Straight Talk
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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, August 16, 2020
Dear Friends in Christ –
This Sunday we engage the Letter of James. Why? Because James addresses issues that are just as prevalent and relevant for these times as they were when Jesus’ half-brother wrote 2000 years ago.
This letter is seen by many to be the most practical text, encouraging our perseverance through trials, putting our faith to the pavement – walking the talk – recognizing the power of our words, and embracing powerful, faithful prayer.
As the churn chugs along, the election heats up, the pandemic perseveres, school starts - or doesn’t, what we say and how we say it is paramount!
A media titan died this past week – Sumner Redstone. (Sure sounds like an important man!) He cobbled together companies that grew to dominate media and entertainment. He is credited with coining, “Content is King!” You be the judge. There are so many platforms, devices, channels, and services to supply with … something that it seems folks are willing to put out and put up with anything.
But for us – we who would follow the Christ and endeavor to be the builders of the Beloved Community, content does rule. It’s life and death and we are the conduits of God’s saving truth.
I tell you, there’s joy to be had even in these days. Let’s position ourselves for it. Let’s share it.
See you Sunday for Online Church –
Interested in becoming a member of Second Presbyterian? Email Cress for more information.
Volunteer opportunities can be found here →
Currently, Covid-19 cases are trending downward in Charleston county, which is great news. However, our insurance company requires that daily new cases numbers must decrease for 14 consecutive days. While the overall trend is downward, we have not had more than 3 consecutive days in a drop in the number of new cases, so therefore the church must remain closed at this time.
Read the full update here →
An update on the progress of the lightning strike and masonry repairs is now available. Read the full report that was given to Session from Russell Smith, our Contractor, regarding the substantial progress in the repair of fire damage and restoration of the tower.
“Churches must provide a moral compass for the nation by getting outside their buildings, engaging in the communities and shaping public policies... towards justice, peace and reconciliation for all people.”
The Presbyterian Week of Action is coming up August 24-30, in which we are given the opportunity to study and act on what we learn and understand. Some events this week will be live online events, and others will be resources to engage you at your convenience, whether it be a recorded video you can watch or a list of suggestions for the Day of Service.
The PC(USA) church affirms that all Black Lives Matter. Furthermore, Second Presbyterian is a "Matthew 25 Church" and in an effort to do the “hands & feet” work the Lord ordains, we must act and bear witness to the gospel in these crucial times.
Learn more about the initiative here →
We are usually busy hosting the downtown Hands of Christ distribution this time of year. While hosting in person won't happen this August, Hands of Christ is working with the school district to offer a contactless distribution in the coming weeks once schools are back in session.
Sign up to help us serve downtown and peninsula elementary and middle school students again this year!
Sign up to volunteer here→
Find out more here →
The City has reached out asking for volunteer drivers to help care for our neighbors without housing right now. A volunteer driver is needed for each day of the week for both available options. Please consider volunteering. Contact Christopher Jardin at jardinc@charleston-sc.gov or 843.607.8570 for more information.
For the last three months, the COVID-19 pandemic has provided the opportunity for us to look more deeply at the future of international medical missions. And as Yogi would say – that future looks much different today than it ever has before.
Medical Missions Live continues its all-star lineup in July with more highly respected missions leaders that you won’t want to miss.
MUSC's Psychiatry Unit has reached out offering ways to help pregnant women and new moms right here in Charleston. They are collecting donations for the women in our community to help with mental health care, child care and provide support for young child education.
Find out specific ways to help here. →
Setting up automatic giving is quick and easy- and allows you to give in the future with just a click or text!
Our online giving system, Realm offers easy ways to financially support our ministries. Whether you want to set up a recurring gift or split your donation among different funds, Realm makes it safe and secure to give online. We hope you take advantage of this convenience.
PDA is reaching out to our partners in Lebanon to offer assistance after receiving news of the explosion in Beirut. Reports out of Presbyterian World Mission state that Scott and Elmarie Parker, Mission Co-workers in Lebanon, are safe. Please join us in praying for Lebanon.
SUPPORT YOUR CHURCH WHILE YOU PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING! Many of us are ordering online right now and you can support Second Pres any time you shop on Amazon! Choose to support “Second Presbyterian Church” at smile.amazon.com and Amazon will automatically donate to Second Presbyterian with each purchase you make. Remember to check out and place your final order via smile.amazon.com (and not the app) each time you shop to activate the donations.
Life is different and can often be described as “upside-down.” My heart goes out to everyone because I know that few have ever experienced shortages, confinement, and a feeling of not being in control. After having spent decades in some of the most impoverished countries where everything is in short supply – especially medicines and good health – I know that life is challenging. We can, however, come through this; hopefully, stronger in faith and more aware of our global neighbors.
I stay in touch with my South Sudanese worshipping community, friends, colleagues and neighbors. They have had much concern for all of us here and are following the news very closely. More importantly, they are praying for everyone. Let us continue to pray for each other and those beyond our borders.
One80 Place is in need of volunteers! If you are healthy and able, please sign up and help serve those who need us most right now!
Sign up here: one80place.volunteerhub.com/
Or donate to meet their "need of the week".
Wish list: one80place.org/wish-list/
Find it on Amazon: bit.ly/Wish-List-One80
Find it at Walmart: bit.ly/2NSDx7O
Please text the number 81010 with the message '@2pcchurch' to sign up for church text messages so that you are made aware of pertinent announcements and church-related news. If you didn't receive a text this week regarding the fire, then you aren't yet signed up! Please take a moment to sign up right now so that you're connected in the future. Please contact Jordyn if you need help signing up.
CHURCH-WIDE TAG SALE
We have decided to delay our tag sale (yard, garage sale), till the end of September or October because of the virus. I now go around my house picking up nicknacks, and saying "bye- bye" I am decluttering. I look in closets and drawers and say to my clothes, "I haven't worn you in a year, so I guess I don't need you "bye-bye". Now I have a few piles and bags for the tag sale. So go around your house, garage, basement, and attic before time goes by and it's too late. I will need volunteers at the beginning of September to help me organize and price things. I will also need volunteers to spread the word, make posters/flyers to post at the college, stores, and churches and to put an ad in the paper. Please call and let me know if you can help out.
Thanks so much,
Dawn McCready
293-921-7819