The Pivot

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, June 29, 2025

Dear Friends in Jesus –

Our text this coming Sunday occurs as the Gospel writer Luke turns a narrative corner. Jesus “sets his face toward Jerusalem”. 

Chapter nine is a pivotal chapter in Luke’s story. It is, in a variety of ways, the hinge of the story as Luke tells it. It provides the pivot point between Jesus’ mission of teaching and preaching in Galilee and his inexorable journey to Jerusalem and the cross.

As he strides towards Jerusalem he encounters three people who tell Jesus, “I will follow you but.…”

If we would follow Jesus we must be prepared for some of our primary loyalties to become secondary. If we would follow Jesus we must also be prepared for conflict of good with good and be prepared to have some of our cherished loyalties reconsidered and perhaps rearranged.

It is a fearful thing to find ourselves in the hands of the living God.

In great anticipation –

 
 

Click here to view all Second Presbyterian Church videos. Find upcoming events and announcements here.

Source: sermons

Sunday Bulletin - June 22

THIS IS GOD'S HOUSE - ALL ARE WELCOME

 “Meeting people at their point of need, Inviting all into a dynamic relationship with Jesus”


LET US KNOW YOU WORSHIPED WITH US TODAY - If you’re a visitor, online or in person, and would like more information please feel free to fill out a card or email Pastor Cress.

INFORMATION & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Are you looking for a church home where you can make a difference for the God we serve? Where you belong and where you will be known, nurtured, challenged?  We welcome you and invite you to spend some time with us.

Interested in joining Second? Find more about becoming a member here. Have a prayer request? Please let us know here.

 
 

Watch Second Presbyterian videos on YouTube, like Second on Facebook, and stay connected by signing up for our emails which offer a snapshot of upcoming church and missions events and announcements.

Through Barriers into Baptismal Waters: Our Path to Unity!

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, June 22, 2025

Stop. Do Not Enter. Detour. No Right Turns. No Left Turns. It seems like there are always barriers to us, especially on the highways. More seriously, every day something, or someone, tells us to do that, don’t do the other; love this one, but not that one. It may seem a bit overwhelming since we sincerely hoped the peace of the resurrected Jesus being enthusiastically shared would bring unity.
 
The Apostle Paul writes to the early followers of Jesus in Galatia that there are many barriers to the good news. God’s promise to Abraham had been blurred by rules, regulations, and burdensome expectations. Paul reminds the Galatians that the baptismal waters they entered leads to a path of Christian unity – no longer free nor slave, Jew nor Greek, male nor female. We are one in Jesus the Christ!
 
Come this Sunday to hear how in times of great national and international turmoil, we truly can be road signs proclaiming, “All May Enter!” 
 
In grateful service,

Steven

Rev. Steven Baines is a Charleston native who currently serves as our church administer after 25 years in our nation’s capital. He served as executive minister at National City Christian Church, the “national cathedral” of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He has also held senior leadership positions at national civil rights organizations including Americans United for Separation of Church and State and People for the American Way.

 

Click here to view all Second Presbyterian Church videos. Find upcoming events and announcements here.

Source: sermons

Sunday Bulletin - June 15

THIS IS GOD'S HOUSE - ALL ARE WELCOME

 “Meeting people at their point of need, Inviting all into a dynamic relationship with Jesus”


LET US KNOW YOU WORSHIPED WITH US TODAY - If you’re a visitor, online or in person, and would like more information please feel free to fill out a card or email Pastor Cress.

INFORMATION & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Are you looking for a church home where you can make a difference for the God we serve? Where you belong and where you will be known, nurtured, challenged?  We welcome you and invite you to spend some time with us.

Interested in joining Second? Find more about becoming a member here. Have a prayer request? Please let us know here.

 
 

Watch Second Presbyterian videos on YouTube, like Second on Facebook, and stay connected by signing up for our emails which offer a snapshot of upcoming church and missions events and announcements.

The One

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, June 15, 2025

Dear Friends in Jesus –

We are a community living into a future enabled by a multi-dimensional presence – the God of creation, redemption and advocacy.

This Sunday we engage a conceptual reality – our God still creating, redeeming and providing.
 
Another chance to gather in obedience, anticipation and joy!

With great joy in being your pastor –

 
 

Click here to view all Second Presbyterian Church videos. Find upcoming events and announcements here.

Source: sermons

Sunday Bulletin - June 8

THIS IS GOD'S HOUSE - ALL ARE WELCOME

 “Meeting people at their point of need, Inviting all into a dynamic relationship with Jesus”


LET US KNOW YOU WORSHIPED WITH US TODAY - If you’re a visitor, online or in person, and would like more information please feel free to fill out a card or email Pastor Cress.

INFORMATION & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Are you looking for a church home where you can make a difference for the God we serve? Where you belong and where you will be known, nurtured, challenged?  We welcome you and invite you to spend some time with us.

Interested in joining Second? Find more about becoming a member here. Have a prayer request? Please let us know here.

 
 

Watch Second Presbyterian videos on YouTube, like Second on Facebook, and stay connected by signing up for our emails which offer a snapshot of upcoming church and missions events and announcements.

How Bright Is Your Flame?

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, June 8, 2025

Pentecost is so much more than the beginnings of the Christian church. It was also the day that our commission began.

How do we look at our commission?

Are we a "covert" Christian, or do we let our fire burn brightly for all to see?

See you Sunday! Wear red for Pentecost, to signify the presence of the Holy Spirit in our community and our unity in Christ.

–  Ken Carrington


Ken Carrington is a K5 teacher at Second Presbyterian Kindergarten and is Director of Children and Youth for Second Presbyterian. His greatest joy is teaching the Children’s sermon.  Ken is currently a candidate for Commissioned Pastor in the Presbyterian Church.

 

Click here to view all Second Presbyterian Church videos. Find upcoming events and announcements here.

Source: sermons

Sunday Bulletin - June 1

THIS IS GOD'S HOUSE - ALL ARE WELCOME

 “Meeting people at their point of need, Inviting all into a dynamic relationship with Jesus”


LET US KNOW YOU WORSHIPED WITH US TODAY - If you’re a visitor, online or in person, and would like more information please feel free to fill out a card or email Pastor Cress.

INFORMATION & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Are you looking for a church home where you can make a difference for the God we serve? Where you belong and where you will be known, nurtured, challenged?  We welcome you and invite you to spend some time with us.

Interested in joining Second? Find more about becoming a member here. Have a prayer request? Please let us know here.

 
 

Watch Second Presbyterian videos on YouTube, like Second on Facebook, and stay connected by signing up for our emails which offer a snapshot of upcoming church and missions events and announcements.

Where Did He Go?

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, June 1, 2025

Dear Friends in Jesus –

This Sunday we acknowledge Ascension Day. 'What?' you may ask. Good question. This day commemorates a moment post-resurrection when Jesus, who has called the disciples to gather on the mountain, takes his leave.

Scripture says he raised his hands to bless them, then, rose  - "being carried into heaven".

The language of two thousand years ago offers challenges, but the Gospel writer Luke offers us purpose.

We are to continue the work of the realm inspired by, led by, accompanied by the Holy Spirit of God in and with the power of God’s love.

What we get to do! See you this Communion Sunday!

In anticipation,

 
 

Click here to view all Second Presbyterian Church videos. Find upcoming events and announcements here.

Source: sermons

Sunday Bulletin - May 25

THIS IS GOD'S HOUSE - ALL ARE WELCOME

 “Meeting people at their point of need, Inviting all into a dynamic relationship with Jesus”


LET US KNOW YOU WORSHIPED WITH US TODAY - If you’re a visitor, online or in person, and would like more information please feel free to fill out a card or email Pastor Cress.

INFORMATION & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Are you looking for a church home where you can make a difference for the God we serve? Where you belong and where you will be known, nurtured, challenged?  We welcome you and invite you to spend some time with us.

Interested in joining Second? Find more about becoming a member here. Have a prayer request? Please let us know here.

 
 

Watch Second Presbyterian videos on YouTube, like Second on Facebook, and stay connected by signing up for our emails which offer a snapshot of upcoming church and missions events and announcements.

Not as the World Gives

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, May 25, 2025

Dear Friends in Jesus –

In many communities, grateful citizens will pause to remember the mostly young men and women who gave their lives in service of our country, of freedom and democracy.

I ran across these thoughts by Tom Erich, Episcopal priest and commentator:

“We live in an era driven by fear and bigotry and exploited by greed. So deep are the dark currents that we could lose our fundamental inheritance if we fail to carry its weight.

"Memorial Day is a sobering reminder that each generation must set aside self-interest, look beyond wealth and comfort, develop an attitude of tolerance, and stand tall for the freedom and mutual respect that enables this experiment to proceed.”
 
We are among those who would do the above, but with an overriding mandate in service to Jesus.
 
Come this Sunday for Gospel singing and Gospel proclamation in the name of the one who offers peace –

In anticipation,

 
 

Click here to view all Second Presbyterian Church videos. Find upcoming events and announcements here.

Source: sermons

Sunday Bulletin - May 18

THIS IS GOD'S HOUSE - ALL ARE WELCOME

 “Meeting people at their point of need, Inviting all into a dynamic relationship with Jesus”


LET US KNOW YOU WORSHIPED WITH US TODAY - If you’re a visitor, online or in person, and would like more information please feel free to fill out a card or email Pastor Cress.

INFORMATION & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Are you looking for a church home where you can make a difference for the God we serve? Where you belong and where you will be known, nurtured, challenged?  We welcome you and invite you to spend some time with us.

Interested in joining Second? Find more about becoming a member here. Have a prayer request? Please let us know here.

 
 

Watch Second Presbyterian videos on YouTube, like Second on Facebook, and stay connected by signing up for our emails which offer a snapshot of upcoming church and missions events and announcements.

Company or Kingdom

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, May 18, 2025

Dear Friends in Jesus –

There is a group of men that meet on the first Wednesday of the month at St. Philips. The “First Wednesday Men’s Luncheons” was organized by a group from St Michael's, St. Philip's, the Cathedral of St. Luke and St. Paul… and Second Presbyterian Church.

I was talking with Ric, one of the fellows, and, as people do, we brought up personal interests and people whom we thought we might know in common. One fellow’s name came up and Ric said, “Yeah he’s a Kingdom guy.” What?

“He’s a Kingdom guy. He loves his church and the people there, but his heart is beyond the walls. He’s not a company guy, he’s Kingdom.”     

This got me thinking: am I a company guy … or a Kingdom guy? Am I more concerned about the number of people in the pews?More concerned about the size of the offering than the size of someone’s heart commitment for Jesus?

Is Second Church Company or Kingdom? Our scripture this Sunday is clear. Jesus says, “go and make disciples of all the nations, baptize them, teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you…”

Let’s gather Sunday as a Kingdom Church that seeks to follow Jesus’ mandates in his love for all people.
 
In anticipation –

 
 

Click here to view all Second Presbyterian Church videos. Find upcoming events and announcements here.

Source: sermons

Sunday Bulletin - May 11

THIS IS GOD'S HOUSE - ALL ARE WELCOME

 “Meeting people at their point of need, Inviting all into a dynamic relationship with Jesus”


LET US KNOW YOU WORSHIPED WITH US TODAY - If you’re a visitor, online or in person, and would like more information please feel free to fill out a card or email Pastor Cress.

INFORMATION & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Are you looking for a church home where you can make a difference for the God we serve? Where you belong and where you will be known, nurtured, challenged?  We welcome you and invite you to spend some time with us.

Interested in joining Second? Find more about becoming a member here. Have a prayer request? Please let us know here.

 
 

Watch Second Presbyterian videos on YouTube, like Second on Facebook, and stay connected by signing up for our emails which offer a snapshot of upcoming church and missions events and announcements.

When You Know, You Know

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, May 11, 2025

How many times do we encounter something, a sound, a song or a memory, and you know immediately what that something is? This week we are celebrating many occasions in the life of our family – Cress and Rebecca are rejoicing with their daughter, Lily, as she graduates from the University of Miami; we continue rejoicing in the season of Easter resurrection; and we are celebrating the lives of mothers, those living and those now in eternal peace. In times of celebration and times of anguish, the embrace of one familiar or even the sound of their voice can express more than a thousand words.
 
As we prepare for worship this Sunday, the Lectionary has us revisiting Jesus addressing his detractors with these words, “My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand.” That’s a bold proclamation in God’s temple knowing many were seeking to kill him.
 
It is a proclamation I think most of us need reminding from time to time. Jesus knows us; he hears our voices, and we hear Jesus. The question we ask this week is what will we do in return? Ignore? Reject? Follow?
 
Hope to hear your voice this Sunday. Second Church embraces you!
– Steven

 

Click here to view all Second Presbyterian Church videos. Find upcoming events and announcements here.

Source: sermons