Fourth Sunday of Advent 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 - 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.

THE ANGEL TREE is set up outside the sanctuary as a fundraiser to provide Emergency Life Packs through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance to support churches in border regions caring for refugees and asylum seekers. Please place an angel on the tree to signify a donation made. We are hoping to fund 5 packs for this missions initiative.

POINSETTIAS & LUMINARIES – Fill out the form and place it in the offering plate along with $15 each. Donations and forms may also be submitted online at www.2ndpc.org/give. Each luminary kit includes 10 flame-resistant bags and tea lights. White poinsettias can be dedicated in honor or memory of someone.

CHRISTMAS JOY SPECIAL OFFERING is an opportunity to join other Presbyterian churches throughout the country to support our PC(USA) leaders and honor the faithfulness of current and retired church workers in need. This special offering will be received December 19th.

TWO CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES, Friday, December 24th

• Family-friendly Candlelight service at 4:00 p.m. with a youth choir and processional pageant for any child who would like to join.

• Candlelight and Communion service at 11:00 p.m. (prelude music starts at 10:30 p.m.)

Christmas Day, Sat. Dec. 25th – an inspirational message from Pastor Cress will be emailed out (join our email list here).  No in-person service.   

Sun. Dec 26th – Sunday morning worship service, 10:30 a.m. No Sunday School.

SUPPORT SECOND – You can support Second Pres whenever you shop on Amazon. Use the link: bit.ly/2ndpcsmile or choose to support “Second Presbyterian Church” at smile.amazon.com and Amazon will automatically donate to Second Presbyterian with each purchase you make.

WORSHIP SAFETY GUIDELINES– Due to the high 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 wear a face mask in church, even if you are fully vaccinated.

MAKE YOUR 2022 PLEDGE TODAY! Pledge online at www.2ndpc.org/give or fill out a pledge card and place it in the offering plate in covenant with God and one another.

THE BELL TOWER REPAIRS – The project moves forward and fire damage repairs are underway. Read more about the details of the project here. And give toward the Steeple Fund 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.

Cook Funeral

Rev. Dr. Walter Cook’s funeral Saturday, December 18, 2021

Who Would Have Thought?

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, December 19, 2021

Dear Friends in Christ –

Sometimes it feels good to get out of town. Seems like right about now is a good time for a girl named Mary. There’s been a lot of talk. She’s pregnant. She’s also unmarried. Betrothed to a decent enough guy. Has a curious explanation how this could have happened, something about an angel suggesting that Mary had found favor with God. Hmm. Hard to believe. So as tongues wag and friends flee, it’s a good time to be off the streets. So she resolves to visit a cousin, Elizabeth.

Another curious circumstance. Elizabeth and her husband Zachariah were "righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless," but childless (Luke 1:5–7). All of a sudden, she’s pregnant. Another curious explanation. Again the angel. Mary believed. Zachariah questioned. Zachariah is struck mute and Mary goes to the country.

What happens there is the substance of our Gospel – our good news. Babies leap, two women find solace and inspiration in each other’s arms as our powerful, gracious God reveals a plan that will reclaim and restore creation. Wow. You won’t want to miss this. See you in worship. 

In anticipation –

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WORSHIP SAFETY GUIDELINES: Due to the high 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.

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.

Advent Devotional: Joy

After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. “The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.”
At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

Luke 1:24-25, 39-45

FINDING JOY IN THE UNCERTAINTY

Elizabeth was an older, faithful woman of the Lord, who was unable to have children. When Elizabeth miraculously conceives, there are two things verses 24-25 tell us to be of significance—one, she gives thanks to God for what God has done, is doing, and how God has redeemed her amongst her people and the text tells us she was in seclusion for five months.

We have lived in a world for nearly two years now, where we still hesitate to get close to one another, to open our arms wide and fully wrap ourselves in the warm embrace of loving hugs. Even now, we hesitate to get too close, frightened of the next variant that might take away our chances of being together.

Up until now, I had never comprehended the line of the text that tells us Elizabeth was secluded for five months of her pregnancy. In the sixth month her cousin, Mary, is visited by an angel announcing her own miraculous conception and immediately she goes to be with Elizabeth whom she has learned is also expecting.

I can imagine both women were experiencing anxiety, fear, shock, and uncomfortable uncertainty for their futures and the futures of their children. Yet, in the midst of all of that uncertainty, the text writes of joy. The joy of this relationship, the joy of two very special babies growing, the joy of knowledge (no matter how limited) that God is at work in this world and has created a way and has chosen them to be a part of it.

I wonder if we might be able to find joy in the uncertainty we constantly live in? As we sit in the flickering lights of the candles of hope, peace, and now joy, may we remain open to the holy moments of joy that can be found even in the darkest of places.

Peace and Joy,
Margaret

Third Sunday of Advent Bulletin with Pageant

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.

TODAY’S MUSIC: Charles Theodore Pachelbel was born in Stuttgart, Germany, baptized on November 24, 1690. His father, Johann Pachelbel, was a famous musician, the teacher of J.S. Bach’s older brother, and composer of the now-famous “Kanon in D”. In 1733 C.T. Pachelbel emigrated to the American Colonies, first to Boston, then to Newport, Rhode Island. He organized and gave concerts in New York City in the mid-1730’s. In 1737 he came to Charleston, married in St. Philip’s Church (a different building than the present edifice), had at least one child, and in 1740, became organist at St. Philip’s. He actively participated in the musical life of the city: on November 22, 1737 (perhaps his birthday?) he organized a concert of vocal and instrumental music, apparently the first public concert in the Charleston area. In 1749, the year before he died, he opened a singing school. Pachelbel died of an unknown illness in 1750, referred to as “lameness of the hands” and was apparently buried here, according to newspaper account. His “Magnificat” was composed while he was still in Germany. Its style is “polychoral”, often used by Italian composers in the earlier 17th c.: two groups, or choirs, alternate musical material. Guest musicians: Graham Jones and Elaina Gable, violins; Rachel Gangwer, viola; Maria Savelyeva, cello.

THE ANGEL TREE is set up outside the sanctuary as a fundraiser to provide Emergency Life Packs through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance to support churches in border regions caring for refugees and asylum seekers. Please place an angel on the tree to signify a donation made. We are hoping to fund 5 packs for this missions initiative.

POINSETTIAS & LUMINARIES – Fill out the form and place it in the offering plate along with $15 each. Donations and forms may also be submitted online at www.2ndpc.org/give. Each luminary kit includes 10 flame-resistant bags and tea lights. White poinsettias can be dedicated in honor or memory of someone.

CAROLING THIS EVENING – Meet in the fellowship hall at 5:00 p.m. for caroling around the neighborhood and hot chocolate afterward. Everyone is welcome!

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS – Youth are invited this Thursday, December 16th to meet at 5:00 p.m. to ride together to the Festival of Lights. Drop off and pick up at the Publix parking lot (520 Folly Road on James Island). Please RSVP with Ken or Jordyn, ce@2ndpc.org.

CHRISTMAS JOY SPECIAL OFFERING is an opportunity to join other Presbyterian churches throughout the country to support our PC(USA) leaders and honor the faithfulness of current and retired church workers in need. This special offering will be received December 19th.

TWO CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES, Friday, December 24th

• Family-friendly Candlelight service at 4:00 p.m. with a youth choir and processional pageant for any child who would like to join.

• Candlelight and Communion service at 11:00 p.m. (prelude music starts at 10:30 p.m.)

Christmas Day, Sat. Dec. 25th – an inspirational message from Pastor Cress will be available online.  No in-person service.   

Sun. Dec 26th – Sunday morning worship service, 10:30 a.m.

SUPPORT SECOND – You can support Second Pres whenever you shop on Amazon. Use the link: bit.ly/2ndpcsmile or choose to support “Second Presbyterian Church” at smile.amazon.com and Amazon will automatically donate to Second Presbyterian with each purchase you make.

WORSHIP SAFETY GUIDELINES– Due to the high 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 wear a face mask in church, even if you are fully vaccinated.

MAKE YOUR 2022 PLEDGE TODAY! Pledge online at www.2ndpc.org/give or fill out a pledge card and place it in the offering plate in covenant with God and one another.

THE BELL TOWER REPAIRS – The project moves forward and fire damage repairs are underway. Read more about the details of the project here. And give toward the Steeple Fund 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.

This is What You Do...

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, December 12, 2021

Dear Friends in Christ –

Scripture says that folk ‘from all over Judea’ came to hear John. They surely had heard what was going on in the desert. They weren’t going for a week at Atlantis or a day spa. John had been going around preaching – and the word he preached was the word he had received from God. ‘Prepare the way of the way of the Lord!’

They were summoned. The hoi polloi to the holy were called. Maybe for some it was a lark, a chance to get away and goof on the guy who bailed on a cushy temple job for the desert. Or there were others who felt a nudge to find out what this was about, some who longed for Messiah and wanted to be ready. John wasn’t coy- if anything he was callous.

But his purpose was clear: things had to change. Repent. Wade in the water. Salvation is near!

Sunday’s service will include the children's pageant, the choir's annual Advent offering and the Burgis baptism.

All children are invited to be part of the pageant and need to meet in the chapel at 9:30 to get in costume and rehearse ahead of the pageant at the beginning of the service.

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WORSHIP SAFETY GUIDELINES: Due to the high 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.

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.

Advent Devotional: Peace

And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins. By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Luke 1:76-79

PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD

The overarching theme for this Advent series is waiting with hopeful anticipation for the coming of the Lord. There are many different ways of waiting and many of them are not very pleasant. We can wait with anxiety and impatience, we can waste our time waiting, we can do everything and anything to distract ourselves from what we are waiting to happen, or we can do nothing. This Advent, what if we found another way to wait? 

I recently listened to a podcast, the host, Jen Hatmaker, interviews one of my favorite authors, the ordained Lutheran pastor Nadia Bolz-Weber. Bolz-Weber spoke of how Advent is a season of preparation; we are preparing ourselves and our hearts for the way of the Lord. 

Our text today is a brief section of Zechariah’s song of praise and prophecy after the birth of his son, John. John is proclaimed to be a prophet of the Most High and he is set apart to prepare the people for the coming of their Lord. 

Yesterday, we lit the second Advent candle, the candle of peace. Lighting the wreath is a way of being intentional in preparing ourselves for the coming of the Lord. We are gifted with a theme to focus on throughout our week and invite the Spirit to soften our hearts, to prepare them. 

As we go into this week, living in a world that seems to be anything but peaceful may we take comfort in Frederick Buechner’s beautiful definition of peace. He writes in his book of daily meditations, Listening to Your Life, “…for Jesus, peace seems to have meant not the absence of struggle but the presence of love.” 

Grace and Peace,
Margaret

Second Sunday of Advent 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 - 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.

JOIN US FOR THESE JOYFUL EVENTS AS WE PREPARE FOR CHRISTMAS:

TODAY:   ADVENT CRAFT WORKSHOP after church. Join us for Advent crafts in the park after church today! Pizza and salad will be served for lunch and children will also have a chance to do a quick run-through ahead of the Christmas Pageant on the 12th.

THE COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON CONCERT CHOIR and madrigal singers will give their annual Christmas Candlelight Concert in our sanctuary Dec. 6th at 7:30 p.m.  music.cofc.edu/concerts

SATURDAY, DEC 11th in our sanctuary – “Celtic and Classical Christmas” at 7pm presented by Taylor Festival Choir and Na Fidleiri Reimagined.  Then, at 10:00 pm the Missa Puer Natus Est by 16th c. composer Thomas Tallis. Tickets at the door and online.  taylormusicgroup.org

Next Sunday December 12th, the CHRISTMAS PAGEANT will be at the beginning of the church service, children need to arrive next week at 9:30 to practice and get into costume. Our CHOIR’S ANNUAL ADVENT OFFERING will be presented during worship: the Magnificat by Carl Theodore Pachelbel,    CAROLING – Meet in the fellowship hall at 5:00 pm for caroling around the neighborhood and hot chocolate afterward. Everyone is welcome!

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS – Youth are invited Thursday, Dec 16th to meet at 5pm to ride together to the Festival of Lights. Drop off and pick up at the Publix parking lot (520 Folly Rd).

TWO CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES, Friday, December 24th

• Family-friendly Candlelight service at 4:00 p.m. with a youth choir and processional pageant for any child who would like to join.

• Candlelight and Communion service at 11:00 p.m. (prelude music starts at 10:30 p.m.)

Christmas Day, Sat. Dec. 25th – an inspirational message from Pastor Cress will be available online at the church website:  www.2ndpc.org.  No in-person service.   

Sun. Dec 26th – Sunday morning worship service, 10:30 a.m.

THE ANGEL TREE is set up right outside the sanctuary as a fundraiser to provide Emergency Life Packs through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance to support churches in border regions caring for refugees and asylum seekers. Please place an angel on the tree to signify a donation made. We’re hoping to raise $625 for this missions initiative.

PRE-ORDER POINSETTIAS & LUMINARIES, $15 each – Fill out the form and give online at www.2ndpc.org/give, in the offering plate, or deliver to the church office. Each luminary kit includes 10 flame-resistant bags and tea lights. White poinsettias can be dedicated in honor or memory of someone. 

SESSION MEETING this Thursday, December 9 at 6:00 p.m.

BIBLE STUDIES & SMALL GROUPS – Intergenerational Women’s Bible Study meets this Monday at 6:30 at Robbie Staubes’ house, 306 Pilots Point. The LGBTQ-led Inclusive Bible Study meets Tuesday at 6:00 at the church. Small groups are a great way to get involved, grow spiritually, and build relationships. More information at 2ndpc.org/small-groups. Everyone is welcome.

SUNDAY AND MIDWEEK GROUPS are a great way to get involved, grow spiritually, and build relationships. More information at 2ndpc.org/small-groups. NO Sunday School Dec. 26th or Jan. 2nd.

• 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)

SUPPORT SECOND – You can support Second Pres whenever you shop on Amazon. Use the link: bit.ly/2ndpcsmile or choose to support “Second Presbyterian Church” at smile.amazon.com and Amazon will automatically donate to Second Presbyterian with each purchase you make.

WORSHIP SAFETY GUIDELINES– Due to the substantial 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 wear a face mask in church, even if you are fully vaccinated.

MAKE YOUR 2022 PLEDGE TODAY! Pledge online at www.2ndpc.org/give or fill out a pledge card and place it in the offering plate in covenant with God and one another.

THE BELL TOWER REPAIRS – The project moves forward and fire damage repairs are underway. Read more about the details of the project here. And give toward the Steeple Fund 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.

Heads Up!

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, December 5, 2021

Dear Friends in Christ –

Heads Up! John the Baptizer returns to the lectionary quoting Isaiah and spitting fire. He speaks with an urgency that resonates across the centuries.

What was going to break Rome’s and the Jewish pharisaical death grip? It would take more than a Messiah. It would take an intervention by God in a stealth move – as a baby.  What will break a pandemic, a cultural and political stalemate? Only Jesus with his winnowing fork! 

Heads up – it’s time for a change. 

This Sunday is Communion Sunday. Felicia Sanders and family will light the Advent wreath candles and we'll baptize the Killen baby. After church we'll gather after church for the Advent Craft Workshop in the park. 

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WORSHIP SAFETY GUIDELINES: Due to the substantial 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.

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.

2021 Pageant Songs

Pageant songs to practice at home.

The Children’s Christmas Pageant is December 12, 2021. More information here.

Away in a manger, no crib for his bed,
the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.
The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay,
the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn king.
Peace on earth and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!”
Joyful, all ye nations, rise;
join the triumph of the skies;
with the angelic host proclaim,
“Christ is born in Bethlehem!”
Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn king!”

O little town of Bethlehem,
how still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
the silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
the everlasting light;
the hopes and fears of all the years
are met in thee tonight.

Silent night, holy night!
All is calm, all is bright
’round yon virgin mother and child!
Holy Infant, so tender and mild,
sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.

It came upon the midnight clear,
that glorious song of old,
from angels bending near the earth,
to touch their harps of gold:
“Peace on the earth, good will to all,
from heaven’s all-gracious King”:
the world in solemn stillness lay,
to hear the angels sing.

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her king;
let every heart prepare him room,
and heaven and nature sing,
and heaven and nature sing,
and heaven, and heaven and nature sing.

We three kings of Orient are; 
bearing gifts we traverse afar, 
field and fountain, moor and mountain, 
following yonder star. 
O star of wonder, star of light, 
star with royal beauty bright, 
westward leading, still proceeding, 
guide us to thy perfect light.

2021 Christmas Pageant

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PAGEANT

PAGEANT Sunday, December 12th

Children need to meet in the Chapel inside the education building at 9:30 a.m. on December 12th to get in costume and practice. The pageant is at the beginning of the church service so it is important to arrive early.

PRACTICE December 5th, after church

Other opportunities to practice on Sundays at church during Children’s Chapel. Find the music below to practice at home.

There will be Advent Crafts in the Park after church on Sunday, December 5th and we’ll take time to do a run-through of the pageant in the sanctuary. Pizza and salad will be served for lunch, so please plan to stay after church.

If you would like your child to be part of the Christmas Pageant in church on December 12th please make sure they are at church on December 5th or contact Mr. Ken. Any child or youth is invited to be part of the pageant, they just need to be able to be at church early on December 12th.

There are only a few speaking parts, but if your child has been assigned narration please help them practice their lines. Find the music for the pageant below to practice the songs at home.

Advent Devotional: Hope

The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: “The Lord is our righteousness.”

Jeremiah 33:14-16 

WHAT DO WE HOPE FOR?

Today, on this first Sunday of Advent, we sit in the glow of the candle of hope. In a world that is filled with so much violence and hatred it can be difficult to lean into hope. Honestly, it can feel as if hopelessness is trying to consume us. In the face of this despair, it is not mere wishful thinking that will help. No, hope is an act of faith that requires our whole selves. Recently, when I have slipped into that state of hopelessness, I have taken great comfort in the scriptures. Stories that remind us that humans time and time again have slipped into hopelessness and God has continued to find them and offer them hope. 

In the book of Jeremiah, there is a rich historical context that provides context for the above verses. The Israelites have found themselves exiled to a foreign land, Babylon, after a failed rebellion and the punishment was not simply exile. The temple had been destroyed and the Davidic king stripped from the throne. These blows, I can imagine, left God’s people reeling and wondering if God had abandoned them. Then comes a message of hope: God is not finished yet, God will fulfill the promises God has made, and those days are surely coming. 

When this world wants us to slip into hopelessness, I pray we have the courage to hope in the God who is faithful. May we be willing to join in with God in reimagining how this world can be. May hope and peace be with you all this week. 

If you are interested in further delving into the theme of hope this week follow along at theversatilegirl.com.  

Grace and Peace,
Margaret

2021 Advent Devotional Introduction

WAIT FOR THE LORD 

Wait for the Lord; Be strong, and let your heart take courage. Wait for the Lord!

Psalm 27:14

The liturgical year provides a rhythm to our lives. The different seasons help us to focus or refocus so we might be able to be fully present to each moment, sensing where God is at work in our lives, the world, and what God might be calling us to do. The season of Advent is an invitation to live into the beautifully uncomfortable tensions as we wait for the Lord. We sit in the tension of what has already happened: God breaking through into our world in the humblest of ways, a human baby, and we live into the present where we proclaim and trust that God is with us here and now, even as we anticipate, hope, and wait for Jesus to come again. 

The refrain “wait for the Lord” continued to crop up as I prepared for this season’s devotion. It particularly jumped out at me as I read Psalm 27:14: “Wait for the Lord; Be strong, and let your heart take courage. Wait for the Lord!” 

I found in the footnotes of my Harper Collins Study Bible scholar Patrick Miller explain that to “wait for the Lord means to expect the Lord’s deliverance.” We are a people of hope, we wait on the Lord, expecting, trusting, daring to believe and daring to hope that God has acted, does act, and will continue to act. For God is a God of action; a God of deliverance. 

As we journey through this season of Advent together in hopeful anticipation, may we go as a people of bold hope; hope in a loving, faithful, and gracious God who has acted, who is acting, and who will continue to act. For Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ will surely come again. For now, let us wait on the Lord. 

If you are signed up, each Monday you will receive an email with the Advent devotion for the week, and I plan to expand on each of the four Advent themes and weekly devotions on my personal blog, theversatilegirl.com. I would love for you to follow along.

Grace and Peace,
Margaret

The Rev. Margaret Fleming and Ken Carrington, our Director of Children and Youth, discuss their memories of Advent and what they are looking forward to in this season of hopeful anticipation.

First Sunday of Advent 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 - 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.

WORSHIP SAFETY GUIDELINES– Due to the substantial 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 wear a face mask in church, even if you are fully vaccinated.

MAKE YOUR 2022 PLEDGE TODAY! Pledge online at www.2ndpc.org/give or fill out a pledge card and place it in the offering plate in covenant with God and one another.

JOIN US FOR THESE JOYFUL EVENTS AS WE PREPARE FOR CHRISTMAS:

DECORATION DAY – Stay after church today to decorate the Christmas tree and sanctuary together on this first Sunday of Advent.

ADVENT DEVOTIONALS for the whole family will be released each Monday morning of the season. Check your inbox for an introduction this afternoon, and if you don’t already receive church emails, you can sign up at 2ndpc.org/snapshot to be added to the list. A final devotional and Christmas message from Rev. Darwin will be sent out on Christmas Day.

ADVENT CRAFT WORKSHOP next Sunday, Dec. 5th after church. Join us for fun and crafts.

the CHRISTMAS PAGEANT will be at the beginning of the church service on Sunday, Dec. 12th. Children are learning songs and pageant parts each Sunday during Children’s Chapel.

OUR CHOIR’S ANNUAL ADVENT OFFERING will be performed during worship on Sunday, December 12th.  This year they will sing the Magnificat by Carl Theodore Pachelbel, son of the famous Johann Pachelbel (Kanon in D). 

CAROLING – Meet in the fellowship hall for caroling and hot chocolate on Sunday, December 12th at 5:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome!

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS – Youth are invited Thursday, Dec16th to meet at 5pm to ride together to the Festival of Lights. Drop off and pick up at the Publix parking lot (520 Folly Rd).

TWO CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES

Family-friendly Candlelight service at 4:00 p.m. with a youth choir and processional pageant for any child who would like to join.

Candlelight and Communion service at 11:00 p.m. (prelude music starts at 10:30 p.m.)

ANGEL TREE – The Angel Tree will be set up as a fundraiser to provide Emergency Life Packs through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance to support churches in border regions caring for refugees and asylum seekers.

PRE-ORDER POINSETTIAS & LUMINARIES, $15 each – Fill out the form and give $15 for each item online, in the offering plate, or deliver to the church office. White poinsettias can be dedicated in honor or memory of someone. A limited number of luminary kits are available; each kit includes 10 flame-resistant bags and tea lights.

SUNDAY AND MIDWEEK GROUPS are a great way to get involved, grow spiritually, and build relationships. More information at 2ndpc.org/small-groups. NO Sunday School today, Dec. 26th or Jan. 2nd.

• 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)

SUPPORT SECOND – You can support Second Pres whenever you shop on Amazon. Use the link: bit.ly/2ndpcsmile or choose to support “Second Presbyterian Church” at smile.amazon.com and Amazon will automatically donate to Second Presbyterian with each purchase you make.

THE BELL TOWER REPAIRS – The project moves forward and fire damage repairs are underway. Read more about the details of the project here. And give toward the Steeple Fund 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.