The Ukirk Trunk or Treat for the kids of our community was a huge succ

AS

WE

BELIEVE

…

SO

WE

LIVE

2nd – Judy Rhodes 3rd – Skip Frye 4th – Jan Sumerel

Jeanette Reeves 7th – Skylar Langly 8th - Betty Pryor

Deborah Wall 9th – Barbara Darwin

Jim Parham 14th – Morgan McGarity 16th - Bryant Reeves 24th – John Ballard 24th – Kaley Frye 26th – Mary Lee Hayes 27th – Dale Davis 29th – Loree George

Bobbi Breedlove 31st - Chris Frye

Food for Thought Rev. Steven H. Rhodes

The speed of change these past two weeks is breathtaking. Or so it seems. The issues of same gender marriage, racism, and terror became front and center. You couldn’t read the paper, turn on the TV or your computer and not find these things right in front of you. Yet, in truth, these things never happen overnight. The issue of same gender marriage has been broiling in our culture and courts for the past 30 years (and in many denominations). The reality of racism and one of its symbols, the Rebel Battle Flag, has waxed and waned for over 100 years. Terrorism has been around since the beginning of time, only now we know about and see it 30 seconds after it happens. What to do? People will give different answers. Here is mine. I will trust in God at every intersection of change. I will do all I can as a pastor and as a Christian to support marriage. I will teach and preach from the Bible the core truth that we are to love one another as Christ loved the church – in others words I will do my best to serve my wife in every way I can.

Racism is a stench in the nostrils of God. Verse after verse in the Bible speaks of treating each other with dignity and respect, seeing each other as God sees them – as unique creations. Whether others see God the way we do, or follow God the way we do, is secondary. Our calling is to build a community of faith where all are welcomed – invite them in – and then teach them God’s Word.

Terrorism is frightening. To hear a terrorist some place in the world shout that they are ‘coming for us’, that they desire to ‘kill Americans,’ is disconcerting, to say the least. It is not surprising that in response, many, even in the church, will say ‘get them first before they get us.’ The truth is, in a world not yet fully redeemed, we will need a strong military. Yet scripture is clear we are not to rely on the ‘strength of horses’ alone to save us.

Psalms 44:4-8 You are my King and my God, who decrees victories for Jacob. Through you we push back our enemies; through your name we trample our foes. I put no trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory; but you give us victory over our enemies, you put our adversaries to shame. In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your name forever.

In the New Testament it says: love conquers fear. Danger will always be with us in some form, but we do not have to succumb to it and let it drain our faith.

Romans 8:12-17 - Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. So, what to do? Let us work to build a strong and safe community right here at Second Presbyterian. Not as a place to hide from the ‘evil world’, but as a safe harbor in the storms where we can find rest and replenishment before venturing again into the world to live and serve. 1 Peter 3:13-16 - Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats ; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. In life: in all that brings hope and goodness to this world; and in death: in all things that would rob us of the life God intends, we belong to God.

Summer Worship

Challenge!

This summer, I challenge the Youth of

2PC to ATTEND WORSHIP!!!

Here's how it works!

Post pictures on Instagram using

#2PCSummerWorshipChallenge and make

sure you TAG RAE (secondpressburgyouth)

in order to get points!

Here's how you earn points: -Picture of yourself with the week's bulletin

(make sure the date is visible!) 2 pts

-Picture of yourself by the church sign WITH

the bulletin - 4 pts

-BONUS: If you attend worship while out of

town! - 2 pts added to the photos above!

-Picture of yourself in front of a church that

you see on vacation but did NOT attend

worship at -1 pt

-Picture of yourself with other 2PC church

members (NOT your family) - 3 pts

-Picture of yourself making friends at a

church you visit while out of town - 4 pts

-BONUS: Picture of yourself at a summer

youth event with other 2PC youth! - 3 pts

-BONUS: Once a week you can post a picture

of yourself doing a daily devotion - 2 pts

-BONUS: Picture of your family using your

Take-Out Church kit!

Challenge begins: June 7

Challenge ends: August 9

Winner Announced: August 16 at

Back to School Sunday at 2PC!

PRIZES!!!!

First Place: Super Sweet Prize Pack with lots

of goodies!

Second and Third Place will also receive a

prize.

The Youth will be attending the Montreat Youth Conference July 12-18. The theme

this year is "This is My Story." As we gather together to share our stories, to dive deeper into the stories of our faith and to create new stories together, the planning team (which includes our very own Louisa Hucks!!!) is asking groups to

bring new children's books as an offering that will go to spread the love of stories

and reading with children who may never receive a new book. Some of our books

will stay in the Asheville area while others (Spanish storybooks) will travel to

Guatemala through Peg Partners. Help us write a page in our story together by sharing the love of books and reading

with all God's children.

A box has been put in the lobby near the elevator for you to donate new children's

books in English and in Spanish.

Dear Church Family,

Thank you so much to each and every one of you who

stepped up to help with Vacation Bible School! The

children (and the adults!!!) had a great time and

everything went off without a hitch! A special thank you

the Cheri Hucks for all her help in coordinating, as well

as our friends at Covenant Presbyterian! Cheri and I

couldn't have done it without the help of all of our

wonderful volunteers, weather behind the scenes,

before VBS, during VBS, hands-on helpers, or after

VBS, you all helped make this year a huge success!

Thank you thank you thank you!

Blessings,

Rae

A Congregational Meeting will be held on Sunday, July 12th

directly after the Morning Worship Service.

The purpose of this meeting will

be to elect the 2016 Elder Nominating committee.

We apologize for the lack of sound in the sanctuary last

Sunday. The power cord for the speakers got “unplugged”. This

problem will be fixed so this doesn’t happen again.

July 10th

11:00-12:30 Pump it Up!

Please let me know if you are able to attend!!!! We

have a private jump session booked :) so little ones will be just fine and

won't have to worry about it being too crowded! Cost will be $5 per child, adults

included for free :)

SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH At Home and Nursing Home Members

Roy Hall 6 Fort Prince Court Wellford, SC 29385 864-949-6749 (Lives with his daughter Candy Hendrix. 497-4076) Marjorie Allison 326 Lowndes Drive Spartanburg, SC 29307 Martha Wharton Eden Terrace, K-201 2780 E. Main Street Spartanburg, SC 29307 864-579-9770 Fay Tillotson Eden Terrace 2780 East Main Street Spartanburg , SC 29307 Apartment L- 204 864-576-8630

Christine Fowler 585 El Paso Street Spartanburg, SC 29303 864-583-5561 Marlene Towery White Oak Manor(Rehab) 295 E. Pearl Street Spartanburg, SC 29303 864-585-0241 Ellen Davis 66 Arbors West Lane Moore, SC 29369 864-595-1537 Buck and Edna Joyner 900 Patterson Road Spartanburg, SC 29307 864-463-4396 Bob and Ruby Haynie 36 Angela Circle Inman, SC 29349

Alice Helms Eden Terrace 2780 East Main Street S202 Spartanburg, SC 29307 Everett Tillotson Eden Terrace 2780 E. Main Street R201 Spartanburg, SC 29307

Pat Stephens Eden Terrace 2780 E. Main Street Apt. R206 Spartanburg, SC 29307 Pat Miller 104 Pine Forest Road Spartanburg, SC 29303 Loree George Rosecrest Retirement Community 200 Fortress Drive Inman, SC 29349 864-599-8600

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 4 JumpStart CMB 4-

9pm

Men's Breakfast 7:00 JumpStart CMB 4-9pm

JumpStart CMB 9-2pm

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Sunday School 9:45 am Morning Worship 11:00

AA Closed 7:00 JumpStart CMB 4-9pm

Summer Vespers 5:30 pm

JumpStart CMB 4-9pm

Men's Breakfast 7:00 JumpStart CMB 4-9pm “Pump It Up” 10AM

JumpStart CMB 9-2pm Baby Shower Price Hall

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Sunday School 9:45 am Morning Worship 11:00 Montreat Youth Conf

Montreat Youth Conf

AA Closed 7:00 JumpStart CMB 4-9pm Montreat Youth Conf

Summer Vespers 5:30 pm Montreat Youth Conf

JumpStart CMB 4-9pm Montreat Youth Conf

Men's Breakfast 7:00 JumpStart CMB 4-9pm Montreat Youth Conf

JumpStart CMB 9-2pm Montreat Youth Conf

19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Sunday School 9:45 am Morning Worship 11:00

AA Closed 7:00 JumpStart CMB 4-9pm

Summer Vespers 5:30 pm

JumpStart CMB 4-9pm

Men's Breakfast 7:00 JumpStart CMB 4-9pm

JumpStart CMB 9-2pm

26 27 28 29 30 31 Sunday School 9:45 am Morning Worship 11:00

AA Closed 7:00 JumpStart CMB 4-9pm

Summer Vespers 5:30 pm

JumpStart CMB 4-9pm

Men's Breakfast 7:00 JumpStart CMB 4-9pm

JumpStart CMB 9-2pm

MILITARY

Major Paul Atkinson Spangdahlem Air Force Base

Wittlich, Germany

Tech-Sergeant Adam G. Patterson

Ellis-McCord Air Force Base Tacoma, Washington

Major Sterling Anderson ll

Tyndall Air Force Base, Panama City, Florida

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every

situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,

present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6

Pray for the following people:

Dawn Lowe, Payton Dominick, Margie Goodwin, Pat

Miller, Anslie Waters, Ava & Garrison Williams

(grandchildren of JoAnn & Roy Bishop), Loree

George, Marlene Towery, Ellen Davis, Fay Tillotson,

Chris Frye, Marjorie Goodwin, Betty Deal, Jimmy

Turnage, Carole Tillotson, Roy Hall, David Matthews,

Carolyne Coates, Everett Tillotson, JoAnne Bishop,

Mark, Sheila and Caleb Cowen, Pat Stephens,

Christine Fowler, Marjorie Allison, Hartell family,

Bryant Reeves, Beverly Jones.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,

present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6

MILITARY

Major Paul Atkinson

Spangdahlem Air Force Base

Wittlich, Germany

Tech-Sergeant Adam G. Patterson Ellis-McCord Air Force Base

Tacoma, Washington

Major Sterling Anderson ll Tyndall Air Force Base,

Panama City, Florida

ELDERS ON CALL FOR JULY Week of the 5th - Sterling Anderson 621-6594 / sa@vicbaileyauto.com Week of the 12th – Jeanette Reeves 621-2946 / jdreev@charter.net Week of the 19th – Bruce Tillotson 814-9415 / wbt1948@gmail.com Week of the 26th – Newman McGarity 590-4454 / newmancone@mac.com LITURGISTS FOR JULY 5th – Bruce Tillotson 12th – George Wenger 19th – Bill Mitchell 26th – Ashley Blackwelder JULY OFFERING TEAM Bruce Tillotson Jeanette Reeves JULY USHERS Richard Foust, Skip & Chris Frye Paul & Elaine Pruitt, George & Dale Wenger, Karen Carter