Easter Sunday

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, April 9, 2023

Dear Friends in Christ –      
                              
Catherine Caimano writes:
“There is a wonderful website, put together by an online magazine called SMITH , that it is a collection of six-word memoirs -- people both famous and ordinary trying to distill their lives down to six words about what is most important or distinguished or interesting about them. Everyone is invited to participate, and there is an ongoing gallery of the most recent offerings.

Some six-word stories are poignant: “I still make coffee for two,” writes someone recovering from a breakup.

Some are clever: “Well, I thought it was funny,” is the offering of comedian Stephen Colbert.

Some are tragic: the inspiration for the project was an old tale about Ernest Hemingway, who, challenged to write a story in six words, is said to have come up with this: “For Sale: baby shoes, never worn.”

There are 775,000 words, more or less, in the Bible, and not one of them makes sense without these six words. There are roughly 2 billion Christians in the world, and not one of us has a thing to say without these six words: Jesus is risen from the dead.”

Men and women, Easter is the day that we proclaim the mystery that defines who and whose we are, what we are to do, how we are to act. Easter illuminates our past and gives our future meaning, purpose and joy. 

Come to worship this Sunday. In the reality and the mystery of Christ’s resurrection we will sing, pray and proclaim the six words for and through which we live: Jesus is risen from the dead!

In great anticipation –

 


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

Source: sermons

Palm Sunday

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, April 2, 2023

Dear Friends in Christ –      
                              
Who’s up for a parade? If you had made your way to Jerusalem at Passover, around 33 AD you could choose from two. Entering one gate the Roman Procurator on a high stepping, nostrils flaring charger. On the other side of town an itinerant prophet bouncing on the back of a donkey. Each to converge as principals in a narrative with cosmic consequences.

This Sunday we focus on Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem – palms waving, coats laid on the road, shouts of 'Hosanna, save us!' Can we celebrate knowing the end of the story? You betcha! Because we know that crucifixion isn’t the end of the story. Jesus has already said he is the way, the truth and the life. The end of the story is yet to be written, but we know it includes Jesus, and life, and us!

This Sunday the children will process during the first hymn. We will celebrate the fulfillment of ancient scripture and the promise of life in Jesus.

Let’s worship together this Sunday. Bring someone you love (or don’t). Let’s enjoy the church picnic, celebrate our recent new members, and savor the grace that is ours and ours to share.

In great anticipation –

 


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

Source: sermons

Gospel & Kindergarten Sunday

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, March 26, 2023

Dear Friends in Christ –      
                              
We’re coming to the end of the season of Lent. I pray that you’ve been able to position yourself closer to those things, people, and behaviors that are life-giving. Though there is never a bad or inappropriate time to seek closeness to each other and our God, the church sanctioned seasons allow us to walk together.

The readings from Jeremiah and Matthew this Sunday speak to God’s relationship, regard, and purpose for us. We will take our direction from scripture and secular text: First Testament, New Testament, Kindergarten.

Come Sunday, celebrate a Second Presbyterian institution, SPK.

The children will sing and inspire.

Grace Ramsey will sing gospel and move our spirits.

We will sing together and lean into joy that followers know. Bring a friend. Meet a new one.

In great anticipation –

 


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

Source: sermons

The Prayer of a Righteous Person

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, March 19, 2023

Dear Friends in Christ –      

This Sunday we complete our series on the Book of James. Over the last month, James has offered that

  • we could endure and even know joy in the midst of challenge and trials.

  • its not enough to hear the word, we must be doers of the word

  • our relationship with Jesus must be evidenced by faithful actions

  • the words we speak have power for good or for bad. We can be agents of hurt and disarray or agents of grace.

James concludes his practical missive with a call to prayer, powerful prayer. Here are some questions I’ve encountered regarding prayer and some I’ve asked:

  • What is prayer?

  • Why should we pray?

  • How does one pray?

  • When should one pray?

  • To whom do you pray?

You see, some folks have formulas; some folks go free form. Some have a schedule; others approach prayer on an ‘as needed’ basis.

But for those who believe, those who have persevered, practiced and have known the sweetness of answered prayer, prayer may remain a mystery but it is known and savored - a reality embraced. We, of course, can’t cover prayer in a sermon or a lifetime, but we can practice and be blessed.

Here’s a statement I think gets us on our way: Don’t ask for anything until you’ve said ‘thank you’ for everything!

So, in gratitude and anticipation, I’ll see you Sunday –

 


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

Source: sermons

2023 Church Officer Recommendations

THE NOMINATING TEAM NEEDS YOUR HELP!

Please prayerfully recommend members for the Nominating Team to consider for the upcoming slate of Church Officers. Forms can be submitted below. Paper forms are available in the sanctuary or the church office.

Please submit recommendations by March 26, 2023.

 

Church Officer Recommendation Form 

THIS FORM IS CONFIDENTIAL

(Please complete in full) 

 

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, Sunday School 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
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Watch Your Mouth!

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, March 12, 2023

Dear Friends in Christ –

Here’s a story: There was a priest, a rabbi and a minister. These three were the only clerics in this small town and had become good friends – in fact good enough friends to take a fishing trip together. While away from the pressures of their ministries they loosened up and began to share their innermost thoughts.

  • The priest confessed that he had a terrible time with his vow of celibacy and occasionally slipped off incognito to visit the burlesque house in a neighboring town.

  • The rabbi confessed that he had problems within his tradition as well – he LOVED bacon, and every so often would fry up a huge (and secret) plate of bacon and eggs.

  • The pastor remained silent for a long time. Finally when his buddies leaned on him to reveal his weakness he said, “Well, since you insist, I am going to tell you. I just love to gossip… and I can’t wait to get home!”

Yep, there’s a sermon here. Text: James 3:1-12. Words. They lift up and they tear down. They can be weaponized or heal. Let us never think, as the children’s rhyme goes, “they can’t hurt me.”

Lets’ share the practical, the inspirational, radically loving word /words of Jesus love this Sunday! (and everyday:)

In great anticipation,

 


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

Source: sermons

Did You Hear?

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, March 5, 2023

Dear Friends in Christ –

There’s a lovely parable  by Soren Kierkegaard, 19th Century Danish philosopher and theologian. He tells a parable of the ducks:

“There is a town where only ducks live.

Every Sunday the ducks waddle out of their houses and waddle down the main street to their church.

They waddle into the cathedral and squat in their pews.

The duck choir sings and then the duck pastor comes and reads from the duck bible.

He encourages them, “Ducks, God has given you wings!  With these wings you can fly!  With these wings you can rise up and soar like eagles!  No walls can confine you, no fences can hold you.  You have wings and you can fly like birds!”

All the ducks quack  “Amen!” And then they waddle home.”

This week God’s scripture reminds us that we must be doers of the word, not just hearers.

Men and women, we are created to soar on the breath of God! Invite your friends, someone whom you haven’t seen for a while. Experience God’s sanctifying word this Sunday!

And the people of God said…

 


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

Source: sermons

Joy in the Challenge

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, February 26, 2023

Dear Friends in Christ –

With an especially moving service Ash Wednesday evening, an affirmation of our baptism, we are officially into Lent! Though not really utilized by many, I find a Lenten discipline essential to my spiritual well-being. Note I didn’t say that it’s not usually recognized, noted or accepted. I said not utilized, because I think that each season, each day, each hour, we are to live purposefully and living into the realm of Jesus.

I’ve chosen to preach from The Letter of James, for the next few weeks. Why? Because James addresses issues as resonate for these times as they were when Jesus’ half-brother wrote them two thousand years ago.   

James is seen by many to be the most practical text, encouraging our perseverance through trials: putting our faith to the pavement, recognizing the power of our words, and embracing powerful, faithful prayer.

Scripture will instruct us. The Holy Spirit will guide us. We start this Sunday. (You have a fresh chance for perfect attendance! The reward will be far more than an attendance pin!)

In anticipation,

 


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

Source: sermons

Do As I Say and As I Do

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, February 19, 2023

Dear Friends in Christ –

We’re continuing this Sunday with Christ’s Sermon on the Mount – a window into the heart of God. He has called his disciples, has taken them up the mountain, and now gives them a glimpse of their lives now that they have said ‘yes’ to follow him. Would they have said yes if they had known what was ahead? Jesus, forever the rabbi, the mentor, the motivator, gives them a taste of what is to come with a spoonful of grace:

“This is what God does. God gives God’s best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.

“In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up! You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.”

- Matthew 5:43-47, MSG


Live toward others the way God lives toward you. Lest we forget the grace in which we breathe and walk, let us gather. Let’s get right  - let’s worship Jesus God!

In anticipation –

 


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

Source: sermons

Lent Small Group

There are multiple ways to engage our Lenten devotions this year. Devotional reflection emails will be emailed on Mondays during Lent (sign up here) and there will be a midweek small group discussing a selection from the study guide Bless the Lent We Actually Have by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie. This daily Lent guide is designed to be used in conjunction with the book of blessings, The Lives We Actually Have: 100 Blessings for Imperfect Days. You can just use the free 40-day Lent study guide by itself or get the book as well if you would like a more full practice this season.

 

Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.

February 23 through April 6

Download the study guide

Join the Bible study Facebook group

LENTEN STUDY GROUP

THURSDAYS, 6:30 p.m.

Join the Facebook group or contact Jordyn for more information

We'll be referencing selections each week from Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie's study guide Bless the Lent We Actually Have. Download the study guide here for free. You can follow the guide each day, but a full 40 day practice is not necessary for the Thursday night small group meetings.

WEEK 1

Feb 23: Jordyn & Aled’s house

Blessed are the Fragile

Study Guide p. 12, 13

WEEK 2

Mar 2: Jordyn & Aled’s house

Blessed are the Imperfect

Study Guide p. 17, 21

WEEK 3

Mar 9: Katie & Emma’s house

Blessed are the Curious

Study Guide p. 31

WEEK 4

Mar 16: Jordyn & Aled’s house

Blessed are Those Who Suffer

Study Guide p. 36, 39

WEEK 5

Mar 23: Jordyn & Aled’s house

Blessed are Those Who Feel Alone

Study Guide p. 46, 49

WEEK 6

Mar 30: Jordyn & Aled’s house

Blessed are Those Who Mourn

Study Guide p. 52, 58

WEEK 7

Apr 6: Jordyn & Aled’s house

Blessed are Those Who Are Rejected

Study Guide p. 65, 67

CONTACT: Jordyn Pritchard

"Choose Me" -God

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, February 12, 2023

Dear Friends in Christ –

How many of you were picked first when teams were chosen? I recall jumping up behind the taller kids, running around the bigger kids so I’d be seen. I was smart, I was agile, and I was fast, but my hand to eye coordination was suspect and my growth was yet to spurt!

In our text this Sunday from Deuteronomy, it seems that the creator God was needing Moses to make a case that Yahweh was the best choice. God was directing Moses to make it clear that the people of Israel had a simple decision to make – choose obedience that leads to life, or choose death. Yahweh implores, “Choose me!” 

That may be hard to imagine, the creator of all that has been created jockeying for favor, but experience shows how often we choose something or someone else. This Sunday we look to both testaments for a word to carry us through.

BTW, it’s supposed to rain (of course). Brave the rain! We’ll celebrate our good fortune and pray for those who have escaped the rubble in Turkey and Syria only to find themselves in the cold and snow.

Bring a dessert for Second Sunday Lunch after church and invite someone you know, someone you like or don’t, who believes or you don’t know. Be a herald for the realm!

In gratitude and anticipation –

 


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

Source: sermons

Ontology

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, February 5, 2023

Dear Friends in Christ –

Last week we spoke of blessedness and what identified them as fortunate, privileged, lucky. The Greek word for it is markarios.

In reality, it wasn’t what identified them, but who. Jesus gave an extensive and surprising list of folks, most of whom one wouldn’t have made the list of the lucky. But the thread common to each was a natural citizenship in the realm of God that had come in Christ – those who mourn and are meek, those who are poor in spirit and merciful, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.

This week Jesus continues to tell us who we are – not what we must do, or who we should be, but who we are in actuality. In service to and created for realm work, we are salt and light. We preserve and we give flavor, we illuminate and lead the way powered by the Spirit and engineered to run on God (as C.S. Lewis would say).

See you Sunday –

 


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

Source: sermons

#Blessed

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, January 29, 2023

Dear Friends in Christ –

We’re engaging the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew’s gospel until the beginning of Lent. In our text for this Sunday, Jesus goes up the mountain. He gathers the disciples and the first thing he teaches them is how to recognize blessedness. Not how to become blessed, or even to bless each other, but rather to recognize who is already blessed by God. And guess what - it’s not who we think.

Jesus begins this teaching, not with promises of wealth, comfort or prestige, but with promises of blessedness even, and perhaps most often, in the hard human experiences of mourning, meekness, peacemaking, persecution, and poverty of spirit.

But here’s the key: Jesus’ form of blessedness only makes sense in light of the kingdom of God. This space fashioned by God’s grace to be different from the world around us. It is to be a place of forgiveness, mercy, grace, and goodness – worth getting up for and inviting someone to come along!

Let’s come together and receive the message that Jesus conveyed first and foremost to his chosen, trusted few – that fortunate, favored, happy, privileged, and blessed are we even now who seek, serve and surrender to the living, loving God.

 


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

Source: sermons