A New Life Emerges

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, July 13, 2025

Dear Friends in Jesus –

“If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation; […]the old life is gone; a new life emerges!” – 2 Corinthians 

What a thought – everything becoming new. But what if we like the ‘old’; we don’t see the reason or the need for something else?

The operative phrase, for us whatever our state or our status, is, “if anyone is in Christ.”  

Dear friends in Jesus, as we are in the service, the presence, the embrace of the power of the cosmos – the love of God. We have purpose and a plan given to and known only by those who are willing.

Come this Sunday and welcome new members. Witness and receive those chosen by the Spirit through you to lead this historic church. 

Come witness and be community –

In anticipation,

 
 

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Source: sermons

According to Your Faith

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, July 6, 2025

Dear Friends in Jesus –

We are wired for fear. This was an evolutionary advantage, that is, to detect threat, real or imaginary. Think about it: there is little lost when you get afraid of a perceived threat that turns out to be harmless, while the consequences of missing an actual threat are disastrous. So while jumping out of your skin because you thought that stick on the ground was a poisonous snake may be embarrassing, missing the snake altogether, or assuming it poses no threat, can be deadly.
 

So fear clearly played an important role in the evolution of our species. But is it of value today? And even if it is – that is, there are still things worth being afraid of – how do we mitigate its devastating affects. How, that is, do we avoid being driven by fear… in terms of opportunities we don’t take, money we spend on security devices, the amount of our national budget that goes to defense, and beyond? I think this is a particularly important question for Christians, as one of the core messages throughout Scripture is, “Do not be afraid.” (Usually offered in a moment when there’s warrant that we are!)
 

In our text this Sunday, two men born blind are intentional. They are fearless. They seek relief from the source that is able, Jesus.
 

Take a few minutes this holiday weekend to join others positioned for grace, strength and healing –
 

See you in worship!

 
 

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Source: sermons

The Pivot

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, June 29, 2025

Dear Friends in Jesus –

Our text this coming Sunday occurs as the Gospel writer Luke turns a narrative corner. Jesus “sets his face toward Jerusalem”. 

Chapter nine is a pivotal chapter in Luke’s story. It is, in a variety of ways, the hinge of the story as Luke tells it. It provides the pivot point between Jesus’ mission of teaching and preaching in Galilee and his inexorable journey to Jerusalem and the cross.

As he strides towards Jerusalem he encounters three people who tell Jesus, “I will follow you but.…”

If we would follow Jesus we must be prepared for some of our primary loyalties to become secondary. If we would follow Jesus we must also be prepared for conflict of good with good and be prepared to have some of our cherished loyalties reconsidered and perhaps rearranged.

It is a fearful thing to find ourselves in the hands of the living God.

In great anticipation –

 
 

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Source: sermons

Through Barriers into Baptismal Waters: Our Path to Unity!

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, June 22, 2025

Stop. Do Not Enter. Detour. No Right Turns. No Left Turns. It seems like there are always barriers to us, especially on the highways. More seriously, every day something, or someone, tells us to do that, don’t do the other; love this one, but not that one. It may seem a bit overwhelming since we sincerely hoped the peace of the resurrected Jesus being enthusiastically shared would bring unity.
 
The Apostle Paul writes to the early followers of Jesus in Galatia that there are many barriers to the good news. God’s promise to Abraham had been blurred by rules, regulations, and burdensome expectations. Paul reminds the Galatians that the baptismal waters they entered leads to a path of Christian unity – no longer free nor slave, Jew nor Greek, male nor female. We are one in Jesus the Christ!
 
Come this Sunday to hear how in times of great national and international turmoil, we truly can be road signs proclaiming, “All May Enter!” 
 
In grateful service,

Steven

Rev. Steven Baines is a Charleston native who currently serves as our church administer after 25 years in our nation’s capital. He served as executive minister at National City Christian Church, the “national cathedral” of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He has also held senior leadership positions at national civil rights organizations including Americans United for Separation of Church and State and People for the American Way.

 

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Source: sermons

The One

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, June 15, 2025

Dear Friends in Jesus –

We are a community living into a future enabled by a multi-dimensional presence – the God of creation, redemption and advocacy.

This Sunday we engage a conceptual reality – our God still creating, redeeming and providing.
 
Another chance to gather in obedience, anticipation and joy!

With great joy in being your pastor –

 
 

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Source: sermons

How Bright Is Your Flame?

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, June 8, 2025

Pentecost is so much more than the beginnings of the Christian church. It was also the day that our commission began.

How do we look at our commission?

Are we a "covert" Christian, or do we let our fire burn brightly for all to see?

See you Sunday! Wear red for Pentecost, to signify the presence of the Holy Spirit in our community and our unity in Christ.

–  Ken Carrington


Ken Carrington is a K5 teacher at Second Presbyterian Kindergarten and is Director of Children and Youth for Second Presbyterian. His greatest joy is teaching the Children’s sermon.  Ken is currently a candidate for Commissioned Pastor in the Presbyterian Church.

 

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Where Did He Go?

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, June 1, 2025

Dear Friends in Jesus –

This Sunday we acknowledge Ascension Day. 'What?' you may ask. Good question. This day commemorates a moment post-resurrection when Jesus, who has called the disciples to gather on the mountain, takes his leave.

Scripture says he raised his hands to bless them, then, rose  - "being carried into heaven".

The language of two thousand years ago offers challenges, but the Gospel writer Luke offers us purpose.

We are to continue the work of the realm inspired by, led by, accompanied by the Holy Spirit of God in and with the power of God’s love.

What we get to do! See you this Communion Sunday!

In anticipation,

 
 

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Source: sermons

Not as the World Gives

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, May 25, 2025

Dear Friends in Jesus –

In many communities, grateful citizens will pause to remember the mostly young men and women who gave their lives in service of our country, of freedom and democracy.

I ran across these thoughts by Tom Erich, Episcopal priest and commentator:

“We live in an era driven by fear and bigotry and exploited by greed. So deep are the dark currents that we could lose our fundamental inheritance if we fail to carry its weight.

"Memorial Day is a sobering reminder that each generation must set aside self-interest, look beyond wealth and comfort, develop an attitude of tolerance, and stand tall for the freedom and mutual respect that enables this experiment to proceed.”
 
We are among those who would do the above, but with an overriding mandate in service to Jesus.
 
Come this Sunday for Gospel singing and Gospel proclamation in the name of the one who offers peace –

In anticipation,

 
 

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Source: sermons

Company or Kingdom

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, May 18, 2025

Dear Friends in Jesus –

There is a group of men that meet on the first Wednesday of the month at St. Philips. The “First Wednesday Men’s Luncheons” was organized by a group from St Michael's, St. Philip's, the Cathedral of St. Luke and St. Paul… and Second Presbyterian Church.

I was talking with Ric, one of the fellows, and, as people do, we brought up personal interests and people whom we thought we might know in common. One fellow’s name came up and Ric said, “Yeah he’s a Kingdom guy.” What?

“He’s a Kingdom guy. He loves his church and the people there, but his heart is beyond the walls. He’s not a company guy, he’s Kingdom.”     

This got me thinking: am I a company guy … or a Kingdom guy? Am I more concerned about the number of people in the pews?More concerned about the size of the offering than the size of someone’s heart commitment for Jesus?

Is Second Church Company or Kingdom? Our scripture this Sunday is clear. Jesus says, “go and make disciples of all the nations, baptize them, teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you…”

Let’s gather Sunday as a Kingdom Church that seeks to follow Jesus’ mandates in his love for all people.
 
In anticipation –

 
 

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Source: sermons

When You Know, You Know

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, May 11, 2025

How many times do we encounter something, a sound, a song or a memory, and you know immediately what that something is? This week we are celebrating many occasions in the life of our family – Cress and Rebecca are rejoicing with their daughter, Lily, as she graduates from the University of Miami; we continue rejoicing in the season of Easter resurrection; and we are celebrating the lives of mothers, those living and those now in eternal peace. In times of celebration and times of anguish, the embrace of one familiar or even the sound of their voice can express more than a thousand words.
 
As we prepare for worship this Sunday, the Lectionary has us revisiting Jesus addressing his detractors with these words, “My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand.” That’s a bold proclamation in God’s temple knowing many were seeking to kill him.
 
It is a proclamation I think most of us need reminding from time to time. Jesus knows us; he hears our voices, and we hear Jesus. The question we ask this week is what will we do in return? Ignore? Reject? Follow?
 
Hope to hear your voice this Sunday. Second Church embraces you!
– Steven

 

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Source: sermons

We Had Hoped...

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, May 4, 2025

Dear Friends in Jesus –

Jesus spent a lot of time on the road. From Egypt to Bethlehem to the temple at Jerusalem. Then he left Nazareth to find his cousin to be baptized, then to the wilds and back. He was on the move.

So it shouldn’t be a surprise that he encounters two fellows with dashed hopes and heavy hearts, trudging home dispirited and defeated. “We had hoped…” for what? for whom? Certainly not the One who lived briefly, died violently, and rose unexpectedly rejoining on the road to Emmaus two of the clueless who stood at the foot of the cross.
 
Come to church. Hear of the work, be strengthened for the work and be inspired to do the work of the God who cozies up beside us, who won’t leave us in despair. 

See you Sunday!

In great anticipation,

 
 

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Source: sermons

No Doubt? Not Likely!

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, April 27, 2025

Dear Friends in Jesus –

The Sunday after Easter is widely called "low Sunday" – predicting low attendance after the excitement and swell of Easter. But it’s also referred to as "Doubting Thomas Sunday".   

I checked all three lectionary years; yep – Thomas! Usually referring to his unbelief in the resurrection of Jesus without having seen Jesus himself in the flesh. But a couple of things:

  • Is that unreasonable?

  • Is he asking for any more than what others have experienced?

  • Is that a discipleship disqualifier for a follower?

I’ve grappled with this text many times and have found the reason for its ubiquity: we all want proof. We all want assurance. We all want to know that it's real. We all long for the certainty of a savior.

Come this Sunday to hear the Charleston Gospel Choir and to hear again that you are loved forever.

In love and anticipation –

 
 

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Source: sermons

I Said I Would - Easter Sunday

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, April 20, 2025

“Christianity is simply good news. It is the news that something has happened as a result of which the world is a different place."

- N.T. Wright

Dear Friends in Jesus –

God became enfleshed.

Walked among us.

Taught, healed and loved extravagantly.

N.T. Wright remarks that in the reports of his life from the Gospels, "Jesus doesn't explain why there is suffering, illness, and death in the world. He brings healing and hope. He doesn't allow the problem of evil to be the subject of a seminar. He allows evil to do its worst to him. He exhausts it, drains its power, and emerges with new life."

This is the God, Jesus, worthy of our worship!

SUNDAY’S COMIN’

In anticipation –

 
 

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Source: sermons

Collision Course

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, April 13, 2025

Who’s up for a parade? If you found yourself in Jerusalem at Passover around 33 A.D. you could choose from two.

Entering one gate was the Roman Procurator on a high stepping, white Charger, nostrils flaring. On the other side of town an itinerant preacher bouncing on the back of a donkey. Each on a collision course in a narrative with cosmic consequences.

This Sunday we focus on Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem – palms waving, coats spread on the road, shouts of "Hosanna – Save Us!" Can we celebrate knowing the end of the story? You betcha! We know that crucifixion isn’t the end. Jesus has said he is " the way, the truth and the life" and though the end of the story had yet to be written, we know it includes Jesus and life and us!
 
This Sunday we will worship in the park. The children will process. We will baptize Ruth Sophia Willoughby and welcome new members.
 
We will celebrate the fulfillment of ancient scripture, walk with Jesus through the darkness to the new life he promises! (We’ve read the end of the book!)
 
Let’s worship together this Sunday. Bring someone you love (or someone you don’t).
 
Let’s savor the grace that is ours and ours to share.
 
In great anticipation –

 
 

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Source: sermons

Jesus Takes a Minute

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, April 6, 2025

Dear Friends in Jesus –

We’re nearing the end of our Lenten journey that began with John the Baptizer ceding two of his disciples to Jesus. They trailed Jesus not knowing how close to get and whether to say anything before Jesus turned and asked, “What do you want?” “Where do you live?” they asked awkwardly. He replied, “Come and see.”

We have come alongside as Jesus traveled through hostile lands to mountain manifestations, not only healing and teaching, but revealing who he was. He was the incarnate, but more than enfleshed, he was human.

Sunday we see the intensity of his love, his grief, his resolve as he calls Lazarus from the darkness of the tomb to life and steps decisively toward his destiny.

In great anticipation –

 
 

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Source: sermons