WORSHIP WITH US – SUNDAY 10AM
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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
Lord, Give Me a Sign!
One of the very first things we always ask for in the midst of uncertainty, disaster or trouble is: “Lord, show us a sign.” In the movie Bruce Almighty, starring Jim Carrey, there’s a scene where Bruce’s life has fallen apart. He’s gotten fired, beat up when he tried to help a homeless man holding a sign, and he’s had a fight with his girlfriend whose name just happens to be Grace. He’s driving along feeling sorry for himself, talking to and yelling at God.
“OK, God. You want me to talk to you? Then talk back. Tell me what’s going on. What should I do? Give me a signal.” Just then he passes a lighted traffic message sign which is blinking the words: “Caution Ahead.”
He ignores it and continues his rant. “I need your guidance Lord, please. Send me a sign.” About that time a truck full of traffic signs pulls out in front of him. Very visible are the signs: “Dead End, Stop, Wrong Way, Yield, No Crossing and Do Not Enter.” But Bruce ignores them, he doesn’t see what he’s asking for, complains about the truck and whips around it only to eventually run into a light pole. He gets out and yells at God. At the end of the scene he hollers: “Answer me.” And just then his pager goes off with a telephone number. Bruce says: “Sorry, don’t know you. Wouldn’t call you if I did”.
I think Jim Carrey nailed how we feel in the middle of a crisis, in the middle of despair. And he also captured exactly what happens. We ask for a sign and we’re so blinded by what’s going on in our lives that we can’t see the signs for the fog of our emotions.
Often, the nature of God’s signs are not thunder, lightning and earthquakes. The signs occur in the touch of a loving hand, a word of encouragement or even in the affection of a family pet. God has signs for us everywhere. As we grow spiritually, we must learn to hear when God speaks softly, to feel when someone’s loving hand is the hand of God, to listen when someone speaks a God-inspired word to us, to see when his obvious light is there upon our lives and even tastes when we receive Holy Communion. God never abandons us!
See you in Church or online this Sunday so you can see more signs of God’s love and grace!
Your Pastor,
Nels
Preparing for Worship
Sunday, August 6 – 10AM
Tenth Sunday After Pentecost
Holy Communion
Scripture Lesson: Romans 9:1-5
Message: “Caring in a World of Calamity”
First Tuesday
Stephen Ministry Corner
August 2023
There’s a line in the song, “I Hope You Dance,” that goes … ‘Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens …’ Certainly a heartfelt hope … and yet sometimes we cannot see that ‘new door’ even when we think we are looking!
I think it struck a chord with me because as Stephen Ministers it is part of our calling to listen to others as they deal with that door that has closed and try to help them find that ‘new door.’ We do so by listening and allowing the Holy Spirit to work it’s wonder and help someone we care for see and feel God’s Hope and Peace … and maybe ‘open a new door.’
If a door has ‘closed’ for you and you are wanting to share your angst and fears … please consider being in a relationship with a Stephen Minister. Start by calling Pastor Nels or one of the Stephen Leaders thru the church office at (864) 852-2394.
CREIGHTON SCHOLARSHIPS
Asya Milton, Jeremiah Fambrough and Jalen Salliewhite are our 2023 scholarship recipients. They will share with us their plans on Sunday during the service, and I’m sure will look forward to hearing all of the wisdom our church family has to share during fellowship hour. Well done, students! Our prayers go with you as you begin this college year!
BOB AND BETTY WEISS
Congratulations to Bob and Betty Weiss, celebrating their twenty-second anniversary! It is extra special because you two were married right here in McCormick Methodist Church!
GOOD JOB, JAYDEN!
WELCOME TO DOMINIC!
We have enjoyed getting to know Jayden this summer! He did a great job serving as an acolyte by lighting the altar candles for us. This morning, we learned that Jayden will be going back home, but not before he led the church family in singing his grandpa a Happy Birthday! His proud grandparents are Tom and Tammy Batson.
Before Jayden left today, he passed his acolyte duty on to Dominic, grandson of Carol and Fred Fuller! We are sure he will do a great job, as well, and we look forward to getting to know him better!
FOOD PANTRY
ITEMS THAT NEED TO BE REPLENISHED
From Lindy, one of the Pantry Elves
ITEMS WE CURRENTLY NEED:
Canned protein- chicken, tuna, spam
Boxed meals- mac&cheese, rice-a roni,pasta meal kits,ramen noodles
Cheese/cracker pkgs, peanut butter/ cracker pkgs
Peanut butter
Jelly
Small boxes/pkg cereal
TP
Note: We try and give a pretty full bag of groceries, and often the folks are walking to the church. Please, no large cans so they can carry them home safely.
Thank you for helping us to replenish the shelves!
MMC food pantry is located in the back hall, next to the nursery. Please leave your donations in that room on the table or on the white shelf by the door.
Hint: Save the list in case you see a sale on an item or two! Thanks in advance
NEW BEGINNINGS
Love Offering
Donations made through this “Love Offering” will be used to offset disaffiliation costs.
Ways you can contribute..
CHECK If using a check, please make out to MMC and put Love Fund on the memo line. You can bring by to the office, put it in the collection plate, or send to the office (MMC P.O. Box 267, McCormick SC 29835)
CASH Every penny is appreciated! If you clean out your change bowls, bring it in to church! No amount is too small!
ONLINE Donate Online
Acts of Kindness
Kindness – Is Saving the Last Dance!
The Drifters, in 1959, from left, Ben E. King, Charlie Thomas, Dock Green and Elsbeary Hobbs
© Getty Images
© Getty Images
You may be wondering what kindness has to do with dancing. I did too until I read the following story from a Life of a Song article written by Charles Morris in January 2022. The song Morris wrote about is “Save the Last Dance for Me” that was first recorded in 1960 by The Drifters. No doubt, many of us have spent a good bit of time on the dance floor to that one! Ironically, however, Morris’ story reveals that the man who wrote the words to this song did not.
Doc Pomus contracted polio as a child and was eventually confined to a wheelchair in mid-life. Pomus, who was born Jerome Felder in New York in 1925, was a larger-than-life character. He refused to be restricted by others’ perception of his disability, pursuing as a young man the attentions of attractive women and a career as a blues singer.
“Save the Last Dance for Me” was inspired by Pomus’ wedding to the actress Willi Burke in 1957. At the reception, he sat and watched his beautiful bride dance with other men. But when it was time for the last dance of the evening, Pomus would go out in his wheelchair and dance the last dance with his wife.
I hope that you might be as touched by this true story as I was – knowing its origin gives new meaning to the words of the song that I have memorized for many, many years now – “But don’t forget whose taking you home and in whose arms you’re gonna be – so, darlin’, save the last dance for me!”
Before the Drifters’ recording, Ben E. King was told the origin of the song by his Atlantic Records boss, and moved by the story, King added an emotional edge to his performance. The result was a US number one and number two in the UK! Ben E. King’s performance was unsurpassed in capturing the song’s heart! The lovingkindness in the heart of the song’s writer today lives on in all of our hearts forever!
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!
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 MUMC.
If you would like to take advantage of the ‘presence’ of a Stephen Minister, start by calling Pastor Nels or one of the Stephen Leaders thru the church office at (864) 852-2394.
COFFEE HOUR FELLOWSHIP
GOODIES AND HOSTS NEEDED
Plenty of room for volunteers to host! You can ask a partner to join you as host. Goodies do not have to be home-made, store-bought are just fine! There is a sign-up sheet in the Fellowship Hall, Also, if you have not done it before, Carol Myers would be happy to work with you!
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.
WHAT IS ALPHA?
Alpha is an 11 week course designed to create a space for honest conversation around some of life’s biggest questions. It is designed to provide guests, churched and unchurched, an opportunity to connect with one another while providing the opportunity to share thoughts, ideas, and opinions in a safe and caring environment. Alpha helps bring people together while providing the chance to encounter Jesus.
Each week consists of a meal together, viewing a video taped talk and then breaking into small discussion groups. You will hear more about the program in the weeks to come. Please start to think and pray for those you would like to invite who may not yet know Jesus. Both Rich and Kim Jackson attended the Alpha Course in 2010, feel free to ask them any questions you may have.
The Alpha Course will be offered to our church and community beginning September 10, 2023 at 5:30 pm.
Sign up sheets will be in Fellowship Hall.
Weekly Topics
Sep 10 – Is There More to Life Than This?
Sep 17 – Who is Jesus?
Sep 24 – Why Did Jesus Die?
Oct 01 – How Can I Have Faith?
Oct 08 – Why and How Do I Pray?
Oct 15 – Why and How Should I Read the Bible?
Oct 22 – How Does God Guide Us?
Oct 29 – Who is the Holy Spirit?
Oct 29 – What Does the Holy Spirit Do?
Oct 29 – How Can I Be Filled with the Holy Spirit?
Sep 10 – Is There More to Life Than This?
Sep 17 – Who is Jesus?
Sep 24 – Why Did Jesus Die?
Oct 01 – How Can I Have Faith?
Oct 08 – Why and How Do I Pray?
Oct 15 – Why and How Should I Read the Bible?
Oct 22 – How Does God Guide Us?
Oct 29 – Who is the Holy Spirit?
Oct 29 – What Does the Holy Spirit Do?
Oct 29 – How Can I Be Filled with the Holy Spirit?
Nov 05 – How Can I Resist Evil?
Nov 12 – Does God Heal Today?
Nov 19 – What About the Church?
Nov 12 – Does God Heal Today?
Nov 19 – What About the Church?
Please pray for the Alpha Course. Pray that our church family members see this as an opportunity to evangelize to their friends and neighbors.
DINNER FOR EIGHT
STARTS AGAIN IN SEPTEMBER
MMC is proud to bring back a favorite activity…….Dinner For Eight!
These great opportunities to get to know each other better will restart in September.
Julianne Coleman is coordinating.
Groups of eight will meet for dinner once a month for 4 months (Sept thru Dec) at the host’s home. Each month another couple (or individual and friend) will host. The host is responsible for the meat or main course and beverages, and the others will bring the rest (side dishes, desserts, appetizer, etc).
Sign up sheet is in the fellowship hall so sign up now.! We anticipate three or more groups will join the fun! If you have any questions, please contact Julianne Coleman.
FABULOUS FUN SISTERS IN FAITH RETREAT
AUGUST 4 AND AUGUST 5
HICKORY KNOB
Fabulous Fun Sisters in Faith Retreat—1st EVER/Education Committee & Maxine Dunn
Our retreat foundation is based on Mark 6:31 “Let us go off by ourselves to some place where we will be alone, and you can rest a while”. Well, ok Hickory Knob isn’t in the wilderness, it’s just across the street, but how many of us take the time to relax and just enjoy ourselves with our Christian sisters? Thinking it would be fun to re-group and get to know one another…let the fun begin!!
The retreat (details forthcoming in another BLAST) will be Friday night August 4th and Saturday August 5th. The rooms are for one night only and are double occupancy, so grab a roomy or just sign up and be surprised!
What you need to do now is check your calendar, if you’re available write a commitment check to McCormick Methodist Church for $25 and put EDUCATION COMMITTEE on it. This is holding your half of a room, the park is crowded in the summer and if we don’t fill the rooms we’ll need to give them back.
Activities will be Friday night and Saturday morning through lunch. Details will be worked out as we find out how many women will be involved.
Those women who would like to join us for Saturday morning activities only please call one of us and let us know you’re interested so we can plan. All are welcome and you can be a part of the program, or a participant! Let the Holy Spirit direct you!!!
Questions? Please call Maxine Dunn, or Kim Jackson or Wendy Kvale.
CHURCH PICNIC
SEPT 24
BAKER CREEK
Mark your calendars… Sept 24 at 10am.. service, followed by picnic at Baker Creek!
More details when we get closer.
MMC CRAFT SHOW AND COOKIE FACTORY UPDATE
OCTOBER 7 9AM TO 2PM
Update.. Fellowship Hall spots have all been sold. We are full!
We are able to offer tent space in the parking lot to service groups, like Lions Club. The items they sell do not have to be handcrafted, and many have brochures available on their group missions. The cost is $25. If your group is interested contact Barb Shelley.
Marge Radosevich will be running the Plant Sale in the atrium. If you would like to contribute or have any questions, please contact Marge.