Foolishness?

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, January 25, 2026

Dear Friends in Jesus –

"A story is told about a wealthy early colonial Virginian who asked his Anglican rector if it was possible to find salvation outside of the Church of England. The rector wrestled with the question, because he knew it was within the realm of possibility that those who were not Anglican might go to heaven, but he did not want his socially elite parishioner to be socializing with Christian riffraff of all sorts. So after pondering the question deeply, the rector replied. ‘Sir the possibility about which you inquire exists, but no gentleman would avail himself of it.'" 

– Walter Russell Read, God and Gold

Corinth was a city at the crossroads. It was quite literally a crossroad for travelers, for commerce, for ideas. It had been destroyed by Rome in 146 BC and rebuilt by Julius Caesar about a hundred years later. It had no "old money". It had a bunch of strivers - folks who would glom onto others for status: “I was baptized by Apollo!” “Well I was baptized by Cephas!”

In Verse 11, Paul appeals to believers to be united in Christ, speaking the same thing and having no divisions or factions. Being perfectly aligned in mind and judgment, emphasizing harmony and a single purpose within the church.

What about for us? We who struggle and strive. We who look for the advantage or the ‘in’?

Paul reminds them – and us – that we proclaim the one who endured public, shameful crucifixion, loving us to death. What greater love? What other status do we need, desire or deserve? No need to answer.

Let’s gather this coming Sunday aligned in mind and judgment to acknowledge and live into our single purpose – heralds and harbingers of the love of Jesus.

What we get to do!

In anticipation,

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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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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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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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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

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 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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Christmas Eve

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

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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 IV

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

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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 III

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

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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 II

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, December 7, 2025

Dear Friends in Jesus –

Sojourners, insufferables, sycophants and swells – (did I miss anybody?)

We find ourselves in the company of John the baptizer and , by extension, of those who are flocking from ‘all of Judea’ to be baptized. The text describes a horde of folks from all walks and backgrounds. What did the experience offer seekers then and us now?

John is the herald of the messiah foretold by the prophet Isaiah. John functions also like a community organizer. He identifies that which must be remedied and repaired to receive what and who is to come.  No subtle contrivances. No leaning into joyless impossible law. Ritual cleansing. Repentance is required to embrace and embody that which is offered – changing your life for the change that is a-comin’.  

Lest we despair, Jesus comes that we may receive him. Indeed, Jesus receives us when we come.

In anticipation,

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Advent I

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, November 30, 2025

Dear Friends in Jesus –

Pastor Will Willimon introduces his book, Heaven and Earth – Advent and Incarnation, the resource for our Saturday morning study, with -

“As the world’s calendar winds down, the church’s calendar begins again. One year comes, another goes. Not much changes. The same old frustrations, the same old us.

"But then the church gives us Advent—a season that keeps time differently. Four weeks to pause, to take stock, and to let God reset our understanding of what time really means. Advent doesn’t begin with our resolutions or our determination. It begins with God’s decision to show up, to take time for us.

"If there is to be a fresh start, it won’t come from our own effort. It will come as a gift. We need a God who refuses to stay distant—Good news: that is exactly the God we have.”

Not a moment late nor a moment too soon.

In great anticipation,

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The Morning After

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, November 23, 2025

Dear Friends in Jesus –

What do you do the day after?

1. Don’t panic.               

2. Get busy.

3. Do your best work.

Sounds good, but what is the day after? Seems simple enough, but it could very well mean each day/all days. The day after graduation. The day after your child’s birth. The day after the election. The day after resurrection.

Our scripture occurs… after. The rudderless disciples and other followers of Jesus assemble in the only place that can accommodate them and feel safe after their plans and their dreams have been shattered, the rug pulled. They didn’t believe the one whom they called Master, that he would die, rise and join them. If we hadn’t read the book, would we?  

This Sunday we take heart and strength from each other and the ubiquitous Spirit of God as we gather, position ourselves for God’s grace and pray for the courage to lead examined lives and celebrate that Jesus reigns over the wandering, the contrite, even us.  

Bring a friend, or someone whom you wish was.

Henrietta Mears, a great church educator of the 20th century once said, "God is the source of love; Christ is the proof of love; service is the expression of love; boldness is the outcome of love."

In great anticipation –

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Sharing

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, November 16, 2025

Dear Friends in Jesus –

The author of the letter to the Hebrews offers a list of actions for those who are members of the community of  ollowers.

First, they should love their brothers and sisters; treat one another like family.

Second, they should not become insular, focusing only on themselves.

Third, remember those who are in prison and those who are being mistreated.

Finally, a place should exist in their lives for contentment, acknowledging that what they have is sufficient which brings us to the text for this commitment Sunday: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Knowing within our hearts that we have the provision and the protection of God, we need not worry about material goods, so…

”Make sure you don’t take things for granted and go slack in working for the common good; share what you have with others. God takes particular pleasure in acts of worship—a different kind of “sacrifice”—that take place in kitchen and workplace and on the streets,” Hebrews 13:16 (MSG).

In great anticipation,

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You Gotta Serve Somebody (Bob Dylan)

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, November 9, 2025

Dear Friends in Jesus –

Our text this coming Sunday is from the 16th chapter of Luke. It is known as the Parable of the Dishonest Manager, but I think it should be more rightly called the parable of the Shrewd Steward. 

This strange parable seems to highlight dishonesty, yet Jesus uses it to teach his disciples and us about cleverness for the Kingdom and total commitment to a singular goal – loving God by serving God’s beloved. 

For fifty years Bob Dylan has been a major figure in popular music - a performer, musician, but most of all a songwriter. He was born into a Jewish family as Robert Alan Zimmerman, but in the late 1970s, Bob Dylan became a born-again Christian. In 1979, the album, Slow Train Coming (1979) was released. He won Best Male Vocalist of the Year with a single from the album, Gotta Serve Somebody.  It starts out, 

"You may be an ambassador to England or France, 
You may like to gamble, you might like to dance, 
You may be the heavyweight champion of the world, 
You may be a socialite with a long string of pearls
But you're gonna have to serve somebody, yes indeed
You're gonna have to serve somebody, 
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you're gonna have to serve somebody."

In great anticipation, 

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Growing In...

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, November 2, 2025

Dear Friends in Jesus –

This Sunday clocks change – ain’t it weird how we decide another hour of sleep would be useful so we just change time!  

But another significant aspect of Sunday is that we begin a scant three week focus on our responsibility to Christ’s body, the church, this church – our stewardship.  

• We will receive new members.

• We’ll share communion.

• We’ll highlight the missions/ministries we support and enjoy a reception in the Fellowship Hall.

Individuals will share their observations, experiences and commitment to Jesus through Second Church- and you’re invited!

Ephesians 4:15-16 is the text. It’s concerned with church growth. We are growing in so many ways – numbers, activities. But how? why? I suggest through serving God’s beloved, the poor, the hungry, the unhoused, and through sharing God’s love in practical, purposeful, joyful ways. 

Big Sunday comin’! Don’t take my word, come see. And bring a friend!

What we get to do –
In anticipation,

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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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