Barger/Bahri wedding service held Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. at Second Presbyterian Church, 342 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC. Livestream available on YouTube.
Three Words on the Road
Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.
Find upcoming events and announcements here.
SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, April 23, 2023
Dear Friends in Christ –
What curious times we live in.
Our text this Sunday has the elements of a great tragedy. Plot and character are the two most important elements of a good narrative according to Aristotle. What could be more compelling than a small town carpenter’s seemingly illegitimate son claiming divinity, wrenching ‘disciples’ from their homes and family obligations, offering redemption healing and restoration to an oppressed and cowered people. Then surrendering to arrest, torture, humiliation and execution…only to rise! He then encounters, incognito, two soul-crushed devotees trudging home in utter defeat reporting despairingly the sad tale, “…but we had hoped.” (Luke 24:13-35)
Remember dear friends, we’ve read the end of the book. But for those who could not, or who have not read the Bible, can we locate hope in this scripture and inspiration for these days?
Answer: Yes!
Let’s gather this Sunday at 10:30. We’ll discover together Jesus God’s message for this day, for these days of crazy assault and confusing rhetoric. We’ll be reminded that the God who lives is our paraclete, our advocate, our inspiration and companion on the way, in God’s way.
With great anticipation in these challenging days –
When I heard of these shootings in New York state and in Missouri, they made me think that our predicament now is deeper than we sometimes realize. We don’t just have a gun crisis, although we do. We don’t just have a polarization problem, or a disinformation problem, or a right-wing extremism problem, although we have all of these problems, and they are severe.
We’ve entered into a state in which anonymous trust is cracking, where nothing and no one can be trusted, and everyone in the world from beyond your moat is a suspect.
We can find hope and take heart in our text, Luke 24:13-35.
Listen to sermon podcasts here. Click here to view all Second Presbyterian Church videos. Find upcoming events and announcements here.
Source: sermons
Sunday Bulletin - April 16
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.
Joseph, a Semi-Obtainable Goal
Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.
Find upcoming events and announcements here.
SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, April 16, 2023
Dear Friends in Christ –
There are lots of examples of people to emulate from the Old and New Testament, with Jesus being the unattainable example of perfection. So, who can we strive to be from the Old Testament? The story of Joseph and his origins can be a fantastic example of a man who overcame so many obstacles, yet still maintained his focus on God and excellence.
See you Sunday –
Ken Carrington
Ken Carrington is an elder, SPK kindergarten teacher, and our Director of Children and Youth. He is the announcer for the Riverdogs and his greatest joy is teaching the Children’s sermon. Ken is currently a candidate for a Commissioned Pastor in the Presbyterian Church.
Listen to sermon podcasts here. Click here to view all Second Presbyterian Church videos. Find upcoming events and announcements here.
Source: sermons
Sunday Bulletin - April 9
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.
Easter Sunday
Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.
Find upcoming events and announcements here.
SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, April 9, 2023
Dear Friends in Christ –
Catherine Caimano writes:
“There is a wonderful website, put together by an online magazine called SMITH , that it is a collection of six-word memoirs -- people both famous and ordinary trying to distill their lives down to six words about what is most important or distinguished or interesting about them. Everyone is invited to participate, and there is an ongoing gallery of the most recent offerings.
Some six-word stories are poignant: “I still make coffee for two,” writes someone recovering from a breakup.
Some are clever: “Well, I thought it was funny,” is the offering of comedian Stephen Colbert.
Some are tragic: the inspiration for the project was an old tale about Ernest Hemingway, who, challenged to write a story in six words, is said to have come up with this: “For Sale: baby shoes, never worn.”
There are 775,000 words, more or less, in the Bible, and not one of them makes sense without these six words. There are roughly 2 billion Christians in the world, and not one of us has a thing to say without these six words: Jesus is risen from the dead.”
Men and women, Easter is the day that we proclaim the mystery that defines who and whose we are, what we are to do, how we are to act. Easter illuminates our past and gives our future meaning, purpose and joy.
Come to worship this Sunday. In the reality and the mystery of Christ’s resurrection we will sing, pray and proclaim the six words for and through which we live: Jesus is risen from the dead!
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 - April 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 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.
Palm Sunday
Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.
Find upcoming events and announcements here.
SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, April 2, 2023
Dear Friends in Christ –
Who’s up for a parade? If you had made your way to Jerusalem at Passover, around 33 AD you could choose from two. Entering one gate the Roman Procurator on a high stepping, nostrils flaring charger. On the other side of town an itinerant prophet bouncing on the back of a donkey. Each to converge as principals in a narrative with cosmic consequences.
This Sunday we focus on Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem – palms waving, coats laid on the road, shouts of 'Hosanna, save us!' Can we celebrate knowing the end of the story? You betcha! Because we know that crucifixion isn’t the end of the story. Jesus has already said he is the way, the truth and the life. The end of the story is yet to be written, but we know it includes Jesus, and life, and us!
This Sunday the children will process during the first hymn. We will celebrate the fulfillment of ancient scripture and the promise of life in Jesus.
Let’s worship together this Sunday. Bring someone you love (or don’t). Let’s enjoy the church picnic, celebrate our recent new members, and savor the grace that is ours and ours to share.
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
Holy Week 2023
PALM SUNDAY: Worship Service Sunday, April 2 at 10:30 a.m. including a palm processional. Church followed by a picnic in the park hosted by the deacons.
MAUNDY THURSDAY: Community Communion Service Thursday, April 6 at 7:00 p.m.
GOOD FRIDAY: Service of Tenebrae Friday, April 7 at 7:00 p.m. Somber service of readings of the Seven Last Words of Christ with hymns and musical meditations
EASTER EGG HUNT: Community Easter Egg Hunt in the park* Saturday, April 8 at 9:30 a.m.
*event will be moved inside if the weather should not cooperate
EASTER SUNDAY: Festival Communion Service Sunday, April 9 at 10:30 a.m. Service of the Resurrection
ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING – For more than 70 years, this special offering has connected us in God’s healing, tending, and growing to create a world where all needs are met. One Great Hour of Sharing currently supports projects in more than 100 countries. Please give generously toward the special offering to help make a difference around the world.
Loving God, in a world that sometimes doesn’t make sense to us, open our hearts to receive your care and your joy. Amen.
“Meeting people at their point of need and inviting all into a dynamic relationship with Christ.”
Sunday Bulletin - March 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.
Gospel & Kindergarten Sunday
Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.
Find upcoming events and announcements here.
SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, March 26, 2023
Dear Friends in Christ –
We’re coming to the end of the season of Lent. I pray that you’ve been able to position yourself closer to those things, people, and behaviors that are life-giving. Though there is never a bad or inappropriate time to seek closeness to each other and our God, the church sanctioned seasons allow us to walk together.
The readings from Jeremiah and Matthew this Sunday speak to God’s relationship, regard, and purpose for us. We will take our direction from scripture and secular text: First Testament, New Testament, Kindergarten.
Come Sunday, celebrate a Second Presbyterian institution, SPK.
The children will sing and inspire.
Grace Ramsey will sing gospel and move our spirits.
We will sing together and lean into joy that followers know. Bring a friend. Meet a new one.
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
Easter Lilies
Easter lilies are now available for order for $15 each. If you would like to make a donation this Easter season to honor a loved one or to the glory of God, please complete the order form below and submit your total donation online, place in the offering plate on Sunday, or deliver it to the church office.
Forms must be submitted by Thursday, April 6, 2023 in order for memorials to be published.
Easter Lilies Order Form
Sunday Bulletin - March 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.
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