Baptized and Equipped: Becoming Beloved Community

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, January 18, 2026

January is always a wonderful but challenging month for those of us in ministry. The glitz and glamor of Christmas is all packed away; families have returned to their homes; frenzied schedules have resumed; the weather is always frightful and unpredictable (78 degrees to 25 degrees in a week!); and church attendance can lag on those cold Sunday mornings. I am reminded however, even if I wasn’t a minster, that God’s provision and presence is faithful. God’s love never becomes dull and ordinary. Never!
 
This weekend the world pauses to remember the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther Jing, Jr. Almost 60 years has passed since his assassination, and the “beloved community” that he preached and proclaimed still seems a dream far from reality. But the Saints call us to gather and rejoice. The martyrs’ passion linger on the streets. Those oppressed hunger for freedom and justice. 
 
And a community of faith named, “Second Presbyterian,” still shines a beacon of hope from downtown Charleston that all are welcome! All find messages of reconciliation and peace in our cozy fellowship of beloveds and in the warmth of our smiles and laughter. This place is far from dull.
 
We hope to see you there!
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.


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Source: sermons

Sunday Bulletin - January 11

THIS IS GOD'S HOUSE - ALL ARE WELCOME

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


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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.

WORSHIP CONTACT CARD

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.

CLICK HERE FOR THE PRAYER LIST & UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS
 
 

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.

Wading With

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, January 11, 2026

Dear Friends in Jesus –

I looked to the lectionary and found the Baptism – Jesus' baptism. Though didn’t we just do that? Well, no, but it may feel that way because of the power of Jesus’ entry into public life and into our humanity – wading into the muddy water with others who too had come to John the Baptizer to repent and be cleansed.

He who was without sin? Yep. With all the folks from all over Judea who had come to experience the power of the prophet John, and had no idea they were shoulder to shoulder with the One for whom they had prayed and yearned. 

If they had known who was queueing with them to step into the muddy water, would they have believed and rejoiced or would they have wondered or scoffed, who is this? No trappings, entourage, or army. Which is the point! And which is why there is such power, such promise, such hope for us, the beloved – because the incarnate God had come to reveal Godself, God’s care, the intensity of God’s love.

This Sunday the story starts. Not a moment too soon nor a moment too late. 

In anticipation,

 

We will be remembering the Baptism of Jesus this Sunday morning. Everybody is invited to be a part of a reaffirmation of our baptism to close the sermon. It will be a unique opportunity to gather as a faithful community of Jesus’s followers.


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Upcoming events

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

Source: sermons

Sunday Bulletin - January 4

THIS IS GOD'S HOUSE - ALL ARE WELCOME

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


Download the Sunday bulletin

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.

WORSHIP CONTACT CARD

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.

CLICK HERE FOR THE PRAYER LIST & UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS
 
 

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.

Communion Sunday

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, January 4, 2026

Dear Friends in Jesus –

Happy New Year! Really? Yes!

We get to gather this coming first Sunday of 2026 as those who would not only follow Jesus, but proudly claim the name Christian. We who aren’t ashamed to be known as Christian have the privilege and responsibility to live Jesus’ way.

Progressive Christian writer Rachel Held Evans once said, “I’m a Christian because the story of Jesus is still the story I’m willing to risk being wrong about.” 

Here’s to communion and the right start to the best year of our lives – together, in Jesus.

See you Sunday (prefect attendance for the year!)

In anticipation,

 
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Upcoming events

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Source: sermons

Second Edition Book Club

The Second Edition Book Club meets monthly on a Sunday afternoon, generally the second Sunday. Contact Fred Schuh, Carol Howe, or Peggy Pinckney for more information.


JANUARY SELECTION:

Discussion on Sunday, Jan. 11th, 2 p.m. at Peggy’s home

Lovely One by Ketanji Brown Jackson


NEXT UP:

Discussion on Sunday, Feb. 8th, 2 p.m. at Peggy’s home

Mailman by Stephen Starring Grant


PREVIOUS READS

-

PREVIOUS READS -

Second Presbyterian Church Book Club: Grace Will Lead Us Home
Second Presbyterian Church Book Club: Just as I Am
Second Presbyterian Church Book Club: The Rent Collector
Second Presbyterian Church Book Club: Steve Jobs

Sunday Bulletin - December 28

THIS IS GOD'S HOUSE - ALL ARE WELCOME

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


Download the Sunday bulletin

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.

WORSHIP CONTACT CARD

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.

CLICK HERE FOR THE PRAYER LIST & UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS
 
 

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.

For Us… Would a Dream Be Enough?

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, December 28, 2025

Dear Friends in Jesus –

Joseph is often thought of as only the earthly father of Jesus, but he was so much more.

Let’s take a look at some of the things he did and find that, although he never had words of his own recorded in Scripture, Joseph shows that true heroism is found in faithful action, silent courage, and an unwavering trust in God. 

– Ken



 Ken Carrington is a kindergarten teacher at SPK and our Director of Children and Youth. Ken is finishing his last semester to become a commissioned pastor in the Presbyterian USA denomination.

 
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Upcoming events

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

Source: sermons

Christmas Eve 11:00 p.m. Service

THIS IS GOD'S HOUSE - ALL ARE WELCOME

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


Download the 11PM bulletin

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.

WORSHIP CONTACT CARD

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.

CLICK HERE FOR THE PRAYER LIST & UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS
 
 

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.

Christmas Eve 4:00 p.m. Service

THIS IS GOD'S HOUSE - ALL ARE WELCOME

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


Download the 4PM bulletin

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.

WORSHIP CONTACT CARD

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.

CLICK HERE FOR THE PRAYER LIST & UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS
 
 

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.

Christmas Eve

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.


SERMON SNAPSHOT: Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Dear Friends in Jesus –

I like to look at Christmases past to get an idea of what was on my heart and to infer what was on your hearts at that particular time. I can get an idea of the state of the nation, the state of the church and the state of our lives together the way scripture was treated, by the titles of the sermons.

  • The sermon title for Sunday was Into the Mess and it spoke to the crazy circumstance into which Jesus was born.

  • Tomorrow afternoon we’ll celebrate Christmas Eve, and savor Something About a Baby (rather THE baby) and enjoy special music by our own Tripp Carrington, Beckett Carrington, and Daniel Stroman and their School of the Arts friend Ava Whitener.

  • At 11:00 we will observe The Night God Lost His Way, be blessed with a service of Lessons and Carols, and be strengthened by sharing Communion.

The earth is now tilted toward the sun. We have born the darkness and look to the light of Jesus, that we may live by the light of Jesus and be the light for a world in turmoil.

There are still storms and fires, assaults on decency, civility, on the fragile dignity of our lives together.

But… Emmanuel is come.

Let us set aside logic and reason and convention and embrace the mystery of God’s incursion.

It’s easier together.  

See you in worship!

 
 
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Advent at Second

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

Source: sermons

Sunday Bulletin - December 21

THIS IS GOD'S HOUSE - ALL ARE WELCOME

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


Download the Sunday bulletin

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.

WORSHIP CONTACT CARD

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.

CLICK HERE FOR THE PRAYER LIST & UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS
 
 

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.

Advent IV

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.


SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, December 21, 2025

Dear Friends in Jesus –

Last week I said that we would turn our attention from the apocalyptic lectionary readings of Advent, from the desert of John’s powerful proclamation, toward Bethlehem. As we will see in scripture this Sunday morning, the birth narrative/report in Matthew is anything but angels singing and starlight.

Matthew reports a marriage contract seemingly broken, a ‘righteous man’ humiliated, a young woman presumed unfaithful- in other words, a mess. But… angels intercede in a dream. The prophecy from Isaiah is fulfilled and we move on, but not without risk.

Other birth narratives are offered in other gospels that more closely match our expectations and perhaps offer a winsome Christmas needed, but the humanness we see in Matthew ‘prepares the way of the Lord’ in the most real sense.

Into our messiness a child is born, not in random circumstance, but in intention. Divinity set aside, humanity embraced, the grace and mystery of God’s loving intention and holy strategy made known.

Christmas week begins. We need it. We need each other. The world needs what is offered through you and me as we are faithful in God’s joyful and triumphant love made known through… a baby.

Come Lord Jesus –

In anticipation,

 
 
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Advent at Second

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

Source: sermons

Sunday Bulletin - December 14

THIS IS GOD'S HOUSE - ALL ARE WELCOME

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


Download the Sunday bulletin

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.

WORSHIP CONTACT CARD

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.

CLICK HERE FOR THE PRAYER LIST & UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS
 
 

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.

Advent III

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.


SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, December 14, 2025

Dear Friends in Jesus –

Are you the one?” How often is this the question asked? The contemporary ask may be ominous or the question may reflect a spiritual longing or, as in our context in The Gospel of Matthew, John the Baptizer, prophet in/of the desert, languishes in a lightless cell and anguishes – is his cousin Jesus the one foretold?
 
It’s not an unreasonable question to ask. John was a Jew. His expectation was of a Messiah who would wield a winnowing fork and put things right. But things are not "right" and his cousin isn’t giving evidence of a plan that would accomplish the expectations of an oppressed and disheartened people.
 
But we’ve read the story. We are aware of the power that transformed the ancient world and the only power that will transform ours.
 
Come this Sunday. We will engage the centuries old question that is asked and must be answered by each generation. 
 
The children will be heralds and we will bear witness to the one who comes, in humility, bearing our salvation.
 
In anticipation,

 
 
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Advent at Second

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

Source: sermons