The Prayer of a Righteous Person

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, March 19, 2023

Dear Friends in Christ –      

This Sunday we complete our series on the Book of James. Over the last month, James has offered that

  • we could endure and even know joy in the midst of challenge and trials.

  • its not enough to hear the word, we must be doers of the word

  • our relationship with Jesus must be evidenced by faithful actions

  • the words we speak have power for good or for bad. We can be agents of hurt and disarray or agents of grace.

James concludes his practical missive with a call to prayer, powerful prayer. Here are some questions I’ve encountered regarding prayer and some I’ve asked:

  • What is prayer?

  • Why should we pray?

  • How does one pray?

  • When should one pray?

  • To whom do you pray?

You see, some folks have formulas; some folks go free form. Some have a schedule; others approach prayer on an ‘as needed’ basis.

But for those who believe, those who have persevered, practiced and have known the sweetness of answered prayer, prayer may remain a mystery but it is known and savored - a reality embraced. We, of course, can’t cover prayer in a sermon or a lifetime, but we can practice and be blessed.

Here’s a statement I think gets us on our way: Don’t ask for anything until you’ve said ‘thank you’ for everything!

So, in gratitude and anticipation, I’ll see you Sunday –

 


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

Source: sermons

2023 Church Officer Recommendations

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.

Please submit recommendations by March 26, 2023.

 

Church Officer Recommendation Form 

THIS FORM IS CONFIDENTIAL

(Please complete in full) 

 

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 - March 12

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

Interested in joining Second? Find more about becoming a member here. Have a prayer request? Please let us know here.

 
 

Watch Second Presbyterian 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.

Watch Your Mouth!

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, March 12, 2023

Dear Friends in Christ –

Here’s a story: There was a priest, a rabbi and a minister. These three were the only clerics in this small town and had become good friends – in fact good enough friends to take a fishing trip together. While away from the pressures of their ministries they loosened up and began to share their innermost thoughts.

  • The priest confessed that he had a terrible time with his vow of celibacy and occasionally slipped off incognito to visit the burlesque house in a neighboring town.

  • The rabbi confessed that he had problems within his tradition as well – he LOVED bacon, and every so often would fry up a huge (and secret) plate of bacon and eggs.

  • The pastor remained silent for a long time. Finally when his buddies leaned on him to reveal his weakness he said, “Well, since you insist, I am going to tell you. I just love to gossip… and I can’t wait to get home!”

Yep, there’s a sermon here. Text: James 3:1-12. Words. They lift up and they tear down. They can be weaponized or heal. Let us never think, as the children’s rhyme goes, “they can’t hurt me.”

Lets’ share the practical, the inspirational, radically loving word /words of Jesus love this Sunday! (and everyday:)

In great anticipation,

 


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

Source: sermons

Sunday Bulletin - March 5

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

Interested in joining Second? Find more about becoming a member here. Have a prayer request? Please let us know here.

 
 

Watch Second Presbyterian 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.

Did You Hear?

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, March 5, 2023

Dear Friends in Christ –

There’s a lovely parable  by Soren Kierkegaard, 19th Century Danish philosopher and theologian. He tells a parable of the ducks:

“There is a town where only ducks live.

Every Sunday the ducks waddle out of their houses and waddle down the main street to their church.

They waddle into the cathedral and squat in their pews.

The duck choir sings and then the duck pastor comes and reads from the duck bible.

He encourages them, “Ducks, God has given you wings!  With these wings you can fly!  With these wings you can rise up and soar like eagles!  No walls can confine you, no fences can hold you.  You have wings and you can fly like birds!”

All the ducks quack  “Amen!” And then they waddle home.”

This week God’s scripture reminds us that we must be doers of the word, not just hearers.

Men and women, we are created to soar on the breath of God! Invite your friends, someone whom you haven’t seen for a while. Experience God’s sanctifying word this Sunday!

And the people of God said…

 


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

Source: sermons

Sunday Bulletin - Feb. 26

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

Interested in joining Second? Find more about becoming a member here. Have a prayer request? Please let us know here.

 
 

Watch Second Presbyterian 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.

Joy in the Challenge

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, February 26, 2023

Dear Friends in Christ –

With an especially moving service Ash Wednesday evening, an affirmation of our baptism, we are officially into Lent! Though not really utilized by many, I find a Lenten discipline essential to my spiritual well-being. Note I didn’t say that it’s not usually recognized, noted or accepted. I said not utilized, because I think that each season, each day, each hour, we are to live purposefully and living into the realm of Jesus.

I’ve chosen to preach from The Letter of James, for the next few weeks. Why? Because James addresses issues as resonate for these times as they were when Jesus’ half-brother wrote them two thousand years ago.   

James is seen by many to be the most practical text, encouraging our perseverance through trials: putting our faith to the pavement, recognizing the power of our words, and embracing powerful, faithful prayer.

Scripture will instruct us. The Holy Spirit will guide us. We start this Sunday. (You have a fresh chance for perfect attendance! The reward will be far more than an attendance pin!)

In anticipation,

 


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

Source: sermons

Mamie Garvin Fields

Black History Month

An educator, activist, and community leader, Mamie Garvin Fields grew up in Charleston and spent many of her adult years here as a teacher. In 1916, she joined the City of Charleston Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs, a group that united clubs around Charleston together in cultural and charitable activities, and was a lifelong clubwoman, expanding her role when she retired. As an educator, her work went beyond the traditional classroom – she helped with adult education classes on John’s and James Islands in the 1920s and created the first Vacation Bible School for migrant workers during the Depression. After her retirement from teaching in the 1940s, she led the Marion Wilkinson Home for Girls for two years, working with girls who needed a home, and she helped to establish Charleston’s first public daycare center. Her life was one of service - to the Black people of Charleston, to the community as a whole, and to the next generation of Charlestonians.

Throughout February, we’ve been highlighting Black members of the Lowcountry community, discussing the lives they led, the work they did and the impact they made.

Sunday Bulletin - Feb. 19

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

Interested in joining Second? Find more about becoming a member here. Have a prayer request? Please let us know here.

 
 

Watch Second Presbyterian 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.

Do As I Say and As I Do

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, February 19, 2023

Dear Friends in Christ –

We’re continuing this Sunday with Christ’s Sermon on the Mount – a window into the heart of God. He has called his disciples, has taken them up the mountain, and now gives them a glimpse of their lives now that they have said ‘yes’ to follow him. Would they have said yes if they had known what was ahead? Jesus, forever the rabbi, the mentor, the motivator, gives them a taste of what is to come with a spoonful of grace:

“This is what God does. God gives God’s best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.

“In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up! You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.”

- Matthew 5:43-47, MSG


Live toward others the way God lives toward you. Lest we forget the grace in which we breathe and walk, let us gather. Let’s get right  - let’s worship Jesus God!

In anticipation –

 


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

Source: sermons

Lent Small Group

There are multiple ways to engage our Lenten devotions this year. Devotional reflection emails will be emailed on Mondays during Lent (sign up here) and there will be a midweek small group discussing a selection from the study guide Bless the Lent We Actually Have by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie. This daily Lent guide is designed to be used in conjunction with the book of blessings, The Lives We Actually Have: 100 Blessings for Imperfect Days. You can just use the free 40-day Lent study guide by itself or get the book as well if you would like a more full practice this season.

 

Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.

February 23 through April 6

Download the study guide

Join the Bible study Facebook group

LENTEN STUDY GROUP

THURSDAYS, 6:30 p.m.

Join the Facebook group or contact Jordyn for more information

We'll be referencing selections each week from Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie's study guide Bless the Lent We Actually Have. Download the study guide here for free. You can follow the guide each day, but a full 40 day practice is not necessary for the Thursday night small group meetings.

WEEK 1

Feb 23: Jordyn & Aled’s house

Blessed are the Fragile

Study Guide p. 12, 13

WEEK 2

Mar 2: Jordyn & Aled’s house

Blessed are the Imperfect

Study Guide p. 17, 21

WEEK 3

Mar 9: Katie & Emma’s house

Blessed are the Curious

Study Guide p. 31

WEEK 4

Mar 16: Jordyn & Aled’s house

Blessed are Those Who Suffer

Study Guide p. 36, 39

WEEK 5

Mar 23: Jordyn & Aled’s house

Blessed are Those Who Feel Alone

Study Guide p. 46, 49

WEEK 6

Mar 30: Jordyn & Aled’s house

Blessed are Those Who Mourn

Study Guide p. 52, 58

WEEK 7

Apr 6: Jordyn & Aled’s house

Blessed are Those Who Are Rejected

Study Guide p. 65, 67

CONTACT: Jordyn Pritchard

Edmund Thornton Jenkins

Black History Month

Edmund Thornton Jenkins grew up surrounded by music. He was the son of the Reverend Daniel Jenkins, who founded Jenkins Orphanage and the world-famous band of children who lived there. He eventually attended Morehouse College and later served as Director of Bands for the children’s home, until he was invited to attend London’s Royal Academy of Music in 1914. He continued to study under musicians in London and Paris, but eventually composed a tribute to his native city. Charlestonia honored the city that Edmund grew up in but chose not to make his home, possibly because of how many more opportunities he had outside of the American South at the time. The composition was performed in London and Belgium, but not in Charleston – until 1996, when performed by the Charleston Symphony Orchestra as a part of “Edmund Jenkins Homecoming Month.” Edmund composed many other pieces, including an operetta, called Afram. He died in 1926 in Paris after an illness.

Throughout February, we’re highlighting Black members of the Lowcountry community, discussing the lives they led, the work they did and the impact they made.

Sunday Bulletin - Feb. 12

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

Interested in joining Second? Find more about becoming a member here. Have a prayer request? Please let us know here.

 
 

Watch Second Presbyterian 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.