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from Rev. C. Nels Ledwell
 
Jesus’ Inaugural Speech (Sermon)
 
Mickey Anders, writes that in Luke 4 we find what he calls Jesus’ inaugural sermon. 
 
Every four years the new president of the United States gives his inaugural address. In it, he articulates his program or his plan of action for his term of office. See if you recognize the President who made the following remarks:
 
“With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation’s wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.” – Abraham Lincoln, 1865.
 
“This great nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself–nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1933.
 
“And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.” – John F Kennedy, 1960.
 
“Americans are generous and strong and decent, not because we believe in ourselves, but because we hold beliefs beyond ourselves.” — George W. Bush, 2001
 
“It is the American sound. It is hopeful, big-hearted, idealistic, daring, decent, and fair. That’s our heritage, that’s our song. We sing it still.” — Ronald Reagan, 1985
 
“We look ahead in our uniquely American way — restless, bold, optimistic — and set our sights on the nation we know we can be and we must be.” — Joe Biden,
 
“Your voice, your hopes, and your dreams, will define our American destiny. And your courage and goodness and love will forever guide us along the way.” — Donald J. Trump, 2017
 
You can add here a quote from Monday’s speech from Donald J. Trump.
 
This Sunday’s Scripture is Luke’s version of the opening moments of Jesus’ public ministry. We might call this his inaugural sermon.
 
Luke 4 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, 19to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” 20And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
 
While many of these Presidents did wonderful work in either 4 or 8 years, Jesus did more in three than any of them. He also made the best speech!
 
I vote for Jesus and pray he will guide our nation and our new President.
 
See you in Church or online this Sunday!
 
Your Pastor,
Nels
 

Preparing for Worship

Sunday, January 26, 2025 10 AM
Third Sunday after the Epiphany
Scripture Lesson: Luke 4: 14-30
Message: “From Tickled to Ticked”
Hymns:
God of Love and God of Power
O God, Our Help in Ages Past
How Firm a Foundation
I Sing the Almighty Power of God
 

Kindness Update – Miracles of Jesus That Keep Giving!

Pastor Nels’ sermon on January 19 gave us a great overview of the story of Jesus’ first miracle found in John 2: 1-11 when He responds to His mother Mary’s concern about the fear of running out of wine at a wedding. She asked Jesus to help, and He turns water into wine. Pastor Nels explained that John tells us that this miracle was a sign to us of Jesus’ respect for his mother, that He was always filled with compassion (and kindness!) and wanted to help keep the wedding celebration going. It was also a sign that God’s blessings are available through Him, the Christ, and that in Christ we are abundantly blessed.
 
Further, we learn that God provides our greatest needs, inducing optimism about the future. Just as Jesus used the servants to help by filling the unclean pots with water, so does He involve us in accomplishing His miracles today. The unclean pots he used remind us that Jesus takes the worst of us and transforms us into something beautiful and wonderful! Hooray for Jesus! Hooray for us!
 
There is a transforming redemption story that comes to my mind as I think about this miracle of Jesus. It is found in the words of a popular country song that reached the top of the Christian Country Music chart in 1998. The song is “Wine Into Water” by T. Graham Brown who struggled with bipolar disorder and alcoholism. He stopped drinking and this song came from that experience. He credits God and his wife Sheila of 45+ years for his ability to win those battles. The words are found below, but I encourage you to copy and paste the link below in your web browser to listen to this beautiful song:
 
 

Wine Into Water (Song By T. Graham Brown)
You’ve heard a multitude of prayers on my behalf
I pray one more is not too much to ask
I’ve tried to fight this battle by myself
But it’s a war that I can’t win without your help
Chorus:
Tonight, I’m as low as any man can go
I’m down and I can’t fall much farther
And once upon a time you turned the water into wine
Now on my knees, I’m turning to you, Father
Could you help me turn the wine back into water?
So many times, I’ve hurt the ones I love
I pushed them to the edge of giving up
They’ve stood by me but how much can they stand?
If I don’t put this bottle in your hand (Chorus)

 
I shook my fists at heaven for all the hell that I’ve been through
Now I’m begging for forgiveness and a miracle from you! (Chorus)
 
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!
 

USHERS NEEDED

Being an Usher is a great way to connect with your church family and be one of the first smiling faces people see when they visit us! Ushers provide an invaluable service. Thank you to all who served in 2024! Past ushers, please watch for an email from Shannon Stewart to coordinate the February 2025-end of January 2026 Usher schedule, and let her know the month you would like to serve! Also, if anyone wants to become an usher, please let her know.
 
Ushers are NO LONGER responsible for security (A different group handles security!).
 
Usher responsibilities include handing out bulletins, lighting the candles for service, locking the door nearest your station once service begins, lighting and extinguishing candles, and (once a month) assisting with communion. What a lovely way to be Christ’s servant!
 
If interested, call or text Shannon Stewart.
 

MATTHEW AND KRISTI SCALES

MISSION IN UGANDA

 
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—
 

FELLOWSHIP HOUR
HELP NEEDED

Following the service, several like to go to the Fellowship Hall and grab a cup of coffee and a sweet, and enjoy the fellowship of the MMC family.
 
We need folks to host. This means setting up the coffee (there are specific directions on the counter), and providing some cookies, muffins, or fruit to share.
 
Sign up to help (usually two sign up for one Sunday). The sign-up is on the table in the Fellowship Hall.
 

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.
 

Download Our App

Stay up-to-date while you are on the go with the latest events, newest sermons, and all the happenings at MMC
 
For Apple Devices:
For Android Devices:
The first time you use the app you will be prompted to “Find Your Church”. Just begin typing “McCormick Methodist Church” and our church name will appear in the list for you to select.
 
Click the link below to view a short video on setting up your app.
 

Upcoming Events

 

 

 

YEAR-LONG CHURCH-WIDE STUDY INITIATIVE

Beginning this new year, we’re embarking on a transformative yearlong churchwide study focusing on scripture, Christian living, and discipleship. Designed to inspire spiritual growth and build deeper connections within our church family, this study is available through the McCormick Methodist digital library on RightNow Media.
 
Ways to Get Involved:
  • Sunday School Integration: Adult Sunday school classes will adopt this study as part of their curriculum.
  • Small Groups: Small groups are encouraged to participate by incorporating the study into their gatherings. This would be a great small in home group study. If you would like to participate in this study let Kim Jackson know and she’ll help get you started.
  • Individuals: Individuals can participate on their own devices/tvs. Need help? Contact Kim Jackson
 
For additional information and links to study resources go to https://www.mccormickmc.org/yearlong-bible-study-2025/
 

MEN N MINISTRY
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4 6PM

  • Do you feel “done” with your loved one’s substance use issue?
  • Are you compelled to understand why they are using?
  • Do you long to stay in a relationship with your loved one but aren’t sure how to do that?
  • Do you want to help but don’t know how?
John 13:34 Love one another as Christ loves us.
 
The guest speaker at the Men N Ministry dinner meeting will be Tammy Batson, a member of Thrive Family Recovery Resources. Invite a friend (or two) to attend with you!
 

McCormick Methodist Women Meeting
Wednesday, February 5 – 3PM

Karen Hicks, president of the McCormick Methodist Women, invites all women to attend a meeting on Wednesday, February 5 at 3pm to discuss future plans for the year.
 
Bring your ideas! The retreat and the craft show will be included in the discussion.
 

SOUPER BOWL SUNDAY

FEBRUARY 9

Carol Tummons and John Yerdon have been planning a soup/chilli lunch for Super Bowl Sunday. They are thinking they will offer two kinds of soup and two kinds of chili.
 
There will be a love offering to cover the cost.
 
We will keep you posted!!!
 
This would be a great time to invite your neighbors to join us!
 

MMC FOOD PANTRY
NEEDS RESTOCKING

 
The following are needed for our food pantry. Please leave on the table in the pantry. Thank you for your support!
 
  • Small jars of peanut butter or peanut butter with jelly mix
  • Cream soups for casseroles
  • Boxes or bags of pasta (plain)
  • Small cans of fruit
 

2025 Flower Calendar

Please sign up on the chart across from the office for a week that works best to supply the flowers for the sanctuary. Patsy will sign you up if you want, just give her a call at the Church office!