Our English word "Lent" comes from an Anglo-Saxon word which means "to lengthen" and is associated with the lengthening of days in the spring. The color for this season of the year is violet, which tells us that this season is one of self-examination and discipline. During this time of sanctioned reflection and cleansing we prepare our hearts for new life at Easter, jettisoning those things that separate us from Jesus.
For the first two centuries, this period of preparation for Easter amounted to forty hours in commemoration of the time Jesus spent in the tomb. By the early third century, this observance had extended to six days, and in 325 A.D., the earliest reference to a forty-day period is found. By the eighth century, Ash Wednesday was recognized as the beginning of Lent, a name derived from ancient times when sackcloth and ashes were symbols of repentance. We here at the Second Church observe a voluntary imposition of ashes and an evening service remembering our baptism.
Lent concludes with Holy Week as we are determined to accompany Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, share the Last Supper, bear witness to the crucifixion and burial, and experience the joy of the mystery and the truth of resurrection!
No sackcloth required -
2024 Lenten Devotional Introduction
Dear friends in Jesus,
I invite you to join me as I allow a new season to surround me and so envelop you -- the season of Lent! Observing Lent may be a new experience for some. I know that there are churches and denominations that don’t take the time or make an effort for special preparation for Easter. The question then, “Why should we?” Well, the pace of most folks' lives and the stress that most of us encounter on an average day hardly allows us the chance to grow closer to our God. So, I find it more than useful, imperative even, that I schedule some time to commit to my relationship with Jesus with the same energy and intentionality that I reserve for other things. The result is surprising, revealing and sure – I become more centered, more energized, more grateful – (and more fun!).
There are certain things that we can’t delegate and that we postpone or ignore at our peril - the primary thing being - allowing time for God.
So, I invite you to join me and others who will set aside fifteen minutes each day to reflect on the scripture passage, the quotations from some of today’s most insightful authors and seek to be transformed by God’s presence.
I pray that you will use this guide, commit yourself to Sunday worship, and position yourself for growth becoming disciples - those apprenticed to Jesus. Let’s make the most of this sacred season!
With great joy in being your Pastor, and in great anticipation,
This 40-day devotional series begins on Ash Wednesday, February 14, 2024 and takes us through Easter. Each day's devotional is provided via email in weekly sets (sign up here to receive church emails), and daily online and on Facebook. Printed copies will be available in the narthex at the Ash Wednesday services, 8:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
We acknowledge, with gratitude, the contributions of the Rev. Dr. Thomas K. Tewell, former Senior Pastor of Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church in New York City to the original production of this Lenten Devotional.
Sunday Bulletin - February 11
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.
Stickin' With It
Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.
Find upcoming events and announcements here.
SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, February 11, 2024
Gore Vidal was a prolific American novelist, essayist and provocateur who identified at the beginning of this century a ‘condition’ he articulated as “today’s passion for the immediate and the casual.” One could say that this passion for instantaneous information, access or gratification in a culture that is saturated with hits and bits of contact makes for relationships with each other and with our God a “hit and run” affair that is incapable of depth and richness.
What a state! It’s so much easier for me to observe this in others and in the world around me than to see it in the mirror. I don’t have the time to… what?! You fill in the blank. Care for and love my family? Read scripture? Pray? Or do I? Our time allotted is the same – it’s how we choose to use it that differs.
Eugene Peterson addressed this issue over 25 years ago: “There are some things that don’t change. God doesn’t change: God seeks and saves. And our response as God is revealed in Jesus doesn’t change: we listen and we follow… or we don’t.” Peterson insists that to follow Jesus, to be agents of God’s justice and love, requires what used to be known as apprenticeship. It is by this apprenticeship that we come to know Jesus and that is where faith begins.
Come this Sunday as we welcome new members Catrina and Adam Murphy, baptize Thomas Noel Mellen, and imagine what it is to be apprenticed to the bearer of the greatest power of the cosmos – the love of Jesus.
Click here to view all Second Presbyterian Church videos. Find upcoming events and announcements here.
Source: sermons
Sunday Bulletin - February 4
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.
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.
Source: sermons
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.
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.
Source: sermons
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.
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.
Source: sermons
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.
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.
Source: sermons
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.
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.
Source: sermons