Eye Opening!

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, January 9, 2022

Dear Friends in Christ –

We begin with competing narratives. 

There are two major occurrences this first week into the new year – the epiphany, and the baptism of Jesus. The biblical narrative of each of these times is rich.

• Epiphany: Royalty from the orient have sojourned to visit the newborn king. Cosmic light has led them to the divine light. 

• Baptism: The promised child has grown in stature and in favor and is now stepping into his vocation, attentive to the prophets, wading into the muddy waters shoulder to shoulder with those to/for whom he came. 

This passage from the prophet Isaiah shows God speaking into the pain of an exiled and vanquished people. God sends a servant who will bring justice to Israel and to all nations. Dramatic and powerful! 

Yes, God calls prophets when the nights are long and the air is sour. Yet again and again we see and experience God’s redemption and God’s love.  

This Sunday we will look to the God of our salvation. We will frame God’s care in light of these times. We will recognize the hope that is born in chaos and realized in the singular power of God’s love.  

Let’s gather at 10:30 on Sunday, in the pew or on the patio. Let’s worship Jesus!

Best love in Christ –

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WORSHIP SAFETY GUIDELINES: 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.

Sunday School and Children's Ministry Update

SUNDAY SCHOOL

We had been expecting to resume Sunday school this week after a Christmas break, but considering the current COVID surge that's being fueled by delta and omicron, the Christian Education Committee has decided to not yet resume children’s Sunday school offerings or nursery during the 9:30 hour and the adult classes will not yet be meeting either. 

The current COVID surge is expected to spike in the next couple of weeks, so we hope to resume full Sunday school offerings soon, but after local rates of transmission have diminished. We pray that everyone stays safe and healthy in the meantime. 

Children will still be invited forward during the service and can go for children’s chapel, which will be spaced or outdoors as weather permits, but there will be no children’s choir practice for now. There will be no Sunday school classes, but we will keep you updated. Please get in touch with Sue Henderson to get on the downstairs adult Sunday school class email list.

Children are invited into the 10:30 a.m. worship service and nursery will be available for the church service. Staff and nursery workers are all fully vaccinated, have received a booster shot and/or have tested negative this week. We are grateful for the space, resources, and the temperate climate so that we can offer safe opportunities to meet right now. All adults and children over the age of 3 need to wear a face mask while in public spaces even if fully vaccinated against COVID-19. While this variant appears to be less life-threatening than previous strains, it is affecting people of all ages at an alarming rate. 

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.

See you Sunday for worship, in person or online.

On behalf of the Christian Education Committee,

Aled Pritchard
Head of CE Committee

Edited to update change in adult Sunday school class offerings: Sunday School classes will resume as of February 13, 2022.

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

• Church Announcements: @2pcchurch

• Youth Group: @2pc-youth

• Children: @2pckids

Sunday Bulletin - January 2

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.

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.

Which Way or Both?

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, January 2, 2022

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!

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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.

Restored Weather Vane In Place After 2020 Lightning Strike

General contractor Russell Smith in the workshop with the weather vane he helped to restore. Photo provided by Patterson Smith.

A 24 karat gold leaf weather vane is placed on top of the Second Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2021 in Charleston. Lightning struck the church in 2020 causing a fire that damaged the old post. The Second Presbyterian Church was founded on Meeting Street in 1809. The church is the oldest building of the denomination in Charleston and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Thank you to Post and Courier for capturing this momentous day in the restoration of the steeple. View all Post and Courier photos here.

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Second Presbyterian is doing the work we are called to do, work that includes being stewards of this particular house of God, and the beautiful sanctuary where we get to come together to worship. If you would like to contribute toward the preservation of Second Presbyterian Church, PCUSA's Historic Site #1, and the many ways in which God is working through this particular place, please donate to the Bell Tower Steeple Fund online, in the offering plate, or deliver your donations to the church office.

Check on the progress of the Steeple Project here.

Sunday Bulletin - January 2

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 will be known, nurtured, challenged?  We welcome you and invite you to spend some time with us.

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– 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.

Advent Devotional: Christmas

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

(John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’”) Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.

John 1:1-16

GOOD NEWS FOR A WEARY WORLD

Throughout this season of Advent we have explored so many well-known, well loved, and incredibly powerful stories. Stories that prepared the way for the Divine’s intervention into a wounded world. Stories of how God chose to invite the most unexpected people to be a part of the most unexpected, yet hoped for, plans to redeem this whole entire wounded world.

I find that these words from the beginning of John’s gospel poetically usher in the Good News—the Logos, theLife, the Light has arrived, Jesus has been born. The Logos or Word chose to become flesh and to live life among us to bring life and bring it abundantly. 

John’s words weave in the mystery that is Emmanuel, the Logos (or Word), the Light. Yes, he is here. Yes, he has come. And yes, he has always been present. And yes, he shall surely come again. 

John’s flowing words in this text speak of God in a variety of ways—revealing just a bit more about who God is. As we celebrate the Good News of a Savior born to us today, Light in the world, let us rejoice that this Savior, this Light, this God of love brings “grace upon grace.” 

This truly is good news for a weary world. Thanks be to God! 

Merry Christmas—may God’s peace and blessings abound!
- Margaret

Merry Christmas

A Christmas message from your pastor.

Christmas Eve Services

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.

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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 –

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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: 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.

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.