January 4, 2023
E-Messenger

We had a burst water pipe in the sanctuary fire suppression system on Monday, December 26 and as a result, we incurred damage in the sanctuary.  Thankfully the damage may be limited to sheetrock, painting, and possibly the carpet, though further inspection is needed.  This afternoon ServPro removed their fans from the sanctuary, so the first step of drying out the carpet is complete.  Please know that our Property Committee is working closely with our insurance company and will follow their guidance in this repair process.  We are thankful for your concern, patience, and flexibility.
 
The plan, at this time, is to meet for worship in Glenn Hall again this Sunday, January 8 at 11:00 AM.  Assessment for future Sunday worship services will be made on a week-to-week basis.
  We are now livestreaming our Sunday worship services on our YouTube McGregor channel.  If you have not yet subscribed to the McGregor Presbyterian YouTube channel, go to YouTube.com, search McGregor Presbyterian, and then click subscribe. 
 
Thank goodness for Jason Adams, David Jenkins, and others on the Communications Committee for all their hard work keeping us all connected and informed through livestreaming our worship services and social media.  If you are interested in or would like to learn more about social media, communications, livestreaming, etc. contact Jason Adams at irmojason@gmail.com.     

This past Sunday we had the opportunity to get our star words for 2023.  If you are unfamiliar with star words, they are words printed on a star shaped piece of cardstock.  The star words are placed in a basket with the words facing downward where you cannot read them, so when you pick your star word, the word is a surprise.  You are encouraged to research your star word’s meaning and over the course of the year, see how your star word relates to your life and your relationship with God.
Don’t worry if you were not here last Sunday, we have plenty of star words available.  You may pick your star word this Sunday or you may drop by the church office during the week.  A big thank you goes to the Worship Committee for cutting out the stars! 
My star word for 2023 is “dependability.”  Let me know which star word you received.  --Michele Glasscock
 
  Happy New Year!  If you are like me, you are trying to declutter your home during the new year.  One way to do this is to go through your books at home.  You might find you have “borrowed” a book from our McGregor library.  Please return your borrowed book if you have finished reading it.  I am trying to organize the library this month.  Thank you, Elaine Abercrombie.

If you have questions about the Conversation on Race or would like to be more involved, please get in touch with Christina Isenhower at christina.isenhower@gmail.com.
 
The new year brings many opportunities for learning and growth!  This month, we are not highlighting a specific resource, but will share several events this month.
 
The Green Book of South Carolina Book Signing – Sunday, January 8, 4:00-5:00 PM
This book was previously featured in McGregor’s newsletter.  There will be a book signing on January 8.  For more information, please visit: https://www.historiccolumbia.org/events/2023/2023-01/green-book-south-carolina-book-signing
 
Historical Marker Unveiling – The Horseshoe at USC – Friday, January 13, 10:00-10:30 AM
USC, the USC Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and Historic Columbia will be dedicating a historical marker at the USC Horseshoe in honor of USC’s role during Reconstruction.  The university has a remarkable history during Reconstruction.  During 1873-1877, USC was the only public university in the South to desegregate.  Sadly, when Reconstruction ended in 1877, the school was closed for several years, and when it re-opened 1880, it only admitted white students.  The university was not desegregated until 1963.  Historical markers are powerful tools for truth-telling in our communities.  For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.historiccolumbia.org/events/2023/2023-01/historical-marker-unveiling-horseshoe-usc
 
Historic Columbia’s Free Sundays (Presented by Still Hopes) – Sunday, January 15, 1:00-4:00 PM
On Sunday, January 15, Historic Columbia is hosting their Free Sundays when residents of Richland and Lexington counties are invited to tour a home for free.  On January 15, residents can visit the Modjeska Simkins House.  This home was built between 1890 and 1895; Simkins, one of the state’s greats human rights advocates, lived in this home from 1932 to 1992.  For more information, please visit: https://www.historiccolumbia.org/events/2023/2023-01/free-sundays-presented-still-hopes-modjeska-monteith-simkins-house-0

GRINDING OF THE GREENS – Save your old live Christmas tree from the landfill – recycle it!  Keep the Midlands Beautiful is collecting live Christmas trees to recycle into mulch.  You can drop off your tree at Seven Oaks Park, 200 Leisure Lane Columbia, SC  29210 through Thursday, January 19.  Free mulch from the trees will be available at Seven Oaks Park on Saturday, January 21 beginning at 8:30 AM, but get there quick … it goes fast!  More information can be found at www.keepthemidlandsbeautiful.org.
ALUMINUM CAN RECYCLING – You can recycle your aluminum cans by dropping them off in the can recycling bin in the McGregor Preschool parking lot.
 
  We are collecting cans of chicken noodle soup, microwave pasta bowls, and small individual boxes of breakfast cereal.  Please drop off your donations in the church lobby. 
 
  Your 2023 offering envelopes are available for pick up in the narthex.  Please throw away any unused 2022 envelopes.  If you are not able to find your 2023 offering envelopes, contact Michele Glasscock at mglasscock@mcgpres.org.
 
  Don’t forget to check to make sure you picked up ALL your Christmas cards!  There are still cards in the Holiday Mailbox.
 
 
Dear McGregor Church Family,
Thank you for the outpouring of support during my dad’s passing.  Please know that the prayers, cards, phone calls, texts, and the meal really brought me a great deal of comfort.  It was a long goodbye, but I know that he is at peace and celebrating with our Lord!
Happy New Year to you all.  The Smiths look forward to seeing you all soon!
With Love,
Ted Smith
 
 
Dear McGregor Church Family,
Thank you so much for the prayers, calls, and cards following my surgery.  I am very appreciative of your care and concern.
Ed Flowers
 
  1/3 Benjamin McMullen, Macy Smith
1/4 Baxley Baker
1/11 David Ferris, Pam Lawson, Joseph Thang
1/12 Kate Padget
1/14 Joan Van Leuven
1/17 Neal Gibson
1/25 Dan Parler
1/29 Owen Kammerer
1/30 Faulkner Jenkins
1/31 Jim Blackwelder, Melanie Clarkson, Suzi McCraw