Think on This

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, October 15, 2023

Dear Friends in Christ –

I had intended to engage ‘the wedding feast’ in Matthew 22:1-14 for this coming Sunday, but as the land once described as ‘holy’ erupts into chaos and retribution I found myself drawn to Paul’s exhortation to the Philippians: ‘to think on that which is ‘true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.’

Let’s think about these things as the images of the eruption of decades old fury flood our screens and pierce our hearts.

Let us pray earnest prayers for healing and humanity that is only possible through the spirit of Jesus.

 

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

Source: sermons

A Christian Response to the Conflict and Devastation in Israel and Gaza

“We follow Jesus of Nazareth, the Prince of Peace.
We are a people of peace, yesterday, today and tomorrow.
We say 'no' to war, for war has no power to save us.
We strive to embody the command to love God and neighbor.”

Presbyterian Peace Foundation has had a long and abiding concern for the Middle East, seeking a just peace for all in the region.

Read the PPF statement on Israel and Gaza here →

 

From the PC(USA) Office of Public Witness:

"As people of faith, we turn to the practice of lament that guides our prayers and leads us to action. We join our voice with the Psalmist, 'Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice!' (Psalm 130:1). May God hear the voices of those in Israel and Palestine experiencing unprecedented suffering and escalating violence. May the cries of our partners and care for humanity lead us from prayer to action."
 

Read the full statement of lament here →

 

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is responding to humanitarian needs in Israel/Palestine. As violence escalates in the area, PDA is providing humanitarian assistance through partners on the ground. 


Give. Act. Pray. Learn more and give here →

Sunday Bulletin - October 8

THIS IS GOD'S HOUSE - ALL ARE WELCOME

 “Meeting people at their point of need, Inviting all into a dynamic relationship with Jesus”


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.

Sunday Bulletin - October 1

THIS IS GOD'S HOUSE - ALL ARE WELCOME

 “Meeting people at their point of need, Inviting all into a dynamic relationship with Jesus”


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 Second Thought

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, October 1, 2023

Dear Friends in Christ –

Last week was about grace. In the parable surrounding day laborers and their work in a vineyard, our text offered that the realm of God is not about earned equity but about freely offered grace. For those who thought that compensation/grace was won by their efforts, Jesus affirms God’s prerogative to love expansively, never withholding- and not everyone is happy.

This Sunday we engage a story about two sons. Not unlike the prodigal son, both have elements of repentance and elder brother attitude. The theme is authority. Who has it? Who tries to wield it? It's almost comical – almost.

We share a heavenly meal. We position ourselves for grace.

See you at the Tag Sale – and Sunday in worship!

In great anticipation –

 

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

Source: sermons

Sunday Bulletin - September 24

THIS IS GOD'S HOUSE - ALL ARE WELCOME

 “Meeting people at their point of need, Inviting all into a dynamic relationship with Jesus”


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.

Not So Casual Labor

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, September 24, 2023

Dear Friends in Christ –

Have any of you ever worked temp? You know, part of a pool of folks with particular skills who would be engaged as needed for a day’s work. In New York I had a company, Casual Labor. I booked actors/waiters for formal occasions from people’s homes to the Metropolitan Museum - men and women who had a tux, knew French service, and were eager to work without long-term commitments, which allowed flexibility for auditions and acting jobs. It may sound "casual", but it was essential for coaching, classes and paying rent.
 
Think of the men standing idly in the marketplace there for one reason - they needed work. We can imagine the best were chosen first, then second tier, and for three more ‘cullings’ before the end of the day. And they all got paid the same no matter how long they worked or didn’t.
 
So what was the point Jesus was making in "The Laborers in the Vineyard" to those gathered 2000 years ago and for us who will gather on Sunday? It’s not as simple as you may think! It has to do with fairness and judgement and need and… grace.
 
Let’s engage this text together – call up someone you haven’t seen in a while, or with whom you may have been having a hard time, or with whom you want to share the greatest love – yep, invite them, too.
 
In great anticipation –

 

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

Source: sermons

Sunday Bulletin - September 17

THIS IS GOD'S HOUSE - ALL ARE WELCOME

 “Meeting people at their point of need, Inviting all into a dynamic relationship with Jesus”


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.

Bearers of the Good News

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, September 17, 2023

Dear Friends in Christ –

In his book Simply Jesus, NT Wright writes, “Jesus- the Jesus we might discover if we really looked, is larger, more disturbing, more urgent than we had ever imagined.”

The Jesus that Wright describes- that Wright reveals- is the antidote for these times. We ignore at our peril.

The Apostle Paul quite rightly asks, “… And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?”

We are to be the heralds of the good news. We are to be the ones whose call and privilege it is to witness and to proclaim the good news of the incarnate God, Jesus. Therein is our purpose and our joy.

See you Sunday as we baptize Grant and Blakely and bear witness to the one where our hope resides.

In anticipation –

 

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

Source: sermons

Sunday Bulletin - September 10

THIS IS GOD'S HOUSE - ALL ARE WELCOME

 “Meeting people at their point of need, Inviting all into a dynamic relationship with Jesus”


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.

Covenant

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, September 10, 2023

Dear Friends in Christ –

In the letter to the Hebrews The Apostle Paul writes:

”Heads up! The days are coming
    when I’ll set up a new plan
    for dealing with Israel and Judah.
I’ll throw out the old plan
    I set up with their ancestors
    when I led them by the hand out of Egypt.
They didn’t keep their part of the bargain,
    so I looked away and let it go.
This new plan I’m making with Israel
    isn’t going to be written on paper,
    isn’t going to be chiseled in stone;
This time I’m writing out the plan in them,
    carving it on the lining of their hearts.”

A new plan, better than the old – the love of God inscribed on our hearts.

This is what we’re promised. This is what we claim.

This Sunday we gather where we are loved. Invite all with whom you would share this.

+ Brunch!

In great anticipation –

 

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

Source: sermons

Sunday Bulletin - September 3

THIS IS GOD'S HOUSE - ALL ARE WELCOME

 “Meeting people at their point of need, Inviting all into a dynamic relationship with Jesus”


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.

Whose Job Is It Anyway?

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, September 3, 2023

Dear Friends in Christ –

There’s a statement I’ve carried with me from the time Rebecca and I were living in New York. We were praying for a child – you see, we had forgotten to have children and were scufflin’ to do all we could to position ourselves for God’s favor.

In a pharmacy on a corner of a tiny boulevard there was a statement that was placed above the shelves of items we didn’t need, much less could afford, but there was this brief statement that always caught my attention.

No Time To Waste.

Cut to three years later... Rebecca and I brought Lily to meet the folks who had been encouraging. She cooed. Their hearts melted and I copied the words that are the basis for the message.

The Apostle Paul speaks about more than labor. Paul exhorts the new followers of Jesus to stand firm in the faith they’d been taught and to stand firm against those who would prefer to tear the fabric of the community of Jesus.

Question: Whose job is it anyway?

See you this Labor Day (the Lord has made!)

Best love in Jesus –

 

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

Source: sermons

2023 Committees

Serve on a committee! Make a difference in the life of the church by joining with others.