The Usual, Please
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, January 2, 2021
Dear Friends in Christ –
The ancient Romans worshipped a pantheon of gods, Jupiter, Pluto, Apollo, Mars. Among them was Janus who was thought to keep the gate of heaven. And so he was the god of gates and doors, beginnings and endings. Janus was worshipped at the planting, the beginning of the harvest time, at birth and at marriage.
He represented transition between primitive life and civilization, between the countryside and the city, peace and war, and the growing-up of young people. He is portrayed as having a double-faced head, each face looking in an opposite direction.
So here in January at the beginning of this new year 2022, we too find ourselves looking in opposite directions, reflecting on the past year and poised, hungry, anticipating what’s next.
Start the New Year in purpose, in strength, in community, in faith!
See you in worship –
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.
Source: sermons
Advent Devotional: Love
And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”
Luke 1:46-55
And that is what the soldiers did. Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.
John 19:25-27
LOVE, FAITH AND TRUST
Years ago, I read the wrong text for my devotional. Instead of reading the text that was set earlier in John, I read one of the hardest parts of the story, Jesus on the cross. The Gospel of John names Mary, his mother at the foot of it. This is a hard story to include in an Advent devotion yet it is powerful to read where this incredible story begins and a powerful middle part—for we know Jesus on the cross is not where this story ends.
This accidental read led me to see Mary in a different light. Often times we do not know quite what to do with Mary. She was a fourteen year old girl and these two texts give us a glimpse into what kind of woman of faith she was. You see, Mary was brave. She said a bold “yes” to a Divine plan that was not fully explained and flushed out to her. She said “yes” knowing she would most likely be shamed by her community for being pregnant out of wedlock. She said “yes” not knowing that years later, she would stand at the foot of a cross, seeing her son hanging there.
I have wondered time and time again about this bold woman. About the hopes she had for herself and for her son and the many ways they most likely went against her plans. Yet, this woman still said “yes” and she chose to be present there when her son was crucified, and was probably one of the women who went to the tomb that ultimately stood empty.
This week we lit the Advent candle of love and Mary embodies this love. The love, faith and trust she had in God and God’s divine plan to redeem God’s people is evident in her Magnificat. And the love this woman has for her son is evident throughout her entire story. May we be bold and brave with our yeses and may we open our hearts to love even when it is hard.
Peace and Joy,
Margaret
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.
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.
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 –
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.
Source: sermons
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.
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.
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.
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.
Source: sermons
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.
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.
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.
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.
Source: sermons
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.