2020 Annual Report

May 18, 2020

Dear Friends in Christ – 

Here is at last an annual report/newsletter! It will speak to the excitement of last year, but offer no specific schedule yet for Second Church to resume corporate worship in the sanctuary. 

I would imagine that you, as I, keep an eye on the news feeds for some breakthrough that will allow us and the world to resume interaction and intersection.

Someone stopped by today, brought some cookies, and gave me an even better gift if you can imagine. As we spoke and wondered how we could ever meet with the abandon we experienced before when we gathered, she uttered one word – vaccine.

I was reminded that modern plagues have been arrested through science  - and God’s grace. 

As creatures created to be in relationship to serve a God that became enfleshed, we will not be denied one of the most essential facets of our lives together – touch – forever. 

Just because we don’t know the answers does not mean there is not one. Perhaps the answer to this moment is that we practice safe distancing, that we spend more time in reflection (prayer), that we engage with others in a way that reflects God’s love. 

Take a look at what we’ve done. You’ll get an idea of whom we are becoming. 

Joshua (assimilation) and I met in the garden next door to the church with half the folks who are joining the church. We shared stories, impressions of the church, 2nd’s mission in these times and their place within it. 

I’ll meet with the others and soon you’ll read their stories see their smiles.  

A task force is working together to be able to prayerfully offer a protocol for returning. 

We will gather first in small groups and study and laugh and pray and support each other and Second Presbyterian – Church of Charleston and the new era. 

Dear friends in Christ – we are writing/living the narrative for the new millennium. The story is old, the application is new. We will love.

With great joy in being your pastor and in anticipation of the work ahead -    

Cress

Congregational Meeting and Election of Officers

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I am delighted to share the good news that our Nominating Committee has prayerfully and successfully drawn a roster of new officers to lead Second Presbyterian Church of Charleston from a list of excellent nominees.  We put forward the names of Elders, Deacons , and Officers of the Corporation below.  It is important to note that the usual practice of also preparing a new Nominating Committee to serve the upcoming year has been postponed; the trying circumstances of social distancing, combined with the exciting prospect of choosing from among our wonderful new Session, led us to move this process to the near future.

As most of you know, the process for electing new officers requires a Congregational Meeting, so that every voice can be counted.  Unfortunately, this is now problematic due to the pandemic.  We have sought and, thankfully, received consultation on the best way to move forward, so that our church is not left without leaders at this crucial time.  The Charleston Atlantic Presbytery and several of our sister congregations have recommended the following procedure: please review the Slate of Deacons, Elders, and Officers of the Corporation below.  If you approve, offer a prayer of thanks and set this letter aside.  We will joyfully accept the election of these officers and officers of the corporation by common consent on June 15, 2020.  If, however, you have an objection or an alternate nomination, please text, call, or email that objection, with explanation, to Nathaniel Walker, head of the Nominating Committee: walkernr@cofc.edu (912) 220-1543 no later than June 12, 2020.  Please know that all of the persons previously submitted were considered and all of them were contacted.  We had more nominations than we had offices to fill, praise God!  Not everyone could be called upon to serve, but everyone was and remains cherished and respected.  If we do receive objections or additional nominations, we will submit these before the congregation in another letter and call for a vote on them. 

We would all be so much happier to conduct this election in the traditional manner, with our voices and our spirits united in one another’s presence!  These are unusual times, however, and we remain grateful to be united in God’s presence.  We are also grateful to have a transparent and democratic culture of governance—a Session of Elders, a Nominating Committee, a nominating process, and a congregation that are all dedicated to joining hands in the common responsibility of leading our church to the place and the day that God has ordained.

Our Lord Jesus Christ is sovereign, and in these trying times, we are more grateful than ever for that marvelous fact.  Please say a prayer of thanks for the wonderful women and men who have agreed to serve our church as Elders and Deacons.  It is an honor and privilege it is to serve the Kingdom of God hand-in-hand together, and to help bring it closer to completeness, wherever we may be at this moment, which is uncertain in some difficult ways, but so certain in every way that truly counts. 

Love,

2019-20 Nominating Committee

Nathaniel R. Walker (Head), Jessica Brock, Kenneth Carrington, Llewellyn Clarke, Lee Lingle, Jordyn Pritchard, Debra Smith, and Cress Darwin (ex-officio)

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Slate of Church Leaders and Officers selected by the Nominating Committee:

Elders:

Jessica Brock is from Hanahan, South Carolina.  She graduated from Presbyterian College and then from St. Catherine University with M.Ed.  She is a Primary Montessori teacher at Hursey Montessori School in North Charleston.  She has two children, Clay (13) and Lilly (11).  She joined Second Presbyterian Church in 2018.  She enjoys spending time with her children, baking, reading, crafting, and going to the beach.

Joshua Hall was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio and it is his military service to the United States Air Force in Air Transportation and Logistics that brought him to Charleston and Second Presbyterian Church. Being a triplet and coming from a family of eleven siblings, he knows the importance of family, community, and togetherness. In his free time, he enjoys "soaring the skies" as a private pilot, going fishing, tending to his small farm of chickens, ducks, goats, and greenhouses, and playing the piano or trumpet. He is also a member of the Second Presbyterian Choir and served as a Deacon last year.

Peggy Hay - Second Pres has been my family's church for 8 generations.  I have served and participated in a variety of ways: as an elder, member and chair of Music and Worship, hand bell choir, tea room waitress, church hostess, and pastor search committee. Also I have 3 children, one of whom is a Presbyterian minister.

Lee Lingle holds a BA in Music from the College of Charleston where he studied choral conducting and performed in the College’s elite performing ensembles. He has performed in the Charleston Symphony Chorus in numerous concerts with both the Charleston Symphony and the Spoleto Festival Orchestra. Lee is a founding member and currently serves on the board of directors of the Taylor Festival Choir.  The Taylor Festival Choir is one of the country's elite professional choirs which has released several cds, the most recent of which was on the Grammy ballot. When not engaged in choral studies, Lee can be found enjoying the beauty of the lowcountry from his kayak or entertaining friends while making BBQ on his smoker.  

Sarah Mitchell - After twenty plus years in St. Louis, Sarah and her husband, Marion, moved to Wadmalaw in 2011 and joined the Second family in 2012. She taught high school math and currently tutors at the Shaw Center. She enjoys conferences, crafts, and the bell choir.

Dan Tenpas was born in Oxford Shire, England, and grew up in Ohio (don’t hold it against him!). He’s worked for the Air Force for 8 years flying the C-17 cargo aircraft, which brought him to Charleston in 2014. He met his wife, Peyton, here in Charleston and their daughter, Merritt, was also born here. In his free time, he loves spending time with his family, cooking, watching movies, reading, and mentoring the young folks in his squadron. Dan is humbled and excited for the opportunity to give back to Second Presbyterian.

Deacons:

Sue Barnett - I was born in Charleston on 8/31/41 to Terrol & Dot Frierson.  My family were members here at 2nd Presbyterian for many years.  When we moved to Queen St. we became members at 1St Scots Presbyterian where I joined the church.  We walked to 1st Scots each week. After graduating from The HS of Charleston, I attended Lander University until I decided to move to NYC with a friend & a cousin.  Upon getting married to Wm. Joseph Barnett (who grew up in 2nd Presbyterian) in 1961 we lived quite a few places in the USA due to his construction engineering career.  We had two children, Hugh and Sally.  Hugh & his family live in Va. and  Sally and her husband live in Fla.  Sally is a member here at 2nd. I retired when I moved home in 1997.  My mother was elderly and needed my help.  It has been a blessing to be back home with people I have known for most of my life and for the new friends.  I live on James Island and have since returning to Charleston. I am an Elder here at 2nd Presbyterian since the early 2000's.  

Sally Caithness (Walker) was born in Kirkcaldy, Scotland and was raised in both Scotland and England. After studying for her MA in History at Edinburgh University, she decided to go back to school to study Graphic Design, traveling to Nashville, TN to learn. It was there that she met Nathaniel. They have been married for 13 years and have two children, Lily and Eliot. They have lived in some lovely places including Savannah, Charlottesville and Providence before coming to the even lovelier city of Charleston.

Carol Howe has been a member of Second since 1983. She previously served as an elder, a Sunday School teacher, Circle leader and Moderator of Presbyterian Women. Carol’s love of Second Presbyterian has been nurtured by the many long-term friendships and relationships established in worship and activities with other members. She and Jimmy adore their one-year-old grandson, George. Carol loves a good book, attempts at cooking, and other creative experiences.

David B King was born and raised in Charleston, SC by my parents Samuel B King and Evelyn R King. I was baptized in Second Presbyterian Church September 13 1964. Lifetime of memories of fond fellowship growing up in the church which was a central part of my family life. After schooling, I spent 20 plus years in the retail audio/video industry until my father passed away then I helped care for my mother until her passing. I now manage rental property and am enjoying my years with my wonderful wife Carrie

Chris Mai was born and raised in Houston, TX and moved during high school to Connecticut, where he met his wife Katie.  They moved to Charleston in the spring of 2017.  He has been working in the IT industry for approximately 24 years and has run a consulting company for 14 of that.  He loves animals, and his hobbies include woodworking, DIY home projects, golf, and the outdoors.

Erin Mellen is a longstanding member of Second Presbyterian and currently serves as the Children’s Sunday School teacher. Erin loves history and travel and after graduating from Columbia Colleges she lived in South Korea and Germany before she and Pat settled in Charleston after his retirement from the army in 1972.

Officers of the Corporation

Spence Roddy, President
Patterson Smith, Vice President
Peggy Hay, Secretary

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2020 Diaconate Report

The diaconate had a busy year until social distancing became the order of the day due to the COVID-19.  We provided cookies and lemonade after the services and on some Sundays assisted Cress in greeting visitors after the service.  The cookies and lemonade were always a big hit.  The diaconate has two very strong committees:  The Congregational Care Team and the Hospitality Committee.  

The Congregational Care Team is made of members of the Diaconate and members of the congregation at large.  The goal of the team is to strengthen the bonds of love, and support for members of our Church family.  We realize that the needs of the congregation are constantly changing and try our best to reach out to those in a way that is helpful and encouraging. Sometimes we help when times are difficult and at other times we help celebrate the many joys along the way.  Our team may assist in transportation, provide a meal, visit shut-ins or just be a friend to someone.  We send encouraging notes and cards and reach out with telephone calls, an email or even a text.  Most recently due to the Covid-19 virus the Care Team has reached out to many of our homebound Church members that may need help.  We hope to develop new ways to increase the care and interactions of our church family this next year.  We invite everyone in our church to participate in our Care Team activities.  

The Hospitality Committee is composed of 8 members of the Diaconate.  However, the duties are always supported by the entire team of Deacons, and often the congregation at large.  We are responsible for bringing the congregation together for meals and activities.  We also provide receptions in times of need, such as funerals and other special occasions.

Our year began September 2019 with a reception on Homecoming Sunday.  In October we provided a feast of Italian foods in honor of Columbus Day.  In November we hosted a Second Sunday lunch.  A community Thanksgiving Service took place on November 26 with contributions from several churches.  In December we had a Christmas reception with offerings provided by the congregation.  In January we had a "Souper" Bowl lunch with a healthy variety of soups and salads.  In February we hosted a retirement reception for our beloved Annie Ravenel.  We also helped to Coordinate the Church Oyster Roast on February 29 and want to thank William Howe for picking up and steaming the Oysters for us and everyone else who pitched in and helped. In March we had a potluck lunch with assistance from the congregation.

 The March potluck took place March 8.  Since that event, we've been unable to come together for events due to the Coronavirus pandemic.  Worship went to online services at the end of March.  Our festive Seersucker Sunday lunch will not take place in May as a result.  We officially adjourn for the months of June, July and August.

 Everyone is eagerly awaiting a time when our Second Family can come together again.

Respectively submitted, 

Erin Mellen - Chair of Diaconate

Debbie Smith - Chair - Congregational Care

Carol Howe - Co-Chair -Hospitality

2020 CE Report

April 28, 2020

Christian Education

What an exciting year for Christian education: We started the year with a kick off on Blessing of the Backpacks Sunday.  After blessing the backpacks in the service we served hotdogs and snow cones out on the portico.   

Just a few weeks after we blessed our backpacks we had Homecoming Sunday where we celebrated our 1st, 3rd, 6th, 9th and 12th graders, saying a blessing over them and handing out Bibles. 

We also started Sunday School that week. We had three new Sunday School classes start in addition to the Mixed Adults class which has been going strong for years.  Our new classes included Peter Rupert leading a young adults class, Dominique German leading the 6th-12grade class, Sue Henderson teaching 3rd-5th grades and Robbie Staubes teaching 4k-2nd.  All classes came with a time change to the main service, our service was moved to 10:30 in order to incorporate our new Sunday School classes starting at 9:30. 

In September we also added two new Bible studies to our already existing Women’s Bible Study led by Sue Henderson on Wednesday nights.  A Men’s Study was started on Fridays at 6am and a Women’s Bible Study on Tuesday morning at 9:00am right after preschool drop off. These will continue throughout the summer in different zoom meetings. 

In October we enjoyed a great turn out at our Trunk or Treat event and we hope to build upon it this year by having more congregation participants decorating cars and opening it up more to the community.

Our Advent program was well attended but we are looking at new ideas to help incorporate more families and church member this coming advent. Our children's pageant during the service was a big hit and a blessing to all who participated as well as all who watched.

In January we began the long and difficult task of planning our first community wide vacation school. We partnered with Zion AME to reach a broader base.  We were all excited to see what the Lord could do on the East Side of Charleston.  We had a lot of plans in place and we were looking forward to our powerful week in June.  Unfortunately, due to the virus we have had to cancel our VBS for this year.  My heart is broken, but I know that the Lord has greater plans and that if he cares for even the sparrow then he has plans for the children around our church and in our community.

Moving forward there were plans to start meeting with the different age youth ministries: rising 6th grades through rising 8th graders and rising 9th graders through rising 12th graders.  It is still my hope to start bringing these groups together towards the end of the summer so that we can have strong groups for the fall and upcoming retreats with our presbytery.

Sunday School will kick off again this fall with more options and new exciting topics. We will also be looking at community small groups as well as strengthening our existing Bible studies. 

Of course, we will (hopefully) end our summer with Hands of Christ and Blessing of the Backpacks.

Thank you for the continued opportunity to serve among you and I look forward to seeing what the Lord has in store for our community in the coming months as we continue to adjust to new normals.

Blessings,

Sarah

2020 SPK Report

May 1, 2020

Second Presbyterian Preschool and Kindergarten

Our school year began with a sparkling ly refreshed building and playground.  The hallway was repainted and the carpeting in the hall was replaced with beautiful tiles.  These improvements were funded by our parents through donations.  The playground was covered with artificial turf and shade sails were installed.  A  new  wooden fence (also donated by a school family) was built to keep our children safe. In August our 61 students aged 18 months through 5 years old arrived to enjoy the improvements.  Our staff of 10 teachers had worked diligently to prepare the “safe and happy environment for the education of young children.”  However, it is the second part of our mission statement that our church can appreciate most-“The atmosphere of Christian Love” that is evident in everything we do in our weekday program.   Chapel on Wednesday morning is lead by Sarah Craven, Irene Rose Yereb and Pastor Cress Darwin.  Every day we pray and sing praise songs.  The love of Christ abounds and SPK!

Our Parents Association led by Kate Adams is vital to the success of our program. Our Green Dream Fundraiser for the turf on the playground was headed by Adam Ruder and Jonathan DiOrio . Our staff and parents raised close to $20,000. for this project which has blessed the school and the church.   The parents have provided monthly gifts and services to our teachers to show appreciation-lunches, breakfasts, chair massages, and a health and wellness day were some of the generous ways they offered their appreciation to our staff.  The Guild has also funded and facilitated Kindergarten Sunday, Fall Festival, Christmas Gifts to Teachers, and numerous other volunteer sponsored projects.  This year they replaced the water fountain in the school and provided for the Mosquito Protection service for our outdoor space.  The Guild also funds having mulch spread under playground equipment and the maintenance of the playground and entrance landscape.   It is safe to say that the quality of our weekday program depends on the kindness and generosity of our parents.  

This year we have had 9 children from Second Presbyterian Church in the program.  Two families from the school have joined our church this year.   Six of our children have parents who attended SPK. 

We are grateful to the Second Presbyterian Church for the many  ways you support our Weekday School.  You can take pride in this ministry and the service it provides to our community.  

Blessings, 

Sue Henderson and Erin Kerr,  co-directors

Staff:  Sue Henderson and Erin Kerr             Preschool (Toddler) Mary Brown and Schall Ragsdale    

Kindergarten Teacher:  Sarah Elizabeth Craw     Preschool (2)  Sue McManus and Ellie Stoney

PreK (4)  Teachers:  Allison Wilkins and Rachel Horne

Preschool (3) Teachers:  Chris Bailey and Amy Prause

Music and Spanish:  Irene Rose Yereb

2020 Music and Worship Report

April 20, 2020

Annual Report for Music

We have had a very busy musical year here at Second Presbyterian.   We again joined with several area churches to present combined worship for Maundy Thursday and at Thanksgiving in 2019.   At Easter, 2019 we again invited all interested to join our choir to sing Handel's Hallelujah Chorus for the postlude and several did.   Due to coronavirus distancing, for Holy Week 2020 we relied on recorded music from previous years and some anthems sung by a quintet from the choir. We hosted the Youth Music Festival for one day of Piccolo Spoleto again in May 2019, when several hundred people attended over the course of the day and over $500 in donations received.  Our bell choir has rehearsed and played in the service several times, and continues to be an inspiring and close-knit group.   Sally McDuffie joined the bell choir this year.  

Bell choir enjoying lunch together.

We have had a very busy musical year here at Second Presbyterian.   We again joined with several area churches to present combined worship for Maundy Thursday and at Thanksgiving in 2019.   At Easter, 2019 we again invited all interested to join our choir to sing Handel's Hallelujah Chorus for the postlude and several did.   Due to coronavirus distancing, for Holy Week 2020 we relied on recorded music from previous years and some anthems sung by a quintet from the choir. We hosted the Youth Music Festival for one day of Piccolo Spoleto again in May 2019, when several hundred people attended over the course of the day and over $500 in donations received.  Our bell choir has rehearsed and played in the service several times, and continues to be an inspiring and close-knit group.   Sally McDuffie joined the bell choir this year.  

We have had a very busy musical year here at Second Presbyterian.   We again joined with several area churches to present combined worship for Maundy Thursday and at Thanksgiving in 2019.   At Easter, 2019 we again invited all interested to join our choir to sing Handel's Hallelujah Chorus for the postlude and several did.   Due to coronavirus distancing, for Holy Week 2020 we relied on recorded music from previous years and some anthems sung by a quintet from the choir. We hosted the Youth Music Festival for one day of Piccolo Spoleto again in May 2019, when several hundred people attended over the course of the day and over $500 in donations received.  Our bell choir has rehearsed and played in the service several times, and continues to be an inspiring and close-knit group.   Sally McDuffie joined the bell choir this year.  

We had several performances from promising young instrumentalists during the service, in return for using our sanctuary as a venue for recording auditions for competitions or schools. In June 2019 Charleston Academy of Music moved into our Education Building and we have had a couple of students play in the service, hopefully more to come.  The Charleston Gospel Choir/Spiritual Ensemble sang in May and December 2019.  During Piccolo Spoleto we hosted the Spotlight Series of nine concerts for the first time, showcasing musicians of national and international renown.  We hosted the College of Charleston Concert Choir in concert in May, October and November.

Our music program welcomes persons who wish to sing, play bells, or contribute their other musical talents.  Please contact me at jharlow@2ndpc.org  if you would like to be involved in any of our choirs or to play an instrument in the service. I would encourage all also to visit the Music page on the church website (www.2ndpc.org/music) to hear  some of our anthems or the Christmas Pageant.  As of this writing, in April 2020, the church is still presenting services online, for which the quintet is singing, but the choirs gather virtually on Zoom on Sunday mornings to keep in touch.


Respectfully submitted,

Julia Harlow, Director of Music and Organist

Chancel Choir

From Lee, for choir:  The choir is continuing to do great things at Second Presbyterian Church to praise God and share his message with the church and community.  The highlights of our year have been selections from Handel's Messiah during Advent with the addition of amazing string players.  The choir works really hard every year for the advent offering and I couldn't be prouder of them.  Following the Messiah selections, the choir was hard at work to provide many beautiful carols for our Christmas Eve service.  We were looking forward to performing Randall Thompson's Alleluia for Easter this year, however, due to the ongoing Covid-19 crisis we had to change course.  Thanks to our loyal Church musicians, we provided a "socially distanced quartet" for the services of Holy Week and Easter.  During this pandemic, we have kept in touch via zoom and are eager to get back into rehearsal and perform music to the glory of God for the community of Second Church.       

We are always looking to add more members to our choir family.  It is such a special opportunity to come together to create something greater than we can on our own to glorify God. We have a lot of fun while working hard at this and welcome anyone of any ability to join us.  All that is required is a love of music and a desire to sing.  Please send me a message a leelingle3@gmail.com if you are interested in joining us.     

Clarissa Rider, our soprano section leader, is continuing to do excellent work with the youth choir.  We have brought the choirs together for joint anthems and I am looking forward to working with her and the talented youth of the church for future collaborations as well.  If your child is interested in singing please email me or Dr. Harlow.  Working with such wonderful musicians here at Second Presbyterian is an honor and privilege.

Lee Lingle, Chancel Choir Director

Children’s Choir

The Second Presbyterian Children's Choir has accomplished a lot this year! They have sung in the service several times, two of those times in collaboration with the adult choir. The children learn new music quickly and enthusiastically. We hope that our choir of 7 will grow even larger in the future!

Clarissa Rider, Children’s Choir Director

2020 Missions Report

April 21, 2020

Second Presbyterian Church is a Matthew 25 Church. "I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me." Matt. 25:35-36. The mission team strives to lead the church in carrying out this vision.

Second Presbyterian is also a connected church, partnering with other churches in the Presbyterian Church (U. S. A.) in world-wide mission. Of all the ways we come together, the Special Offerings represent the single, largest collective effort of Presbyterians to create positive impact and share God's grace and love. There are four denomination-wide special offerings. The One Great Hour of Sharing, given at Easter, goes to relieve hunger, disaster, and poverty.  The Pentecost offering, given last year on June 9th, supports young people by nurturing their faith, ideas, and unique gifts which they then share with the church and the world. 40% of the offering remained with our congregation to use for children and youth programs. The Peace and Global Witness offering supports ministries of reconciliation and peace. It was given on October 6th, World Communion Sunday.  25% was retained by the congregation to invest in the Tywanza Sanders Legacy Foundation. The Christmas Joy offering, given on December 22nd, celebrated the gift of church leaders, past, present, and future. Half of the offering goes to the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions, giving critical financial assistance for current and retired Presbyterian ministers, missionaries, and other church workers in their time of need. The other half goes to leadership development programs in Presbyterian-related schools and colleges. More information at presbyterianmission.org 

Second partners with other Presbyterian churches in the state for two other special offerings. On Mothers' Day, May 12th, we remembered Presbyterian Communities residents in need. More information at prescommunities.org. What used to be called Thornwell Home for Children, which took in orphans and other children whose families were unable to care for them, is now a major provider in state-wide service to families in crisis, offering counseling and parenting training, as well as their residential and foster programs. Our offering to support their work was given on November 25th. More information at thornwell.org

The week-end of May 24th-26th was when the "Seconds, Please" Tea Room was held. With a lot of hard work, good fellowship, and delicious food, we cleared $4,500 for missions. Here are the recipients last year.

•    Water Mission, providing safe drinking water in many countries

       Our 2nd to None team, ready to "walk for water" again this year, had to walk virtually.

•    Mission Co-Worker, Leisa Wagstaff in South Sudan

•    Medical Benevolence Foundation, medical missions in Haiti, Congo, etc.

•    Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, trained volunteers work around the country and world

•    Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy, providing chaplain care in local emergencies

•    Hands of Christ, offering school uniforms to local elementary students

      We hope that Second will again be a distribution center. Watch for news and sign-ups!

•    Sea Islands Hunger Awareness, offering food and some new wells on Johns and Wadmalaw

•    Shaw Center, after school events at this City of Charleston recreation center

      Several of Second's members offer "homework help" there after school.

•    Star Gospel Mission, providing transitional housing to men in Charleston 

Since Spoleto was canceled, so was our Tea Room for this next May. This means we will have to be creative in some other way and some other time to support these and other missions this year. You are invited to come join us in that planning!

Second Presbyterian Mission Team: Sarah and Marion Mitchell, Sarah Stevens, liaison with Session, David Savard, Patterson Smith, Cathy Hinson, and Kate Stanton 

2020 Stewardship Report

April 16, 2020

What is your treasure?

The Stewardship team adopted Matthew 6:21 as its 2020 campaign theme: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” We were inspired by Sarah Craven’s sermon last summer that focused on this moving verse from Matthew. Our goal became challenging each of us to ask ourselves: What is our treasure, what are the treasures with which God has blessed us, and what are the treasures that Second Presbyterian Church offers to each of us? 

Stewardship is not just a fund-raising campaign: It is an on-going movement, where we consider the health of the church and the role that we—as stewards of the church and children of Christ—can play, to build up the church and ensure its strength for generations to come. With this in mind, our charge as a church family becomes maintaining a robust presence in our community, not only through our physical building, but also through our mission work, reaching out to the world in need. Together as the Second family, we can make certain that we are meeting the needs of each other, while offering programs that are inviting to new and prospective members.

To allow us to get to know each other better and to explore our treasures as a church family, we hosted “Meet a Member” presentations during the worship service, in preparation for Commitment Sunday, November 17. Longer-term members introduced newer members of the church who answered the questions: “What is your treasure?” What motivates you? What is important to you? Where do you put your time, your money and your energy? In addition, we published twice-weekly email reflections by members of the church family, where they shared their treasures and the important position that Christ and Second holds in their lives. The series was so popular, that we continued the presentations through year-end.

On Commitment Sunday, we hosted an Opportunity Fair after the worship service. On goal was to not only make our financial pledge but also to consider our talents and identify areas where they could best be used. Areas included Music & Worship (Music & Worship Committee and Choirs), Fellowship (Men’s Society, Book Club and Young Adults), Service (Care Team, Hospitality and Property & Grounds), Missions (Missions & Outreach, Tea Room, Hands of Christ, Walk for Water, Shaw Center, Vacation Bible School and Pride) and Discipleship (Bible Studies and Sunday School). Wonderful connections were made, as members and guests enjoyed delicious snacks and explored opportunities at Second. 

As of this writing, pledges and commitments total $241,430 from 72 family units, which is still short of our $270,000 target. Our goal is to ultimately include 100 participating families of the 175 family units and 226 members of our church. It’s not too late to pledge in support of our treasures at Second. Remember that a pledge is not a contract but a commitment to sustain the work of the church. We recognize that so many of our members make regular contributions throughout the year, which are incredibly important and extremely appreciated. Please consider converting those regular gifts into a pledge, so we may include them in the budget to enable the wonderful programs of the church. Thank you for keeping your pledges current. To date, we have received $72,357, which is actually a bit ahead of where we’d expect to be three and a half months into the year. 

We look forward to seeing you again in person, where we can celebrate our treasures as one. We are apart, but together as members of the Second Presbyterian Church family. Thank you for your support, your prayers and your stewardship.

- Rebecca and David

2020 Pride Report

April 21. 2020

We had a great turnout for our first time participating in the Pride parade. 50 members and supporters had signed up either to walk or for moral and financial support. There was a great atmosphere amongst the 34 walkers representing all different groups of the church as we set out down John Street. The kids did a great job decorating the truck with the Second Presbyterian name and “You Are Loved” slogan for which we won best truck at the Pride Festival! As we went along we handed out Second Presbyterian postcards inviting everyone to join us for a service and the bible verse Micah 6:8, “seek justice, love mercy, walk humbly.” It was such a great day bringing everyone together for a great celebration of God's love.

2020 Property Report

May 21, 2020

Second Presbyterian's Property Committee is sleep deprived! We are required 24/7 to be on call for the ills and improvements of our Church. Should we be caught sleeping during Cress' s sermons it is not without respect but the cause is certainly fatigue. With the current pandemic our priority has been maintaining the campus that serves as the physical center of our congregation. With the approach of Summer a message from on high has determined that we shift our focus to the repair of our steeple that was visited by a bolt from out of the blue that caused a fire and required structural repairs.

Older historic structures such as the tower of our church require not just a construction company but a craftsman steeped in the service of the 'St. Martins in the Field' type of architecture we possess. After long and careful consideration, the working subcommittee has determined that the proper party should be the firm of Russell Smith who has guided and coordinated the issue from day one. This young man is wise beyond his years and has the proper deportment to lead us in bringing back our Church to it proper appearance. He has an understanding of the needs and quality of the efforts we require. This subcommittee is composed of Elder Rob McCready and non-serving Elders Brad Milner and Pat Mellen, a long time chair of Property, who is serving as sub chair for this issue. This powerful subcommittee will submit its findings to the Session and oversee the completion of this major undertaking. They have high confidence in Mr. Smith's ability and prior work record which includes work on our church.

This work includes but is not limited to structural, electrical and fire prevention devices. In other issues the repainting and repair of our Meeting Street facade will be restarted along with a list of everyday issues· we face. We would ask that members of our congregation support the undertaking and the companies.

The Tower is not a place for those that use proper discretion to visit. Should anyone care to wonder why, we would suggest that they turn to Brad Milner for a colorful description. Following the repairs and the cleaning the sub chair will offer his normal tours upon demand for those that are not fainthearted.

Pat Mellen, committee sub-chair

2020 Finance Report

May 21, 2020

Finance Report

The year 2019 ended with uncertainty about the financial future of Second Church. Congregational donations seemed inadequate to fund operations. The Sanctuary and Education Building were both in need of repair and the correction of deferred maintenance. Financial reports underscored these issues and presented a dire situation.

Soon after the new year began, there was a change in the accounting and financial management. I was requested by the Session to serve as treasurer. My review of the books and accounting methods revealed the need for changes. My inquiries resulted in the then current bookkeeper resigning without notice.

Our Church Administrator, Suzann Lilienthal, with my guidance, took on the added work of bookkeeping and other financial needs. Her attention to detail and a fresh start in record keeping has resulted in greater control and clarity. 

The operating expenses, including unpaid and past due accounts, were  met through the first quarter without drawing funds from the Church investment accounts. Some previous donations by the congregation to charitable organizations and mission activities were discovered as not forwarded correctly in the past. These errors were corrected immediately. To prevent this oversight from occurring in the future, a new bank account was established for the purpose of insuring a commingling of donations to special projects and mission activities will not occur. Please be assured your monies donated for a specific purpose are well protected and will appropriately support your charitable intentions.

Currently, as expected in this time off medical and financial uncertainty, donations are decreased. However, the Church leadership wisely pursued financial support available to all essential institutions in our country. Consequently, operating expenses, particularly payroll, are secured through the summer months until August. Pray the country's medical challenges are on the wain and the financial ability to support God's work are restored.

Please recall the effort to raise funding for the exterior restoration of the bell tower. The congregation and other donors generously provided sufficient funds to allow work to begin in February. However, before a single gallon of paint could be applied, lightning struck the top of the tower and a fire ensued in the wood framing of the attic. City of Charleston fire fighters quickly arrived. Demonstrating ability, bravery and great physical conditioning, the fire was extinguished. The work to restore the bell tower was suspended and the remaining donated funds were secured in the new special projects bank account.

Lightning damage was largely confined to the framing and copper roofing of the tower, low voltage equipment and water damage in the narthex. The low voltage equipment damage was extensive. A major light controller, sound system, computers, security controller, and fire alarm were not working after the lightning gremlins finished their mischief.

At this time, Church property insurance and the remaining tower restoration funds are hoped to be adequate to restore the damages and complete the painting of the bell tower.

Please know we can address the questions or comments you may have about the finances of the Church.

You prayers for and donations to the work at Second Presbyterian Church of our Lord and Savior continue to be worthy and essential. 

Respectfully submitted, 

Patterson Smith, Treasurer