40 Days of Prayer: First Responders

First Responders:

Fire, Police, EMS and dispatchers work tirelessly to keep our tri-county area running.  They do the jobs no one should have to do and see things that no one should ever have to see.  They work day and night keeping us safe, saving our lives and our property, keeping a dutiful eye so that we may rest in peace.  The PTSD and suicide rates are growing annually and first responders are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty.  And while dispatchers are not likely to die in the line of duty they share in the high rate of suicide, since they take calls that are life and each day and seldom are they able to release the daily stress in healthy ways.

Pray especially during this time for those who are working full shifts and are unable to self-quarantine.  Pray for their families, pray for peace in the homes so that when they do return home they may find rest.  Pray that they may find the courage and strength of God in all they do and that, similarly, they seek helpful ways to not carry the stress for each incident. 

Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God. 

Matthew 5:8 NIV

'And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’  And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

Matthew 25:39-40 ESV

40 Days of Prayer: Mayor of North Charleston

Mayor of North Charleston:

Keith Summey has been the Mayor of North Charleston for 14 years.  The city has seen drastic change over those years. While North Charleston once thrived because of the Navy base, the citizens have had to come together and find new ways to grow and sustain the city. North Charleston is the third largest city in the state; it’s one of the state’s major industrial centers and the state’s top city in gross retail sales. It is a city of blue collar workers, many who are taking a major hit in these times.
 
Pray for Mayor Summey and his wife, Deborah. Pray for wisdom in the coming weeks. Pray for their family, as they are all in leadership around our city and county. Pray that as he continues to lead, the Lord will continue to direct him.
 

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

Romans 13:1 NIV

40 Days of Prayer: Mini-Easter

Mini-Easter:

We come again to another “mini-Easter” in our Lenten season. This season has taken on a whole new meaning during a time of anxiety, fear, and the general sense of the known. I can only imagine that this may be how the disciples felt on Holy Saturday. They didn’t know the outcome. They had been scattered and I’m sure they felt alone and scared. But we know how the story ends… it ends on Easter morning with the resurrection of a King. We may not know yet how this coronavirus story is going to end, but we do have a book that tells us that as the followers of Jesus Christ we will claim the victory of death, victory over illness. For now we feel separated, not able to come together as the body of Christ, but we know that this is not the end. We will gather again and we will continue our calling as members of the body at Second Pres together. It’s not over… it has a happy ending.

May we celebrate today the new things the Lord is doing and is going to do through us as the body of Christ on the Eastside of Charleston. Pray… speak to the Lord, praise the Lord for all He has done and all that is to come! He wants to hear your concerns, He wants to hear your fears and He wants to give you peace and joy. 
 

A psalm. A song. For the dedication of the temple. Of David. I will exalt you, Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me. Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me. You, Lord, brought me up from the realm of the dead; you spared me from going down to the pit. Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people; praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. When I felt secure, I said, “I will never be shaken.” Lord, when you favored me, you made my royal mountain stand firm; but when you hid your face, I was dismayed. To you, Lord, I called; to the Lord I cried for mercy: “What is gained if I am silenced, if I go down to the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your faithfulness? Hear, Lord, and be merciful to me; Lord, be my help.” You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.

Psalm 30:1-12 NIV

40 Days of Prayer: Mayor of Charleston

Mayor of Charleston:

Mayor John Tecklenberg just won his second election as mayor of the City of Charleston. The city itself comes with a lot of responsibilities. It is one of the top destinations for people all over the states and internationally; the city relies on tourism. It is also a large port city which brings in products from all around the world. It’s a city with a dwindling crime rate due to the hard work of the mayor’s office. Now Mayor Tecklenberg has the duty to serve and protect his people during a worldwide pandemic. This was set to be a year of celebration as we mark 350 years as a city, but Charleston is a city that has historically risen out of the ashes and, despite the weeks ahead of us, together, with good leadership, we will do so again.

Pray for the Mayor and His wife, Sandy. Pray for strength and courage during these times. Pray that he will continue to seek the wisdom of our heavenly father as he moves forward making key decisions for the Holy City.
 

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

Romans 13:1 NIV

This Day

Find FAITH5 family discipleship resources to do at home here

Support Walk for Water

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, March 22, 2020

Dear Friends in Christ – 

There was a wedding last week. I got to welcome everyone - guests, wedding party, mom and dad and bride and groom by saying, “God is love and those who abide in love abide in God and God abides in them. This is the day the Lord has made -- Let us rejoice and be glad in it!”

It’s easy when This day that the Lord has made is a wedding day, or a holiday, or Easter Sunday, or super-sale Saturday, vacation days or the first day of Spring Break, but what about the other days? You see, This is the day includes all the days – divorce days, final exam days, surgery days and tax days – quarantine, social distancing, uncertain, coronavirus days. We have some days a-comin’.

This is the moment we lean into scripture, into each other and the arms of our God who promises to redeem even us!

Join me this Sunday at worship time, 10:30 a.m. online at www.2ndpc.org for a chat– a few words of encouragement and hope as we face these times together in a new format. We’ll continue to find ways to be church in this time of trial.  

In sober anticipation –

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Stay home, stay healthy and let’s flatten the curve! Sermon videos will be posted online for 10:30 a.m. on Sundays as we worship together from home.

FAITH5

Families,

Years ago I was introduced to Dr. Rich Melheim, who as a neurologist, put together the FAITH5, a wonderful program of keeping Christ in the center of your family. My family has been deeply blessed by the practices and it can take as little or as much time as you wish. Please take a second to watch the intro video and be on the lookout for more info soon as a resource to support and encourage you through this time of at-home family discipleship!

The FAITH5 steps:
• SHARE your highs and lows
• READ a Bible verse or story
• TALK about how the Bible reading might relate to your highs and lows
• PRAY for one another's highs and lows
• BLESS one another

40 Days of Prayer: CofC Students

Students at College of Charleston:

Every fall thousands of students descend upon the city of Charleston. Many come from religious backgrounds and immediately search out a church while many more fall away from their faith or never had a faith to begin with. Our city is called “The Holy City” because of the many churches within the confines of the peninsula. College students generally are seeking knowledge, seeking purpose, seeking identity, what an opportunity to help them find it in all in Jesus.

Pray for the students; pray that the Lord will pour His blessings upon them. Pray that those who are seeking will be drawn to people and places that help them on their journey. Pray that Second Presbyterian may find a way to reach out to the students. Pray for students around our nation as they are taken out of their living and learning spaces and put into a new system of learning.

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 3:14-15 NIV

Let's worship together- even while we're apart

Dear Friends in Christ:

The Session met Tuesday evening. After considering the latest information regarding the COVID-19 virus, it was decided to suspend Sunday worship until such time it is safe for us and those we love to gather again. This decision, made from love, not fear, is a statement of our care for each other and our community.

It was also decided that we not attempt to replicate the Sanctuary worship experience, but a more intimate time of welcome, prayer and proclamation. So rather than preaching to an empty hall, I’ll reflect on God’s word for us from my study. This will be available on the homepage at www.2ndpc.org beginning 10:30 a.m. on Sunday. Let’s determine to be of one body at that time!  

All other meetings and Bible studies held at the church are suspended with the prayer that we utilize different platforms to communicate and care for each other – email, text, Skype, FaceTime calls, written cards and notes, but most of all prayer. This is our chance to be the people of God for each other and the world. The need far exceeds our capacity, but not that of the one whom we serve. 

And don’t neglect to support your church through online giving. Our work depends on our generous obedience. 

“Let not your hearts be troubled – neither let them be afraid.”

In the hymn written for our 200th anniversary celebration, "Wragg Square", Mary Edna Fraser and Julia Harlow wrote, “Through earthquake, fire and hurricane, enduring wages of war, through many hardships which the Church sustained, our peace and hope we secure.” Through this hardship we shall be sustained in solidarity with each other and by our God!

Hallelujah! (Wash your hands:) 

In Christ,

40 Days of Prayer: Ill and Homebound

The ill and homebound of our congregation:

Throughout scripture we are challenged to take care of the poor, the sick, and the homebound. Often in the hurry of our Sunday morning routine we can fail to notice those who are not among us or those who have been missing or sick for a while. In this uncertain time they may feel even more disconnected from the body of Christ. A phone call or a note can be all it takes to make sure our body remains united during these times.
 
Our Second Family Prayer List currently includes: Jennie Harding, Jimmy Howe, Pat Garrett, Pat Mellen, Mary Taylor, Mary Shahid, Mary Wimberly, Catherine Castellano, Margaret Linton, Frank Buckley, Allston Kitchens, Charlie Girard, McKenzie Girard, Denise Girard, David McEachern, Kay McGaha, Winkie Welborn, Bill Thompson, and Maria Fitzharris.We know this list is not exhaustive and very well may grow in the coming days. Pray too for those not listed whom you know are healing or struggling or quarantined. Reach out in care for these people. While it may be important that we be prudent during this time, we can still show that we care. Check in with each other during these isolating times via text message, email, or phone call.

Pray that the Holy Spirit may fall upon them and comfort them. Pray that they not feel distant from their church home and give them courage to reach out when in need.

The Lord upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season. You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing. The Lord is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works. The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them. The Lord preserves all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord, and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.

Psalm 145:14-21 (ESV)

Stay connected

Second Presbyterian is a church community where you will be known and nurtured. Have a prayer request? Please let us know here.

And get connected! While we may be practicing social distancing these days, there are still ways to be involved! Please reach out to our Director of Communication and Community Development Jordyn Pritchard, to get connected with a small group if you’re not already part of one.

In a statement, US Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams called on healthy Americans to donate blood as we face shortages. This call came with the reminder that "social distancing does not have to mean social disengagement."

We are called to solidarity, not disengagement. Showing up right now might mean staying home, but this is our chance to be the people of God for each other and for the world. The need far exceeds our capacity, but not that of the one whom we serve. 

If you need a resource to help support and encourage you through this time of at-home discipleship check out FAITH5. This is a wonderful program to help keep Christ in the center of your family or group. 

Text, call, pray, wash your hands, and if you're healthy practice social distancing and go out and give blood. Find ways to show up for one another and the world even from a distance.

40 Days of Prayer: SIHAF

Sea Island Hunger Awareness Foundation:

“27% of Wadmalaw residents and 15% of Johns Island residents live below the poverty level. That is nearly 4,000 people who struggle with hunger here on the islands. Founded at the beginning of 2015, the foundation was formed from a desire to ensure consistent and dependable sources of food to reach the people in need.” 
 
Sea Island Hunger Awareness is a large drop in the bucket of hunger in our country.  They not only work to provide food and care for their community, but they also work to get clean water to those who don’t have it and live only miles from downtown Charleston. Often we see needs on the worldwide stage and it slips past us that our very neighbors are also in need.

Pray that the Lord blesses them with the resources need to continue their mission. Pray also that the Lord will draw volunteers to help in distribution of meals. 

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. 

Philippians 4:19 NIV

How can we be there for you?

We believe that we were created to live in friendship with one another, suffering and celebrating together. It's in these honest, loving relationships that God transforms us and the truth of Christ’s promises becomes a reality.

Please let us know if there are specific ways we can be in prayer for or of service to you and your loved ones.

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PRAYER REQUEST

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40 Days of Prayer: East Side

The East Side:

Charleston's East Side neighborhood is a tight-knit community that is looking for peace on their streets. People from outside of their community are bringing drugs and violence into their community. Community leaders are joining together to take back their once quiet neighborhood. The East Side is a beautiful canvas of races, faiths, and great diversity.

Pray for the people that live there, that they have the strength and courage to overcome and that they can find new ways to build together as a community. Pray for the community leaders of every faith that lead the East Side, that they may work together in harmony for the better.

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

1 John 1:7 (NIV)

One Anothering in a World Gone Mad

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, March 15, 2020

Dear Friends in Christ – 

We are looking at a world that seems to be in need of adjustment.  We looked together at some of the issues, some of the toxins that may sap our spirits, and corrode our capacity for joy, thereby robbing us of our inheritance as children of God. 

In Lent we’re taking the opportunity, the sanctioned opportunity to focus on ourselves, not to the point of self absorption, but so that we may identify those things which block us from the transforming love of God. 

Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Folks, Jesus is calling us to use this these times to follow him into the desert, into the thin places and to listen deeply for what he has to say to me and to you. To be willing to engage those wild beasts – fear,  dread, stress, anxiety – and know that in God’s care nothing will be destroyed that is worth keeping.  

“Let not your hearts be troubled.” But wash your hands!

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40 Days of Prayer: Mini-Easter

As people gather together for worship all around the world, we are reminded that we are in a time of Lent.  A time of denial and reflection as we walk together toward Easter.  We remember that these Sundays are a time to celebrate the upcoming resurrection of our Savior. 

But for many right now it may feel as though we have already come to Good Friday, when the world went dark and the curtain was torn in two. We remember, though, when the darkness came and the curtain was torn, it was then that we could CELEBRATE! Celebrate that the curtain is torn, that there is nothing standing between us and our resurrected Lord! While many may be nervous of what's to come, we know that our Lord is in our midst, that He calls us to celebrate all that was done on the glorious cross... yet again we are called to have a mini-Easter, even if you are not able to join us in church take time to celebrate our Risen Lord during this time that so many feel in the dark.

• Pray for our congregation and those that are most susceptible to illness.

• Go through the church directory and pray over every name, you may not know them, but you can still lift them up in prayer.

• Pray for our nation, that we are reminded to love thy neighbor and to be the light of Christ to all we meet.