As I said in my first sermon at Second, “With a large and talented congregation, a diversity of perspectives, a welcoming nature, younger and older members and a propitious location in this great city, Second Presbyterian is uniquely suited to minister God’s grace and truth - for such a time as this!” The 21st Century is squarely upon us and many churches have struggled to find their footing in our postmodern world. Yet, rather than circle the wagons, Second has chosen to embrace today’s diverse and changing world, knowing that Christ desires to speak and minister the gospel through us in ways that are both generous and germane.
On this blog we invite you to post reflections on what you love about Second and what you will love about Second as we continue to grow and adapt in ways that are important to the city, to you and the ministries here…
I love this church because the people here have been so welcoming and hospitable to my family and me.
ReplyDeleteThis church is a model for urban churches. It represents many generations, many political views and many stages of spiritual involvement. It is centered in a commitment to Jesus and His love of all people.
ReplyDeleteThis church is a big umbrella under which all kinds of people who love Jesus fit. My hope is it will attract even more so we can do more for others outside our walls.
ReplyDeleteWhat I love about Second is that I see it as church without walls stretching out to the community and its needs with out many mission groups.
ReplyDeleteAnd in my life at Second for the last 50 years, I love its continuity.
Bob Dillon
Second is a strong community willing to struggle with the questions of faith and is committed to doing outreach. As we move into the future I hope we will be more diverse and more representative of the fabric of Kansas City, modeling how to welcome the stranger.
ReplyDeleteAt this church we take care of each other in whatever way caring is needed. People come to worship our Lord Jesus and all people are welcome to become part of and to take their place in the rich community we share. This church is suffused with spiritual and intellectual energy and creativity and humility and joyful acceptance. Everybody is valued and has a contribution to make. I look forward to sharing what we have with others who join us and then guide us to even more opportunities in our city to do what we believe Jesus wants us to do.
ReplyDeleteWhat I love about Second Presbyterian Church is that it brings out the best in me. I also like being around all the creative people and all the energy we put into what we do. Like our Art room...going in that Art Room just makes me happy. What I will love about Second Presbyterian Church is deepening my faith during the second half of my life and making more of a committment to support our outreach efforts.
ReplyDeleteI love the "big tent" feel of Second. That, although it is filled with interesting and talented people from various backgrounds and persuasions, diversity of opinion is valued. I will love the process of working together to find common ground in christ to build even greater ministry and outreach to a society that is increasingly diverse but looking for commonality of purpose and community
ReplyDeleteOur new head pastor, Paul Rock, has preached a lot since that first sermon he talks about at the beginning of this blog, "for such a time as this!” He's the last person to want the spotlight but he's really altogether with us at Second Presbyterian Church and so he's hard to miss. I love that. I really do - to get such spiritual nourishment all over the place on Sundays and throughout the week. Between him and Don Fisher, our associate pastor, our deacons and elders, our choir, and all the people who volunteer for this and that, there's just not much more you could ask for. And everyone, EVERYONE, is welcome. We would love to have you join us and share yourselves with us and fit right into places where you can use your gifts from God and help us know what you believe to be important directions for our work in our city and beyond. We are waiting for you and we will joyfully usher you in to your place at Second.
ReplyDelete