You Aren’t Who You Think You Are

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

---

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, April 26, 2026

Dear Friends in Jesus –

When we think about ourselves, most of us think that our selves are the result of what we have managed to make of our lives. That my self is whatever I have chosen, worked, decided, lived through and strived to be.

The Bible has a very different take on who we are. Who we are, says scripture, is not what we put together for ourselves, but what God has put together in us. Scripture says less of our earnest search for God; rather more typical of the Bible is to assert God's search for us.

May we be found… in worship on Sunday!
 
In anticipation, 

---

Click here to view all Second Presbyterian Church videos. Find upcoming events and announcements here.

We Had Hoped...

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

---

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, April 19, 2026

Dear Friends in Jesus –

This Sunday Luke continues the narrative of Christ’s resurrection in a way that resonates today. It resonates in opposition to tweets, texts and Instagram. Luke tells of a face to face encounter on the road. There follows discussion/conversation among the travelers. This leads to a connection resulting in an invitation to share a meal. In the sharing of the meal there is discovery of the one who said he would rise! And that discovery mandates action – those who have seen are compelled to proclaim and share what they have witnessed – Jesus is alive!  

In this age of internet chatter, fast food, and isolation, the 2000 year old narrative points us toward real fellowship, face to face discourse, rampant hospitality and joyful witness.
 
Join me Sunday and let’s live it!

In anticipation,

---

Click here to view all Second Presbyterian Church videos. Find upcoming events and announcements here.

The Day After

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

---

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, April 12, 2026

Dear Friends in Jesus –

Jesus came that we might have life, and have life in abundance. During Lent we imagined what that would look like as particular people in God’s particular purpose through Second Church. Not just that we would not know want, but that we would know abundant joy, generosity, holy purpose,  caring for God’s creation, preserving truth, heartfelt worship, promoting social righteousness, and living like we mean it!

Last Sunday we celebrated the resurrection – the pivotal moment in the cosmos!

So, what do we do the next Sunday? Easter II is often known as Low Sunday. No mystery here. Lower energy, lower attendance. Maybe, but I’m not a subscriber. I don’t buy it and won’t!

The narratives we return to each year beg us to see things in fresh ways, through resurrection eyes.

Sunday we remind ourselves why we may live in hope in the midst of wars, fires, floods and folly.

Ain’t nothing low about it. Let’s take another chance to celebrate salvation together!

Someone you haven’t seen in a while? Give ‘em a call.

See you Sunday –

---

Click here to view all Second Presbyterian Church videos. Find upcoming events and announcements here.

A New Beginning

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

---

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026

Dear Friends in Jesus –

The Christian writer Barbara Johnson suggests, “we are Easter people in a Good Friday world.”

I’d say that some days, these days, it may feel that way, yet we know that even though these feelings are real they’re not always based on fact. However, there does seem to be a real convergence right now!

Have wars and oppression, and hunger, and displacement always been around? Sure, but not with such intensity, rancor, or carelessness as we experience now. What’s different? For one thing, communication platforms that aren’t always linked to truth, kindness, or reality.

This may feel like a "Friday" moment in time, but I’m called to cling to a Tony Campolo sermon, 'Sundays Comin’!’

He tells of his old pastor rising to preach as he, Campolo, sat down rather satisfied with himself as they were having a ‘preach off.’ The old man tells him, "get ready," and he rises. He preaches for, could have been an hour! He starts off, “It was Friday and  Jesus was hanging dead on the tree. It was Friday, but… SUNDAY’S COMIN’!”  

Folks, today is Friday and the circumstances we abhor and we decry and we flail against may not disappear in two days, but on the third day we will celebrate the fulfillment of God’s promise.

I will proclaim, “He is risen!” and you will affirm the mysterious truth we know, “He is risen indeed!”

Invite everyone you know to experience the joy that is ours!

See you in worship!

---

Click here to view all Second Presbyterian Church videos. Find upcoming events and announcements here.

Look, The Whole World Has Gone After Him

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

---

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, March 29, 2026

Dear Friends in Jesus –

One of the great things about the lectionary and high holy days is that as they occur, we get to engage the same scripture, the same narrative as believers, across the street or around the world.

So as we begin the final approach to Jerusalem, we all come together to ‘the parade.’ Children wave palms, trumpets blare, lowly donkeys around the world are elevated as much is made of Jesus of Nazareth- the audacious, the insolent, the disruptive- rides into town.  

A colleague of mine noted when Jesus traveled around the ancient world, he did so on foot. He walked from village to village, from plateau to lakeside, from Galilee to Jerusalem. Right up until Palm Sunday. On Palm Sunday, the gospels tell us, Jesus rode. What led Jesus to upgrade for this leg of his trip?

Maybe he wanted to make a statement. He knew the people’s longings. Maybe he felt their hope, their anticipation, so entered the city like the Messiah as the prophet Zechariah had promised.

I suggest it was the first leg of the invasion!

See you in worship. Invite someone –

---

---

Click here to view all Second Presbyterian Church videos. Find upcoming events and announcements here.

Are We Wearing Blinders?

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

---

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, March 22, 2026

As we look at the signs of renewal all around us, let’s take a look at our relationship with God and God’s relationship with us. We will start with the profit Ezekiel and his field of dry bones and from there we will work our way to our “everyday” encounters with God.

Join us on Sunday as we flesh out one of those amazing passages in the Old Testament that leads us to the wonder that is Easter.

-Ken Carrington

---

---

Click here to view all Second Presbyterian Church videos. Find upcoming events and announcements here.

A Particular Obedience

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

---

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 –

---

---

Click here to view all Second Presbyterian Church videos. Find upcoming events and announcements here.

A Particular Purpose

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

---

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!

---

---

Click here to view all Second Presbyterian Church videos. Find upcoming events and announcements here.

Following the Captain

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

---

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 –

---

---

Click here to view all Second Presbyterian Church videos. Find upcoming events and announcements here.

Salt Shakin'

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

---

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 –

---

---

Click here to view all Second Presbyterian Church videos. Find upcoming events and announcements here.

It’s Good for Us to Be Here

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

---

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 –

---

---

Click here to view all Second Presbyterian Church videos. Find upcoming events and announcements here.

Topsy-Turvy

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

---

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 –

---

---

Click here to view all Second Presbyterian Church videos. Find upcoming events and announcements here.

Snapshot for an Icy Weekend

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

---

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 –

---

---

Click here to view all Second Presbyterian Church videos. Find upcoming events and announcements here.

Foolishness?

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

---

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,

---

---

Click here to view all Second Presbyterian Church videos. Find upcoming events and announcements here.

Baptized and Equipped: Becoming Beloved Community

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

---

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.

---

---

Click here to view all Second Presbyterian Church videos. Find upcoming events and announcements here.