Happenings – April 11, 2025

WORSHIP WITH US – SUNDAYS AT 10AM

 
from Deb Wissinger
 
Our prayers are with our pastor, Rev. Nels Ledwell, as he recovers from surgery. In his absence, Deb Wissinger shares the following. Deb will also be delivering the message on Sunday.
 
I found this story online at Guidepost by Marci Alborghetti
Normally I delete those forwarded e-mails with cute or sentimental stories without even reading them. I receive so many, and when it comes to Internet profundity, I just don’t have the time.
 
All Things are Possible Launch In Article Ad
But for some reason I read the one I received on Palm Sunday. It told the story of a little boy who had to stay home from church because he had a cold. After the service, his older sister came home, waving her palm frond in the air. “What’s that?” asked the little boy.
 
She answered smugly, “We wave these in the air and then put them on the ground to welcome Jesus.”
 
The boy started wailing and fled the room. When his mother held him and asked what was wrong, he said through his tears, “The one Sunday I don’t go to church, Jesus showed up!”
 
Today’s the day Jesus shows up—in our churches, in our hearts, in our minds. We’ve been waiting for Him all our lives. Are you ready? Will you be there? Don’t let an ailment—physical, emotional or spiritual—keep you from the warmth of Jesus’ dramatic entrance into our lives.
 
Today is the first day of the most exciting, harrowing, tragic, grief-stricken and ultimately joyous week of our year. Don’t miss it. Don’t hit Delete. Show up, take the Lord’s hand and begin the journey.
 
See you in church.
Deb
 

Preparing for Worship

Sunday, April 13, 2025 – 10AM
Sixth Sunday in Lent
Palm Sunday
Scripture Lesson: Luke 19: 28-40
Message: “An Unlikely King”
Sonshine Ringers:  “All Glory, Laud and Honor”
Hymns:
Hosanna, Loud Hosanna
All Glory, Laud, and Honor
Lead Me, Lord
Precious Lord, Take My Hand
Anthem: Because He Lives
 

Kindness Update – A World of Kindness!

We will welcome Mitch and Sue Mitchell back home this week as they return from their mission experience in Panama. It will be good to have them back safely! No doubt they will have many stories to share about kindnesses that have occurred over the past several months. I would like to share a couple with you.
 
The first is a personal observation following a recent contact from Sue. A good many years ago, She and Mitch hosted a couple of foreign exchange students from Rajamangala University in Thailand who were at Lander University in Greenwood – the foreign exchange program they were a part of was managed through the office where I worked. Their names were Dan and Ping. After the recent earthquake in Thailand and Myanmar, Sue sent word to me that Mitch was in touch with Dan and he was safe but he was having difficulty contacting Ping. She later reported back that Mitch was finally able to locate Ping and he was also ok. My heart was touched when I thought of the many young people from all around the world that they have blessed through the years by hosting them in their home, and now, while on yet another mission trip (in their retirement years, no less!), they were still caring for their past students! They are truly faithful disciples of Jesus! “I guess they will always be ‘our kids’!” Sue said.
 
The second story I’d like to share comes from Sue by way of Lindy: “Today we plan to go see the cathedral. The beauty and joy we have seen so far is mostly in the people. We did some walking yesterday but not much. We then returned to the room for a long afternoon nap. My kindness story occurred when I was walking up the 8 steps to our lunch cafe. I was using my trekking stick and carrying a bottle of water. A woman was leaving the cafe and when she saw me, she gently took my arm and helped me up. That is kindness. Things are a challenge here but we trust in the Lord. “Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord whose confidence is in Him.” Jeremiah 17:7. Love you!! Enjoy your day!!” – Sue
 
Mitch and Sue, we give thanks to God for placing you in our lives so that we might see Jesus through you and offer ourselves in support of your unselfish service as missionaries through our gifts and prayers! May He continue to bless you as you serve Him!
 
Have you seen God today? If you see God at work this week, there are two ways you can share what you saw!
 
1) Be a blessing to others by sharing your Act of Kindness (no names please) on our website, or use this link! Then check back each week to learn how others are passing on acts of kindness! The link is https://www.mccormickmc.org/acts-of-kindness
 
2) There is a Kindness box in the library on the window sill, along with paper and pencil. Share your God-Wink, perhaps someone else will be inspired!
 
 

MATTHEW AND KRISTI SCALES

MISSION IN UGANDA

 
Update from Matt
“We just started planting beans this week. We will finish that up Monday and then move to maize, then finish with gnuts before we move to the vegetables. I just have to have patience with the slower process but it’s going really well. We are getting to build relationships with the locals an seeing the cultural and bringing some of our own in to the mix makes it fun! Thank y’all so much for the prayers keep them coming!”
 
How To Support
If you feel drawn to support their mission financially you can write a check, payable to MMC and noted Uganda Mission and put it in collection plate, bring it by the office, or mail to the church (McCormick Methodist Church, PO Box 267, McCormick, SC 29835).
—or—
 
 

GAMES WITH FRIENDS

THIRD THURSDAYS 1:30PM

This announcement is for anyone excited about Christian Fellowship and having fun!! Games with Friends will be held the 3rd Thursday of each month. We’ll meet from 1:30-3:30PM in the fellowship hall and decide on the games of the week to play.
 

MMC WOMEN MOVIE TIME
UNSUNG HERO
April 15 2pm

All women and their guests are invited to watch Unsung Hero in the Fellowship Hall on April 15 at 2pm. Popcorn and Lemonade will be provided!
 
UNSUNG HERO
In 1991, the Smallbone family moved from Sydney, Australia to Nashville, Tennessee, in pursuit of a new beginning. David and his wife, Helen, uproot their lives and six children seeking refuge in Nashville after the collapse of David’s music company in Australia following a $500,000 loss from one concert booking.
 
As the family settles into their new home they encounter numerous challenges, including financial struggles and the daunting task of starting over in a foreign country. Despite the uncertainty, Helen’s unwavering faith and David’s determination propel them forward, instilling hope and resilience in their children.
 

Holy Week and Easter Services

 
PALM SUNDAY – April 13 – 10AM
Palm Sunday commemorates the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and begins the series of observances focusing on the events of Holy Week.
 
MAUNDY THURSDAY – April 17 – 6PM
Wendy Kvale and Deb Wissinger will lead the service.
 
EASTER SUNDAY – April 20
SONRISE SERVICE – 6:30AM
Baker Creek State Park Pavilion
Coffee and refreshments will follow. Bring your guests, neighbors and friends.
 
RESURRECTION CELEBRATION AND EASTER MUSICAL – 10AM
MMC Sanctuary
The Chancel Choir will sing the Easter Musical, “Because He Lives”. MMC Family members will provide the narration. Coffee and refreshments will follow in the Fellowship Hall.
 

EASTER SUNDAY GOODIES NEEDED

We have invited many folks to join us for both/either Easter Services. Therefore, we will need many goodies to have at Baker Creek and again at the church. We are hoping many of you can contribute!
 
Please, please bring your goodie contribution, in disposable containers, to the church on Saturday (April 19) from 10am to 12am. This will save the Worship and Hospitality Committee from having to clean and return dishes. What is not used at Baker Creek, will be used at the church after the 10am service. Your goodies do not have to be home-made. If you bring then during the week, please mark Easter Goodies.
 
Thank you for sharing!!
 

MMC PRAYER WALK
GOOD FRIDAY APRIL 18
MEET AT CHURCH AT 10AM

The Prayer Warriors, led by Patty Kriger, invite the church family to join them on a Prayer Walk Good Friday, April 18 (if it rains, we will meet on a date to be decided). We will be meeting at the church at 10:00. We’ll have a short prayer and head out walking the streets of McCormick and praying for our community. Please come, walk and pray with us for our neighbors.

If you plan to attend, sign the sheet in Fellowship Hall beginning this Sunday.

Questions, contact Patty Kriger.

 

CHURCH AND PARSONAGE GROUNDS CLEANUP DAY
APRIL 26
EVERYONE NEEDED

 
Our annual Church and Parsonage grounds cleanup day is scheduled for Saturday, April 26 starting at 9:00am. We will meet in the back church parking lot and divide up into teams. We need as many hands as possible so please put the date on your calendars!
 
Any members with wheelbarrows, shovels, trimmers, pruning shears, etc. are encouraged to bring them. Traditionally we have focused on the outside areas of the church and the parsonage. Several members have expressed interest in doing some cleanup inside, emphasizing the windows of the atrium and sanctuary. Please let Pat Meyers or Barb Shelley know if you would like to work on this. If there is enough interest, we will have cleaning supplies available.
 
We hope to have a good turnout to keep our Church looking inviting and welcoming. Again remember all members are welcome.
 

THE CHOSEN SEASON 4
STARTS APRIL 28 (MARK YOUR CALENDARS!)

Join Us for an 8-Week Bible Study Featuring The Chosen (Season 4)!
 
Come be part of a special time of fellowship and discussion as we watch and explore The Chosen (Season 4) together. Each week, we’ll view an episode, then enjoy coffee, dessert, and meaningful conversation about the themes and scriptures it highlights.
 
Details:
When: Mondays, April 28 – June 23 (No meeting on May 26 for Memorial Day)
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Where: McCormick Methodist Church
What to Expect: Fellowship, coffee, dessert, and thought-provoking discussion
 
Everyone is welcome! Let us know if you plan to join. Sign ups in Fellowship Hall.
 

MMC CRAFT SHOW AND COOKIE FACTORY
OCTOBER 4 – 9am to 2pm
VENDORS NEEDED

Lindy Stahlman and Cindy Clausman are the new chairpersons for the Craft Show. Carol Tummons will be leading the bakers for the Cookie Factory.
 
Sue Wurtzbacher and Marge Radosevich will be asking for plants to sell in the Atrium. Watch for more details!
 
PLANT SALE  If you are planning on repotting, separating  plants, or rooting new plants, and would like to share your bounty, please consider sharing your plants by donating to the MMW Craft Show Plant Sale.
 
Marge and I will set up several tables (depending on how many plants we get) in the Atrium.
 
Also if you have extra pots you no longer need (no plastic) or garden accents we would love to accept them also.
We usually have the plants dropped off at the church Friday (Oct 3). If for some reason you need to bring them sooner, we can work something out.
 
Thank you in advance for sharing.
 
Marge Radosevich and Sue Wurtzbacher
 
VENDORS If you or a friend or neighbor is interested in participating in this year’s Craft Show, please email Lindy Stahlman. Lindy will send you the pricing information and registration form. Don’t hesitate, the spots fill up quickly!
 
Indoor tables (8 ft) cost $40 and all crafts must be handcrafted. We also offer tent space (you supply the tents) for $25. Items do not have to be handcrafted.
 
Again, there will be tons of baked goods in the Fellowship Hall. Watch for notices about what is needed as the year goes on.
 
The Men N’ Ministry will be selling brats cooked on the grill, as well as soda and chips.
 
It is always a fun day of fellowship while raising funds for our missions!
 
More details about the event are available at https://www.mccormickmc.org/craft-show-2025/
 

STEPHEN MINISTRY
READY TO LISTEN

 
If you are experiencing any type of difficulty and you need someone to listen to you, with whom you can share your feelings and receive acceptance and Christian love, please consider being in a relationship with a Stephen Minister at MMC.
 
Start by calling Pastor Nels or one of the Stephen Leaders and begin a ‘fellowship’ with a Stephen Minister. We may be reached through the church office at (864) 852-2394.
 

CONGREGATIONAL CARE COMMITTEE

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