A Particular Purpose

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, March 8, 2026

Dear Friends in Jesus –

This third Sunday of Lent, we begin... at the beginning. In the second chapter of Genesis it says, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and to keep it.”

How’d we mess this up? Created by God, in God’s image for a particular purpose – to serve, to till and keep, the garden. Let’s imagine what that means. It means we move from purpose to mission – doing God’s work in the world. Anything more important? More satisfying? More joyful? Nah – let’s talk about it this Sunday! Leave your vices, bad habits and God separators at home. Bring some friends –

See you in worship!

 
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Upcoming events

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

Source: sermons

A Declaration of Faith for the Dignity of All People

Dear Friends in Jesus,

The Session charged a group of Elders last month to draft a Declaration of Faith from Second Presbyterian Church of Charleston and its Suburbs decrying the abhorrent treatment of immigrants in our nation and fulfilling our responsibility to speak up and out, demanding that all God’s people be treated with dignity.

Care has been taken to assure that this statement aligns with our biblical mandate.

These times call for our best.

In prayer and gratitude,

 

Church Officer Recommendations 2026

The Nominating Team is requesting nominations from the congregation for our next class of church officers.

Recommendation forms can be submitted below. Paper forms are available in the sanctuary or can be downloaded here.

Please submit recommendations by March 30, 2026.

THIS FORM IS CONFIDENTIAL

(Please complete in full) 

2026 Nominating Team: Genevieve Butler (deacon), Carol Howe, Zack Lord (session), Chris Olson, Emma Paz, Lucas Willoughby, Rev. Cress Darwin (ex-officio)

 

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, Bible study/small groups, 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

Sunday Bulletin - March 1

THIS IS GOD'S HOUSE - ALL ARE WELCOME

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


Download the Sunday bulletin

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.

WORSHIP CONTACT CARD

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.

CLICK HERE FOR THE PRAYER LIST & UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS
 
 

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.

Following the Captain

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, March 1, 2026

Dear Friends in Jesus –

Our Lenten Sundays will offer much hope and give us reason to take heart as we encounter the mysterious God who set aside privilege to reclaim those whom he loved into life, and unto death.

Throughout time there have been many descriptions of God’s people – some flattering, some not so. Through his core teaching Jesus tells us who and what we are:

  1. We are blessed, we are salty - flavorful and sustaining people,

  2. we are creatures of light, unashamed to shine.

Recognizing that the creator God cannot help but continue to create, we are charged with understanding our obedience in new ways as well.

I often mention our particularity at Second Church.

Next week we’ll be looking at a Particularity of Purpose. Then a Particularity of Obedience. This Sunday we Follow the Captain, the archegos, the pioneer and perfector of our faith who embraces us with open arms as we complete the race!

We are created, grown, equipped, and gathered together in this place for just ‘such a particular time as this.’

Let’s stride into this season and these chaotic times with chins up, heads held high, secure, not in our own righteousness, but in God’s love and purpose for each of us.

(BTW, let’s not keep this to ourselves. Invite a friend or someone whom you wish were!)

In anticipation –

 
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Upcoming events

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

Source: sermons

Sunday Bulletin - February 22

THIS IS GOD'S HOUSE - ALL ARE WELCOME

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


Download the Sunday bulletin

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.

WORSHIP CONTACT CARD

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.

CLICK HERE FOR THE PRAYER LIST & UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS
 
 

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.

Salt Shakin'

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, February 22, 2026

Dear Friends in Jesus –

We preachers are often accused of filling the air with “should,” “ought,” and “must”—preaching everything in the imperative mood. Sunday I have the opportunity to speak more in the manner of Jesus. I get to speak in the indicative mood. In Sunday’s Gospel Jesus doesn’t say, “you ought to be like light to the world.” Rather he says, “you are the light of the world.” He doesn’t say, “go out and try to add some savor to a bland, tasteless world.” Rather, Jesus boldly asserts, “you are the salt of the earth.”

Why do we spend time together in church? On most Sundays we’re in church listening, singing, sometimes breaking bread to bolster our faith. But, based on this Sunday’s Gospel from Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount, maybe we are here to strengthen our faith in each other and ourselves. Or more accurately, to recognize and awaken ourselves to the faith that Jesus has in us!

It's SPK Sunday and we welcome our preschool children and parents into worship. Jasmine Crowder will sing for Gospel Sunday, accompanied by Bill Gesin. And we'll enjoy good eats and fellowship after worship.

Get a start on 100% attendance for Lent :)

In anticipation –

 
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Upcoming events

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

Source: sermons

Sunday Bulletin - February 15

THIS IS GOD'S HOUSE - ALL ARE WELCOME

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


Download the Sunday bulletin

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.

WORSHIP CONTACT CARD

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.

CLICK HERE FOR THE PRAYER LIST & UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS
 
 

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.

It’s Good for Us to Be Here

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, February 15, 2026

This Sunday is… 

  • the Sunday the children sing.

  • our 3rd Annual Chili Cook-Off.

  • Transfiguration Sunday – engaging the mountain top presentation of Jesus, Moses and Elijah in the clouds, and narrative commentary from- GOD?

On this last Sunday of Epiphany (Christ’s revealing of God’s self) we will position ourselves for the privilege and discipline of Lent. We will delight as the children sing, savor fellowship and culinary aspirations, and the mystery of the transfigured Jesus God who transforms us!

Here’s a request, an invitation and suggestion: perfect attendance for Lent?! I would bet that the last "30 Year Perfect Attendance Pin" went to Bobby Jordan years ago, never to be replicated in these modern times for any number of reasons. Perfect attendance need not span decades; here is the chance to come to either worship service or Saturday morning Bible study and be rewarded with a spiritual pin of joyful attentiveness.

In anticipation –

 
give online
Upcoming events

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

Source: sermons

Sunday Bulletin - February 8

THIS IS GOD'S HOUSE - ALL ARE WELCOME

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


Download the Sunday bulletin

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.

WORSHIP CONTACT CARD

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.

CLICK HERE FOR THE PRAYER LIST & UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS
 
 

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.

Topsy-Turvy

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, February 8, 2026

Dear Friends in Jesus –

The Gospel writers Matthew and Luke each report significant sermons by Jesus – sermons that convey the tenets of his ministry. The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew) and the Sermon on the Plain (Luke) describe the topsy-turvy nature of our lives should we follow the way of Jesus.

Conditions of poverty, grief, suffering and insult are to be born knowing that there is plenty, joy, comfort and favor in a life of steadfast dedication in bearing the mysteries of God. Do we dare believe? Do we dare discount? These times demand we choose.

We are stewards under orders.

In anticipation –

 
give online
Upcoming events

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

Source: sermons

Snapshot for an Icy Weekend

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

No 10:30 in person worship service on Sunday, February 1, 2026

Dear Friends in Christ –

Good evening.

After consideration and consultation I wanted to inform you of the decision to cancel ‘in person’ worship for this coming Sunday. All forecasts point to seriously icy conditions on the roads & bridges. Should you arrive, there is the danger of ice leading from the parking lot to the portico and over the stone to the portico.

I will record a message to be shared during our regular worship time. I’m proposing we share communion on Feb. 8th and our chili cook off will be held on Feb. 15th. There's still time to perfect the recipe! So…
 
This first Sunday of February I intended for us to engage the Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount – Jesus sharing primarily with his disciples as the multitudes have gathered just down the slope.

Jesus tells them of the topsy –turvy reality he has come to teach, embody and entrust to them. Both testaments bore the message and in it lies our key to navigating and surviving these times… with purpose and joy!

We’ll engage that next week. This week, I’ll share some thoughts from Nadia Boltz-Weber that speak to this incongruous life with which we are blessed. 
  
Face to face, eyes on the screen, or prayers converging, we will position ourselves together for the grace of God. 

Best love in Jesus –

 
 
give online
Upcoming events

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

Source: sermons

Winter Weather Watch

Dear Ones,

With inclement weather expected from Saturday evening through Sunday morning, we are closely monitoring conditions and are already considering alternatives.

As always, we encourage everyone to use their best judgment when deciding whether to travel in uncertain conditions and to prioritize their own and their family’s safety.

Please watch for a weather update on Saturday here on our website, email, Facebook, and Instagram.

Face to face, eyes on the screen, or prayers converging, we will position ourselves together for the grace of God.