Monthly Community Small Group

This community small group meets the first Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at Edmund’s Oast to discuss LGBTQIA issues and the Church.

Join a group to walk in the Charleston Pride parade Saturday, June 25th. All are welcome to join to “plant seeds of love” in the community. We will meet in the church parking lot at 8:30 a.m. (the parade starts at 9 a.m.). Sign up soon! Email aledpritchard@gmail.com for more information.

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Inclusive Bible Study in the Park

LGBTQ+ folks, allies, and those who support the inclusivity of PC(USA) churches are invited for a new small group hosted by Second Presbyterian and open to churches across Charleston. We will enjoy fellowship, support, and studies. Meet us the first Tuesday of every month from 6-7:30p.m. in the park in front of Second Pres, with rain location under the portico on the church steps.

Everyone is welcome.

CONTACT: Jordyn Pritchard or Sarah Harbin

 

Please fill out the form if you’d like more information:

Sunday Bulletin- September 26

THIS IS GOD'S HOUSE - ALL ARE WELCOME

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


Download this week's bulletin as a PDF

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.

WORSHIP CONTACT CARD

INFORMATION & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Are you looking for a church home where you can make a difference for the God we serve and where you will be known, nurtured, challenged?  We welcome you and invite you to spend some time with us.

NEW MEMBERS CLASS – Interested in joining? You’re invited to the October new members class. Second Presbyterian is a church community where you will be known and nurtured. Please contact Pastor Cress if you would like to find out more about becoming a member or call the church office, 843-723-9237.

CHILDREN’S CHAPEL – After the Children's Time during the service, children 6th grade and under are invited next door for a time of fun and faith formation to learn songs, basics of the faith, and how worship is a continuous response to God’s grace.

SUNDAY SCHOOL & SMALL GROUPS are back! Sunday and midweek groups are a great way to get involved, grow spiritually, and build relationships. More information at 2ndpc.org/small-groups. 

  • SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH, & ADULTS Sundays at 9:30 a.m. 

  • WOMEN'S PODCAST GROUP Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m. (Zoom)

  • THURSDAY SMALL GROUP at 6:30 p.m. (meeting at people’s homes, outdoors for now)

  • MEN'S GROUP Friday mornings at 6:00 a.m. (in-person and Zoom options)

  • WEDNESDAY NIGHT WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY TBA (contact Sue Henderson if interested)

  • BIWEEKLY MIDDAY BIBLE STUDY TBA (contact Bill Jewell if interested)

SPECIAL OFFERING – The Peace and Global Witness Offering helps us imagine together as a whole Church a witness to the God of Peace. This offering, collected on October 3rd, is shared with our presbytery and the PC(USA) Mission board to engage in peacemaking and build ministries of reconciliation locally and across the globe. Our congregation retains a portion, which last year was designated for the Tywanza Sanders Legacy Foundation.

TAG SALE – The second annual church-wide Tag Sale will be held October 7-9th. Donations are now being collected! Contact: Dawn McCready or Debbie Smith.

WORSHIP SAFETY GUIDELINES – Due to the high rate of COVID-19 community transmission, the CDC is recommending indoor masking in public settings. Please wear a face mask, even if you are fully vaccinated. Please worship from home if you are exhibiting any COVID-like symptoms, are aware of an exposure, or have been asked by a school or other institution to quarantine or isolate.

THE STEEPLE PROJECT moves forward and fire damage repairs are underway. Read more about the details of the project here →

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. 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.

CLICK HERE FOR THE PRAYER LIST & UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS
 
 

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.

Does Comparison Kill?

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m. in-person, following CDC guidelines, and live streamed here.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, September 26, 2021

Have you been in the deadly cycle of comparison? This Sunday we are going to look at 3 people that are taken out by comparison. Two of which I am sure you can pick out, but one that may surprise you.

Stephen Popadich is the leader of Young Adults at Seacoast Church. He has lived in Charleston now for 8 years with his wife Nicole and two kids Owen and Anacapri.

WORSHIP SAFETY GUIDELINES: Due to the high rate of COVID-19 community transmission, the CDC is recommending indoor masking in public settings. Please wear a face mask, even if you are fully vaccinated. Please worship from home if you are exhibiting any COVID-like symptoms, are aware of an exposure, or have been asked by a school or other institution to quarantine or isolate.

Interested in becoming a member of Second Presbyterian? Email Cress for more information and dates for upcoming new members classes.

give online
get connected


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

Source: sermons

Sunday Bulletin- September 19

THIS IS GOD'S HOUSE - ALL ARE WELCOME

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


Download this week's bulletin as a PDF

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.

WORSHIP CONTACT CARD

INFORMATION & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Are you looking for a church home where you can make a difference for the God we serve and where you will be known, nurtured, challenged?  We welcome you and invite you to spend some time with us.

WORSHIP SAFETY GUIDELINES – Due to the high rate of COVID-19 community transmission, the CDC is recommending indoor masking in public settings. Please wear a face mask, even if you are fully vaccinated. Please worship from home if you are exhibiting any COVID-like symptoms, are aware of an exposure, or have been asked by a school or other institution to quarantine or isolate.

CHILDREN’S CHAPEL – After the Children's Time during the service, children 6th grade and under are now invited next door for a time of fun and faith formation to learn songs, basics of the faith, and how worship is a continuous response to God’s grace. 

SUNDAY SCHOOL & SMALL GROUPS are back! Sunday and midweek groups are a great way to get involved, grow spiritually, and build relationships. More information at 2ndpc.org/small-groups. 

  • SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH, & ADULTS Sundays at 9:30 a.m. 

  • WOMEN'S PODCAST GROUP Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m. (Zoom)

  • THURSDAY SMALL GROUP at 6:30 p.m. (meeting at people’s homes, outdoors for now)

  • MEN'S GROUP Friday mornings at 6:00 a.m. (in-person and Zoom options)

  • WEDNESDAY NIGHT WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY TBA (contact Sue Henderson if interested)

  • BIWEEKLY MIDDAY BIBLE STUDY TBA (contact Bill Jewell if interested)

THANK YOU to everyone who donated school supplies for our Hands of Christ partner schools:  Buist, Charleston Progressive, Charleston Development, and Simmons-Pinckney.  We collected 130 notebooks, 54 glue sticks, 70 markers, 238 pencils, 25 scissors, 12 rulers, 58 boxes of crayons, and 94 erasers!  If you can help bring HOC deliveries to schools in the coming weeks please contact David, dmsavard@aol.com.

PRESBYTERIAN DISASTER ASSISTANCE is the refugee and disaster response program of the PC(USA). You can find out more information here and respond to the devastation of Hurricane Ida and the recent earthquake in Haiti and other crises with your prayers and by donating directly. Give, Act, Pray.

SUNDAY SCHOOL KICK-OFF – Sunday School classes for all ages begin meeting September 19th at 9:30 a.m. in the education building.  We also are excited to announce that children's choir is starting up again next week!   After the children's time on Sundays, they will meet in the chapel to learn new music and prepare to sing in upcoming services. All ages welcome!

INTERGENERATIONAL WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY – A new monthly bible study opportunity where women of all ages are invited to get together beginning Tuesday, September 21st at 6:30 p.m. outdoors at Robbie Staubes’ house in Mount Pleasant. We’ll get together to explore What My Grandmothers Taught Me: Learning from the Women in Matthew’s Genealogy of Jesus.  Their stories will lead us into the gospel, the good news about Jesus Christ and by exploring these stories together, we will have a richer idea of what the good news is. 

CHARLESTON ACADEMY OF MUSIC, in residence here at Second Presbyterian, will hold a benefit concert Sunday, September 19th at 4:00 pm in our sanctuary.  CAM faculty will perform:  Abigail Kent, harp, with John Samuel Roper, flute, Zac Hammond, oboe, and CAM Executive Director Irina Pevzner, pianist; featuring music of CPE Bach, Poulenc, Glière and Al Ravin.  Tickets are $30 (students free) available online at www.charlestonacademyofmusic.com; the proceeds benefit the CAM Scholarship Fund.  More info at info@charlestonacademyofmusic.com.

SPECIAL OFFERING – The Peace and Global Witness Offering helps us imagine together as a whole Church a witness to the God of Peace. This offering, collected on October 3rd, is shared with our presbytery and the PC(USA) Mission board to engage in peacemaking and build ministries of reconciliation locally and across the globe. Our congregation retains a portion, which last year was designated for the Tywanza Sanders Legacy Foundation.

TAG SALE – The second annual church-wide Tag Sale will be held October 7-9th. Donations are now being collected! Contact: Dawn McCready or Debbie Smith.

THE STEEPLE PROJECT moves forward and fire damage repairs are underway. Read more about the details of the project here →

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. 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.

CLICK HERE FOR THE PRAYER LIST & UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS
 
 

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.

Why are there cracks in the steeple?

Why are there cracks in the steeple? Steel and plastic.

There are four steel rods placed within the masonry of the tower that would have supported a taller steeple if ever one was added. Those steel rods are very long to support such a structure, and each is set 10” back from the face of the bell tower, the walls of which are 90” thick. The rods would have been made of high-carbon steel available at the time (the sanctuary was completed in 1811), and high-carbon steel is prone to rust and the expansion of that rusting steel caused the cracking in the surface over the years. Thankfully none of the repairs or cracks are structural in nature and the cracks are being cleared of deteriorated material and filled with bricks and mortar that is of similar composition.

The cracking very likely occurred in recent decades after fire damage was repaired in 1960. At that time, the architect suggested elastomeric paint, which was again suggested during repairs after Hurricane Hugo in 1989. Elastomeric paint provides a strong, long-lasting, watertight coating. The benefits of the paint in this application ended up creating a setting well-suited to rust metal. Since masonry absorbs moisture, the bell tower masonry took in moisture over the years and the elastomeric paint, effectively a plastic coating, kept the moisture from being able to evaporate. That held moisture likely exacerbated the rusting of the embedded steel rods in recent decades. The bell tower has begun to look more pink as the crew strips the white elastomeric paint to be replaced with a masonry paint more appropriate for this application.

Patterson explains why there are cracks in the steeple, why the bell tower looks more pink than white at the moment, and the interesting things we've come to learn during the restoration of the steeple.

The Second Presbyterian Church of Charleston's bell tower has been undergoing repairs since January 2020 as part of the vision of the Steeple Fund started in November 2019. A lightning strike caused a fire in the top of the bell tower on April 19, 2020, the full scope of which took many months to assess. Restoration was able to resume in July of 2021.

GIVE TO THE BELL TOWER 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.

Homecoming Sunday Bulletin- September 12

THIS IS GOD'S HOUSE - ALL ARE WELCOME

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


Download this week's bulletin as a PDF

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.

WORSHIP CONTACT CARD

INFORMATION & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Are you looking for a church home where you can make a difference for the God we serve and where you will be known, nurtured, challenged?  We welcome you and invite you to spend some time with us.

WORSHIP SAFETY GUIDELINES – Due to the high rate of COVID-19 community transmission, the CDC is recommending indoor masking in public settings. Please wear a face mask, even if you are fully vaccinated. Please worship from home if you are exhibiting any COVID-like symptoms, are aware of an exposure, or have been asked by a school or other institution to quarantine or isolate.

TODAY – Join us after church for refreshments and an Opportunities Fair to find ways to get connected and serve.

SMALL GROUPS are back! These midweek groups are a great way to get involved, grow spiritually, and build relationships. More information at 2ndpc.org/small-groups. 

·       WOMEN'S PODCAST GROUP Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m. (Zoom)

·       THURSDAY SMALL GROUP at 6:30 p.m. (meeting at people’s homes, outdoors for now)

·       MEN'S GROUP Friday mornings at 6:00 a.m. (in-person and Zoom options)

·       WEDNESDAY NIGHT WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY TBA (contact Sue Henderson if interested)

·       BIWEEKLY MIDDAY BIBLE STUDY TBA (contact Bill Jewell if interested)

FINAL DAY OF THE SCHOOL SUPPLIES DRIVE for our Hands of Christ partner schools. What we collect at Second will be offered to Buist, Charleston Progressive, Charleston Development, and Simmons-Pinckney. Supplies are being collected in the narthex on Sundays or can be dropped off in the church office during the week. We are collecting: washable markers, blunt point scissors, crayons, sharpened #2 pencils, rulers, erasers, glue sticks, single subject spiral notebooks (wide-ruled), and marble composition books. We will also need drivers to make the deliveries to the schools on occasion. Please contact David to be added to the list.

PRESBYTERIAN DISASTER ASSISTANCE is the refugee and disaster response program of the PC(USA). You can find out more information here and respond to the devastation of Hurricane Ida and the recent earthquake in Haiti and other crises with your prayers and by donating directly. Give, Act, Pray.

SUNDAY SCHOOL KICK-OFF – Sunday School classes for all ages begin meeting September 19th at 9:30 a.m. in the education building.  We also are excited to announce that children's choir is starting up again next week!   After the children's time on Sundays, they will meet in the chapel to learn new music and prepare to sing in upcoming services. All ages welcome!

INTERGENERATIONAL WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY – A new monthly bible study opportunity where women of all ages are invited to get together beginning Tuesday, September 21st at 6:30 p.m. outdoors at Robbie Staubes’ house in Mount Pleasant. We’ll get together to explore What My Grandmothers Taught Me: Learning from the Women in Matthew’s Genealogy of Jesus.  Their stories will lead us into the gospel, the good news about Jesus Christ and by exploring these stories together, we will have a richer idea of what the good news is. 

CHARLESTON ACADEMY OF MUSIC, in residence here at Second Presbyterian, will hold a benefit concert Sunday, September 19th at 4:00 pm in our sanctuary.  CAM faculty will perform:  Abigail Kent, harp, with John Samuel Roper, flute, Zac Hammond, oboe, and CAM Executive Director Irina Pevzner, pianist; featuring music of CPE Bach, Poulenc, Glière and Al Ravin.  Tickets are $30 (students free) available online at www.charlestonacademyofmusic.com; the proceeds benefit the CAM Scholarship Fund.  More info at info@charlestonacademyofmusic.com.

TAG SALE – The second annual church-wide Tag Sale will be held October 7-9th. Donations are now being collected! Contact: Dawn McCready or Debbie Smith.

THE STEEPLE PROJECT moves forward and fire damage repairs are underway. Read more about the details of the project here →

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. 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.

CLICK HERE FOR THE PRAYER LIST & UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS
 
 

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.

Believing and Belonging

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m. in-person, following CDC guidelines, and live streamed here.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, September 12, 2021

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Dear Friends in Christ – 

It's 79 degrees, hardly any humidity, soft sunshine, blue sky, and I’m blue.

I write on September 10 - one day before the 20th Anniversary of 9/11. That’s all that need be said, 9/11.Two decades have passed and we are still in tribes whose lines are more thickly drawn than ever. 

So we come together because we need to. We need experiences from the tedium and rancor that can infuse each day. We look forward to release, relief, and recovery from the 24/7 headlines, so we gather. We assemble where we are welcomed, where we are known, where we find nurture. We come to be reminded whose we are, and reminded that we will face hardships – but not alone. 

 

UPDATED WORSHIP SAFETY GUIDELINES: Due to the high rate of COVID-19 community transmission, the CDC is recommending indoor masking in public settings. Please wear a face mask, even if you are fully vaccinated. Please worship from home if you are exhibiting any COVID-like symptoms, are aware of an exposure, or have been asked by a school or other institution to quarantine or isolate.

Interested in becoming a member of Second Presbyterian? Email Cress for more information and dates for upcoming new members classes.

give online
get connected


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

Source: sermons

2021 Sunday School Opportunities!

SUNDAY SCHOOL

We are excited to announce that renewed Sunday School opportunities will return to Second Pres for the 2021-2022 academic year! Join us for Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. beginning September 19, 2021.

Adults and children 3 years+ are required to wear a mask in accordance with CDC and local recommendations. Please do not attend in-person groups or events if you are exhibiting any COVID-like symptoms, are aware of an exposure, or have been asked by a school or other institution to quarantine or isolate. Church staff, Sunday school teachers, and nursery workers are fully vaccinated and will be following CDC guidelines.

Find out more about midweek bible study groups here and events and announcements here.

And sign up for text updates through Remind below, make sure you’re receiving the Friday “Snapshot” emails or your Sunday bulletin to keep up with what’s going on at Second. We would love to have you involved in continued discipleship and fellowship opportunities here at Second.

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SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES FOR ADULTS

Young Professionals & Adults Class

You're invited to join a group of adults upstairs in the conference room on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. to explore the wonders and complexities of being Christian in the world today. This group is discussion-led and self-directed, touching on topics such as practical theology, bible basics, and current issues.

CONTACT: Amy King, Aled Pritchard

The Present Word Class

This renewed group is welcoming new members in the continued  study of “The Present Word" with Sue Henderson and other leaders. Each quarter the curriculum focuses on a different theme and set of books of the Bible as a way to study the Bible over a six-year period. This quarter's focus is "Justice and the Prophets." This group meets in the downstairs classroom.

CONTACT: Sue Henderson

THE NURSERY is located downstairs at the end of the kindergarten hall. Nursery workers and volunteers are here bright and early to welcome your children into the nursery 10 minutes before Sunday school or church.

Please email Ken to volunteer in the nursery.

SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH

Pre-K, K & 1st grade | Downstairs

Children through 1st grade will meet with Mrs. Robbie in the back right classroom to learn about stories in the Bible through coloring, songs, and story-based lessons.

2nd - 6th grade children | Blue Room upstairs

Through Bible stories and activities, 2nd-6th graders will learn to love like God this semester with May Lebby up in the blue room at the top of the stairs between the youth room and conference room.

Youth Group | Youth Room

The 7th-12th graders will meet with Ken/Domonique in the Youth Room for a time of Bible study focused on "the good life" and what it means to be a follower of Christ.

CONTACT: Ken Carrington

CHILDREN'S CHAPEL | After the Children's Sermon during church, children 6th grade and under are invited next door for a time of fun and faith formation to learn songs, basics of the faith, and how worship is a continuous response to God’s grace.

You can now get text messages through Remind for important dates, group get-togethers, schedule changes, and other announcements. To sign up simply text the corresponding code below to 81010.

  • Church Announcements: @2pcchurch

  • Youth Group: @2pc-youth

  • Children: @2pckids

Bulletin- September 5

THIS IS GOD'S HOUSE - ALL ARE WELCOME

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


Download this week's bulletin as a PDF

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.

WORSHIP CONTACT CARD

INFORMATION & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Are you looking for a church home where you can make a difference for the God we serve and where you will be known, nurtured, challenged?  We welcome you and invite you to spend some time with us.

WORSHIP SAFETY GUIDELINES – Due to the high rate of COVID-19 community transmission, the CDC is recommending indoor masking in public settings. Please wear a face mask, even if you are fully vaccinated. Please worship from home if you are exhibiting any COVID-like symptoms, are aware of an exposure, or have been asked by a school or other institution to quarantine or isolate.

SMALL GROUPS start back this week! These midweek groups are a great way to get involved, grow spiritually, and build relationships. More information at 2ndpc.org/small-groups. 

·       WOMEN'S PODCAST GROUP Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m. (Zoom)

·       THURSDAY SMALL GROUP at 6:30 p.m. (meeting at people’s homes, outdoors for now)

·       MEN'S GROUP Friday mornings at 6:00 a.m. (in-person and Zoom options)

·       WEDNESDAY NIGHT WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY TBA (contact Sue Henderson if interested)

·       BIWEEKLY MIDDAY BIBLE STUDY TBA (contact Bill Jewell if interested)

SCHOOL SUPPLIES NEEDED for our Hands of Christ partner schools to supplement the small packets of supplies that will be part of this year’s HOC distribution. What we collect at Second will be offered to Buist, Charleston Progressive, Charleston Development, and Simmons-Pinckney. Supplies are being collected in the narthex on Sundays or can be dropped off in the church office during the week. We are collecting: washable markers, blunt point scissors, crayons, sharpened #2 pencils, rulers, erasers, glue sticks, single subject spiral notebooks (wide-ruled), and marble composition books. We will also need drivers to make the deliveries to the schools on occasion. Please contact David to be added to the list.

PRESBYTERIAN DISASTER ASSISTANCE is the refugee and disaster response program of the PC(USA). You can find out more information here and respond to the devastation of Hurricane Ida and the recent earthquake in Haiti and other crises with your prayers and by donating directly. Give, Act, Pray.

HOMECOMING SUNDAY and Opportunities Fair September 12th.

SUNDAY SCHOOL KICK-OFF – Sunday School classes for all ages begin meeting September 19th at 9:30 a.m. in the education building. 

INTERGENERATIONAL WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY – Announcing a new monthly bible study opportunity where women of all ages are invited to get together beginning Tuesday, September 21st at 6:30 p.m. outdoors at Robbie Staubes’ house in Mount Pleasant. We’ll get together to explore What My Grandmothers Taught Me: Learning from the Women in Matthew’s Genealogy of Jesus.  Their stories will lead us into the gospel, the good news about Jesus Christ and by exploring these stories together, we will have a richer idea of what the good news is. 

SAVE THE DATE – Homecoming Sunday September 12th | Sunday School Kick-off September 19th

TAG SALE – The second annual church-wide Tag Sale will be held October 7-9th. Donations are being collected now! Contact: Dawn McCready or Debbie Smith.

FROM SUE HENDERSON AND ERIN KERR, Co-Directors of SPK: Please observe these protocols to help us keep the children in our care safe. We are blessed to share our faith with these precious families at SPK! See full protocols here →

THE STEEPLE PROJECT moves forward and fire damage repairs are underway. Read more about the details of the project here →

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. 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.

CLICK HERE FOR THE PRAYER LIST & UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS
 
 

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.

A Time for Hope

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m. in-person, following CDC guidelines, and live streamed here.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, September 5, 2021

2ndpc sermon series book1.png

Dear Friends in Christ – 

A year ago…

"I was just sitting in the sanctuary. The cushions are up, stacked and covered with plastic. The hymnals and bibles removed from the pews to prevent spread of germs once we return. The sound of my footsteps ringing as I walk down the center aisle. Sometimes it takes a stark moment to shock us into recognition of how bizarre and disrupted these days are. 

"How fortunate are we to have each other and our common reservoir of strength for these times, the Spirit of God to give us direction, comfort, hope. 

"This Sunday we look to Paul’s letter to the Romans – his magnum opus it’s been called. Paul is writing to a congregation he did not start, to people he does not know in a center of empire he has never visited. He intends to stop in Rome on his way to Spain. This letter is his ‘calling card’ – the writings of a man who has spent two decades sharing the good news of the enfleshed Jesus God.

"This text speaks to our time, this time, these times as a virus rampages and civility and respect are in short supply. Into this moment God’s word breaks reminding us to be good citizens, loving disciples clothed in the light of God – the work we get to do this Labor Day. 

"Tune in and have your elements ready for communion!”

A year hence and here we are, living in faith, living in hope – still.

In anticipation and in confidence – 

 

UPDATED WORSHIP SAFETY GUIDELINES: Due to the high rate of COVID-19 community transmission, the CDC is recommending indoor masking in public settings. Please wear a face mask, even if you are fully vaccinated. Please worship from home if you are exhibiting any COVID-like symptoms, are aware of an exposure, or have been asked by a school or other institution to quarantine or isolate.

Interested in becoming a member of Second Presbyterian? Email Cress for more information and dates for upcoming new members classes.

give online
get connected


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

Source: sermons

Second Church Provides Audition Recording Venue for International Harp Contestant

You can hear Abby's video, recorded at Second, this Saturday, September 4th starting at 1PM, at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYJSsXiJFTA

Abigail Kent, harpist, has been recording in our sanctuary recently to audition for the International Harp Contest in Israel. In addition to being a doctoral student at the Juilliard School in NYC, she is a harpist with the Charleston Symphony, and she comes from right here, from Mount Pleasant. Second Church supports this rising star by providing the venue for her audition recordings, and Ken Carrington is her sound engineer. We'll hear Abby in our service later this fall. A few words from her about the competition:

"The International Harp Contest in Israel is the oldest and most prestigious solo harp competition in the world. Established in 1959, most of the contest's winners have gone on to continue established solo harp careers or have acquired coveted orchestra positions like the Berlin Philharmonic and New York Philharmonic. The competition is organized into four stages, where the first two contain solo works, the third is chamber music, and the final stage is a concerto with orchestra. Both the structure and the prestige of the contest make this the harp equivalent of the famous Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Because of the COVID situation around the world, the Israel competition has decided that the first two rounds will be virtual, and the final two shall be in person in Israel. The First Stage is premiering the pre-recorded videos of contestants from September 1-5."

The First Stage has 49 contestants from 22 countries, and 25 of these contestants will pass on to the Second Stage, which will also be premiered on Youtube. If Abby passes the first stage, her video will be shown September 12-14, and more information will follow if that happens. Of those in the Second Stage, only 9 will move on to the semifinal stage, and finally 3 will be chosen for the finals. Let's keep Abby in our thoughts and prayers as she continues to represent the Lowcountry on the world stage.

Julia Harlow, Director of Music

You can hear Abby's video, recorded at Second, Saturday, September 4 starting at 1PM

Intergenerational Women's Bible Study

Please fill out the form if you’d like more information:

 

Come for a monthly Bible study opportunity where women of all ages are invited to get together from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Robbie Staubes’ house in Mount Pleasant.

September through May we will get together to explore What My Grandmothers Taught Me: Learning from the Women in Matthew’s Genealogy of Jesus. Their stories will lead us into the gospel, the good news about Jesus Christ and by exploring these stories together, we will have a richer idea of what the good news is.  Extra copies of the lesson are available at each meeting. You can read more about each lesson here.

Lesson One: Family Trees
Tuesday, September 21st

Lesson Two: Tamar
Monday, October 11th

Lesson Three: Rahab
Monday, November 1st

Lesson Four: Ruth and Loyal Love
Monday, December 6th

Lesson Five: Ruth and Redemption
Tuesday, Jan. 25th postponed to Monday, February 21st due to the early 2022 surge of COVID cases

Lesson Six: Bathsheba and Naming Injustice
Monday, March 14th

Lesson Seven: The Scandal of Mary’s Christmas
Monday, April 4th at the church

Lesson Eight: Mary in the Faith and Tradition of the Church
Monday, April 25th

Lesson Nine: What Are These Women Doing in a Place Like This?
Monday, May 16th

Please do not come to in-person groups or events if you are exhibiting any COVID-like symptoms, are aware of an exposure, or have been asked by a school or other institution to quarantine or isolate.

Contact: Lucie Medbery and Sally Caithness

A note from SPK

Weekday Preschool and Kindergarten

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The Second Presbyterian Preschool and Kindergarten is in full operation.  We are working with our consultants on the MUSC Back to Business Team to ensure that our children stay safe and healthy.  We have some protocols that we would like to share with our church family:

·      During this time of high alert for the spread of covid, we do not allow anyone, but our staff and children in the school building (beyond the yellow doors) and outside play areas during school hours (8:15 a.m – 2:30 p.m.)  If you have business at the church, please enter from the front of the Education Building.  Someone is always here to let you into the building.

·      We do not allow visitors on our playground or in the Kindergarten building.  

·      We also, do not allow pets on the premises when children or staff are present. 

·      If you are involved in church work on the grounds or in the building, please do not open the gates or doors for strangers.  If a church staff member is available to speak with people seeking assistance, that person (either the Pastor or Suzann) will meet them on the steps of the building.  This is a very important security issue.

We are very grateful for the church family’s support of the Weekday Program.  Thank you for helping us keep the children in our care safe. We are blessed to share our faith with these precious families at SPK!

- Sue Henderson and Erin Kerr, Co-Directors

A New Small Group for Young Professionals and Adults

The group will resume meeting in early 2022 to read through Wholehearted Faith by Rachel Held Evans to discuss on Thursday evenings. Check the Facebook group for meeting details. Books have been ordered, please contact Jordyn if you’d like a copy.

Announcing a new group for young professionals and adults meeting weekly around Charleston to explore the complexities and wonders of being Christian in the world today. An inclusive and affirming space for deep discussions where you're allowed to bring what you think, feel, doubt, and fear to the table as we come to better understand the nature of God, the good news of Jesus, and the humanity of others.

* Midweek Wine & Cheese small group - Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. meeting at people's houses near downtown Charleston.

Everyone's welcome- no need to be at Second or even Presbyterian or anything- just join the Facebook group or email for the week’s meeting address. While COVID community transmission rates are high, we'll be meeting outdoors.

CONTACT: Amy King or Jordyn Pritchard