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from Rev. C. Nels Ledwell
Author Mickey Anders writes to us this question, “What Kind of Jesus Do You Want?” I would like to share with you his article as we contemplate the meaning of Palm/Passion Sunday.
Enjoy!
What Kind of Jesus Do You Want?
“Well, I don’t care if it rains or freezes,
Long as I have my plastic Jesus
Riding on the dashboard of my car
I could go a hundred miles an hour
Long as I got the Almighty Power
Glued up there with my fuzzy dice.”
Long as I have my plastic Jesus
Riding on the dashboard of my car
I could go a hundred miles an hour
Long as I got the Almighty Power
Glued up there with my fuzzy dice.”
That’s the way an old folk song starts. The chorus continues the theme this way:
“Plastic Jesus, plastic Jesus
Riding on the dashboard of my car
Through all trials and tribulations,
We will travel every nation,
With my plastic Jesus I’ll go far.”
Riding on the dashboard of my car
Through all trials and tribulations,
We will travel every nation,
With my plastic Jesus I’ll go far.”
The following verses say that you can buy Him “phosphorescent, glows in the dark, He’s Pink and Pleasant…” The anonymous author says he tries to run down pedestrians using the plastic Jesus’ halo as an aiming guide. He complains because his plastic Jesus is turning white because of stains from the smoke of his cigar. When the policeman stops him on suspicion that he is “tight,” he’ll never find the bottle because his plastic Jesus’ is hollow. The head comes off, and he uses Him for a flask, “a holy bar.”
That old song came to my mind when I pondered today’s passage because at its root is the question, “What kind of Jesus do you want?” Many people don’t want the real Jesus; they want a more convenient version.
When we look closely at the dynamics of that Palm Sunday, we are not really surprised at the Friday outcome. On the surface, it seems like the Triumphal Entry was a grand celebration, but underneath we find the seeds of the crucifixion lying among the palms.
But the real meaning of Palm Sunday for us today can be found in that same question I asked about each of the groups, “What kind of Jesus are you looking for?” Do you want a Miracle Jesus or Ritual Jesus? Do you want a Military Jesus or a Messiah Jesus? In more modern terms we might ask, “Do you want a plastic Jesus or a Prozac Jesus? Do you want your Jesus in a bottle or a Mr. Rogers kind of Jesus?”
If you are looking for any of those, you will be disappointed too. But note that the reason we are disappointed is that we are looking for the wrong kind of Jesus. A friend wrote me yesterday with a wonderful quote she heard on the radio. Each time one lady discovers someone claiming to be an atheist, she responds, “Tell me about the God you don’t believe in.” And when they do, she usually observes, “I don’t think I would like that kind of God either.” Our disappointments in God usually come from a wrong view of God. As J. B. Phillips said in the title of his wonderful little book, “Your God Is Too Small.”
Thank you Mickey for your article.
See you in Church or online this Palm Sunday. It will be huge! Our service will begin with a choral processional as we remember the journey of Jesus.
Your Pastor,
Nels
Nels
Preparing for Worship
Sunday, April 2 – 10AM
Palm/ Passion Sunday
Holy Communion and Palm Sunday Processional
Holy Communion and Palm Sunday Processional
Scripture Lesson: Matthew 21: 1-11
Matthew 26: 1-5
Message: “Two Sides of the Cross”
BAPTISM OF AVA COIN
GRANDDAUGHTER OF NANCY MANFREADY
MUMC Family was delighted to welcome Ava Coin into the family of God!
Ava is the daughter of Nicole and Eric Coin of Port Saint Lucie, Florida. She was born on August 5, 2022.
Ava won the hearts of our church family, and especially our pastor! We were thrilled to be able to participate in her Baptism!
Kindness Update – When Kindness Ran!
As we approach Palm Sunday, there is a sense of celebration in awaiting the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem! As people did back then, Palm Sunday is a day to wave palm branches and shout, “Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord! – Hosanna in the Highest!” (Matthew 21: 9).At this week’s meeting of the Widows Connection, we had a discussion about Jesus’ story of the Prodigal Son and its message to us today about our Heavenly Father’s boundless love for us. We were reminded that, no matter how far we run from God – no matter how long we stay – we cannot outrun His Loving Kindness and Forgiveness – that He is always there to rescue us.
As “Easter people” who know “the rest of the story”, we might put on the “heart of the lost son” and run toward Jesus who is always ready to run toward us! As you click on the link below, I hope your heart will be as touched as mine has been by the powerful words of this song and the beautiful pictures that tell the story – the song is entitled “When God Ran”:
This week’s Kindness entry reflects the faith of a grandparent who obviously knows well the powerful story of the Prodigal Son! During a discussion with the receptionist while waiting for a recent medical appointment, she shared a grandparent story that was touching to me. Her grandson has Asperger’s syndrome and she was telling me about how for him everything is either black or white – there’s no in-between. He loves to go to church with his grandparents each Sunday, and while his parents do not attend church, she got a little twinkle in her eye when she said, “You never know what God may have planned!”!
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!
FELLOWSHIP AFTER CHURCH SERVICE – HOSTS NEEDED
Many of you are enjoying the fellowship time following the services each week! If you have not come to the fellowship hall after the service, give it a try this week! There is always coffee, drinks, and goodies plus fellowship with the church family!
Carol Myers wants you to know there is a sign-up ready for April, May, and June. Please take the time to pick one Sunday to bring goodies (usually there are two folks that provide the goodies). Goodies do not have to home-made! You will be working with others to set up.. the veterans will show you the way!!
If you have a question or concern, call Carol Myers.
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.
Start by calling Pastor Nels or one of the Stephen Leaders thru the church office at (864)852-2394 and begin a ‘fellowship’ with a Stephen Minister.
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.
HOLY WEEK, AND EASTER SERVICES
Palm Sunday …April 2
Palm Sunday commemorates the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and begins the series of observances focusing on the events of Holy Week. The service will be at 10am.
Maundy Thursday…April 6
Maundy is derived from the Latin word for “command,” and refers to Jesus’ commandment to the disciples to “Love one another as I have loved you.” Service starts at 6pm. Communion will be served.
Easter Sunday … April 9
Easter is a time for renewal. You have two opportunities on Easter to worship and celebrate the miracle of hope and eternal life.
A Sunrise service will be held at Baker Creek on Easter Sunday, April 9 at 7am. Time will be announced. Bring your company, neighbors and friends. Coffee and refreshments will follow.
There will also be a service at 10am in the MUMC sanctuary. The Chancel Choir will present an Easter Musical titled, “No More Night”. Refreshments will follow in the Fellowship Hall.
CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS
DISCUSS NEXT STEPS AFTER DISAFFILIATION
Our Next Steps Team will be presenting their findings on our choices after the disaffiliation is complete.
The team will present information on joining Global, going independent, or joining another existing Wesleyan group.
Sunday, April 16 3pm – Sanctuary (This will be livestreamed and archived)
Tuesday, April 18 4pm – Sanctuary
Tuesday, April 18 4pm – Sanctuary
Members will vote for their choice Sunday, April 23 in the Sanctuary Immediately following the service.
May we remain in prayer as we make these difficult decisions. Father, you are abundant in loving kindness and wisdom.
Reassure our hearts by your great power and help us to discern your will for your Church.
“Walking with Christ to the Cross”
LENTEN BIBLE STUDY
The following Seven-Week Bible Study can be done by yourself at home, or with a group.
If you are interested in being part of a small group for this Bible Study, Kim Jackson is leading a Lenten Bible Study group on Saturday mornings at 10am in the Fellowship Hall. Please call Kim if you are planning on attending the Saturday sessions.
To learn more and/or download a copy of the “Walking with Christ to the Cross Bible Study” Click the link below:
https://www.mccormickmc.org/lenten-bible-study
https://www.mccormickmc.org/lenten-bible-study
Widows Connection
6-Session Bible Study
This I Know For Sure
Taking God At His Word
Taking God At His Word
By Babbie Mason, award-winning Gospel singer-songwriter & Bible teacher
Any women who would like to have this experience are encouraged to join this group on April 24 and get ready to discover how to experience the overwhelming grace and love of God!
If you have any questions, please contact Toni Graham.
SHREDDING DAY
SATURDAY, APRIL 29
SPONSORED BY MCCORMICK COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Tax season and spring cleaning will soon be over and it’s a good time to rid your home of unwanted paper. The CHAMBER will make available a large spreader for the community on Saturday, April 29 (9am-1pm) at the MACK (Main street in front of the MACK).
Please be sure to remove all staples from the paper.
Donations are appreciated and assist the CHAMBER for the Shred Truck’s service.
BISCUITS AND BLESSINGS
Biscuits & Blessings – Saturday, May 6 – 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon – Church Parking Lot On Hwy. 378 – The Evangelism Committee announces that, again this year, McCormick UMC will host Biscuits & Blessings to reach out to our community! This event is offered as a part of the Town of McCormick’s Trunks of Gold Event on Main Street that morning.
Men ‘N Ministry will serve up the blessing of delicious sausage biscuits, coffee, juice and water, and the blessing of live Christian music will be provided by Larry Freeland, lead singer of Praise Tyme Band, who is also a former member of the Swingin’ Medallions. You will enjoy old gospel hymns, some original songs, and some Oldies tunes you will recognize that have new lyrics. Bring your bag chairs – and pack an extra one or two to share with others!
VOLUNTEERS are needed to help with this event! You will find a sign up board in the fellowship hall – please be sure to sign up and offer your help with setting up, taking down, or with food preparation and service. And, let us all be praying for this special outreach project!
All proceeds go to benefit local charities.
BIRTHDAYS
March
Lewis Bryant
Becky Lagroon
Joe Larate
Mike Smith
Marsha Garner
Larry Bonam
Josh Sandt
Susan Gaer
Jan Lamke
Shirley Bowser
Dale Tarrant
Bob Garner
Lewis Bryant
Becky Lagroon
Joe Larate
Mike Smith
Marsha Garner
Larry Bonam
Josh Sandt
Susan Gaer
Jan Lamke
Shirley Bowser
Dale Tarrant
Bob Garner
April
Dick Kvale
Wendy Kvale
Scott Pitser
Barb Shelley
Bob Myers
Pat Winn
Nancy Vereb
Glenda Sartain
Dot Baggett
Pat Meyers
Gary Wolfe
Don Smith
Dick Kvale
Wendy Kvale
Scott Pitser
Barb Shelley
Bob Myers
Pat Winn
Nancy Vereb
Glenda Sartain
Dot Baggett
Pat Meyers
Gary Wolfe
Don Smith
May
Bill Hartz
Trely Wolfe
Rico Salliewhite
Marge Radosevich
Brad Meyers
Dave Kriger
Bernie Tarrant
Charlies Meyer
Joan Wessels
Trely Wolfe
Rico Salliewhite
Marge Radosevich
Brad Meyers
Dave Kriger
Bernie Tarrant
Charlies Meyer
Joan Wessels
June
Lindy Stahlman
Mike Dunn
Clint Scott
Gordon Waine
Carol Wieboldt
Betty Weiss
Beverly Western
Sue Yerdon
Lola Rek
Josiah Salliewhite
Bob Roe
Rick Lindley
Turney Bowser
Ron Garling
Mike Dunn
Clint Scott
Gordon Waine
Carol Wieboldt
Betty Weiss
Beverly Western
Sue Yerdon
Lola Rek
Josiah Salliewhite
Bob Roe
Rick Lindley
Turney Bowser
Ron Garling
ANNIVERSARIES
March
Ron &Donna Hutto
Larry & Sandy Bonam
Nancy & Wayne Manfready
Shirley & Turney Bowser
Brian & Gail Gore
Lewis & Barb Bryant
Ron &Donna Hutto
Larry & Sandy Bonam
Nancy & Wayne Manfready
Shirley & Turney Bowser
Brian & Gail Gore
Lewis & Barb Bryant
April
Mike & Charlotte Tallent
Mike & Charlotte Tallent
May
Bob & Deb Wissinger
Bob & Deb Wissinger
June
John & Sue Yerdon
Gary & Paula Grady
Bud & Rosemary Freeman
Gary & Trely Wolfe
Mitch & Sue Mitchell
Bob & Marsha Garner
Kim & Rich Jackson
Fran & Jack Towers
Chuck & Pat Winn
Bill & Susie Hartz
Rico & Kristen Salliewhite
Al & Sue Gaer
John & Sue Yerdon
Gary & Paula Grady
Bud & Rosemary Freeman
Gary & Trely Wolfe
Mitch & Sue Mitchell
Bob & Marsha Garner
Kim & Rich Jackson
Fran & Jack Towers
Chuck & Pat Winn
Bill & Susie Hartz
Rico & Kristen Salliewhite
Al & Sue Gaer