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from Rev. C. Nels Ledwell
The Greatest Truth
There is an old story about the theologian, Karl Barth [pronounced “Bart” with a soft “t”], who was on a speaking tour of the United States. On college campuses all across this country, he was drawing huge crowds to hear his very complex answers to the questions of life.
When he was speaking at Princeton University, the great hall was packed with faculty, students, and visitors who came to hear Karl Barth speak. During the question-and-answer period, one student asked, “Dr. Barth, may I ask you a personal question?”
Dr. Barth smiled and said, “Yes, you may ask anything.”
The student then asked, “Dr. Barth, you are a very educated man. What is the greatest truth you have ever learned?”
Dr. Barth bowed his head, thinking for a moment about how he would respond. Then, he raised his head and looked out at the student who asked the question and he said, “The greatest truth I ever learned was at my mother’s knee: ‘Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.’” Coming from a theologian like Barth, this answer is extraordinary. After all his studying, reading and writing of complicated theology, he comes right back to the simple truth of Jesus.
The secret of effective living is to discover the truth about Jesus Christ. When we focus on him, we have discovered that truth is a caring love, truth is the Word becoming flesh. Truth is experiencing his life-giving power. Truth is discovering his love with arms outstretched to embrace us. When we grasp this truth, we have discovered the secret to effective living.
Come to Church and bring a neighbor or friend this Sunday. We all need the truth of Jesus Christ!
See You in Church or online!
Your Pastor,
Nels
Nels
Preparing for Worship
Sunday, August 11, 2024 10:00 AM
Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost
Scripture Lesson: Ephesians 4:13-16,25-5:2
Reference Text: Ephesians 4
Message: “Goals for the Godly”
Acts of Kindness
Kindness Update – Kindness Puts A Song in Our Hearts!
I just received a beautiful gift from two of my and Jessica’s best friends – Ed and Linda (Jessica’s all-time favorite BFF!) Bowser. Once very active members at McCormick Methodist Church, today they are faithful online worshipers. Years ago, they served as coordinators for family ministries at MMC, and they coordinated many fun group trips to the beach, mountains, Charleston, etc., and there was never a dull moment, and lots of good memories!
The gift is a CD of beautiful Christian music performed by their daughter, Kerri Bowser of Charlotte, NC. Kerri’s daughter Amanda went to be with Jesus this past December, and the CD – titled Songs from the Heart – comes from the season of that loss. These are the words of Kerri’s dedication:
“Each song in this collection has its own heartbeat. It is found in the message of the lyrics and the music. Much like Ecclesiastes 3: 1 – “To everything there is a season. A time for every purpose under Heaven … (2) A time to be born and a time to die… (4) A time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance”. May you find within these songs the message that touches your heart in the season you find yourself.
I dedicate this collection to those who have and continue to fill my heart. First, to the one who sustains me in both good and difficult times, whose words truly are the lamp unto my feet, my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; To my daughter, Amanda Lynn, though in Heaven, know I carry you with me everyday and rejoice in the knowledge that you suffer no more pain and in the promise I will see you again; To my boys, Foster and Jake, I love you more than simple words can say. I thank you for your strength, your laughter, and the light each of you are in my life. To my family, my church, and my friends for unending prayers. Finally, to Kevin … a man of God who has shown me how love can make a heart beat again.”
Kerri shares her testimony in song to churches and nursing homes, no doubt giving beautiful encouragement to many during the seasons of their lives. I played the CD through twice, just letting the heartbeat of its message soak into my heart. If anyone would like to borrow it to have a listen, I am happy to share it with you. You will be blessed! Thank you, Ed and Linda, for your kind, giving spirits, and to Kerri for putting these beautiful songs in our hearts! May God continue to bless your ministry!
This week’s Kindness entry: A fellow church member who is one of God’s quiet and kind servants observed that there was no one on the list to provide flowers for church service and went out and purchased a bouquet of fresh flowers and arranged them in a vase then added some decorative tissue and placed them on the pedestal in the sanctuary. I don’t know if anyone else observed this, but I did, and I wanted to make known this beautiful and selfless act of kindness!
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!
MMC CREIGHTON SCHOLARSHIP
CARLITO WIDEMAN
The scholarship committee is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2024 Creighton scholarship, Carlito Wideman.
He will be with us in church on Sunday before he takes off for USC next Saturday to begin his classes. We will present him with a check and a drawstring, gamecocks backpack.
If you’d like to send a note of encouragement or small token of congratulations and best wishes, you can bring it on Sunday and put it in the bag before the service!
24:7 SMALL GROUP DELIVERS PATRIOTIC BOXES OF BLESSINGS
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!
JOIN THE MMC STEPHEN MINISTRY TEAM
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!
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.
BREWER MIDDLE SCHOOL
LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS
Students at Brewer Middle School in Greenwood need volunteer(s) to help them with their Garden Club – travel stipend is available for mileage reimbursement. If interested, please contact Rico Salliewhite, Brewer Middle School Principal and member of McCormick Methodist Church. Thank you!
MUSIC MINISTRY
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.
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)
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!
SCHOOL SUPPLIES NEEDED
The Mary & Martha group (M & M’s) is collecting supplies for McCormick Schools. There is a blue container in the fellowship hall with a list of items needed for each grade. Please help by purchasing items and placing them in the container.
MMW RETREAT
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 & SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
10AM TO 4PM
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.
RETREAT DETAILS
Location: Elijah Clark State Park
Dates: September 6th & 7th
Time: 10 AM – 4PM each day
Cost: $20.00 per person (includes meals)
PREPARATION
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.
FRIDAY CARDS & GAMES RESCHEDULED
There have been a few changes to the Friday Card/Games events. Please add to your calendar!
September Cards & Games will be changed to the 3rd Friday afternoon (Sept. 20) because of the Women’s Retreat that is scheduled for 6th & 7th.
October Cards & Games will be changed to the 3rd Friday afternoon (Oct. 18) because of the Art & Craft Show that is scheduled for October 5.
PICNIC AND WORSHIP
BAKER CREEK STATE PARK
SEPTEMBER 22 – 10AM
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!
CRAFT SHOW AND COOKIE FACTORY
OCTOBER 5 – 9am to 2pm
VENDORS NEEDED
OUTSIDE VENDORS NEEDED
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.
HOBO SUPPER
OCTOBER 19 3:30PM
MEYER’S FARM
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!