from Rev. C. Nels Ledwell

 

 

There’s an urban legend about the University of Chicago Divinity School. Each year it is said they have what is called “Baptist Day.” On this day each one is to bring a lunch to be eaten outdoors in a grassy picnic area. Every “Baptist Day” the school would invite one of the greatest minds to lecture in the theological education center. One year they invited Dr. Paul Tillich. Dr.Tillich spoke for two and one-half hours proving that the resurrection of Jesus was false. He quoted scholar after scholar and book after book. He concluded that since there was no such thing as the historical resurrection the religious tradition of the church was groundless, emotional mumbo-jumbo, because it was based on a relationship with a risen Jesus, who, in fact, never rose from the dead in any literal sense. He then asked if there were any questions.

 

After about 30 seconds, an old, dark skinned preacher with a head of short-cropped, woolly white hair stood up in the back of the auditorium.”Docta’ Tillich, I got one question,” he said as all eyes turned toward him. He reached into his sack lunch and pulled out an apple and began eating it.

 

“Docta Tillich.. CRUNCH, MUNCH “My question is a simple question, …CRUNCH, MUNCH…”Now, I ain’t never read them books you read ..CRUNCH, MUNCH…”and I can’t recite the Scriptures in the original Greek

 

…CRUNCH, MUNCH …” I don’t know nothin’ about Niebuhr and Heidegger

 

…CRUNCH, MUNCH…He finished the apple. “All I wanna know is: This apple I just ate, was it bitter or sweet?”

 

Dr. Tillich paused for a moment and answered in exemplary scholarly fashion: “I cannot possibly answer that question, for I haven’t tasted your apple.” The white-haired preacher dropped the core of his apple into his crumpled paper bag, looked up at Dr. Tillich and said calmly, “Neither have you tasted my Jesus.”

 

The 1,000 plus in attendance could not contain themselves. The auditorium erupted with applause and cheers. Dr. Tillich thanked his audience and promptly left the platform.

 

Have you tasted Jesus? As Saints we offer this message. Jesus has risen…and he ‘s coming back one day! Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.

 

See you in Church or online this Sunday when we remember what Jesus has done for the Saints we love!

 

Your Pastor,

Nels

 

Twenty-Fourth Sunday After Pentecost
All Saints Sunday
Holy Communion

Scripture Lesson: Deuteronomy 30: 15-29

Message: “On Choosing Life” 

For All the Saints
Come, Let Us Join Our Friends Above
Faith of Our Fathers
When We All Get to Heaven

Anthem: Oh My My / I’ll Fly Away

 

 

MMC Church will be gathering the donations to Samaritan’s Purse and sending a check this week from the Church Family. It is not too late to contribute. Another check will be sent on November 24. Thank you for your generosity!

 

If you want to donate cash, please put the cash in an envelope and note Samaritan’s Purse on the front. Please make checks payable to MMC and note Samaritan’s Purse. Checks may be put in the offertory plate or brought to the office. If mailing your check, the address is MMC, P.O. Box 267, McCormick SC 29835.

 

If you would like to donate via our website, go to https://secure.myvanco.com/YQQ5/campaign/C-ZAEF

 

Please continue to pray for all those affected by the storm.

 

I recently ran across a copy of an old poem I saved many years ago, mainly because it covers a period of my life that I like to remember, that you may have fond memories of as well. My mother had a ringer-type washing machine on the back porch until she later upgraded to an automatic – but she never did have a clothes dryer. With eight children, there were very few days that the line wasn’t filled! She and the mother next door were close – and our families looked out for each other – and their sharing across their lines created a special feeling of kindness and caring that I thank God for. While we are aware of saving energy today, I think most of us wouldn’t give up the luxury of our clothes dryers – however, I do still have a clothesline and use it from time to time!

 

The Clothesline
by Marilyn K. Walker
A clothesline was a news forecast, to neighbors passing by.
There were no secrets you could keep, when clothes were hung to dry.
It also was a friendly link, for neighbors always knew,
If company had stopped on by, to spend a night or two.
For then you’d see the fancy sheets and towels upon the line;
You’d see the company tablecloths, with intricate design.
The line announced a baby’s birth, to folks who lived inside,
As brand new infant clothes, were hung so carefully with pride.
The ages of the children, could so readily be known
By watching how the sizes changed, you’d know how much they’d grown.
It also told when illness struck, as extra sheets were hung;
Then night-clothes, and a bathrobe too, haphazardly were strung.
It said “Gone on vacation now”, when lines hung limp and bare.
It told “We’re back!” when full lines sagged, with not an inch to spare.
New folks in town were scorned upon, if washing was dingy grey,
As neighbors raised their brows, and looked disgustedly away.
But clotheslines now are of the past, for dryers make work less,
Now what goes on inside a home, is anybody’s guess.
I really miss that way of life; it was a friendly sign,
When neighbors knew each other best, by what was on the line.

 

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!

 

We welcome Tom and Tammy!  We thank God that he sent them to us!

 

A portion of Outreach Missions funds in the budget of McCormick Methodist Church are designated to support the efforts of the Lakelands Fellowship of Christian Athletes whose organization includes schools in McCormick County. The major fundraiser of this organization, a celebration dinner, was held on Tuesday, October 22 in Greenwood. These MMC members attended the dinner to present the church’s contribution to this ministry. Not included in the picture but also attending the dinner were Rico, Kristen, and Josiah Salliewhite. The program included a very inspirational testimony by Sarah Roberts, coach’s daughter and coach’s wife and mother of five, who shared from her passion for connecting women in sports to Jesus.

 

The Bible tells us, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”

 

Thank you to those who already pledged! The finance committee will use the figures to work on the 2025 budget.
It is never too late to pledge! If you have not filled out a commitment card, there are extras in the office.

 

You may want to consider using Vanco to make your donations. You can set it up to pay automatically, which is wonderful, especially when you are away or unable to attend in person. You get a message from them when it makes the donation. You can stop or change the amount at any time. It is secure and part of our website.

 

Please fill out the commitment card, even if using Vanco. This helps the finance team to budget.

 

 

Several Native tribes in South Carolina counties were hit hard with the recent storms; Spartanburg, Dorchester, Charleston, Colleton, Santee, Lauren’s and Edisto are still working to recover. They were still trying to clean up from hurricane Debby when Helene came through. The Edisto River, with several small rivers running into it, had severe flooding.

 

“Elder Baskets” are plastic laundry baskets filled with non-perishable items, which are given to elderly Native Americans in need. Many Native Americans live well below the poverty line. The Committee on Native American Ministries give these baskets to help them through particularly trying times.

 

MMC will join the ministry, under the direction of Lola Rek and Lorna Hill, starting on October 27. The church family is asked to bring items and put them in the laundry baskets, located along the back wall of the Fellowship Hall.
Here are the suggested items. You can bring as many items you want any week, but, remember, they need to be delivered by Nov 17.

 

Donations for the Native American Elder Baskets:
Week #1: Oct. 27 – Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Toilet Paper, Shampoo, Bar Soaps
Week #2: Nov 3 – Cans of Meats, Canned Vegetables, Peanut Butter, Pasta, Fruit cups, Spaghetti and pasta sauce
Week #3: Nov 10 – Soup, Evaporated Milk, Dried Beans & Rice, Oatmeal, Instant Potatoes
Week #4: Nov. 17 – Laundry Detergent, Dish Detergent, Paper Towels & Trash Bags.

 

You are welcome to donate other non-perishable items, such as coffee, coffee mugs, and granola/breakfast bars. Seasonal candies are also greatly appreciated.

 

If you would rather make a monetary contribution and let us do the shopping, please make a check out to MMC and put “Elder Baskets” in the memo section. You can leave your check in the offering plate, take to the office or mail to the church at MMC P.O. Box 267, McCormick SC 29835.

You can also donate to the Elder Basket Fund online 

 

We pray this will show our Native American friends the “Love of Christ” at Christmas.

 

Our goal is to have many, many baskets full of needed items for the Native American Outreach Ministry to deliver to the Native Elders over the holidays.

 

MMC will be celebrating All Saints Day on Sunday, November 3.

 

On November 3, All Saints Day, we will call out the names of all members that have passed away since last All Saints Day and light candles for them. Family members are invited to participate in the candle lighting. There will be communion.

 

On All Saints Day, we recognize that we are part of a giant choir singing the same song. It is the song Jesus taught his disciples; a tune that has resonated for more than 2,000 years; a melody sung in glory and on the earth. Our great privilege is to add our voices to this chorus.

 

We will again use red poinsettias to decorate the sanctuary during Advent season. You may order as many as you want in honor or memory of loved ones. The cost is $6.50 for each poinsettia.

 

There will be a form in the bulletin on Sunday. Please either put your money or check in the collection plate on Sunday or bring by the office. If paying by check, please make the check payable to MMC and note poinsettia.

 

If you are not going to be in church and would like to order a poinsettia in honor or memory of a loved one, mail in your request to the church office at MMC P.O. Box 267, McCormick SC 29835. (checks payable to MMC and noted poinsettia)

 

Include the following information….

IN MEMORY OF…
IN HONOR OF…
GIVEN BY (YOUR NAME)..
PHONE #…
___QUANITY OF POINSETTIAS ORDERED
___I WISH TO TAKE MY POINSETTIA(S) HOME AFTER 

      CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE
___I WOULD LIKE MY POINSETTIA(S) TO BE TAKEN TO A

 

Due to the cancellation of the RightNow Media training on September 29th caused by Hurricane Helene, we have rescheduled the training for Sunday, November 3rd, immediately following the service. The training will be held in the fellowship hall. All Sunday school classes will be canceled that day to allow everyone to attend. Join us for some treats and beverages, and stay for the training! We look forward to seeing you there as we learn how to use this valuable resource together.

 

All men are invited to attend the final 2024 meeting/dinner on November 12 at 6pm.
Please feel free to invite your neighbors to join us! We need a large group to encourage speakers to attend our meetings!

 

Our speaker for November 12 will Wayne Wehresberger. He will be speaking on the history of McCormick during the Revolutionary War near port Charlotte. He will take us back 250 years as he shares the stories from that time period!

 

Don Smith will be doing the devotion. Our meal will be provided by Old Country South with support from Dale Tarrant and Sam Krotzer.

 

At our meeting, we will discuss our donations to local charities like Martha Croswell’s Crossroads and St Andrews food distribution. We will also discuss fund raising since the October Craft Show/Cookie Factory had to be cancelled.

 

Note that our meeting is on the second Tuesday in November. This is because there will be voting in our Fellowship Hall on Election Day, the first Tuesday.

 

Put November 12 on your calendar and start inviting your friends to join us!

 

The Evangelism Committee is planning a Christmas Event in conjunction with Holiday on Main in McCormick. It will be held on Saturday, December 7 from 2-4pm. They are planning on having a professional Santa Claus in the Fellowship Hall, which will be decorated with child-friendly decorations. Cookies and Punch will be served.

 

They are looking for an inflatable Christmas decoration that children (of all ages) would enjoy. Please contact Janice Tipton if you have one or two.

 

There will be several different church groups presenting their music in the sanctuary.

 

They will be calling on the church family for cookies and possibly some decorations.

 

Mark your calendars!

 

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.