“Some Things are Just Wrong; Knowing that Makes Us Human” – Rabbi Harold Kushner

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, June 13, 2021

“Human beings are the only creatures blessed, or burdened, with a conscience, awareness that there are some things we simply should not do.”

- Rabbi Harold Kushner

Dear Friends in Christ – 

In his book Nine Essential Things I’ve Learned About Life, Rabbi Harold Kushner covers a lot – he draws on eighty years of living as husband, father, rabbi, public figure. And as I read I unintentionally default to a position that the Jews are people of the law and Christ followers are people of love. I shake my head and see that I’m shown, in Kushner’s prose, that I do us both a disservice. He relates life events to Old Testament stories that convey universal truths – truths that are foundational to our faith through the New Testament. His scholarship is exhaustive. It sometimes leads to different, nuanced understanding of familiar texts. Can it be that Eve is the heroine of Eden? 

Next Sunday on Father’s Day we look at the chapter, "God is Not a Man Who Lives in the Sky" and on June 27, "Give God the Benefit of a Doubt."

As we allow ourselves to savor handshakes and hugs, let’s renew our faith, and welcome new members this Sunday.  

In anticipation –

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Interested in becoming a member of Second Presbyterian? There is an upcoming new members class. 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.

Update on the bell tower

We would like to inform the congregation that the fire damage repairs are on track to begin around the week of July 12th. Both the scaffold company as well as the timber framers will be available at this time. The building permit is in hand and materials with long lead times have been ordered. Budget discussions with the insurer are ongoing and we will be working to meet the project parameters within the provided budget.

Soon after the fire damage repairs begin, we will also restart the steeple crack and coating repairs. These projects will be happening simultaneously. It looks like the insurer is willing to meet most of our requests and we are looking forward to providing the Church with a successful project that we can all be proud of.

The fire sprinkler portion of the project remains under development at this time pending water flow tests, design and acceptance by the fire marshal. In the meantime, the fire sprinkler for the sanctuary is working as designed except for at the very top of the bell tower.

Thanks,
The Bell Tower Committee

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The bell tower has been undergoing repairs since January 2020 as part of the vision of the Steeple Fund.

Click here and sign into Realm and go directly to the Steeple Fund.

Check on the progress of the Bell Tower Project here.

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Our Facebook page is updated often! Find us on Facebook as "Second Pres Charleston" and make sure you 'Like' and choose 'See First' under 'Following' to be alerted with church information.

Pride Sunday

Pride Sunday Fellowship and Service

At the culmination of Pride Month, Second Presbyterian Church is hosting a community viewing of the pre-recorded PC(USA) worship service in the fellowship hall. This service will draw on themes of introspection, divine rest, surrender, and transformation. Casual service and a time of fellowship Sunday, June 27th at 5pm. Friends, visitors, and children welcome.

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Creator God,
you love all that you have created, and you celebrate the diversity of your creation. We ask that you give us the grace to celebrate our LGBTQ+ siblings as they live authentically in the world. Be with those who feel unsafe to live their true identity. May they know they are not alone and that you, the God of love, celebrates and affirms their lives. Teach us to honor and celebrate their gifts and help us to create a world in which your LGBTQ+ children are loved, accepted and celebrated, in every space and every place that speaks your name.
Amen.

Bulletin- June 6

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 - If you’re a visitor, online or in person, and would like more information please feel free to fill out a card or email Pastor Cress.

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.

Watch Second Presbyterian services and videos on YouTube, like Second on Facebook, and stay connected by signing up for our emails which offer a snapshot of upcoming church and missions events and announcements.

“Nine Essential Things I’ve Learned About Life” – Rabbi Harold Kushner

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, June 6, 2021

Dear Friends in Christ –

The 6AM Friday Men’s Group has been fortunate; the books we’ve chosen to engage have sparked some of the best conversations. I’m a fan of the small group model where you come to trust each other, you can express your doubts and disagreements and share in revelations. We’re engaging a book by Rabbi Harold Kushner who wrote Why Bad Things Happen to Good People. The book we’re studying is Nine Essential Things I’ve Learned About Life. Rabbi Kushner describes encountering similar challenges as we who follow Christ do. He speaks of congregants who have found that "religion as it's been presented to them throughout their lives is unworthy of either their intellectual respect or their emotional attachment." He has covenanted with them to show them, “not how old and time-tested their religion is, but how true belief can answer their most most profound questions about relationship, about life’s unfairness, about right and wrong, about revenge and forgiveness and about the meaning and purpose of their lives.”

I believe we face the same challenges as we seek to follow the Christ. Jesus was steeped in the First Testament. For four weeks we will engage the teachings that Jesus knew, believed and taught through the lens of love.    

In anticipation –

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Interested in becoming a member of Second Presbyterian? There is an upcoming new members class. 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.

Volunteer Opportunities - June 2021

CLICK ON VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES BELOW TO FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION

Bulletin- May 30

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 - If you’re a visitor, online or in person, and would like more information please feel free to fill out a card or email Pastor Cress.

You can still give to the Pentecost offering which helps our youth begin life with a strong start—a solid foundation of faith formed in the first third of life, from childhood through young adulthood. Give online or in the service.

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.

Watch Second Presbyterian services and videos on YouTube, like Second on Facebook, and stay connected by signing up for our emails which offer a snapshot of upcoming church and missions events and announcements.

How Can This Be? – Nicodemus

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, May 30, 2021

Dear Friends in Christ –

‘This is the moment to step back, be intentional and ask: What’s really important, and how should I focus on what matters? It’s a matter of ranking your loves and then making sure your schedule matches your rankings. “How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives,” Annie Dillard once wrote.’ –David Brooks

What better moment to look deep and remember (and remind each other) to live life as if we treasure it. As if it’s important. As if it's finite in this realm. As if we are, in fact, the beloved and commissioned of God.

This Sunday we examine the doctrine of the Trinity, one of the central Christian affirmations about God. We also remember those who have given their lives in defense of the nation. We also gather, sing, pray, relish both each other and our adoption as Christ's own. Plenty of time to beach it later. See you (or watch us) Sunday as we do what we get to –

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Interested in becoming a member of Second Presbyterian? There is an upcoming new members class. 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.

Piccolo Spoleto

Second Presbyterian Church is looking forward to hosting a few Piccolo Spoleto Spotlight performances again as well as The Sandwich Stop this year in conjunction with the first weekend of the Piccolo Spoleto Craft Show.

PICCOLO SPOLETO SPOTLIGHT SERIES

Second Presbyterian will host several concerts in the Spotlight series:

• Friday, May 28, 6pm on the portico

  • Hello Sax! Jonathan Kammer, saxophone quartet. Also Taylor Festival Choir professional a capella choral ensemble.

• Saturday, May 29, 6pm in the sanctuary

  • Charleston Academy of Music Faculty:  Abigail Kent, harp solo;  Violin, cello and piano trio

  • New Muse ensemble, Lydia Chernicoff, violin

  • Charleston Symphony Orchestra string quartet

• Sunday, May 30, 3pm in the sanctuary

  • Steve Rosenberg and Friends Renaissance and Baroque music

Bulletin- May 23

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 - If you’re a visitor, online or in person, and would like more information please feel free to fill out a card or email Pastor Cress.

The Pentecost offering helps our youth begin life with a strong start—a solid foundation of faith formed in the first third of life, from childhood through young adulthood. Give online or in the service May 23.

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.

Watch Second Presbyterian services and videos on YouTube, like Second on Facebook, and stay connected by signing up for our emails which offer a snapshot of upcoming church and missions events and announcements.

The Spirit In Hard Times

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, May 23, 2021

In the midst of our struggles and challenges, the Lord will deliver a spirit that will encourage us and liberate us to preach the good news of the Kingdom.

-Rev. Sidney Davis

Rev. Sidney Davis from Zion-Olivet Presbyterian will be leading our service this Sunday. Zion-Olivet’s choir, whom we have heard several times at our Maundy Thursday and Thanksgiving services, will provide beautiful gospel music as well.

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Interested in becoming a member of Second Presbyterian? There is an upcoming new members class. 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.

The Pentecost offering helps our youth begin life with a strong start—a solid foundation of faith formed in the first third of life, from childhood through young adulthood. Give online or in the service May 23.

Bulletin- May 16

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 - If you’re a visitor, online or in person, and would like more information please feel free to fill out a card or email Pastor Cress.

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.

Watch Second Presbyterian services and videos on YouTube, like Second on Facebook, and stay connected by signing up for our emails which offer a snapshot of upcoming church and missions events and announcements.

Every Ending Is a New Beginning

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, May 16, 2021

Dear Friends in Christ – 

Each day I receive a number of emails, some of which I look forward to and others I should ditch. I imagine this is you as well. One of the blogs/news summaries I read daily stated, “Dave here, in for Allison who is having a spa day while the rest of us stockpile $3 gas, ration Chick-fil-A sauce and try to avoid the plague. Welcome to the end times. Let’s get into it.” Then the very next day we’re delivered that which we’ve longed for - mask mandates lifted for the fully vaccinated! 

All of a sudden we face a new set of questions, an array of possibilities and a fear that an old ‘normal’ may be lurking full of behaviors, habits, and attitudes that needed to be left behind. 

I’m not sure when or if a normal will appear. Not only has the act of worship changed, but where and how we work, travel, and care for each other – we who are created in God’s image (what’s that mean?) how we carry the message of endurance, perseverance, hope and promise, how we proclaim good news – a reality of health and hope for a world still reeling and a plague not done. So why bother? Well, I'll quote my favorite Old Testament prophet: Isaiah reports God as saying, “I am doing a new thing. Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” 

I’m ready for what’s next. We’ll discern it together. See you in worship – can’t wait to see some smiles I’ve missed!

Best love -

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Interested in becoming a member of Second Presbyterian? There is an upcoming new members class. 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.

Covid-19 Task Force Update

Photo Credit: Andrew J. Whitaker for The Post & Courier

The CDC has announced new guidelines for people who have been fully vaccinated. In general, people are considered fully vaccinated:

• 2 weeks after second dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.

• 2 weeks after Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine.

Fully vaccinated people can worship without wearing a mask or social distancing. Per CDC recommendations, people who are not yet fully vaccinated should continue to wear masks and practice social distancing.

Pentecost Offering

Pentecost Offering May 23 | Give online today

The Pentecost offering helps our youth begin life with a strong start—a solid foundation of faith formed in the first third of life, from childhood through young adulthood.

Each year on Pentecost Sunday, we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit and the birthday of the church. The Holy Spirit remains with us still, connecting us with the church of the past, continuing to inspire the church of today, and pointing us to the church of the future. Each year, this celebration is marked by receiving the Pentecost Offering which nurtures the faith of those who are the church to come — children, youth, and young adults. Psalm 71 testifies that a foundation of faith established during childhood helps ensure lifelong faith and service. The patterns and lessons established during these formative years continue to bear fruit throughout a person’s life. By giving to the Pentecost Offering, your congregation participates in helping our children, youth, and young adults grow up to proclaim with the Psalmist, “O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds.”