Love For All, Including Our Enemies

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

Source: sermons

2022 Church Officer Recommendations

February 17, 2022 Guest User

THE NOMINATING TEAM NEEDS YOUR HELP!

Please prayerfully recommend members for the Nominating Team to consider for the upcoming slate of Church Officers. Forms can be submitted below. Paper forms are available in the sanctuary or the church office or you can download the form and submit it by email to Jessica Brock.

Please submit recommendations by March 6, 2022.

Nominations are now closed. Thank you.

Church Officer Recommendation Form

THIS FORM IS CONFIDENTIAL

(Please complete in full)

I recommend (Name of Member*) to serve our congregation as an Officer of Second Presbyterian Church.

*Please be sure that the individual you are recommending is a member of Second Presbyterian Church. There should be a reasonable expectation that this member is willing to serve. Deacons and elders serve a three-year term and may be elected to a second consecutive term. Recommendations will be considered for nomination by the Nominating Committee.

First Name

Last Name

Recommended for the office of:

Elder

Deacon

Nominating Team

Involvement in Second Presbyterian Church:

committees, organizations, activities

Involvement at other churches and/or volunteer organizations:

Occupation:

paid or volunteer experience

Specific qualifications and personal qualities befitting a church officer:

RECOMMENDED BY:

Your Name

First Name

Last Name

Date

YYYY

Recommender’s best phone number:

(###)

###

####

SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Expectations and Responsibilities of Officers:

Pray for the congregation, clergy, staff, session and diaconate of Second Presbyterian Church
Attend Sunday worship services, Sunday School and regular church functions
Tithe or be committed to working toward a tithe during the period of service
Attend Church meetings as called
Participate with your presence at special functions of the church
Participate on at least one committee of the respective body of the Church

Church Officer should exhibit these characteristics:

Be above reproach in their dealings with those both in the church and the community at large
Demonstrate self-control
Be a respected church member and citizen
Be hospitable
Be able to communicate the basic truths of our faith
Be temperate in their habits and lifestyle
Be gentle - not quarrelsome
Should not be greedy or put financial gain above living a principled life
Should have a family life that sets an example for others
Should not be a recent convert - should demonstrate spiritual maturity
Reflect the diversity of the congregation

Source: /church-leaders

Sunday Bulletin - February 13

February 13, 2022 Jordyn Pritchard

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.

CLICK HERE FOR THE PRAYER LIST & UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS

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.

SOUPER BOWL OF CARING is a youth-inspired nation-wide movement to organize communities to give locally and make a collective impact on hunger. Look for our children and youth collecting monetary donations for Sea Island Hunger Awareness Foundation in soup pots after church this Sunday to help to make sure no one goes without soup in their bowl.

WALK FOR WATER – Join us for the 2022 Walk for Water on Saturday, March 26th at 9 a.m. at Riverfront Park in N. Charleston. Together, we will raise funds and awareness to fight the global water crisis by building safe water solutions for people in need around the world.

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.

THE BELL TOWER REPAIRS – Read more about the repairs and 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.

Devoted

February 11, 2022 Guest User

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, February 13, 2022

Dear Friends in Christ –

The season of epiphany continues. I know that this time is often looked at as a ‘place holder’, just time to fill between the celebration of Christmas and the season of Lent. But you know that I look at all time as extraordinary. So, let’s expect continuing revelations in this time, too, a fresh or even striking awareness that will shake us up and out of our ennui, or our impatience for the return of that which no longer is – pre-Covid normalcy. What is it that we are to do? Let’s embrace the mandate Jesus gave and underscored, Love the Lord with all your heart and soul and might (the greatest and the first) and your neighbor as yourself (the second, like the first). Jesus says everything else hinges on these two.

Invite someone to join you here or for the live stream as we consider what it means to be devoted to our God who is devoted to us!

The Souper Bowl of Caring is a youth-inspired nation-wide movement to organize communities to give locally and make a collective impact on hunger. Look for our children and youth collecting monetary donations for Sea Island Hunger Awareness Foundation in soup pots after church this Sunday to help to make sure no one goes without soup in their bowl.

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.

Source: sermons

Weekly Small Group for Young Professionals and Adults

February 7, 2022 Jordyn Pritchard

We’re starting off 2022 with a new book, Wholehearted Faith. It’s a collection of essays that continues Rachel Held Evans’ exploration of divine love and doubt and should be a great read but also work really well even for those of us who can’t make it every week, so jump in when you can.

Join the group for a discussion of the prologue on Thursday, February 10 at 6:30 p.m. For the next few weeks we’ll meet at the church- and if it’s nice enough we can walk over to Henrietta’s or the Citrus Club or somewhere with outdoor heaters, otherwise we’ll meet up in the conference room. Check the Facebook group for meeting details. Books are available for $20, please contact Jordyn if you’d like a copy.

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

Midweek “Wine & Cheese” Small Group

Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.

For the winter: meeting downtown at Second Presbyterian in the conference room* or over drinks somewhere nearby if the weather allows

Looking for a Charleston small group? Everyone's welcome- no need to be at Second or even Presbyterian or anything- just join the Facebook group or email for more information. Newcomers welcome!

*Please wear a mask inside if you are not fully vaccinated or would feel more comfortable doing so. Please do not come to in-person groups or events if you are exhibiting any COVID-like symptoms, are aware of an exposure, or have been asked by a school or other institution to quarantine or isolate.

CONTACT: Amy King or Jordyn Pritchard

JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP

2022 Sunday School Opportunities

February 7, 2022 Guest User

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Sunday School will return on February 13! The 2022 return of Sunday school classes was postponed due to the COVID surge but we’re excited for the return of extended time for spiritual growth and fellowship on Sundays.

Join us at 9:30 a.m. All are welcome. Adults and children 3 years+ need to wear a mask for now in accordance with CDC guidelines and local recommendations. Please do not attend in-person groups or events if you are exhibiting any COVID-like symptoms, are aware of an exposure, or have been asked by a school or other institution to quarantine or isolate.

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

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

SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES FOR ADULTS

The Present Word Class

MEETS WEEKLY IN THE YELLOW CLASSROOM

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

CONTACT: Sue Henderson

Upstairs Class

TBA

Everyone is welcome in The Present Word class.

CONTACT: Aled Pritchard

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

Please email Ken to volunteer in the nursery.

SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH

Children | Downstairs

Children meet with Mrs. Robbie in the back right classroom to learn about the Bible through activities and story-based lessons.

Youth Group | Youth Room

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

CONTACT: Ken Carrington

CHILDREN'S CHAPEL

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

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

Church Announcements: @2pcchurch
Youth Group: @2pc-youth
Children: @2pckids

Sunday Bulletin - February 6

February 6, 2022 Jordyn Pritchard

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.

CLICK HERE FOR THE PRAYER LIST & UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS

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.

WORSHIP SAFETY GUIDELINES– Please wear a face mask in church, even if you are fully vaccinated.

THE BELL TOWER REPAIRS – Read more about the repairs and details of the project here. And give toward the Steeple Fund here. →

A Place to Belong

February 4, 2022 Guest User

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, February 6, 2022

Dear Friends in Christ –

Now there are some who may have noticed that last week’s sermon was ‘A Place to Belong’. Let’s chalk this up to print schedules. The further I went into the message, I realized we should establish first that Everybody Belongs. We looked to the 25th chapter of Matthew as Jesus prepares his disciples for the life before them without him. He presents those who obey the mandate through both testaments to care for the poor, hungry, cold and imprisoned who were then invited into the favor of their Lord. The others who cared only for themselves weren’t invited in. There was still work for them to do, spiritual growth, longing to be vessels of God’s love. I offered that they weren’t loved less and they were not beyond God’s reach.

Should they walk through the doors of Second Church they would be welcomed to share the grace offered here - in this place of belonging. Let us worship together. Then let us stride into the creation called good to be agents of reclamation and promise and hope.

In great anticipation and great joy in being your pastor –

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.

Source: sermons

Sunday Bulletin - January 30

January 30, 2022 Jordyn Pritchard

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.

CLICK HERE FOR THE PRAYER LIST & UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS

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.

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. →

A Place of Belonging

January 28, 2022 Guest User

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 30, 2022

Dear Friends in Christ –

For a good Presbyterian, I’m finding inspiration these weeks from a Jesuit pastor and a Franciscan priest.

Greg Boyle lives the radical inclusion taught and modeled by Jesus as gospel – which it is. He is the founder and director of Homeboy Industries, the world's largest gang-intervention and rehabilitation program.

Richard Rohr founded the Center for Action and Contemplation because he saw, well, a deep need for the integration of both action and contemplation.

Both men have made impact for the kindom of Jesus God by teaching and living their faith in Jesus’ all-consuming and all-inclusive love. This has led to reclaiming and redirecting lives by savoring the life we’re given in all its iterations.

Rohr says, “The absolute religious genius of Jesus is that he utterly refuses all debt codes, purity codes, religious quarantines, and the searching for sinners. He refuses to divide the world into the pure and the impure, much to the chagrin of almost everybody—then and now.”

Let’s learn together. Be inspired together. Grow closer to God together. Worship together.

See you in worship. Invite someone to come along or tune in with you –

Best love in Christ –

This Sunday we'll baptize Jack James Koca, son of Joshua and Jacqueline Koca.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING AFTER CHURCH THIS SUNDAY
The 10:30 a.m. Worship Service on Sunday, January 30 will be followed by a congregational meeting for the Pastor’s Terms of Call to be offered for approval.

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.

Source: sermons

Sunday Bulletin - January 23

January 23, 2022 Jordyn Pritchard

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.

CLICK HERE FOR THE PRAYER LIST & UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS

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.

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. →

Who Are You?

January 21, 2022 Guest User

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 23, 2022

Dear Friends in Christ –

I thought about attempting to be clever with the crummy weather that seems to haunt our weekends of late but didn’t feel like giving it space. It just feels like there is so much conspiring to discourage our getting up and getting out to come to worship - new Sabbath routines (if sleeping in and reading the paper qualifies), fear of exposure to this surging and re-surging pandemic. I’m grateful for our growing online presence and pray the spirit continues to lead and encourage. I just want to see your faces, high five the kids (and you) and share the energy of SCL – Second Church Live!

Our text this week from Luke has been called Jesus’ Inaugural Address. With the Spirit as the Advance Team Jesus has headed to the Jordan River, been baptized, was driven into the wilderness for conditioning, and prior to calling his disciples has healed and preached throughout the region. He comes home at last to Nazareth. His reputation precedes him. Hometown Boy Does Good. He goes to temple. He’s ushered in, allowed the privilege of reading from the sacred scroll. He finishes. Rolls the scroll and all hell breaks loose – you see, he’s come clean, he reveals (an epiphany) who he really is – not just Mary’s son, but the fulfillment of the prophets. His childhood friends and neighbors were neither ready nor receptive.

Do we know, really know who we are? Do we have the courage to live the life for which we were made and to which we’re called? I say, ‘affirmative.' I say, ‘yes!’… and with joy!

In anticipation –

POSTPONED - CONGREGATIONAL MEETING AFTER CHURCH HAS BEEN MOVED TO NEXT SUNDAY
The 10:30 a.m. Worship Service on Sunday, January 30 will be followed by a congregational meeting for the Pastor’s Terms of Call to be offered for approval.

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.

Source: sermons

Martin Luther King, Jr. Sunday Bulletin - January 16

January 16, 2022 Jordyn Pritchard

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.

CLICK HERE FOR THE PRAYER LIST & UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS

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.

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. →

Conciliation

January 14, 2022 Guest User

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 16, 2022

Dear Friends in Christ –

The tree is down, the last cards have floated in, you know those cards you get from the folks who had taken you off the "A-list" and have just sent a card… because you did (sigh). It’s too soon to be thinking about Lent or Easter. Besides you're still watching rising COVID numbers, facing empty shelves at the market and dreading filling up the tank. Then you’re reminded it’s the season of Epiphany.

The author Diana Bass Butler urges us to look to this time between Christmas and Ash Wednesday as more than a place holder. Its traditions are light and glory and sight, revelation and enlightenment – just what we need to pierce the squeals of darkness in our current narrative.

This Sunday ignore the rain and cold in the forecast for the lowcountry and come celebrate the life of Martin Luther King, Jr.

"When the beams of the sun are dimmest,
The rays of Jesus are brightest.
When the end of the cycle around the sun breeds melancholy,
The birth of Jesus inspires joy and hope."

– Dean Gregory E. Sterling, Yale Divinity School

See you in worship!

Sunday's worship will be accompanied by Anna Brock. Anna teaches piano at Ashley Hall and is accompanist for the Charleston Gospel Choir and has done a lot of gospel playing in our services with the CGC. We hope to welcome her once a month on the last Sunday of the month to play with a gospel singer starting in February. The Charleston Gospel Choir has not been performing since March 2020, but will be resuming their regular weekly rehearsals at Second in 2022.

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.

Source: sermons

Sunday Bulletin - Epiphany, January 9

January 9, 2022 Jordyn Pritchard

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.