WORSHIP WITH US – SUNDAY 10AM
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from Rev. C. Nels Ledwell
God’s People Never Quit
Turn on the news and there it is, evil, sin, brokenness, divisiveness, terrorism, inflation, murder, crime, and more atrocities than we can comprehend. Our government seems dysfunctional. Our churches are divided. Around the world, as illustrated in Israel this week, neighbors are slaughtering neighbors. When we feel there is no hope, I think of other times when all seemed doomed.
In the middle of WWII on October 29, 1941 Winston Churchill delivered a short address at the Harrow School. England had been through some of its darkest days. But Churchill was equal to the task. He said to the students:
“You cannot tell from appearances how things will go.
Sometimes imagination makes things out far worse than they are; yet without imagination not much can be done. Those people who are imaginative see many more dangers than perhaps exist; certainly, many more than will happen; but then they must also pray to be given that extra courage to carry this far-reaching imagination. But for everyone, surely, what we have gone through in this period – I am addressing myself to the school – surely from this period of ten months this is the lesson: never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never-in nothing, great or small, large or petty – never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy. We stood all alone a year ago, and to many countries it seemed that our account was closed, we were finished. All this tradition of ours, our songs, our school history, this part of the history of this country, were gone and finished and liquidated.
[Churchill continues:] Very different is the mood today. Britain, other nations thought, had drawn a sponge across her slate. But instead, our country stood in the gap. There was no flinching and no thought of giving in; and by what seemed almost a miracle to those outside these Islands, though we ourselves never doubted it, we now find ourselves in a position where I say that we can be sure that we have only to persevere to conquer.”
The church at times forgets that this is also God’s message. God has promised never to give up on us. Old Testament and New Testaments together, are a record of how God never, never, never, gave up.
• Adam and Eve disobeyed the very First Rule. But God never gave up.
• Abraham wandered, and Sarah laughed. But God never gave up.
• Moses hid and shook with fear. But God never gave up.
• Saul went insane. But God never gave up.
• David plotted against Uriah. But God never gave up.
• Ahaz sold out to Assyria. But God never gave up.
• Israel fell into pieces. But God never gave up.
• The Jewish people became exiles. But God never gave up.
• John the Baptist was beheaded. But God never gave up.
• Peter denied he even knew him. But God never gave up.
• The disciples all ran away. But God never gave up.
• Abraham wandered, and Sarah laughed. But God never gave up.
• Moses hid and shook with fear. But God never gave up.
• Saul went insane. But God never gave up.
• David plotted against Uriah. But God never gave up.
• Ahaz sold out to Assyria. But God never gave up.
• Israel fell into pieces. But God never gave up.
• The Jewish people became exiles. But God never gave up.
• John the Baptist was beheaded. But God never gave up.
• Peter denied he even knew him. But God never gave up.
• The disciples all ran away. But God never gave up.
God never, never, never gave up and he has not given up today!
So, we will continue to love and serve our Lord and His Church. We will continue to do all we can to better our nation and community. We will pray and support the people of Israel and all peoples subjected to violence and terror. God does not give up and Christians do not give up either.
See you in Church or online this Sunday! We have a world to save!
Your Pastor,
Nels
Nels
A Prayer for Israel in this Time of War
Written by Jewish Rabbi Naomi Levy
God, our Strength and Protection, we pray for the State of Israel in this devastating time of war, shock and grief. Our hearts are breaking, God. We pray for the lives of the innocent civilians who have been heartlessly kidnapped by Hamas, bring them home, watch over them, God. We pray for the lives of the soldiers who have been taken captive, we pray for their safe return, shelter them, God. We pray for the souls of the innocent victims who were brutally slaughtered. Send comfort and strength, God, to the grieving. Send healing to the injured, and strength and wisdom to their doctors and nurses. We pray for all our brothers and sisters in Israel in this time of tragedy and crisis.
Watch over Israel, God, spread Your shelter of peace over the land and over all our brothers and sisters who live there. Shine Your light upon Israel’s leaders, officers and advisers, innocent blood is calling out to them to overcome all divisiveness and to act with clarity and determination. Protect the men and women who defend Israel, let them be safe and may they be victorious over the Hamas terrorists who attacked our people. Watch over them, God. Hear their prayers. Bring peace, God. Let it rain down from the heavens like a mighty storm. Let it wash away all hatred and bloodshed. Peace, God, please, God.
God of the brokenhearted, God of the living, God of the dead, gather the souls of the victims into Your eternal shelter. Let them find peace in Your presence, God. Their lives have ended, but their lights can never be extinguished. May they shine on us always and illuminate our way.
Amen.
Preparing for Worship
Sunday, October 22 – 10AM
Twenty-First Sunday After Pentecost
Scripture Lesson: Exodus 33: 12-23
Reference Texts: Exodus 32 and 33:1-11
Message: When God Showed His Back
Reference Texts: Exodus 32 and 33:1-11
Message: When God Showed His Back
Acts of Kindness
Kindness Update – Kindness Matters!
The words above might have been uttered by the recipient of the kindness in the online story that is retold below. While it will sound familiar to many of us who would quickly offer to pay for an item or two for the person in front of us in the checkout line, this story takes that simple act of kindness quite a bit further.
A woman had been at the grocery store — a cart full of food at the checkout — when she realized she didn’t have her wallet. She apologized to the cashier and asked them to keep her cart to the side while she rushed home. Upon returning, she found her food bagged and paid for with the simple explanation that the customer behind her had asked if she could pay for the groceries.
This was not a simple “pay it forward” for a few items, but a large weekly shopping trip. The kindness of this earthly angel was a tremendous deal in the eyes of the benefactor. Her family was going through a trying time, with financial and emotional stresses beyond their ability to handle. This random act of kindness had meant the world to this family. This made me think of the story in the bible of the good Samaritan.
While this woman was not lying on the side of the road asking for help, she was in need. The good Samaritan ministered to the man in need. He showed kindness and compassion without stopping to consider how the man got into his predicament, nor did he assume he was suffering because of his own foolish decisions. He was kind simply because it mattered.
We, too, can be kind simply because it matters.
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
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTION
The Mission Team thanks you for your generosity. We were able to send $3,236 to the Epworth Children’s Home as a result of the fall Workday Offering.
The MMC Missions and Outreach Committee and the Methodist Church Women are planning a trip to Columbia to tour the facilities and learn more about the two campuses and volunteering at the Home. It is a perfect time of the year because you get to tour the beautiful campuses in golf carts. If you are interested, please sign up on the sheet in Fellowship Hall.
It is never too late to contribute, if you would like send a contribution to support the Epworth Children’s Home, make your check payable to MMC and note Epworth Children’s on the check. You can place it in the offering plate or mail it to the church MMC P.O. Box 267, McCormick, SC 29835.
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.
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.
WIDOWS CONNECTION
OCT 23 – 5PM
Next Meeting of Widows Connection
Any women who would like to have this experience are encouraged to join this group to discover the overwhelming grace and love of God! For questions, contact Toni Graham.
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.
ELDER BASKET MINISTRY
OCTOBER 15 – NOVEMBER 5
“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.
Here are the suggested items. Note, you can bring as many items you want any week.
The deadline is November 6.
There is a table set up in the Fellowship Hall by the back wall for your donations.
Donations for the Native American Elder Baskets:
Week #2: Oct. 22 – Cans of Meats, Canned Vegetables, Peanut Butter, Pasta, Pasta Sauce, Fruit cups
Week #3: Oct. 29 – Soup, Evaporated Milk, Dried Beans & Rice, Oatmeal, Instant Potatoes
Week #4: Nov. 5 – Laundry Detergent, Dish Detergent, Paper Towels & Trash Bags.
Week #4: Nov. 5 – 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.
INDIAN 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.
Alpha Continues Each Sunday at 5:30pm 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
Oct 29 – Who is the Holy Spirit?
Oct 29 – What Does the Holy Spirit Do?
Oct 29 – How Can I Be Filled with the Holy Spirit?
Oct 29 – Who is the Holy Spirit?
Oct 29 – What Does the Holy Spirit Do?
Oct 29 – How Can I Be Filled with the Holy Spirit?
Nov 05 – How Can I Resist Evil?
Nov 12 – Does God Heal Today?
Nov 19 – What About the Church?
Nov 12 – Does God Heal Today?
Nov 19 – 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.
SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS
Besides our wonderful Bible Studies, we are lucky to have three Sunday School classes. Everyone is welcome! Give them a try this week!
“Young at Heart” Class
They have started a Max Lucado Bible study called Unshakable Hope. In Unshakable Hope, Max Lucado unpacks 12 of the Bible’s most significant promises, equipping you to overcome difficult circumstances by keeping your focus on the hope found in the promises of Scripture. Lindy Stahlman is the leader (organizer) and says it’s okay to grab a snack or two first, they don’t start until around 11:15. Why not visit this week? They meet in the second classroom and welcome new folks!
They have started a Max Lucado Bible study called Unshakable Hope. In Unshakable Hope, Max Lucado unpacks 12 of the Bible’s most significant promises, equipping you to overcome difficult circumstances by keeping your focus on the hope found in the promises of Scripture. Lindy Stahlman is the leader (organizer) and says it’s okay to grab a snack or two first, they don’t start until around 11:15. Why not visit this week? They meet in the second classroom and welcome new folks!
Wesley Adult Sunday School Class
You might want to grab a snack and visit the Wesley Adult Sunday School class, which meets in The Wesley Room, next to the choir room. They use Cokesbury Adult Bible Studies Books and themes change each quarter. The theme for Fall quarter is “God provides”. Lessons for this continue until November 26. The Winter quarter theme will “God Abides” and looks at three ways we experience God’s presence with us. Each lesson is completed on one Sunday, so you can join us anytime. Gail Gore is the Teacher, and encourages you to call her with questions.
You might want to grab a snack and visit the Wesley Adult Sunday School class, which meets in The Wesley Room, next to the choir room. They use Cokesbury Adult Bible Studies Books and themes change each quarter. The theme for Fall quarter is “God provides”. Lessons for this continue until November 26. The Winter quarter theme will “God Abides” and looks at three ways we experience God’s presence with us. Each lesson is completed on one Sunday, so you can join us anytime. Gail Gore is the Teacher, and encourages you to call her with questions.
Youth Sunday School
The Youth Sunday School Class meets in the Church Library following the Worship Service and after having a chance to grab some “goodies” in the Fellowship Hall. The curriculum generally consists of exploring Pastor Nels’ message a little further. Young people of all ages are always welcome to attend! Linda and Jessica Kidd welcome all children, including visitors!
Watch for some of their work on the bulletin board as you start down the ramp toward the Fellowship Hall.