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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

 

 

Otis Young once asked this question. Do you have IDD? Have you ever heard of it? It’s Integrity Deficit Disorder and our country has it bad.

 

What are some of the symptoms of integrity deficit disorder according to Young?

 

A person who is afflicted with this disorder knows what’s right but doesn’t follow through and do what’s right. He or she makes a promise or commitment, then fails to keep it. Thus when you meet a person with integrity deficit disorder you’re never quite sure if you can trust that person or not.

 

A second symptom is also one of the causes: people who have integrity deficit disorder live from the outside in rather than from the inside out. They let their feelings and emotional responses of the moment govern their behavior more than doing what’s right regardless of their feelings of the moment.

 

To put it another way, people with integrity deficit disorder are reactive rather than proactive. Reactive individuals base their decisions and actions on the outward circumstances of the moment, what’s going on around them. If someone is rude to them, they are rude in return. They are affected by their social environment. Reactive people build their emotional lives around the behavior of others, empowering the weaknesses of other people to control them. They let other people decide how they are going to act.

 

In addition, reactive people are often affected by the physical environment. If the weather is good, they feel good. If it isn’t, they let it affect their attitude and their performance. Worse still, reactive people blame whatever happens to them on someone or something outside of them. They rarely take any responsibility for what’s happened to them. It’s always the fault of someone or something else.

 

In the syndicated comic strip, Frank and Ernest, two bums are sitting along a wall talking with each other. One says to the other, “Do you believe in fate?” The other replies, “Sure. I’d hate to think I turned out like this because of something I had control over.”

 

On the other hand, proactive people carry their own weather with them. Whether it rains or shines makes no difference to them. They are value driven and if their value is to produce good quality work it isn’t a function of whether the weather is conducive to it or not. Proactive people also do not let the social environment control their actions or decisions.

 

Young continues to tell us that’s where integrity comes in. Having integrity is about behaving in the way you promised to behave even though the mood in which you made the promises has changed or the environment outside you has changed. If you have integrity it protects you from your changing moods, desires and feelings. It even protects you from the changing moods of other people. It protects you from saying you are going to do something and then not following through.

 

One day Jesus told a story designed for people who have integrity deficit disorder. His target audience were people who claimed to be the most religious.

 

In Matthew 21: 23-32, we find Jesus responding to questions from the chief priests and elders 28“What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ 29He answered, ‘I will not’; but later he changed his mind and went. 30The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, ‘I go, sir’; but he did not go. 31Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. 32For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.

 

I pray that we all shall recover our integrity though our faith in Jesus Christ.

 

See you in Church or online this Sunday.

 

Your Pastor,
Nels

 

Message: “Changing the Mind of the Church”

 

 

Don and Laurie Moninger joined the MMC family at the lake last Sunday!

 

Don and Laurie are very active members of the SLV community and we look forward to working with them! Laurie has to have her hip replaced soon, so please pray for her to recover quickly and be able to join the Handbell choir and maybe even the choir as well! Don is the President of the McCormick Lions Club, where he leads the group in their missions in McCormick.

 

Welcome, Don and Laurie!

 

We were so blessed to have had great music, an inspiring sermon, perfect weather, food, fellowship with over 100 folks, and even two new members! It doesn’t get much better than that! Many smiles on Sunday!

 

Donna Hutto and her committee made sure there was plenty of food, and John Yerdon showed us that Don Tummon’s trick (using a mixer to shred the chicken) really works! Thank you for your time and sharing your talents!

From Donna Hutto..

 

A big thank you to everyone who helped with our picnic on Sunday. All the help gathering supplies, setting up and taking back to church. Thanks to all for the wonderful food they prepared. We had 100 in attendance, great turn out from our members and several guests attending.

 

To see more photos go to

 

The church family is very proud of our Jessica Kidd!
She took second in the State Bowling Competition held in Myrtle Beach this past weekend!

Congratulations, Jessica!!

 

 

An Epworth offering helps children heal, grow, learn and become responsible adults.

 

The official work day offering was Sept 10, but MMC Mission Team is extending the campaign for two weeks to allow everyone the opportunity to invest in the lives of the children who call Epworth home. 

 

The staff at Epworth Children’s Home, located in Columbia, SC, feels it is their responsibility to ensure the children receive all the tools and care necessary to live lives of self-respect, responsibility, and productivity. Epworth has two special offering days a year, one at Mother’s Day and this one, Work Day Offering. These offerings are the number one way Epworth receives support. Please prayerfully consider what God is calling you to share to make a difference in these children’s lives.

 

Here are the ways you can contribute…
CHECK If using a check, please make out to MMC and write Epworth on the subject line. You can bring by to the office, put it in the collection plate, or send to the office (MMC P.O. Box 267, McCormick SC 29835)
CASH Every penny is appreciated! If you clean out your change bowls, bring it in to church! No amount is too small!

 

Driving on I-95 last week, I experienced a vision of Jesus! He was in the form of a motorcyclist who passed me on a Harley. As he rode past, his black t-shirt really caught my attention – there on his back in plain view for all to see were these four words – “about My Father’s Business”! Of course, I did not know this young man, but I immediately felt a Christian kinship to him. When I thought of the countless others who would witness his “testimony”, I was very touched by his willingness to share his faith!

 

The message on that t-shirt reflects what 12-year-old Jesus said to his parents in Luke 2:49 when they found him in the Temple teaching and learning from the elders there. After three days of searching for him, they were relieved, but also surprised and impressed with his knowledge.

 

I guess “surprised” would express my emotion when I first saw this t-shirt because I had not seen one before! And then I was impressed with what a simple and powerful message it was, and I wondered where I could purchase one! The answer to that one is “Amazon”, of course! – they come in many different colors and designs!

 

I am thankful for the kindness of this stranger who ministered to me that day!

 

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!

 

 

This year we have seen a lot of change and a lot of growth. Laity Sunday is October 15, and it is a good time to share who we are in Christ!

 

• Where/when did you meet Jesus?
• Who has helped you find your way?
• Do you have a scripture that inspires you in a special way?
• How did you become part of the MMC family?

 

It would be wonderful if you were willing to share your answers to these questions or others. Let Lindy Stahlman know this week if you would like to participate in this celebration. Each person will be limited to 2-3 minutes. Lindy will fill you in on the details and answer any questions. 

 

By the way, Nels has promised if we have more people than can fit into one service, we can have Laity month! How exciting is that?

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

Cookie Factory/ Bakery Update!
Please sign up for cookies, baked goods and times you can help in Fellowship Hall by Sunday if possible, or call Julianne Coleman, Lindy Stahlman or Carol Tummons with your info.

On Sunday there will be bakery info sheets available with info on packaging of baked goods.
Less than 2 weeks now! Ready, set, we’ll soon get baking, sweet elves.

 

THURSDAY (Oct 5) SET-UP
We need six to eight people to clear the Fellowship Hall and set up tables. They will also be getting out the tent, chairs and tables for the Men’s Brat Sale, and the tables and chairs needed for the outside vendors. It usually takes less than two hours. We will meet at the church at 4pm on Thursday. If you can help please email Barb Shelley.

 

SATURDAY (OCT 7) SET UP PARKING LOT 7:30am
We need at least eight people to carry the tables, tent and chairs out to the parking lot and we only have two doors.. so it takes some patience! They will also set up the Men’s area.. trash cans, tables, etc. This year we have doubled the number of tents outside so we will also need to help vendors get their goods out of their cars/trucks so they can be moved away, help with getting tents put up and secured etc. A few of us will be there around 7am if you are really early riser and want some real exercise feel free to come early! Our goal is to be ready by 8:30am.. believe me there will be early shoppers!! .If you can help, please  email Barb Shelley.

 

CLEAN UP CREW (Starts at 2pm)
We need as many as possible to help the vendors get their wares and displays back into their trucks/cars. bring the chairs and tables back into the Fellowship Hall and return the Fellowship Hall to the same condition it started. .tables and chairs ready for Fellowship Hour the next day. . If you can help please email Barb Shelley.

 

PLANTS
Marge Radosevich is in charge of the plant sale, which will be held in the Atrium. Marge wants you to know that she has pots if you have plants and need some, contact her! She will work with those that are willing to donate plants. She will also need a few volunteers the day of the craft show. 

 

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. You will hear more about the program in the weeks to come. Please start to think and pray for those you would like to invite who may not yet know Jesus. Both Rich and Kim Jackson attended the Alpha Course in 2010, feel free to ask them any questions you may have.

 

The Alpha Course began September 10 and will continue each Sunday at 5:30pm through November 19. 

 

Sign up sheets will be in Fellowship Hall.

 

 

Weekly Topics
Oct 01 – How Can I Have Faith?
Oct 08 – Why and How Do I Pray?
Oct 15 – Why and How Should I Read the Bible?
Oct 22 – How Does God Guide Us?
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?

 

Please pray for the Alpha Course. Pray that our church family members see this as an opportunity to evangelize to their friends and neighbors.

 

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 will be starting a Max Lucado Bible study called, Unshakable Hope on Oct 1. 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.

 

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.