May 18, 2020

Dear Friends in Christ – 

Here is at last an annual report/newsletter! It will speak to the excitement of last year, but offer no specific schedule yet for Second Church to resume corporate worship in the sanctuary. 

I would imagine that you, as I, keep an eye on the news feeds for some breakthrough that will allow us and the world to resume interaction and intersection.

Someone stopped by today, brought some cookies, and gave me an even better gift if you can imagine. As we spoke and wondered how we could ever meet with the abandon we experienced before when we gathered, she uttered one word – vaccine.

I was reminded that modern plagues have been arrested through science  - and God’s grace. 

As creatures created to be in relationship to serve a God that became enfleshed, we will not be denied one of the most essential facets of our lives together – touch – forever. 

Just because we don’t know the answers does not mean there is not one. Perhaps the answer to this moment is that we practice safe distancing, that we spend more time in reflection (prayer), that we engage with others in a way that reflects God’s love. 

Take a look at what we’ve done. You’ll get an idea of whom we are becoming. 

Joshua (assimilation) and I met in the garden next door to the church with half the folks who are joining the church. We shared stories, impressions of the church, 2nd’s mission in these times and their place within it. 

I’ll meet with the others and soon you’ll read their stories see their smiles.  

A task force is working together to be able to prayerfully offer a protocol for returning. 

We will gather first in small groups and study and laugh and pray and support each other and Second Presbyterian – Church of Charleston and the new era. 

Dear friends in Christ – we are writing/living the narrative for the new millennium. The story is old, the application is new. We will love.

With great joy in being your pastor and in anticipation of the work ahead -    

Cress