Stickin' with Worship

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, March 10, 2024

Dear Friends in Jesus –

We continue in our "Long Obedience in the Same Direction". We’ve engaged Perseverance, Repentance, and Obedience – seeking to understand how these concepts may work through/with God’s Spirit that we might, through grace, achieve lives worth living.

This Sunday we will worship and we will engage Worship. Is there a right way to worship? Yes, through orthodoxy. (Before anyone gets too excited, let me say that orthodoxy is from two Greek words – ortho meaning right, and doxia, meaning praise.) And in the years of the Reformation, one of the fathers of this denomination and of the Reformation, John Calvin, looked around and realized that there were many groups who would call themselves Christian, so how was one to know? He came up with this: “wherever we find the Word of God surely preached and heard, and the sacraments administered according to the institution of Christ, there, it is not to be doubted, is a church of God."

Join us this Sunday. Together we will worship and Jesus will be glorified. Yes, that’s what we get to do!

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

Easter Lilies

Easter lilies are now available for order for $20 each. If you would like to make a donation this Easter season to honor a loved one or to the glory of God, please complete the order form below and submit your total donation online, place in the offering plate on Sunday, or deliver it to the church office.

Forms must be submitted by Thursday, March 28, 2024 in order for memorials to be published.

Easter Lilies Order Form

Volunteer Opportunities - March 2024

Make a donation or sign up to walk with us next Saturday! Support our "Second to None" team at https://walkforwater.rallybound.org/2024.../SecondtoNone

GARDEN IN THE PARK with Charleston Parks Conservancy on Wednesday, March 19th & Thursday, March 20th mornings. Contact the church office if you’d like to assist with planting, pruning, weeding, etc. in Wragg Square.

Please bring in small prize and peanut-free individually-wrapped candy donations to support upcoming Easter celebrations. Donations can be dropped off in the Education Building.

Come help the Youth Group stuff eggs on Sundays from 4-6 p.m. Volunteers would be very much appreciated! Contact Ken, ce@2ndpc.org for more information.

The Navigation Center’s Easter Celebration & Carnival hosted at the church March 23rd from 12-2 p.m. This event is for families served by the Navigation Center and will include lunch, an egg hunt, crafts, and kids' activities. Volunteers are needed! Text 843.834.4857 for info about donating your time or talents (meal servers, face painters, balloon artists, etc.).

Desserts and non-perishable donations are collected on Communion Sundays. Food and toiletry donations are collected for our neighbors at The Canterbury House living on a fixed income in the non-profit senior living community. Baked goods that can be divvied up will be included with Meals on Mondays, an outreach program that delivers meals to folks on Wadmalaw Island.

Please bring dessert and non-perishable donations the first Sunday of each month.

We are serving breakfast for the men at Star Gospel Mission 8:00-9:15 a.m. before church on the third Sunday of each month. Please contact Sally McDuffie or the church office to volunteer. 

Come show Christ’s love by meeting the basic needs of people in our community by serving dinner. A BBQ meal will be served alongside The Navigation Center in the church Fellowship Hall the fourth Sunday of each month from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Contact Elizabeth or Tim Killen or the church office to volunteer.

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VOLUNTEER FORM

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Please volunteer your time in some way to an upcoming event or to serve on Sunday mornings. Find more event information here, support the work of Second online here, and contact the church office to find out more about how to get involved or to help coordinate future volunteer opportunities. Thank you!

Sunday Bulletin - March 3

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.

Stickin' with Obedience

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, March 3, 2024

Dear Friends in Jesus –

As I was preparing for this Sunday I ran across this prayer:

“Dear God,
You have called us to love, which sounds easy but is often hard.
You have called us to obedience, which sounds hard but is sometimes easy.
You have called us to obedient love, which sounds like an oxymoron, but really isn’t.
You have called us to loving obedience, which sounds crazy but leads to peace.
So help us, dear God, to love, and help us to obey.
Help us, that is, to look to the needs of others and respond with the compassion we see in (you) Jesus.
Help us to ask whether what we are called to do, choose to do, or want to do is motivated from love.
If it is, give us the power to do it and keep at bay those forces that would hinder us from obeying your command to love one another.
If it is not, prevent us.
It’s that simple, and that difficult. Help us, dear God.
Amen.”
 
This Sunday we continue our pilgrimage to lives worth living, committing to a long obedience in the direction of God’s purpose, in God’s love.

See you Sunday –

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

Sunday Bulletin - February 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.

Stickin' with Repentance

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, February 25, 2024

Dear Friends in Christ –

Repentance has been identified as the first word in the Christian life. I’m not sure that I would agree.  I would offer sweet surrender instead, but certainly the New Testament gospel is filled with the mandate.

• John the Baptist – “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

• Jesus’ first preaching was the same – “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

• Peter concluded his first sermon with “Repent and be baptized.”

• And in Revelation, the message to the 7th church is “be zealous and repent.”

This Sunday we will continue our pilgrim journey in ‘A Long Obedience in the Same Direction.’ We’ll look at what it means to change course in each moment of our lives to bring us into alignment with the purpose of our creation, an abundant joy filled life in Jesus.

Gospel (Good News) Sunday.

With great joy in being your pastor –

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

Church Officer Recommendations 2024

The Nominating Team is requesting nominations from the congregation for our next class of church officers.

Recommendation forms can be submitted below. Paper forms are available in the sanctuary or can be downloaded here.

Please submit recommendations by February 25, 2024.

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RECOMMENDATIONS HAVE CLOSED

THIS FORM IS CONFIDENTIAL

(Please complete in full) 

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2022-2023 Nominating Team: Brittany Cogdill (session), Wendy Jewell (session), Lucie Medbery (diaconate), Gary Jaffe, Katie Luciano, Aled Pritchard, Nicole Schuerman, Rev. Cress Darwin, (ex-officio)

SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Expectations and Responsibilities of Officers: 

• Pray for the congregation, clergy, staff, session and diaconate of Second Presbyterian Church

• Attend Sunday worship services, Bible study/small groups, and regular church functions

• Tithe or be committed to working toward a tithe during the period of service

• Attend Church meetings as called

• Participate with your presence at special functions of the church

• Participate on at least one committee of the respective body of the Church

Church Officer should exhibit these characteristics: 

• Be above reproach in their dealings with those both in the church and the community at large

• Demonstrate self-control

• Be a respected church member and citizen

• Be hospitable

• Be able to communicate the basic truths of our faith

• Be temperate in their habits and lifestyle

• Be gentle - not quarrelsome

• Should not be greedy or put financial gain above living a principled life

• Should have a family life that sets an example for others

• Should not be a recent convert - should demonstrate spiritual maturity

• Reflect the diversity of the congregation

Sunday Bulletin - February 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.

Stickin' with Perseverance: From Helplessness to Hopefulness

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, February 18, 2024

Guest preacher Rev. Marion Platt delivers a message on Psalm 131 on hope and perseverance as part of the "Stickin' with It" Lenten sermon series.

Pastor Marion is the sixth Executive Director and Pastor of Star Gospel Mission’s 120 year history. When he isn’t serving others, he can be found fishing in a local creek, running long distances in the sun, fussing over his vegetable garden, or quietly listening to jazz music.

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

2024 Lenten Devotionals

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This lenten devotional series begins on Ash Wednesday, February 14, 2024 and takes us through Easter. Each day's devotional is provided via email in weekly sets (sign up here to receive church emails), and daily on Facebook and via each day’s button above. Printed copies are available in the church office.

We acknowledge, with gratitude, the contributions of the Rev. Dr. Thomas K. Tewell, former Senior Pastor of Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church in New York City to the original production of this Lenten Devotional.

What is Lent?

Our English word "Lent" comes from an Anglo-Saxon word which means "to lengthen" and is associated with the lengthening of days in the spring. The color for this season of the year is violet, which tells us that this season is one of self-examination and discipline. During this time of sanctioned reflection and cleansing we prepare our hearts for new life at Easter, jettisoning those things that separate us from Jesus.

For the first two centuries, this period of preparation for Easter amounted to forty hours in commemoration of the time Jesus spent in the tomb. By the early third century, this observance had extended to six days, and in 325 A.D., the earliest reference to a forty-day period is found. By the eighth century, Ash Wednesday was recognized as the beginning of Lent, a name derived from ancient times when sackcloth and ashes were symbols of repentance. We here at the Second Church observe a voluntary imposition of ashes and an evening service remembering our baptism.

Lent concludes with Holy Week as we are determined to accompany Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, share the Last Supper, bear witness to the crucifixion and burial, and experience the joy of the mystery and the truth of resurrection!

No sackcloth required -

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2024 Lenten Devotional Introduction

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Dear friends in Jesus,
 
I invite you to join me as I allow a new season to surround me and so envelop you -- the season of Lent! Observing Lent may be a new experience for some. I know that there are churches and denominations that don’t take the time or make an effort for special preparation for Easter. The question then, “Why should we?” Well, the pace of most folks' lives and the stress that most of us encounter on an average day hardly allows us the chance to grow closer to our God. So, I find it more than useful, imperative even, that I schedule some time to commit to my relationship with Jesus with the same energy and intentionality that I reserve for other things. The result is surprising, revealing and sure – I become more centered, more energized, more grateful – (and more fun!).

There are certain things that we can’t delegate and that we postpone or ignore at our peril - the primary thing being - allowing time for God.

So, I invite you to join me and others who will set aside fifteen minutes each day to reflect on the scripture passage, the quotations from some of today’s most insightful authors and seek to be transformed by God’s presence.

I pray that you will use this guide, commit yourself to Sunday worship, and position yourself for growth becoming disciples - those apprenticed to Jesus. Let’s make the most of this sacred season!

With great joy in being your Pastor, and in great anticipation,

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This 40-day devotional series begins on Ash Wednesday, February 14, 2024 and takes us through Easter. Each day's devotional is provided via email in weekly sets (sign up here to receive church emails), and daily online and on Facebook. Printed copies will be available in the narthex at the Ash Wednesday services, 8:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

We acknowledge, with gratitude, the contributions of the Rev. Dr. Thomas K. Tewell, former Senior Pastor of Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church in New York City to the original production of this Lenten Devotional.

Sunday Bulletin - February 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.

Stickin' With It

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, February 11, 2024

Gore Vidal was a prolific American novelist, essayist and provocateur who identified at the beginning of this century a ‘condition’ he articulated as “today’s passion for the immediate and the casual.” One could say that this passion for instantaneous information, access or gratification in a culture that is saturated with hits and bits of contact makes for relationships with each other and with our God a “hit and run” affair that is incapable of depth and richness.

What a state! It’s so much easier for me to observe this in others and in the world around me than to see it in the mirror. I don’t have the time to… what?! You fill in the blank. Care for and love my family? Read scripture? Pray? Or do I? Our time allotted is the same – it’s how we choose to use it that differs.

Eugene Peterson addressed this issue over 25 years ago: “There are some things that don’t change. God doesn’t change: God seeks and saves. And our response as God is revealed in Jesus doesn’t change: we listen and we follow… or we don’t.” Peterson insists that to follow Jesus, to be agents of God’s justice and love, requires what used to be known as apprenticeship. It is by this apprenticeship that we come to know Jesus and that is where faith begins. 

Come this Sunday as we welcome new members Catrina and Adam Murphy, baptize Thomas Noel Mellen, and imagine what it is to be apprenticed to the bearer of the greatest power of the cosmos – the love of Jesus. 

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