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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

 

 

Christi O. Brown, tells this story about the scars Thomas saw on the hands and feet of Jesus.

 

I can think of no better modern-day illustration of the sacrifice Jesus made for us than a recent scar story I heard from a tennis friend of mine. As we were waiting for another match to finish, she was relating how badly her knees hurt. This friend is the most fit 30-something-year-old I know. Yet she sat beside me with a brace on each knee. I pointed to the open hole of her knee brace and asked if her scar was from knee surgery. She told me, “No, it’s from my son, and I actually have an identical scar on my other knee.”

 

You see, several years ago she scooped up her toddler son from the swimming pool and began to walk towards a lounge chair. As she stepped onto the tiled patio, her foot slipped on the wet slick surface. She was also seven months pregnant, and it was one of those moments where you feel like you’re moving in slow motion but there’s nothing you can do to stop the fall. Within a split second, she knew her momentum was toppling her forward, and she could either face-plant and land on top of both her son and her unborn child, or she could fall on her knees.

 

Of course, as any loving parent would do, she chose to fall on her knees directly onto the unforgiving concrete. Her knees immediately burst open and blood went everywhere. She ended up needing stitches, which resulted in scars, but her son and unborn child were both unscathed. It is hard for me to tell this story without tearing up, because to me, it serves as a miniscule example of the immense sacrifice and love of Jesus Christ for us. You see, we are the beloved children of God for whom Jesus took the fall. Christ suffered on the cross and endured unimaginable pain for us. His is the greatest scar story ever told.

 

See you in Church this Sunday where we will learn even more about the power of the resurrected Christ.

 

Your Pastor,
Nels

 

 

 

As most of you know, my plans for preaching the last two weeks of Lent and Easter changed due to my emergency surgery I had on April 4. I had very little time to call the Church and find substitute preachers and others to take over in my absence. With this in mind I would like to offer my words of appreciation to Wendy Kvale and Debbie Wissinger for leading and preaching worship for the past three Sundays. It was a great relief to me to know that the work of the Church was moving forward as usual. Many others stepped up to help, Rick Lindley took over the visual art duties and Rich Jackson was kind enough to move sound system and set up to Baker Creek for the Easter Sonrise service. The Worship committee stepped up and prepared our sanctuary well for Palm Sunday and Easter. The same can be said for all who helped set up the Baker Creek Pavilion for that service. Thanks to all who pitched in to help in my absence. This is truly a compliment to our Church that we can move forward unfazed by change.

 

Thanks to all for your many calls, cards and get-well wishes. I plan to be back 100% very soon.

 

In appreciation,
Nels

 

Sunday April 27 2025
Second Sunday of Easter
Scripture Lesson: Acts 5: 12-42
Message: Resurrection Power
Hymns:

The Day of Resurrection
I Have Decided
He is Lord
Anthem: Easter People Raise Your Voices

 

As I write this, it is April 22, the day that is celebrated worldwide as Earth Day as a day to honor the beauty of creation and recommit ourselves to its care. As Christians, this is more than a secular holiday. Earth Day is a time to reflect on the sacred responsibility we hold as stewards of God’s creation.

 

Though this world has its flaws, it is still the artwork of a good and loving Creator who is continually making all things new each day through acts of kindness, justice, compassion, and the complexity and beauty found in nature. Thank you, Jesus!

 

The works of good stewards of God’s creation at McCormick Methodist Church are visible in many ways. The grounds of the church are well maintained and always inviting as we enter for worship. As we travel from the fellowship hall to the sanctuary, the beautiful greenery and blooms in the courtyard are reminders of what God can do when He has a little extra care from His stewards. Then in the sanctuary for worship, we see beautiful live flowers that glorify our Creator!

 

Creation is not ours to possess, but rather it is God’s gift entrusted to our care. As followers of Jesus, we are called to live out our love of neighbor, especially the vulnerable, by protecting the very earth that sustains all life. As we reflect on the words of Psalm 24:1, we begin our celebration of Earth Day with thankful hearts for a Creator who provides for all of our needs!

 

This week’s Kindness Entry:  When I entered Food Lion the other day, I ran into a friend I hadn’t seen in a very long time, and we spent about thirty minutes catching up at the front of the store. I hurried to the restroom before purchasing my groceries – once I had made my selections, I proceeded to the check-out. I reached into my cart to get my wallet, but it wasn’t there. After searching the aisles, I had been down, I realized I needed to check the restroom. It wasn’t there, but as I was leaving, an employee came in holding my wallet – she saw me hurry in and thought it might be mine as she had found it in the bathroom. Through tears of gratitude, I gave her a big Thank you, and I thanked Jesus, too!

 

Have you seen God today? If you see God at work this week, you can share what you saw! Be a blessing to others by sharing your Act of Kindness (no names please) on our website or use this link: https://www.mccormickmc.org/acts-of-kindness. Share what you saw; perhaps someone will be inspired to do an act of kindness themselves! Then check back each week to learn how others are passing on acts of kindness!

 

 

 

 

 

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—

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our annual Church and Parsonage grounds cleanup day is scheduled for Saturday, April 26 starting at 9:00am. We will meet in the back church parking lot and divide up into teams. We need as many hands as possible so please put the date on your calendars!

 

Any members with wheelbarrows, shovels, trimmers, pruning shears, etc. are encouraged to bring them. Traditionally we have focused on the outside areas of the church and the parsonage. Several members have expressed interest in doing some cleanup inside, emphasizing the windows of the atrium and sanctuary. Please let Pat Meyers or Barb Shelley know if you would like to work on this. If there is enough interest, we will have cleaning supplies available.

 

We hope to have a good turnout to keep our Church looking inviting and welcoming. Again remember all members are welcome.

 

 

 

The Scholarship Committee of the McCormick Methodist Church is currently accepting applications for this year’s Creighton Scholarship. Applications are available at the church office Monday – Wednesday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Application deadline is July 1.

 

Question? Call Patsy Wilson or Lindy Stahlman.

 

Join Us for an 8-Week Bible Study Featuring The Chosen (Season 4)!

 

Come be part of a special time of fellowship and discussion as we watch and explore The Chosen (Season 4) together. Each week, we’ll view an episode, then enjoy coffee, dessert, and meaningful conversation about the themes and scriptures it highlights.

 

When: Mondays, April 28 – June 23 (No meeting on May 26 for Memorial Day)

Time: 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Where: McCormick Methodist Church
What to Expect: Fellowship, coffee, dessert, and thought-provoking discussion

 

Everyone is welcome! Let us know if you plan to join. Sign ups in Fellowship Hall.

 

Epworth provides care for children and families in our community who have experienced trauma through abuse, neglect, and loss. This care helps to break the destructive cycle and sets them on a better path. On Sunday, May 11th, our congregation will support Epworth by collecting the Annual Epworth Mother’s Day Offering.

 

The Methodist men n ministry will be providing a light breakfast for church attendees after service on Mother’s day. John Yerdon and crew will be making scrambled eggs, sausage and muffins. There will be coffee and juice available.

 

Methodist men will be providing a pancake breakfast on Saturday May 17, 2025. It will run from 8am to 11am, $6.00 gets you all you can eat. Blueberry and normal pancakes with sausage will be served, with all the normal breakfast items.

 

Trunks of Gold will be another fun activity! Come for breakfast and then go down to Main Street and check out what the vendors are selling from their trunks.

 

 

Lindy Stahlman and Cindy Clausman are the new chairpersons for the Craft Show. Carol Tummons will be leading the bakers for the Cookie Factory.

 

Sue Wurtzbacher and Marge Radosevich will be asking for plants to sell in the Atrium. Watch for more details!

 

PLANT SALE If you are planning on repotting, separating plants, or rooting new plants, and would like to share your bounty, please consider sharing your plants by donating to the MMW Craft Show Plant Sale.

 

Marge and I will set up several tables (depending on how many plants we get) in the Atrium.

 

Also if you have extra pots you no longer need (no plastic) or garden accents we would love to accept them also.
We usually have the plants dropped off at the church Friday (Oct 3). If for some reason you need to bring them sooner, we can work something out.

 

Thank you in advance for sharing.

 

Marge Radosevich and Sue Wurtzbacher

 

VENDORS If you or a friend or neighbor is interested in participating in this year’s Craft Show, please email Lindy Stahlman. Lindy will send you the pricing information and registration form. Don’t hesitate, the spots fill up quickly!

 

Indoor tables (8 ft) cost $40 and all crafts must be handcrafted. We also offer tent space (you supply the tents) for $25. Items do not have to be handcrafted.

 

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/

 

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!