WORSHIP WITH US – SUNDAYS AT 10AM
from Rev. C. Nels Ledwell
A Letter to the Congregation
of McCormick Methodist Church
Since 1990, I have written at least nine letters of farewell to places I have served. The first was to the Department of Health where I worked for seven years and the rest to Churches that I have served in ministry for almost 35 years.
As you know my ministry of serving as your pastor will end officially on September 30, 2025. The moving truck arrives Monday, September 29 to move my belongings and myself to Union, SC. My initial plans were to retire fully from the ministry and enjoy my farm. God has other plans. Instead, I am returning to Union to serve Grace Methodist Church during their time of litigation to separate from the United Methodist Church. Thankfully, Grace is in my hometown of Union so I will be close to most of my family and cattle farm.
I have had some wonderful times in my ministry career and many of them were here in McCormick. Serving here for almost 8 years has been a pleasure. You all are wonderful loving people that make up a church that worships the Lord, hears and believes His Word, and abides in love and grace. Many wonderful experiences with you come back to my treasured memories of you. Things like getting to preach and even share a little humor; or the fun banter we have over meals and visits, eating at Papa’s after church, Methodist Men’s meetings, visits, sharing with you in times of sadness and joy and even our committee meetings. Most of all, I have watched us all grow in Christ.
As I move on, I feel I left this Church in better shape than it was when I arrived. I know that your faith will continue to build this Church and grow God’s Kingdom and your ministry will flourish in the future. I leave you in good hands with strong leadership and I know a God-anointed pastor will be arriving soon.
You are all invited to come and visit at Grace Methodist Church in Union and you can watch on their Facebook page if you wish. Good-bye to a wonderful Church family and my God be with until we meet again. Please accept my gratitude and thanks for allowing me to be your pastor.
Your retiring Pastor and friend,
Rev. C. Nels Ledwell
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Don’t forget to come to Baker Creek on September 28 at 10 AM for our last service together. We have a baptism and are serving communion. It will be huge!
I will have a service recorded for our online worshippers that will be available that Sunday morning.
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As this is my last newsletter article, I thought I would end with a little prayer for your enlightenment and enjoyment.
THE PEW POTATO’S PRAYER
Dear Lord, please leave me alone. Just let me sit here in my pew on Sunday, and Lord guard my seat, the last seat here in the back row. Please don’t let anyone else try to sit here Lord… You know that’s my seat and dear Lord please get me home quickly after the service on Sunday, before these church people try to recruit me to actually do something that I don’t want to do. Lord make them understand that I’m happy and content just to show up on Sunday. Heavenly Father, thank you for hearing my prayer but I’ve got to Go! Kickoff is only a minute away!! You understand Lord. …..Oh, and thanks God for putting some great games on this week and thank you for all sports cable channel. See you next Sunday Lord. Amen.
Preparing for Worship
Sunday, September 28, 2025
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Sacrament of Baptism and Holy Communion
Baker Creek Picnic and Worship Service
Scripture Lesson: 1 Timothy 6: 3-19
Message: “The Commandments of Godliness and Contentment” – Rev. Ledwell
Hymns:
To God Be the Glory
Victory in Jesus
Let There Be Peace on Earth
Anthem: Soon and Very Soon – Chancel Choir
Stewardship
Dear Church Family,
Believe it or not, there is much more to McCormick Methodist Church than what you see on Sunday morning! (Girl Scouts, Bible Studies, needlework, Stephen Ministry, a grocery pantry for our neighbors, building projects, and so much more.) All of these things are planned and prepared by leadership, staff and church family, who are deeply committed to our becoming who God is calling us to be. The ministry and mission of our church take place because of the spiritual and financial gifts of our members and friends.
The decision to give a gift is a choice, but as a joyful follower of Jesus, we want to give – out of thanksgiving for what God has already done, and as a sign of commitment to be a part of the good things that God is continuing to do in our world.
Your gift matters – to you as the giver, and to the church which uses it as a resource for mission building.
As a church family, we are entering a time of deciding what missions we will support in the coming year. There is joy to be found in practicing generosity- and it begins with a simple step of commitment to be part of God’s plan for us.
As a church family, we are entering a time of deciding what missions we will support in the coming year. There is joy to be found in practicing generosity- and it begins with a simple step of commitment to be part of God’s plan for us.
Our prayer is that you will be with us during our Joy of Giving drive for 2026, maybe share a personal ‘joy of giving’ thought on 10/12, and be present for our Service and Fellowship Celebration on October 19th!
Blessings from your Stewardship team.
Volunteer to Host Coffee Hour
Sign up sheet is in the Fellowship Hall.
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—
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.
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.
Volunteers Needed for Congregational Care Team
Dear Church Family,
One of the most powerful ways we reflect the love of Christ is by caring for one another in times of need. Whether someone is recovering from surgery, facing a difficult season, or navigating a time of grief, small
acts of kindness—like a hot meal, a ride to an appointment, or a friendly visit—can make a world of difference.
acts of kindness—like a hot meal, a ride to an appointment, or a friendly visit—can make a world of difference.
We are currently building a list of volunteers who are willing to step in when needs arise. You don’t need to commit to every request—just let us know how you feel called to help:
Meal Ministry – Provide or deliver a home-cooked or store-bought meal to someone in need.
Transportation Help – Offer rides to church, appointments, or errands for those unable to drive.
Visitation Ministry – Visit homebound members or those in the hospital or care facilities to provide companionship and encouragement.
If you’re willing to be on our list of helpers in any of these areas, please send Kim Jackson an email or add
your name/email to the sign-up sheet in Fellowship Hall.
your name/email to the sign-up sheet in Fellowship Hall.
You’ll be contacted as needs arise, with the opportunity to accept or decline depending on your schedule.
Let’s continue being the hands and feet of Jesus—loving one another well in both big and small ways.
In Christ’s love,
Your Congregational Care Team
24:7 Small Group
The group meets on the first and third Fridays of the month at 10 a.m. Their mission emphasis is mental health. 24:7 is open to all, so any who would like to be a part of this experience please do so. Please contact Linda Kidd if you would like additional information.
Widows Connection
Widows Connection Meetings are held monthly on the fourth Monday at 5 p.m. from September to May.For questions, contact Toni Graham or Linda Kidd.
PICNIC – SEPTEMBER 28
Don’t forget the Annual Church Picnic on September 28 at Baker Creek at 10:00 am. Signup sheets for food are in the fellowship hall.
Let’s make Nels’ last Sunday here a special day.
PRAYER CLASS
Our Prayer Class will meet September 30 at 6:30 at the Church We will gather in the Fellowship Hall and go to the Prayer Room. Everyone is Welcome.
MMC CRAFT SHOW AND COOKIE FACTORY
OCTOBER 4 – 9am to 2pm
Lindy Stahlman and Cindy Klausman are the new chairpersons for the Craft Show. Carol Tummons is leading the bakers for the Cookie Factory.
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/
BAKED GOODS
Sign up sheets are in the Fellowship Hall! Check your recipes and sign up what you will bring to tempt the shoppers!
PLANT SALE
Keep giving those baby plants special care – they are always big sellers in the Atrium garden sale!
If you have extra pots you no longer need (no plastic) or garden accents we would love to accept them also. For more information contact Marge Radosevich or Sue Wurtzbacher.
VENDORS
All inside spaces are filled for the Craft Show but there are still great spots for tents in the parking lot Call Lindy Stahlman or Cindy Klausman if you or someone you know is interested in being part of the fun!
More details about the event are available at https://www.mccormickmc.org/craft-show-2025/