Click or scan the icon above to make an online donation
 
Thank you for giving to McCormick Methodist Church. Your gifts enable us to fulfill our mission of “Reaching Up and Reaching Out”.
 

Connect With Us

WORSHIP WITH US – SUNDAYS AT 10AM

from Rev. C. Nels Ledwell
 
Missionaries Coming This Sunday
This Sunday, November 24, Matthew, Kristi, Wiley, James and Wilbur Scales will be here at McCormick Methodist Church to share with us their plans as they answer God’s call to mission in Uganda. This family resides in my hometown of Union SC and I have known Matthew since he was a small child. His late father and mother have been friends of mine for many years. I am honored to bring them here and support them in their mission. I pray you will join me in offering them support in serving God and the people of Uganda.
 
See you in Church or online this Sunday.
 
Your Pastor,
Nels
 
Below is a letter from Matthew and Kristi.
 
Dear Friend,
 
In over 14 years of marriage my wife Kristi and I have pursued God’s will for our lives learning and growing in daily trades. For the past 2 years God has shown us that this was training for a mission. In January 2025 we are praying to launch into foreign missions in Bugiri, Uganda, Africa.
 
Why Uganda?
 
You can imagine our surprise when we first started to feel the call for foreign missions. Kristi had always felt a call to the nations, but I had a love and passion for our family farm that I felt truly would keep me here (Union, SC) for my entire life. As I read and studied the Bible I started to see how God truly sent some to speak of His love to those that were different in culture, social class, ethnicity (Mark 6:7-13). In Revelations (22:1-5) we see why, as all nations bow down in front of Jesus to praise Him. Our family truly believes this scene in Heaven will be astonishing, and felt called to help bring the nations into heaven with us.
 
As we started to do more research into foreign missions, God lead us to Mesa Global. This organization based in Charlotte, NC is a 501c3 with over 400 missionaries globally. They exist to “bring all to the table,” by serving with the global church to equip local believers in ministry. This is accomplished by helping to plant churches, do evangelism, assist ministries in mercy and justice, so that local leaders are holistically formed to carry the gospel further.
 
But y’all farm right?
 
During our talks with Mesa Global it became clear that our ministry focus would be around agriculture simply because our entire family can do it. Kristi has dedicated her life to medicine but that could only be her ministry, farming we can all do. As we saw God’s lead toward agriculture as a mission, a small town in Uganda was brought up. In Bugiri, Uganda (around 6 hours drive from the capital) there is a ministry center called New Life Skills Ministry Center (https://hope58.org/). This center exists to transform lives and communities through equipping village pastors with vital biblical training, giving vulnerable village girls Christ centered life skills, and helping little ones get an excellent start to their educational journey in preschool.
 
On the property is a farm that has been neglected due to all the work needed from the missionaries already there (Actis Mission on Facebook). Our vision is for this farm to grow, not only in production of crops, but into a skills teaching center for the students and local community. We call this Farming God’s way. Just think about it, how much about farming points directly to the Gospel (the seed, the soil, the HARVEST Matthew 9:37).
 
We see our past life experiences as training that equipped us for the tasks of this ministry. For example years of practice with beef, cattle, hay and crop production. Devotion to our local church Oakbrook who has graciously supported this calling for our family. Of course rural living in Union for years has given us the most experience of all! What a blessing from God because of this we feel uniquely qualified and called to reach out to this community in Uganda.
 
Would you give financially to our family?
 
Kristi and I have already dedicated our time and money into the pursuit of this calling. We have attended seminars, trainings, taken a 15 week missions class (Perspective Class that we highly recommend). Balancing this has taught us that we cannot do this ministry alone and God has given us a wonderful support group through our families, church, and friends. While in Uganda our focus will be on ministry and we will not be able to work for a salary locally while there due to our visas. So we are asking for monthly supporters.
 
Would you be willing to join us as a monthly supporter?
 
Our Goal is $8550 a month, and we would love to be able to enter the field by early next year.
 
Our Financial Breakdown
  • $3550 for personal expenses like housing cost, education for Scales kids ,electric, internet, phone, computer, savings for flights
  • $2000-insurance, health, car, evacuation for our family of 5, retirement, taxes
  • $1000-ministry fund, this goes directly to the center and any uses we need such as seed, equipment
  • $2000- organization fee (pays for Mesa Global to have staff that administer our benefits, budgeting, online giving), retirement (required by organization), emergency fund
 
This is the individual breakdown of what we need each month (rounding up to 9000 for math simplicity)
 
  • 2 people/organizations at 1000
  • 10 people /organizations at 500
  • 8 people/organizations at 250
 
Currently we are at 17% support raised.
 
This gift will be handled with complete integrity through the 501C3 Mesa Global Organization, while also under the accountability of external ministry overseers of Oakbrook Community Church. We have no problem being as transparent as you feel comfortable showing our budget, books, or other costs.
 
How and where to give
is available 24/7, or you can mail check to Mesa Global PO Box 602002, Charlotte, NC 28260-2002. Also if you feel more comfortable giving locally Oakbrook Church, https://myoakbrookchurch.org, PO BOX 583 Jonesville, SC 29353, just be sure to mark in Memo line who it is for.
 
In Closing…
 
Our goal is to partner with mission minded people who are looking to form a support relationship that is overseen ultimately by our mighty God because we understand that everything is His anyway. We would love to be as involved in your life as you could be in ours on the mission field so please share your prayer requests, major life events with us, because we would love to pray for you, cheer when you cheer and cry with you when you need. The best part of this support raising journey has been talking with old friends, getting to know more about current friends, and meeting new friends.
 
Please help us to reach the people of Uganda so that we can all praise God together one day!
 
With Love,
 
Matt, Kristi, Wylie, James and Wilbur
 

Preparing for Worship

Sunday, November 24, 2024 10:00 AM
Christ the King Sunday
Thanksgiving Sunday
Message provided by Matthew and Kristi Scales and Family
Missionaries to Uganda
Hymns:
We Gather Together
Now Thank We All Our God
Come, Ye Thankful People Come
Anthem: Give Thanks
 

HURRICANE HELENE RELIEF

SAMARITAN’S PURSE

LAST DATE FOR COLLECTION IS NOVEMBER 24

 
$5,865 was sent to Samaritan’s Purse from the MMC family. They continue to help folks hit by Hurricane Helene. At sites across North Carolina, they are doing tree work, mudding out homes, removing debris, and tarping roofs. Heavy equipment is being used to clear private driveways and private roads. In some areas, they are also offering water and potable water to the community.
 
It is not too late to contribute. Another check will be sent on November 24. Thank you for your generosity!
 
If you want to donate cash, please put the cash in an envelope and note Samaritan’s Purse on the front. Please make checks payable to MMC and note Samaritan’s Purse. Checks may be put in the offertory plate or brought to the office. If mailing your check, the address is MMC, P.O. Box 267, McCormick SC 29835.
 
If you would like to donate via our website, go to https://secure.myvanco.com/YQQ5/campaign/C-ZAEF
 
Please continue to pray for all those affected by the storm.
 

Acts of Kindness

Kindness Update – Don’t Wait To Be Kind!

As we approach Thanksgiving, I can think of no better time to show kindness to others! If we need any further justification, here’s a quote about gratitude that might help from Melody Beattie, American author of self-help books on codependent relationships: “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.”
 
With that thought in mind, let us thank God for our many blessings that come from Him and spread that gratitude to others through acts of kindness! A grateful shout-out goes to Shirley Branson for sharing this beautiful message with me that reminds us that kindness begins with each one of us !
 
You never really know the true impact you have on those around you.
You never know how much someone needed that smile you gave them.
You never know how much your kindness turned someone’s entire life around.
You never know how much someone needed that long hug or deep talk.
So don’t wait to be kind.
Don’t wait for someone else to be kind first.
Don’t wait for better circumstances or for someone to change.
Just be kind, because you never know how much someone needs it!
– Author Unknown
 
Website Kindness Entry: It’s just like God to always show up and help us when we need Him most! Recently when I had two back-to-back “whammies” in two consecutive days – the first being my credit card was compromised, and the bank had ordered me another one. On the very next day, when picking up a large order of turkey from Cracker Barrel in Greenwood, I was so proud of myself (since I did not have my credit card to use) for remembering to take a personal check to pay for the order. To my surprise, I learned that Cracker Barrel doesn’t accept personal checks! Behind me in line just happened to be an old friend who I had not seen in a very long time – she paid for the turkey with her credit card, and I made out my check to her – thank you, Jesus!
 
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!
 
 
The Bible tells us, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”
 
Thank you to those who already pledged! The finance committee will use the figures to work on the 2025 budget.
It is never too late to pledge! If you have not filled out a commitment card, there are extras in the office.
 
You may want to consider using Vanco to make your donations. You can set it up to pay automatically, which is wonderful, especially when you are away or unable to attend in person. You get a message from them when it makes the donation. You can stop or change the amount at any time. It is secure and part of our website.
 
Please fill out the commitment card, even if using Vanco. This helps the finance team to budget.
 

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

 
 

ELDER BASKET MINISTRY

BASKETS IN FELLOWSHIP HALL

THIS IS WEEK FOUR! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
 
At the November 11 service, the Prayers and Squares team presented hundreds of large prayer squares to be presented to the Native American Outreach Ministry, along with the filled laundry baskets! Lorna Hill thanked the Prayers and Squares team for all their hard work!
 
 
“Elder Baskets” are plastic laundry baskets filled with non-perishable items, which are given to elderly Native Americans in need. Many Native Americans live well below the poverty line. The Committee on Native American Ministries give these baskets to help them through particularly trying times.
 
MMC has joined the ministry, under the direction of Lorna Hill. The church family is asked to bring items and put them in the laundry baskets, located along the back wall of the Fellowship Hall.
 
Here are the suggested items. You can bring as many items you want any week, but, remember, they need to be delivered by Nov 17.
 

Donations for the Native American Elder Baskets:

Week #4: Nov. 17 – Laundry Detergent, Dish Detergent, Paper Towels & Trash Bags.

You are welcome to donate other non-perishable items, such as coffee, coffee mugs, and granola/breakfast bars. Seasonal candies are also greatly appreciated.
 
If you would rather make a monetary contribution and let us do the shopping, please make a check out to MMC and put “Elder Baskets” in the memo section. You can leave your check in the offering plate, take to the office or mail to the church at MMC P.O. Box 267, McCormick SC 29835.
You can also donate to the Elder Basket Fund online 
 
We pray this will show our Native American friends the “Love of Christ” at Christmas.
 
Our goal is to have many, many baskets full of needed items for the Native American Outreach Ministry to deliver to the Native Elders over the holidays.
 
 

Widows Connection

By Jennifer Cowart, Executive & Teaching Pastor of Harvest Church
 

ADVENT SERIES
PREPARE YOUR HEARTS FOR ADVENT!

This Advent season, we invite you to join us for a meaningful 4-week Bible study, using RightNow Media to access powerful video teachings by J.D. Greear.
 
Each week, Pastor Ledwell will preach on the same theme, offering deeper insights as we explore the names of Jesus and what they reveal about His love and presence.
 
Weekly Themes:
  • Emmanuel, God with Us – Experience the closeness of God.
  • Wonderful Counselor – Discover the wisdom and guidance Jesus brings.
  • Everlasting Father – Reflect on the eternal love of our Savior.
  • I AM – Encounter the fullness of who Jesus is.
 
Each session will be accessible on RightNow Media, and we’ll gather to watch and discuss these powerful lessons. Let’s journey through Advent together, preparing our hearts for the birth of Christ.
 
Stay tuned for more details!
 

CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE
SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS
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. There will be children’s bells and a choir in the Fellowship Hall, where cookies and punch will be served.
 
Fellowship Hall:
2:30 – 2:45 Shiloh Children’s Choir, Catherine Callahan director of the Children’s Choir
3:00.- 3:15 McCormick First Baptist Church, Stacey Gulledge director of the Children’s Bell
Choir
 
The committee has also arranged for groups to sing in the sanctuary!
2:00 – 2:15 McCormick Methodist Church, soloist Patsy Wilson, accompanist Peggy Thomas
2:15 – 2:35 Mount Moriah Baptist Church, Pat Brady and the choir singing Christmas melodies
2:40 – 3:00 Shiloh, AME, Shiloh Mens Choir Group
3:00 – 3:20 Mount Zion AME, Nadine Adams, Mount Zion gospel choir
3:20 – 3:40 Zion Chelsea AME, Gena Wideman, soloist, accompanists Monica Kelly
3:40 – 4:00 Springfield AME, Kasandra Harper and the Springfield church ensemble
 
YOUR HELP IS NEEDED!
 
MARKETING
We need your help to spread the word about the Open House. Won’t you take a minute to send the flyer that the Evangelism committee developed to your friends and neighbors? Go to 
https://www.mccormickmc.org/christmas-open-house-2024 and click the link labeled “Printable Flyer”.
 
COOKIES are needed!
There is a sign up in the Fellowship Hall for all you wonderful bakers! Please bring the cookies to the church Friday, December 6, in the afternoon so they can arrange them for Saturday.
 

SECRET SISTER CHRISTMAS REVEAL PARTY

Tuesday, December 17th at 5:30 PM

Attention McCormick Methodist Ladies!
 
As we come together to celebrate the joy of the season and our connections with one another, we’re excited to invite all participants of this year’s Secret Sister program to the Christmas Reveal Party!
 
When: Tuesday, December 17th at 5:30 PM
Where: Fellowship Hall
 
Join us for a festive evening of fellowship as we finally uncover the mystery of our Secret Sisters! We’ll enjoy a delicious meal, holiday treats, and share the joy of giving and receiving as we exchange our final gifts.
 
Please bring along a final gift for your Secret Sister. Feel free to dress in your holiday best or festive attire!
 
Sign-up sheets are on the round table in Fellowship Hall, please sign up as soon as possible. We are looking for volunteers to help bake Christmas cookies and set up, too. If you can help, please look for the sign-up sheet for that as well.
 
Looking forward to a memorable evening together. Merry Christmas and see you there!