Communion Sunday

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

---

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, February 4, 2024

Dear Friends in Jesus –

I often speak of the narrative sweep of the Bible as God’s love song to God’s people. And so this Sunday I’ll reference the 40th chapter of Isaiah known as the beginning of Consolation. A fresh voice speaks of comfort, of promise, of restoration by the cosmic God who is “everlasting, the creator of the ends of the earth."

We focus on Mark, continuing in the first chapter, as Jesus has returned from the desert, taught in the synagogue, and exorcised a demon. He leaves the synagogue. He and his disciples stop by Simon and Andrew’s house. Simon (soon to be renamed as Peter) discovers his mother-in-law feverish and in bed. Jesus restores her.

 “He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. […]
                                           
"That evening, at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons… And the whole city was gathered around the door. […]
                                                 
“In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed.”

The cosmic God, the comforting God, the flesh and blood Incarnate God in need of renewal and refreshment are all one.

From across the centuries, we are given hope, inspiration and evidence of the one who creates, who does not abandon, who meets us at our point of need and lifts us up.

Aren’t we in need of a little lift? Come worship our never-failing God of the ages.

In anticipation –

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

Volunteer Opportunities - February 2024

Desserts and non-perishable donations are collected on Communion Sundays. Food and toiletry donations are collected for our neighbors at The Canterbury House living on a fixed income in the non-profit senior living community. Baked goods that can be divvied up will be included with Meals on Mondays, an outreach program that delivers meals to folks on Wadmalaw Island.

Please bring dessert and non-perishable donations the first Sunday of each month.

We are serving breakfast for the men at Star Gospel Mission 8:00-9:15 a.m. before church on the third Sunday of each month. Please contact Sally McDuffie or the church office to volunteer. 

Come show Christ’s love by meeting the basic needs of people in our community by serving dinner. A BBQ meal will be served alongside The Navigation Center in the church Fellowship Hall the fourth Sunday of each month from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Contact Elizabeth or Tim Killen or the church office to volunteer.

---

VOLUNTEER FORM

---

Please volunteer your time in some way to an upcoming event or to serve on Sunday mornings. Find more event information here, support the work of Second online here, and contact the church office to find out more about how to get involved or to help coordinate future volunteer opportunities. Thank you!

Sunday Bulletin - January 28

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.

Kindergarten Sunday

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

---

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, January 28, 2024

Dear Friends in Jesus –

Where were you in 1988? Just born? Not yet? Grad school? Med school? Junior high? Were you raising kids? Or raising Cain?

I had just produced an Off-Broadway play in New York that was well reviewed… but the economy had just gone south. And someone gives me this book – All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.  The tagline reads, “uncommon thoughts on common things.” The author, Robert Fulghum, writes that wisdom is not to be found at the top of the dean’s list working for your MBA, but rather in the sand pile at Sunday School (or SPK:).

This special Second Presbyterian Kindergarten Sunday we’ll revisit Fulghum’s observation in light of our scripture(s) for the day. We’ll experience what we strive for every time we gather in Jesus' name: Gospel-centered. Challenging. Engaging. Invitational. Inspirational – Joyous worship!

Come to worship. I’ll reference times past and point to that which is to come prescribed and promised by Jesus. We’ll hear and celebrate the children. Grace Ramsey will sing the Gospel and Victor McKelvey will accompany.

We’ll share some time together afterwards –

What we get to do!

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

Sunday Bulletin - January 21

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.

Curtain Up

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

---

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, January 21, 2024

Dear Friends in Jesus –

Our scripture from the Gospel of Mark is perfect for this time/for these times. Jesus emerges battle tested from the wilderness and proclaims, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news” Mark 1:14-15 NRSV.

And with that stirring line, the ministry of the incarnate God is begun! Curtain up!

Note he immediately recruits help. The tone is set. He summons ordinary folk pursuing ordinary tasks to accomplish his extraordinary, sacred mission.

This Sunday as we navigate this season of epiphany – of light, the invitation is this: Join us for/to worship. Experience the joy – and warmth! – of community and partnership in establishing the realm of God.

In anticipation,

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

Sunday Bulletin - January 14

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.

MLK Sunday: Not Done

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

---

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, January 14, 2024

Dear Friends in Jesus –

In many churches across our nation this Sunday is known as Beloved Community Sunday. We will lean into this dream first articulated in the early days of the 20th century, but given a deeper meaning through the work of Dr Martin Luther King, Jr.

The recent squealings of the darkness on the airwaves in our communities are no match for the gospel love of Jesus. Come proclaim and be witness to the transforming power of our God.

In great anticipation –

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

Sunday Bulletin - January 7

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.

Epiphany Sunday

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

---

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, January 7, 2024

Dear Friends in Jesus –

I share with you a poem by Gian Carlo Menotti. It comes near the end of an anthology, Watch for the Light. It speaks to all of us who seek and seek to follow the incarnate God.

Love Alone – Gian Carlo Menotti
The Child we seek
doesn’t need our gold.
On love, on love alone
he will build his kingdom.
His piercéd hand will hold no scepter,
his haloed head will wear no crown;
his might will not be built
on your toil.
Swifter than lightning
he will soon walk among us.
He will bring us new life
and receive our death,
and the keys to his city
belong to the poor.

Let us look to this year in anticipation and hope because Jesus God pitched his tent next to ours.  

With great joy in being your pastor –

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

Volunteer Opportunities - January 2024

Desserts and non-perishable donations are collected on Communion Sundays. Food and toiletry donations are collected for our neighbors at The Canterbury House living on a fixed income in the non-profit senior living community. Baked goods that can be divvied up will be included with Meals on Mondays, an outreach program that delivers meals to folks on Wadmalaw Island.

Please bring dessert and non-perishable donations the first Sunday of each month.

We are serving breakfast for the men at Star Gospel Mission 8:00-9:15 a.m. before church on the third Sunday each month through March 2024. Please contact Sally McDuffie or the church office to volunteer. 

Volunteers needed: Jan. 21, Feb. 18, Mar. 17

Come show Christ’s love by meeting the basic needs of people in our community by serving dinner. A BBQ meal will be served alongside The Navigation Center in the church Fellowship Hall the fourth Sunday of each month from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Contact Elizabeth or Tim Killen or the church office to volunteer.

---

VOLUNTEER FORM

---

Please volunteer your time in some way to an upcoming event or to serve on Sunday mornings. Find more event information here, support the work of Second online here, and contact the church office to find out more about how to get involved or to help coordinate future volunteer opportunities. Thank you!

Sunday Bulletin - December 31

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.

If You Don’t Ask...

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

---

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, December 31, 2023

Dear Friends in Christ –

Why do we pray? What is its purpose? When did it start?

This Sunday we’ll take a look at why Jesus taught his disciples how to pray and what was going on before that… believe it or not, it ties into this time of year very well.

– Ken

---

---

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

Advent Devotional: Love

“The hardest spiritual work in the world is to love the neighbor as the self – to encounter another human being not as someone you can use, change, fix, help, save, enroll, convince or control, but simply as someone who can spring you from the prison of yourself, if you will allow it.”

– Barbara Brown Taylor

The wait for Christmas is almost over. “Love”- what better word to have this last Sunday of Advent? The English Standard Version of the Bible uses the word “love” 684 times. To complicate our relationship with love, it is said that the English language has only one word for love. In reality, we actually have many different words, they all just seem to end up meaning “love”. There is familial love, God’s love, romantic love, there is even the brotherly love between brothers and sisters in the church.

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.”

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a, ESV

Most of us have heard this beautiful passage. If you haven’t, you should take in a wedding; they can be fun. Hearing 1 Corinthians at a wedding is setting the bar pretty high for the participants as well as those in attendance. Hearing it also gives us the perfect groundwork to help us achieve what Jesus called the most important commandment. 

Jesus said,

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”

Matthew 22:37-29, KJV

As we look toward Christmas and the coming new year, let’s try to realize that what Paul said to the Corinthians so many years ago is as viable now as it was then. It seems as though loving our neighbor as ourselves starts with being patient and kind, then all we have to do is try not to be rude or arrogant. There is of course more, but at this time of year I also think a smile is a great start. I am going to try.

Merry Christmas,
Ken

---

You can sign up here to join our mailing list to receive church emails.

If you are looking for a simple daily practice this season, you can download Kate Bowler's Bless This Advent devotional here.

Fourth Sunday of Advent Bulletins - December 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.