We are needed . . . to care for one another.

Stewardship is about much more than funding a church budget. It is about participating in a shared ministry whose reach extends farther than any one of us could accomplish alone.

“Where do I see God at work through this congregation…

and how am I being invited to take my place in that work?”

POP-UP Sunday School

"This Is Our Story: Reformed Sacraments" with Elizabeth Link

Sunday, October 4 | 9:45 a.m. | Fellowship Hall

Join Elizabeth Link on October 4 to learn what makes Second Presbyterian unique. What makes our understanding of Baptism and Communion distinctly Reformed? We’ll explore the meaning of the sacraments in our tradition and consider how these practices tell the story of who we are as God’s people.

Theology on Tap

Tuesday, October 6 | 6:00 p.m. | A Few Old Goats

Men are invited to join us for our next night of Theology on Tap, 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 6 at A Few Old Goats. This group continues to grow and evolve as we discuss theological topics in a relaxed environment. Men of all ages are invited to gather for Bible and brews, Calvin with some crafts, pints and predestination, or just good company and conversaion.

The Bible in Black & White

"Letter from Birmingham Jail"

Wednesdays in October | 12:00 p.m. | Fellowship Hall

This October, the Bible in Black & White community will consider Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” dated April 16, 1963. We will look at the historical context of the letter, its content, its biblical basis, and the impact it made on the nation during the tumultuous Civil Rights era. Together, we will ask what we modern readers need to gain from its reading to continue the pursuit of justice and understanding today.

Dates: October 7, 14, 21 & 28

Location: Second Presbyterian Church

Facilitators: Dr. Bill Lee, Dr. George C. Anderson, and ministers of other sponsoring churches.

The Longer Reach of Second Presbyterian Church

Sabbatical Report with Dr. George C. Anderson
Wednesdays, Sept. 30 & Oct. 7 | 7:00 p.m. | Chapel

Having returned from sabbatical, Dr. George Anderson will share insights from his three months of study and reflection on emerging needs in our world and the church—and how Second Presbyterian Church is uniquely equipped to respond. Three guided conversations will be held this fall, featuring brief presentations and discussion. Each session will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel and conclude by 8:00 p.m. No nursery will be provided. The conversations will focus on several areas of particular importance identified during the sabbatical, where Second Presbyterian Church can make a meaningful difference.

Remaining Schedule: October 7—The Changing Ways to Witness.

Blood Drive at St. John's Episcopal Church

Wednesday, October 7 | 12:00–6:00 p.m.

Second Presbyterian is joining forces with St. John's Episcopal for a joint venture blood drive. Visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter "St Johns" to schedule an appointment.

Get a $15 e-gift card when you give blood at a Red Cross Blood Drive Sept. 21–Oct. 18. YOU can MAKE a DIFFERENCE!

Today’s culture seems to be all about maxxing. Social influencers tell us to be all about “looksmaxxing.” Our politicians seem to be more and more interested in “vicemaxxing.” All the while, the rest of us just experience more and more “sadmaxxing” as loneliness increases and happiness decreases.

This fall, the men of 2PC will gather to confront these challenges by “virtuesmaxxing” at Eagle Eyrie on October 23 and 24. Carter Brothers will lead the charge while looking at the Christian virtues highlighted in Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings and how his story about wizards, hobbits, and elves (oh my!) can teach us how to be more fully human in the 21st Century. We will worship together, feast together, laugh together and, of course, fellowship together!

Register by Wednesday, October 14.

The 6th Annual 2PC Youth Trunk or Treat is creeping back into town on October 25th, from 4:00–6:00 p.m. in the Mountain Avenue Parking Lot!

Join our neighbors, preschool families, mission partners, and local schools for a SPOOKtacular evening full of fun, sweet treats, and wonderful fellowship! Our youth will create games for kids of all ages, while church members deck out their trunks and hand out candy. The Second Pres Preschool even sponsors the Bounce House!

This church-wide, neighborhood, and community celebration is a fun way to connect with one another while sharing our commitment to mission, outreach, and building meaningful relationships.

Want to join the fun? We’d love your help!

• Donate candy to keep our treats flowing!
• Sign up to decorate your car and pass out goodies!

Contact Ben Brannan with questions. Let’s make this year’s Trunk or Treat frightfully fantastic!

Hunger Busters Food Drive Begins!

That same evening, we’ll kick off our Middle School Hunger Busters Initiative to benefit the Presbyterian Community Center. We’ll be collecting canned food donations through November 15th.

Help us fill more than treat bags this fall—let’s fill shelves and share God’s love with our community, one can at a time!

Phishing Scams Disguised as Party Invitations Target Email Accounts

Asked to enter your email address and password to open a party invite? That’s a scam.

Earlier this summer, the FTC issued a consumer alert regarding increased reports of this type of phishing scam. Sent by email or text message, fake invites often impersonate real invitations delivered via legitimate online invitation platforms like Evite, Punchbowl, and Paperless Post.

Scammers attempt to gain access to your email account where they can send similar fake invites to your entire contact list and potentially gain other personal information like banking details. Because of this, emails can be sent from the real email addresses of people you may know.

What can you do?

• Hover over links to examine URLs closely without clicking.
• NEVER enter your login credentials (email/username/password) when you're suspicious of authenticity.
• If you know the sender, contact them by another method (phone call or in person) to ask if the invitation is legit.
• Act quickly and change your email account password if you have clicked one of these links, or if you worry your account may be compromised.
• Enable two-factor authentication.

Learn more by reading this FTC article and Evite's article on how to spot a phishing scam.

Preschool Enrollment and Hiring

The preschool has a few spots open in the Threes class for the 2026–27 school year.

Additionally, the preschool is looking to hire after care staff for a couple of afternoons each week, 12:30–5:30 p.m.

Please email Preschool Director Alice Light to learn more, apply, or enroll.

Whether you are testing the waters and dipping your toe into an adult education class or returning to a group of seekers you already know and love, there is a place for you in this year’s journey. Called together, we will learn, ask questions, laugh, serve, pray, and witness anew the good news of God’s great love. Welcome to another year of learning, growing, and belonging!