Sunday Bulletin

THIS IS GOD'S HOUSE - ALL ARE WELCOME

 “Meeting people at their point of need, Inviting all into a dynamic relationship with Christ”

LET US KNOW YOU WORSHIPED WITH US TODAY - Please fill out a contact card to assist with COVID-19 contact tracing and to let us know you worshiped with us today even if you are a member.

“I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord.”   Psalm 122, vs 1

Prelude Music                                                   

Praise Ye the Lord

Walther, Manz

 Processional Hymn    

Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!  Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee.

Holy, Holy, Holy!  Merciful and mighty!  God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

GATHERING AROUND THE WORD

Call to Worship

Psalm 19

Leader:     God has gathered us to this place,

People:     where we hear those stories which show us what the kingdom of God is like.

Leader:     God summons us to this place,

People:     where we can learn how to serve our God without reservation or hesitation

Leader:     God will send us from this place,

People:     to tell others of God's hopes and dreams, so they, too, can choose to follow God. 

-Thom Shuman, posted on his Lectionary Liturgies website.



Hymn                                                                 

Praise Ye the Lord, the Almighty

Praise ye the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!

O my soul, praise him, for he is thy health and salvation!

All ye who hear, now to his temple draw near; join me in glad adoration!

Praise ye the Lord, who o'er all things so wondrously reigneth,

Shelters thee under his wings, yea, so gently sustaineth! Hast thou not seen

how thy desires e'er have been granted in what he ordaineth?

Praise ye the Lord! O let all that is in me adore him!

All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before him!

Let the amen sound from his people again; gladly for aye we adore him!

Lobe den Herren

Invocation and Lord's Prayer (Unison)

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name.  Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.  Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen. 

CONFESSION OF SIN & ASSURANCE OF PARDON

Call to Confession (Unison)

When the busyness of our lives erodes the intentions of our hearts, merciful God, forgive us. When our personal agendas take precedence over reaching out to others, merciful God, forgive us. When we keep putting off being more active “doers of the word”, merciful God, forgive us. When we resist change, knowing that our acting and thinking are limited by our prejudice and ignorance, merciful God, forgive us. When we only half-listen to those who cry out to be fully heard, merciful God, forgive us.

Gracious and merciful God, forgive us for past faults and help us in the present and future to make ourselves more available to the hurting world that surrounds us— the world that begins on our doorsteps. Equip us to be patient and compassionate listeners, proclaiming the gospel not in overbearing ways but sensitively and lovingly. Strengthen us with the Holy Spirit to be fruitful and active witnesses to Jesus in all we do and say.

~ Moira Laidlaw, posted on Liturgies Online.

Silent Confession and Assurance of Pardon     

Response:   Thanks be to God!

 Gloria Patri

Affirmation of Faith, Apostles' Creed

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell*; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic** Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting.  Amen.

* ”hell” refers to the Hebrew word “Sheol,” a place of the dead, rather than the Hell of the final judgment.  

** “catholic” is Latin for “universal,” implying the Christian unity that exists beyond all denominations.

Anthem

"I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light"

I want to walk as a child of the light, I want to follow Jesus. God set the stars to give light to the world.

The star of my life is Jesus. In Him there is no darkness at all. The night and the day are both alike.

The Lamb is the light of the city of God. Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.

I want to see the brightness of God. I want to look at Jesus.

Clear sun of righteousness, shine on my path, and show me the way to the Father. In Him…

I'm looking for the coming of Christ. I want to be with Jesus.

When we have run with patience the race, we shall know the joy of Jesus. In Him…

Houston, Kathleen Thomerson (1970)

Pastoral Prayer of the People

Scripture Reading

James 1:17-27

Sermon

“Word”

Rev. Cress Darwin

Closing Hymn                                  

Love Divine, All Loves Excelling

Love divine, all loves excelling, Joy of heaven, to earth come down,

fix in us thy humble dwelling; all thy faithful mercies crown.

Jesus, thou art all compassion; pure, unbounded love thou art;

visit us with thy salvation; enter every trembling heart.

Breathe, O breathe thy loving Spirit into every troubled breast;

let us all in thee inherit; let us find the promised rest.

Take away the love of sinning; Alpha and Omega be;

end of faith, as its beginning, set our hearts at liberty.

Finish then thy new creation; pure and spotless let us be;

let us see thy great salvation perfectly restored in thee:

changed from glory into glory, till in heaven we take our place,

till we cast our crowns before thee, lost in wonder, love, and praise.

Hyfrydol

Benediction and Choral Response                      

Amen, Danish

Postlude                                                                   

Voluntary on ‘Hyfrydol’

Henry Coleman

2nd Presbyterian CCLI Lic. #2046860

INFORMATION/ANNOUNCEMENTS

Second Presbyterian is a church community where you will be known and nurtured. Have a prayer request? Please let us know here. Interested in joining Second? Find more about becoming a member here.

And get connected! Join a small group here. While we may be practicing social distancing these days, there are still ways to be involved and to offer your time, talents, and resources in service to others. Please reach out to our Director of Community and Communications Jordyn Pritchard to get connected.

Word

Online Church is posted on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. Watch here.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, November 8, 2020

Dear Friends in Christ –

A few years ago I was talking with Colin Kerr who at the time was our DCE, though now he’s the pastor of a new church plant up the road. We were finishing up a meeting. I asked him something and he looked straight at me and replied “word” and turned and left. 

I thought, he must think that was sufficient. Then I thought it must be something positive, a concurrence, an ascent. I wasn’t sure so I did what every responsible seeker of truth should do in such a circumstance – I went to the Urban Dictionary. There it was: WORD. The definition? Well said, in agreement. I’ve used the word – "Word" a couple of times since with my daughters just to see their eyes roll. 

I’ve heard and I’ve always felt it to be true that the church has to be attentive to styles and language and music to be understood, to be effective. It's not that we pander to every new wave, but we respect that different folks respond in different ways to language and music. The history of the church bears witness. So how we worship, what we study and say and sing has an effect, a consequence. If we are to be the conduits of God’s love and justice, if we are to reach those who don’t yet know Jesus, we have to recognize that what we do and what we don’t is noticed. what we say and how we say it matters.

There has been a lot stated the last few weeks as truth. But is it? Or is it truthy? As I write this, the presidential election is still not decided. But more than this, our nation’s character is laid bare. It is as important as ever in our lifetimes to be discerning, to be brave, to be bold in service to God’s truth, God’s word.    

See you Sunday! (wash your hands!)

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Interested in becoming a member of Second Presbyterian? Email Cress for more information.

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

Prayer Ribbons

Ephesians 6:18—“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people.”

ADD A PRAYER RIBBON

Welcome to Our New Members!

The Session met, approved, and welcomed new members virtually this month.

We welcome into our fellowship these new members and commit to share the joys and trials as well as the responsibilities and rewards of Christian discipleship with them. We pledge our support and love, that we may all increase in the knowledge and love of God and grow toward the stature of Jesus Christ.

Get to know our new members here.

"Pastor Darwin's sermons resonated with me during quarantine. I always felt being a Presbyterian is right for me and when I continued to watch the online Second Pres sermons, I felt like I had found my church."

Interested in becoming a member of Second Presbyterian? Email Cress for more information.

A congregant has reported testing positive for COVID-19

Dear Friends in Christ –

We want to let you know that a congregant from the service on November 1st has reported testing positive for COVID-19. This person was not experiencing any symptoms at the time of the service and is not aware of when they were exposed, so out of abundance of caution we wanted to alert all congregants so that they can take appropriate caution, be aware of symptoms and be mindful of this fact as they engage the week ahead. Please quarantine and/or get tested if you were in relatively close contact or exhibit symptoms of COVID-19. The individual has reached out to those with whom they were in contact on Sunday and all those who filled out a contact card will be notified within the next 24 hours and we will do our best to contact those who were seated in close proximity to the individual.

Please pray for the quick recovery of the congregant (thankfully experiencing only mild symptoms at this time), for the congregation at large and all those who have been affected by COVID-19 this year.

Thankfully everyone was wearing masks on Sunday and distance was observed and we pray that transmission will be diminished as a result of all the precautions put in place. Please take this opportunity to review the Second Presbyterian Guidelines for In-person Worship and the guidelines for symptoms and testing from the CDC. Remember to fill out a contact card each week you attend- and continue to wear a mask, wash your hands, and find ways to care for others from a distance.

At this time we anticipate still offering a masked and distanced in-person service in the sanctuary as well as an online service this Sunday, November 8 at 10:30 a.m. As is the case each Sunday, the sanctuary, narthex, and service elements were cleaned after worship and the sanctuary will be cleaned on Saturday ahead of this week's service.

- COVID TASK FORCE
Headed by Katie Mai and Dan Tenpas

Donate and Give Back

CALL FOR DONATIONS

UPDATE: The clothes closet at Memminger Elementary is all stocked! Thank you to all who donated to help meet this need. Praise be to God! Please give to support CE and Second Presbyterian outreach initiatives.

Our neighbors at Memminger Elementary School have begun a clothes closet, and they have asked for donations of khaki and navy blue pants/skirts/skorts and polo-style shirts beyond what Hands of Christ have been able to provide. Because new clothing is in tight supply, donations of used, freshly washed clothing in good, wearable condition is greatly appreciated as well.

The needs include: 

• polo-style shirts, size 10-18 (M-XL), preferably white

• pants/skirts/skorts, size 10-16

Place your donations in the box in the lobby of the Education Building, and we will arrange for delivery to Memminger. 

GIVE ONLINE

Give to support Second, our mission, and our student ministry!

Volunteer Opportunities - November 2020

CLICK ON VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES BELOW TO FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION

The clothes closet at Memminger Elementary is all stocked! Thank you to all who donated to help meet this need. Praise be to God!

Communion Sunday Bulletin

THIS IS GOD'S HOUSE - ALL ARE WELCOME

 “Meeting people at their point of need, Inviting all into a dynamic relationship with Christ”

LET US KNOW YOU WORSHIPED WITH US TODAY - Please fill out a contact card to assist with COVID-19 contact tracing and to let us know you worshiped with us today even if you are a member.

“I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord.”   Psalm 122, vs 1

Prelude Music                                                   

“Amazing Grace”
Wilson Waddill

 Processional Hymn    

Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!  Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee.

Holy, Holy, Holy!  Merciful and mighty!  God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

GATHERING AROUND THE WORD

Call to Worship

Leader:     Keep awake, for God comes to us when we least expect him.

People:     Listen to God’s voice; he speaks and we hear his teaching.

Leader:     Share his teaching with one another; do not keep his word a secret. Tell of his wondrous deeds. 

People:     We hope in God.

Leader:     Let us worship the God of hope.

Hymn                                                                 

For All the Saints

For all the saints who from their labors rest, who thee by faith before the world confessed, thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest. Alleluia! Alleluia!

O blest communion, fellowship divine! We feebly struggle; they in glory shine; yet all are one in thee, for all are thine. Alleluia! Alleluia!

 From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast, through gates of pearl streams in the countless host, singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Alleluia! Alleluia!

Sine Nomine

Invocation and Lord's Prayer (Unison)

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name.  Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.  Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen. 

CONFESSION OF SIN & ASSURANCE OF PARDON

Call to Confession (Unison)

O God of mercy and goodness, you have asked us to serve you in sincerity and faithfulness. We confess that we have often gone through the motions without meaning what we have said and done.  You have asked us to serve you, but so often we worship other gods.  You are a holy God and you forgive our sins.  Forgive us for neglecting you and obeying other gods.  Forgive us for not being ready when you call to us.  Wake us up, O God, and forgive us in your mercy.

Silent Confession and Assurance of Pardon     

Response:   Thanks be to God!

 Gloria Patri



 Affirmation of Faith, Apostles' Creed

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell*; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic** Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting.  Amen.

* ”hell” refers to the Hebrew word “Sheol,” a place of the dead, rather than the Hell of the final judgment.  

** “catholic” is Latin for “universal,” implying the Christian unity that exists beyond all denominations.

Anthem

“The Lord's My Shepherd, I'll Not Want”

The Lord's my shepherd, I'll not want; in pastures green I lie. The Lord will lead me on my path with quiet waters by.
My soul will be restored again; my way the Lord will make. I'll walk the paths of blessedness, e'en for God's own name's sake.

Though I may walk through death's dark vale, yet will I fear no ill, for you are with me, your rod and staff me comfort still.
A table full you will provide in presence of my foes; My head with oil you will anoint my cup overflows.

Your love and mercy all my days will surely follow me. In God's own house forevermore my dwelling place shall be.

                                                                                         text: Ps. 23, Scottish Psalter, 1650
music: "Brother James' Air", JLM Bain, arr. Hopson

Pastoral Prayer of the People

Scripture Reading

Matthew 23:1-12

Sermon

“‘Do as I Say, Not as I Do’ - Pharisees and Scribes”

Rev. Cress Darwin

Communion Anthem

“Draw Us In the Spirit’s Tether”

Draw us in the Spirit’s tether, for when humbly in your name Two or three are met together, you are in the midst of them;

Alleluia!  Alleluia!  Here we touch your garment’s hem.

As disciples used to gather in the name of Christ to sup,

Then with thanks to God the giver, break the bread and bless the cup, Alleluia!  Alleluia!  So now bind our friendship up.

  text: Percy Dearmer, 1931
music: Union Seminary, Harold Friedell

The Great Prayer of Thanksgiving        

Leader:     The Lord be with you.

People:     And also with you.

Leader:     Lift up your hearts.

People:     We lift them to the Lord.

Leader:     Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

People:     It is right to give our thanks and praise.

Closing Hymn                                  

How Firm a Foundation

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord, is laid for your faith in God's excellent Word!
What more can be said than to you God hath said, to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled? 

"Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed, for I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand, upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

“The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose, I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
that soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake, I'll never, no, never, no, never forsake."

Foundation

Benediction and Choral Response                      

Amen, Danish

Postlude                                                                   

2nd Presbyterian CCLI Lic. #2046860

INFORMATION & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Second Presbyterian is a church community where you will be known and nurtured. Have a prayer request? Please let us know here. Interested in joining Second? Find more about becoming a member here.

And get connected! Join a small group here. While we may be practicing social distancing these days, there are still ways to be involved and to offer your time, talents, and resources in service to others. Please reach out to our Director of Community and Communications Jordyn Pritchard to get connected.

TODAY’S MUSIC:  Wilson Waddill is an MBA student at UNC Chapel Hill who studied music as an undergrad and grew up on James Island. He spent the last four years in New York City as a musician and elementary school teacher. Chapel Hill's temporary online learning format afforded Wilson the opportunity to return to Charleston while he pursues his MBA and the chance to reconnect with friends, family, and the wonderful people of 2nd PC. 

The first hymn today was composed by the great English 20th c. composer Ralph Vaughan Williams.  He wrote this tune, “Sine Nomine” (literally “without a name”) in 1940 as a new melody for this preexisting text. Nevertheless, Sine Nomine has become the melody most associated with “For All the Saints”.   The composer of the melody for today’s anthem, James Leith MacBeth Bain (1840-1925) was nicknamed “Brother James”; hence the tune he wrote is called ‘Brother James’ Air’.   The Communion anthem was composed by Harold Friedell in 1957.  He was for many years on the faculty of Union Theological Seminary in New York, hence the tune name “Union Seminary”.   The composer of the last hymn, “Foundation”,  is unknown, but it first appeared in an American collection in 1832.

‘Do as I Say, Not as I Do’ - Pharisees and Scribes

Online Church is posted on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. Watch here.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, November 1, 2020

Dear Friends in Christ –

How many times have you been told, "Do as I say, not as I do"? This phrase is somehow embedded in our psyche, but I don't really recall ever having been told that or saying that to my children or anyone else for that matter. Nor do I remember really hearing anyone else say that. Can that be true? I think so. And as I think about it, it's one more thing that has seems to have a bigger presence than reality. And it's really one of the least useful statements I can imagine. 

We find Jesus concluding his teaching ministry with this lengthy discourse at the end of Matthew; similar in length to the Sermon on the Mount. Whereas the Sermon on the Mount began with the Beatitudes (a series of blessings), here he begins by denouncing the scribes and Pharisees. And just as he concludes a lengthy set of conflicts with the religious elite he turns to address the crowds and his disciples and... continues his attack.

And what is he saying? He’s telling the people to respect what those in authority are saying but by no means do what they do, or what they don’t do. They don’t practice what they preach. 

We have a week coming up where we’ll help determine the future of our nation. Jesus makes it clear – we have one father (creator God), one master (Jesus the Christ), and one commandment that must be obeyed – to love God’s created, even ourselves, as we are loved. 

Last week Jeremiah reported that God would write on our hearts. I pray we read, listen to, take inspiration from and comfort in the radical message to be God’s conduit of justice and rightness for the dignity of all people- to uplift all people. It's not impossible together. We will do as we are told by Jesus. See you (or be seen by you) Sunday.

Best love in Christ –

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Interested in becoming a member of Second Presbyterian? Email Cress for more information.

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

November Youth Group

Get-together and Service Project

NOVEMBER 8, 2020

5:30-6:30 p.m.

Fellowship Hall

Middle and high school youth are invited to take part in a service project at the church Sunday evening, November 8, 2020. Please RSVP below to join the group in person or complete the service project as part of the group online.

• Members, new members, friends and neighbors are all invited, but please RSVP by submitting the form below.

• Masks are required and social distancing will be implemented.

• There will be room(s) set up to accommodate the group to ensure adequate spacing and safety.

Once a month, the middle and high schoolers will come together for Youth Group for a time of fun, fellowship, and service. The Youth Group mission is to be a light through service as the hands and feet of Christ in the world today. We can do that with activities in small groups, outside, or individually with a shared mission if that’s what is best. All programming and events will be mindful of the realities of COVID at the time.

SIGN UP FOR YOUTH GROUP 2020-2021

Reformation Sunday Bulletin

THIS IS GOD'S HOUSE - ALL ARE WELCOME

 “Meeting people at their point of need, Inviting all into a dynamic relationship with Christ”

LET US KNOW YOU WORSHIPED WITH US TODAY - Please fill out a contact card to assist with COVID-19 contact tracing and to let us know you worshiped with us today even if you are a member.

“I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord.”   Psalm 122, vs 1

Prelude Music                                                   

“A Mighty Fortress,” Kittel, Pachelbel

 Processional Hymn    

Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!  Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee.

Holy, Holy, Holy!  Merciful and mighty!  God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

GATHERING AROUND THE WORD

Call to Worship

Psalm 19

Leader:     Grace to you and peace from God our Creator and the Lord Jesus Christ. Let the people praise God’s great and awesome name.

People:     Mighty God, lover of justice, we praise your holy name. Let us give thanks to God.

Leader:     Increase your love for one another and give thanks to God.

Hymn                                                                 

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, Ein feste Burg

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing.  Our helper he, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe.  His craft and power are great, and armed with cruel hate,
on earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing, were not the right man on our side,
the man of God's own choosing.   Dost ask who that may be?  Christ Jesus, it is he.  Lord Sabaoth his name,
from age to age the same,  and he must win the battle. 

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us, we will not fear, for God hath willed
his truth to triumph through us.   The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him. His rage we can endure,
for lo, his doom is sure.  One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth.  The Spirit and the gifts are ours
through him who with us sideth.  Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also.

The body they may kill; God's truth abideth still.    His kingdom is forever. 

Invocation and Lord's Prayer (Unison)

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name.  Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.  Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen. 

CONFESSION OF SIN & ASSURANCE OF PARDON

Call to Confession (Unison)

God of many blessings, we forget all that we have.  We are shattered when misfortune strikes and fail to see anything good.  Forgive us our lack of perspective.  Remind us of all that we do have and help us to quit focusing on what we do not have.  Forgive us those times when we have been careless with your creation, careless with each other, and indifferent to the problems surrounding us.  Restore to us your grace, mercy and peace.

Silent Confession and Assurance of Pardon     

Response:   Thanks be to God!

 Affirmation of Faith, Apostles' Creed

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell*; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic** Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting.  Amen.

* ”hell” refers to the Hebrew word “Sheol,” a place of the dead, rather than the Hell of the final judgment.  

** “catholic” is Latin for “universal,” implying the Christian unity that exists beyond all denominations.

Anthem

Siyahamba/We Are Marching”, South African

We are marching in the light of God.   We are dancing/singing/praying

Pastoral Prayer of the People

Scripture Reading

Jeremiah 31:31-34

Sermon

“Written on the Heart,” Rev. Cress Darwin

Closing Hymn                                  

Great Is Thy Faithfulness, Faithfulness

Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father; there is no shadow of turning with thee.
Thou changest not; thy compassions they fail not.  As thou hast been thou forever wilt be.

Refrain:  Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness! Morning by morning, new mercies I see.
All I have needed thy hand hath provided. Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!

Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest, sun, moon, and stars in their courses above
join with all nature in manifold witness to thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love. [Refrain]

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide,
strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow: blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside! [Refrain]

Benediction and Choral Response                      

Amen, Danish

Postlude                                                                   

A Mighty Fortress, Praetorius

2nd Presbyterian CCLI Lic. #2046860

INFORMATION/ANNOUNCEMENTS

Second Presbyterian is a church community where you will be known and nurtured. Have a prayer request? Please let us know here. Interested in joining Second? Find more about becoming a member here.

And get connected! Join a small group here. While we may be practicing social distancing these days, there are still ways to be involved and to offer your time, talents, and resources in service to others. Please reach out to our Director of Community and Communications Jordyn Pritchard to get connected.

Written on Your Heart

Online Church is posted on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. Watch here.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, October 25, 2020

Dear Friends in Christ –

Jeremiah was not a popular guy. He was conscripted by Yahweh for a particular purpose: to deliver a message of unrelenting judgement. The people despaired, but they were not moved to repent. Instead they heaped ridicule and contempt on God’s servant Jeremiah. They ridiculed him, beat him, put him in stocks, and dropped him into the mud of a dry well. 

But (I love conjunctions!) in the middle of the book, Jeremiah tells of Israel’s restoration – the promise of a new covenant. The passage in our text this Sunday speaks of a new covenant, a reentry into relationship that could only be achieved by God. "The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah" (Jeremiah 31:31).

Guess what – this new covenant isn’t written on tablets of stone, but on the heart of God’s people. 

Men and women, who are the prophets who mirror the times – these times? As we saw last week, sometimes the dragon wins no matter how hard we work or how smart we are. But this week we see in the sweep of God’s narrative of love, all the way from the first testament, God’s heart yearns for us ‘while we are yet sinners’ – those who have chosen our own path. 

Strong words for this time. Let us worship the God who will not let us go!

Live-streamed or safely distanced here in the house (sanctuary) – Let us seek Jesus, be found by Jesus together.

In anticipation –

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Interested in becoming a member of Second Presbyterian? Email Cress for more information.

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

Homecoming Sunday Bulletin

THIS IS GOD'S HOUSE - ALL ARE WELCOME

 “Meeting people at their point of need, Inviting all into a dynamic relationship with Christ”

“I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord.”   Psalm 122, vs 1

Prelude Music                                                   

Voluntary in G, John Stanley

 Processional Hymn    

Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!  Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee.

Holy, Holy, Holy!  Merciful and mighty!  God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

GATHERING AROUND THE WORD

Call to Worship

Psalm 19

Leader:     The heavens are telling the glory of God and the firmament proclaims His handiwork.

People:     The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul.

Leader:     Stand in awe of God, for His law and love endure forever.

People:           O God, let the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable in your sight.

Hymn                                                                 

My Hope Is Built, Solid Rock

My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' name.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand; all other ground is sinking sand.

When he shall come with trumpet sound, O may I then in him be found,
dressed in his righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand; all other ground is sinking sand.

Invocation and Lord's Prayer (Unison)

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name.  Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.  Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen. 

CONFESSION OF SIN & ASSURANCE OF PARDON

Call to Confession (Unison)

Loving God, you have given us commandments to guide us in our living.  Yet, we choose to be obedient to false gods, worshiping the whims of the moment.  Forgive us our power without compassion, our strength without gentleness.  Forgive our human weaknesses and help us to admit them.  Help us live out your commandments of love and service. In your name.

Silent Confession and Assurance of Pardon     

Response:   Thanks be to God!

 Affirmation of Faith, Apostles' Creed

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell*; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic** Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting.  Amen.

* ”hell” refers to the Hebrew word “Sheol,” a place of the dead, rather than the Hell of the final judgment.  

** “catholic” is Latin for “universal,” implying the Christian unity that exists beyond all denominations.

Anthem

"Shout to the North”, Charlie Hall/ Martin Smith, 1995

Men of faith rise up and sing of the great and glorious King.  You are strong when you feel weak; in your brokenness complete.

Chorus:  Shout to the North and the South, sing to the East and the West. Jesus is Savior to all, Lord of heaven and earth. Rise up women of the truth. Stand and sing to broken hearts who can know the healing power of our awesome King of love.  Shout…
We've been through fire we've been through rain; we've been refined by the power of your name

We've fallen deeper in love with you.  You've burned this truth on our lips.  Shout …
Rise up church with broken wings; fill this place with songs again of our God who reigns on high; by God’s grace again we'll fly.  Shout…

Pastoral Prayer of the People

Scripture Reading

Revelation 20:1-9

Sermon

“Sometimes the Dragon Wins,” Rev. Cress Darwin

Closing Hymn                                  

The Church’s One Foundation, Aurelia

The church's one foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord.   She is his new creation by water and the word.
From heaven he came and sought her to be his holy bride. With his own blood he bought her, and for her life he died.

Yet she on earth has union with God, the Three in One, and mystic sweet communion with those whose rest is won:

O happy ones and holy! Lord, give us grace that we, like them, the meek and lowly, may live eternally.

Benediction and Choral Response                      

Amen, Dresden

Postlude                                                                   

Psalm 19, Marcello

“Shout to the North” c. 1995,  Curious? Music UK.  CCLI #1562261, 2nd Presbyterian CCLI Lic. #2046860

INFORMATION/ANNOUNCEMENTS

Second Presbyterian is a church community where you will be known and nurtured. Have a prayer request? Please let us know here. Interested in joining Second? Find more about becoming a member here.

And get connected! Join a small group here. While we may be practicing social distancing these days, there are still ways to be involved and to offer your time, talents, and resources in service to others. Please reach out to our Director of Community and Communications Jordyn Pritchard to get connected.

Contact Card

We're glad you're here!

Please submit the form below to let us know you worshiped with us today.

THIS IS GOD'S HOUSE - ALL ARE WELCOME

 “Meeting people at their point of need, Inviting all into a dynamic relationship with Christ”

Sometimes the Dragon Wins

Online Church is posted on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. Watch here.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, October 18, 2020

Dear Friends in Christ –

There is a line from Fiddler on the Roof. The village has been attacked. The Jewish community is forced to load up what they can carry to escape the escalating violence. They embrace and say goodbye to friends whom they may never see again, they say to each other, “Next year in Jerusalem.” The phrase embodies their longing for home – a place that offers safety, familiarity, community, comfort. 

Many of you have asked, “When are we allowed back - back into the sanctuary in community, into the familiar that we may feel anchored, safe, encouraged in these times?” Answer: This Sunday! This Sunday we return to worship in proximity, safely distanced, masked up, together. Will it be the same? Yes. Will it be different? Yes. Will the Spirit of God be with us? Oh, yes. We will have the chance to inhale the essence of the space that has gathered and held God’s own for two centuries. 

The text is Revelation 20. The title? "Sometimes the Dragon Wins."

Folks, we have learned that the building cannot contain our ministry. The building cannot restrict our responsibility to each other or the claims of the gospel. But the building stands as a beacon for us and those who are to come who long for that which they may not even know they yearn for – the mysterious power and love of Jesus. 

So, bring your mask. Wash your hands. Come home. We will live stream the service for those unable to attend. Let’s come together online, or in the pew. See you Sunday.

In great anticipation –

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Interested in becoming a member of Second Presbyterian? Email Cress for more information.

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