Christmas Eve 11:00 p.m. Service

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.

Christmas Eve 4:00 p.m. Service

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.

Christmas Eve

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Dear Friends in Jesus –

I like to look at Christmases past to get an idea of what was on my heart and to infer what was on your hearts at that particular time. I can get an idea of the state of the nation, the state of the church and the state of our lives together the way scripture was treated, by the titles of the sermons.

• The sermon title for Sunday was Into the Mess and it spoke to the crazy circumstance into which Jesus was born.

• Tomorrow afternoon we’ll celebrate Christmas Eve, and savor Something About a Baby (rather THE baby) and enjoy special music by our own Tripp Carrington, Beckett Carrington, and Daniel Stroman and their School of the Arts friend Ava Whitener.

• At 11:00 we will observe The Night God Lost His Way, be blessed with a service of Lessons and Carols, and be strengthened by sharing Communion.

The earth is now tilted toward the sun. We have born the darkness and look to the light of Jesus, that we may live by the light of Jesus and be the light for a world in turmoil.

There are still storms and fires, assaults on decency, civility, on the fragile dignity of our lives together.

But… Emmanuel is come.

Let us set aside logic and reason and convention and embrace the mystery of God’s incursion.

It’s easier together.  

See you in worship!

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

Sunday Bulletin - December 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.

Advent IV

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, December 21, 2025

Dear Friends in Jesus –

Last week I said that we would turn our attention from the apocalyptic lectionary readings of Advent, from the desert of John’s powerful proclamation, toward Bethlehem. As we will see in scripture this Sunday morning, the birth narrative/report in Matthew is anything but angels singing and starlight.

Matthew reports a marriage contract seemingly broken, a ‘righteous man’ humiliated, a young woman presumed unfaithful- in other words, a mess. But… angels intercede in a dream. The prophecy from Isaiah is fulfilled and we move on, but not without risk.

Other birth narratives are offered in other gospels that more closely match our expectations and perhaps offer a winsome Christmas needed, but the humanness we see in Matthew ‘prepares the way of the Lord’ in the most real sense.

Into our messiness a child is born, not in random circumstance, but in intention. Divinity set aside, humanity embraced, the grace and mystery of God’s loving intention and holy strategy made known.

Christmas week begins. We need it. We need each other. The world needs what is offered through you and me as we are faithful in God’s joyful and triumphant love made known through… a baby.

Come Lord Jesus –

In anticipation,

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

Sunday Bulletin - December 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.

Advent III

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, December 14, 2025

Dear Friends in Jesus –

“Are you the one?” How often is this the question asked? The contemporary ask may be ominous or the question may reflect a spiritual longing or, as in our context in The Gospel of Matthew, John the Baptizer, prophet in/of the desert, languishes in a lightless cell and anguishes – is his cousin Jesus the one foretold?
 
It’s not an unreasonable question to ask. John was a Jew. His expectation was of a Messiah who would wield a winnowing fork and put things right. But things are not "right" and his cousin isn’t giving evidence of a plan that would accomplish the expectations of an oppressed and disheartened people.
 
But we’ve read the story. We are aware of the power that transformed the ancient world and the only power that will transform ours.
 
Come this Sunday. We will engage the centuries old question that is asked and must be answered by each generation. 
 
The children will be heralds and we will bear witness to the one who comes, in humility, bearing our salvation.
 
In anticipation,

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

Sunday Bulletin - December 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.

Advent II

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, December 7, 2025

Dear Friends in Jesus –

Sojourners, insufferables, sycophants and swells – (did I miss anybody?)

We find ourselves in the company of John the baptizer and , by extension, of those who are flocking from ‘all of Judea’ to be baptized. The text describes a horde of folks from all walks and backgrounds. What did the experience offer seekers then and us now?

John is the herald of the messiah foretold by the prophet Isaiah. John functions also like a community organizer. He identifies that which must be remedied and repaired to receive what and who is to come.  No subtle contrivances. No leaning into joyless impossible law. Ritual cleansing. Repentance is required to embrace and embody that which is offered – changing your life for the change that is a-comin’.  

Lest we despair, Jesus comes that we may receive him. Indeed, Jesus receives us when we come.

In anticipation,

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

Poinsettias 2025

Poinsettias will be placed in the sanctuary at Christmastime and can be dedicated in memory or in honor of loved ones or to the glory of God. Please submit the form below and the dedications will appear in the Christmas Eve bulletin and will be listed online if received by Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025.

Fill out the form below and give $20/poinsettia online, via Venmo (@chs2ndpc), designated in the offering plate on Sunday, or deliver to the church office.

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Poinsettia Order Form

Dedications need to be received by Dec. 17, 2025 to be included in publications,

Advent I

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, November 30, 2025

Dear Friends in Jesus –

Pastor Will Willimon introduces his book, Heaven and Earth – Advent and Incarnation, the resource for our Saturday morning study, with -

“As the world’s calendar winds down, the church’s calendar begins again. One year comes, another goes. Not much changes. The same old frustrations, the same old us.

"But then the church gives us Advent—a season that keeps time differently. Four weeks to pause, to take stock, and to let God reset our understanding of what time really means. Advent doesn’t begin with our resolutions or our determination. It begins with God’s decision to show up, to take time for us.

"If there is to be a fresh start, it won’t come from our own effort. It will come as a gift. We need a God who refuses to stay distant—Good news: that is exactly the God we have.”

Not a moment late nor a moment too soon.

In great anticipation,

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

Sunday Bulletin - November 23

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.

The Morning After

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, November 23, 2025

Dear Friends in Jesus –

What do you do the day after?

1. Don’t panic.               

2. Get busy.

3. Do your best work.

Sounds good, but what is the day after? Seems simple enough, but it could very well mean each day/all days. The day after graduation. The day after your child’s birth. The day after the election. The day after resurrection.

Our scripture occurs… after. The rudderless disciples and other followers of Jesus assemble in the only place that can accommodate them and feel safe after their plans and their dreams have been shattered, the rug pulled. They didn’t believe the one whom they called Master, that he would die, rise and join them. If we hadn’t read the book, would we?  

This Sunday we take heart and strength from each other and the ubiquitous Spirit of God as we gather, position ourselves for God’s grace and pray for the courage to lead examined lives and celebrate that Jesus reigns over the wandering, the contrite, even us.  

Bring a friend, or someone whom you wish was.

Henrietta Mears, a great church educator of the 20th century once said, "God is the source of love; Christ is the proof of love; service is the expression of love; boldness is the outcome of love."

In great anticipation –

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

Sunday Bulletin - November 16

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.

Sharing

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, November 16, 2025

Dear Friends in Jesus –

The author of the letter to the Hebrews offers a list of actions for those who are members of the community of  ollowers.

First, they should love their brothers and sisters; treat one another like family.

Second, they should not become insular, focusing only on themselves.

Third, remember those who are in prison and those who are being mistreated.

Finally, a place should exist in their lives for contentment, acknowledging that what they have is sufficient which brings us to the text for this commitment Sunday: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Knowing within our hearts that we have the provision and the protection of God, we need not worry about material goods, so…

”Make sure you don’t take things for granted and go slack in working for the common good; share what you have with others. God takes particular pleasure in acts of worship—a different kind of “sacrifice”—that take place in kitchen and workplace and on the streets,” Hebrews 13:16 (MSG).

In great anticipation,

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