Happenings – November 3, 2023

Posted on Nov 3, 2023 in Happenings |

WORSHIP WITH US – SUNDAY 10AM

Online Giving

Quick-Step Guide (PDF) for setting up your account and making your first donation.
 
Thank you for giving to McCormick Methodist Church. Your gifts enable us to fulfill our mission of “Reaching Up and Reaching Out”.
 
from Rev. C. Nels Ledwell
 
Halloween and All Saints
 
While the world around us celebrates Halloween, The Church celebrates All Saint’s Day. I would like to share with you an article by Joe Lovino.
 
All Saints Day: A holy day John Wesley Loved
by Joe Iovino
 
November 1 is All Saints Day, a sometimes-overlooked holy day in Methodist congregations. It is not nearly as well known as the day before, All Hallows’ (Saints’) Eve, better known as Halloween, but is far more important in the life of the church.
 

John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement, enjoyed and celebrated All Saints Day. In a journal entry from November 1, 1767, Wesley calls it “a festival I truly love.” On the same day in 1788, he writes, “I always find this a comfortable day.” The following year he calls it “a day that I peculiarly love.”

This may sound odd. Methodists don’t believe in saints. Right?
 
Well, yes… and no.
 
Wesley cautioned against holding saints in too high regard. The Articles of Religion that he sent to the Methodists in America in 1784, include a statement against “invocation of saints” (Article XIV—Of Purgatory, Book of Discipline ¶104). Wesley did not see biblical evidence for the practice and discouraged Methodists from participating.
 
However, he also advised against disregarding the saints altogether.
 
In an All Saints Day journal entry dated Monday, November 1, 1756, Wesley writes, “How superstitious are they who scruple giving God solemn thanks for the lives and deaths of his saints!” If your 18th century English is as rusty as mine, it might help to know that the word scruple means not doing something because you think it’s wrong.
 
Tradition: A Theological Guideline
In studying John Wesley’s theological method, scholars have found four, inter-related theological guidelines: Scripture, tradition, experience, and reason. These are the sources of our understanding of our faith.
 
By tradition we mean all that has gone before us in the Christian church. We are part of a long history that goes back through John Wesley, to the early days of the Church, and the apostles of Jesus. When we think theologically we need to keep in mind the creeds, prayers, sermons, books, music, and all other ways Christians have understood the work of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit in their lives.
 
Those to glory gone
All Saints Day is an opportunity to give thanks for those who have gone before us in the faith. It is a time to celebrate our history, what Methodists call the tradition of the church.
 
From the early days of Christianity, there is a sense that the Church consists of not only all living believers, but also all who have gone before us. For example, in Hebrews 12 the author encourages Christians to remember that a “great cloud of witnesses” surrounds us encouraging us, cheering us on.
 
Charles Wesley, John’s brother, picks up on this theme in his hymn that appears in the United Methodist Hymnal as “Come, Let Us Join our Friends Above,” #709. In the first verse, he offers a wonderful image of the Church through the ages:
 
Let saints on earth unite to sing, with those
to glory gone,
     for all the servants of our King in earth and heaven, are one.
 
On All Saints Day we can remember all those who are part of the “communion of saints” we confess whenever we recite The Apostles’ Creed. We share stories of those “to glory gone.”
 
Retelling these stories grounds us in our history. These memories teach us how God has provided for us through the generosity and sacrifice of those who have come before us. The stories of the saints encourage us to be all God has created us to be.
 
 
Saints on earth
Charles Wesley’s hymn tells us those “to glory gone” are joined by the “saints on earth.” We think of the inspirational people with whom we worship on Sunday, and those across the world we will never meet. We celebrate fellow Methodists who inspire us, and those of other denominations whose lives encourage us. We give thanks for those with whom we agree, as well as those whose views we do not share.
 
Additionally, we remember and pray for our sisters and brothers in Christ who faithfully follow Jesus in places where being labeled a Christian puts them in harm’s way.
 
One song
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.
 
The last verse of “Come, Let Us Join our Friends Above” encourages us to sing faithfully while on earth, so we might join the heavenly chorus one day.
 
Our spirits too shall quickly join, like theirs with glory crowned, and shout to see our Captain’s sign, to hear His trumpet sound.
 
O that we now might grasp our Guide! O that the word were given! Come, Lord of Hosts, the waves divide, and land us all in heaven.
 
On All Saints Day, let us give thanks for both the saints in glory and those on earth, who have led us to Jesus. As they have shared the gospel with us, may we add our voices so someone else may hear about the grace and love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
 
Thanks be to God for the lives of his saints.
 
See you in Church or Online this Sunday!
 
Your Pastor,
Nels
 

Preparing for Worship

Sunday, November 5 – 10AM

Twenty-Third Sunday After Pentecost
All Saint’s Sunday
We will remember all church members that passed away since last All Saint’s Sunday.
Scripture Lesson:  2 Corinthians 5: 1-11
Reference Texts:  2 Corinthians 4:7 – 5:21
All Saints Communion Homily:  “No Place Like Home”
 

Acts of Kindness

Kindness Update – Boo It Up Big!

I love the quote above – “Boo It up Big” – that was on the card in Jessica’s Halloween gift from her Secret Sister. We like for trick or treaters today to be able to enjoy this fun day safely, and praise God, there are many kind efforts to see that this happens. Jesus taught in parables, and I love the way the author of the story below teaches us all – children and adults – a valuable lesson from the pumpkin – that we carve into the focal point of our Halloween celebrations – a Jack-O-Lantern!.
 
Pumpkin Parable
By Anne E. Thompson
 
We are a little like the pumpkin (some of us even look a bit like pumpkins)! But that isn’t what I mean. We have gunky stuff inside, and God is like the farmer, and cleans it all out. Sometimes that is uncomfortable, and sometimes it takes a long time, but it is necessary to stop the rot.
 
Then God carves a face on us. We become something different, something special. This can be painful, and sometimes life, as the face is carved, is hurtful. But it’s necessary, and it changes us.
 
Finally, God will put his own light inside of us, so that we become part of his plan, we have a purpose, and we can shine out to show others the way to go. We have part of God, living right inside us, and nothing can take that away.
 
As we celebrate Halloween today, may you “Boo It up Big” and may your Jack O Lanterns shine with the Light of Jesus!
 
Our kindness entry this week is a good example of shining our lights for Jesus: At the Dollar Tree in Evans, this very nice teenager at the checkout asked me, “Has anyone told you today that Jesus loves you?” I replied “Well, no, but I sure would love to hear it.” After that he said, “well, He does!”. I thanked Him, of course, and told him I hoped he had a blessed day – and I thanked God for revealing His Holy Spirit to me through that young man!
 
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!
 

EPWORTH CHILDREN’S HOME TOUR

Connie Tremsky and the Missions Team invites you to join them on a tour of the Epworth Children’s Home facilities in Columbia. They plan to go in November and hope you will join them. If you are interested, please sign up in the Fellowship Hall and include which days you are available. Connie will contact you when a date has been chosen.
 
To learn more about “Who they are” and “What they do” visit their website.
 
 
 

STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY

NOVEMBER 19

MMC Stewardship Team will be sending out letters and pledge cards on November 13. Stewardship Sunday will be on Sunday, November 19.
 
Stewardship Sunday is a time to return to GOD your TIME, TALENT, and FINANCIAL support for HIS church and community to carry his message forward.
 

MMC will be celebrating All Saints Day on Sunday, November 5

If you would like to tie a bell in honor of someone who has passed away onto the banner that will used on November 5, the banner will be in the sanctuary starting this coming Sunday (Oct 22). If you are not able to get to the church prior to November 5 and would like a bell tied on for a loved one, email Donna Hutto hutt@wctel.net and she will do it for you.
 

MEN N MINISTRY DINNER
NOVEMBER 7 6PM

The Methodist men will be meeting Tuesday, November 7, at 6pm in the Fellowship Hall. This will most likely be the last meeting of this year.
 
We have a guest speaker, Jim Houghs. He will be discussing the positives and work of the
Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
 
Dinner is being prepared by Larry Ream with salad support from Gordon Waine.
 
We will be discussing our donation giving, and how best to use it wisely.
 
See You Tuesday. Bob Rennie
 

THANKSIVING MEALS
McCORMICK HELPING HANDS UNITED FOOD PANTRY
DEADLINE – NOV 12

MMC has been asked by the McCormick Helping Hands Food Pantry to help provide Thanksgiving meals to needy families in our county.
 
Please help by filling the grocery bags found in the Fellowship Hall. (Note: Please DO NOT substitute or add items).
 
Feel free to stop by and pick up a bag with attached lists during the week.
 
Please put your name on the sheet when you take a bag, AND please scratch off your name when you return the filled grocery bag.
 
Thank you in advance for sharing!
 

JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM
DECEMBER 1 – 4PM TO 6PM

Please mark your calendars for a special upcoming event in the life of McCormick Methodist Church! As a part of the McCormick Chamber of Commerce Christmas festivities in town, we will host a Journey to Bethlehem on Friday, December 1 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Guests will journey in the sanctuary through stations posted there that tell the beautiful story of Jesus’ Birth.
 
As they leave the sanctuary, they will be invited to the Marketplace located in the fellowship hall to enjoy Bethlehem Tea and cookies as they visit with their friends and neighbors and enjoy beautiful nativities on display in the middle of the tables. The church will be dressed for the Season with wreaths and garlands of greenery.
 
This event is planned jointly by the Evangelism, Outreach Missions, Congregational Care, and Worship Committees of the church, and it offers many, many opportunities for everyone in the church to be involved – be on the lookout in the fellowship hall for a sign-up board. Most importantly, be in prayer that this event will be used by the Holy Spirit to touch the hearts of one and all!
 

POINSETTIAS FOR THE SANCTUARY
ORDERS DUE BY NOV 27

 
We will again use red poinsettias to decorate the sanctuary during Advent season. The six inch pot plants will be $6 each. (MMC will pay the tax)
 
If you would like to order a poinsettia in honor or memory of a loved one, please either put your money (checks payable to MMC and noted poinsettia) in the offering plate, or take to the office. You may also mail in your request to the church office at MMC P.O. Box 267, McCormick SC 29835.
 
Include the following information….
IN MEMORY OF…
IN HONOR OF…
GIVEN BY (YOUR NAME)..
PHONE #…
___QUANITY OF POINTSETTIAS ORDERED
___I WISH TO TAKE MY POINTSETTIA(S) HOME AFTER CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE
___I WOULD LIKE MY POINTSETTIA(S) TO BE TAKEN TO A SHUT-IN OR NURSING HOME
 

EPWORTH CHILDREN’S HOME 2023 ANGEL TREE LIST

 
Gift requests from the children at Epworth Children’s home have arrived!
 
Each year the M&M’s small group ministry sponsors the Angel Tree for Epworth.
 
See the list below .. Church family names will be added each week to show which items remain.
 
If you wish to purchase a gift from the list below, Call or email Gail Gore and let her know which gift you would like to purchase. 
 
If you would like Gail to purchase the gift for you, she will be glad to do so. Gifts usually range from $20 to $25. Please put your donation in an envelope. Please note Epworth Christmas Gift and your name on the envelope and give to Gail or Patsy to put in the safe.
 
Gifts need to be UNWRAPPED and UNBAGGED. You are welcome to donate gift bags or wrapping paper.
 
When you select a gift and contact Gail Gore, she will give you a card to attach to your gift.
 
Your unwrapped Gift must be under the Angel Tree in Fellowship Hall By December 3rd. Please DO NOT put Gift Cards Under the tree.
 
1. $25 Target Gift Card
2. $25 Target Gift Card
3. $25 Target Gift Card
4. 5 T Clothing for a Girl
5. Night Light for Kid’s Room
6. Bath Towel Set
7. Axe Body Wash
8. Full Size Sheet Sets
9. Twin Size Sheet Sets
10. Fitted Crib Sheets
11. Star Night Light for Kids
12. Diapers Size 3
13. Pull Ups Size 3T-4T Boys
14. Lego Set
15. 5 T Clothing for a Boy
16. Led Lights
17. Youth Make Up Kit
18. Baby Wipes Scent Free
19. Melissa & Doug Puzzle Sing Along Nursery Rhymes
20. Baking Sheets
21. Mixing Bowl
22. Can Opener
23. Casserole Dish
24. Ulta or Sephora Make-Up Kit
25. Earbuds
26. Small Umbrellas
27. $25 Gift Cards for Staples or Office Depot
28. Crocs Assorted Sizes and Colors 6-12 Men and Women
29. NRSV Bible Black
30. NRSV Bible Blue
31. NRSV Bible Pink
32. NRSV Kids Bible
33. Jesus Calling
34. Fast Food Gift Cards $10 Increments
35. Journals
36. Coloring Books for Adults
37. Craft Kits
38. Can Opener
 

ELDER BASKET MINISTRY
DEADLINE IS NOVEMBER 6

You have been so generous! Look at all the baskets! Lola said last week, not to worry, they have more baskets if needed! So, for this last week, go ahead and bring in all you are willing to donate!
 
Remember, you are welcome to donate other non-perishable items, such as coffee, coffee mugs, and granola/breakfast bars. Seasonal candies are also greatly appreciated.
 
Donations for the Native American Elder Baskets:
 
Week #4: Nov. 5 – Laundry Detergent, Dish Detergent, Paper Towels & Trash Bags.
 
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.
 

NATIVE AMERICAN PRINTS BY CLINT SCOTT
PROCEEDS TO ELDER BASKET MINISTRY

 

Clint Scott graciously donated his beautiful prints of Chief Judge Bird Head and Chief Joseph to the Native American Committee. All proceeds go to the Elder Basket Fund.

They can be purchased as a package of both Chiefs for $25 or $15 for one.

To purchase these prints, please contact Lola Rek or call the Church at (864) 852-2394.
 

SECRET SISTER CHRISTMAS PARTY
DECEMBER 12 5:30

Ladies of McCormick Methodist Church, mark your calendars for a delightful evening of revelation and celebration! On December 12th at 5:30, we’ll gather for our long-awaited Secret Sister Christmas Party.
 
This heartwarming event is the grand reveal, where each participant will finally discover who their Secret Sister has been all year. Since last December, each one of us selected a random name and anonymously shared surprises, thoughtful birthday gifts, and tokens of love for various special occasions.
 
This initiative, the first of its kind at McCormick Methodist Church, has been a beautiful journey. It’s our hope to make this an annual tradition, creating lasting bonds and spreading joy within our community.
 
The evening promises to be filled with joy and fellowship as we enjoy a delightful dinner and scrumptious desserts. It’s an opportunity to share in the Christmas spirit, as we unite to reveal our Secret Sisters and present them with a special Christmas gift.
 
Let’s come together to celebrate the spirit of giving and sisterhood on this special evening. If you are a Secret Sister please RSVP by signing up in Fellowship Hall.
Barb Jeffers and Kim Jackson
 

Alpha Continues Each Sunday Through November 19

Alpha is an 11 week course designed to create a space for honest conversation around some of life’s biggest questions. It is designed to provide guests, churched and unchurched, an opportunity to connect with one another while providing the opportunity to share thoughts, ideas, and opinions in a safe and caring environment. Alpha helps bring people together while providing the chance to encounter Jesus.
 
Each week consists of a meal together, viewing a video taped talk and then breaking into small discussion groups. Both Rich and Kim Jackson attended the Alpha Course in 2010, feel free to ask them any questions you may have.
 
Sign up sheets in the Fellowship Hall.
 
 
Weekly Topics
Nov 05 – 5:30PM – How Can I Resist Evil?
Nov 12 – 5:30PM – Does God Heal Today?
Nov 19 – 5:30PM – What About the Church?
 
Please pray for the Alpha Course. Pray that our church family members see this as an opportunity to evangelize to their friends and neighbors.

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.
 

MMC FOOD PANTRY
DONATIONS NEEDED

Our church has its own food pantry, which is located next to the nursery in the back hall, off the atrium. Folks come by and get bags of needed groceries as needed. The supplies are running low and the church family is asked to donate the following…
 
Canned vegetables
Canned fruit or individual servings
Peanut butter (small jars)
 
Thank you in advance for your generosity. Please leave your items in the room.
 

FELLOWSHIP HOUR

It’s wonderful to see our guests and our church family sit down together with a cup of coffee and a treat after church! Many new friendships are developing!
 
It’s time to sign up to be the hosts for October, November and December. Please take a minute on Sunday to sign up for a time to bring some goodies. They do not have to be home-made, remember! If you have any questions, please contact Carol Myers.
 

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.