baby steps’ when we start to make changes in our lives – not trying to do it all at once and allowing it to overwhelm us. And we do … often … get overwhelmed … with life even when we don’t try to make changes in it!!

 

And, of course, sometimes those changes are not of our making … we didn’t plan to have a family member get a devastating diagnosis, or to get a devastating diagnosis ourselves, or have a death in the family, or struggle with isolation when winter sets in and it’s too cold to venture out and be social (yes .. even here in South Carolina!!), or lose our job, or be unable to care for ourselves after a surgery … even an elective surgery … you get the point …

 

 

Being an Usher is a great way to connect with your church family and be one of the first smiling faces people see when they visit us! Ushers provide an invaluable service. Thank you to all who served in 2024! Past ushers, please watch for an email from Shannon Stewart to coordinate the February 2025-end of January 2026 Usher schedule, and let her know the month you would like to serve! Also, if anyone wants to become an usher, please let her know.

 

Ushers are NO LONGER responsible for security (A different group handles security!).

 

Usher responsibilities include handing out bulletins, lighting the candles for service, locking the door nearest your station once service begins, lighting and extinguishing candles, and (once a month) assisting with communion. What a lovely way to be Christ’s servant!

 

If interested, call or text Shannon Stewart.

 

 

Please add the Scales family to your daily prayers.

 

If you feel drawn to support their mission financially….

 

You can write a check, payable to MMC and noted Scales Mission and put it in collection plate, bring it by the office, or mail to the church (McCormick Methodist Church, PO Box 267, McCormick, SC 29835).

—or—

 

 

 

 

Following the service, several like to go to the Fellowship Hall and grab a cup of coffee and a sweet, and enjoy the fellowship of the MMC family.

 

We need folks to host. This means setting up the coffee (there are specific directions on the counter), and providing some cookies, muffins, or fruit to share.

Sign up to help (usually two sign up for one Sunday). The sign-up is on the table in the Fellowship Hall.

 

 

If you are experiencing any type of difficulty and you need someone to listen to you, with whom you can share your feelings and receive acceptance and Christian love, please consider being in a relationship with a Stephen Minister at MMC.

 

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

 

The Congregational Care Committee wants you to know they are there to help you if you ever need transportation, meals or a visitor! Please contact Kim Jackson if you or someone you know needs help or if you would like to be added to the list of volunteers.

 

 

 

Carol Tummons wants us to Save the Date.. February 9.
She is planning a fun lunch for Super Bowl Sunday.

More details to follow.

 

Beginning this new year, we’re embarking on a transformative yearlong churchwide study focusing on scripture, Christian living, and discipleship. Designed to inspire spiritual growth and build deeper connections within our church family, this study is available through the McCormick Methodist digital library on RightNow Media.

 

• Sunday School Integration: Adult Sunday school classes will adopt this study as part of their curriculum.
• Small Groups: Small groups are encouraged to participate by incorporating the study into their gatherings. This would be a great small in home group study. If you would like to participate in this study let Kim Jackson know and she’ll help get you started.
• Individuals: Individuals can participate on their own devices/tvs. Need help? Contact Kim Jackson

 

For additional information and links to study resources go to https://www.mccormickmc.org/yearlong-bible-study-2025/