Trapped

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, October 26, 2025

Dear Friends in Jesus –

Church attendance (actually, temple attendance) was encouraged – meaning required. I haven’t seen statistics, but an attempt at obedience was expected. Hence the two characters of our text: a Pharisee and a tax collector.

At first glance the narrative is straightforward – on one side of the temple, a well-heeled Pharisee. On the other side, a crestfallen, guilt-ridden, ‘please don’t notice me’ tax-collector. The two fellows who couldn’t be more dissimilar, but are remarkably alike in their unrecognized need. 

This Gospel Sunday, we baptize Jaxon Patrick Brock. At 2:30 p.m. we’ll celebrate All Hallows (and processed sugar) at Trunk or Treat. At 4:30 p.m. we feed the unhoused with the Navigation Center. All in service to Jesus’ beloved for the abundant joy that is promised.

In anticipation,

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A Parable of Persistence

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, October 19, 2025

Dear Friends in Jesus –

I write this to the sounds of hammers and laughter from the back lot as work on eight more Habitat for Humanity playhouses has begun for the delight of children and raising funds for new builds in our community. By a large group from across the community to know the joy of serving arm in arm (on a lovely morning, thank you Jesus :)

Here at Second Church we finished one of the most well-known series of Jesus’ parables last week that placed God as shepherd, determined housewife, extravagantly loving father. We could see ourselves as wandering, lost, impetuous and petulant, but never beyond divine love.  

This week we are offered a parable especially for these times, I believe, about a demand for justice. Again, one of the most vulnerable is the protagonist, a widow, as she refuses to be dismissed in seeking what is right. Accomplished through unceasing prayer, unshakable faith – our tools and our hope!

Invite someone to come along – in anticipation,

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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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Some Grey Poupon with Your Faith?

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

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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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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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Lost and Found

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

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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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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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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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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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The Agitator

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, August 24, 2025

Dear Friends in Jesus –

“Law helps order our world, but grace is what holds the world together.”

Our scripture this Sunday offers law and grace in context. We see two men faithful to their calling. The leader of the synagogue and the Christ.

Most of us have laws that we think are particularly important and we get nervous if we see people not respecting them. The synagogue leader is doing what he is charged to do.  

And Jesus is doing what the embodiment of compassion and grace has come to do – seek out the needy and the unheralded and offer them healing and hope - The Law of Loving

Jesus the disruptor, Jesus the agitator, Jesus the Messiah brings wholeness.

What we get to do!

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I Have Come to Bring Fire

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, August 17, 2025

Dear Friends in Jesus –

There is fire that is good:

• The burning bush that appeared to Moses in the wilderness, from which the Lord called him to free His people from Egypt.

• The pillar of fire that led God’s people safely through the wilderness at night.

• And at Pentecost, divided tongues as of fire appeared among the apostles, filling them with the promised Holy Spirit, and giving birth to the church.

But then –

• John the Baptist also warns people that every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.

• Jesus himself says that on the day of judgment some will be told to depart from him into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.

So, what kind of fire did Jesus bring to the earth? A refining fire that we may become worthy partners in recovering, redeeming, restoring that which was created good.

What we get to do!

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A Culture of Kingdom Witness

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, August 10, 2025

Our guest preacher this Sunday is Rev. Dr. Marion Platt, the sixth Executive Director and Pastor of Star Gospel Mission’s 121-year history. He also serves on the Faith-Based Advisory Council of the International African American Museum. When he isn’t serving others, Pastor Marion 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.

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Rags, Riches and Reality

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, August 3, 2025

Our guest preacher this Sunday, Rev. Becky Albright, is on staff at Charleston Atlantic Presbytery serving as General Presbyter and Pastor to Pastors. Previously, Becky was an Associate Pastor at First Presbyterian Church, Beaufort, SC. She received a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree from Winthrop University and a Master of Divinity (MDiv) from Union Presbyterian Seminary in Charlotte, NC.

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A Prayer for Us All

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, July 27, 2025

The Lord's Prayer is perhaps the most recited prayer in Christian history, but it is so much more. Join us Sunday as we explore both praying and the prayer that Jesus taught us. 

– Ken Carrington

Ken Carrington is a K5 teacher at Second Presbyterian Kindergarten and is Director of Children and Youth for Second Presbyterian. His greatest joy is teaching the Children’s sermon.  Ken is currently a candidate for Commissioned Pastor in the Presbyterian Church.

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The Deputized

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, July 20, 2025

Dear Friends in Jesus –

The story of Jesus healing Simon Peter’s mother-in-law appears in all three synoptic gospels. The three accounts are very short yet offer some interesting differences of detail reflecting the Gospel writer’s attention to constituents.

Here is the story at the beginning of Mark. Nadia Bolz-Weber recaps the first twenty five verses in inimitable fashion:

• “It starts with the words, 'The Beginning of the Good news of Jesus Christ.'

• Then John the Baptist appears in the wilderness with his questionable wardrobe and dietary choices and baptizes Jesus.

• Then the heavens are torn open and God says This is my beloved. For which Jesus is rewarded with 40 days in the wilderness with the wild beasts and angels.

• Repent and believe the good news of the kingdom.

• On his way to Capernum he picks up some smelly fishermen.

• Then on the Sabbath he’s teaching in the synagogue – and everyone’s like 'wow. That Jesus isn’t totally full of it like the other guys'

• Finally he casts out an unclean spirit after commanding it to shut the heck up.

And that’s pretty much where we pick up the story today.”

Folks, this tale of coming to a friend’s home. finding a loved one in need and an ensuing account of restoration should be simple and sweet enough, but we experience an overlay of contemporary reaction that gums things up!

We’ll look at this together and discover again the simple grace, ubiquitous and dynamic, that we long for these days.

See you in worship –

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