from Rev. C. Nels Ledwell

 

 

This past summer, there was a young mother Bobwhite Quail who was taking care of her brood. It was interesting to watch how she kept track of all twelve of them. When anyone or a predator like a fox approached the brood’s habitat, she became immediately aware and would gather her little brood together and hustle them along to hide in the brush. When someone or a fox was getting really close to get a better look, she flew away, acting as if she had a broken wing. One may be surprised by that at first — a mother abandoning her young. But then it became obvious what she was up to: She was offering herself as a decoy. She wanted the intruders to notice and follow her, away from her babies. She was willing to sacrifice herself in order to protect her offspring.

 

Now maybe we can understand the lament and the passion in Jesus’ own voice. It is the cry of a mother who is worried to death about not only Jerusalem, but about all of us. Like a mother, Jesus sees far more clearly than do we, the children, the danger we are in. Like a mother, Jesus knows we tend to over-estimate our powers and are prone to go off on our own, leaving the protective wings, to seek our own excitement and adventure. And like a mother, Jesus chases after us.

 

Do you see the image? Like a mother, Jesus’ love is so great that his all-consuming passion is to sweep us up into his protective arms. And although there are others in pursuit of him, namely Herod, Jesus, like a mother is persistent. He sticks to what his love compels him to do. He pursues his flock with a passion. His answer to Herod shows that: He has a little work to do in Galilee yet, a few chicks to sweep beneath his wings; and then, he is headed to Jerusalem, where he will, in essence, fly off from his chicks alone and draw God’s judgment to him so that the jaws of death might sink their teeth into his flesh only, and not into his children whom he loves with a mother-hen’s protective passion.

 

See you in Church or online this Sunday where we can learn more about Jesus, the “fox” and a “hen”.

 

Your Pastor,
Nels

 

Sunday, March 16, 2025 – 10AM
Second Sunday in Lent

Scripture Lesson: Luke 13: 31-35
Message: “The Fox, A Hen, and Your Future”

Jesus Shall Reign
Seek Ye First
Jesus is All the World to Me

Anthem: Breathe on Me, Breath of God

 

Special thanks go out to Mitch Mitchell for the above clip art he sent us all the way from Panama where he and Sue serve as missionaries. With the clip art, his message was simply, “I loved this”. I do, too; it is an accurate description of the Kindness the Mitchells show to their friends in Panama where resourcefulness is a definite necessity!

 

Case in point is their new mission project they are working on this spring:

 

 

Mitch and Sue, May God continue to use you as you do what you can, where you are, with what you have! We are so blessed that God meets us in the “dumpsters” of our lives!

 

This week’s kindness entry Stepping up to the check-out register at Walmart, suddenly, my feet slipped out from under me, and I was flat on my back. Before I knew it, two employees were at either side of me to help me up. Then someone came to clean up the now crushed “guilty grape” on the floor. The clerks at the register were so concerned about me. They kept asking if I was hurt and they reminded me to fill out an incident report if I was. I assured them I was ok but at my age I would most certainly be sore the next day. I was sure to thank them for being so kind and concerned about my condition.

 

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!

 

 

 

 

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—

 

 

Wendy Kvale, our Lay Leader, will be starting a new class this coming Sunday, March 16th in the Wesleyan Room.

Wendy invites you to join her on a journey through the book of James.

 

As always, please go get coffee and donuts before joining us!! Fellowship is just as important as study!!

 

Easter lilies symbolize purity, hope, innocence, and virtue. They represent the purity of Jesus, who was free from sin.

 

Our worship committee has arranged to have Easter lilies in the sanctuary. The cost is $8.50 for a lily in a 6 inch pot.

 

If you would like to order lilies in honor of, or in memory of loved ones. Forms are available on the round table in the Fellowship Hall or you can complete this form and return to the Church office.

 

Church address is:

P.O. Box 267

McCormick SC 29835.

 

Make checks payable to MMC and note Easter Lilies.

 

This announcement is for anyone excited about Christian Fellowship and having fun!! Games with Friends will start on March 20th and continue each 3rd Thursday of the month. We’ll meet from 1:30-3:30PM in the fellowship hall and decide on the games of the week to play.

 

Baby Bottles for Crossroads Women’s Center (Greenwood)
The baby bottles for the Crossroad Baby Bottle Campaign are in the Fellowship Hall. There will be a sheet to show who has taken a bottle to fill with coins. Funds raised enable CPC to offer free pregnancy tests, counseling, classes, ultrasounds, Bible Studies, and material assistance such as diapers and clothing. Bottles need to be returned by March 30.

 

The women’s luncheon will be March 14 at Liberty Hill. There will be a buffet for $15. We will meet at 11 a.m. in the church parking lot. All are welcome to bring a friend. There is a sign-up sheet in Fellowship Hall so we can give Liberty Hill a head count.

 

 

Palm Sunday commemorates the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and begins the series of observances focusing on the events of Holy Week.

 

Wendy Kvale and Deb Wissinger will lead the service.

 

SONRISE SERVICE – 6:30AM
Baker Creek State Park Pavilion

Coffee and refreshments will follow. Bring your guests, neighbors and friends.

 

The Chancel Choir will sing the Easter Musical, “Because He Lives”. MMC Family members will provide the narration. Coffee and refreshments will follow in the Fellowship Hall.

 

Lindy Stahlman and Cindy Clausman are the new chairpersons for the Craft Show. Carol Tummons will be leading the bakers for the Cookie Factory.

 

Sue Wurtzbacher and Marge Radosevich will be asking for plants to sell in the Atrium. Watch for more details!

 

VENDORS If you or a friend or neighbor is interested in participating in this year’s Craft Show, please email 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.

 

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!

 

Please sign up on the chart across from the office for a week that works best to supply the flowers for the sanctuary. Patsy will sign you up if you want, just give her a call at the Church office!

 

 

 

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.