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Mayesville is a small community just a few miles from Sumter, South Carolina. A short time after we moved here I took an early morning ride on my bicycle. It was a beautiful late summer morning and the sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon. As I rode along the road that divided a sprawling cotton field, the farm workers were beginning their daily chores. A tractor with a large implement attached to the back pulled out onto the road. A large farm truck rolled pass me. Shortly after the noise of the truck faded away leaving only the hum of my bicycle tires as they rolled along the asphalt, a crop dusting airplane appeared out of nowhere swooping down to release nutrients to the young cotton plants. My senses were invaded with visions, smells and sounds that reminded me of farm life.
Approaching Mayesville from any direction takes you through fields of cotton, wheat, corn or soy beans depending on the season. The community has heavily depended on agriculture for it’s livelihood for many generations. For centuries farmers have planted seeds, fertilized and cultivated their crop, multiplying those seeds into a bountiful harvest. Mayesville Presbyterian Church sees its mission in much the same way. Jesus often used agricultural imagery to explain the Kingdom of God. In the Parable of the Mustard Seed in Mark 4, Jesus said the Kingdom was like a tiny mustard seed that when planted grows into a large useful garden plant. One clear message of this parable is that Jesus came, not as a conquering warrior with bands of soldiers with swords and armor to drive out the enemies of Israel, but as a humble servant who came to die on a cross. Who would have thought that the Messiah would come as a simple Jewish carpenter and further more from the small seed of those humble beginnings that the gospel would have spread throughout the world and grown into the mighty forest known today as the Church? That seed will continue to grow until the eschatological Kingdom is realized in its full glory. But I think a more subtle message is that the parable speaks only of promises and not of requirements. We can do nothing to merit heavenly citizenship. It’s all grace. God is self sufficient and does not need us. It’s not about us, it’s about Him. The work we do in his Kingdom comes from a grateful heart for what He has already done for us. The wonder of it all is that He has called us to be a part of this Kingdom. He has called us to be citizens in his Heavenly Kingdom and has given us the opportunity to serve and enjoy Him.
John Calvin, when commenting on John’s statement in his gospel that the Kingdom of God is at hand states, “…His meaning is, that men, who were alienated from the righteousness of God, and banished from the Kingdom of Heaven, must be again gathered to God, and live under his guidance.” You see His perfect plan for His people is for us to glorify and enjoy Him forever. Oh, the seeds will grow and produce fruit without us, but God in His great mercy invites us to be a part of his great Kingdom, because He loves us.
Not only does life in Christ assure our eternal reward in Heaven, but citizenship in God’s Kingdom brings Heavenly benefits in the here and now. Worship gives us a glimpse of what it will be like in heaven as we sing with the heavenly hosts, glorifying God. In The Lord’s Supper, Christ nourishes us spiritually and reminds us of the great Heavenly banquet feast in heaven. When we minister to others in the name of Christ, we realize that is it God’s grace that gives us the ability to put the needs of others before self. Our mission statement reflects our desire to serve and glorify him.
If you are searching for a church home, we invite you to come and experience the warmth of Mayesville Presbyterian Church for yourself. Our worship style is very traditional and reverent. We have a vibrant Sunday School with a very active young adult class. Our W.O.C (Women of the Church) work very hard and provide many opportunities for ministry, fellowship and service. We have opportunities for small group interactions for all age groups. We have a growing youth group with a separate facility dedicated only to them and their spiritual growth.
For more information, please feel free to continue to browse our website or call the church office at 453-5759. Thank you for visiting our website and may God bless you.
In Christ,
Reverend Brian Peake
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