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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
This week we will have our second message in our stewardship sermon series, Living Generously. Below is a quick summary.
Week 1- FIRST
This past week we were introduced to Frank Donovan, a successful businessman, and his family. In case you missed it, here is a little synopsis to so you will be current this Sunday. You can watch the September 1 service on our webpage and see the video and sermon.
As Frank meets with his financial consultant, we learn he has a high standard for success but isn’t very concerned with giving. When missionaries return to the United States with little in possession, Frank’s wife commits to throw a welcome back party for them. Frank is less than thrilled. We are also introduced to Re, their gardener. He is a humble man who serves happily. When Frank’s son asks Re why he is doing more than his job, Re tells the boy about the sacrifices God’s people gave Him in Israel. Some people gave their best sheep while others gave their spotted, stinky sheep. Re says, “Which do you think pleases God? The spotted sheep or the best, healthy sheep? I want to give God my best.”
Re’s example impacts Frank’s son, prompting him to give his favorite toy to the returning missionary’s son. Frank sees the sacrifice and is humbled. He was going to give his old, worn out watch to the missionary. That night, Frank got a glimpse of his heart and real generosity. The question we are left with is, “Do you give God your first and your best or your leftovers?”
Get Your Hand off the Intercom!
Would you mind a silly story from years gone by? At the end of their first date, a young man takes his favorite girl home. Emboldened by the night, he decides to try for that important first kiss. With an air of confidence, he leans with his hand against the wall and, smiling, he says to her, “Darling, how about a goodnight kiss?”
Horrified, she replies, “Are you mad? My parents will see us!”
“Oh come on!” he says, “Who’s gonna see us at this hour?”
“No, please,” she says, “Can you imagine if we get caught?”
“Oh come on,” he persists, “there’s nobody around, they’re all sleeping!”
“No way,” she says, “It’s just too risky!”
“Oh please,” he continues, “please, I like you so much!”
“No, no, and no. I like you too, but I just can’t!”
“Oh yes you can. Please?”
“No, no. I just can’t.”
“Pleeeeease?”
“No, please,” she says, “Can you imagine if we get caught?”
“Oh come on,” he persists, “there’s nobody around, they’re all sleeping!”
“No way,” she says, “It’s just too risky!”
“Oh please,” he continues, “please, I like you so much!”
“No, no, and no. I like you too, but I just can’t!”
“Oh yes you can. Please?”
“No, no. I just can’t.”
“Pleeeeease?”
Out of the blue, the porch light goes on, and the girl’s sister shows up in her pajamas, hair disheveled. In a sleepy voice the sister says: “Dad says to go ahead and give him a kiss. Or I can do it. Or if need be, he’ll come down himself and do it. But for crying out loud tell him to take his hand off the intercom button!”
There will come a time when all of us will push hard on God’s intercom button, if not in our own behalf, certainly in behalf of someone we love. At that moment we will be thankful that we saw unlimited compassion in Christ. For there will come a time when we will rely on Christ’s compassion.
See you in Church This Sunday or online for worship.
Your Pastor,
Nels
Nels
Preparing for Worship
Sunday, September 8, 2024 10:00 AM
Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost
Living Generously Series Two
Scripture Lesson: Matthew 6: 19-25
Reference Text: 2 Corinthians 5: 6-10
Message: “The Bema Dream”
Hymns
Christ For the World We Sing
I Have Decided
Sweet Hour Of Prayer
Are Ye Able
Anthem: Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring
I Have Decided
Sweet Hour Of Prayer
Are Ye Able
Anthem: Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring
NEW BEGINNING
MMC ALBUM
Barb Jeffers, along with Sundee Luedecke, have put together an album full of pictures! They presented it Sunday to the church family. They did an awesome job! The album will be kept in the library. Feel free to sit down and enjoy going down memory lane and a peek at our New Beginning!
YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS
ENJOYED THEIR TIME AT HICKORY KNOB
Youth Sunday School Class At Hickory Knob
ENJOYED THEIR TIME AT HICKORY KNOB
Youth Sunday School Class At Hickory KnobThis past Sunday, these members of the Youth Sunday School Class – Jessica, Jamie, Sydney, and Linda – found a cure for finding no goodies in the Fellowship Hall after church! They decided to meet at Hickory Knob State Park where they enjoyed further discussion of Pastor Nels’ sermon on Living Generously. The consensus was that all really enjoyed the video, Evan’s Mite, where Evan’s father learned a lot about giving from the heart from his son. We also concluded that our mission is to tell others about Jesus! We missed you, Josiah!
Acts of Kindness
Kindness Update – Sparking A Campus Revival!
At a time when there’s so much unrest on college campuses, it brought a comforting smile to my face when I saw a television news report this week about a movement that occurred on the Ohio State campus. Football players there drew hundreds to a campus rally to pray and worship, with dozens also being baptized into the Christian faith.
According to one report, “Jesus is on display at Ohio State!” That reporter also stated “As Ohio State Buckeyes players arrived for fall football camp last week, a significant number (at least 21) wore shirts featuring prominent Christian messages. Their photos are now spreading on social media.”
Then on Sunday, August 25, they held a Come to Jesus event that, according to its organizer, former Ohio State wide receiver, Kamryn Babb, “was truly to bring true joy and peace that I believe in, that I think we all believe that can truly only be found in Jesus Christ, and bring it to Columbus and to the campus. God is right here. He is a very present God. He is seeking after the hearts of men.”
Current Buckeye team players who also organized the event brought 10,000 Bibles to distribute and also shared how their faith brought them close together as a team. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if a Come to Jesus event happened on all college campuses nationwide? The following link will allow you to view a report on the event:
Kindness Entry: Thank you to those who sent me messages of kindness this past week! – Linda
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!
MMW CRAFT SHOW AND COOKIE FACTORY
OCTOBER 5 9AM TO 2PM
Thank you to Carol Tummons for chairing this year’s Cookie Factory. Carol Fuller will be helping Carol. The “Carols” have posted a sign-up on the easel in Fellowship Hall. We usually sell out so plan to do some real baking!
They are looking for those willing to bake, and for those willing to help set-up, sell and clean up.
MMW RETREAT
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 & SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
10AM TO 4PM
You are cordially invited to our Women’s Retreat! Join us for an enriching and inspiring weekend at Elijah Clark State Park as we delve into the themes and stories of Anita Diamant’s book, The Red Tent. This retreat promises to be a time of fellowship, reflection, and personal growth.
RETREAT DETAILS
Location: Elijah Clark State Park
Dates: September 6th & 7th
Time: 10 AM – 4PM each day
Cost: $20.00 per person (includes meals)
PREPARATION
To make the most of our time together, we suggest that you read, The Red Tent by Anita Diamant beforehand.
You also may want to check it out on-line, depending on your streaming service, you may be able to watch it at home. These viewings will provide a visual and narrative backdrop that will enrich our discussion during the retreat.
If you have additional questions please contact
Karen Hicks or Maxine Dunn.
MEN N MINISTRY DINNER
SEPTEMBER 10 6PM
Gordon Waine will be doing the cooking. He will also be conducting the meeting.
We have an interesting speaker. Martha Croswell, from Crossroads Women’s Center in Greenwood, will be our speaker.
CrossRoads Women’s Center (CWC) is a non-profit organization focused on saving lives and supporting men and women through love and hope found in Jesus Christ. Established in 1988 as Greenwood Women’s Center, CWC has been serving Greenwood and the surrounding five counties for over 30 years!
“Our mission is to support men and women dealing with an unplanned pregnancy through life-affirming services that offer alternatives to abortion while offering a living relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.”
CrossRoads offers free services without regard to the race, creed, color, national origin, age, and marital or economic status of our clients.
LADIES NIGHT OUT
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 6PM
MICHELLE’S BACK ROOM
All women are invited for fellowship and dinner on Tuesday, September 10 at 6pm. We meet in the backroom, where we order from the menu. We don’t have any agenda, just spending time with friends! This is a very informal gathering, feel free to bring a friend or neighbor! Call Carol Tummons if you have any questions
24:7 SMALL GROUP
STARTS SEPTEMBER 20
ALL WOMEN ARE WELCOME!
24:7 Small Group Begins Fall Study
The 24:7 Small Group extends this invitation to any ladies to join them as they begin their fall study on Friday, September 20 at 10 a.m. at the church. Meetings are on the first and third Fridays. The group’s mission is mental health and luncheons and activities, including Bible study, are held throughout the year with the residents at Bell Ridge housing complex in downtown McCormick. The fall study is a DVD 6-session series entitled Church of the Small Things – Making a Difference Right Where You Are featuring best-selling author and popular blogger Melanie Shankle. In the series, she celebrates the beauty of the many small things in life that add up to make a big difference and teaches us all to savor what truly matters. In this humorous and honest Bible study, she offers the opportunity to embrace what it means to live an abundant and meaningful life by finding beauty and laughter in all the small things right beneath the surface of every moment of your life. Sign up on the signup sheet in the Fellowship Hall or Contact Linda Kidd, Group Leader, or any group member if you have questions.
PICNIC AND WORSHIP
BAKER CREEK STATE PARK
SEPTEMBER 22 – 10AM
Mark those calendars! The church picnic will be on Sunday, September 22.
It will start with a service at 10AM. Plan to bring a neighbor or new friend!
More details to follow!
RIGHTNOW MEDIA
FIFTH SUNDAY GET TOGETHER (SEPTEMBER 29)
Hey Church Family!!! Do you long for the “good old days” you know…. the days before covid???!
Coming up Sunday September 29, 2024, is the 5th Sunday of September, and we’re going to have a “good old fashioned” 5th Sunday get-to-gather!!!”
All 3 Sunday Schools will be closed as the entire Church Family is invited to the fellowship hall after service on Sunday, September 29th for a lesson on The RightNow Media, along with a presentation of a Bible Study from Revelation. This short gathering will be hosted by Kim Jackson, our RightNow Media expert!!! Toni & Carol will be providing the lite refreshments so be willing to help if called upon.
Get excited …5th Sunday is BACK!!!
Questions, please call Toni Graham.
HOBO SUPPER
OCTOBER 19 3:30PM
MEYER’S FARM
The church family has been invited to a “Hobo Supper” at the Meyer’s Farm! More details to follow… but meanwhile, add to your calendar! You won’t want to miss the fun!
CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE
DECEMBER 7 2-4PM FELLOWSHIP HALL
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 an Punch will be served.
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!
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.