Sunday Bulletin - October 12

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.

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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.

The Petulant Prodigal

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, October 12, 2025

Dear Friends in Jesus –

The last few weeks we’ve engaged parables; Jesus telling stories to the people as the temple authorities murmur and grumble. He tells those gathered some stories that aren’t to avoid, justify or rectify wrong behavior, but to verify and glorify God. He tells of the crazy love of God who will not lose one lamb, one coin, one child, but who shamelessly, extravagantly, recklessly pursues and loves that which was lost – then calls folks together and parties! The prodigal God!

Randy Loubier offers, “The parables weren’t entertainment or intellectual riddles. They were invitations. Everyone heard the same story. But only those with open hearts gained more.”

This Sunday we complete this series of parables. The father of the story has two sons, the rascal we’ve looked at and another, rather ‘the other’ son, the elder, who didn’t disappoint, or test his Dad and to many might be the ‘good’ son. Really?

I asked you to look in these parables and find yourself. Surely in these stories you are there – the wandering lamb, the frenetic mistress of the house, the rascally younger son, the hyper pious elder son, or maybe you think of yourself with such stores of love that you would be the one to retrieve, hunt down, embrace and forgive. (Let’s talk:)

These days demand all of those things that constitute grace. We may not possess them all, but together we can create the safety of a Jesus loving community, open our hearts and accept the invitation to understand Jesus’ tales of loving.

See you Sunday –

 
 
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Your stories are needed!

 
 

Charleston Area Justice Ministry is a grassroots organization focused on local issues. It's more important than ever to stay engaged locally no matter what's happening nationally. Local issues are where we really have the power to make change. Whatever motivates you, we are here for the same thing- to do justice.

Do you have experiences with schools, transportation, policing, or environmental issues in the greater Charleston area? Inequities or issues you’ve seen that made you think ‘this shouldn’t be happening’ in Charleston? These stories help inform CAJM’s work to make changes. In education, CAJM has previously been able to secure commitments for Restorative Practices in all Charleston County schools and pushing for improved school board governance. In housing, their advocacy led to Charleston County investing millions annually in affordable housing. For environmental justice, they're educating the community on why and how to save Gadsden Creek. Together we can form a more just community.

More information will be shared at a CAJM House Meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in West Ashley. Fill out a form at the house meeting, on Sunday, or online here.

Contact Jordyn Pritchard for more information.

SUBMIT LOCAL STORIES FOR CAJM

Sunday Bulletin - October 5

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.

Some Grey Poupon with Your Faith?

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.


SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, October 5, 2025

This week we continue with the gospel lection from Luke 17:5-10. It is a variation of the mustard seed parable found in all three synoptic gospels. In this telling of the story, we find Jesus making a lot of requests of his disciples followed by a plea from them to "please, Jesus, increase our faith!"

I am not sure about you, but with this week's storm, international wars on numerous fronts, divisive rhetoric at every turn, and exhortations not to lose heart, I am tempted to SCREAM, "Please, dear Lord, increase my faith!" 

Jesus had some sage words in response to his disciples, and they reverberate even louder in 2025. Maybe it's not the quantity of one's faith but the quality of one's faith that matters. Then how does Jesus judge the quality of the follower's faith?

Join us Sunday in worship to hear more. It might just be worth the mustard! 

With joy,

Steven

 
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Sunday Bulletin - September 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.

The Prodigals

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, September 28, 2025

Dear Friends in Jesus –

Last week we engaged two parables on ‘lostness’, actually ‘lost and foundness’ as the shepherd sought, called for, and found the lamb who had strayed and a woman who refused to give up on finding a lost coin. What we saw in each was perseverance and determination, but we were also shown love, inexhaustible love. And as each found that for which they searched, they rejoiced, but, more precisely, they partied! We are shown the joy on earth and told of great joy in the heavenly realm.

This week we engage the third parable in the series. It's one of the most familiar, most beloved parables that I suggest is mis-titled and ultimately sold short. Not one of the principals is beyond reproach and we don’t have to look far to see ourselves, which proves again the gift of scripture: ancient, yet relevant right now – thank you Jesus. Who are you in the narrative? You might be surprised!

Let’s position ourselves for the grace that is promised. Invite a friend, or someone you’d like to be one. See you Sunday.

In great anticipation –

 
 
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Sunday Bulletin - September 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.

Lost and Found

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.


SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, September 21, 2025

Dear Friends in Jesus –

As Chapter 14 closes, Luke mentions that "great crowds are following Jesus." He doesn’t identify them as devotees or disciples, so it’s left to us to imagine who would be on the road with this itinerant Phenom. I don’t believe Jesus is purposefully winnowing or culling, but it’s clear that he is urging them to acknowledge there are consequences, costs that must be considered. He tells them, “Listen well if you would understand my meaning.”

We know that even the disciples, or especially the disciples aren’t always quick on the uptake, so Jesus comes from a different angle to communicate the simple, often mundane, but remarkable love of God.

He tells three parables, one not unlike the others, all about…being lost? being found? being cared for, sought, loved, celebrated? Yes! This Sunday, a lamb and a coin. Next week, a son. 

In our time, in these times that seem more perilous each day, we see the profound patience of a love that will not let us go. So let’s come together to pray, sing, to hold each other. Where else do you spend a few minutes to be strengthened and positioned in the grace of the God of love for the week? 

See you Sunday – 
In great anticipation,

 
 
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Sunday Bulletin - September 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.

Keep a Lid on It

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, September 14, 2025

Dear Friends in Jesus –

This week is not unlike recent weeks as human beings are shot, peoples displaced, and the fabric of our culture ripped. Except the fellow assassinated was young, handsome, charismatic, a husband, a father, a favorite of those in power. His legacy as varied as the intensity of his discourse.

No one should be murdered for their beliefs. What shall we do, the people of God – which God? ...Yahweh? ...Jesus ...opportunity? Or the god of "because I can"?

An organization, Redeeming Babel, was formed to "pursue a biblically faithful approach to politics that offers a hopeful alternative to the polarization currently besetting so many communities." It offers –

  • We grieve. We lament the violence itself and the brokenness it exposes in our common life.

  • We pray. For those who loved Charlie Kirk, for leaders who must act wisely, and for peace in our nation.

  • We resist despair. As David declares, “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1). Our ultimate security does not rest in elections, guns, or courts, but in Christ.

Our text this Sunday is from the Book of James,

"Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers and sisters. Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.

"In the exercise of His will He gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures. You know this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Now everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; for a man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness of God."

In Christ we trust, we hope, we live.

See you Sunday – invite a friend!

 
 
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Sunday Bulletin - September 7

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.

Our Firm Foundation

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, September 7, 2025

Dear Friends in Jesus –

Here’s a note at the end of the week this first week in September with an invitation, no, rather a request  please, come to Homecoming Sunday – come to church. Not an unreasonable request, you may think to yourself. But with the weather holding, last chances at the beach, the mountains, or on the boat…

I know that many, if not most of you, are firmly tethered to this community. You respond when called upon. You love Jesus. But… Jesus calls us to be in community. We are stronger, more effective together, and we have more fun – we are better together and face time is essential.

So this Sunday, come and share a potluck lunch, welcome new members, imagine how you may be involved this coming year, celebrate communion and our call to share the joy and the radical reality of Jesus.  

 With great joy in being your pastor, 

 
 
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Sunday Bulletin - August 31

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.

Jesus Worked

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, August 31, 2025

Dear Friends in Jesus –

Do people need to know that the principles laid down in the Bible do not lessen one’s potential for success in the business world and beyond? You bet! 

In these times, what matters is less transactionalism and more evangelism. We offer the love of Jesus! We’re to be heralds offering the most precious commodity of the cosmos! 

See you Sunday –

 
 
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Upcoming events

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Source: sermons