A Particular Obedience

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, March 15, 2026

Dear Friends in Jesus –

This Sunday we engage a narrative of biblical proportions: an intergenerational saga that is the foundation of lives of the faithful for millennia– Abram and Sarai setting out from Haran on a promise.

God has promised a child, and that Abram would be the progenitor of nations. Hmmm... he’s 75 and she’s 65. And yet, the promise will be fulfilled 25 years later!

There is much in the saga of Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, Ishmael, and Isaac over the 25 years that reveals ignoble behavior reflecting the culture and the time: slavery, surrogacy, harems, cowardice, deception. But the takeaway, supported by the Apostle Paul to the Romans, is Abraham’s obedience. And the many others' obedience who, through Abraham’s obedience, found the strength to follow and were reckoned righteous by God. 

What about us? Will we be obedient? Why not? Two commandments: love God and love your neighbor. Together we can do it!

Folks, we are at the top of God’s list to be conscripted for God’s wondrous, luscious, righteous work of redemption through particular purpose and obedience in this place.

And so we ask, in this time of war and fright and uncertainty, “What can we do?”

We can live into what Jesus says: We are salt. We are light. We are beloved. We are equipped. We are capable. But, are we willing?

In the middle of this season of Lent let us engage the Word and the world.

Bring a friend… ask a neighbor… invite a colleague to come to church. The children will usher, read, sing and inspire.

In great anticipation –

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A Particular Purpose

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, March 8, 2026

Dear Friends in Jesus –

This third Sunday of Lent, we begin... at the beginning. In the second chapter of Genesis it says, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and to keep it.”

How’d we mess this up? Created by God, in God’s image for a particular purpose – to serve, to till and keep, the garden. Let’s imagine what that means. It means we move from purpose to mission – doing God’s work in the world. Anything more important? More satisfying? More joyful? Nah – let’s talk about it this Sunday! Leave your vices, bad habits and God separators at home. Bring some friends –

See you in worship!

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Following the Captain

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, March 1, 2026

Dear Friends in Jesus –

Our Lenten Sundays will offer much hope and give us reason to take heart as we encounter the mysterious God who set aside privilege to reclaim those whom he loved into life, and unto death.

Throughout time there have been many descriptions of God’s people – some flattering, some not so. Through his core teaching Jesus tells us who and what we are:

1. We are blessed, we are salty - flavorful and sustaining people,

2. we are creatures of light, unashamed to shine.

Recognizing that the creator God cannot help but continue to create, we are charged with understanding our obedience in new ways as well.

I often mention our particularity at Second Church.

Next week we’ll be looking at a Particularity of Purpose. Then a Particularity of Obedience. This Sunday we Follow the Captain, the archegos, the pioneer and perfector of our faith who embraces us with open arms as we complete the race!

We are created, grown, equipped, and gathered together in this place for just ‘such a particular time as this.’

Let’s stride into this season and these chaotic times with chins up, heads held high, secure, not in our own righteousness, but in God’s love and purpose for each of us.

(BTW, let’s not keep this to ourselves. Invite a friend or someone whom you wish were!)

In anticipation –

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Salt Shakin'

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, February 22, 2026

Dear Friends in Jesus –

We preachers are often accused of filling the air with “should,” “ought,” and “must”—preaching everything in the imperative mood. Sunday I have the opportunity to speak more in the manner of Jesus. I get to speak in the indicative mood. In Sunday’s Gospel Jesus doesn’t say, “you ought to be like light to the world.” Rather he says, “you are the light of the world.” He doesn’t say, “go out and try to add some savor to a bland, tasteless world.” Rather, Jesus boldly asserts, “you are the salt of the earth.”

Why do we spend time together in church? On most Sundays we’re in church listening, singing, sometimes breaking bread to bolster our faith. But, based on this Sunday’s Gospel from Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount, maybe we are here to strengthen our faith in each other and ourselves. Or more accurately, to recognize and awaken ourselves to the faith that Jesus has in us!

It's SPK Sunday and we welcome our preschool children and parents into worship. Jasmine Crowder will sing for Gospel Sunday, accompanied by Bill Gesin. And we'll enjoy good eats and fellowship after worship.

Get a start on 100% attendance for Lent :)

In anticipation –

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It’s Good for Us to Be Here

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, February 15, 2026

This Sunday is… 

• the Sunday the children sing.

• our 3rd Annual Chili Cook-Off.

• Transfiguration Sunday – engaging the mountain top presentation of Jesus, Moses and Elijah in the clouds, and narrative commentary from- GOD?

On this last Sunday of Epiphany (Christ’s revealing of God’s self) we will position ourselves for the privilege and discipline of Lent. We will delight as the children sing, savor fellowship and culinary aspirations, and the mystery of the transfigured Jesus God who transforms us!

Here’s a request, an invitation and suggestion: perfect attendance for Lent?! I would bet that the last "30 Year Perfect Attendance Pin" went to Bobby Jordan years ago, never to be replicated in these modern times for any number of reasons. Perfect attendance need not span decades; here is the chance to come to either worship service or Saturday morning Bible study and be rewarded with a spiritual pin of joyful attentiveness.

In anticipation –

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Topsy-Turvy

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, February 8, 2026

Dear Friends in Jesus –

The Gospel writers Matthew and Luke each report significant sermons by Jesus – sermons that convey the tenets of his ministry. The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew) and the Sermon on the Plain (Luke) describe the topsy-turvy nature of our lives should we follow the way of Jesus.

Conditions of poverty, grief, suffering and insult are to be born knowing that there is plenty, joy, comfort and favor in a life of steadfast dedication in bearing the mysteries of God. Do we dare believe? Do we dare discount? These times demand we choose.

We are stewards under orders.

In anticipation –

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Snapshot for an Icy Weekend

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

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No 10:30 in person worship service on Sunday, February 1, 2026

Dear Friends in Christ –

Good evening.

After consideration and consultation I wanted to inform you of the decision to cancel ‘in person’ worship for this coming Sunday. All forecasts point to seriously icy conditions on the roads & bridges. Should you arrive, there is the danger of ice leading from the parking lot to the portico and over the stone to the portico.

I will record a message to be shared during our regular worship time. I’m proposing we share communion on Feb. 8th and our chili cook off will be held on Feb. 15th. There's still time to perfect the recipe! So…
 
This first Sunday of February I intended for us to engage the Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount – Jesus sharing primarily with his disciples as the multitudes have gathered just down the slope.

Jesus tells them of the topsy –turvy reality he has come to teach, embody and entrust to them. Both testaments bore the message and in it lies our key to navigating and surviving these times… with purpose and joy!

We’ll engage that next week. This week, I’ll share some thoughts from Nadia Boltz-Weber that speak to this incongruous life with which we are blessed. 
  
Face to face, eyes on the screen, or prayers converging, we will position ourselves together for the grace of God. 

Best love in Jesus –

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Foolishness?

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

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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.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

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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.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

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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.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

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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.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

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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.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

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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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