WORSHIP WITH US – SUNDAYS AT 10AM
from Rev. C. Nels Ledwell
In the City…
Thomas Long, a great teacher of homiletics, known by many in the preaching community, shares this story. One cool September night at Yankee Stadium in New York, a foul ball was hit into the lower left field stands. It was heading right toward a boy of about nine who had obviously come to the game that night hoping for just such a moment. He had a pair of cheap binoculars around his neck and was wearing an oversized Yankees cap and a small Little League glove which had the hardly-broken-in look of a mitt worn by a kid you let play right field in the late innings of hopeless games.
The foul ball was arching directly toward this boy’s outstretched hand, but suddenly, a man of about 35 wearing an expensive knit shirt and horn-rimmed glasses reached over the boy, jostling him aside, and caught the ball.
In the jostle, the plastic binoculars were broken, and the boy, despite his mother’s comfort, was clearly crushed. Everybody in the left field stands had seen this, and, after a second or two of stunned silence, someone shouted, “Give the kid the ball!” Then another cried, “Give the kid the ball!” A couple of rows joined in unison, “Give the kid the ball!”
Horn Rims shook his head and put the ball in his pocket. That inflamed the whole left field crowd, and with one voice they took up the chant, “Give the kid the ball!” It spread to the center field stands, then to right field, until the whole outfield, Including people who did not even know the story, were shouting, “Give the kid the ball!” Players began to glance up from the field to the stands to see what was going on.
Horn Rims remained stubbornly firm. Finally, a man got up out of his seat, walked over to Horn Rims and spoke some words patiently and gently to him. Horn Rims hesitated, then reached into his pocket and handed the ball to the kid. “He gave the kid the ball!” someone exclaimed. Then the whole stands thundered, “He gave the Kid the ball!” Applause rippled around the stadium.
Then an even more strange thing began to happen. When another foul ball landed in the left field stands, the man who caught it walked over to Horn Rims and gave it to him. Horn Rims, incredulously, thanked him and took it. The next foul ball was caught by a man in a muscle shirt who was sporting a Fu Manchu mustache. He turned and tossed the ball to the kid, who, to everyone’s delight and surprise, caught it. More enthusiastic applause from the crowd, who had come that night to see a baseball game but witnessed instead a city parable about justice and grace.
The city is also a parable of human community. It is in the city that we learn best that everyone is not just like we are. Indeed, it was in the city that the disciples learned that the community of Jesus Christ is broader than we imagined.
We see that everyone in McCormick is not like us. Even our Church contains differing points of view and opinions. Even so, we can show this city God’s love and grace.
See You in Church so we can celebrate the Ascension of Jesus Christ. There will be singing and preaching and Holy Communion. It will be huge. Be here or miss out!
Your Pastor,
Nels
Preparing for Worship
Sunday, June 1, 2025
Seventh Sunday of Easter
Ascension Sunday
Holy Communion
Scripture Lesson: Acts 1: 1-11
Message: “Becoming the House of Woo”
Message: “Becoming the House of Woo”
Hymns:
“This is Amazing Grace”
“The Family of God”
“Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise”
“The Family of God”
“Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise”
“We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations”
Anthem: “In Remembrance of Me” – Carol Tummons and Lindy Stahlman
Anthem: “In Remembrance of Me” – Carol Tummons and Lindy Stahlman
Volunteers Needed to Host Coffee Hour
We need volunteers for the Fellowship Coffee Hour goodies.
Open dates: May 25; June 8 and 22. If you and a buddy are willing to provide simple goodies on one of these dates please sign up in the Fellowship Hall or contact the church office.
FOOD PANTRY
Our Food Pantry is in need of supplies:
Small jars of peanut butter
Small jars of jelly
Canned fruits
A variety of vegetables
Case of water
Small jars of jelly
Canned fruits
A variety of vegetables
Case of water
Donations may be placed in the Food Pantry Room. Thank you!!
MATTHEW AND KRISTI SCALES
MISSION IN UGANDA
How To Support
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—
SUMMER PRAISE- Don’t miss your chance!
Share a song from your heart during a service this summer! Signup sheet is in the Fellowship Hall or call the church office and Patsy will check to see which dates are still available (they are going fast!).
CREIGHTON SCHOLARSHIP
APPLICATIONS ARE READY
The Scholarship Committee of the McCormick Methodist Church is currently accepting applications for this year’s Creighton Scholarship. Applications are available at the church office Monday – Wednesday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Application deadline is July 1.
Criteria for the selection of the scholarship winner are as follows:
The candidate must be a graduating high school senior who has been accepted at an institution of higher learning and displays the traits of good character, service to others and academic excellence.
Question? Call Patsy Wilson or Lindy Stahlman.
THE CHOSEN SEASON 4
CONTINUES EACH MONDAY NIGHT
Join Us for an 8-Week Bible Study Featuring The Chosen (Season 4)!
Come be part of a special time of fellowship and discussion as we watch and explore The Chosen (Season 4) together. Each week, we’ll view an episode, then enjoy coffee, dessert, and meaningful conversation about the themes and scriptures it highlights.
Details:
When: Mondays, April 28 – June 23 (No meeting on May 26 for Memorial Day)
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Where: McCormick Methodist Church
What to Expect: Fellowship, coffee, dessert, and thought-provoking discussion
Where: McCormick Methodist Church
What to Expect: Fellowship, coffee, dessert, and thought-provoking discussion
Everyone is welcome! Let us know if you plan to join. Sign ups in Fellowship Hall.
Kerri Bowser Concert
Sunday, July 20 – 3pm
Be sure to mark your calendars for our Christian Concert featuring Kerri Bowser, daughter of Ed and Linda Bowser, members here at MMC, who will be with us on Sunday, July 20! Kerri’s concert will be at 3 p.m. that day in the Church Sanctuary and she will also provide special music for our Morning Worship that day. Kerri has produced two CD’s of beautiful Christian music that also give her personal testimony. We are in for a real treat as we hear the message that God gives to us through Kerri – AND, to add to this sweet occasion, there will be an Ice Cream Social in the Fellowship Hall after the concert! A Love Offering will be taken.
MMC CRAFT SHOW AND COOKIE FACTORY
OCTOBER 4 – 9am to 2pm
VENDORS NEEDED
Lindy Stahlman and Cindy Klausman 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!
PLANT SALE If you are planning on repotting, separating plants, or rooting new plants, and would like to share your bounty, please consider sharing your plants by donating to the MMW Craft Show Plant Sale.
Marge and I will set up several tables (depending on how many plants we get) in the Atrium.
Also if you have extra pots you no longer need (no plastic) or garden accents we would love to accept them also.
We usually have the plants dropped off at the church Friday (Oct 3). If for some reason you need to bring them sooner, we can work something out.
We usually have the plants dropped off at the church Friday (Oct 3). If for some reason you need to bring them sooner, we can work something out.
Thank you in advance for sharing.
Marge Radosevich and Sue Wurtzbacher
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!
More details about the event are available at https://www.mccormickmc.org/craft-show-2025/
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.
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.