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Sometimes we don’t know what we’re missing, but we can really feel it.
– Rev. Cooper
Rev. Gale Cooper is an Episcopal priest who was graduated by Union Theological Seminary (Presbyterian) and Virginia Theological Seminary (Episcopal) before serving parishes in Richmond and Charlotte. She and her husband live at Bishop Gadsden.
“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.
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.
Dear Friends in Christ –
The Fantasticks is a musical allegory about the romance of a young couple, Matt and Luisa. Their relationship is complicated by their meddling fathers. The fathers come together to commiserate when their plans don’t work out; they sing "Plant a Radish." The lyrics go, "Plant a radish, Get a radish. Never any doubt. That’s why I love vegetables – you know what you’re about!"
Paul says the same – you reap what you sow. The fathers in the musical continue, "...but with children, it’s bewilderin’." The Apostle Paul’s statement in our text ain’t bewilderin’ – it’s absolutely clear: Good news if you sow the gifts of the Spirit. Remember love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity and faithfulness?
Paul encourages the people and us. He reminds them a life shared reflecting these gifts has a consequence – a harvest of a life lived in the Spirit of the living God. You reap what you sow, if you don’t quit.
Folks, we don’t quit! Our task and our privilege is to live in the Spirit of the living God – together. It’s what we get to do if we’re willing.
Let’s gather on site or online in anticipation –
Interested in becoming a member of Second Presbyterian? Email Cress for more information and dates for upcoming new members classes.
“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.
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.
Dear Friends in Christ –
Paul writes to the Galatians: I’m astonished! How are you so fickle, you foolish Galatians? Folks have arrived in the area saying they have to be circumcised, observe Jewish Holy days, perhaps dietary laws. Operative word "laws." Paul reminds them that they are to live by and in God’s grace. Live in the freedom of God’s spirit.
Good message for these days as we contemplate what freedom means in these polarized and seemingly graceless times.
Let’s come to the table – Christ’s table of welcome. Let’s savor the gift that we get to share.
In anticipation –
Interested in becoming a member of Second Presbyterian? Email Cress for more information and dates for upcoming new members classes.
“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.
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.
Dear Friends in Christ –
On Sunday we engage the Lukan text known as the Gerasene demoniac. Jesus is crossing the Sea of Galilee to the land of the Gerasenes, which means that he’s not just crossing the sea, he’s also crossing boundaries -- the land of the Gerasenes is the land of Gentiles, and no self-respecting Jewish rabbi would be taking his followers there.
They land and are confronted by a man possessed. Actually, more than possessed, he’s occupied. Jesus asks his name and the answer given is uttered through the man by the spirits that possess him. He has no name, no identity left, except for what he is captive to. His story is tragic -- he’s alone, he wanders the tombs, a danger to himself and to others. But Jesus looks on him with compassion.
What if Jesus pulled into Shem Creek? What if he were to ask our name? Would what we say match who we are? Or does what we do speak more clearly for us.
The good news is this: God’s grace and ubiquitous love for the Gerasene man is the same for us. An encounter with the living God will heal us too!
Come worship on Sunday as we set sail with new officers and worship the God who casts out demons and casts his love on us.
In great anticipation –
Interested in becoming a member of Second Presbyterian? Email Cress for more information and dates for upcoming new members classes.
“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.
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.
Dear Friends in Christ –
This Sunday we celebrate Father’s Day.
This Sunday we recognize the end of slavery in the United States with the delivery of the news to Texas.
This Sunday we revisit a beloved parable sometimes known as the prodigal son, or the prodigal father, or the bitter brother.
But I think each of these "takes" seen through the lens of Jesus’ love and compassion arrives at the nature of our God, a God of prodigality. (really?) yep! God’s excess…sive love!
See you Sunday!
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.
The mission of Hands of Christ is to bring PC(USA) congregations together to meet the basic needs of children by showing them Christ’s love, helping them start the school year with uniforms and basic school supplies. Started in 2002 by Zion-Olivet and Westminster Churches, the organization has supported over 50,000 school children in Charleston, Berkley, Dorchester, Colleton, Williamsburg and Orangeburg counties and at Thornwell.
Second Presbyterian Church and Charleston Gospel Choir will honor the legacy of Denmark Vesey with an event featuring special narration and music provided by the Charleston Gospel Choir on June 25th at 6:00 p.m. in the sanctuary.
This event is free and open to the public and will pay homage to the extraordinary 200-year legacy and life of Denmark Vesey, a self-educated Black man who planned the most extensive slave rebellion in U.S. history in Charleston, 1822. The Charleston Gospel Choir will perform moving spirituals and gospel standards including “Lawd, How Come Me Heah,” “Heaven Help Us All,” and “To Be Young Gifted and Black.”
In a city-wide collaboration, Second Presbyterian Church, IAAM, the Gaillard, and Mother Emanuel A.M.E. are engaging the narrative of Denmark Vesey with events throughout June and July.
“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.
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.
Dear Friends in Christ –
Trinity Sunday – here we are! Christ is risen. The Spirit has blown in (again) on creation and before the lectionary turns to an extended season of ‘ordinary time’ we are given the chance to engage a bit of doctrine. We have the wonderful and welcome opportunity to move beyond 4th century metaphysics and consider the reality of our God experienced at Pentecost, and each day we live in grace and justification. Creator. Incarnate redeemer. Breath of life. All facets of the one God we know, proclaim, and experience.
This Sunday we marvel at the diversity and completeness of the God who loves us in so many ways.
Anna and Walt will be baptized.
Alex Treyz will be received in membership.
We will experience God in wonder.
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.
“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.
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.
Dear Friends in Christ –
This weekend is usually one of celebration for many people and many reasons.
The Jewish community celebrates the festival of the harvest – Pentecost – fifty days after Passover.
The Christian community celebrates the wholescale appearance of God’s Spirit.
Across the nation school is out and camp is in.
Here in Charleston, the Spoleto Festival is in full swing, and
Our "Seconds Please" Tea Room has just wrapped up! But this year is different…
It’s been two years since a deadly virus assaulted our world and has disrupted our lives. Our work, our relationships, our leisure, our worship has all changed, and will never be the same. And it seems that every other day there is a mass shooting at a school, a grocery store, a synagogue, a sanctuary, a hospital….
2,000 years ago, at a particular moment in time, we are told the Holy Spirit of God swept in and transformed the world. Theologian and journalist Phylis Tickle posits that every 500 years since Jesus walked the earth the church has undergone massive transformation. It’s been 500 years since Martin Luther nailed his theses to the church door at Wittenberg.
Hold on!
In anticipation and excitement for the Spirit’s leading –
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.