Tellin' It

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, March 6, 2022

Dear Friends in Christ –

The title of the Lenten Series is Doin’ Church. Years ago here at Second Church we imagined what it would look like if we were to stop coming to church and concentrate on being the church. We are in such a state of flux. Pandemic metrics fall, then rise, then morph. Thugs launch war. Inflation skyrockets. Markets lurch. And as was, is and shall be, God is with us.

The intention was that we should all stop just going to church and discover together the great joy of being church. This year I propose that we take the next step together and do church.

We have a story to tell and good news to share – not for the edification, enjoyment or diversion of the world, but for the reclamation and restoration of all God’s created.

As of this week, face masks are no longer required. There are also options for study at 9:30 a.m. Youth and adults will start a Good Enough Lenten study engaging the world as it is -- beautiful, meaningful, difficult, and challenging. Come share in the joy of gathering together.

See you Sunday for communion!

 

This Lenten season we are exploring joy through sermon and study.

Rev. Darwin will lead us through the Six Great Ends of the Church as we explore the great joy of doing church together in our sermon series Doin' Church.

A Lenten devotional reflection are published on Mondays and there are small group times for devotion and discussion throughout the week based on a selection of Kate Bowler's Good Enough devotions. Find out more about the devotional study groups here.

CHURCH OFFICER RECOMMENDATIONS – Please prayerfully recommend members by Sunday, March 6th for the upcoming slate of Church Officers.

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

"A Good Enough Lent" Small Groups

There will be multiple ways to engage our Lenten devotions this year! Devotional reflection emails will be published on Mondays (sign up here) and there will be Sunday and midweek small groups based on a selection of Kate Bowler's Good Enough devotions.

 

Join the midweek time of devotion and discussion on Zoom

Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m.

March 9 through April 13

“GOOD ENOUGH” SMALL GROUPS

WEDNESDAYS ON ZOOM at 8:00 p.m. | SUNDAYS 9:30 a.m.

A 6-week Lenten study engaging the world as it is -- beautiful, meaningful, difficult, and challenging. This intergenerational adult group is offered beginning March 6, 2022 during the Sunday school hour before church at 10:30 a.m. or Wednesday evenings at 8:00 p.m. on Zoom. Books will be available but you can order your own copy of Good Enough if you would like to follow along on your own throughout the week.

CONTACT: Jordyn Pritchard

Lent Sermon Series: Doin' Church

Exploring Joy During Lent

This year, even as we acknowledge Jesus’ strength in suffering, integrity in persevering, and dignity in death, I propose we embrace a companion theology of delight.

Let’s remember that Jesus came that we might know joy, we might know abundance, and that we might become, resolute people of joyful purpose through God’s grace.

Though Jesus wasn’t born that we might develop denominational superiority or efficiency, those of us who have evolved into Presbyterians have sought to be faithful and consistent. In that, we have established Six Great Ends of the Church. We will engage those statements over Lent. We will see how each speaks to God’s purpose and how we become the people of God’s purpose and live into the promised joy and abundance.  

The title of the Lenten Series is Doin’ Church. Years ago here at Second Church we imagined what it would look like if we were to stop coming to church and concentrate on being the church. Right now, the world is in such a state of flux, yet as was, is, and shall be, God is with us.

The intention was that we should all stop just going to church and discover together the great joy of being church. This year I propose that we take the next step together and do church.

Let’s take this time to position ourselves for God’s grace and God’s purpose. Let’s come to know the purpose and joy that is ours –

Let’s Do Church!

- Pastor Cress

SERMON SERIES: DOIN‘ CHURCH

Discovering the great joy of doing church together.

“TELLIN’ IT”

FIRST WEEK OF LENT

We have a story to tell and good news to share – not for the edification, enjoyment or diversion of the world, but for the reclamation and restoration of all God’s created.

“A PLACE WHERE EVERYBODY KNOWS YOUR NAME”

SECOND WEEK OF LENT

Those who gather in response to this wonderful news are to be sheltered, nurtured, and should enjoy the fellowship of the Holy Spirit of God in and through each other. We prove our faith not by the rules we keep, but by the love we give to God’s people, i.e. everybody.

“ORTHODOX WORSHIP”

THIRD WEEK OF LENT

There is a right way to worship and it is through orthodoxy – “ortho” meaning right, and “doxia” meaning praise. In the years of the Reformation, one of the fathers of this denomination, John Calvin, looked around and realized that there were many groups who would call themselves Christian, so how was one to know? He came up with this: the true church is where the word of God is rightly preached, and the sacraments administered according to Christ’s institution.

“IZNESS”

FOURTH WEEK OF LENT

God’s truth is real, identifiable, defensible, liberating and it must be preserved.

“DOIN’ JUSTICE”

FIFTH WEEK OF LENT

The people of God are to promote Social Justice – caring for, equipping, and loving all of God’s people. We are down with dynamic, biblical social justice that leads to the dignity and worth of all and loving God’s own as Jesus commanded. 

“TELL AND SHOW”

PALM SUNDAY

We are to bring what is and how it can be, in line with how it’s supposed to be – to exhibit the kin-dom, the realm realized on earth as it is in Jesus.

This Lenten season we will be exploring joy through sermon and study.

Rev. Darwin will lead us through the Six Great Ends of the Church as we explore the great joy of doing church together in our sermon series Doin' Church.

A Lenten devotional reflection will be published on Mondays (make sure you join the email list) and there will be small group times for devotion and discussion throughout the week based on a selection of Kate Bowler's Good Enough devotions. Find out more about the devotional study groups here.

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

Face masks now optional

Updated in-person worship guidelines: Face masks are optional in services as of March 2, 2022 because of the current low number of infections and hospitalizations in the community. This change comes considering the guidance and recommendations of SCDHEC, MUSC and the CDC. 

Please worship from home and do not attend small group meetings if you are exhibiting any COVID-like symptoms, are aware of an exposure, or have been asked by a school or other institution to quarantine or isolate.

Thank you for your continued consideration.

Faith and Climate Change Event

The Interfaith Speaker Series Keynote Address “The Integration of Ecospirituality and Ecojustice”

Second Presbyterian Church

Thursday, March 3 at 6:30 p.m.

Drs. Mary Evelyn Tucker and John Grim, senior Lecturers and Research Scholars at Yale University and co-directors of the Forum on Religion, will focus on the intersections of religion and the environmental crisis.

The call for environmental justice for communities adversely affected by pollution and climate change is rising. At the same time ecospirituality is showing us how we are part of a living Earth community. This talk explores these growing movements in religion and ecology.

A light meal will be offered following the keynote by Ragina Scott Saunders, Soul Food Chef and founder of Destiny Community Café. Registration is required.

A Good Enough Lent: Sunday School

“A Good Enough Lent” Small Group Options During the Sunday School Hour

This year during Lent we will be exploring joy through sermon and study.

A Lenten devotional reflection will be published on Mondays (make sure you join the email list) and there will be small group times for devotion and discussion throughout the week based on a selection of Kate Bowler's Good Enough devotions. Books will be available for small groups but you can order your own copy of Good Enough if you would like to follow along on your own throughout the week.

"A Good Enough Lent" devotion and discussion studies based on a selection of Kate Bowler's devotions beginning March 6, 2022.

  • Middle and high schoolers are invited to meet upstairs in the conference room with Jordyn

  • Adults will continue to meet downstairs in the yellow room led by Sue and Aled

  • There will also be a midweek time of devotion and discussion Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m. on Zoom

DEVOTION & DISCUSSION FOR ADULTS

“A GOOD ENOUGH LENT”

SUNDAYS 9:30 a.m. | YELLOW CLASSROOM DOWNSTAIRS

A 6-week Lenten study engaging the world as it is -- beautiful, meaningful, difficult, and challenging. This intergenerational group of adults meets in the yellow classroom downstairs during the Sunday school hour before church at 10:30 a.m.

Led by Sue Henderson and Aled Pritchard

 

CHILDREN will still meet at 9:30 a.m. with Mrs. Robbie and Mr. Ken during Lent downstairs in the kindergarten hall.

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.

 

YOUTH DONUTS & DEVOTIONS

“A GOOD ENOUGH LENT” for YOUTH

SUNDAYS 9:30 a.m. | UPSTAIRS IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM

A 6-week Lenten study engaging the world as it is -- beautiful, meaningful, difficult, and challenging. Middle and high schoolers will meet with Jordyn in the conference room upstairs for this Bible study.

CONTACT: Jordyn Pritchard

 

CHILDREN'S CHAPEL

After the Children's Sermon during church, children 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

VBS Participant Registration

Vacation Bible School

VBS at Second Presbyterian Church with Greater St. Luke AME

June 13th-16th, 2022

9:00-12:30PM (Monday through Thursday)

For children currently in 3K-5th Grades. Must have turned 3 on or before August 31st, 2021.

SIGN UP!

Sign up below to reserve your child(ren)’s spot or download the full set of registration and release forms here. Paper forms are available at the church. Register to be a VBS volunteer here.

 

Sunday Bulletin - February 27

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.

CHURCH OFFICER RECOMMENDATIONS OPEN – Please prayerfully recommend members by Sunday, March 6th for the upcoming slate of Church Officers.

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.

What Goes 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, February 27, 2022

Dear Friends in Christ –

This is the last Sunday of Epiphany – the season of discovery, revelation. A time when we may experience different ways of seeing, new perceptions. On Wednesday we begin Lent, a traditional time of introspection. Through prayer and discipline we purposefully seek to discern what may be barring us from our best selves, in best position for God’s grace and also God’s purpose. In years past we may have jettisoned often surface things that are annoying or embarrassing. But this year I propose that even as we acknowledge Jesus’ strength in suffering, integrity in persevering, his dignity in death. I propose we embrace a companion theology of delight. Really? Let’s remember that Jesus came that we might know joy, we might know abundance, and that we might become, through God’s grace, resolute people of joyful purpose.

Though Jesus wasn’t born that we might develop denominational superiority or efficiency, those of us who have evolved into Presbyterians have sought to be faithful and consistent, such that in our constitution we have established Six Great Ends of the Church - six points that establish our raison’d’etre. We will engage those statements over Lent seeing how each speaks to God’s purpose and how through each we become the people of God’s purpose, and live into promised joy and abundance.

Come worship, gaze on the luminous face of the church. Come share in the excitement. Invite someone you love, have missed or haven’t :)

Online or in person -
See you Sunday!

 

CHURCH OFFICER RECOMMENDATIONS OPEN – Please prayerfully recommend members by Sunday, March 6th for the upcoming slate of Church Officers.

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

A Prayer for Ukraine

Dear Friends in Christ –
 
I’m forwarding this Prayer for the Day penned by my friends at Fifth Avenue Church. It captures the reality of this moment that I believe we must acknowledge. Though aggression is not new, the reality that it can be attempted in this time in such brutality supposing no restraint is shocking.

 

Let us pray:
 
“The world can be a terribly harsh place. Again and again in history, hatred and violence have conspired to destroy hard-won liberties, economic gains, and human hope. Again and again, innocents have been brutalized by conflicts not of their making and beyond their control. Again and again, nations have been consumed by jealousy and anger arising from base tribalism. In so doing, humankind has ignored the central claim made by every great religion: We who inhabit this planet share one common parent. 
 
We all belong to God. 
 
As Christians, our calling in the face of today’s violence (the calling Jesus put to the disciples) is to resist cynicism and apathy. Our calling will always be to take heart, to pray and to work toward the good.
 
Today, and in the days to come, I invite you to pray for Ukraine with me. 
 
Eternal God, our only hope, 
our help in times of trouble: 
we pray for Ukraine and its peoples.
 
In the midst of this invasion,
as we witness again the horrible violence of war,
we ask you to rescue those who are vulnerable,
to shelter and comfort those who are afraid,
to fill soldiers with decency and honor,
to turn politicians toward diplomacy.
We ask that you pull the hearts and minds of all your children toward peace.
 
Help us not to despair in the face of this conflict.
Calm and strengthen our hearts.
Turn our eyes toward Jesus, who
entered every room saying: “Peace be with you.”
Help us to embrace our Lord’s sacred way,
so that power might always be used with compassion. 
that your will might overrule human willfulness.
and that the song sung by angels might be true:
“Peace on earth. Good will to all.”
 
Holy God, we pray, this day, for Ukraine and its peoples,
and we pray for all humankind.
Save us from ourselves.
Guide our steps.
Lead us in your way. Amen.”
 
 
The Rev. Dr. Scott Black Johnston
Senior Pastor, Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church

Source: sermons

Sunday Bulletin - February 20

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.

CHURCH OFFICER RECOMMENDATIONS OPEN – Please prayerfully recommend members by Sunday, March 6th for the upcoming slate of Church Officers.

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.