South Charlotte Presbyterian Church

Independence is highly priced in this world; the idea that we can sustain ourselves and pull our own weight is seen as a pivotal virtue in our culture. But Paul's relationship with the Philippians tells a different story, as they are deeply interdependent on one another, both in material and spiritual needs that overflow from the dependence they already have in the great provision of God.

Over 350 years ago English minister Jeremiah Burroughs described contentment as a "rare jewel." Despite all of the modern advances in recent decades, contentment is still a rare jewel in our day-desirable, yet seemingly elusive. In Philippians 4, we learn the secret of contentment from an unlikely individual. Join us for worship!

“Remember that hope is a good thing, Red, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.” (Stephen King, The Shawshank Redemption). Real lasting hope is a good thing that never dies but the hope that Paul speaks of in Philippians 3:21 is our resurrection hope through Jesus Christ. Join us as we look at the implications of hope in 4:1-9 and see how we can have a true peace that comes from Christ regardless of our circumstances or situation.

We've just encountered a year where death was in the air and graphically charted during COVID. That begs an important question everyone has - what happens to us after death? How should we prepare for what Christians call the last vocation? Join us at South CLT Pres this Sunday, 10am, where we will listen to a man facing death and who lived in very different ways because of his hope.

What is the pinnacle of human existence? Is it achievement? Is it family or relationships? Is it happiness? A man who achieved great things, was beloved by many in the first-century Roman empire, and who spoke of joy even in suffering tells us what the pinnacle of existence is in Philippians 3:7-11. Join us as we celebrate the one who is the pinnacle.

When was the last time you blew the dust off your resume and updated it with new information about your job history? Next time that you do, go back and think about one of your previous jobs. Think about all the things that stressed you out in that job, and also, all the things that you enjoyed. Ask yourself this question: what worth did I find in the next job that caused me to leave that job and pursue something new? In our text this week, we will look at the Apostle Paul's resume and see what it is about knowing Christ that caused him to redirect his life toward a new purpose founded on a new confidence.

Father's Day weekend is a time of appreciation for the men who raised us. In the family of the church, the Lord raises us men and women to raise us spiritually so we might flourish in Christ. Come and examine how life-on-life discipleship impacted the early church - and eventually the entire Roman empire - as we look at how Paul invested in a few who invested in many in Philippians 2:19-30.

Some have said that laughter - joy - is the cheapest form of therapy. Laughing with others is even more healing and connecting. This week at South CLT Pres, we will talk about how unity and community in Christ inevitably ends up in joy and laughter. Check out Philippians 2:12-18 as we explore how smiling together means Jesus is taming out hearts together.

How do you respond when influencers say we should think or act a certain way? What is your impulse when the pressure of groupthink weighs on you? This week at South CLT Pres, we return to our Philippians series, Rejoice in Hope, and look at one of those pinnacle texts that call us to think and act in a higher, even divine, way that is more than groupthink. Come and hear the way of Christ in humility that leads to glory in Philippians 2:5-11.

I don’t have a green thumb. In fact, I thought I had killed them but what I thought was dead was actually waiting for the right time to start re-growing. It was merely dormant, so to speak, and then it sprang to life. Every branch and leaf emerged in beautiful unison culminating in the grand reveal of beautiful pink flowers. As we reemerge from COVID, we are to continue to grow in beautiful unison until we reach full and complete maturity in the faith. Let's look at Ephesians 4:11-16 and explore growing in maturity as the body of Christ.

As we come out of Covid and back into each other's lives, it is easy to settle into the mere relief of reconnecting in relationship. But we in the church are different. We not only reconnect but we reach out and bridge with others. This week in our Reconnect series, we'll not only talk about how to bond together in the coming year but also to bond with a purpose - Rebooting our Mission with the gospel - in Col 4:2-6.

We live in divided and post-Covid times. Community at the heart is more challenging with so much rancor and distancing. The ReConnect sermon series is intended to help people reconnect in heart felt community when there seems to be so much disconnection. As we see this week in Isaiah 2, that connection begins with One who creates a supernatural community transcending differences. Come and hear what it means to connect at the heart with the Christ who connects with you first.

Unity is the call of the day. And it is Paul's focus once again as he longs for complete unity in the church, a unity grounded in gospel realities and achieved through personal humility. Come and hear what Paul has to say in Philippians 2.

Sometimes we feel alone in the battle. The image of the bloodied warrior coming off the field after a hard-fought battle is one that resonates with us. Braveheart, the Band of Brothers, and even the Avengers are images of us in life. Yet, in Philippians 1, Paul tells us that we are not alone. If you feel beat up or bloodied by the events of life - or even your week- come hear the gospel call to Hold the Line because Someone is holding it with you.

It's easy to celebrate when times are good or when we get relief from trouble. It is a different thing to rejoice when facing life and death circumstances up close and personal. That kind of joy seems strange to us. Come hear about a man who celebrated the win-win of following Christ when he faced a very public threat to his life and who saw something bigger than his life going on in Philippians 1:18​-26.

Where do you experience joy? Is it in the joy of your team winning it all? The joy of a vacation, a more relaxed schedule, the sense of accomplishing something? Is it in accomplishing a life goal or spending time with a good friend? There is so much we could say. All of these things are good things and should be enjoyed. But what happens when we are encountering situations of conflict, fighting, injustice, belittling, caucusing, etc? Those things can steal our joy, discourage us and wear us down. When we see these things we may be tempted to think that God’s plan is thwarted, that his mission is in danger; that somehow God has been knocked off track. Come join us at 10am to see how we can rejoice despite hard circumstances because nothing can stop the advancement of the gospel of Jesus Christ who is our only help and hope.

People's opinions loom large in our lives. Influential family. The boss at work. Social media likes. Friends at school. Political discourse. All of these have an effect on us. But what about God and fellow Christians? What does God actually think about us and what is the intended effect of these thoughts? Find out when we look at Paul's intimate letter and prayer to the Philippians, his spiritual family.

Disruptions confront us every day, from slight intrusions that take us off the task to interruptions that change our lives forever. We live in a world that is flawed and broken. Sin has disrupted like a bull in a china shop but Christ has disrupted bringing the true hope of restoration through his life, death, and resurrection. Come join us as we look to the resurrected Christ and find peace amidst the disruption.

Over the coming months, our church will enter a season of calling our first elders and deacons to service of the flock. Choosing leaders is a crucial part of a church's life and a burning issue in our world. Come join us this week as we look at Acts 14 and see the biblical roadmap on how the church chooses leaders - and the surprising way we do it!

In times of suffering, it is easy to be alone. We can lose sight of the purpose suffering serves in the hands of God. While facing his own trials, we see Paul rejoicing in the fellowship he has with his fellow brothers and sisters as they suffer together for Christ.