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Thank you for giving to McCormick Methodist Church. Your gifts enable us to fulfill our mission of “Reaching Up and Reaching Out”.

 

from Rev. C. Nels Ledwell

 

 

Steven Morris was a special needs child in Mrs. Bernaducci’s class. Steven was a thin African-American boy who was blind. His handicap negatively impacted his self-esteem. However, over a period of time, the teacher realized that Steven had exceptional hearing.

 

One day she put the class mascot, a mouse, into the trash can. The scratching noise created a minor panic until Steven located the mouse. Mrs. Bernaducci exclaimed: “Steven, you are truly a wonder.”

 

The nickname caught on. The next year little Stevie Wonder, full of a sense of his own value, began playing the piano. Stevie ‘Wonder’ would go on to influence and change American music all because of Mrs. Bernaducci’s faith and encouragement.

 

We all need that kind of encouragement. Especially in times like this. Times that try our souls. Times that cause stress and uncertainty. Times when we want of word of direction from God but God seems to be silent.

 

We need a word of encouragement. And that’s what we get when we come to our Church. A little bit of bread and a little bit of wine remind us that Christ died for us to prove God’s love for us. A little reminds us of how great our God really is. A little preaching reminds us that if we believe in Jesus we will live forever in Heaven. A little fellowship reminds us that we are loved and have help when we are down.

 

Come to Church and get a little encouragement this Sunday!

 

Your Pastor,
Nels

 

Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost

Holy Communion
Guest Musician and Song leader – Dwaine T. Wright

Scripture Lesson: John 6: 35, 41-51

Communion Homily:  “Big O Jesus”

 

It’s that time of year when students are returning to school and with that comes the need to keep the schools in our prayers. When you search for “teaching kindness in the classroom”, you find that the number one tip is to model being kind to others, and for teachers, I guess that would begin with their students. With that thought in mind, the article below that appeared on the July 28 Good News Network website especially caught my attention. The article, entitled Third Grade Teacher Crocheted Mini Versions of Every Student in Her Class for End of Year Gifts, is a great example of modeling kindness in the classroom! As you read it, I think you will agree:

 

 

 

 

I would like to personally add my feeling that the Love of Jesus shown to these students will no doubt grow in their hearts so that they will share that Love with others!

 

This week’s Kindness entry: When I took my wife to the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta recently for an appointment, I was very moved by an incident that occurred in the elevator. We were going to the second floor – another occupant was also going to the second floor. The next person to board the elevator asked for the fifth floor. I was nearest to the controls, so I began to punch in the desired floors. My eyes aren’t as sharp as they used to be, and the elevator lighting seemed dim, so I said, “I’m having trouble seeing in the dark”. Right after that, a voice behind me echoed, “I have trouble seeing in the dark, too”. Then he began to laugh very loudly. When we deboarded the elevator, I was surprised to realize that the man behind me was blind! At that point, I was reminded that we are often more aware of our own problems than the problems of others!

 

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!

 

Patriotic boxes of blessings were delivered last week by the 24:7 Small Group to their mission friends. The boxes were filled with an assortment of goodies, a copy of the Prayer for America, prayer request form, and topped with the beautiful American flag!

 

We are considering training a new class of Stephen Ministers this fall. We need at least 6 people to have a class. To find out more about becoming a Stephen Minister, we wear those blue nametags when we are at church.

 

A Stephen Ministry Job Description and Application are on the Stephen Minister Bulletin Board and in our church mailbox by the church office. To hand the application in, place it in the Stephen Ministry Mailbox by the church office, hand it into the office, or give it to one of the Stephen Ministers. Applications are due by August 1st.

 

Want to learn more? Check out this website!

 

 

 

SONSHINE RINGERS
Carol Tummons is looking for another Hand-bell player to join the Sonshine Ringers. They rehearse on Wednesdays at 6:30pm. If you are interested or have a question, please call/text Carol.

 

LADIES SING PRAISE!
On August 18, our choir ladies, along with others who would like to join us, the ladies will sing ‘Bless God’ as our worship anthem! If you like to sing, come join us! (you don’t have to read music)

 

Contact Lindy Stahlman, who will email you the recording, and get you a copy of the music. We will practice on August 14 at 7-7:45, and warmup on Sunday (8/18) before the service. Join us- it will bless you too!

 

You are cordially invited to our Women’s Retreat! Join us for an enriching and inspiring weekend at Elijah Clark State Park as we delve into the themes and stories of Anita Diamant’s book, The Red Tent. This retreat promises to be a time of fellowship, reflection, and personal growth.

 

Location: Elijah Clark State Park

Dates: September 6th & 7th

Time: 10 AM – 4PM each day

Cost: $20.00 per person (includes meals)

 

To make the most of our time together, we suggest that you read, The Red Tent by Anita Diamant beforehand. Additionally, we will be hosting viewings of the two-episode movie adaption of the book on the following dates:

 

Episode 1: August 5th, 2:00- 3:30PM

Episode 2: August 12th, 2:00- 3:30PM

 

These viewings will provide a visual and narrative backdrop that will enrich our discussion during the retreat.

 

If you have additional questions please call:

Karen Hicks.

 

 

Mark those calendars! The church picnic will be on Sunday, September 22.

 

It will start with a service at 10AM. Plan to bring a neighbor or new friend!

 

More details to follow!

 

 

The spots in the Fellowship Hall have been filled, and there is a waiting list!

 

We can still take about three more in tents outside.. then we will stop taking vendors and do up a waiting list in case of cancellations.

 

Tents are wonderful in that there is more room, wares do not have to be hand-done (however, many are!), and it only costs $25! You do have to provide your own tents, but we have men available to help you put them up and take them down. This is perfect for groups. The Lions Club is returning to sell afghans and brooms. .plus talk to folks about their group’s mission.

 

If you are interested, or know of someone who is interested, contact Barb Shelley.

 

The church family has been invited to a “Hobo Supper” at the Meyer’s Farm! More details to follow… but meanwhile, add to your calendar! You won’t want to miss the fun!

 

 

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.