Dear Friends in Jesus,
The Session charged a group of Elders last month to draft a Declaration of Faith from Second Presbyterian Church of Charleston and its Suburbs decrying the abhorrent treatment of immigrants in our nation and fulfilling our responsibility to speak up and out, demanding that all God’s people be treated with dignity.
Care has been taken to assure that this statement aligns with our biblical mandate.
These times call for our best.
In prayer and gratitude,
2024 Lenten Devotionals
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 -
2024 Lenten Devotional Introduction
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,
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.
Easter Sunday
Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.
Find upcoming events and announcements here.
SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, April 9, 2023
Dear Friends in Christ –
Catherine Caimano writes:
“There is a wonderful website, put together by an online magazine called SMITH , that it is a collection of six-word memoirs -- people both famous and ordinary trying to distill their lives down to six words about what is most important or distinguished or interesting about them. Everyone is invited to participate, and there is an ongoing gallery of the most recent offerings.
Some six-word stories are poignant: “I still make coffee for two,” writes someone recovering from a breakup.
Some are clever: “Well, I thought it was funny,” is the offering of comedian Stephen Colbert.
Some are tragic: the inspiration for the project was an old tale about Ernest Hemingway, who, challenged to write a story in six words, is said to have come up with this: “For Sale: baby shoes, never worn.”
There are 775,000 words, more or less, in the Bible, and not one of them makes sense without these six words. There are roughly 2 billion Christians in the world, and not one of us has a thing to say without these six words: Jesus is risen from the dead.”
Men and women, Easter is the day that we proclaim the mystery that defines who and whose we are, what we are to do, how we are to act. Easter illuminates our past and gives our future meaning, purpose and joy.
Come to worship this Sunday. In the reality and the mystery of Christ’s resurrection we will sing, pray and proclaim the six words for and through which we live: Jesus is risen from the dead!
In great anticipation –
Listen to sermon podcasts here. Click here to view all Second Presbyterian Church videos. Find upcoming events and announcements here.
Source: sermons
Palm Sunday
Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.
Find upcoming events and announcements here.
SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, April 2, 2023
Dear Friends in Christ –
Who’s up for a parade? If you had made your way to Jerusalem at Passover, around 33 AD you could choose from two. Entering one gate the Roman Procurator on a high stepping, nostrils flaring charger. On the other side of town an itinerant prophet bouncing on the back of a donkey. Each to converge as principals in a narrative with cosmic consequences.
This Sunday we focus on Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem – palms waving, coats laid on the road, shouts of 'Hosanna, save us!' Can we celebrate knowing the end of the story? You betcha! Because we know that crucifixion isn’t the end of the story. Jesus has already said he is the way, the truth and the life. The end of the story is yet to be written, but we know it includes Jesus, and life, and us!
This Sunday the children will process during the first hymn. We will celebrate the fulfillment of ancient scripture and the promise of life in Jesus.
Let’s worship together this Sunday. Bring someone you love (or don’t). Let’s enjoy the church picnic, celebrate our recent new members, and savor the grace that is ours and ours to share.
In great anticipation –
Listen to sermon podcasts here. Click here to view all Second Presbyterian Church videos. Find upcoming events and announcements here.
Source: sermons
Holy Week 2023
PALM SUNDAY: Worship Service Sunday, April 2 at 10:30 a.m. including a palm processional. Church followed by a picnic in the park hosted by the deacons.
MAUNDY THURSDAY: Community Communion Service Thursday, April 6 at 7:00 p.m.
GOOD FRIDAY: Service of Tenebrae Friday, April 7 at 7:00 p.m. Somber service of readings of the Seven Last Words of Christ with hymns and musical meditations
EASTER EGG HUNT: Community Easter Egg Hunt in the park* Saturday, April 8 at 9:30 a.m.
*event will be moved inside if the weather should not cooperate
EASTER SUNDAY: Festival Communion Service Sunday, April 9 at 10:30 a.m. Service of the Resurrection
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Loving God, in a world that sometimes doesn’t make sense to us, open our hearts to receive your care and your joy. Amen.
“Meeting people at their point of need and inviting all into a dynamic relationship with Christ.”
Gospel & Kindergarten Sunday
Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.
Find upcoming events and announcements here.
SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, March 26, 2023
Dear Friends in Christ –
We’re coming to the end of the season of Lent. I pray that you’ve been able to position yourself closer to those things, people, and behaviors that are life-giving. Though there is never a bad or inappropriate time to seek closeness to each other and our God, the church sanctioned seasons allow us to walk together.
The readings from Jeremiah and Matthew this Sunday speak to God’s relationship, regard, and purpose for us. We will take our direction from scripture and secular text: First Testament, New Testament, Kindergarten.
Come Sunday, celebrate a Second Presbyterian institution, SPK.
The children will sing and inspire.
Grace Ramsey will sing gospel and move our spirits.
We will sing together and lean into joy that followers know. Bring a friend. Meet a new one.
In great anticipation –
Listen to sermon podcasts here. Click here to view all Second Presbyterian Church videos. Find upcoming events and announcements here.
Source: sermons
The Prayer of a Righteous Person
Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.
Find upcoming events and announcements here.
SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, March 19, 2023
Dear Friends in Christ –
This Sunday we complete our series on the Book of James. Over the last month, James has offered that
we could endure and even know joy in the midst of challenge and trials.
its not enough to hear the word, we must be doers of the word
our relationship with Jesus must be evidenced by faithful actions
the words we speak have power for good or for bad. We can be agents of hurt and disarray or agents of grace.
James concludes his practical missive with a call to prayer, powerful prayer. Here are some questions I’ve encountered regarding prayer and some I’ve asked:
What is prayer?
Why should we pray?
How does one pray?
When should one pray?
To whom do you pray?
You see, some folks have formulas; some folks go free form. Some have a schedule; others approach prayer on an ‘as needed’ basis.
But for those who believe, those who have persevered, practiced and have known the sweetness of answered prayer, prayer may remain a mystery but it is known and savored - a reality embraced. We, of course, can’t cover prayer in a sermon or a lifetime, but we can practice and be blessed.
Here’s a statement I think gets us on our way: Don’t ask for anything until you’ve said ‘thank you’ for everything!
So, in gratitude and anticipation, I’ll see you Sunday –
Listen to sermon podcasts here. Click here to view all Second Presbyterian Church videos. Find upcoming events and announcements here.
Source: sermons
Watch Your Mouth!
Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.
Find upcoming events and announcements here.
SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, March 12, 2023
Dear Friends in Christ –
Here’s a story: There was a priest, a rabbi and a minister. These three were the only clerics in this small town and had become good friends – in fact good enough friends to take a fishing trip together. While away from the pressures of their ministries they loosened up and began to share their innermost thoughts.
The priest confessed that he had a terrible time with his vow of celibacy and occasionally slipped off incognito to visit the burlesque house in a neighboring town.
The rabbi confessed that he had problems within his tradition as well – he LOVED bacon, and every so often would fry up a huge (and secret) plate of bacon and eggs.
The pastor remained silent for a long time. Finally when his buddies leaned on him to reveal his weakness he said, “Well, since you insist, I am going to tell you. I just love to gossip… and I can’t wait to get home!”
Yep, there’s a sermon here. Text: James 3:1-12. Words. They lift up and they tear down. They can be weaponized or heal. Let us never think, as the children’s rhyme goes, “they can’t hurt me.”
Lets’ share the practical, the inspirational, radically loving word /words of Jesus love this Sunday! (and everyday:)
In great anticipation,
Listen to sermon podcasts here. Click here to view all Second Presbyterian Church videos. Find upcoming events and announcements here.
Source: sermons
Did You Hear?
Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.
Find upcoming events and announcements here.
SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, March 5, 2023
Dear Friends in Christ –
There’s a lovely parable by Soren Kierkegaard, 19th Century Danish philosopher and theologian. He tells a parable of the ducks:
“There is a town where only ducks live.
Every Sunday the ducks waddle out of their houses and waddle down the main street to their church.
They waddle into the cathedral and squat in their pews.
The duck choir sings and then the duck pastor comes and reads from the duck bible.
He encourages them, “Ducks, God has given you wings! With these wings you can fly! With these wings you can rise up and soar like eagles! No walls can confine you, no fences can hold you. You have wings and you can fly like birds!”
All the ducks quack “Amen!” And then they waddle home.”
This week God’s scripture reminds us that we must be doers of the word, not just hearers.
Men and women, we are created to soar on the breath of God! Invite your friends, someone whom you haven’t seen for a while. Experience God’s sanctifying word this Sunday!
And the people of God said…
Listen to sermon podcasts here. Click here to view all Second Presbyterian Church videos. Find upcoming events and announcements here.
Source: sermons
Joy in the Challenge
Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.
Find upcoming events and announcements here.
SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, February 26, 2023
Dear Friends in Christ –
With an especially moving service Ash Wednesday evening, an affirmation of our baptism, we are officially into Lent! Though not really utilized by many, I find a Lenten discipline essential to my spiritual well-being. Note I didn’t say that it’s not usually recognized, noted or accepted. I said not utilized, because I think that each season, each day, each hour, we are to live purposefully and living into the realm of Jesus.
I’ve chosen to preach from The Letter of James, for the next few weeks. Why? Because James addresses issues as resonate for these times as they were when Jesus’ half-brother wrote them two thousand years ago.
James is seen by many to be the most practical text, encouraging our perseverance through trials: putting our faith to the pavement, recognizing the power of our words, and embracing powerful, faithful prayer.
Scripture will instruct us. The Holy Spirit will guide us. We start this Sunday. (You have a fresh chance for perfect attendance! The reward will be far more than an attendance pin!)
In anticipation,
Listen to sermon podcasts here. Click here to view all Second Presbyterian Church videos. Find upcoming events and announcements here.
Source: sermons
Lent Small Group
There are multiple ways to engage our Lenten devotions this year. Devotional reflection emails will be emailed on Mondays during Lent (sign up here) and there will be a midweek small group discussing a selection from the study guide Bless the Lent We Actually Have by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie. This daily Lent guide is designed to be used in conjunction with the book of blessings, The Lives We Actually Have: 100 Blessings for Imperfect Days. You can just use the free 40-day Lent study guide by itself or get the book as well if you would like a more full practice this season.
Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.
February 23 through April 6
LENTEN STUDY GROUP
THURSDAYS, 6:30 p.m.
Join the Facebook group or contact Jordyn for more information
We'll be referencing selections each week from Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie's study guide Bless the Lent We Actually Have. Download the study guide here for free. You can follow the guide each day, but a full 40 day practice is not necessary for the Thursday night small group meetings.
WEEK 1
Feb 23: Jordyn & Aled’s house
Blessed are the Fragile
Study Guide p. 12, 13
WEEK 2
Mar 2: Jordyn & Aled’s house
Blessed are the Imperfect
Study Guide p. 17, 21
WEEK 3
Mar 9: Katie & Emma’s house
Blessed are the Curious
Study Guide p. 31
WEEK 4
Mar 16: Jordyn & Aled’s house
Blessed are Those Who Suffer
Study Guide p. 36, 39
WEEK 5
Mar 23: Jordyn & Aled’s house
Blessed are Those Who Feel Alone
Study Guide p. 46, 49
WEEK 6
Mar 30: Jordyn & Aled’s house
Blessed are Those Who Mourn
Study Guide p. 52, 58
WEEK 7
Apr 6: Jordyn & Aled’s house
Blessed are Those Who Are Rejected
Study Guide p. 65, 67
CONTACT: Jordyn Pritchard
Easter Sunday 2022
Find all Holy Week services here.
EASTER SUNDAY
Easter Sunday, April 17, 2022 livestream for 10:30 a.m. worship at Second Presbyterian Church of Charleston. Enjoy the festive service with trumpet and guest tenor soloist Dr. Robert Taylor singing Five Mystical Songs (#1,2,5) by Ralph Vaughan Williams.
Prelude: Trumpet Tune (Jeremy Bankson) and Trumpet Tune (Scott Hyslop), trumpet: Grant Cordé
Choral Introit: “Easter” (Ralph Vaughan Williams), soloist: Dr. Robert Taylor
Hymn: Jesus Christ Is Risen Today! #232
Offertory Anthem: “I Got Me Flowers” (R. Vaughan Williams), soloist: Dr. Robert Taylor
Scripture: Mark 16:1-8
Sermon: "Step Up, Sign On, Sign In," Rev. Cress Darwin
Closing Hymn: Christ Is Risen! Shout Hosanna! #248
Choral Response/Postlude: “Antiphon” (R. Vaughan Williams)
WE WELCOME OUR GUEST MUSICIANS:
Dr. Robert Taylor, tenor soloist, is Director of Choral Activities at the College of Charleston, Founding Artistic Director and President of the Taylor Festival Choir (TFC) and Taylor Music Group (TMG), and the Director of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra Chorus and Chamber Singers.
Grant Cordé, trumpet, is a high school freshman and studies trumpet with Sue Messersmith.
Will Royall, tenor, graduated from Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC. He sings with the Charleston Men’s Chorus, Opera Charleston and Taylor Festival Choir. He is store manager for Royall Ace Hardware in Mt. Pleasant.
Notes on FIVE MYSTICAL SONGS (#1,2, & 5)
by Dr. Julia Harlow
Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958), one of the most important English composers of the 20th century, wrote symphonies, chamber music, opera, choral music and film scores. He was also an avid collector of English folk music and composed or arranged many congregational hymn tunes (including 22 in our present hymnal, Glory to God). Vaughan Williams composed the Five Mystical Songs between 1906 and 1911 and conducted the première in September of 1911. They are settings of poems by George Herbert, from his 1633 collection The Temple: Sacred Poems. All five of the Mystical Songs will be presented by the Charleston Symphony Orchestra and Chorus on April 28th and 29th at the Gaillard Auditorium.
George Herbert (1593-1633) was a Welsh-born English poet. He was born into a wealthy, aristocratic family; his father was Earl of Pembroke. George was educated at Trinity College, Cambridge and later served in Parliament. Having become disillusioned with a career in politics, in his late thirties he became a priest in the Church of England, and was rector of a small church near Salisbury. However, this quiet existence was short-lived as he died of tuberculosis only four years later. In 1633 Herbert finished a collection of poems entitled The Temple, which imitates the architectural style of churches through both the meaning of the words and their visual layout. The themes of God and Love are treated by Herbert as much as psychological forces as metaphysical phenomena. On his deathbed Herbert reportedly gave the manuscript of The Temple to a friend, telling him to “publish the poems if he thought they might ‘turn to the advantage of any dejected poor soul’, or otherwise, to burn them.” Fortunately, he did not burn them and they were published later that year.
There are many metaphors for Christ that have appeared throughout history, such as The Great Physician. In Easter, Herbert also presents the image of Christ as Master Musician. He draws a parallel of the lute’s strings (made of gut) and wood, to the “stretched sinews” of Christ’s body and the wood of the cross. The imperfect, struggling music of Herbert’s lute contrasts with the perfect resonance of Christ’s music in his sacrifice. In the last stanza, “all musick is but three parts vied and multiplied” refers to the triad as the foundational sonority for music (at least in Herbert’s time it was), and is also a Trinitarian reference. Herbert’s reference to “heart and lute” is also a personal one, as he was a fine lutenist and singer.
I Got Me Flowers is actually the second part of the poem Easter, above. The imagery of the first stanza makes reference to the strewing of flowers and palm branches before Christ on Palm Sunday, then the arrival of the women at the tomb with sweet ointments. In the second stanza the Sun and the East, the origin of those sweet perfumes, provide no contest with the miracle of the Resurrection. In the third stanza, though “we count three hundred” (365) days in a year, we miss the mark. There is only one day that matters, Easter Day, and that forever. In this lyrical song the choir only hums accompaniment to the soloist for the last part, then loudly joins in proclaiming the text of the final line.
Antiphon is often performed alone as a choral anthem and its exuberant joy is the climax of today’s Easter celebration. The accompaniment uses scales and parallel fourths in joyous cascade, evoking bells and change ringing. The text, “Let All the World in Every Corner Sing” was set to a new hymn composed in 1964 by American composer Erik Routley and is in our hymnal, Glory to God, #636. One example of Vaughan-Williams’ musical illustration of the text can be heard at the end of the second stanza, when the tempo slows and the notes prolong “But above all, the heart must bear the longest part.” An ‘antiphon’ is a recurring musical theme, a section of melody, which, by means of several reappearances, serves to bind the diverse sections of a piece into a cohesive whole. The “antiphon” in this piece is the music that accompanies “Let all the world in every corner sing, My God and King!” Please sit and enjoy this, today’s postlude.
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“Meeting people at their point of need and inviting all into a dynamic relationship with Christ.”
Good Friday 2022
Find all Holy Week services here.
GOOD FRIDAY
Service of Tenebrae: Seven Last Words
Friday, April 15 at 7:00 p.m.
Prelude: “And Can It Be” (Dan Forrest, 2014), guest musician: Elise Pickford
Hymn: When I Survey the Wondrous Cross #223
Reading 1: Luke 23:24
Anthem: “Wondrous Love” arr. Christiansen, soloist: Clarissa Rider
Reading 2: Luke 23:43
Anthem: "Jesus, Remember Me" (Taizé chant)
Reading 3: Mark 19:26
Anthem: "Jesu, Word of God Incarnate” (Mozart)
Reading 4: Mark 15:34
Hymn: O Sacred Head, Now Wounded #221
Reading 5: John 19:28
Anthem: “Christ, We Do All Adore Thee” (Th. Dubois)
Reading 6: John 19:30
Anthem: “God So Loved the World” John Stainer
Reading 7: Luke 23:46
Hymn: Were You There?