Second News http://www.2pc.org/news--events/ New & Notable from Second Presbyterian Church. Thu, 29 Jul 2010 22:54:56 -0500 en-us Copyright 2010 Second Presbyterian Church Join the Summer Family Choirhttp://www.2pc.org/article/join-the-summer-family-choir/article/join-the-summer-family-choirMon, 26 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0600The Music Department invites all to join a special family choir that is open to all ages and all who love to sing for four Sundays through August 15. The Summer Family Choir will sing the introit for the Sunday morning late service (11am) and will then join the rest of the congregation during the greeting time. The only required rehearsal is at 10:30am on Sunday before the 11:00am service begins.

Introit Selections:

August 1 - O God Beyond All Praising
August 8 - A Mighty Fortress is Our God
August 15 - Brethren, We Have Met to Worship

For more information about singing with us this summer, email the Music Department at  or call 454-0034.

]]>Introducing RTS Memphishttp://www.2pc.org/article/introducing-rts-memphis/article/introducing-rts-memphisThu, 15 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0600Beginning this fall, Second is partnering with Reformed Theological Seminary (RTS) to launch RTS Memphis.  RTS Memphis is an exciting new extension campus that will offer courses to those interested in pursuing a seminary degree or simply developing their theological foundation.

Second Presbyterian staff member, Brian Lewis, will be the Institutional Director of the program.

Stay tuned for more information about how to apply and upcoming classes available this fall.  For inquiries, please call the RTS/Memphis office located on the 2PC campus at (901) 507-4490 or email .

]]>Middle East Mission: Outreach to the Kurds-Ezidshttp://www.2pc.org/article/middle-east-mission-outreach-to-the-kurds-ezids/article/middle-east-mission-outreach-to-the-kurds-ezidsFri, 28 May 2010 00:00:00 -0600In the mountainous region of Armenia’s Ararat Valley, a nomadic people-group related to the Kurds live in settlements far removed from the conveniences of modern life and with little knowledge of the outside world.  Primarily farmers, the Kurds-Ezids enter the cities during the winter months.  Following a form of Zoroastrianism, the Ezids worship the god of evil, Melekitaos, who they claim was sent to their particular people.  Spiritual leaders known as sheikhs are considered mediators between God and man and teach the Ezid children that knowledge and literacy are sinful and evoke a spirit of fear and distrust in the Ezid people.

Hope to People first began the ministry to the Kurds-Ezids in 2003.  Artur Marandyan, a native Armenian living in Ukraine and working with Hope to People, heard God’s call to return to his home country to minister to the Ezids, one of the most unreached people groups in the world.  Hope to People approached the Second Presbyterian Church Foundation with a request to fund the endeavor.  Funding would enable Artur to purchase mini-vans for a taxi business and provide support for him and his family as they worked to build relationships and establish a church.  Though the task would be daunting and the success of the ministry uncertain, the Foundation moved forward in faith, agreeing to provide Artur the seed money to begin ministry in Yerevan, Armenia.

In the first year of ministry, Artur and the Hope to People team worked to build relationships among their Muslim Kurdish neighbors in Yerevan and made regular visits to the Ezid settlements where they organized Sunday schools and held events during Christian holidays for the Ezid children.  Unlike their parents and elders, the Ezid children showed an eager interest to learn about Jesus.  As word spread through the villages, Artur and his team began to witness the power of the gospel at work as many of the children’s parents and whole families came to know Christ.  Within a year an Ezid church had been formed in the settlement of Avshar, a summer camp ministry had begun for the Ezid children, and the first conference was held for new believing and unbelieving Ezids desiring to know more about the savior, Jesus.

Today, Artur’s ministry has grown to include two churches in Armenia, two Ezid churches, a church in Iran, a camp ministry attended by more than 400 children and youth, sports clubs, a “Good Samaritan” program, an annual conference, a Bible school and 270 Muslim Kurds, Ezids and Assyrians who proclaim Christ as their Lord.  The Foundation has supported this ministry with over $80,000.

Larry Jensen, Second’s Hope to People partnership liaison, shares, “It has been truly amazing to watch a ‘church’ born in a country and among a people who worship a stone and consider themselves devil worshipers.  The fact that this church was birthed from our work with Hope to People in Ukraine is a specially encouraging blessing and encouragement for the work of Second Presbyterian Foundation.  What an incredible blessing to be a small part in taking the love of Jesus to every tribe and nation!”

]]>In Case You Missed the Foundation Dinner...http://www.2pc.org/article/in-case-you-missed-the-foundation-dinner/article/in-case-you-missed-the-foundation-dinnerFri, 21 May 2010 00:00:00 -0600The Foundation held its twelfth annual dinner on April 23 with the theme of The Excellence of Generosity, where members of the congregation enjoyed a time of fellowship and heard inspirational messages not only from the featured speaker, Gordon MacDonald, but also from their fellow members.

Foundation Chairman Smoky Russell convened the meeting by reviewing the mission of the Foundation and recognizing the efforts of Herbert Rhea, who died in January and cofounded the organization in 1998. A financial report from Steve Rhea was given and a synopsis of that information may be found at www.2pcfoundation.org. Marion Quinlen gave an overview of the grants awarded in the areas of development of Christian leaders, home missions and world missions. A video of a segment of the work being done at Advance Memphis and narrated by Steve Nash was shown as an example of the investment the Foundation is making in Memphis. Raju Abraham gave a first-hand report of the work that is being done in Kachhwa, India.

Nancy Coe painted a picture of “contagiously infected joy-seekers” who see “what wonderful things God can do” in her stewardship message. She also gave a synopsis of a new brochure on memorials. A visual presentation was given on previously established memorials with photographs, names and ministry focus of each. Together they demonstrated the breadth of ministry that is being done as a result of memorials.

Antoinette and John Good are examples of the most recent established memorial, The Meredith Ashley Fox Memorial Scholarship Fund. They described their involvement with The Neighborhood School and their desire to honor Meredith, Roy and Terri and the Fox family with a gift that will give “a good Christian education at ECS, a loving, nurturing environment and possibly help overcome the cycle of poverty that the children in The Neighborhood School are plagued by.” They also structured the gift so that it provides a way for others to participate in this ministry for maximum impact. As Nancy said, “The Goods have demonstrated how their passion and compassion and generosity converged to make an eternal difference in the lives of young people, most of which are yet to be born.”

Gordon MacDonald ended the evening with a message about generosity. He highlighted a variety of examples of Biblical generosity and spoke of an act of a generous couple that impacted his life profoundly. He ended with II Corinthians 8:7, which compels us to excel even in this area of the Christian walk ... the grace of giving. Excerpts from the dinner, including an audio version can be found at the website. A copy of Gordon’s latest four week devotional book Generosity: Moving Toward Life That is Truly Life can be obtained by contacting the Foundation office at 454-0034.

]]>CityServe Explorers Visits Salvation Armyhttp://www.2pc.org/article/cityserve-explorers-visits-salvation-army/article/cityserve-explorers-visits-salvation-armySat, 15 May 2010 00:00:00 -0600The CityServe Explorers invite you to join them on their next site visit to The Salvation Army (696 Jackson) for lunch and a tour on Friday, May 28. The church bus will leave at noon from the west parking lot and return no later than 2pm.

The Salvation Army is international, evangelical, and its message is based fully on the Bible. Its mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His Name without discrimination. Many of us have heard about The Salvation Army and seen their volunteers. This is an opportunity to get a closer look and a better understanding of what God is doing through this effective ministry in our city.

To sign up for a place on the van call 454-0034 or e-mail .

]]>Immediate Volunteer Help Needed to Aid Local Flood Victims (UPDATED)http://www.2pc.org/article/immediate-volunteer-help-needed-to-aid-local-flood-victims-updated/article/immediate-volunteer-help-needed-to-aid-local-flood-victims-updatedMon, 03 May 2010 00:00:00 -0600Severe storms and heavy flooding forced many people throughout the Midsouth to evacuate their homes and take cover at local shelters hosted by the Midsouth Red Cross.  Volunteers are desperately needed to assist the Red Cross in providing aid to flood victims.  Contact Susan Epperson at 626-8997 or for more information or if you would like to volunteer.

  • Volunteers are needed this week at the Red Cross Shelter at First Baptist Church,  5010 West Union Rd Millington, to work shifts noon to 6pm and midnight to 6am
  • The Red Cross needs volunteers Wednesday, May 5th, to hold buckets and collect money from motorists at Actions News 5 Station, 1960 Union Avenue.  You may volunteer for any period of time during these shifts:  5am-9am,  9am-1pm & 1pm-6pm
  • Volunteers are needed to travel alongside Emergency Response Vehicles into neighborhoods to help distribute food and water to families returning to their homes.  You must contact Susan Epperson at 626-8997 if you are interested.
  • If you have clothes that you would like to donate, please bring them to First Baptist Church in Millington
  •  For those who would like to provide general help to flood victims, water and snacks may be brought to the Red Cross drop-off
]]>Loaves and Fishes Ministry Intensifies to Aid America's Hungriest Cityhttp://www.2pc.org/article/loaves-and-fishes-ministry-intensifies-to-aid-americas-hungriest-city/article/loaves-and-fishes-ministry-intensifies-to-aid-americas-hungriest-cityFri, 30 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0600Loaves and FishesAccording to an article published this month in the Tennessean, Memphis is recognized as the leading “hunger capital” in our nation. A recent survey conducted by Feeding America and the Gallup poll revealed that 26% of people in Memphis and the surrounding area were unable to afford the cost of food expenses at some point in the past year. As a result, there has been a 28% increase in the number of families who depend on food banks and other agencies to supply them with their next meal.

In light of our awareness of this tremendous need in our city, we are intensifying our existing food collection ministry, Loaves and Fishes, during the month of May and also introducing a food coupon ministry (more info to come on this later).

Loaves and Fishes is a ministry of the Women of the Church that collects food for the Neighborhood Christian Center’s warehouse. The food is then distributed according to the needs of housing project families and to NCC affiliate churches for needy women, children, and seniors.

Please help our friends in need by bringing non-perishable food items to Second Presbyterian Church anytime during the month of May and placing them in the collection boats located near the Sanctuary or the hallway near the old nursery entrance. Your contribution will make a difference in the lives of others.

]]>Letter from a Berclair Studenthttp://www.2pc.org/article/letter-from-a-berclair-student/article/letter-from-a-berclair-studentThu, 29 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0600Each of the students in the fifth grade class at Berclair Elementary School wrote letters to Second Presbyterian Church expressing their appreciation for the church’s ongoing support and for the many volunteers who invest their time each week at their school.

Here is one example of the many delightful letters of gratitude we received from Berclair’s fifth graders:

2010 Letter From Berclair

]]>Christ in the Psalms (Part III)http://www.2pc.org/article/christ-in-the-psalms-part-iii/article/christ-in-the-psalms-part-iiiFri, 23 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0600In posts one and two, we saw just a few of the more important ways in which the Psalms point to Christ. I noted Bruce Waltke’s observation that if a text points to Jesus, that makes it more relevant for us, not less. Here are some ways the NT shows us that the Psalms apply not just to Jesus, but to his people.

While Jesus alone is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, Paul says that we ourselves are like “sheep to be slaughtered” (Psalm 44:22 in Romans 8:38), and that we must “suffer with him” (Romans 8:17).

Just as Jesus suffered at the hands of his enemies and had to wage war against the Enemy, so we must see ourselves as warriors engaged in resistance against a great Enemy:  “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet” (Romans 16:20; “your” is plural, the Christians in Rome; Revelation 2-3; Ephesians 6:10-20).  Those who resist Satan and conquer sin are reigning with Jesus (Psalm 2 in Revelation 3:21, Ephesians 2:6).  The nations will praise the King (Psalm 68:2) as we lead them to bow the knee to King Jesus (Matthew 28:16-20). Because of Jesus’s great victory, he pours out spiritual gifts on his people in order to make more Christians and bring his people to maturity (Psalm 68:18; Ephesians 4:7-16).

Jesus commands us to love him and others; as we obey we walk in light, not darkness (1 John 2:4-10; Psalm 119:105). Walking that path of love and life produces delight, so that we can say, “Oh how I love your Law, oh Lord; I meditate on it all day long.” (Psalm 119:97; John 15; 1 John 3:16-24).  Paul teaches us that we fulfill God’s law as we walk in the Spirit, the Spirit of Jesus himself sent to guide us (Romans 8:4). He even says that “our righteousness lasts forever” as we extend ourselves to those in need (Psalm 112:9, 2 Corinthians 8:9).

Finally, we have the promise that we who learn meekness from the perfectly Meek One will inherit the earth, an inheritance Jesus himself earned (Psalm 37:11; Matthew 5:5, 11:29). We can find Jesus all over the Psalms, because the Psalms are his prayer book that points to him. And when we find Jesus in the Psalms, we also find ourselves.

Suggested bibliography

  • John C. Collins, “Introduction to Psalms,” in the ESV Study Bible, 937, 939.
  • Derek Kidner, Psalms 1–72, especially pages 18-32.
  • Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together, 44-50, and all of Psalms: Prayerbook of the Bible.
  • Jay E. Adams, War Psalms of the Prince of Peace: Lessons from the Imprecatory Psalms.
  • Richard Pratt, He Gave Us Stories, 346-359.

I have not read the following, but they are by trustworthy authors and may be of interest:

  • Richard Belcher, The Messiah and the Psalms (2006).
  • James W. Sire, Praying the Psalms of Jesus (2007).
]]>Christ in the Psalms (Part II)http://www.2pc.org/article/christ-in-the-psalms-part-ii/article/christ-in-the-psalms-part-iiSun, 18 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0600by Jason Hood Ph.D.

Jason is a long-time 2pc member who teaches for the Fellows program and as Scholar-in-Residence at Christ UMC. This material also appears at the blog he shares with young adult pastor Mitchell Moore and Ruling Elder Matt Terhune, http://awalkingpace.wordpress.com.

thumbnail psalms 17th centuryContinuing on from the previous post on seeing Jesus in the Psalms and as the one singing the Psalms:

We see Jesus as the suffering servant of God who laments his fate.  He is persecuted, condemned, and killed unjustly (Psalm 22, 69) in order to wipe away sin (Psalm 51).  He is rejected by Israel, abandoned by his followers, and betrayed by his friend, Judas (Psalm 41:9, cited in John 13:18; Psalm 109:8 cited in Acts 1).

We see Jesus raised from the dead, (Psalm 16:9-10, cited in Acts 2), a rejected stone chosen by God for the foundation of his family (Psalm 118).  This risen one is the victorious Son of David who rules over the nations, establishes justice, and extends mercy to those who do not deserve it. He will execute judgment over all nations (Psalm 2; 45; 110).  In the exaltation and enthronement of David’s son, all the nations will learn to praise the one true God (Psalm 18:49; Romans 15:7).  Jesus also proves himself to be the True Human, the Second and Better Adam who fulfills our original destiny by restoring humanity to rule with God over all things (Psalm 8).

As Bruce Waltke sums it up, “The Psalms are ultimately the prayers of Jesus Christ, Son of God.  He alone is worthy to pray the ideal vision of a king suffering for righteousness and emerging victorious over the hosts of evil.” But Waltke goes on to note that “Christians, as sons of God, can rightly pray these prayers along with their representative Head.”  Seeing Christ in the Psalms means that we can also see ourselves, as those who are recipients of his redeeming work and as those who follow Christ, being changed even now into his likeness by the work of his Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:16-18).

While Jesus alone is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, Paul says that we ourselves are like “sheep to be slaughtered” (Psalm 44:22 in Romans 8:38), and that we must “suffer with him” (Romans 8:17).

To Be Continued

 

Read Christ in the Psalms, Part I


 

]]>Christ in the Psalms (Part I)http://www.2pc.org/article/christ-in-the-psalms-part-i/article/christ-in-the-psalms-part-iFri, 16 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0600by Jason Hood Ph.D.

Jason is a long-time 2pc member who teaches for the Fellows program and as Scholar-in-Residence at Christ UMC. This material also appears at the blog he shares with young adult pastor Mitchell Moore and Ruling Elder Matt Terhune, http://awalkingpace.wordpress.com.

thumbnail psalms 17th centuryFrom the New Testament through the church Fathers (including Tertullian, Jerome, Ambrose, Augustine, Hilary) to interpreters of recent centuries (Luther, Spurgeon, Bonhoeffer), Christians have seen Jesus as one of the chief subjects of the Psalms.  Jesus has also been seen as the one who sings the Psalms:  he experienced the full range of human emotions and the full, intimate, honest relationship with God depicted in the Psalms.  In a sense Jesus even knew guilt, as he experienced the crushing weight of our sin and God’s judgment on rebels (2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Peter 2:24).

The incredible variety of emotions and situations in the Psalms reflects Jesus’ own experience as God in human form, walking and living among us, experiencing what we experience. We also see Jesus in the Psalms as we remember his role as God Incarnate, the God who stoops to be with his people in their sojourn, their trials, their disappointments and disasters.  He is the shepherd who will not take us where he himself has not gone, and having trusted God as he went through the valley of death himself, he will not fail to take us through to the other side with him (Psalm 23).

We see Jesus as the lover of God’s Law who delighted in it and obeyed it perfectly (Psalm 1; 40:6-8; 119).  We see Jesus mourning for those who suffer.  We see him concerned for and identifying with the poor, the oppressed, and the lost (Psalm 41:1-3; 112:5, 9; 113:5-9; compare Matthew 25:31-46).  And we see Jesus proclaiming God’s salvation and faithfulness to the congregation (Psalm 40:9-10).

Read Christ in the Psalms, Part II


]]>Gordon McDonald to Speak at Annual Foundation Dinnerhttp://www.2pc.org/article/gordon-mcdonald-to-speak-at-annual-foundation-dinner/article/gordon-mcdonald-to-speak-at-annual-foundation-dinnerThu, 15 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0600Gordon MacDonald will be the guest speaker at the Second Presbyterian Church Foundation’s annual dinner on Friday, April 23, where he will speak on “The Excellence of Generosity.” Gordon is the Interim President of Denver Seminary as well as an author, speaker, and teacher. He was a pastor for more than forty years, most recently the senior minister at Grace Chapel in Lexington, Massachusetts. Other pastorates were in New York City, Southern Illinois and Kansas. For three years MacDonald was president of Inter Varsity Christian Fellowship.

The banquet is free, but requires registration. Online registration is available.

]]>Men, Don't Miss the Amen Retreat this Weekend!http://www.2pc.org/article/men-dont-miss-the-amen-retreat-this-weekend/article/men-dont-miss-the-amen-retreat-this-weekendMon, 12 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0600The Great Amen Retreat is an opportunity for men to enjoy fellowship together while studying God’s Word. Pastor Brian Lorrits from Fellowship Church in Memphis will call us to Fight! — for holiness, for your family, for deep godly friendships and for the purity of the Gospel.

Register Now!

]]>Fellows Program is Now Taking Applications!http://www.2pc.org/article/fellows-program-is-now-taking-applications/article/fellows-program-is-now-taking-applicationsMon, 05 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0600Do you know a recent college graduate who is a proven leader and is currently looking for employment or a graduating young believer wanting practical training before entering grad school? Would that young adult also benefit from some Biblical and philosophical training in a unique environment with a select group of peers?

The Second Presbyterian Church Fellows Program is designed to train the next generation of church and community leaders through reading relevant Christian authors, studying the mission of a believer as given in Scripture, working in paid internships in the marketplace, and engaging in weekly conversations about life, culture, work, and mission and how these things fit together for His glory.

Fellows is currently accepting applications for the twelve spots in the 2011 class. Applications are available online at www.2pc.org and a current brochure about the program is available at the church information desk.

Contact Bisha Harrington at  or 272-0037.

]]>Uganda Youth Garage Sale April 24 & 25http://www.2pc.org/article/uganda-youth-garage-sale-april-24--25/article/uganda-youth-garage-sale-april-24--25Mon, 05 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0600The Uganda Youth Missions Team will hold a garage sale fundraiser beginning at 7am on Friday, April 23 and Saturday, April 24 in the parking lot at Central and Goodlett. Contact Kathy Wilson at kwilson@2pc.org or 454-0034 with questions.

For more information, including donation drop-off dates, click here.

]]>Easter Sunday at Secondhttp://www.2pc.org/article/easter-sunday-at-second/article/easter-sunday-at-secondSat, 03 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0600He is risen, indeed! The Memphis Sunrise Service at Memphis Botanic Gardens begins at 6:30am. Services at Second Presbyterian will be held in the Sanctuary at 8am, 9:30am and 11:00am. Sunday Night Worship will not meet.

]]>Easter Egg Hunt Location Changehttp://www.2pc.org/article/easter-egg-hunt-location-change/article/easter-egg-hunt-location-changeFri, 02 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0600Due to forecasted rain on Friday night into Saturday morning, we have made the decision to move our annual Easter Egg Hunt into the Gym on Saturday. Come and join us - the fun begins at 11:00am and ends at 12:30pm. There are 5 different areas for your children to hunt eggs and lunch will be sold by Chick-fil-A. See you there!

]]>Holy Week Schedulehttp://www.2pc.org/article/holy-week-schedule/article/holy-week-scheduleMon, 29 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0600We encourage you to invite friends, co-workers, neighbors and family to worship with us throughout Holy Week, beginning on Sunday, March 28 at our Palm Sunday service and ending in a joyous celebration of the resurrection of Christ on Easter Sunday, April 4.

Lenten Concert Series, Heavenly Voices: March 28
4pm in the Chapel

The Westminster Singers and the Laudis Domini of Second will present an afternoon of acappella vocal music to offer a time for reflection and meditation.

Palm Sunday: March 28
8:15am & 11am in the Sanctuary
6pm in the Fellowship Hall
Nursery is available for children ages 5 and under.

Holy Week Lunches and Services: March 29-April 2
Daily Services, 12pm in the Sanctuary
Monday: Tim Russell, preaching
Tuesday: Andy Wells, preaching
Wednesday: Mitchell Moore, preaching
Thursday: Barton Kimbro, preaching

Lunch Monday-Thursday
11-11:45am & 12:30-1:15pm
in the Fellowship Hall
Lenten Luncheon Menu
Order Here

Nursery is available for children ages 5 and under.

Reminder: MidWeek does not meet on Wednesday, March 31 but will resume on April 7.

Maundy Thursday Evening: April 1

Dinner, 5pm in the Fellowship Hall
Communion Service, 6:30pm in the Sanctuary
Jon Becker, Preaching
Nursery is available for children ages 5 and under.

Good Friday: April 2
Worship Service, 12pm in the Sanctuary
Todd Erickson, preaching
Nursery is available for children ages 5 and under.

Easter Egg Hunt: April 3
11am at the Soccer Fields across Central

Easter Sunday: April 4
6:30am Sunrise Service at Memphis Botanic Garden
Rocky Anthony, preaching
8:00, 9:30 & 11:00am Services in the Sanctuary
Sandy Willson, preaching
Regular nursery rooms will be open.
No Sunday School or Evening Service 

]]>Children’s Ministry Collecting Eggs and Candy for Egg Hunthttp://www.2pc.org/article/childrens-ministry-collecting-eggs-and-candy-for-egg-hunt/article/childrens-ministry-collecting-eggs-and-candy-for-egg-huntMon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0600Kids at Second Children’s Ministry invites you to join us for our annual Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 3, from 11:00am to 12:30pm at the South Soccer Fields on Central (rain location: gym). Dress casual, and bring a basket for eggs. Lunch will be sold by Chick-fil-A.

Please bring a dozen plastic eggs filled with wrapped candy (no chocolate or peanuts, please) to drop-off points near the Nursery and in the D Building by March 29.

]]>Spring Forward This Weekendhttp://www.2pc.org/article/spring-forward-this-weekend/article/spring-forward-this-weekendFri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0600Daylight Savings begins this Sunday, March 14. Don't forget to set your clocks forward one hour before going to bed on Saturday night!

]]>Mingoli: “Beautiful Sound”http://www.2pc.org/article/mingoli-beautiful-sound/article/mingoli-beautiful-soundThu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0600Mingoli, the African Bible College's musical group, is touring the United States during the month of March and will join us for Sunday Night Worship on March 14 at 6pm. Mingoli, meaning "beautiful sound," uses a mixture of Western and African instruments and music styles to bridge cultural barriers with joyful African exuberance. Don't miss this unique experience to hear members from one of our wonderful World Missions partners, all the way from Malawi, Africa.

]]>Lenten Concert Series: Organ Meditations March 14 at 4pmhttp://www.2pc.org/article/lenten-concert-series-organ-meditations-march-14-at-4pm/article/lenten-concert-series-organ-meditations-march-14-at-4pmTue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0600Organist Lenora Morrow, will present an afternoon of music contemplating the passion journey of Christ. Music from composers J.S. Bach and Felix Mendelssohn will be featured as well as well-known Lenten hymns “O Sacred Head” and “What Wondrous Love.” Come and reflect on the wondrous love of Christ through these musical offerings.

]]>World Missions Conference Weekendhttp://www.2pc.org/article/world-missions-conference-weekend/article/world-missions-conference-weekendMon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0600We hope you’ll plan to join us for the Missions Luncheon with Judy Mbugua on Thursday, Banquet on Friday, Pancake Breakfast, Breakout Sessions, and Cottage Meetings on Saturday, and Worship Services and Congregational Communities on Sunday.

Our keynote speaker, Paul Borthwick, is a dynamic and informed preacher of the Good News. You will not want to miss anything he has to say about Christ and His calling upon our lives to reach the nations. Many of our missionaries will be in town, and it is always a privilege to reconnect with them. Our children have the annual KidMission Festival to look forward to, as well!

To purchase tickets, make nursery reservations, and for more information, visit www.2pc.org/wmc.

]]>What is Lent?http://www.2pc.org/article/what-is-lent/article/what-is-lentFri, 19 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0600On Ash Wednesday, the church marks an important transition, beginning the great cycle of Easter that extends from Ash Wednesday to Pentecost.

The season of Lent is not primarily a meditation on the suffering and cross of Christ; this is saved for Holy Week. Rather, it is a season of penitence and prayer, reflection and renewal, all designed to prepare the worshipping community for the remembrance of Christ’s death and celebration of his resurrection during Holy Week.

More specifically, Lent is preparation for baptism. For new Christians who are baptized on Easter, Lent is time to prepare for their new identity in Christ. For those who have been baptized, it is a time of self-examination so that they might reclaim their identity as those who have been buried with Christ in baptism and raised with him to new life.

The Services of the Christian Year, editor Robert E. Webber

]]>The Beginning of Lenthttp://www.2pc.org/article/the-beginning-of-lent/article/the-beginning-of-lentMon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0600Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 17. A contemplative communion service will be held at 12 noon in the chapel. Lenten Hymns, a weekly devotional guide based the hymns of Lent will be available in the hallway on Sundays and in the Bookmark bookstore throughout the week. A $1 donation is suggested.

]]>Tutors Needed for Ministry to NCC Studentshttp://www.2pc.org/article/tutors-needed-for-ministry-to-ncc-students/article/tutors-needed-for-ministry-to-ncc-studentsWed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0600Second hosts weekly tutoring of students from the Neighborhood Christian Center on Tuesday afternoons from 4:30-5:45pm in room C109. Students of all ages are brought to Second for help with homework, and we need volunteers to help them! Contact Kim Blankenship at kblankenship@2pc.org or feel free to just show up!

]]>CityServe Explorers to Visit Youth Visionshttp://www.2pc.org/article/cityserve-explorers-to-visit-youth-visions/article/cityserve-explorers-to-visit-youth-visionsWed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0600CityServe Explorers will make a site visit to Youth Visions in north Memphis on February 16. The mission of Youth Visions is to communicate and demonstrate the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the youth living in Frayser. We will help with an after school program called “club.” The church van will leave the west parking lot at 4 p.m. After interacting with the young people and helping serve food, we will return to Second by 6 p.m. Come share in what the Lord is doing in our neighborhoods and watch Him enlarge your heart for others. Please email  or call the church at 454-0034 to reserve a place on the van.

]]>Second Wednesdays Start this Monthhttp://www.2pc.org/article/second-wednesdays-start-this-month/article/second-wednesdays-start-this-monthWed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0600Beginning February 10, congregation wide prayer will meet every second Wednesday from 6:30-7:30 in the Fellowship Hall. On these evenings we’ll take a break from MidWeek classes and Prayer Matters.

All Are Welcome!

]]>2PCYouth Has a New Lookhttp://www.2pc.org/article/2pcyouth-has-a-new-look/article/2pcyouth-has-a-new-lookTue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0600screenshot-2pcyouth-jan2010Second's youth website has a new face! check it out at www.2pcyouth.org. The new site includes 3 Degrees and True North talks, events calendar, staff bios, internship information and more.

]]>Kids' Sports Registrationhttp://www.2pc.org/article/kids-sports-registration/article/kids-sports-registrationMon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0600Soccer sign-ups for boys and girls ages JK-6th grade are ongoing through February 5. Baseball sign-ups begin February 15 and end March 5 for JK-6th grade boys. More information as well as online registration is available at www.2pcsports.org. You may also register at the Recreation Front Desk or by calling 454-0034. Sports seasons will overlap one another.

]]>Winter Inquirers Begins February 12http://www.2pc.org/article/winter-inquirers-begins-february-12/article/winter-inquirers-begins-february-12Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0600You may have faith questions, wish to know more about Second, or you may be ready to pursue membership at 2PC. Perhaps you are a long-time member, but you still want to know more about church government, worship, or doctrinal issues. Winter Inquirers is for you!

The class is a series of five sessions – Friday evening February 12, Saturday morning February 13, Sunday morning and Sunday afternoon February 14, and Wednesday evening, February 17. We would love for you to join us as we explore God and His church. Call the Inquirers’ Office at 454-0034, ext. 172 for details and registration information.

]]>World Relief on the Ground in Haitihttp://www.2pc.org/article/world-relief-on-the-ground-in-haiti/article/world-relief-on-the-ground-in-haitiThu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0600Every day, World Relief’s Disaster Response team is working alongside Haitian church volunteers, serving rice, beans and porridge to up to 1,400 of Haiti’s most vulnerable people. Working with local church partners they plan to launch more feeding centers in the Leogan neighborhood and Jacmel.  They are also working with a local partner to install 6 submersible water pumps each capable of pumping 12 gallons per minute.

Learn more about World Relief's response to the Haiti Earthquake.

You can donate securely to World Relief Online or contributions can be made to Second with "Haiti Relief in the memo field.

]]>CLC is Here!http://www.2pc.org/article/clc-is-here/article/clc-is-hereThu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0600One of the highlights at Second each year is the annual Christian Life Conference. This is a weekend that we set aside as a congregation to study a topic from scripture from some of the best Bible teachers in the world.

The Christian Life Conference starts Friday, January 22. All audio files will be posted as they become available. For more information on our speakers and a full weekend schedule visit www.2pc.org/clc.

]]>Christian Life Conference This Weekendhttp://www.2pc.org/article/christian-life-conference-this-weekend/article/christian-life-conference-this-weekendWed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0600Dear Friends,

I’d like to invite you to join us this weekend for the 2010 Christian Life Conference.

headshot-swillsonOur conference this year is exciting in many ways. First of all, our theme, A Heart for God, addresses the “central headquarters” of your whole being, from which you set your priorities, build your relationships, and make your decisions. We are all going to learn and grow this weekend. Secondly, we have the privilege of hearing from two of my favorites: John Wood and Paige Brown. John, a good friend of Second, is senior minister at Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church in Knoxville. He has been teaching the Bible for many years with power and grace. Our folks from Knoxville and our UT students can tell you about him. Paige Brown is a Bible teacher and homemaker from Washington DC. She has been to Memphis on several occasions, and we have all loved her. With both of these speakers, you’ll need to fasten your seat belts and get ready for an incredible ride.

Take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the conference schedule and prepare to enjoy every minute that you can.

Please be in prayer that God will move on all our hearts. May our time together be blessed and may we all discover deeper truths for ourselves and others as we listen, learn, and share.

Sincerely,
Sandy Willson
Senior Minister

Audio for the entire weekend is available here.

Live streaming for all sessions is available via UStream.

]]>Haiti Earthquake Reliefhttp://www.2pc.org/article/haiti-earthquake-relief/article/haiti-earthquake-reliefThu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0600Second Presbyterian is routing Haiti Relief Funds through our partner, World Relief.  They have had an existing presence in Haiti and are on the ground there delivering relief through churches. World Missions has already approved $3,500 for immediate release. Contributions to Second Presbyterian Church should be designated "Haiti Relief" on the memo line. If you want a quick look at preliminary information about World Relief in Haiti, visit http://worldrelief.org/Page.aspx?pid=2364.

]]>Mission Memphis Thanks You for the Donation of Warm Itemshttp://www.2pc.org/article/mission-memphis-thanks-you-for-the-donation-of-warm-items/article/mission-memphis-thanks-you-for-the-donation-of-warm-itemsTue, 12 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0600jan-2010-donated-coatsBeginning on Friday, January 8, 2PC donated many new or lightly used warm items to many people in need. Thank you all for participating so fully, on very short notice, to supply items that could help keep warm those that are under resourced, homeless and desperate.

Even if the temps don’t drop as low as they were last week again this season, there are some very cold and dark days ahead and with what you did as a church fewer will have to be cold during this time. Warmth also comes from knowing that people care enough to give “off their own backs” to others.

  • Friday, Jan 8
    To Memphis Union Mission and Refugee Empowerment Program: 36 new blankets, 20 new coats, gloves, scarves
  • Saturday, Jan 9
    Over 100 coats, blankets and warm clothing donated and delivered to the Refugee Empowerment Program
  • Sunday, Jan 10
    Hundreds of coats donated and delivered to Calvary Rescue Mission and the Neighborhood Christian Center on Monday, Jan 11
]]>Cold Temps Cause Urgent Need for Warm Clothing and Blanketshttp://www.2pc.org/article/cold-temps-cause-urgent-need-for-warm-clothing-and-blankets/article/cold-temps-cause-urgent-need-for-warm-clothing-and-blanketsFri, 08 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0600The frigid temperatures are severely impacting many throughout our city, and several of our ministry partners are making special efforts to respond to those in need. To help we will be collecting warm clothing items, specifically, coats, gloves, scarves, hats, and blankets which will be distributed through our 2PC ministry partners to those in need.

These specific items can be dropped off at the church's main lobby (B Building) between the hours of 9am and noon on Saturday. You may also bring items on Sunday. Collection points on Sunday will be in the B Building main lobby and at the west entrance off of the parking lot.

If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:17-18

*** UPDATE ***

Coats can also be dropped off on Sunday, January 10, to be picked up Monday Morning.

]]>Inclement Weather Policyhttp://www.2pc.org/article/inclement-weather-policy/article/inclement-weather-policyWed, 06 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0600It is the policy of Second that all scheduled worship services be held, regardless of the weather. In addition, MidWeek will meet this evening, and AMEN Bible Study will meet as scheduled on Thursday morning.

For scheduled activities other than worship services and AMEN, the church will follow the policy of the Memphis City Schools. If MCS cancels class due to inclement weather, then all scheduled activities at the church will be cancelled.

During inclement weather, the church does not expect its members to take any undue risks in attending worship services. Each member should make a well-informed decision as to his or her personal travel safety based on the existing weather conditions. 

The church will make every attempt to place appropriate and timely messages on its voicemail system (901) 454-0034 regarding the status of scheduled activities.

]]>Sunday Night Series: A Heart for Godhttp://www.2pc.org/article/sunday-night-series-a-heart-for-god/article/sunday-night-series-a-heart-for-godSat, 02 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0600Beginning in January, Pastor Sandy Willson will be preaching for three weeks on cultivating a Heart for God. Led by Sandy, we’ll discover how to develop disciplines of personal worship, family worship and corporate prayer.

Join us at 6pm in the Fellowship Hall!

View the resource page for this series.

]]>Christian Life Conference 2010: January 22-24http://www.2pc.org/article/christian-life-conference-2010-january-22-24/article/christian-life-conference-2010-january-22-24Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0600The Heart. That mysterious core of humanity.

CLC 2010Our hearts guide our actions and drive our affections, holding within us the capacity for celebrated acts of kindness and yet, unimaginable evil. How are we to love God with all our hearts when our hearts need so much changing? Christian Life Conference 2010 will explore what Scripture says about how God renews the human heart, and what it means to have a heart for God.

Audio for the entire weekend is available here.

Live streaming for all sessions is available via UStream.

Conference Speakers

John Wood
Rev. John Wood is Senior Pastor at Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church in Knoxville (EPC). John’s expository preaching attracts thousands each Sunday, including many university of Tennessee students. John received his M.Div. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and served in a new England church with our Senior Pastor, Sandy Willson, while Sandy pursued his theological degree. They remain close friends today.

Paige Benton Brown
headshot-paige-benton-brownPaige Benton Brown served on staff with Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) as a university chaplain at Vanderbilt for seven years. A native of Cleveland, MS Paige completed a masters degree at Covenant Theological Seminary after graduating from the University of Mississippi. Paige and Reagan married in 2003, and she again joined RUF staff at the University of Virginia while Reagan was in graduate school there. They now live in New York City.

Conference Schedule

Thursday, January 21
Women’s Coffee: Paige Benton Brown
7:00-8:30pm - Fellowship Hall

Friday, January 22
Pastor’s Luncheon: John Wood / 11:30am - 1:00pm

Session 2 and 3: John Wood and Paige Benton Brown / 6:30-8:30pm
Dying to Live / John 12:20-36
The Rejective Heart / I Samuel 13-15

Saturday January 23
Session 3 and 4: John Wood and Paige Benton Brown / 9:00-11:30am
Dead to Sin, Alive to God / Romans 6:1-14
The Reflective Heart / I Samuel 16-17

College Luncheon: John Wood and Paige Benton Brown / 11:30am-1:00pm

Sunday, January 2
Session 5: John Wood / 8:15-9:25am and 11:00am - Noon

Working Out What God Works In - Philippians 2:1-18

Session 6: Paige Benton Brown / 9:45-10:40am
The Responsive Heart - 2 Samuel 11 & Psalm 51

Session 7: John Wood / 6:00-7:00pm
Raised with Christ / Colossians 3:1-17

Christian Life Conference Information (PDF)

]]>Second Members Give a Hand for the Holidayshttp://www.2pc.org/article/second-members-give-a-hand-for-the-holidays/article/second-members-give-a-hand-for-the-holidaysWed, 30 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0600We would like to give a warm thanks to all our 2PC members who have shared their hearts by serving during this special Advent season. Here are a few ways our members served the community:

  • Each of the 581 children at Berclair Elementary School received a book as a Christmas gift from Second Presbyterian Church. Thanks to all the members who donated to this effort.
  • Second’s 6th grade Sunday school class put together 44 shoe boxes for Memphis Union Mission filled with hats, gloves, undergarments, and hygiene products to help the homeless men in our city stay warm and cared for during the winter months.
  • The Sojourners and Chapel Class spent Saturdays in December ringing bells for the Salvation Army in memory of Nancy Crosby, long-time Second and Salvation Army Auxiliary member.
  • An ornament party was thrown by the Genesis CC class for the foster kids of Bethany Christian Services. Some of the graduates of Teen Challenge prepared and served the party meal, making it a way for two of our ministry partners to come together in serving others.
  • article-lil-princessThrough their generosity, members Kevin and Joyce Ruby sent 40 young girls in the “Little Princess Program” with Eikon Ministries to see The Frog Princess. Thanks to Kathy Wilson and Natasha Hughes who helped organize this magical day.
  • The Crossroads CC recently adopted our ministry partner, Victims to Victory for the holidays by volunteering at the annual reception of Victim to Victory’s Candlelight Remembrance Ceremony, a service held to remember victims of violent crime. Crossroads also adopted the 12 boys living in the boys’ dormitory at The Neighborhood School, hoping to make their Christmas a little brighter.

We want to thank the many others who gave of their hearts in service during this advent and we thank everyone for being the hands and feet of Jesus in our community. Happy New Year! Volunteer Ministries

]]>Coats for Kidshttp://www.2pc.org/article/coats-for-kids/article/coats-for-kidsTue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0600The MissionMemphis Department has joined with several of our ministry partners in an effort to collect winter coats for children. Last year, with the help of our youth CC classes and adult members, we collected and distributed 134 new and gently used coats and jackets as well as 68 hats, gloves and scarves. We look forward to the continued support and participation from Second's membership again this year!

Collection boxes will be in the Fellowship Hall on Sundays in December and drop offs may also be made to the MissionMemphis Department during church office hours. Sizes from toddler to teen are needed. For more information, contact Natasha at 454-0034 or  nhughes@2pc.org.

]]>Annual Christmas PJ Storytime December 22http://www.2pc.org/article/annual-christmas-pj-storytime-december-22/article/annual-christmas-pj-storytime-december-22Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0600The Growing Place Library and Kids at Second Children's Ministry invite you to our annual PJ Story Time on Tuesday, December 22 at 6:30pm in the Fellowship Hall.

Children should come dressed in their favorite pajamas, ready for milk and cookies while Pastor Sandy tells the Christmas story.

Don't miss this time of fellowship for all ages only days before Christmas Eve.

]]>Celebrate Advent at Festival of Carols on December 13http://www.2pc.org/article/celebrate-advent-at-festival-of-carols-on-december-13/article/celebrate-advent-at-festival-of-carols-on-december-13Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0600Festival Of Carols BadgeCelebrate the Advent season in song at the annual Festival of Carols this Sunday, December 13, 2009, at 6 p.m. in the sanctuary. This special evening of Christmas music will be uplifting and festive, with plenty of opportunities to sing along.

“The Festival of Carols will be an evening to truly experience traditional Christmas music,” says Dr. Gabriel C. Statom, director of music at Second. “The choir, orchestra and congregation will join voices to lift up praise to God through favorites like ‘O Come, All Ye Faithful,’ ‘The First Noel,’ and ‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.’ The choir will also present stunning arrangements of ‘O Holy, Night,’ ‘Go, Tell It on the Mountain,’ and Faure's haunting ‘Cantique de Jean Racine.’ The richness of this music and these texts will speak beyond our human emotions.”

]]>The Christmas Angels: A Choral Christmas Concerthttp://www.2pc.org/article/the-christmas-angels-a-choral-christmas-concert/article/the-christmas-angels-a-choral-christmas-concertThu, 03 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0600The Christmas AngelsSecond’s Chancel Choir and Brass present John Rutter’s energetic and majestic “Gloria” along with many beloved carols and readings about the works of angels on Sunday, December 6, at 6pm in the Sanctuary.

Timothy Russell will narrate the program with writings from Miriam Huffman's book, “The Light of Life: Advent Devotionals.” The readings will enhance the music by engaging us into how angels prepare, minister, praise, and proclaim. In addition to John Rutter's Gloria, the choir will sing Bach's lovely chorale setting of “Wake, Awake for Night Is Flying,” Morton Lauridson's “O Magnum Mysterium,” and Mormon Tabernacles Mack Wilberg's arrangement of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.”

“This program will thrill the listener, not only with the energetic music by the choir and brass, but with the richness of the texts,” says Gabriel Statom, Director of Music. “The focus on the angels and the way angels work in our midst will have us all thinking about God's glory through this uplifting and praise-centered music. The program, about 45 minutes, will engage you with a variety of music by Rutter, Morton Laurdison, J.S. Bach, and Mack Wilberg. This will be a concert everyone will love.”

Dr. Gabriel C. Statom received a Bachelor of Music Education degree with voice and piano emphasis from The University of Mississippi and a Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting with organ as the principle instrument from Florida State University. He completed a Doctor of Worship Studies degree from the Institute for Worship Studies, affiliated with Wheaton College and Northern Theological Seminary, both in Chicago, Illinois.

Statom has conducted extensively throughout the U.S., including performances at the Spoleto Festival, the Oregon Bach Festival, and Carnegie Hall, performing with orchestras such as the Memphis Symphony, the New England Symphonic Ensemble and the Mississippi Symphony.

]]>CityServe Explorers to Visit MIFAhttp://www.2pc.org/article/cityserve-explorers-to-visit-mifa/article/cityserve-explorers-to-visit-mifaWed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600The CityServe Explorers will visit MIFA on Wednesday, December 9, from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. We will tour the main building at 910 Vance as well as the Life Skills Institute, their site for family activities. We will also visit Presley Place, one of four transitional apartment complexes for people in need.

We will leave promptly in the van from the west parking lot at 11 a.m. and return by 1 p.m. Call the church at 454-0034 or e-mail for more information.

]]>Advance Memphis is Making a Difference in Cleaborn-Foote Neighborhoodhttp://www.2pc.org/article/advance-memphis-is-making-a-difference-in-cleaborn-foote-neighborhood/article/advance-memphis-is-making-a-difference-in-cleaborn-foote-neighborhoodMon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600Through the support of the Second Presbyterian Foundation, Advance Memphis’ Outsourcing Program is providing tangible hope in the Cleaborn-Foote community.

The new book When Helping Hurts by Covenant College professors Brian Fikkert and Steve Corbett explores the idea that dignity and independence can be restored to the poor when organizations strive to provide resources for development in a community, rather than relief.

In short, this means that change comes when a community is empowered to help itself, rather than being handed “help” such as food or clothing.

In the book, Advance Memphis is used as an example of a program that offers economic development programs that allow participants to gain knowledge and skills that empower them to become employed—and then become leaders in their community.

Read the full story

]]>NCC Chicken Strut - November 21http://www.2pc.org/article/ncc-chicken-strut--november-21/article/ncc-chicken-strut--november-21Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600The Neighborhood Christian Center invites families of Second to join them on Saturday, November 21 at 9am for their 5k Family Fun Walk called the Chicken Strut. Families who participate in the Chicken Strut will be helping raise money to provide chicken and other food items for NCC’s Christmas baskets to feed more than 12,000 needy families in the Memphis community.

The Chicken Strut is a great opportunity for families to serve together and exemplify the unifying love of Christ. November 21 is also National Family Volunteering Day, so come ready to represent the church with your best chicken strut and support one of Second’s strategic ministry partners.

The Chicken Strut is about 3 miles round-trip. Contests and games will be held immediately following the Family Fun Walk. To sign up for the Chicken Strut, register online at www.ncclife.org. Each participant who registers will receive a T-shirt, chicken snack, and goodies!

]]>Holiday Volunteer Opportunitieshttp://www.2pc.org/article/holiday-volunteer-opportunities/article/holiday-volunteer-opportunitiesMon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600New and Expectant Parent Open Househttp://www.2pc.org/article/new-and-expectant-parent-open-house/article/new-and-expectant-parent-open-houseMon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600All new and expectant parents are cordially invited to the Nursery Ministry Team’s Open House on Sunday, November 15 immediately following the 8:15 morning worship service. During this time, we will tour the nursery and answer any questions you may have. This event welcomes first time parents as well as those new to our Nursery. Please RSVP to Mandy Morse at or 454-0034.

]]>Garden of Reading Book Discussion Grouphttp://www.2pc.org/article/garden-of-reading-book-discussion-group/article/garden-of-reading-book-discussion-groupWed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600The Garden of Reading women’s book discussion group will meet on Monday, November 9 at 11:30 a.m. in the Gathering Room (A100) to discuss The Bishop of Rwanda by John Rucyahana with James Riordan. This book offers insights into the developments that made the horrors of the Rwandan genocide possible and our loving God’s continuing miraculous work of forgiveness and reconciliation in the aftermath. Please feel free to join us even if you haven’t had a chance to read this book.

]]>A Heart for Givinghttp://www.2pc.org/article/a-heart-for-giving/article/a-heart-for-givingSun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600It is our desire at Second for all to have a heart for God. The way we manage our finances serves an important measure of the condition of our own hearts. In Matthew, the words of Christ instruct us, “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Stewardship Sunday: November 1
On this day, each Congregational Community will hear a special message from Senior Pastor Sandy Willson about the importance of managing our resources in a way that honors God.

Commitment Sunday: November 8
Plan to spend some time over the next week in prayerful consideration of how God is calling you to share your blessings with others.

Please bring your completed Letter of Intent card, which you will receive in the mail, to the worship service on Commitment Sunday. Cards will also be available in the pew racks of the Sanctuary.

For more stewardship resources, visit 2pc.org/giving

]]>