He Gets It

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, January 12, 2025

Dear Friends in Jesus –

The commentator Barclay writes: "For thirty years Jesus had waited in Nazareth, faithfully performing the simple duties of the home and of the carpenter's shop. All the time he [must have sensed that a task was waiting.] The success of any undertaking is determined by the wisdom with which the moment to embark is chosen. Jesus must have waited for the hour to strike, for the moment to come, for the summons to sound. And when John emerged Jesus knew that the time had arrived.”

This Sunday we engage the texts, imagine the impact on the community then and now. Why was Jesus baptized?

Invite someone you know or want to and share the mystery of God’s incarnation positioned for God’s love.

In anticipation –

 
 

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

Source: sermons

Epiphany Sunday Bulletin - January 5

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.

Epiphany Sunday

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, January 5, 2025

Dear Friends in Jesus –

Do any of you have phrases that seem to appear in response to certain situations? Or actions or feelings that seem to be recurrent?

At the new year it seems that I default, as many of you may know, to the image of Janus. Janus was among the pantheon of gods – Jupiter, Pluto, Apollo, Mars – that the ancient Romans worshiped. He was thought to keep the gate of heaven. And so he was the god of gates and doors, beginnings and endings; portrayed as having a double-faced head, each face looking in an opposite direction.

This year I also think about the Masks of Comedy and Tragedy – images diametrically opposite but that encompass as well the margins and contain the bulk of the experiences of our lives. So here at the beginning of this new year 2025, I again take the opportunity to look in back on the past year and to state why it is that I believe we, with our ups and downs, may look forward to 2025 informed, conditioned, encouraged and poised for what’s next.  

Will it be challenging? Sure. Will it be joyful and exhilarating? It may be. And it will be if we keep our sights on the one whose name we would bear – Jesus!

Come this Sunday for communion and for strengthening, positioned for God’s grace and experiencing Jesus. It’s all good!

In great anticipation –

 
 

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

Source: sermons

Sunday Bulletin - December 29

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.

Home Alone

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, December 29, 2024

Dear Friends in Jesus –

While we did not have a “white Christmas” in Charleston this year, we had a joyous celebration of Jesus’ birth with two moving worship services on Christmas Eve. I am not sure about you, but I find the Christmas season can come and go so quickly and it seems that white Christmas never materializes.
 
This Sunday Cress has asked me to preach, and I am truly honored. The lectionary text this week sends us ahead a few years to Jesus at 12-years-old in the temple with the religious leaders and scholars. It appears even Mary and Joseph had a hard time keeping up with Jesus during his pre-teen years!
 
I hope we have not left Jesus behind with all the presents unpacked and colorful decorations stored until next year. It would be disappointing to miss what lies ahead on the journey with this precocious child.

See you Sunday!
Steven

 

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

Source: sermons

Christmas Eve Bulletins

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.

Fourth Sunday of Advent Bulletin - December 22

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.

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, December 22, 2024

Dear Friends in Jesus –

The Scriptures say little about Joseph the carpenter, but what we do know about him is significant:

  • He was a righteous man. (Matthew 1:19)

  • He obeyed the requirements of the government. (Luke 2:4)

  • He followed the directions of the angel of the Lord. (Mt. 1:24; 2:14; 21; 23)

  • He showed respect and restraint toward Mary, his wife. (Mt. 1:25)

We also know that he ‘fostered’ the savior of the world. Is Joseph unsung? Not this Sunday.

See you in worship!

 

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

Source: sermons

Third Sunday of Advent Bulletin - December 15

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.

Third Sunday of Advent

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, December 15, 2024

Dear Friends in Jesus –

This is What You Do…

Scripture says that folk ‘from all over Judea’ came to hear John. They had heard what was going on in the desert, so they knew they weren’t going to a day spa. No, John had been going around preaching – and the word he preached was the word he had received from God, ‘Prepare the way of the Lord!’ They were summoned. Everyone from the hoi polloi to the holy were called. Maybe for some it was a lark, a chance to get away and goof on the guy who bailed on a cushy temple job for an assignment in the desert. Others might have been curious to find out what all this was about. And surely some longed for Messiah and wanted to be ready.

John wasn’t coy, if anything he was callous, but his purpose was clear. Something’s about to happen and if you want in, something has to change -- YOU!

See you in worship – invite a friend or someone you’d like to be.

In anticipation,

 

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

Source: sermons

Second Sunday of Advent Bulletin - December 8

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.

Second Sunday of Advent

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, December 8, 2024

Dear Friends in Jesus –

Heads Up! John the Baptizer returns to the lectionary quoting Isaiah and spitting fire. He speaks with an urgency that resonates across the centuries. What was going to break Rome’s occupation? What was going to break the Jewish pharisaical death grip? It would take more than a longed for liberator. It would take an intervention by God in a stealth move – as a baby. 

Announced by the Baptizer, summoned by the Spirit, come to a place of possibility, we are offered new life through a redirecting of our lives.

Heads up!

(Invite somebody – share the news!)

 

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

Source: sermons

Poinsettias 2024

 
 

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 ordered by December 19.

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.

Poinsettia Order Form

Orders may still be placed if you would like to contribute toward sanctuary poinsettias, but dedications made after 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 19 may not be listed in the printed service bulletin.

First Sunday of Advent Bulletin - December 1

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.

First Sunday of Advent

Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, December 1, 2024

Dear Friends in Jesus –

Happy New Year! This Sunday we join with Christians around the world to begin the season of Advent.  We take down the green liturgical colors and replace them with purple – the color of royalty. We leave the season known as ordinary time – as if there is such a time – and we look to celebrate the adventus of the Christ – the coming, the arrival, the in-breaking of God into our world.

JB Phillips, the great translator of the Bible into modern language, writes:

“By far the most important and significant event in the whole course of human history will be celebrated with or without our understanding, at the end of this season, Advent. The towering miracle of God’s visit to this planet on which we live will be glossed over, brushed aside or rendered impotent by over-familiarity. Even by the believer the full weight of the event is not always appreciated. His faith is in Jesus the Christ – he believes with all his heart that this man who lived and died and rose again in Palestine was truly God incarnate. He may have some working experience that the man Jesus is still alive, and yet be largely unaware of the intense meaning of what he believes.”

We will engage scripture and our personal experiences to plumb the depth, the wonder, the glory of what we claim and who claims us.

 

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

Source: sermons