Love is a Decision

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, June 11, 2023

Dear Friends in Christ –

There was a time that I would suggest a phrase, something that I’d encountered in my reading or research that related to the theme of the day or what was happening in the life of the congregation.  It seemed that so many of the phrases were attributable to the Greek philosopher, Plutarch, that Julia Harlow suggested we start referring to the quotation itself, regardless of author, as “the Plutarch”.

I offer a Plutarch this week that is attributable to a writer and church consultant, Tom Ehrich. 

“We discover what it means to love Jesus by having the courage to love others. And then we receive God's love and learn more about Jesus. The cycle starts in a decision to love, not in a need to get.“

It may be foreign to us or counter-intuitive to imagine that love is a decision. We’re so used to the idea of falling in love or the premise that love is something we find or that happens to us. But I propose that the great gift Jesus gave to those who followed him is that he showed what it means, what it looks like, to love -- to offer love.

This Sunday we will engage again the gospel of John, chapter 14:15-21. We will encounter the incomparable and inexhaustible love of Jesus offered through prayer, proclamation, and God’s Spirit.

What a way to start the summer! Invite everyone you know. Why wouldn’t you?

Also, I will be away much of the summer, but back to preach July 16 as we ‘re-up’ in happy response to God’s call and God’s claim on our lives. You’ll find here in the Snapshot the roster of dynamic pulpit guests.

Best love in Jesus –

 


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

Source: sermons

Pray for MBF after Massive Flash Floods

 
 

Extensive Storm Causes Massive Flash Flood in Léogâne Haiti 

Hôpital St. Croix (Holy Cross Hospital) flooded with 4 – 6 feet of water

Today, I wanted to share with you some difficult news about our partners in Haiti, as I know you have a heart for our ministry there.

In the very early hours of Saturday morning, a gigantic storm in the mountains of western Haiti caused a massive flash flood. When a nearby river overflowed its banks, it engulfed the city of Léogâne and our partner Hôpital St. Croix (HSC). The entire city flooded, the waters reaching nearly 8 feet in some areas. Most residents barely had time to climb to their roofs for safety and most have lost all their possessions. 

At HSC, emergency protocols were activated to protect and care for the patients: the night nursing staff evacuated the patients and the neonatal nursery to the hallways of the second floor of the hospital, which is typically used as a guest house for visiting doctors and teams. 

All of the patient care areas, diagnostic services and administration offices located on the main floor of the hospital received 4 – 6 feet of water. The pharmacy, lab, OR, radiology, neonatal nursery, OB, and patient wards were flooded with mud, and most supplies and equipment are a total loss. 

While many were killed in the flooding, no one on the staff of HSC was killed or injured. We praise God for this miracle.

 HSC and Léogâne need your prayers.

  • Pray for the patients who have been evacuated to the second floor. Understandably, they were traumatized and there is a higher risk for the spread of infection since the patients are in very close proximity. Pray too for the neonatal patients who are most at risk.

  • Pray for the staff of HSC who are working through this tragedy. As cleanup at the hospital begins, many are also dealing with a complete loss of their own home and belongings. Pray for God’s strength and provision.

  • Pray that God will provide for HSC. Thousands of dollars’ worth of supplies, equipment and pharmaceuticals were lost in the sudden flooding.

  • Pray that God will provide food and water to the people of Léogâne. At a time when basic essentials are already hard to find and inflation has driven up prices, the flood has further complicated the supply of food and water.

Despite this recent natural disaster (which was followed on Tuesday by a nearby 4.7 magnitude earthquake), our partners at HSC continue to heal the sick and share the Gospel. Keep them in your prayers as they continue the cleanup and assess the damage caused by this flash flood. You can see video of the flood as it was occurring and the subsequent cleanup on our website. As HSC begins itemizing needs, we will also include information on ways you can help.

We will keep you informed of developments in the coming days and weeks. Thank you for your heart for Haiti.

Blessings,

Christopher Petkovich

Director of Partner Engagement for the Southeast Region

Sunday Bulletin - June 4

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.

Communion Sunday with Charleston Gospel Choir

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, June 4, 2023

This Sunday we welcome members of the Charleston Gospel Choir and Rev. DeMett E. Jenkins will bring the message. It will be a festive service with the choir singing lots of music.

Rev. DeMett E. Jenkins is the Director of Education and Engagement for Faith-Based Communities at the new International African-American Museum. As a Gullah-Geechee woman, she has been formed by the Lowcountry’s faith communities. Jenkins is called to a ministry of caring, a calling first nurtured by her family of civil rights activists who demonstrated the love of God to those they encountered.

 


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

Source: sermons

Sunday Bulletin - May 28

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.

On All the Gathered

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, May 28, 2023

Dear Friends in Christ –   
  
As of  Monday we will have entered ‘Ordinary Time’ – meaning that it is neither festival nor penance, but ‘ordered’, numbered, the in-between time within which most of our life is lived.

I usually comment that all time spent in service to and under the call of Jesus is extra-ordinary. This year is no exception.

Our scripture tells of the Spirit of God, the promised Spirit,  the same spirit that hovered above the deep, above Mary, lighted upon Jesus at his baptism – the rushing of the Spirit sounding like a fierce wind to bring the Word, the blessing of God to those outside the Jesus movement then and now!

This occurs as disciples are gathered. Let’s gather Sunday and experience what happens as the Spirit blows the hall! It won’t be ordinary –

In anticipation –

 


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

Source: sermons

Sunday Bulletin - May 21

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.

Jesus Prays for the Disciples (and for us too)

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, May 21, 2023

Dear Friends in Christ –   
  
Pastor David Lose points out there are a number of phrases in the book of John that jump out as favorites: “In the beginning was the Word…,” “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,” “For God so loved the world…,” “In my house are many mansions…,” and more. He then points to the first verse of John 17 as his favorite where Jesus is speaking to God the Father. He petitions "that he be glorified even as God is glorified." What does this mean in context of our times? Of his?

Sunday we will put this holy scripture in the context of Jesus’ last conversation with his disciples before the ultimate moment of ‘glory’- the cross. What does it mean that the eternal God of redemption prayed/prays for even us? Everything! How else shall we manage these days in obedience, in service to God and others, in integrity?

Through the strength and the mystery of our tether our strength – God’s unfailing love revealed in his prayer for you and me.

See you Sunday – invite someone. Share the gift.

 

P.S. Let’s remember Chief Luther Reynolds, brave man of God, servant of our community, friend of this church, who has entered hospice.


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

Source: sermons

Sunday Bulletin - May 14

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.

Jesus said WHAT?

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, May 14, 2023

Dear Friends in Christ –   
  
Sometimes it feels like we’re in a particle accelerator. Easter is past, finals are here, the end of the year program for the Kindergarten, Tea Room, Spoleto, Memorial Day. Next thing you know it’s the 4th of July and days are getting shorter!

Not true, but it feels like it!

That’s why it’s so important to stay centered, ‘above your boots,’ I like to say. Stay present and close to the community of the Christ.

This Sunday, Mother’s Day, we engage one of Jesus’ most difficult texts. He’s just sparred with the Pharisees, he’s sat down to lunch and this woman, this Canaanite woman, starts yelling. She won’t be placated until he listens, really listens. And when he listens he hears, he  understands, he is moved, he heals… he is changed. You think?

Come this Sunday. Invite your friends. Invite perhaps someone whom you haven’t seen in a while. We’re doin’ church in the park!

In years past we’ve brought out the Seersucker and Fancy Hats. Your choice! We’ll have chairs set up, but you can bring your own (they may be more comfortable:)

Take a moment, take a breath, breathe in and exhale the breath of the Holy in the company of the saints (little ‘s’) as we welcome into membership Clay and Lauren Olson and baptize Eleanor Grace and Charlotte Louise.

Engage scripture and witness strength, humility, perseverance – the love of a mother.

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 - May 7

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.

Where You Been?

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, May 7, 2023

Dear Friends in Christ –      

The first line in the text of our Gospel this Sunday reveals Jesus seeking to comfort his friends even as in the next breath he reminds them he is leaving. What follows is a few men asking hard questions. Not mean, not accusatory, but sincere and heartfelt.

We get to see Jesus, the rabbi, lover of their souls pass the baton. Really? Who else to continue the reclamation of the cosmos? Who else has seen up close the day to day, the sunshine and the rain?

An exasperated Jesus tells Philip, who has just asked him to show him the Father, “If you can’t believe that I am in my Father and my Father is in me, then believe what you see – these works!”

Folks, we have read of the works. We have seen modern miracles. We watch now as Christ’s love and Godly truth are the only agents that can penetrate the clouds of our day. It’s up to us to lean into God’s word. Do we have questions? Sure- and all are welcome.

 


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 30

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.

“…or would you rather be sheep?” (spoiler alert – YES!)

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, April 30, 2023

Dear Friends in Christ –      

We received this from our longtime church administrator this week:

Dear Second Presbyterian Session Members,
Please accept my resignation from Second Presbyterian Church effective Wednesday, May 10, 2023. I was offered a position which suits my needs better at this time.
It has been a pleasure working with everyone and I certainly wish you all the best.
Sincerely,
Suzann 

Our treasurer, Patterson Smith, has worked very carefully with Suzann and expresses sentiments shared by us all:

“Overall, I am reminded of the Serenity Prayer. And I know Suzann made the choice to consider other employment and has found a position that will bless her and be beneficial to her and her new employer. The reasons why she is making the transition are her own and I will not second guess her. 
I agree that she has been a great friend to us all and has been dedicated to the success of the ministry at Second Church. 
Meanwhile, we have a task before us... to secure a new Church Administrator. Suzann is working hard to help by providing written guidance to her successor. This is another reason to be thankful for her careful and caring work at Second Church. 
We walk with God and trust in His help. I know He will bless the Church with the person needed to continue in His successful ministry.”

*****

This Sunday is known throughout the church as Good Shepherd Sunday. The title is “... or would you rather be sheep?” As Christians, I think we all share the answer, yes! Not as some stereotype, but as Jesus teaches in John 10, a lesson known as The Good Shepherd and His Sheep. And he tries a different tack when it’s apparent, he’s not getting through.

Let’s gather. We’ll sing, pray and savor our ‘flock ‘status in the love of Jesus.

 


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

Source: sermons