WORSHIP WITH US – SUNDAYS AT 10AM
from Rev. C. Nels Ledwell
A Way to Reach Out
David Livingstone, the famous nineteenth-century missionary and explorer, was eager to travel into the uncharted lands of Central Africa to preach the gospel. On one occasion he arrived at the edge of a large territory that was ruled by a tribal chieftain. He was instructed to stop at the perimeter and wait. According to tradition, the chief would come out to meet him there. Livingstone could go forward only after an exchange was made. The chief would choose any item of Livingstone’s personal property that caught his fancy and keep it for himself, while giving the missionary something of his own in return.
Livingstone had few possessions with him, but he obediently spread them all out on the ground–his clothes, his books, his watch, and even the goat that provided him with milk, since chronic stomach problems kept him from drinking the local water. To his dismay, the chief took the goat. In return, the chief gave him a carved stick, shaped like a walking cane.
Livingstone was most disappointed. He began to gripe to God about what he viewed as a stupid walking cane. What could it do for him, compared to the goat who kept him well? Then one of the natives explained, “That’s not a walking cane. It’s the king’s very own scepter, and with it you will find entrance to every village in our country. The king has honored you greatly.”
The native was right. God opened Central Africa to Livingstone, and as successive evangelists followed him, wave after wave of conversions occurred.
We learn that when we, as the church, find the keys to the spiritual needs of our community, it will be similar to receiving the king’s scepter. With it, new doors will open to us. Dreams we’ve had for transforming, revitalizing or strengthening your church will now have ways of becoming reality. Why? Because we will have then started to truly reach out to change McCormick to make this community better offering Jesus.
See you in Church or online, so you can leave to be a true witness of Christ!
Your Pastor,
Nels
Nels
Lay Leader Corner
I read this quote today from Sir Walter Scott:
The 3 greatest letters in the English alphabet are N – O – W. There is no time like the present. Begin NOW!!
Boy, if that doesn’t get you thinking and moving, I don’t know how to inspire you! Just think of all the things you procrastinate about, now think (yes NOW) why…and how to begin to put them into action. I hope the first thing you’ll do is pick up your Bible. Every week Nels sends out the scripture for the Sunday Sermon, start there! Be prepared for what he is going to teach you and open your hearts and minds to God and begin to build a relationship with him. If you’re in a Bible study or Sunday school class dig deeper into it. Be prepared by reading more about your topic, we’re lucky now to have so many informational sources available to us right here on our phones and computers.
Life is short, God doesn’t promise you a tomorrow only a today! NOW is the time to be a better human, to help shine God’s life here on your little piece of earth. Call someone you haven’t seen at church and check on them. Call someone you do see at church and get together with them. Great things happen in fellowship with other Christians, we’re called to gather. Put on your MMC hat or T shirt and go out into McCormick and “be all you can be!!” on the courts, the fairways, or in town. Go and do it NOW!
See you this Sunday for Communion,
Wendy Kvale
Lay Leader
Preparing for Worship
Sunday, August 3, 2025
Eigth Sunday after Pentecost
Holy Communion
Scripture Lesson: Colossians 3: 1-17
Message: “Caught, Out of Uniform” – Rev. Ledwell
Hymns:
God Will Take Care of You
Jesus Calls Us
Leaning On the Everlasting Arms
Majesty, Worship His Majesty
One Day at a Time – Mitch Mitchell
Be Present at Our Table Lord
The Lord’s Prayer – Mitch Mitchell
I Am Thine, O Lord
Volunteer to Host Coffee Hour
September volunteers needed. Sign up sheet is in the Fellowship Hall.
CHOIR AND BELL RINGER INVITATIION
Choir and Bell ringers will return to musical worship in September. If you’d like to find out more about us and possibly join us, you are invited to our kick off social gathering on August 13, 4-6PM at 105 Elam Drive, SLV. Like more information? Contact Lindy Stahlman.
MATTHEW AND KRISTI SCALES
MISSION IN UGANDA
How To Support
If you feel drawn to support their mission financially you can write a check, payable to MMC and noted Uganda Mission and put it in collection plate, bring it by the office, or mail to the church (McCormick Methodist Church, PO Box 267, McCormick, SC 29835).
—or—
STEPHEN MINISTRY
READY TO LISTEN
If you are experiencing any type of difficulty and you need someone to listen to you, with whom you can share your feelings and receive acceptance and Christian love, please consider being in a relationship with a Stephen Minister at MMC.
Start by calling Pastor Nels or one of the Stephen Leaders and begin a ‘fellowship’ with a Stephen Minister. We may be reached through the church office at (864) 852-2394.
CONGREGATIONAL CARE COMMITTEE
The Congregational Care Committee wants you to know they are there to help you if you ever need transportation, meals or a visitor! Please contact Kim Jackson if you or someone you know needs help or if you would like to be added to the list of volunteers.
Volunteers Needed for Congregational Care Team
Dear Church Family,
One of the most powerful ways we reflect the love of Christ is by caring for one another in times of need. Whether someone is recovering from surgery, facing a difficult season, or navigating a time of grief, small
acts of kindness—like a hot meal, a ride to an appointment, or a friendly visit—can make a world of difference.
acts of kindness—like a hot meal, a ride to an appointment, or a friendly visit—can make a world of difference.
We are currently building a list of volunteers who are willing to step in when needs arise. You don’t need to commit to every request—just let us know how you feel called to help:
Meal Ministry – Provide or deliver a home-cooked or store-bought meal to someone in need.
Transportation Help – Offer rides to church, appointments, or errands for those unable to drive.
Visitation Ministry – Visit homebound members or those in the hospital or care facilities to provide companionship and encouragement.
If you’re willing to be on our list of helpers in any of these areas, please send Kim Jackson an email or add
your name/email to the sign-up sheet in Fellowship Hall.
your name/email to the sign-up sheet in Fellowship Hall.
You’ll be contacted as needs arise, with the opportunity to accept or decline depending on your schedule.
Let’s continue being the hands and feet of Jesus—loving one another well in both big and small ways.
In Christ’s love,
Your Congregational Care Team
Women’s Retreat Coming Soon
Friday, August 15th and Saturday, August 16th
A study of Esther, “For Such a Time as This” will be presented on Friday, August 15th and Saturday, August 16th. You’ll not want to miss our special guest speaker from Florida!! Please plan on spending time with us each day, here at our own Church, from 9AM to 3PM. Lunch will be included. Please sign up in the Fellowship Hall and give your $20.00 check to Karen Hicks or Patsy in the office.
No date yet for the September meeting, but Marc Heyman has graciously agreed to share with us a simple bread recipe.
MMC CRAFT SHOW AND COOKIE FACTORY
OCTOBER 4 – 9am to 2pm
Lindy Stahlman and Cindy Klausman are the new chairpersons for the Craft Show. Carol Tummons will be leading the bakers for the Cookie Factory.
Again, there will be tons of baked goods in the Fellowship Hall. Watch for notices about what is needed as the year goes on.
The Men N’ Ministry will be selling brats cooked on the grill, as well as soda and chips.
It is always a fun day of fellowship while raising funds for our missions!
PLANT SALE
Sue Wurtzbacher and Marge Radosevich will be asking for plants to sell in the Atrium. Watch for more details!
If you are planning on repotting, separating plants, or rooting new plants, and would like to share your bounty, please consider sharing your plants by donating to the MMW Craft Show Plant Sale.
Marge and I will set up several tables (depending on how many plants we get) in the Atrium.
Also if you have extra pots you no longer need (no plastic) or garden accents we would love to accept them also.
We usually have the plants dropped off at the church Friday (Oct 3). If for some reason you need to bring them sooner, we can work something out.
We usually have the plants dropped off at the church Friday (Oct 3). If for some reason you need to bring them sooner, we can work something out.
Thank you in advance for sharing.
Marge Radosevich and Sue Wurtzbacher
VENDORS
If you or a friend or neighbor is interested in participating in this year’s Craft Show, please contact Lindy Stahlman. Lindy will send you the pricing information and registration form. Don’t hesitate, the spots fill up quickly!
Indoor tables (8 ft) cost $40 and all crafts must be handcrafted. We also offer tent space (you supply the tents) for $25. Items do not have to be handcrafted.
More details about the event are available at https://www.mccormickmc.org/craft-show-2025/