from Rev. C. Nels Ledwell

 

 

Pastor Philip Anderson tells this heart wrenching story: Not long ago I visited my sister, a director of patient services for the children’s unit of a large southern California hospital. She was conducting me on a tour through that unit. All the time, echoing through the halls, we could hear the cry of a baby coming from one of the rooms. Finally, we came to that room. It was a little child, about a year old, covered with terrible bruises, scratches, scars, from head to toe. At first, I assumed the child must have been involved in a terrible accident. Then I looked closely at its legs. Written in ink all over them were obscenities. My sister told me that the child was the victim, not of an accident, but of its parents. Its internal injuries were so severe that it couldn’t keep any food down. The scars on the bottom of its feet were burns caused by cigarettes. If you’ve ever had trouble visualizing the consequences of human indifference—the perversion of life’s basic relationships—what God himself is up against in this world of ours—I wish you could have looked with me at that battered, crying baby!

 

But I want to tell you what happened then. My sister leaned over the crib, and very carefully and tenderly lifted the child, and held it next to herself. At first the child screamed all the more, as if its innocent nature had come to be suspicious of every touch. But as she held it securely and warmly, the baby slowly began to quiet down. And finally, in spite of wounds and hurts and past experience, it felt the need to cry no more.

 

The baby remains in my memory as a living symbol of the choice we face in the mission of the church. Are we willing to let life’s most precious values be battered and starved and crucified by default? Or will we reach out and pick them up and hold them close to our hearts? The time for commitment is not next year, next month, but now!

 

This Sunday, our mission committee will speak to us about our missions.

 

See you in Church or online this Sunday.

 

Your Pastor,

Nels

 

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

McCormick Missions Sunday

Message:“Grape Expectations” – Nels Ledwell

Anthem: K. Renee Robinson

 

September volunteers needed. Sign up sheet is in the Fellowship Hall.

 

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.

 

 

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—

 

 

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.

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

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

 

 

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.

 

 

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!

 

More details about the event are available at https://www.mccormickmc.org/craft-show-2025/

 

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.

 

Thank you in advance for sharing.

 

Marge Radosevich and Sue Wurtzbacher

 

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/