November is Thornwell Emphasis Month

Thornwell’s mission is to prevent child abuse and neglect, build and reunite families, and support healthy communities in the name of Jesus Christ. Founded in 1875 in Clinton, South Carolina, by a Presbyterian minister to care for orphans from the civil war, Thornwell still cares for abused, neglected, and abandoned children, while also providing innovative ministries to strengthen families throughout Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.

Timothy was just 13 when he arrived at Thornwell, but he had already experienced more heartbreak than many will in a lifetime. Timothy witnessed his own father’s death. Before that, Timothy was placed in foster care with his sister when their mother went to jail. They were reunited, but only briefly, when he was placed in foster care again. He often cried inconsolably for hours. He needed the extra support that Thornwell could provide. His trauma affected his whole person. He walked on tiptoes because no one had ever taught him any other way. He used foul language regularly because that’s all he heard at home.

At Thornwell, Timothy lived in a loving family setting where he heard and learned acceptable language. He got the physical therapy he needed for walking properly and the emotional therapy for learning to calm himself. He also learned of God’s love for him.

In our own faith walk, let us remember Timothy’s journey from unimaginable suffering to faith and love, and give generously to Thornwell. The special offering will be given on November 21st, the Sunday before Thanksgiving.

Reminder of our worship safety guidelines

In-person worship guidelines:

Due to the significant rate of COVID-19 community transmission, the CDC continues to recommend indoor masking in public settings for everyone. While a large portion of our congregation is vaccinated, there is a significant number of children who have not yet had the opportunity to be vaccinated, which affects the health and safety of the vulnerable and immunocompromised among us. Please continue to wear a face mask in church, 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.

Thank you for your continued consideration.

Volunteer Opportunities - November 2021

CLICK ON VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES BELOW TO FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION.

Please volunteer your time in some way to an upcoming event or to serve on Sunday mornings. Find more event information here, support the work of Second online here, and contact Jordyn to find out more about how to get involved or to help coordinate future volunteer opportunities. Thank you!

THORNWELL EMPHASIS MONTH – Thornwell’s mission is to prevent child abuse and neglect, build and reunite families, and support healthy communities in the name of Jesus Christ. Read about Timothy, who was just 13 when he arrived at Thornwell, here.

In our own faith walk, let us remember Timothy’s journey from unimaginable suffering to faith and love, and give generously to Thornwell. The special offering will be given on November 21st, the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Give here today.

Sunday Bulletin- October 31

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

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

ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS

 Elder, Class of 2023: Dan Tenpas

The officers who were installed in absentia and who have been invited to participate in person in the service Sunday are:

Elders, Class of 2023: Jessica Brock, Joshua Peyton-Hall, and Sarah Mitchell

Elders, Class of 2024: Nathan Walker

Deacons, Class of 2023: Sally Caithness, Carol Howe, and Erin Mellen

INTERGENERATIONAL WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY – Women of all ages are invited to a monthly bible study, meeting next on Monday, November 1st at 6:30 p.m. outdoors at Robbie Staubes’ house in Mt. Pleasant. Everyone is welcome and extra copies of the study will be available at the meeting.

INCLUSIVE BIBLE STUDY IN THE PARK – This new monthly study meets on November 2nd at 6:00 p.m. as LGBTQ+ affirming community open to everyone. The group meets outdoors in the park in front of the church the first Tuesday of each month for Bible study and fellowship.

THIS FRIDAY, NOV. 5th, 7:30 pm in our sanctuary - FREE  The College of Charleston Concert Choir will present a fall concert entitled “Songs for Thanksgiving,” featuring the choral cantata ‘Song for Thanksgiving’ by Ralph Vaughan Williams, Fürchte dich nicht by Johann Sebastian Bach, Exultate by Brian Galante, and Trinity Te Deum by Erik Essenvalds. “Song for Thanksgiving” will feature College of Charleston President Andrew Hsu as Narrator. Guest musicians will include members of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, choristers from Christ Our King-Stella Maris School led by Suzanne Atwood, Dr. Julia Harlow, organist.

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)

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.

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 Danger of Being Risk-Averse

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

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, October 31, 2021

Dear Friends In Christ —

What kind of title is that for a sermon? Well, if it’s the title for a sermon on Matthew 25:14-30 — the second sermon in a series, Jesus Talks About Money, its spot on. I know we’ve all heard this, ‘The Parable of the Talents,’ but I wonder if we really comprehend what Jesus is teaching.

Is it capitalism – the first two servants work and secure a good return for their off-site master and are invited into his joy? Is it about the third servant and his timidity that’s judged harshly? What is the message Jesus wants to convey to his disciples as he prepares them to carry on without him? And for us as well?

I believe it speaks to boldness against fear — important for us as we navigate these rancorous and volatile times.  

In anticipation –

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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.

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

What Jesus Says About Money Sermon Series

Rev. Darwin preached on What Jesus Says About Money leading up to Commitment Sunday, November 14, 2021 when we came together to commit our 2022 pledges in covenant with God and one another, but you can still pledge!

Make your pledge through our safe and secure online giving platform Realm®, place your pledge card in the offering plate on Sunday, or deliver it to the church office. Once you create an account, Realm® makes giving quick and easy, and allows you to support the ministries of Second Presbyterian Church of Charleston in the future with just a click or text.

We are blessed by your faithful commitment to God's work at Second Church.

“Jesus Talks About Money” Treasures in Heaven; Do Not Worry, Matthew 6:19-25, 31-34

“The Danger of Being Risk-Averse” The Parable of the Talents, Matthew 25:14-30

“The Failed Trap” The Parable of the Tenants, Luke 20:20-27

Sunday Bulletin- October 24

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

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

TRUNK-OR-TREAT – Come be part of an afternoon of costumes and fun with music, games, a fire truck(!), contests, and lots of candy today from 4:00-5:30 p.m. Please arrive at 3:30 if you signed up to host a car for trunk-or-treating. Everyone is welcome! This is a chance for children of all ages from church, SPK, and the neighborhood to get candy and don their costumes, but also a fun opportunity for the whole community to gather outdoors and enjoy some time together.

TAYLOR FESTIVAL CHOIR – Pathways to Healing concert in the sanctuary today at 4:00 p.m. celebrating the role of the music in the healing of mind, body, and spirit. The concert will be preceded by a panel discussion beginning at 3pm, featuring leading physicians, clergy and artists considering the role of beautiful music in healing. More information at www.2ndpc.org/events.

YOUTH GROUP – Middle and high schoolers are invited to stay after the Trunk-or-Treat event this evening until 7:00 p.m. for pizza and s’mores. Contact: Ken Carrington, ce@2ndpc.org. Text @2pcyouth to 81010 for youth reminders.

INTERGENERATIONAL WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY – Women of all ages are invited to a monthly bible study, meeting next on Monday, November 1st at 6:30 p.m. outdoors at Robbie Staubes’ house in Mt. Pleasant.

INCLUSIVE BIBLE STUDY IN THE PARK – This new monthly study meets on November 2nd at 6:00 p.m. This affirming community bible study meets outdoors in the park in front of the church the first Tuesday of each month.

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)

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.

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.

Jesus Talks About Money

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

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, October 24, 2021

Dear Friends In Christ —

This Sunday we begin a series, What Jesus Says About Money. Yes, NPR and other major organizations have completed their annual funding drives and the church, in its necessity to prepare budgets for next year, must do the same. The difference is this: other organizations are just that, other. Some provide services, some entertainment or information, but the church, the gathering of Christ followers, offers a balm for these times, and all times.

To offer the way of Jesus leads to purpose, repair, and restoration of God’s realm. We shall love the Lord our God with our hearts, our minds, and our strength. Jesus talks about how we can accomplish God’s work. He was not afraid to talk about money, nor should we be.  

In anticipation –

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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.

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

Sunday Bulletin- October 17

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

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

CHILDREN & YOUTH SUNDAYS are the third Sunday of each month. We welcome the children’s choir, a youth liturgist, children and youth ushers, and their help with a lemonade stand to benefit missions on the portico after church on these special Sundays. See the children after the service and find out more about the Peace and Global Witness Special Offering. This offering draws Presbyterians together in the pursuit of peace and it allows the church to create and share resources to deal with conflict of all kinds and provide nurturing reconciliation as we work with, and stand in support of, our global siblings. A portion of the offering is held for local reconciliation work, which our congregation designates for the Tywanza Sanders Legacy Foundation. The peace of Christ belongs to people everywhere.

TRUNK-OR-TREAT – Invite friends and neighbors for an afternoon of fun, music, games, festive contests, and fellowship on October 24th from 4-5:30 p.m. Please sign up to decorate your car for the trunk-or-treating on the portico today after church. This is a chance for little ones from church, SPK, and the neighborhood to get candy and don their costumes, but also a fun opportunity for the whole community to gather outdoors and enjoy some time together.

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)

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.

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.

New Beginnings

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

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, October 17, 2021

Dear Friends In Christ —

This Sunday we engage a most dynamic, sweeping narrative, the most inspiring intergenerational saga that is and has been the bedrock for God’s beloved for millennia! 

Three of civilization’s faith communities stem from one family of Semitic nomads from 4000 years ago. Our scripture contains challenge and promise and we see that even Yahweh can change tack. The message is this, “The path to my heart is your obedience and your love.” God offered favor, privilege and relationship, though pride and ambition torpedoed the effort. 

Yet, the man Abram succeeded. Not always pretty, but in his obedience he was reckoned righteous by God. And now it’s our time, our task, our privilege to leverage the history of this place for God’s greater good. 

This family, this Second Church Family is on God’s list as conscripted for God’s luscious, wondrous work of reclamation!

What we get to do!

See you in worship!

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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.

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

Sunday Bulletin- October 10

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

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.

INTERGENERATIONAL WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY – Women of all ages are invited to a monthly bible study meeting on Monday, October 11th at 6:30 p.m. outdoors at Robbie Staubes’ house in Mt. 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.

TRUNK-OR-TREAT – Come be part of an afternoon of fun, music, games, festive contests, and fellowship on October 24th from 4:00-5:30 p.m. We need peanut-free candy and small prize donations, which will be collected in the foyer of the education building through Oct. 17th. Please sign up to decorate your car for the trunk-or-treating. This is a chance for little ones from church, SPK, and the neighborhood to get candy and don their costumes, but also a fun opportunity for the whole community to gather outdoors and enjoy some time together. ALL are welcome.

CHILDREN’S CHAPEL – Make sure your children are in church this week if they would like to sing with the children's choir next Sunday! The children will be singing “This Is the Day” after the processional during the church service Sunday, October 17*. You can help your child practice at home. Please make sure your child attends Sunday School that week at 9:30 a.m. or is dropped off in the Chapel by 10:00 a.m. to prepare and enter worship together with the group.
*Children & Youth Sundays are the third Sunday of each month. We welcome the children’s choir, a youth liturgist, children and youth ushers, and their help with refreshments on the portico after church on these special Sundays.

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)

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.

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.

God Who Saves

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

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, October 10, 2021

Dear Friends In Christ —

The Psalms offer us something so human, so relatable, and at times quite messy. They encompass and share with us the wide range of human emotion. In the Psalms we find everything from despair, grief, suffering to joy, awe, and praise and sometimes, like Psalm 22, we find all these things rolled into one.

The Psalms remind us that we are not alone and that we can take our whole selves with all our mess, all our questions and all our joy to God. For we trust that God hears, God cares, and God saves. Come let us gather together to worship the One who loves us with an everlasting love.

Grace and Peace,
Margaret

The Reverend Margaret Fleming is from Mount Pleasant, SC. She attended Columbia Theological Seminary and graduated in May 2020 and was ordained into the validated ministry of chaplaincy in Second's sanctuary in April 2021. Margaret and her husband Will have been worshipping at Second since 2017.

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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.

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

Trunk-or-Treat

On Sunday, October 24 from 4:00-5:30 p.m., bring your children and grandchildren for outdoor fun and an extra excuse for kids to don their costumes for Trunk-or-Treat! Whether or not you have kids dressing up, please come and decorate your car and be part of the afternoon of fun, music, games, contests, and fellowship. We need peanut-free candy and small prize donations, which will be collected in the foyer of the education building, and sign up to decorate your car for the trunk-or-treating. This is a fun opportunity for the whole community. ALL are welcome.

Invite your friends, family, and neighbors! Everyone is welcome.