Churchwide News and Announcements

Youth Mission Trips 2013

Sun, 19 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Samaritan Fund

Sun, 19 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

175th Anniversary Events

Sun, 19 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Each of the following events have special connection with the 175th Anniversary. Please join us in our year-long celebration.

May 19, Festival Sunday; 175th Anniversary Pledge Dedication

June 23, VBS Kick-off Celebration

August 2-4, Second Summer Celebration

August 24-25, Mission Celebration and Art exhibit

September 8, Festival Sunday

September18-October 16, Wednesday Night Series on History of church in America and Second Presbyterian

September 27-28, Spiritual Growth Retreat and Labyrinth Dedication

October 6, Henry Ward Beecher Play

October 13, Dr. William G. Enright preaches

October 20, Future of the Church

November 15-17, Anniversary Weekend, Lake Fellows Reunion and Intergenerational All Church
Luncheon

New to Us?

Sun, 19 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Are you considering membership at Second? Please plan to attend the next Discovering Second, a two-part class on Saturday, June 1, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. and Sunday, June 2, 9 - 10:45 a.m. Please contact Dr. Jim Riley at 253-6461.

Intermission!

Sun, 19 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Beginning May 12, everyone is invited to meet during “Intermission” outdoors on the east playground. There will be lemonade and donut holes in the shade with plenty of room to run (or stand and chat) safely within the fenced playground.

Second Summer Celebration

Sun, 19 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Summer Sale

Sun, 19 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

This is Our Story

Sun, 19 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Blood Drive

Sun, 19 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Memorial Day Weekend

Sun, 19 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

May 26 Memorial Day Weekend

Only two morning services, at 8:15 and 10 a.m.
NO Service of Communion & Wholeness.
NO Families@Five until September.
No Second@Six.
NO Adult Christian Education Sunday School Classes

Interfaith Hospitality Network

Sun, 19 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

The Art of Second

Sun, 19 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Everyone is invited to join us for this special luncheon as Linda Rinker will present illustrations and history of some of Second's most significant works of art and architecture.

Sing with Summer Choir!

Thu, 16 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Sing with the Summer Choir in June, July and August, and enjoy easy one hour Thursday night rehearsals from 7 – 8 p.m. in the Choir Room, new friends and a warm welcome. High school through adult age of all voice parts are welcome. Sing the whole summer or in one week increments. Rehearsals start May 23.

Remember: no robes, no processional, a flexible schedule, but always great music!

Information: MFA@SecondChurch.org.

Audio-Visual Team Seeking Help

Tue, 14 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Audio-Visual Team: Second's important reach to the community, including shut-ins and military personnel, is seeking help to run cameras during worship services on Sunday mornings and evenings. No experience is needed. Come share the best seat in the house. Call or text 317-447-5448.

VBS 2013

Sun, 12 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Contribution Statement Changes

Sun, 12 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

To be good stewards of our resources, the Business Affairs Committee will reduce the number of times per year that Contribution Statements are sent to members. To reduce postage and printing costs by an estimated $3,000 per year, statements will be sent in October detailing activity through September 30, and in January detailing total previous year activity.

If you want to be part of our green initiative, please enroll in our e-Statement program. The statement is password protected and access instructions will be included with the e-mail. If interested, please e-mail your name, address and home telephone number to eStatements@SecondChurch.org. Questions: contact Martha Nommay at 253-6461.

Spring Cleaning

Thu, 09 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

May Food Pantry Needs

Wed, 08 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Items to bring –May 2013:

Canned meat (chicken, ham, tuna, chili etc.)
bar soap
toilet paper
feminine hygiene items
cleaning supplies (Pinesol or Lysol approx. size 32 oz)
sponges

Lake Fellows Farewell Reception June 2

Sun, 05 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

If it is more convenient, you may email your note to Bev.

100% Chance of Rain

Sun, 05 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Letter from Lewis

Wed, 01 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

“And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them.” (Acts 2:2-3)

Dear Friends:

Everybody likes a birthday party. Sunday, May 19, is Pentecost Sunday; it is the birthday of the church. The Book of Acts tells us that on the festival of Pentecost after the resurrection of Jesus, the Holy Spirit came upon the gathered disciples like tongues of fire. From that moment on, these early disciples were joined together not just by ties of friendship, family and common purpose, but by the indwelling Spirit of God. That day, they became the living, breathing body of Christ sent into the world to live in the bonds of love and to witness to the good news of Jesus Christ. On November 17, 2013, we will be celebrating the 175th birthday of Second Presbyterian Church, but on May 19, 2013, we will be celebrating the birthday of the church universal.

The church lives today in the power of the Spirit. The well-known preacher, Dr. Fred Craddock, asks, “What would happen to the church if the Spirit of God were withdrawn? It could stay alive for a number of weeks, maybe even months. If you have personality and a lot of talent and a good bit of money and some projects and a few parties, a dead church can go on for weeks, delaying the inevitable obituary. The prayer of the church, ‘Do not take away your Holy Spirit,’ is what makes us a church.” (“The Softer Side of Pentecost,” The Cherry Log Sermons, p. 69).

The Spirit fills the church with energy, imagination, intelligence and love. The Holy Spirit gives us our vision, picks us up when we fail and restores our courage. The Spirit sends us out to be bold witnesses for Christ. This year, Pentecost Sunday is our Festival Music Sunday. Our music that day will draw upon a variety of musical traditions and focus on the theme of the Holy Spirit. We will hear the testimony of some of our High School Seniors who will witness to the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives of faith and service. It will also be the day we dedicate our pledges to the 175th Anniversary Campaign for mission and outreach. As the Spirit has led us in the past, we pray that the Spirit will continue to lead us into the future that God has planned for us. So we pray, “Come, Holy Spirit.”

Yours in Christ,
Lewis F. Galloway

175th Anniversary Campaign Dedication

Wed, 01 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

On Pentecost the Holy Spirit set the disciples afire with evangelistic and missionary zeal, thus creating the church. This Pentecost Sunday (May 19) we will also celebrate the Spirit’s creation of our particular congregation as we dedicate pledges toward the 175th Anniversary Campaign.

The Anniversary Campaign builds upon Second’s heritage of mission and outreach by raising $5 million to strengthen four ministries.

Westminster Neighborhood Ministries (WNM) - $2 million. Westminster’s 100+ year-old building is beyond renovation and repair. The Anniversary Campaign will help WNM expand its inner city ministries through the construction of a Family and Adult Service Center and a Children and Youth Service Center.

The Enright Fund for Youth and Young Adult Ministries - $2 million. This endowment fund supports two enriching opportunities for youth and young adults. “Footsteps of Faith” leads High School seniors through a nine month study of Acts, culminating in a trip where students walk in Paul’s footsteps while exploring their personal calling as disciples. “Young Adult Volunteer” program is a new ministry providing a year-long experience of mission service, spiritual mentoring and vocational discernment for young adults (19-30 years old).

Northside Mission Ministry (NMM) - $500,000. This rapidly growing ministry serves the needs of neighbors living within the shadow of our church spire. The demand on our food pantry alone grew 38% last year. Anniversary funds will serve as seed money for expanding NMM to new levels of ministry.

Children’s Circle Preschool - $500,000. These dollars will grow the preschool’s endowment fund, enabling the school to provide for scholarships, tuition assistance, program enrichments and capital needs.

The Campaign seeks pledges that can be paid over a three year period, concluding December 31, 2016. It can receive gifts of cash, securities, IRA mandatory withdrawals, insurance policy cash value, etc. A planned gift or bequest may also be appropriate. Gifts may be designated toward one or more of the Campaign components.

Your support will clothe, feed, educate and support children and families in great need, showing the love of Christ in the most practical of ways. You will also help youth and young adults discern their calling as Christ’s disciples. More information is available in the Atrium, McFarland Hall and at SecondChurch.org/175th.

Grace & Compassion

Wed, 01 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

The community of Second Presbyterian Church offers many different services, groups and ministries who provide care, support and enrichment to the congregation and surrounding community. The examples in this newsletter are just a few of many ministries and groups which continue to build our community of faith.

Bereavement
You’ll Never Walk Alone
The death of a loved one can plunge you in to the depths of despair. Faced with loneliness, anger and confusion, it is difficult to chart a new path for your life.

Members of the Bereavement Ministry Team are dedicated to walking alongside those who have experienced a loss. They often take on the role of listener, providing a loving presence for someone who is suffering.

One of the team members explains her commitment to this ministry: “We all experience loss to one degree or another, but we can never hurt more than our Lord has hurt. Grief shared is grief diminished. It’s an honor to be with someone who is hurting, to listen and acknowledge their pain. And it is gratifying to see someone emerge from overwhelming hurt.”

We all experience grief differently, but we don’t have to do it alone. Our brothers and sisters in Christ want to walk with us through the dark valley and accompany us on the path to new life.

If you or someone you know is interested in the Bereavement Ministry Team, please contact Pat Shirey at 253-6461.

Prayer Group
Serving as God’s Hands
Before a hospital visit, one of our pastors decided to pick out a prayer shawl for the patient. She carefully sorted through dozens of beautiful shawls, admiring the intricate patterns and kaleidoscope of colors knit together by members of the prayer shawl ministry team.

Finally, she settled on one and presented it to the patient. The young woman was incredibly touched by the gift of the prayer shawl, “Someone made this for me? People prayed for me when they dedicated this shawl?”

The dedicated knitters create booties and hats for babies, knit caps for college students and shawls for persons in need—most of whom they will never meet. Their handiwork is a testament to God’s spirit as it moves among us, connecting His children to each other in both bold and subtle ways.

Before being shared with members of our church family, the completed shawls and other items are assembled in the chapel and dedicated with prayer during the Service of Wholeness and Communion.
To learn more about the Prayer Shawl Ministry, contact Pat Shirey at 253-6461.

Small Group
Monday Mission Sew-ers
A small but dedicated group of women meet every Monday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the Presbyterian Women’s room - 230. The purpose of this ministry team is to work on sewing projects for congregational missions, charitable organizations and needs within the church.

The women accomplish many projects. They make sleeping bags for the homeless, pillowcase and T-shirt dresses for girls and women in Kenya and adult patchwork quilts for women’s shelters. In addition, they make caps for cancer patients, headbands for the Susan G. Komen breast cancer run and baby quilts to sell to offset the cost of many of these projects. They work on a number of special projects for the children at Riley Hospital, including brightly colored pillowcases and puppy pillows for the children to take home and fleece baby blankets. These women make costumes, props, and puppets for special activities at the church, such as Christmas pageants and Vacation Bible School.

The Monday Mission Sew-ers welcome contributions of fabric, old mattress pads, blankets and sheets. They also need good pillowcases and brightly colored fabrics to make clothes for girls and women in Kenya.

Most importantly, they would welcome new members to this very special ministry team in the life of the church. If you have items to donate, or are interested in joining the Monday Mission Sew-ers, please contact Doris Stewart at 407-5385.

Support Group
Parkinson’s Support Group Sticks Together
Is someone close to you living with Parkinson’s disease? You may want to join the Parkinson’s Support Group, known as “Sticks.”

One stick by itself can be easily broken, but a bundle of branches is harder to break. The members of this group stick together to confront Parkinson’s with strength, perseverance and faith.

The group meets the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 11 a.m. to noon in Room 112. “Sticks” is always open to new participants and welcomes those who have Parkinson’s and their loved ones.

For more information, contact Bunny Alexander.

May Memorial Service

Wed, 01 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, May 22

6:30 Reception

7:00 Worship

Each year we gather to remember those we have lost. You are invited to be a part of this intimate worship service in the chapel, which includes the naming of individuals who have entered the Church Triumphant. Following the service, a bagpiper leads the congregation to the site of a tree planting on the church grounds. This living tree honors the memory of those who have passed on.

SAWs Servants At Work

Wed, 01 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Isaiah 42:6 says, “I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness….to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.”

Ten Years Guided by the Spirit

In April of 2003, the Holy Spirit led us to embark on a ministry of building wheel chair ramps for low income persons imprisoned in their homes by disabilities or the effects of aging. Acts 5:32 says, “…and we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God hath given to them that obey him.” With our very first ramp, the Spirit led us to a family that, unknown to us, was in danger of having their disabled child removed from the home due to having no safe access in case of emergency. For ten years we have been “…witnesses of these things” on a daily basis.

Sometimes the evidence of the Spirit leading our ministry is in the outcome of our efforts; a young boy being given his freedom for the very first time in his young life; an elderly woman living alone finally able to go outside for the first time in five years; or a young woman able to take her dying father out of their tiny, dark apartment for a walk in the sun just weeks before his passing.

There are times the Spirit’s presence is seen in the volunteers themselves. Our current Chairman of the SAWs Board of Directors tells this story: “I started volunteering on SAWs’ builds in 2008. I should have started in 2005. Now looking back, I can see that I wasted three years of my life! I could have been receiving the blessings that I receive every time that an individual that had been held prisoner in their own home experiences the freedom that I enjoy every day; the freedom of independence; the ability to re-join their community and the joy of leaving their home without having to rely on someone else.”

Often we see the hand of the Spirit in the generous individuals that financially support the SAWs mission. A Second Member had been praying about what to do with a recent financial windfall that had blessed her family. On Sunday morning she heard the SAWs message and immediately knew what she wanted to do. She came up after the service and expressed a desire to share her blessing with us. That gift freed three people from their dungeons.

In Psalm 51, the Psalmist pleads, “Cast me not away from thy presence; And take not thy Holy Spirit from me.” God doesn’t “take” the Holy Spirit from us. It is more likely we ignore the Spirit’s voice. It has been said, “There is no force in heaven or on earth that can overcome the Holy Spirit…except our own will.” Every single day of the past ten years, the Holy Spirit has been with the SAWs ministry and each and every person involved with it. It has been a privilege to witness it and be amazed and awed by it. By Rik Hagerty

Christmas in July

Wed, 01 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Gift and Wrapping Drive

SAVE THE DATE!!!

Sunday, July 14

The Deacons of Second Church and the Christmas Benevolence Committee invite you to participate in our annual “Christmas in July” gift purchase and wrapping drive on Sunday, July 14, 2013. Gifts may be purchased by congregation members for ten ($10) dollars and wrapping stations will be made available in McFarland Hall. You may also purchase your gift online.

Christmas Benevolence, a church wide program administered by the Deacons, provides Bibles, food, clothing, personal items and gifts, bringing Christian love, encouragement and support to clients identified by local social service agencies. The Christmas in July program is the kickoff event for 2013.

Questions? Contact Amy Lee at 253-6461.

Steak Dinner

Wed, 01 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

The Men of Second Presbyterian Church present the 30^th Annual

Steak Dinner

Friday, May 17, 6 PM

featuring

Indianapolis Colts Quarterbacks Coach

CLYDE CHRISTENSEN

Indianapolis Colts coaching staff for the last 12 years under Tony Dungy, Jim Caldwell and now Chuck Pagano
Tampa Bay Bucs coaching staff for 6 years under Dungy
Paul “Bear” Bryant coaching tree, coaching under Mississippi head coach, Steve Sloan.
University of North Carolina; Starting Quarterback; led team to the Peach and Liberty Bowl appearances
Fresno City Junior College; All-American quarterback

The Indianapolis coaching staff is known for having one of the highest concentrations of Christian coaches in the NFL. “How many coaches would long for just one or two fellow Christian coaches to fellowship with? We have about eight here. We can close the door and pray about something if we need to at any time. Coaching is really secondary to really important things like treating people right,” Clyde said. The coaching staff gathers for weekly Bible studies, giving credit to whom they believe is the foundation of their franchise. Even hours before they faced the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI and New Orleans Saints in Super XLIV, they gathered for their routine devotion.

The Steak Dinner is a fundraiser benefiting Shepherd Community Center in east central Indianapolis. Enjoy the speaker and a great dinner for one price. Adults are $25 each. Youth, 15 and under, may purchase steak for $15 or a hamburger for $10. For more information, or to make reservations or donations, visit SecondChurch.org/Steak.

Summer Changes in the Sunday Children’s Schedule

Wed, 01 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

For parents attending 9:30 a.m. worship or class
9:30–10:30 am

Nursery through age two: These children will stay in their respective classes under expert care until they progress out developmentally. If you have any questions, talk to the friendly Children’s Ministry staff. We love to help!

Age three through Grade 3: Children in these age groups will remain in their current classes with their dedicated volunteer teachers until Promotion Sunday on August 11.

Grades 4 & 5: Fourth and fifth graders join their parents in worship in July. Our 45 Degrees class and their tireless leaders will have a summer break during July and return to class (at their new grade level!) on Promotion Sunday, August 11.

Intermission!
10:30–10:55 am
Beginning May 12, everyone is invited to meet during “Intermission” on the east playground. There will be lemonade and donut holes in the shade and plenty of room to run (or stand and chat) safely within the fenced playground. Meet old friends and make new ones! Enter the East Playground near the Multipurpose room on the second level. If it is raining, please join us in McFarland Hall on level three.

For parents attending 11 a.m. worship service
11am–noon

Nursery: These bundles of joy not yet steady on their feet will return to the nursery for loving attention from paid staff and volunteers.

Toddlers and twos: We have the staff, volunteers and environment for these energetic little ones in Room 233.

Threes: Inquisitive threeyear-olds are invited to start worship with their families. After participating in the “Time with Children,” they will be escorted by Children’s Ministry staff to join the toddlers and twos in Room 233.

Fours to Grade 2: When Choir School ends for the summer, this group may join their friends after the Time With Children in a new experience of learning about God’s word in an experiential way. Children’s Chapel will run from May 19 through August in Rooms 305 and 309. They may also choose to stay with their families and join in worship.

Grades 3 to 5: Having studied our worship experience and its meaning, these children are invited to stay and enjoy worshiping with their families.

VBS 2013

Wed, 01 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

June 24-28 , 9:15 am - 12:00 noon

Registration is now open for our 2013 Vacation Bible School. We will gather the week of June 24-28 from 9:15 a.m. to 12 noon to explore this year’s theme of Stories from the Faith Family Tree. This theme will thread throughout the week’s activities in Worship, Bibleland, Music, Arts & Crafts, Games and Missions. There will be a registration and information table in McFarland Hall starting April 28 and running most weeks through the first week of June. You may register children who are age 4 (by 9/1/13) though grade 5 (currently) for VBS online at SecondChurch.org/VBS2013 now, or you may turn in a paper registration form starting April 28 at the VBS table in McFarland Hall, at the VBS drop box at the church welcome desk or mail it to the church marked: “Attention: Sue Jackson”. Volunteers are also needed and may register via the same website or paper forms.

In celebration of our 175th church anniversary, we reflect on our heritage as God’s covenant people. Our most creative God invites us to be God’s people and promises to be our God. During this week long adventure, children, families and volunteers of all ages will come to know more fully the God who has created us, who gathers us, who promises to be with us and who invites us to participate in God’s work in the world. Together we will experience the stories of our ancestors in faith, witnessing both their astounding faithfulness and their remarkable humanness. Through their stories we will see ourselves in the family of faith, knowing that we too are children of God, brothers and sisters to one another, invited to add our story to the Faith Family Tree.

For more information, please contact Sara Breitzmann at 317-582-0037. We look forward to exploring our Faith Family Tree with you this summer!

Second Summer Celebration

Wed, 01 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Second Summer Celebration

INTERGENERATIONAL SUMMER RETREAT

Waycross Camp and Conference Center

August 2-4, Friday night to Sunday Noon

or... A Saturday Only option!

Now in its fourth year, the intergenerational retreat known as Second Summer Celebration will be held at Waycross Camp and Conference Center this year. This all-inclusive retreat center is located in Morgantown, Indiana.

We have created a relaxing, flexible and affordable weekend for all ages. You’ll enjoy an experience which brings together members from all walks of life to learn, grow and share in God’s love through our enlightening speaker, games, food, fellowship, a campfire, music, worship, recreation, square dancing and more. It is an amazing time for all generations.

Arrive on Friday for check-in between 3-5 p.m. Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. We depart after worship on Sunday at 11:30 a.m. To get more information visit us in McFarland Hall during coffee hour, online at SecondChurch.org/SSC or contact Jim Riley or Karen Reynard at the church or at 317-253-6461.

Families@Five

Wed, 01 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Join us in May as we conclude our season of intergenerational worship by celebrating the Gift of the Holy Spirit! Jesus ascends to heaven, promising his disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit to comfort and guide them. We know the Holy Spirit in the symbols of water, wind and fire.

May 5: “Water” Jesus promises the Samaritan woman “living water.” How is the gift of the Holy Spirit like the gift of water… eternally cleansing, refreshing, uniting? John 4:7-15 and John 14:25-27

May 12: “Wind” God has breathed the Spirit of Life into us. We cannot see it, but we can see what it does. Genesis 2:4-7 and Romans 8:12-16 and 26-27

May 19, Pentecost: “Fire” John baptized with water, Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit and with fire. Gathered in Jerusalem, Jesus’ disciples received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, igniting their courage to preach, teach and live in Christ’s way. Luke 3:16 and Acts 2:1-21 On this last Sunday of the season, we will gather at the Pavilion at the north end of the property for worship and a picnic.

Families@Five resumes on September 8!

Spring Cleaning

Wed, 01 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Do you have old sports trophies collecting dust in your kids’ rooms? We are collecting small trophies and awards for the students served by the Umoja Project in Kenya. The teens participating in the Kenya Carnival Youth Leadership Trip can take them to Chulaimbo, Kenya next month. Please drop off any small awards, medals or trophies in the atrium by May 31.

Friends@Camp

Wed, 01 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

July 29 – August 2, 2013

Children rising to grades 3–9 are invited to enjoy a wonderful week of sleep-away camp at PYOCA, our very own Presbytery Camp and Conference Center, in Brownstown, Indiana. Campers from Second and from Westminster Neighborhood Ministries will spend the week making friends, catching fish, swimming, hiking, crafting and playing in the midst of God’s creation. The cost is $300 and spaces are filling up fast!

For more information, to register for camp, volunteer at camp or to sponsor a camper, please pick up a brochure in the literature racks or visit our webpage at SecondChurch.org/FriendsCamp.

Celebration of Service, Worship and Confirmation

Wed, 01 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

You Are Invited to a Celebration of Service, Worship and Confirmation

Wednesday, May 8, 8-9 PM
The entire congregation is invited to join this year’s Confirmation Class, the Niners, for a wonderful celebration of service and worship in the Sanctuary at Second Presbyterian Church. At this service, we will celebrate the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper and will honor each individual confirmand with a service of blessing. Please plan on joining us and the families of our confirmands for this meaningful time of worship together as a church family.

The worship service follows a time that evening when the Niners meet with the elders of Second Presbyterian Church to discuss their faith journey. The parents of the Niners meet with the Niners Staff and Advisors to discuss the year and what comes next.

Sunday, May 12, 9:30 & 11 AM
The congregation will celebrate Confirmation with these wonderful young people who will publicly declare their faith at both the 9:30 and 11 a.m. services. Confirmation marks the culmination of a nine month faith journey together and a confirmation of the promises their parents made at their baptism. It is our hope that you will attend worship on this Mother’s Day to celebrate all of the mothers in your life, but also to honor our young people who have decided to take this important next step in their faith journey. Thank you for being an important part of the community that has and will continue to nurture the faith of these young people.

We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday, May 8, at 8 p.m. and then again on Sunday, May 12.

Summer Sale: June 8

Wed, 01 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Summer Sale

POP SOME TAGS!
June 8

Planning and collecting has already begun for this year’s annual summer sale! Plan to attend and find those hidden gems! Or volunteer to help set up! To donate items to be sold at the sale, please drop them off at the Northeast doors, under the white awning, on or before, June 2. Profits from the sale go to local and global missions and other projects.

Inspiring Speaker Series

Wed, 01 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Join Presbyterian Women for the
143^rd Praise Gathering

Thursday, May 9, 11:15 AM

Born in Hannibal, Missouri (yes -- the home of Mark Twain and the “show me” state!) Karla spent her growing years in Quincy, Illinois. She married Michael, her husband of over thirty years, following her graduation from high school and they have one daughter and two granddaughters. She deems herself a country/city girl but her heart lies in the country. She and her family lived in rural Alaska for four years, three of those without running water. It was there she learned how to walk in faith. Today the Dornachers reside in Vancouver, Washington.

Karla has a warm, devotional style of writing and to date she has written and illustrated 16 books and has a collection of products created from her art. Faith, family and friendship are the main focus in her writing. Three of her books were on the CBA Bestsellers list including Love in Every Room, Down a Garden Path and Give Thanks. Her books have sold over 500,000 copies.

She painted her first watercolor as a gift for her daughter’s wedding in 1993—previously she said everything she tried turned to mud! Based on scripture she began a series of paintings consisting of common, every day things such as a teacup to remind us the spiritual refreshment that comes from spending time with the Lord or an apple to depict the fruit of the Spirit.

Karla reminds us that God loves to take ordinary people, ordinary women, and do extraordinary things in us and through us. The Lord has a unique plan for each of our lives and the more we allow Him to have His way the more we will see His hand at work.

We have no idea of what God can do until we let Him in.

Tickets for the May Gathering will be available during Coffee Hour the three Sundays prior to the event, at the church reception desk during regular business hours or online anytime at SecondChurch.org/PW.

Free childcare is available by calling (317) 252-5519 at least one week prior to the event.

Faith in the City

Wed, 01 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

The Story of The Church Federation of Greater Indianapolis: Exhibit of Photographs

On June 7, 1912, ministers from the Indianapolis Ministerial Association gathered at Roberts Park Methodist Episcopal Church in downtown Indianapolis to organize what would become The Church Federation of Greater Indianapolis. The organization was one of the first half-dozen church federations in the United States. Its purpose was to keep the city’s white Protestant clergy aware of the intellectual and social issues of the day and focus attention on moral and religious issues affecting the growing city of Indianapolis. One hundred years later, The Church Federation is a vibrant ecumenical ministry that seeks to unite people of all faiths in addressing the needs and concerns of the people of Greater Indianapolis.

Second Presbyterian Church has been a part of the Church Federation for most of the Federation’s existence. In 2012, the Federation celebrated its 100th anniversary with a number of different events, including an exhibit of photographs that outlined the history of the organization. The Fine Arts Team at Second was asked to put the exhibit together. This work was carried out by Bob Bratton, Sally Bratton and Linda Rinker. The exhibit was first displayed at the Indiana Interchurch Center at 42nd and Michigan Road and at the Federation’s centennial gala; during the past six months, it has been shown in various churches in the city. Now the exhibit comes to Second, where it may be seen in the West Gallery on the third floor between CenterPoint Counseling and room 356, beginning in late April.

The Art of Second, Featuring Linda Rinker

Wed, 01 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

SAVE THE DATE!

Wednesday, June 12

11:30 am - 1:15 pm

Everyone is invited to join us for this special luncheon as Linda Rinker will present illustrations and history of some of Second's most significant works of art and architecture. You won't want to miss this exciting walk through Second's history.

Prepaid, non-refundable reservations are required at $8 per person and are available at reception desk during business hours, online at SecondChurch.org/Sages, and in McFarland Hall during coffee hour on May 26 and June 2. sponsored by Sages

100% Chance of Rain

Wed, 01 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Sunday, May 5, 4 PM , Multipurpose Room

Second’s Children & Youth Choir Musical presented in honor of Robert Shepfer and Margaret Herder

Before Organist/Choirmaster Emeritus Robert J. Shepfer came to Second Church in 1966, “Choir School” consisted of a loosely-organized group of children who learned a few anthems to sing for worship. Even longer ago, when the church was located downtown at Vermont and Pennsylvania Streets, the youth choir was composed of a reluctant gaggle of Sunday School boys and girls stuffed into white surplices and bribed into singing Away in a Manger for the annual Christmas Pageant. When Mr. Shepfer arrived from Royal Oak, Michigan, he brought a finely honed Choir School program that included notation, formal music training, Christian Education, guest performers, clever incentives that encouraged even the most reticent child to participate, anthems scaled to appropriate age levels and a supportive team of choirmothers and helpers.

No wonder his Carol, Crusader and Geneva choirs were filled, with waiting lists. He and his choristers were in demand for workshops and clinics throughout the Midwest. His Head Choirmother for 38 years, Margaret Herder, regularly wrote for the national publication Chorister Guild Letters, utilizing his knowledge to formulate curriculum for Choir Schools throughout the United States. Shepfer made learning come to life with colorful scarves representing notes, large charts, Orff instruments and his singing puppets Irving Insect and Blonde Margaret. Children vied to be “Minister of the Day,” when he unraveled the mysteries of adult worship by patiently walking them through the service with its Doxology, prayers, Gloria Patri and scriptures, before they participated on Sunday morning.

Mr. Shepfer’s training encouraged two generations of children to understand and enjoy singing as adults. Choir School graduates Kyle Falk and Erin Twenty Benedict currently sing in the Sanctuary Choir, and many others sang in local high school and college ensembles. Emily Ristine recently starred in a local musical production. In short, Mr. Shepfer was amazing. In this 175^th year anniversary when we celebrate the legacy of Second Church in all of its facets, the church owes him a tremendous debt of gratitude.

He will be attending the present Choir school’s presentation of Walter Horsley’s 100% Chance of Rain, detailing Noah and the Flood, Sunday, May 5 at 4 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room. Bring the family. Admission is free and a reception will follow.

Travel Opportunity Open to All

Wed, 01 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Enjoy beautiful fall scenery on an 8 day/7 night Canada and New England Cruise.

September 28 - October 5, 2013

Caribbean Princess Cruise Line

The cruise ship departs New York Harbor on September 28 with stops in Newport, RI; Boston, MA; Bar Harbor, ME; Saint John, New Brunswick and Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Cabin Space is limited! If you are interested in this beautiful fall cruise, please make your reservation prior to May 31 to hold your cabin space.

Brochures are available at the reception desk with details of prices and deadlines. Please call Kathy Stacy, (317) 253-6461; Wanda Baker, (317) 873-4937; or Michele Foltz (Grueninger Travel), (317) 218-0849. Trip is sponsored by Sages.

Lake Fellow Weekend

Wed, 01 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

June 1-2, 2013

Rev. Caitlin Deyerle and Rev. Jim Lunde will complete their two years with us here at Second Church on June 1-2. The weekend includes a dinner for them with their families on Saturday evening hosted by the Lake Fellow Ministry Team, followed on Sunday with preaching at all services (morning and evening) with a reception in McFarland Hall after the 11 a.m. service.

The two years have consisted of many opportunities for Caitlin and Jim to develop their ministerial skills by working in pastoral, congregational and academic areas of the church. Included in these are evangelism, mission outreach, Christian education, preaching, administration, weekly seminars and time spent with faith mentors who are members of the congregation.

Sunday, June 2, will be a great opportunity for you to hear them preach and talk with them at the reception before they move on to where God leads them in their next calling. At the reception, Caitlin and Jim will receive a few gifts from the church including a Memory Book of notes, cards and letters from members of the church. If you would like to contribute to this book, please e-mail Bev McGee, or drop your note in the Lake Fellow box in the Atrium at the church.

Parents & Playgrounds

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Welcome Baby invites you to play with us!

Founders Park
116th and Hazel Dell Pkwy., Carmel
MAY 20, 9:30 AM TO 11:30 AM
Look for our sign!

Save the dates for our future events:
• West Park , Carmel – June 17 • Mulberry Fields, Zionsville – July 15 • Holliday Park, Indianapolis – Aug.19

Pictorial Directories

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

The new pictorial church directories, which commemorate the 175th Church Anniversary, have arrived from the publisher and are available to those who have had their photo taken for the directory. The directories can be picked up at the receptionist desk.

Food Pantry Needs

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Items to bring – April 2013: Baking supplies (cooking oil, boxed sugar, flour, mixes), toothbrushes, floss,
powdered laundry detergent

Items to bring –May 2013: Canned meat (chicken, ham, meatballs, etc.), bar soap, toilet paper, feminine hygiene items, cleaning supplies (Pinesol or Lysol approximate size 32 oz), sponges

Travel Opportunity Open to All

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Children's Circle Preschool

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

New Portable Labryinth Now Available

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

An Evening with André Watts & Family

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

A benefit concert for the Second Presbyterian Church Music & Fine Arts Endowment Fund

Sunday, April 21, 3 p.m.
Sanctuary

Suggested donation: $20
College Students $5; Children under 18 free

Join world famous concert pianist André Watts, the Sanctuary Choir and Beecher Singers, with orchestra and special performances by Mr. Watts’ grandsons Jamie and Ben Williams, Sunday, April 21, at 3 p.m. in the Sanctuary.

Presented in memory of Second Church members, the Reverend Dr. William Williams and his wife Betty, the event is part of the Anima Sacra Series and all donations will be designated to the Music and Fine Arts Performance Endowment Fund. Suggested donations are $20.00 for adults, $5.00 for students, with children under 18 free. (Patron tickets with reserved seating have sold out, but general seating will be available.)

Dr. Michelle L. Louer, conductor and Director of Music and Fine Arts, has selected Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy in C major for piano, chorus and orchestra and his Elegischer Gesang (“Elegiac Song”) in addition to appearances by Jamie and Ben Williams. Jamie will play Carl Maria von Weber’s Clarinet Concerto No. 1 in F minor.

The Choral Fantasy is a precursor to Beethoven’s famous choral Ninth Symphony while the Elegaic Song is a tribute to the Williams’ ministry, with its apropos translation: “Gently, as you lived, have you died, too holy for sorrow! Let no eye shed tears for the spirit’s heavenly homecoming.”

The Rev. Dr. Williams, a Minister of Music, sang in the Sanctuary Choir for many years and directed the Men’s Ensemble. His grandsons and granddaughter Sully were active in the Choir School, and son Perry was a favorite Parent Volunteer.

Dr. Watts, a musical prodigy, won his first competition at age nine, performing with the Philadelphia Orchestra. At age 17, he filled in for the ailing Glenn Gould at the request of Leonard Bernstein, Music Director of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. At the conclusion of Liszt’s Piano Concert No. 1 in E-Flat major, the whole orchestra joined the audience in a standing ovation.

By the mid 1970s, Watts was giving 150 concerts, recitals and chamber performances per season. A Grammy Award winner, he has appeared throughout the world and on television, where he played the first solo recital to be aired nationally in prime time.

In 2004, Watts joined the faculty of the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, where he holds the Jack I. and Dora B. Hamlin Endowed Chair in Music.

A reception will follow the concert.

More information is available online at SecondChurch.org/MFA, or telephone 317/253-6461, ext. 309

Lent & Eastertide

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Palm Sunday, Parade of Palms
March 24, 9:30 & 11 a.m., Sanctuary
(Or attend our other services at 8:15 a.m., 5 and 6 p.m.)

Maundy Thursday, Service of Holy Communion & Tenebrae
March 28, 8 p.m., Sanctuary

Good Friday, “The Seven Last Words of Christ” String Quartet - Haydn’s Seven Last Words
March 29, 12-3 p.m., Chapel

Easter Sunday Worship Services
March 31, 8, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m. — 5 & 6 p.m.
(Please note changed start times)

Families @Five Journey with Jesus in Lent and Easter
Worship participants of all ages will engage in multi-sensory prayer stations at each service.

Palm Sunday
March 24, 5 p.m., McFarland Hall

Children and their families walk with Jesus through Jerusalem, from the palm parade to the upper room. With shouts of “Hosannah” and waving palms we will welcome Jesus, the king! We will go with Jesus’ disciples to find a room for Jesus to share the Passover meal with his friends. There we will listen as Jesus tells us about his dying and gives us our instructions, to serve and love one another as he has served and loved us.

Easter Sunday
March 31, 5 p.m., Milner Chapel

Again we sing our Alleluias as we celebrate the empty tomb and welcome the risen Christ!]]>

Letter from Lewis

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Dear Friends:

Many years ago it was the practice at Union Presbyterian Seminary for graduating seniors to preach a “Senior Sermon” in chapel as a requirement for graduation. The sermon was attended by all the class and was strictly evaluated by the preaching professor for faithfulness to the Biblical text, structure, content and application. One very creative student was assigned Paul’s teaching on the resurrection from I Corinthians 15. To enhance his sermon, this student had planted a trumpet-playing friend in the balcony. When he read the verse about the last trumpet sounding and the dead rising, the friend was to blow the trumpet. Well, he read the verse accompanied by an unexpected, loud and long blast from the trumpet. It blew the professor and the students out of their pews. When the professor found his seat again, he was not amused. Legend has it that the student barely made it out of seminary.

When we talk about the resurrection, we ought to blow trumpets! Easter is about God’s defeat of death. If that is not a reason to blow a trumpet, then I don’t know what is. Easter is the great reversal. Easter reverses the natural order of things. Death seems to have the power to rob us of everything we value and everyone we love. Easter changes that. The world sees life progressing from birth to death, but the Christian faith sees life moving from death to life again. The turning point in our faith is the resurrection of Jesus. Everything that we believe about the Christian life, the presence of the Spirit in the world, the church as the body of Christ, the fellowship of believers, the forgiveness of sins and the resurrection of the body flows from the resurrection of Jesus. He is risen! He is risen indeed!

The resurrection is a word not just about what happens at the end of time. The resurrection of Jesus bursts our human bondage to sin, spiritual alienation, physical decay and death; the resurrection of Jesus opens the limitations of human history and the limits of our lives to the possibility of something new under the sun. In the Risen Lord, we can live today in the power of the Spirit in the community of the faithful. In the Risen Lord, we can live with one another by the forgiveness of sins as we wait for the final consummation of all things in Jesus who rules as Lord of all creation. In the Risen Lord, we know that God will transform every defeat into victory and every death into life. Good Friday tells us death is real, but Easter proclaims that the final word is life. On the first day of the week, when all hope was gone, God raised Jesus from the dead. Our Risen Lord is with us now, bringing life to all.

Yes, that seminary student was right. We ought to blow trumpets every time we talk about the resurrection and each time we see our Risen Lord bringing life out of death.

Yours in Christ,
Lewis F. Galloway]]>

Music and Fine Arts Performance Endowment

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

For centuries, church musicians and artists have used the gifts of music and the arts to glorify God, to explore His mystery, to feed the spirit, to soothe troubled souls and to give thanks for life in both its abundance and challenges.

When Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, God parted the Red Sea and delivered them safely to the other side. Then, what did Moses and the Israelites do? They sang. “The Lord is my strength, and my song, and he is become my salvation.” Miriam, the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took the timbrel in her hand … and answered them in song: “Sing ye to the Lord, for He has triumphed graciously.”

One of the favorite books of the Bible is a book of songs, The Psalms. The 100th urges us to “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with
singing.”

When Mary, the mother of Jesus, visited Elizabeth and received her blessing, she sang the ancient hymn of praise – “My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior.”

Whether one has participated as a listener, observer, singer, instrumentalist or artist, whether leading or following, almost everyone can recall being touched. A favorite hymn, the image of a stained glass window, a tolling bell or soaring voices can lift the spirit and echo in memory for years. This artistic legacy is an integral part of the worship, study and prayer that inform and invigorate spiritual life.

Since the earliest days of Second Presbyterian Church, the arts have been part of the church’s worship. Second was the first church in Indianapolis to establish a choir, led by Charles Beecher, the Reverend Henry Ward Beecher’s brother. A commitment to excellent music and fine arts has continued as part of the Second’s approach to spiritual life throughout its history. Second, by virtue of its tradition, its staffing, its instruments, its facilities and the longstanding support of the congregation, is uniquely positioned to express and develop the artistic legacy of our faith.

At Second, we have a responsibility, not only to preserve and honor our this legacy, but also to continue to energize it; to respond to the needs of our congregants and community with our unique blend of excellence, quality and modern energy in both art and music. In order to ensure that we are able to honor this legacy by serving our congregation and community, a music and fine arts endowment has been established “to enhance the use of fine arts in the Worship service, to provide for the development of special artistic performances, to enhance and expand music education at Second and to underwrite the fine arts mission and outreach activities.”

The endowment complements the goals of the Department of Music and Fine Arts at Second, which are, in shortened form:

While upholding the tradition of Reformed worship, musical integrity and excellence of Second, to enhance the worship experience of the congregation and the outreach of the church by conveying through multiple art forms the joy and power of the transformational life and message of Jesus Christ.
To provide opportunities for children, youth and adults to develop the full spectrum of artistic talents and provide opportunities to share them in a variety of contexts as an offering of praise and glory to God.
To better communicate the spiritual depth of the music and fine arts ministries to the congregation through education, recruitment and involvement, incorporating worship, mission, discipleship, giving and fellowship in every aspect of its program areas.

Contributions to the Music and Fine Arts Performance Endowment Fund are a small part of the 175th Anniversary Celebration, as Second Church continues to endeavor to express and invigorate the artistic legacy of our faith with excellent worship, performance, exhibition and outreach, now and in perpetuity.

Meet Your New Children’s Choir Directors

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Kristofer Sanchack
Mr. Sanchack has graduated with a B.M. with Honors in Music Composition from the Pennsylvania State University, a M.M. in Choral Conducting from the University of South Carolina, and is currently a D.M. candidate in Choral Conducting at Indiana University. Mr. Sanchack has held positions as Interim Director of Choral Activities at Brevard College, in Brevard, NC, as a Chorus Master and Vocal Coach for the Anchorage Opera in Alaska, and as Instructor of Piano and Choral Activities at Hollins University in Roanoke, VA. Currently, in addition to his duties at Second Presbyterian Church, Mr. Sanchack maintains an extensive piano teaching studio and is the Keyboard Artist for the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir.

As a minister of music to our younger people, Mr. Sanchack feels he has a responsibility to teach and educate on the importance of music both in worship, and in daily living. Through music, he believes one can better learn and emotionally connect with spiritual truths and passages of Scripture. When its principles are understood, music has the ability to impart meaning, emotion and depth to worship in such a powerful and moving way. As part of his philosophy on teaching music, he wants to provide our children with the opportunity to experience the spiritual side of music, and consequently enhance and deepen their spiritual growth.

As we know, music has the power to be uplifting and joyous to the soul. An example of the uplifting side of music in worship is through praising God, extolling God’s virtue. Recently he had our youngest choir sing a part of Psalm 150, where we are commanded to praise God for his mighty works, and to praise him with instruments of music! The children played a variety of instruments, and sang joyfully to God as an act of worship. After the service, it was great to hear some of them give feedback about what being up there playing and singing meant to each of them individually. One student said, “I felt like I was up there alone, in the presence of God”. Another student said, “we played instruments—and that’s what God has told us to do.” One more student said that the minute they walked up on the steps, they felt like they were in a special, holy place. Indeed, when children are singing in service, they are playing a role similar to that of Dr. Galloway, where they have the opportunity to minister to the congregation and touch the spiritual lives of those who hear them. And this is why being in and part of a children’s church choir is so vital and important: these experiences are ones that strengthen and solidify one’s concept and understanding of the powerful role of music in worship.

From a more introspective and contemplative side, music can enhance our understanding of some of Christianity’s most emotionally powerful events. Recently, the Youth Choir he directs sang at the Ash Wednesday service a sublime setting of Ave Verum Corpus. In that setting, the composer used musical devices to show the perforation and flowing of blood of Christ’s side, and the beauty of Jesus as a whole, who through suffering, became our redemption. Experiencing the spiritual truths and Scriptures in this fashion is unique to music, and can add vision, depth and foundational solidity to one’s faith.

“How often, making music, we have found a new dimension in the world of sound, as worship moved us to a more profound Alleluia!” Fred Pratt Green, second verse of When in Our Music God is Glorified.

Erin Quandt
Erin Quandt is thrilled to be part of the Fine Arts team at Second Presbyterian Church. She has already enjoyed meeting several of the families through the 3-5 grade choir and at Families@Five.

She was in Grand Forks, North Dakota and grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Vocal Music Education from Nebraska Wesleyan University and her Master’s Degree in Music Education from Anderson University. As a part of her master’s studies, she completed the challenging Orff-Schulwerk Levels I, II, and III. She was honored in 2008 as the Outstanding Young Music Alumni from Nebraska Wesleyan University.

She has taught in the IPS system since 2003 and currently teaches vocal/general music at George Buck Elementary, IPS #94. Quandt spent three years as the Regional Director of the Eastside Choir of the Indianapolis Children’s Choir.

Erin loves to read, travel and talk about anything related to Disney (find her often at the Disney Store) or my nephews. She also sings with the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir.

She describes herself as being very passionate about music and singing. "What better way to express this passion than singing for and about God?” Not only teaching songs and anthems in choir, she has the children look at the hymns that are sung in church. “I truly believe it is important to educate children about the service; how to sing hymns, why we sing hymns, and in what ways music is an important part of the service. We can learn these things and have fun doing so!”

She is incredibly excited to create music and praise God through our music with the families at Second Presbyterian!

100% Chance of Rain

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Sunday, May 5, 4 p.m.
Multipurpose Room

You will not want to miss this! Second’s Children’s Choir students, will be performing Walter Horsley’s, beloved musical. The Second Presbyterian Church choir school will present Walter S. Horsley’s children’s musical, “100% Chance of Rain” this May. The subject matter recounts the biblical story of Noah’s Ark. Composed in 1972, the musical has been the Chorister’s Guild’s all-time best selling musical. Part of the reason it is so beloved, is in no small part due to the jazzy idiom of the music, which has made it popular with both performers and audiences alike. The scoring of the musical written for piano, two flutes, acoustic bass and drums beautifully encapsulates both the spirit of the text and the lighthearted, rhythmic nature of the music.

The musical commences with God’s unhappiness with man and “how we messed things up”, before retelling the story of the great flood (“Oh, how it Rained”), and culminates with the covenant that God made with Noah through the rainbow to never again flood the earth (“At the Sign of the Rainbow”). Throughout the story, the characters of Noah, Shem, Ham, Japheth, and their wives provide their personal perspectives on the events surrounding the flood, from utter disbelief, to embarrassment, to frustration, and ultimately with Noah, to unwavering and devoted faith. In the end, we learn that humankind, despite their sinful way, is given a second chance, because of God’s grace, love and mercy.

Without giving too much away, the narrative of the story also has some comical and humorous moments, especially surrounding the building of the ark and the animals aboard the ship! The performance will include our young ones in rain boots and rain coats with umbrellas, eight larger spoken parts, several vocal solos, and all of our choirs singing at one point or another throughout the musical. It will be an event that you will not want to miss!

This is Our Story: Second Presbyterian 175 Years

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

The fifteen members who started Second Presbyterian Church in 1838 had a shared vision of Christ transforming both individuals and society. Our first pastor, Henry Ward Beecher, was an abolitionist with a heart for those less fortunate. His witness for the church included such important achievements as helping to establish the Indiana School for the Deaf, serving as vice president of the Indianapolis Benevolence Society and supporting the establishment of a school for the blind. Taking mission seriously has been an important part of our story from the start.

This story continues 175 years later, as seen in our mission statement: Second Presbyterian Church is a welcoming community of faith where Jesus Christ transforms lives through worship, mission, discipleship, giving and fellowship.

In tribute to those first members and in response to God’s call today, we will celebrate our anniversary by raising $5 million to strengthen outreach and mission.

The 175th Anniversary Campaign will benefit four ministries:

Westminster Neighborhood Ministries, in the near Eastside of inner city Indianapolis, will receive $2 million toward the construction of a new Adult Services Center and a new Children and Youth Center to improve and expand their ministries with those in need.

The Enright Fund for Youth and Young Adult Ministries will receive $2 million to strengthen our support for “Footsteps of Faith” and to create a new Young Adult Volunteer Program. This endowment fund supports a spiritual pilgrimage for High School Seniors in which they follow the journeys of Apostle Paul through Greece, Turkey, and Italy. The new Young Adult Volunteer Program will provide an intensive, year-long experience of missionary service, spiritual mentoring and vocational discernment for young adults.

Northside Mission Ministry will receive $500,000 to improve and expand our outreach to those in need in our own backyard in Washington Township. These funds will provide for larger facilities and part-time staff.

Children’s Circle Preschool will receive $500,000 for the school’s Endowment Fund in order to provide for scholarships, tuition assistance, program enrichment and capital needs.

For 175 years, Second Presbyterian Church has praised our Savior through life-transforming ministries. This is our story. This is our song. Your opportunity to write the next chapter of our story, by making a pledge and contribution to the Anniversary Campaign, begins Spring, 2013. Pledges may be paid over a three year period.

175th Anniversary Campaign at a Glance

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Campaign at a Glance

Goal: $5 million

Pledge Timeline: The pledge campaign runs from April 1 to May 19, 2013 when pledges/contributions will be dedicated.

Contribution Timeline: Pledges may be paid over three years (completed by December 31, 2016).

Considerations in making your pledge:

Anniversary Campaign contributions should be in addition to current annual giving to the church.
Your contribution may take the form of cash, securities, insurance policy cash value, IRA mandatory withdrawals, etc. In certain circumstances a planned gift may be appropriate.
The Anniversary Campaign gives you an opportunity to increase your total annual giving closer to a tithe.
You may want to make a Campaign pledge, to be spread over three years, equal to your annual pledge/giving to the church.

For more information, contact John Koppitch at 317-202-2252.

Smotherman Art Exhibit

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

April 7 - June 2, McFarland Hall Gallery

The Fine Arts Advisory Team is proud to host an exhibit in McFarland Hall from April 7 to June 2 by local artist, Basil Smotherman. Smotherman is the Chairman of the Visual Arts Department at North Central High School and a member of Light of The World Christian Church. His passion for art was developed at an early age. He cannot remember when art was not a part of his life, but soon realized that this gift must constantly be developed. As he tells his students, “If it was easy, anybody could do it.” He is confident that Pablo Picasso was correct in saying, “All children are born artists; the problem is to remain an artist as we grow up.”

Smotherman’s inspiration as an artist is deeply rooted in his faith. “My development as an artist means that not only do I have to practice my craft, but I must continue to develop in other areas of my life as well. I need to work at being the best person, father, husband, teacher, and Christian I can be. I’ve learned that this gift is something that I can’t take for granted; for without God in my life, my abilities as an artist would not be possible.”

Smotherman has a love of and fascination for incorporating the human form in his art. “I think my ability to make marks as I draw is something that I take very seriously. So when you look at my art, I truly hope that you see my passion for people and more importantly my love of making art. I truly see art as a gift from God.”

Do not miss this uplifting exhibit.

Inspiring Speaker Series 143rd Praise Gathering

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Join Presbyterian Women for the 143^rd Praise Gathering
Thursday, May 9, 11:15 a.m.
featuring
Karla Dornacher
Speaker, Author, Artist

"Welcome to the wonderful world of Karla Dornacher...where love flows, faith grows and hearts blossom in the light of God's glory and grace."

Born in Hannibal, Missouri (yes -- the home of Mark Twain and the “show me” state!) Karla spent her growing years in Quincy, Illinois. She married Michael, her husband of over thirty years, following her graduation from high school and they have one daughter and two granddaughters. She deems herself a country/city girl but her heart lies in the country. She and her family lived in rural Alaska for four years, three of those without running water. It was there she learned how to walk in faith. Today the Dornachers reside in Vancouver, Washington.

Karla has a warm, devotional style of writing and to date she has written and illustrated 16 books and has a collection of products created from her art. Faith, family and friendship are the main focus in her writing. Three of her books were on the CBA Bestsellers list including Love in Every Room, Down a Garden Path and Give Thanks. Her books have sold over 500,000 copies.

She painted her first watercolor as a gift for her daughter’s wedding in 1993—previously she said everything she tried turned to mud! Based on scripture she began a series of paintings consisting of common, every day things such as a teacup to remind us the spiritual refreshment that comes from spending time with the Lord or an apple to depict the fruit of the Spirit.

Karla reminds us that God loves to take ordinary people, ordinary women, and do extraordinary things in us and through us. The Lord has a unique plan for each of our lives and the more we allow Him to have His way the more we will see His hand at work.

We have no idea of what God can do until we let Him in.

Tickets for the May Gathering will be available during Coffee Hour the three Sundays prior to the event, at the church reception desk during regular business hours or online anytime at SecondChurch.org/PW.

Free childcare is available by calling 317/252-5519 at least one week prior to the event.

Second Summer Celebration

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Second Summer Celebration
Intergenerational Summer Retreat

Waycross Camp and Conference Center

August 2-4, Friday Night to Sunday, noon
or...a Saturday only option!

Now in its fourth year, the intergenerational retreat known as Second Summer Celebration will be held at Waycross Camp and Conference Center this year. This all-inclusive retreat center is located in
Morgantown IN.

We have created a relaxing, flexible and affordable weekend for all ages. You’ll enjoy an experience which brings together members from all walks of life to learn, grow and share together in God’s love through our enlightening speaker, games, food, fellowship, a campfire, music, worship, recreation, square dancing and more. It is an amazing time for all generations.

Arrive on Friday for check-in between 3-5 p.m. Dinner begins at 5:30. We depart after worship on Sunday at 11:30 a.m. To get more information visit us in McFarland Hall during coffee hour beginning in
April.

Friends@Camp

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Friends@Camp
All Things New...Look What God is Doing!

July 29 - August 2, 2013

Children rising to grades 3–9 are invited to enjoy a wonderful week of sleep-away camp at PYOCA, our very own Presbytery Camp and Conference Center, in Brownstown, Indiana. Campers from Second and from Westminster Neighborhood Ministries will spend the week making friends, catching fish, swimming, hiking, crafting and playing in the midst of God’s creation. Spaces are filling up fast! For more information, to register for camp, volunteer at camp or to sponsor a camper, please pick up a brochure
in the literature racks or visit our webpage at SecondChurch.org/FriendsCamp

VBS 2013

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Registration is now open for our 2013 Vacation Bible School. We will gather the week of June 24-28 from 9:15 a.m. to 12 noon to explore this year’s theme of Stories from the Faith Family Tree. This theme will thread throughout the week’s activities in Worship, Bibleland, Music, Arts & Crafts, Games and Missions.

There will be a registration and information table in McFarland Hall starting April 28 and running most weeks through the first week of June. You may register children who are age 4 (by 9/1/13) though grade 5 (currently) for VBS online at SecondChurch.org/VBS2013 now, or you may turn in a paper registration form starting April 28 at the VBS table in McFarland Hall, at the VBS drop box at the church welcome desk or mail it to the church marked: “Attention: Sue Jackson”. Volunteers are also needed and may register via the same website or paper forms.

In celebration of our 175th church anniversary, we reflect on our heritage as God’s covenant people. Our most creative God invites us to be God’s people and promises to be our God. During this week long adventure, children, families and volunteers of all ages will come to know more fully the God who has created us, who gathers us, who promises to be with us and who invites us to participate in God’s work in the world. Together we will experience the stories of our ancestors in faith, witnessing both their astounding faithfulness and their remarkable humanness. Through their stories we will see ourselves in the family of faith, knowing that we too are children of God, brothers and sisters to one another, invited to add our story to the Faith Family Tree.

For more information, please contact Sara Breitzmann at 317-582-0037. We look forward to exploring our Faith Family Tree with you this summer!

New Portable Labyrinth Now Available

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

The Spiritual Growth Ministry Team has successfully secured funding for two labyrinths as a contribution to the yearlong celebration of Second Presbyterian’s 175th Anniversary. Already available for use is a portable 24-foot canvas labyrinth for programs inside the church (see photo) and a permanent 42-foot replica of the popular Chartres 11 circuit labyrinth is scheduled to be installed outdoors this spring (see area photo of where the outdoor labyrinth will be located). The portable labyrinth will be available to all on Wednesdays in McFarland Hall from 8 a.m to 8 p.m.

Walking a labyrinth is a meditation practice, quieting the mind and reaching inward to our spirit, which has taken place in cultures over the world for thousands of years. Yet, this ancient practice is just recently resurfacing in cultures around the globe, including here in the United States. Embedded in the labyrinth archetypal form is a pattern that helps to quiet our deep inner being, allowing us to become eceptive to spiritual guidance. The labyrinth is a powerful tool for reflection, meditation, realignment and deeper knowledge of the spirit within us. Through the act of trusting the path, of giving up conscious control of how things should go and being receptive to our inner spiritual state, the labyrinth experience can open our minds.

Each person’s experience of walking the labyrinth is different and there is not a right or wrong way to walk the labyrinth. The entrance can be a place to stop, reflect, acknowledge your blessings, make prayer or intention for the spiritual walk you are about to take. The walk around the pattern to the center can be a “letting go,” a quieting of the thoughts, worries, lists of tasks to do, a letting go into the experience of being present in the body. Arrival at the center rosette can be a place of prayer and meditation, “letting in” God’s guidance and divine presence. When ready, the return walk “letting out” takes us back into our lives, empowered by the spirit to transform our lives and actions. We can then use everything that happens in the labyrinth experience as a metaphor for our lives. The turns in the path may become the turns we have made in our life, or the center may become where we find God’s divine purpose for our lives that we are searching for as we walk through life.

The labyrinths will be available to church members as well as guests, and programs are already being planned for use around the building, including Youth Groups, CenterPoint Counseling , the Great Banquet and upcoming Spiritual Growth programs. With the wide range of programs offered throughout the church, the labyrinth can now be integrated into such areas as workshops, study groups, Sunday classes, youth groups and Coalition for Christian Outreach (CCO) campus ministry. The labyrinth can be available for individual use as well, and the outdoor labyrinth will be accessible from the north parking lot. The labyrinth can also facilitate outreach to non-members, fulfilling the mission of the church to reach out into the community

CenterPoint Counseling: Hearing Mary

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Growing up in northern Indiana, Mary had a normal childhood. It wasn’t great, but her needs were met and she knew her parents loved her, even though she thought they were too busy with their careers. Mary graduated from high school and attended college. She did quite well and graduated with honors. She also fell in love and shortly after her graduation married the man of her dreams and moved to Indianapolis. As a young couple, they were excited for their life together. Both started in their careers,
enjoyed their work and spent a few years getting established in their home.

It was a few years later that their world took a dramatic turn. Being reasonably well established, they decided to start a family. Soon the word came that they were expecting. Life was good. But as the pregnancy developed, the doctor said there were some complications. Testing was done and the word came that their child would have significant complications. The news rocked their world and placed great strain on their relationship. Neither Mary nor her husband knew how to manage this difficult news. Before long the young couple was fighting and struggling to maintain their connection and love.

Before they were ready, Mary gave birth to her son. The delivery was long and the challenges were great. Unfortunately, as is sometimes the case, the marriage did not survive the dramatic change to their
previous comfortable life. By her son’s first birthday, Mary was raising her son alone. This quickly became overwhelming. Mary did her best to keep working while caring for her son, but this became too much. As
a result, she cut back to part-time work, lost her health care benefits and moved to a small apartment. Mary was struggling and lonely. The life she had once known was now filled with stress and challenge
and she wasn’t sure how to manage it. Knowing that she needed help and with limited financial resources, she turned to CenterPoint Counseling and applied for our Samaritan Fund to help her with the cost.

Mary’s story is like many of the cases that turn to CenterPoint Counseling. Nearly twenty-five percent of the nine hundred cases each year need financial assistance with the cost of counseling. Through the CenterPoint Samaritan Fund, the counseling staff can care for people, like Mary, who need help and support in dealing with their challenging life circumstances. The Board of CenterPoint Counseling invites you to prayerfully consider making a donation to help support people like Mary. Donations can be made online, by check or credit card.

Samaritan Fund 2013 Goal: $85,000
To Help CenterPoint Counseling celebrate its 25th year of ministry, please consider a donation of $25, $250, or $2,500.

A Second Life for Church Treasure

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

This beautiful work of art has seen many homes throughout the church. Its most recent address is the PW Room. Anne Hudnut created this needlepoint in April of 1973. It hung in Dr. William Hudnut’s office during his tenure as Second’s Senior Pastor.

This needlepoint was found among the PW Bazaar items to be sold. A quick thinking Co-Chair realized its historical importance. It has recently been reframed – enhancing its appeal. The piece was on display at PW’s March InSpiring Speaker Series, featuring Lauren Dungy. Anne was in attendance as PW’s guest.

Someone Needs Blood Every Two Seconds

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

In 2013, the Deacons are encouraging the donation of 175 units for the 175^th Anniversary. To meet this goal, we need to collect an average of 40 units of blood per drive (roughly equal to an average 1% of the congregation). We also hope to see 10% growth in the total number of donations for the year.

The best way to participate in the blood drives is to go to the Indiana Blood Center website at DonorPoint.org and establish a profile. You can find the next available drive at Second Presbyterian Church (at least 30 days ahead) and set an appointment at a convenient time. Scheduling an appointment is simple and takes roughly 30 seconds.

You can always call Amy Lee at the church at 254-6461, ext. 332, to set an appointment and walk-ins are also welcome. If you wish to set a standard time for future drives, we will happily do this for you. It is highly recommended that you prepare to give blood by drinking plenty of water and getting some food in your system. This will help to prevent discomfort afterward.

For whom and how much blood will you give in 2013?

Youth Mission Trips

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Sign ups begin for all youth ministry summer mission trips on Easter Sunday, March 31.

Middle School
Urban Mission Experience
Destination TBA
June 27-July 2

High School
Urban Mission Immersion
Chicago, IL
Week 1 – July 14-20
Week 2 – July 21-27

All trips will fill quickly. Don’t miss out!
Sign up at SecondChurch.org/Youth.

175 Units of Blood Video

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Second Presbyterian Church: 175 Years

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Letter from Lewis

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

'Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy God has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.' I Peter 1: 3, 4

Dear Friends:

Here we are in the middle of the season of Lent. Lent is the 40 day period between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday. It is a time of reflection, prayer, repentance, and preparation. From the middle we can look back to Ash Wednesday and look forward to Easter. At Second Church, Lent began with a moving Ash Wednesday service of prayer, proclamation of the gospel, imposition of ashes, and celebration of the Lord’s Supper. Our congregation came down the aisles to receive the ashes that marked the sign of the cross on the forehead and to hear the words, “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.” There were people of all ages in the service: families with children, older members, young couples, single adults, and nearly 100 youth and their advisors. As a pastor it is a heartrending moment to make the sign of the ashy cross on the forehead of a child and to speak those words that remind us of our common mortality.

Being in the middle of Lent gives us an interesting perspective on things. It becomes a way of thinking about our lives from the perspective of the middle. We look back at our beginnings: our families of origin, our hometown, our education, our friendships, and our challenges. We look at what we have accomplished, the lessons we have learned, and the things we have failed to do. We take stock of where we are today, the friends and family around us, the work we do, and the hopes that lie deep in our hearts. We also look forward to Easter and the glorious promise of life eternal through the resurrection. Even as we return to the earth as earth, ashes and dust, we are born anew into a living hope. In Lent, we look forward to the resurrection of Jesus Christ and our own resurrected life in him.

There is a prayer used by many Christian traditions that is often prayed at the grave in a Service of Committal. This prayer by the 19th century churchman, John Henry Cardinal Newman, expresses the movement of life from birth to death and to life again. The prayer speaks to the life of the one whose work on this earth is done and who now lives again in Christ. The prayer also reminds the living who gather at the grave that life itself is a Lenten journey. In the middle of life, we offer our labors to God, we seek God’s rest and trust in Christ’s “holy rest and peace at the last.”

O Lord, support us all the day long
until the shadows lengthen
and the evening comes
and the busy world is hushed,
and the fever of life is over,
and our work is done.
Then, in your mercy,
grant us a safe lodging,
and a holy rest,
and peace at the last;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

May your Lenten Journey of reflection lead you to Easter’s joy!

Yours in Christ,

Lewis F. Galloway

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Easter Festival at Westminster

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Friday, March 22

You are invited to participate in this year’s local mission Easter project (also known as Easter Benevolence). The Deacons Community Committee is partnering with the staff of Westminster Neighborhood Ministries to present an Easter Festival at Westminster on Friday, March 22.

The festival includes interactive booths for the children of Westminster and Second Church that teach about the events of Holy Week. We also plan to work with the children to prepare a theatrical production. The event concludes with a hot meal for everyone, including parents and siblings of the Westminster children.

To pull off this exciting and informative production, we need your help. There are multiple ways to get involved:

Assist with teaching the children music or drama. Theatre or musical experience is not required, but it would be helpful.
Plan and implement one of the four or five educational booths. This might be a sharing a craft or puppetry, or teaching a game or story that highlights one of the Holy Week events. This is a perfect project for your small group!! (Christ Care, Reunion Groups, Bible Study, etc.)
Help prepare, serve and clean up after the meal. The Community Committee of Deacons is organizing the meal, but we’ll need your help to make it happen. If you know your way around a kitchen or have a gift for hospitality, we welcome your assistance.
Help transform the gymnasium at Westminster into first century Jerusalem. We seek creative and artistic folks who can help us realize this vision.
Come early on Friday afternoon to help set everything up at Westminster. This is a great job for those of you who enjoy working behind the scenes. Let’s share the love of Christ and the joy of his resurrection with our neighbors on the near east side of Indianapolis. Please contact Community Committee Chair Kristin Ullom at 253-0459 or Rev. Rachel Wann, if you have questions or would like to get involved.

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The Lenten Season

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Palm Sunday, Parade of Palms
March 24, 9:30 & 11 AM, Sanctuary
(Or attend our normal services at 8:15 a.m. 5 and 6 p.m.)

Maundy Thursday, Service of Holy Communion & Tenebrae
March 28, 8 PM, Sanctuary

Good Friday, “The Seven Last Words of Christ”
String Quartet - Haydn’s Seven Last Words
March 29, 12-3 PM, Chapel

Easter Sunday Worship Services
(Please note: changed start times)
March 31, 8, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m. — 5 & 6 p.m.

Journey with Jesus in Lent and Easter

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Journey with Jesus in Lent and Easter
Families@Five
Intergenerational Worship in McFarland Hall
Sundays in Lent, 5 pm

Worship participants of all ages will engage in multi-sensory prayer stations at each service.

March 3
Journey … to pray
Luke 11:1-13

March 10
Journey … to be with sinners
Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

March 17
Journey … to be with friends
John 12:1-8

Palm Sunday, March 24
Journey … to the cross
Luke 19:28 – 23:56

Easter Sunday, March 31
Journey … to the empty tomb
Luke 24:1-12

Wednesday Nights in Lent

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Through March 20, 6:30 pm

The Blood of the Lamb
Time heals nothing—which should make us the better able to minister.

So says Don Wanderhope, the protagonist of Peter De Vries’ 1961 novel, The Blood of the Lamb. Wanderhope has reason to know: his world is turned upside down when his eleven-year-old daughter, Carol, contracts leukemia. In the “Children’s Pavilion” of the hospital, Wanderhope finds his “little slice of hell,” where “rage and despair are . . . let out on special occasions . . . [like] a pillow hammered in darkness.”

Peter De Vries (1910-1993) was a novelist, humorist and writer for The New Yorker. During his lifetime, he was called “the funniest serious writer to be found on either side of the Atlantic.” The Blood of the Lamb shows De Vries at his funniest serious best: filled with dark humor, tragedy and theological ruminations or, as De Vries himself put it, “In the morning, I’m capable of hearing the music of the spheres--it’s when the stars come out that I first hear the howling of eternal nothingness.”

Richard Baker will teach the class on four Wednesday nights, February 27-March 20, in room 356. You don’t have to read the novel—or have heard the howl of eternal nothingness—to attend. As the title suggests, it’s a good book for Lent.

Meeting Up Downtown During Lent

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

During Lent Meeting Up Downtown is discussing The Blood of the Lamb by Peter De Vries. This small group meets at the Great American Grill in the Hilton Garden Inn, 10 E. Market Street, at Noon on Mondays. Contact Lake Fellow Rev. Anna Fulmer for more information.

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Inspiring Speaker Series welcomes Lauren Dungy

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

'Faith, Family, and Football'
with Lauren Harris Dungy
Thursday, March 14, 11:15 a.m.

MEET LAUREN DUNGY:

Wife of former NFL player and coach Tony Dungy;
Mother of eight;
Early childhood education specialist;
Bestselling author; and,
Motivational speaker!

Presented by the Sally McFarland Fund, Presbyterian Women’s Inspiring Speakers series is privileged to present Lauren Dungy as the featured speaker at 11:15 a.m. on March 14, 2013. Lauren will be speaking about “Faith, Family and Football.”

Lauren, originally from Pennsylvania, now resides with her husband Tony (retired head coach of the Indianapolis Colts) in Tampa, Florida. As a mother of eight, Lauren uses prayer, faith and friends to structure the family’s busy schedules. The former elementary teacher is passionate about children and believes they need nurturing both educationally and spiritually.

Because of Lauren and Tony’s commitment to Christian outreach, children and education, they are actively involved in numerous charitable projects. As a member of Grace Family Church, Lauren is involved in children’s ministries, Bible studies and Grace’s community outreach. She utilizes her many skills to guide mothers toward biblical parenting principles.

Lauren is a national spokesperson for iMom, a non-profit organization that helps mothers all over the country in raising their children by equipping them with information, ideas and encouragement to positively impact their children. “Building relationships with other women and exchanging advice with them has been a great help to me in parenting,” Lauren says. “Through iMom, I hope to connect with even more moms and build each other up as we face the challenges and joys of motherhood.” Peer pressure is what Lauren sees as one of the greatest outside threats to children today, which is why she encourages parents to love and nurture their children, but to release them when it’s time. She says, “Children will one day have to make their own decisions; parents just have to guide.”

As co-authors, Lauren and Tony have written six children’s books which feature inspirational stories that remind kids of the importance of family, friends and selfconfidence. Their first book, You Can Be A Friend, was released in January, 2011, was on the New York Times’ best-seller list and received an NAACP Image Award in 2012. Since then, four additional books have been published: Ruby’s New Home, A Team Stays Together, Justin and the Bully and most recently, The Missing Cupcake Mystery.

InSpiring Speaker Series Season ticket holders will enjoy a “meet and greet” with Lauren. Tickets will be available during Coffee Hour the three Sundays prior to the Gathering, at the church reception desk during regular business hours or online anytime at SecondChurch.org/PW.

NOTE: In an effort to make us a more welcoming community we no longer will be accepting reservations for reserved tables. Come and enjoy meeting others from Second and visitors from other churches. Thank you.

143^rd PRAISE GATHERING
featuring Karla Dornacher

Save the Date: May 9, 2013, 11:15 a.m.

Individual ticket prices are $15. Tickets are available during Coffee Hour the three Sundays prior to each Gathering, at the church reception desk during regular business hours or online anytime at SecondChurch.org/PW.

Free childcare is available for both events by calling 252-5519 at least one week prior to each event.

Wrestling With Wisdom...The Book of Psalms

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Wrestling with Wisdom: The Book of Psalms

“In the psalms the Lord God speaks through the embattled confessions of children adopted by God who are in the grip of God’s Spirit. Yet, in the psalms, God is also speaking live to anybody today, worldwide, who will listen.” Calvin Seerveld

Sundays at 9:30, Choir Room
February 10 - May 5

Have you ever wondered how to pray? Have you ever been at a loss for words to speak to God in times of trouble? Starting Sunday, February 10, join Richard Baker and Caitlin Deyerle for a 12-week class exploring the book of Psalms and how it has given voice to many in the music, poetry and prayers it inspires and how you might find your own voice there as well.

As the early Christian monk John Cassian once said, “It is better for 10 verses of a psalm to be sung with understanding and thought than for a whole psalm to be poured forth in a bewildered mind.” Join us as we wrestle with our bewilderment and search for a blessing from the book of Psalms, the prayer book of the Bible.

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Women's Winter Retreat

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

On a snowy weekend in early February, more than 75 women gathered at Fatima Retreat Center to spend 24 hours as “Companions on a Journey.” Shoes were collected to represent the varied journeys we are taking as we walk God’s path together.

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175th Anniversary Capital Campaign

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Among all the anniversary activities, one will profoundly impact our community for years to come: the 175^th Anniversary Capital Campaign. This campaign will not only celebrate our tradition of emphasizing outreach and transformation. It will extend that commitment far into the future. The Anniversary Capital Campaign will raise $5 million for four outreach programs of our church:

Westminster Neighborhood Ministries,
Enright Fund for Youth and Young Adult Ministries,
Children’s Circle Scholarship and Enrichment Fund, and
Northside Mission Ministry.

Watch for more information about how you can help Christ transform the world!

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Land of the Covenant: Past and Present

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

September 25-October 9, 2013
Led by Dr. Lewis Galloway and Dr. Bunny Alexander

Dear Friends:

In this 175^th year in the history of Second Presbyterian Church, we invite you to accompany us on a journey to Israel, Palestine and Jordan.

As we celebrate this important anniversary year, we will have an opportunity to visit the land where our faith was born. Together we will explore ancient sites that tell the story of the covenant God made with us through Abraham, Moses and David and fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Drawing upon archaeology and biblical history, the trip will increase our understanding and deepen our faith. We will also explore current political, social and religious issues in this complex land. We will have the opportunity to meet with Jewish, Christian and Muslim leaders who are working to bring peace and reconciliation to this troubled region. Prior to the trip, we will lead several classes to prepare the group for the biblical, cultural and historical significance of the places we will visit.

Space is limited so please register early!

To receive additional information about or to register for “The Land of the Covenant: Past and Present”, please contact Bev McGee, (317) 253-6461, Ext. 354.

Yours in Christ,
Bunny Alexander and Lewis Galloway

A Second Glance at Stewardship

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Many of you contribute generously to particular ministries like Centerpoint, Christmas Benevolence, Westminster, Northside Ministries, Souper Bowl of Sharing, etc. These contributions are most important because they help to transform lives in the name of Christ.

However, it is the $4.3 million General Fund that really makes things happen. All of our ministries of worship, mission, discipleship and fellowship are supported by this budget. In addition to program expenses, it provides for salaries, utilities and basic care for our building and grounds. Over 86% of this budget comes from member contributions.

883 households pledged $2,984,670 in our Stewardship Campaign! While the total dollars pledged is somewhat less than last year (several substantial contributors died or moved away during 2012), the number of households making a pledge increased, the number of new pledges increased and the average pledge increased by 3.9%.

A common misperception is that a balanced church budget only requires a few large contributions from a handful of families. While we are blessed by substantial contributions from some of our members, the reality is that Second Presbyterian Church enjoys a very broad base of financial support. The average pledge is $3,380. The median pledge is $1,560 ($30/week).

No matter the size, your gift matters. Your contribution counts. Thank you for transforming lives through your contributions to Second Presbyterian Church!

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Organ Concert with John Allegar

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Sunday, March 10, 3 pm – Sanctuary

Bring friends and neighbors to an Anima Sacra Series organ recital played by Second’s new Organist and Assistant Director of Music and Fine Arts, John Allegar, Sunday, March 10, at 3 p.m. in the Sanctuary.

A candidate for the Doctor of Musical Arts in Organ Performance at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, John holds a master’s degree from Yale University, where he received the 2008 Julia R. Sherman prize in organ. At Yale he completed the interdisciplinary program at the Institute of Sacred Music and earned the Church Music Studies Certificate, after graduating summa cum laude from Valparaiso University (Phi Beta Kappa) in 2007.

At Second Church he coordinates and schedules soloists and instrumentalists, maintains the church’s keyboard instruments, accompanies the Beecher Singers and Sanctuary Choir, leads worship for the 9:30, 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. services and assists Dr. Michelle Louer, Director of Music and Fine Arts.

John is both a published author and composer.

His program will include Fugue on the theme of the Carillon of Soissons Cathedral by Maurice Duruflé, Andante in F Major, KV616 by Mozart, Psalm Prelude Set 1, No. 1 by Herbert Howells and Miroir by Wammes.

John will conclude with Prelude and Fugue in C major by J.S. Bach, Sonata VI in d minor by Felix Mendelssohn and Variations on Weinen, Klagen, Sorgen, Zagen by Franz Liszt.

He comments that the last two pieces have the most religious programmatic stature. The Mendelssohn is based on the hymn tune “Vater unser in himmelreich” (‘Our Father who art in heaven’ and is found in our Presbyterian Hymnal at #590), while the Liszt is inspired by a Bach cantata of the same name [“Weeping, lamenting, worrying, fearing”], written for the court chapel in Weimar. The piece is a definitive journey of darkness into light.

Admission is free and a reception will follow. For more information, contact the Music and Fine Arts Department at 317/253-6461, ext. 309, or MFA@secondChurch.org.

Save the Date for VBS!

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

As you start thinking about your plans for this summer, don’t forget to mark your calendars for Vacation Bible School, a fun-filled week of Bible stories, worship, music, mission, arts and crafts, games and more!

Children who are age 4 (by 9/1/13) through grade 5 (currently) are encouraged to participate in VBS. We will gather the week of June 24-28 from 9:15 a.m. to 12 noon, with an extended day option for those who need it.

We are also seeking volunteers of all ages to join us during the week. Don’t miss this opportunity to share in the joy of VBS!

Online registration begins : March 4

Need more information? Please contact Sara Breitzmann.

We are grounded, rooted and growing in faith.

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

While the church was meeting to approve its budget and elect its spiritual leaders, the children of the church, under the guidance of their spiritual leaders, created a tree; one leaf at a time.

During the extended Sunday School hour, two-year-olds through fifth graders and those who shepherd them talked about ways to show God’s love and ways that God’s love has been shown to them. Then the children, along with the youth and adults who guide them, wrote their own names and the names of other people who show God’s love on leaves. Each class used a different media to decorate the leaves they created…crayon resist, oil pastel blending, shaving cream and food color, marker pointillism and tissue paper.

What a strong and vibrant tree! This is the story of our church, our community of faith. This is our legacy and our hope. We are grounded, rooted and growing in faith. Thanks be to God!

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Church Timeline

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

They met in a grove of trees to hear the word of God preached, those hardy pioneers determined to make a home in the Indiana wilderness in 1821.

And so begins the timeline stretching around the north atrium, which marks off the events in Second Presbyterian’s 175 year history. A new segment of the timeline will be installed the around the first of each month throughout this anniversary year. An accompanying sheet of notes entitled LOOKING UP and expanding upon the timeline entries is available to be picked up in the Atrium.

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Second Summer Celebration

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Intergenerational Summer Retreat

Save the Date!
August 2-4

Waycross Conference Center, Morgantown, IN

Inspiring Speaker Series welcomes Lauren Harris Dungy

Sun, 24 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Second Presbyterian 175 Years

Sun, 24 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

They met in a grove of trees to hear the word of God preached, those hardy pioneers determined to make a home in the Indiana wilderness in 1821. And so begins the Timeline stretching around the north atrium, which marks off the events in Second Presbyterian’s 175-year history.

Sages Brunch

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

End Hunger in Indianapolis by 2015!

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

END HUNGER IN INDIANAPOLIS BY 2015!
Take the steps toward helping the local Hunger Initiatives. Be an advocate for ending hunger.

Entry-Level Mission

1) Join other “Voices Uniting to End Hunger” at the city-wide conference at Second on Saturday, February 2 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Registration is $20 and includes lunch. For more information, visit cts.edu.

2) Write a letter to your member of Congress during the annual Bread for the World Off ering of Letters. On February 3, 10 and 17, come to McFarland Hall to compose a letter. All supplies and information are provided.

3) On Sunday February 3, 2013, 140 million Americans will tune in to the Super Bowl football game. There will be parties with abundant food, friendship and fellowship. At the same time, there will be people worrying about staying warm, finding shelter and a warm meal. Please join young people around the country as they demonstrate God’s love by loving their neighbors through the Souper Bowl of Caring. It’s a simple, yet signifi cant act of caring for others. Drop your monetary donation in the soup pot as you leave worship on February 3.

Additionally, our church is having a Souper Bowl food drive. Risers are set up on the first floor, just beyond the Atrium in the old elevator lobby. Throughout January and into February we will be collecting non-perishable food items to support the Westminster Neighborhood Ministries and Northside Food Pantries. Our food-insecure neighbors here in Indianapolis benefit from your generosity.

The Souper Bowl of Caring was born in 1990 when a Presbyterian Youth Group gathered for a party on Super Bowl Sunday. A prayer was offered “Lord, even as we enjoy the Super Bowl football game, help us be mindful of those who are without a bowl of soup to eat.” In response to that prayer, groups have set aside the first Sunday in February to collect money and food items for hunger related charities in their communities.

The Souper Bowl of Caring project at Second Presbyterian is jointly sponsored by the Hunger Ministry Team and the Youth Department. Contact Rev. Rachel Wann with any questions, 253-6461.

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Festival of Faith

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

What Shall We Say?
Speaking to Suffering: Job’s and Ours

February 23-24

Guest Speaker:
Dr. Thomas G. Long
Bandy Professor of Preaching, Candler School of Theology, Emory University

This year--as part of Second’s 175th anniversary celebration--the Festival of Faith is bringing back one of its most popular speakers: Dr. Thomas G. Long.

On Saturday, February 23, from 9:30-11:30 a.m., Dr. Long will address the question of theodicy—whether and how we can reconcile evil and suffering in our world with the existence of a good and
loving God--a question that Job asks with particular passion and persistence. He will also preach Sunday morning, February 24, at both the 9:30 and 11 a.m. services.

Dr. Long now serves as Bandy Professor of Preaching at Candler School of Theology, Emory University, and remains one of the most popular preachers in the United States today. An ordained minister in the
Presbyterian Church (USA), his most recent book, What Shall We Say? Evil, Suffering and the Crisis of Faith, has been called (by John Buchanan, pastor of Fourth Presbyterian church in Chicago) “a superb book addressing the question that lies deep in the human heart,” and was named “2012 Book of the Year” by the Academy of Parish Clergy. He has written 20 other books, including, most recently, accompany Them with Singing: The Christian Funeral and Preaching from Memory to Hope. He is a frequent contributor to The Christian Century and the Journal for Preachers and presents at conferences worldwide.

On the question of theodicy, Richard Lischer (Duke Divinity School) says that “Long doesn’t offer easy answers, but he does open a wonderful conversation.” And Lillian Daniel, pastor of the First congregational Church, Glen Ellyn, Illinois, writes that “Tom Long has done it again, tackling a tough subject with wit, intelligence, and integrity. . . . [He] challenges clergy to stop dodging the bullet and to answer the hard questions laypeople ask. More importantly, he also gives us the tools to do it well.”

Please join us.

Letter from Lewis

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith… ” Hebrews 11:1, 2

Dear Friends:

Hebrews 11:1, 2Dear Friends:

In our 175th Anniversary Year, we think about the generations of faithful Christians of Second Presbyterian Church who have gone before us, borne witness to their faith in word and deed, and sacrificed so that new generations might hear and receive the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are indeed surrounded by a “great a cloud of witnesses.” Throughout this year, we will be remembering some of these witnesses who led our congregation in providing spiritual nurture to countless children, youth and adults and in developing new ministries to respond to emerging needs in our community and world. We have been blessed with spiritual leaders who set a vision for the growth of the church, enabled the church to persevere through difficult times, and guided the church to make bold decisions in times of challenge.

Exploring the history of the church is not just an enjoyable pastime. We remember with gratitude those who have gone before us so that we might learn from them, draw from the strength of their witness, build upon their accomplishments, and live more faithfully in the present. We stand upon the shoulders of our spiritual forbearers. Standing upon their shoulders, we can have a clearer vision of a more distant horizon. Remembering them, the author of Hebrews says that we “run with perseverance the race that is set before us.” We look not only to them, but to Jesus who began the race for us and who stands at the finish line cheering us on.

Now is the time for us to be bold witnesses to our faith. How will we run the race set before us? What legacy will we leave to inspire and encourage those who come after us?

Yours in Christ,

Lewis F. Galloway

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The Season of Lent

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Ash Wednesday Communion Service
Wednesday, February 13, 7 pm, Sanctuary

Lenten Wednesday Night Prayer Service
February 27 - march 27, 6 pm, Chapel

Lenten Wednesday Night Series
February 27 - march 27, 6 pm

Organ Recital - John Allegar
March 10, Sunday at 3 p.m. – Sanctuary

Westminster Easter Festival
Friday, March 15, at Westminster

Palm Sunday, Parade of Palms
March 24, 9:30 & 11 a.m., Sanctuary
(Or attend our normal Sunday Worship at 8:15 a.m. and 5 and 6 p.m.)

Maundy Thursday, Service of Holy Communion & Tennebrae
March 28, 8 pm, Sanctuary

Good Friday, “The Seven Last Words of Christ”
String Quartet - Haydn’s Seven Last Words
March 29, 12-3 pm, Chapel

Easter Sunday Worship Services
March 31, 8, 9:30 11:15 a.m. — 5 & 6 p.m.

Ash Wednesday

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Service of Holy Communion and the Imposition of Ashes

February 13, 7 p.m., Sanctuary

Dr. Jim Riley, preaching
Special Music by the Beecher Singers and Youth Choir
Nursery provided.

Sages Link Past, Present And Future

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Merriam-Webster defines “sage” as “wise through reflection and experience.” At Second we are blessed to have the Sages who lend their reflection, experience, guidance and wisdom to the entire congregation.

In 1977 the Third Age Council was established to focus on activities for retired members. Today the Sages group numbers more than 1,400 members. Anyone who is 60 years or older (or is married to someone 60 years or older) is in Sages. Although some Sages have joined Second in recent years, many are long-time members. Some even remember attending the church downtown beside the War Memorial before Second moved to North Meridian in 1959.

Th is varied and talented group provides wisdom, perspective and enthusiastic support for the entire church family. Sages serve as Elders, Deacons, ministry team members, Sunday school teachers, mission volunteers and many other roles at Second.

The 140-member Sages Council organizes events throughout the year. Some off-site lunches are primarily attended by Sages, but All Church Luncheons and Future Is Now educational sessions are open to everyone. All Church Luncheons feature a program of interest to all ages, such as the musical talent of Second’s youth or a presentation by one of the pastors. Future Is Now lunches often focus on issues related to the legal, medical and social aspects of aging.

One way that Sages are supporting the life of Second is through monthly dinners with Renew young adults. These meals build lasting intergenerational relationships.

Sages is an organization that does not demand much of your time, only your interest. Our mission is to find new and enthusiastic ways to be of service to God, Second and one another.

Contact Joyce Hunn or Kathy Stacy to find out more about how you can join us in living the Sages’ motto of Faith, Friends, Fellowship and Fun!

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Upcoming Events from Sages

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Future Is Now Lunch
Wednesday, February 6
11:30 am to 1:15 pm

Everything You EVER Wanted To Know About Second’s History
Presented by Fred Kortepeter

Sages Brunch at Woodstock Club
Sunday, February 10, 12:30 pm
Woodstock Club 1301 West 38th Street, Indianapolis

The cost is $18 per person. Prepaid nonrefundable reservations are required and are available during coffee hour, at the reception desk and online. Deadline is Wednesday, February 6 at noon.

Sages/Renew Dinner
Sunday, February 17

All Church Luncheon
Sunday, March 10

Featuring Dr. Richard Baker
Tickets go on sale mid-February

Sages/Renew Dinner
Sunday, March 17

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Wrestling with Wisdom: The Book of Psalms

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

“In the psalms the Lord God speaks through the embattled confessions of children adopted by God who are in the grip of God’s Spirit. Yet, in the psalms, God is also speaking live to anybody today, worldwide, who will listen.” --Calvin Seerveld

Sundays at 9:30, Choir Room
February 10 - May 5

Have you ever wondered how to pray? Have you ever been at a loss for words to speak to God in times of trouble? Starting Sunday February 10^th join Richard Baker and Caitlin Deyerle for a 12 week class exploring the book of Psalms and how it has given voice to many in the music, poetry and prayers it inspires and how you might find your own voice there as well.

As the early Christians monk John Cassian once said, “It is better for 10 verses of a psalm to be sung with understanding and thought than for a whole psalm to be poured forth in a bewildered mind.” Join us as we wrestle with our bewilderment and search for a blessing from the book of Psalms, the prayer book of the bible.

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Wednesday Evening Lenten Prayers & Class

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

6 p.m. - Prayers in the Chapel

6:30 p.m. - Class in 356

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Faith in Action

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Sundays, 9:30 am, Common Room

February 3 – Sarah Boesak, recent graduate of Cape Town University, will present her journey as it begins on modern day slavery and human trafficking – “Legacy….Interest…. Activism”

February 10 – Elna Boesak, South African journalist, radio/television producer and commentator, will present “The View Through My Lens – an African journalist’s journey as propelled by faith”.

February 24 – Elna Boesak, South African journalist, radio/television producer and commentator, will present “What Story… Whose Voice – An African perspective on the globalized mass media industry.”

March 3 – Elna Boesak, South African journalist, radio/television producer and commentator, will present “This is My World, This is Your World – the role of the Christian journalist in working for justice and peace in a diverse global village.”

SonRise Bible Study's First Annual Valentine's Dance

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Have you been waiting for that special invitation to come and check out SonRise Bible Study?
You Are Invited!
Thursday, February 21, 6:30 pm, McFarland Hall

How can you be a part of making our adult friends with mental and developmental disabilities feel like part of our great Second Presbyterian family?

Provide a side dish or desert
Provide some tasty, wet-yourwhistle kind of beverage.
Be a groovy DJ or bring your friends and put on a concert.
Dance the night away with us.
!!!*Help decorate*!!!
Help clean up.

Please enthusiastically call Brandi Long at 317-289-1866 to tell us how you are going to join us.

Land of the Covenant: Past and Present

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

September 25 - October 9, 2013

Led by Dr. Lewis Galloway and Dr. Bunny Alexander

Dear Friends: In this 175^th year in the history of Second Presbyterian Church, we invite you to accompany us on a journey to Israel, Palestine and Jordan. As we celebrate this important anniversary year, we will have an opportunity to visit the land where our faith was born. Together we will explore ancient sites that tell the story of the covenant God made with us through Abraham, Moses, and David and fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Drawing upon archaeology and biblical history, the trip will increase our understanding and deepen our faith. We will also explore current political, social and religious issues in this complex land. We will have the opportunity to meet with Jewish, Christian and Muslim leaders who are working to bring peace and reconciliation to this troubled region. Prior to the trip, we will lead several classes to prepare the group for the biblical, cultural and historical significance of the places we will visit. Space is limited so please register early!

To receive additional information about or to register for “The Land of the Covenant: Past and Present”, please contact Mrs. Bev McGee, (317) 253-6461, Ext. 354.

Informational Meeting: February 21, 5:30-6:30 pm, Chapel

Faith & Family Day at Butler Basketball

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Butler Bulldogs vs. Rhode Island Rams
Saturday, February 2, Tipoff – 4 pm

You are invited to participate in an afternoon of fellowship at Hinkle Fieldhouse that will include a Butler University men’s basketball game and a post-game “Faith and Sports” panel discussion hosted by Brad Long, who played “Buddy” in the movie Hoosiers. Purchase tickets online at: https://butlergroupsales.com/secondpresbyterian

By purchasing tickets through this offer you will:

Attend post-game “Faith and Sports” panel discussion hosted by Brad Long, who played “Buddy” in the movie Hoosiers
Participate in a post-panel discussion shoot-around on Hinkle Fieldhouse court (with own ball)
Take pictures with teammates, coaches, and family members on the court
Receive a discounted ticket to the game

Please place your order, online by Friday, February 1 (Tickets are subject to availability).

A Legacy of Mission and Community Service

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

A Legacy of Mission and Community Service
During this 175^th Anniversary year, we will celebrate our heritage as a congregation. One of the legacies we have inherited, and will build upon in the future, is our strong commitment to mission. This spring, we will launch an Anniversary Capital Campaign to raise $5 million dollars for four outreach programs of our congregation: Westminster Neighborhood Ministries, Northside Mission Ministry, the Enright Fund for Youth and Young Adult Ministries, and the Children’s Circle Scholarship and Enrichment Fund. Watch for more information about how you can build upon this legacy of service to the community. How will this generation's chapter in the book of Second read?

Legacies: Receiving And Leaving
We have received an amazing legacy from previous generations. In 2011, our Endowment Fund distributed $1.6 million for building maintenance and improvements, mission, worship, music, fine arts, Christian education, Lake Fellowship, Footsteps of Faith, Centerpoint Counseling, Children’s Circle preschool and other ministries. This was made possible by members who intentionally made major gifts to the Endowment during their life time and/or included the church in their estate planning.

This legacy is not a substitute for our tithes and offerings today. But it certainly expands our ability to be a transforming community of Jesus Christ.

Have you considered leaving a legacy for the future ministries of our church? Naming the church as a beneficiary in a life insurance policy, including the church in your will, or establishing a lead/remainder trust can result in a generous gift that will transform lives in perpetuity!

For more information on how to leave a legacy for Second Presbyterian Church, contact John Koppitch. Please consult with your professional advisors on how this legacy gift would fit into your overall financial plans.

Someone Needs Blood Every Two Seconds

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

In 2013, the Deacons are encouraging the donation of 175 units for the 175^th Anniversary. To meet this goal, we need to collect an average of 40 units of blood per drive (roughly equal to an average 1% of the congregation). We also hope to see 10% growth in the total number of donations for the year.

The best way to participate in the blood drives is to go to through the Indiana Blood Center website to DonorPoint.org and establish a profile. You can find the next available drive at Second Presbyterian Church (at least 30 days ahead) and set an appointment at a convenient time. Scheduling an appointment is simple and takes roughly 30 seconds.

You can always call Amy Lee at the church at 254-6461, ext. 332, to set an appointment. Walk-ins are also welcome. If you wish to set a standard time for future drives, we will happily do this for you. It is highly recommended that you prepare to give blood by drinking plenty of water and getting some food in your system. This will help to prevent discomfort afterward.

For whom and how much blood will you give in 2013?

Broad Ripple High School Exhibit and Concert

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Art Exhibit
February 10 to April 6, McFarland Hall

Second is delighted to host an exhibit of outstanding art by high school students for the fifth year starting on February 10, 2013 and concluding on April 6, 2012. Broad Ripple Magnet High School (BRMHS) for the Arts and Humanities attracts highly talented artists from around the city. Students create excellent works of art in many different media; this exhibit showcases some of their best work.

BRMHS offers students the opportunity for specialized study in the arts and humanities. The magnet program provides college preparatory and individualized instruction designed to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to compete and succeed as productive citizens. Admission to the magnet school is by application only; an audition is also required. The arts program is designed to prepare talented students to select a possible career in visual arts and to provide them with the ability to perform at the highest level of their individual abilities.

This exhibit is dedicated to Ralph Bedwell (March 15, 1937 – March 7, 2011), longtime teacher and Magnet Director for the Arts and Humanities at BRMHS and member of Second. Ralph was the founder and leader of the School/Church Partnership, which celebrates the church’s connections to the school. Many Broad Ripple graduates are members of Second.

Spring Showcase Honors Concert
Sunday, February 10, 4 pm, Choir room

Also, the Spring Showcase Honors Concert, presented by the music students of BRMHS, will be held on Sunday, February 10 at 4 p.m. in the Choir Room. This is the fifth year that Second has hosted the concert. Alums and friends of Broad Ripple are especially invited to meet the students and their parents at a reception in McFarland Hall immediately following the concert. All are welcome.

Organ Recital - John Allegar

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

March 10, Sunday at 3 p.m. – Sanctuary

Second’s new organist will present a recital featuring William Bolcom’s Gospel Preludes, Book IV, Franz Liszt’s tour de force Variations on ‘Weinen, Klagen, Sorgen, Zagen’ as well as works by Bach, Vierne, Durufle and Wammes.

Allegar is currently finishing his DMA at the Eastman School of Music, where he has been a student of David Higgs and William Porter. He holds degrees from Yale University and Valparaiso University. Free admission.

Kids Night Out

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

A Gift of Fun… A Gift of Time

Here is what the kids are doing: FUN STUFF
Here is what the parents are doing: ROMANTIC STUFF

Friday, February 15, 6 – 10 pm

The Dads Ministry and Welcome Baby are teaming up once again to provide a fun night for kids (ages infant – 5th grade) and a time out for parents. Child care will be provided for the littlest ones, while older children will enjoy a pizza supper, games, crafts, a Bible lesson, and a movie.

For more information and to register for Kid’s night out, visit our website at secondchurch.org/Kidsnight.

Questions, please contact Sue Jackson, 317-253-6461, or Bob Getts.

College Connection Ministry

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Even when our students leave home, they remain part of the Second family. The College Outreach Ministry stays in touch with these members with several mailings throughout the school year. Before Christmas, near the end of the first college semester, 73 college students received a package including candy, microwave popcorn, $10 gift cards, a letter from Lewis and more. Freshman also received a hand-knit hat made by a Second member. Other mailings are planned for Easter and the end of the spring semester.

Several parents have reported how touched their student was to receive this special delivery from Second. They are grateful to continue to be connected to Second.

If you would like to be a part of this ministry to college students connected to Second, please contact Laura Lucas or Brian Shivers. Make sure your student is on the mailing list by visiting secondchurch.org/campus and click on the information/interest link.

Faith in Action Series on Human Trafficking

Sun, 06 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

January 6: Marti MacGibbon, Inspirational Speaker, Standup Comic, and certified mental health specialist, will speak “Never Give In To Fear” – the story of her own journey and the title of her book.

January 13: Nadine Hill, founder of Ecumenical Women’s Coalition Against Human Trafficking, member of Second, Administrive Legal Asst., Moderator for Presbyterian Women of our Synod, will present “Go Away, Lord! Not at this Time!”- the Story of a Reluctant Modern Day Esther.

January 20: Chris Alexander, Founder of Center for Global Impact, Mission Pastor, Leadership Training in Zambia, now working in Cambodia, will present “Empowering the Poor – Preventing Human Trafficking.”

January 27: Laura Harms, Care Coordinator for Human Trafficking Programs at The Julian Center, a bilingual professional with a Masters in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University, will present “Sex Trafficking in Indianapolis and Indiana.”

Special Congregational Events

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Sunday, January 27, 2013

The annual congregational meeting will be held between Sunday morning worship services in the Sanctuary. Events for the children have been coordinated with this adjusted schedule to provide a morning of meaningful events.

8:15 am Worship Service, Milner Chapel

9:30 am Worship Service, Sanctuary
All Sunday School classes in regular classrooms

10:30 am Annual Meeting, Sanctuary
The purpose of the meeting is to elect elders and deacons, approve the 2013 budget and receive the annual report from our ministries and committees. Extended Sunday School for nursery, preschool and elementary children whose parents are attending the Annual Meeting – regular classrooms until 11:10 a.m.

11:10 am Worship Service, Sanctuary
Louisville Leopard Percussionists Workshop, Multi-purpose Room. All children (age 4+) and youth can attend the workshop.

**Children attending Extended Sunday School will be picked up from their regular classrooms and escorted to the Multi-purpose Room. Parents may also bring children directly to the Multi-purpose Room.

12:15 pm Congregational Luncheon, Community Room
Cost: $10 per person. Reservations available online, in McFarland Hall or at the front desk.

Children (age 4+) and youth can attend the congregational luncheon with their parents at $5 each, OR, eat pizza with the Louisville Leopards in the Multi-purpose Room at $3 each. Reservations required and available online.

1 pm, Louisville Leopard Percussionists in Concert, Multi-Purpose Room
Free concert for all ages!

Letter from Lewis

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Dear Friends:

In 2013, Second Presbyterian Church is celebrating 175 years of ministry and mission. From our first sanctuary on the Circle, to our second home adjacent to the War Memorial, to our present location in this beautiful Gothic sanctuary on North Meridian, Second Church has faithfully worshipped God, provided pastoral care, served the spiritual and material needs of our neighbors, worked for the well-being of the city and spread the gospel of Jesus Christ in the world. For generations, Second Church has enriched the life of our community by supporting education, providing sacred music and the arts, feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, working for human transformation and seeking justice. Through the years, we have kept our eyes on Jesus, who is the “pioneer and perfecter of our faith.”

It has been said that tradition can be the living faith of the dead or the dead faith of the living. Tradition can be an albatross around our necks or the wings underneath that enable us to fly. We are blessed with a living tradition of faithful worship and service that enables us to take flight in our ministry for
Christ. Our 175th Anniversary Committee developed a mission statement for the anniversary year and presented it to Session. The Session endorsed this mission with enthusiasm.

The goal of the anniversary year is to strengthen our outreach to the community by coordinating a year of witness to 175 years of worship and service to God.

The anniversary gives us an opportunity to celebrate with gratitude what Christ has done and is doing among and through us. The anniversary celebrations planned for the year will deepen and advance our ministry in the community and world. In the spring of 2013, we will launch a capital campaign to raise $5 million dollars for four essential outreach programs of our church: the Enright Fund for youth and young adult ministries, Westminster Neighborhood Ministries, Northside Mission Ministry and the Children’s Circle Scholarship and Enrichment Fund.

In addition, a wide range of activity is being planned for the year that will focus on four important areas in the life of the church:

??Worship and Spiritual Life
??Missions
??The Church and the City
??Music and Fine Arts

Over the next month, you will hear more details about these and other opportunities to strengthen our worship and service to God and our outreach to the community during this anniversary year.

Yours in Christ,
Lewis F. Galloway

Awaken Your Senses to the Wonder of God

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Spiritual Growth presentation by J. Brent Bill and Beth A. Booram

January 11-12, 2013
7 PM Friday - 3 PM Saturday

Friday, January 11 - Program at 7 p.m.
Optional dinner from 5:30 – 6:30, $10/person
Saturday, January 12 - 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., with lunch included
Cost for 2-day event is $29+optional dinner
Childcare is available throughout the event; infant to Grade 5. Registrations for child care may be made by calling the reservation line, (317) 252-5519.

We all desire a spiritual experience with God. Our problem is we have been taught to live our faith from sermons, books and Bible studies. These all direct our thinking. Often, our souls are missed. We rely on words to provide information about God, words that are analyzed and processed logically in our left brain. Our creative side, the right brain, connects us to our senses – touch, smell, feel, hear, taste. The right brain does the experiencing. Beth Booram and Brent Bill invite you to engage all of who you are in your relationship with God by –

Taste – chocolate, words, matzo, Scripture, forgiveness
["Jesus chose wine and bread to embody his sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins. He offered the bread and wine to help his disciples…taste forgiveness—to bring forgiveness into them as they ate and swallowed the elements.”]
See – moon, wisdom, art, glory, your best self
Touch – others, stones, prayers, rubble, Jesus
Hear – silence, music, pain, footsteps, the Spirit, the news
Smell – gardenias, life, salty air, home, healing oil, coffee…

The authors open us to a sensory faith—one in which God can be experienced.

J. Brent Bill is a writer, retreat leader and Quaker minister. He’s the author and coauthor of many books, including Awaken Your Senses to the Wonder of God. He lives in Mooresville, Indiana. Beth A. Booram has been a lifelong minister. She speaks around the country at conferences and retreats on topics of spiritual life and Christian leadership. You may also purchase their book for $10 today, at the church, or at the event.

For more information, please contact Dr. Jim Riley or his administrative assistant, Karen Reynard. Register on the church website or contact Karen Reynard at (317) 253-6461.

Children: (Age 5 to Grade 5)
Taste, see, feel, smell and hear that the Lord is Good!
Children, perhaps more than the rest of us, learn through experience. God has given us so many good things to see, feel, smell, hear… and taste. These amazing sights, textures, scents, tastes and sounds are clues to knowing the Creator. Who can help but delight at a morsel of chocolate, or wonder at the song of a bird or marvel at the colors in a sunset?

On Saturday morning, January 12, in conjunction with the weekend Spiritual Growth Presentation, Awaken Your Senses to the Wonder of God, from 9 a.m. to noon, children ages 5 – Grade 5 will enjoy a hands-on (nose, eyes, tongue, ears) experience of God. Children will listen to and create beautiful music, bake (and eat) bread, take a nature walk and paint pictures. Plan to join us for this special time to experience the wonder of our Creator!

Youth: (Grade 6 - High School)
Special Youth Mission Opportunity
Throughout the weekend, youth grades 6-12 are encouraged to attend events and sessions with their family. On Saturday, the youth will have a special mission opportunity to take part in from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Students will meet at Second and head to an offsite location. The youth will then return to the church after their day of mission and rejoin the congregation for a final celebration of the Awaken Your Senses to the Wonder of God Workshop.

Spiritual Growth Opportunities

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Spiritual Growth Opportunities

ChristCare Small Groups
All members of Second are encouraged to join a ChristCare Small Group. Groups consist of five to 12 people who meet twice a month (or more) for an hour and a half to focus on four activities:

Mutual care and encouragement
Prayer and worship
Practical study that relates the Bible to everyday life
Service or outreach to others

“My husband and I joined one of the ChristCare groups a few years ago, and it was a way for me to involve my husband,” explains Second member Sally Anderson. “Although I had been actively involved in quite a few programs here, he had not and we are doing this together. It’s a group of couples, and we meet twice a month in someone’s home. It’s been a good way of sharing.”

Second currently has 21 active ChristCare groups, guided by trained leaders. Most groups formed around a particular interest, such as Garden Group, One Person Households, Neighborhood Couples, Public School Teachers, Dads Group or Working Women. If you are interested in joining a group, please contact Jim Riley at 253-6461.

Sermon Archive
Our pastors present thoughtful and inspirational sermons each Sunday. If you would like to listen to one again or catch one you missed.

Visit the library for free audio CDs
Listen to, read or watch sermons at SecondChurch.org/Sermons or on our SecondChurch smartphone app
Subscribe to our sermon podcast on iTunes

Inspirational Messages
Each week, the Deacons of Second record and distribute inspirational messages to help you along your path.

Call our hotline: (317) 522-1943.
Listen to, or download messages on SecondChurch.org.
Subscribe to the Inspirational Messages podcast on iTunes.

Centering Prayer
“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

Every Monday morning when the church building is open, an interdenominational group gathers in room 403 for 30 to 45 minutes of centering prayer. The session is structured to include:

Reading of Scripture or a devotion,
Time of silence,
Reading the passage three times,
20 minutes of centering prayer.

This form of contemplative prayer has been described as “a movement beyond conversation with Christ to communion with Him.”

Audrey Pelham, who often leads the Monday morning group, says, “God speaks to us in the silence. Centering prayer is moving, calming and peaceful. It’s a time to focus on my relationship with God. When I don’t do centering prayer, my day feels off.”

The Centering Prayer sessions are open to everyone. No commitment or reservation is needed—just show up!

Centering Prayer groups meet throughout the week at various locations around Indianapolis. For more information, visit cochapters.com/indiana.html

Mindfulness Meditation
Fridays, 12:15 PM
Join others in Mindfulness Meditation on Fridays at 12:15 p.m. in Room 113. Scott Sweet, one of the CenterPoint Counseling therapists, leads a brief discussion, followed by silent practice and concluding with observations, comments or questions.

Take refuge in the present moment. Mindfulness Meditation is the opportunity to rest in the presence of God in a supportive environment with others. No experience, fee or registration is necessary.

Grief Support Groups
Wednesdays, 11:30 am-1 pm

Have you recently lost a loved one to death? Is a new normal even possible? Consider joining the grief support group. This is a supportive group that offers care and understanding. Find ways to deal with your emotions as you develop new skills and new understandings about God, yourself and those you love.

A new group is beginning January 16 and will meet on Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. for twelve weeks. If you are interested, please join us on January 16 in room 312 to hear more about how this group can support and nurture you. To register, please call Pat Shirey in the pastoral care office (317) 253-6461 ext.321.

Women’s Winter Retreat
Enjoy a 24-hour Sabbath retreat close to home. Make new friends and spend time with old friends. We will enjoy fellowship, study, reflection and prayer, as well as time with our guest speaker, Rev. Kim Olsen. See page 8 for more details.

Financial Planning
We all need a plan for our money. Financial Peace University (FPU) is that plan! It teaches God’s ways of handling money. Through video teaching, class discussions and interactive small group activities, FPU presents biblical, practical steps to get from where you are to where you’ve dreamed you could be. This plan will show you how to get rid of debt, manage your money, spend and save wisely, and much more!

Free preview classes will be held on Wednesday, January 16 at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday, January 20 at 12:15 in Room 356.

The 90 minute classes begin January 23 and conclude March 20. $95 covers the cost of materials. For more information, and to register online, go to SecondChurcg.org/FPU. You can also contact Matt Miller or John Koppitch.

What is a Labyrinth?
For centuries, Christians have walked the labyrinth as a spiritual discipline to become closer to God.

As Sharon Garlough Brown explains in Sensible Shoes, “The labyrinth simply provides an opportunity for prayer. Remember, the intent of spiritual disciplines is to create space where we can encounter God–space where we can be deeply touched and changed by God’s extravagant love for us. In walking the labyrinth, we deliberately slow down to give God our prayerful attention. We ask the Holy Spirit to help us be fully present to the One who is always with us. We quiet ourselves so we can notice the stirrings of God and respond in love, faith and obedience.”

Second has a new portable labyrinth for use inside the building. Church groups and others can make walking the labyrinth a part of their events. This Spring, Second is constructing an outdoor labyrinth for our church members, as well as community groups and individuals. The labyrinth will be accessible to anyone interested in pursuing this spiritual exercise.

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Women's Winter Retreat

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Companions on a Journey: Walking God’s Path Together
February 1-2, 2013

Ladies, mark your calendars! This winter come and enjoy a 24-hour Sabbath retreat close to home. Make new friends and spend time with old friends. We will enjoy fellowship, study, reflection and prayer, as well as listening to our guest speaker, Rev. Kim Olson. Bring your daughter, your sister, your mother or a good friend and prepare to become rested and refreshed.

We will be staying at the beautiful Fatima Retreat Center in Indianapolis. The retreat will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, February 1, and will end at 6 p.m. on Saturday, February 2. Cost is $60 for a double room and $76 for a single room. Scholarships are available. The final date to register is January 18, 2013.

For more information please contact Rev. Caitlin Deyerle or call the church office at (317)253-6461.

Friday
6 p.m. Registration
6:30 p.m. Welcome and Introductions
6:45 p.m. Dinner
7:15 p.m. Evening Prayer
7:45 p.m. First Session
9 p.m. Dessert and Fellowship

Saturday
8 a.m. Breakfast
8:45 a.m. Morning Prayer
9:15 a.m. Session II
11 a.m. Creative Reflection
12 p.m. Lunch
1 p.m. Workshops
2:30 p.m. Free Time
3:15 p.m. Session III
5 p.m. Closing Worship
6 p.m. Check Out

Register online now.

Indianapolis Great Banquet

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Great Banquet

The focus of the Great Banquet is to know Jesus as Lord and Savior and to make Him known. The Great Banquet is a 72-hour experience, beginning on Thursday evening and ending on Sunday evening. For three days, guests live and study together in a worshipful time of singing, prayer and discussion.

Each year, Second hosts five Indianapolis Great Banquets: two for men and three for women. People of various ages and faith traditions come together for renewal and rest in God’s love.

Second member Mike Mitchell describes his experience at Indianapolis Great Banquet #27:

"You experience not only fellowship, but God calls you to this banquet because it’s His time to have a one-on-one, face-to-face relationship with you personally for 72 hours. Yeah, you are there with a bunch of men or women, but God will talk to you. He will allow you to experience His unconditional love.

For those of you who are looking for some spiritual guidance and direction, one guy said it’s like putting a spiritual IV in your arm and let that IV fill you up with the Holy Spirit. It’s only 72 hours of your life; so let God be there with you for those 72 hours.

When I went through, there were 32 different churches present. It’s pretty clear at the beginning that everyone leaves his or her denomination outside the doors of this church. So, 32 different denominations are in the church for 72 hours, and it’s all about the love of God and Jesus Christ. It’s a great place to get your feet grounded to go out and start serving others and be blessed by that experience.”

My wife, Tricia and I moved to Indianapolis from Atlanta, GA in 1989. Soon afterward, we joined Second Presbyterian Church. We were casual attendees. We didn’t know many people and didn’t get involved in church activities beyond the Church Picnic and Christmas Benevolence turkeys and Delivery Day.

In 2002, Tricia attended the Indianapolis Great Banquet #28. That experience provided new avenues of Christian fellowship which she pursued: Bible Study, small group meetings and Sunday school volunteering. Her spiritual life was growing.

In October of 2004, I was invited and attended Indianapolis Great Banquet #40. I was a reluctant attendee, but had no good reason not to attend. The result of that weekend was a life changing experience for me. I was awakened to the awesome power of God’s love and grace and how God had always been with me through good times and bad; even when I believed I was in control of my life. Once my eyes and heart were open to the path that Christ wanted me to take, many opportunities to be a servant and disciple became apparent to me.

Since that experience, I have served on six Great Banquet teams, most recently as Lay Director for IGB #70, in October of 2010. In the spring of 2011, I assumed the responsibility of Community Lay Director for the Indianapolis Great Banquet. The volunteer position involves coordinating five Great Banquets each year.

I am blessed to be serving my third year as a Deacon at Second Church. I also enjoy ushering at the 9:30 service once a month. Most recently, I have an exciting opportunity serving as a Board Member for CenterPoint Counseling, a ministry of special interest to me.

God also led me to serve on three Kairos Prison Ministry teams at Pendleton Penitentiary; a ministry similar to the Great Banquet.

So what kind of difference can a three-day weekend make in a life? It changed my life dramatically and created an opportunity for diverse friendships with Christian brothers and sisters that I would have never known.

What could a Great Banquet mean to you? Find out! Talk to me or Jim Riley and plan for your Great Banquet weekend.

Bob Zachidny
Community Lay Director
Indianapolis Great Banquet

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Wednesday Morning Bible Study

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Wednesdays, 9:30 am
Room 356

Beginning February 13, the Presbyterian Women will begin a new study; the intriguing book of Esther. The story is set in the time of Persian rule. Esther, a Jewess, becomes queen and is used by Mordecai to win the reprieve of the whole people from extinction. The Jewish feast of Purim was established in celebration of this deliverance.

Join us in Room 356 at 9:30 a.m. Books will be available at the first meeting. As your schedule allows, we have prayers in the chapel at 9 a.m., coffee and fellowship at 9:15 in Room 356. For more information contact Ann Hathaway 575-8005 or Julia Erickson 845-4064.

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Small Group Invitation

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

First and Third Fridays, 7 pm

Please join Dwight and Lorna Podgurski, Coordinators of Campus Ministries, for a new small group that will be offered at their home (4529 Brookshire Pkwy, Carmel, 46033) on the first and third Fridays of each month at 7 p.m. The first small group will begin January 4, 2013. The goal will be fellowship with Bible study, food and games, and it’s open to all ages, gender and marital status.

Contact Dwight Podgurski for more information.

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Endowment

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Who cares about transforming the world through worship, mission, discipleship, giving, and fellowship?

Second Presbyterian Endowment Fund does!

Our Endowment does much more than help repair, maintain and improve our building and grounds, it also supports:

Christian Education
??Christmas Benevolence
??Urban Mission
??Youth Mission Trips
??CenterPoint Counseling
??Music and Fine Arts
??Lake Fellows
??Footsteps of Faith
??New Programs and Ministries
??Open Arms Ministry
Seminary Scholarships
??Children’s Circle Preschool
??And much, much more…

??Our Endowment is not a substitute for our generosity today.

Our Endowment enhances our ability to be a transforming community of Jesus Christ.

For more information about the Second Presbyterian Church Endowment Fund, please contact John Koppitch, Director of Stewardship and Endowment.

175 Units for the 175th Anniversary!

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

For patients who have surgery or have a disease such as leukemia or cancer, the need for blood is both critical and continuous. The Indiana Blood Center estimates that “someone needs blood every two seconds.” Many members of our own congregation have needed blood in their lifetime – some quite recently.

During 2012, Second set a new record of 150 units of blood donated during the calendar year. Over two years, we have seen a 40% increase in donations, but we can do more.

In 2013, the Deacons are encouraging the donation of 175 units for the 175th Anniversary. To meet this goal, we need to collect an average of 40 units of blood per drive (roughly equal to an average 1% of the congregation). We also hope to see 10% growth in the total number of donations for the year.

The best way to participate in the blood drives is to go to through the Indiana Blood Center website to and establish a profile. You can find the next available drive at Second Presbyterian Church (at least 30 days ahead) and set an appointment at a convenient time. Scheduling an appointment is simple and takes roughly 30 seconds.

You can always call Amy Lee at the church at 254-6461, ext. 332, to set an appointment and walk-ins are also welcome. If you wish to set a standard time for future drives, we will happily do this for you. It is highly recommended that you prepare to give blood by drinking plenty of water and getting some food in your system. This will help to prevent discomfort afterward.

My wife has had two open-heart surgeries, and my father had a quadruple heart bypass operation. We also know many people both in and outside our congregation who have battled cancer or other illness. In all these cases, I am enormously thankful to those who donated the lifeblood that was needed to make the miracles of healing and good health happen.

I give blood for my wife, father and many others in our congregation who have battled illness. My personal commitment will be to give a minimum of 4 units in the coming year. My question for you is: For whom and how much blood will you give in 2013?

Bob McElroy, Deacon

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Food is a Basic Need. You Can Help!

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The fact that so many people go without enough to eat is an injustice.

"O Taste and See that the Lord is good.” Psalm 34:8

God’s grace in Jesus Christ moves us to help our neighbors, whether they live in the next house, the next state or the next continent. We must all do our part to end hunger throughout the world.

Confronting the problem of hunger can seem overwhelming. What can one person possibly do?

1) Learn how advocacy shapes the policies and programs that work to alleviate hunger. Attend the Voices Uniting to End Hunger Conference here at Second on Saturday, February 2. David Beckmann, president of the Christian hunger advocacy organization, Bread for the World, is the keynote speaker and will preach at Second on Sunday morning, February 3. You can be part of a collective Christian voice urging our nation’s decision makers to end hunger at home and abroad. For details, or to register, lease click the events tab at CTS.edu. See the invitation to the right.

2) Write to Congress. Everyone—including government—must do their part to end hunger. Make your voices heard in Congress by speaking out for the needs of hungry and poor people. Members of Second Presbyterian are invited to write personal letters to their members of Congress. This outpouring of concern sends a powerful message to our political leaders and helps us move closer to ending hunger. Studies have shown that even in this era of e-mail, handwritten personal letters are still the most powerful way to reach members of Congress.

In February, the Hunger Ministry Team is conducting the annual Bread for the World Offering of Letters. On February 3, 10 and 17, come to McFarland Hall following worship and write your member of Congress. All supplies and information will be provided.

We appreciate your prayers as we serve the gospel of Jesus Christ through the advocacy of the Offering of Letters. We believe in our moral obligation to give with an open hand and heart, regardless of political ideology or background.

Judy Lauer, Hunger Ministry Team

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Souper Bowl of Caring

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

On Sunday February 3, 2013, 140 million Americans will tune in to the Super Bowl football game. There will be parties with abundant food, friendship and fellowship. At the same time, there will be people worrying about staying warm, finding shelter and a warm meal. Please join young people around the country as they demonstrate God’s love by loving their neighbors through the Souper Bowl of Caring. It’s a simple, yet significant act of caring for others. Drop your monetary donation in the soup pot as you leave worship on February 3.

Additionally, our church is having a Souper Bowl food drive. Risers are set up on the first floor, just beyond the Atrium in the old elevator lobby. Throughout January and into February we will be collecting non-perishable food items to support the Westminster Neighborhood Ministries and Northside Food Pantries. Our food-insecure neighbors here in Indianapolis benefit from your generosity.

The Souper Bowl of Caring was born in 1990 when a Presbyterian Youth Group gathered for a party on Super Bowl Sunday. A prayer was offered “Lord, even as we enjoy the Super Bowl football game, help us be mindful of those who are without a bowl of soup to eat.” In response to that prayer, groups have set aside the first Sunday in February to collect money and food items for hunger related charities in their communities.

The Souper Bowl of Caring project at Second Presbyterian is jointly sponsored by the Hunger Ministry Team and the Youth Department. Contact Rev. Rachel Wann with any questions, 253-6461.

Children and Family

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

FAMILIES@5 Worship
5 pm Sundays, Chapel

Where families grow in faith and fellowship

On the Road Again… We continue our journey of faith as we join Jesus on the road. Families with young children (ages 3 – 12) will particularly enjoy this lively and interactive worship service.

January 6 – Epiphany: Look! Wise Men (and Women and Children) Journey to the Manger — Matthew 2:1-12
January 13 – Baptism: We Journey with Jesus to the Jordan River — Luke 3:15-17 and 21-22
January 20 – Celebrate: We Journey with Jesus to a Wedding — John 2:1-11
January 27 – Home: We Journey with Jesus to Nazareth — Luke 4:14-21

VBS 2013
June 24-28

Children from 4 – 94, mark your calendar now for Vacation Bible School 2013. Children and volunteers look forward to this special time to celebrate, learn and serve. Look for registration and volunteer information coming in March.

Friends@Camp
July 26 – August 2, 2013

Mark your calendars now. A week of swimming, hiking, Bible study, playing, campfires and friend making. Campers, volunteers and sponsors are needed to make our second annual week at Camp Pyoca a success.

Campers – Children who have completed grades 2-8 are invited to spend 5 days at camp. Camp brochures may be found in the literature racks at church or on our website.
Sponsors – We are hoping to sponsor 60 campers from Westminster Neighborhood Ministries who are unable to afford any portion of the expense for the week. $300 will provide a life changing week of camp for a child. If you would like to sponsor a child, you may designate your contribution to Friends@Pyoca Scholarship Fund. Contributions may be made by cash or check or by credit card through e-giving.
Volunteers – Last year, 12 volunteers from Second, joined the staff of Westminster Neighborhood Ministries, Second Presbyterian and Pyoca Camp and Conference Center to teach special activities like fishing, crafts and environmental education. Volunteers also served as mentors in family groups. Come for the whole week or just for a day. Share your talent. Relive your camp memories. Nurture a child.

For camper and volunteer registration or to sponsor a child, visit SecondChurch.org/FriendsAtCamp.

Kids' Night Out
Friday, February 15, 6-10 pm

A Gift of Fun… A Gift of Time The Dad’s Ministry and Welcome Baby are teaming up once again to provide a fun night for kids (ages infant – 5th grade) and a time out for parents. Child care will be provided for the littlest ones, while older children will enjoy a pizza supper, games, crafts, a Bible lesson and a movie. For more information and to register for Kid’s Night Out, visit our website at SecondChurch.org/KidsNight.

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Don’t Miss the Award-Winning Louisville Leopard Percussionists

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

WORKSHOP : Sunday, January 27, 11:15 am - Noon

Second Presbyterian boys and girls are invited to enjoy a workshop with the Louisville Leopard Percussionists, Sunday, January 27, from 11:15 a.m. until Noon in the Multipurpose Room. While participation in the workshop is limited to 20 youngsters grade 3 and up, children age 4 to grade 2 will concurrently have an opportunity to observe and learn how to play bongo and conga drums, djembes and other percussion instruments.

This nationally famous group of children has performed in many venues and pulls its membership from the Louisville, Kentucky, metropolitan area. Percussionists will teach attendees how to play mallet instruments and will share a number of pieces at the later performance, 1 – 2 p.m., also in the Multipurpose Room.

PERFORMANCE: Sunday, January 27, 1-2 pm

The 1 p.m. performance is open to the entire congregation. Admission is free. A free lunch will be served to the children prior to the performance (simultaneously with the Congregational Lunch) by advance registration at SecondChurch.org/MFA or in person at the Music & Fine Arts office. The registration deadline for the lunch is Monday, January 21.

Sponsored by the Department of Music and Fine Arts, the Louisville Leopard Percussionists is comprised of over 60 musicians ages seven through twelve. They play jazz, ragtime, pop and original compositions on a full range of percussion instruments. Their creator is awardwinning educator Diane Downs.

Their many accomplishments include appearances at the International Association of Jazz Education conference in Manhattan, the Duke Ellington Jazz Festival in Washington, D.C. and the recording of four CDs. They are featured in an HBO documentary, The Little Band that Roared. Bring your children to the workshop and then join them for the concert.

For more information contact the MFA office, MFA@SecondChurch.org.

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Entry Level Mission Activity

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

You are invited to help host local families at Second for the week of January 13 to 19.

Serve dinner one evening.
Play with kids in the evening.
Stay at the church one night with our guests.
Help with breakfast one morning.
Drive the families to or from the day center one day.

Give an evening or a few hours of your time to extend hospitality to our neighbors. To volunteer or find out more, contact Amy Lee (253-6461) or Dianne Berry.

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Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Second's History

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Presented by: Fred Kortepeter
Wednesday, February 6
11:30 am to 1:15 p.m.

2013 marks the 175^th Anniversary for Second Presbyterian Church. Join us in the Common Room for a fun-filled luncheon as Fred Kortepeter shares his knowledge and experiences at Second.

Fred is a long-time member of Second Presbyterian Church. He was born into this church and baptized here 70 years ago. Fred has done extensive research into the history of Second and will share fun stories and facts about the Church’s history. Everyone is sure to have an enjoyable time.

Non-refundable, prepaid reservations are required at $8/person and will be available at the reception desk during business hours and in McFarland Hall during coffee hour on January 20 and 27. This event is open to all ages. Reservation deadline is Monday, January 28 at Noon.

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Letter from Lewis

Sat, 01 Dec 2012 05:00:00 GMT

'And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.' (John 1:14)

Dear Friends:

It seems like we spend so much time waiting. We wait for a sales report, a special trip, the results of an exam, a home repair to be finished or an anniversary celebration. I don’t think we want to calculate the amount of time we spend waiting for the phone to ring, a friend to come or the next available clerk to check us out. Of course, we wait for more important things: a relationship to improve, a child to work through a serious problem, a desperately needed job to materialize or an operation to bring healing. Living with anticipation is a part of what it means to be human and to live in a particular time and place in relationship with others. Advent is the season of the church year when we live in anticipation of what God is doing in the birth, life, death, resurrection and return of Jesus Christ.

Even as we lean into the future in anticipation of what is to come, the Bible tells us that the future comes to us in Jesus Christ. You could say that in Jesus the future leans toward us. As John says, Jesus is the eternal word made flesh. In Jesus we see the glory of God revealed and we come to know God’s grace and truth. In Jesus, the future breaks into our world because we see God’s plan for human life and the way things will be when Christ returns and God’s kingdom comes in full.

Jesus reveals the truth of God to us. We look to Jesus revealed in the scriptures to see who God is, what the nature of creation is and where the meaning and purpose of human life are to be found. Sometimes we seek to know God through our observation of the natural world or within our own thoughts and conscience. The knowledge of God in scripture corrects and completes our sometimes confused, inadequate and even mistaken notions of God that arise from other sources. I am fond of Calvin’s image that compares the scriptures to a pair of spectacles. Without our corrective lenses the world and God are out of focus. When we look through the lens of scripture, the God, the world and even ourselves come into clear focus. Jesus also reveals the truth about our lives. In him we see how God wants us to live; in him we see human life perfected and made whole in community with one another.

Every time we catch ourselves becoming frustrated by all the waiting we do, may we remember to wait upon God who comes in Jesus to redeem us, to set us free and to give us hope. He will come again to welcome us into the heavenly kingdom.

Yours in Christ,

Lewis F. Galloway

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Advent 2012

Sat, 01 Dec 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Experience the beauty and mystery of Christ’s birth as Second Church’s choirs present the music of Advent and Christmas beginning Sunday, December 2, at 9:30 and 11 a.m., when the Sanctuary Choir and baritone soloist, Kevin Trager, sing Herbert Howells’ anthem, A Spotless Rose. Communion anthems will be Of the Father’s Love Begotten and Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) by Healey Willan.

The Second@Six service that day will feature the semiprofessional choral ensemble, The Beecher Singers, in a beautiful candlelight hour of beloved scripture, hymns and carols of the Advent season.

Children’s Music Sunday is set for December 9, at 9:30 and 11 a.m., when Cherub, Carol and Crusader Choirs will be joined by the Youth Ensemble in celebratory and uplifting anthems. The Sanctuary Choir will sing Grammy Award-winning composer Eric Whitacre’s magical Lux Aurumque (Light and Gold) from a poem by Edward Esch, which begins with the word 'light' and ends as angels sing softly to the new-born baby Jesus.

Sanctuary Choir and Festival Orchestra will feature Gerald Finzi’s Magnificat, the song of Mary, Sunday, December 16, Christmas Music Sunday. Soloists Caitlin Deranek, Mitzi Westra, John Brewer and Howard Baetzhold will be conducted by Director of Music and Fine Arts, Dr. Michelle L. Louer. The offertory will be Mary’s Magnificat by Andrew Carter.

That evening, the Youth Ensemble, Crusader Choir and Beecher Singers will perform Vivaldi’s sparkling Gloria at Second@Six. Accompanied by Chamber Orchestra, soloists will be Caitlin Deranek, Gina Walker and Danielle Steele. Kris Sanchack, Director of Youth Music, will conduct.

The fourth Sunday of Advent, December 23, the Sanctuary Choir will sing Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine by, Ralph Vaughan Williams. Offertory soloist will be Erin Benedict; the benediction will be Unto Us a Child Is Born by Gary Alan Smith.

Christmas Eve, Monday, December 24, will offer four services. At 4 p.m., families with young children may enjoy worship especially tailored for little boys and girls. Come at 7 p.m. for a candlelit hour of preparation for the arrival of our Savior, led by Second Church youth.

The 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. services of anthems and carols will be sung by the Sanctuary Choir and soloists, under the direction of Dr. Michelle L. Louer, and will feature the Finzi Magnificat, A Spotless Rose by Howells, How Great Our Joy arranged by John Rutter and Lux Aurumque by Whitacre.

Advent Devotionals and Lectionary - Week 1

Sat, 01 Dec 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Week 1 - Hope: Light your first purple or blue candle on the Advent wreath, saying together, “We light this candle in hope, bright hope; Jesus is our hope!”

Prophecy in Jeremiah

“The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: “The LORD is our righteousness.” Jeremiah 33:14-16

Most people think of prophesy as a prediction of future events. We imagine prophets like Jeremiah being glorified fortune tellers who look in glass balls to predict the future. However, a prophet is much more than a psychic. Prophets testify to God’s character in the past, present and future. They remind us who God is when it is easy to forget.

It would have been easy for the people of Jeremiah’s time to forget God’s character and promises. Imagine their situation: You are in exile. You never thought this day would come; you thought that God would protect Jerusalem, Judah and God’s beloved people. Then Babylon attacked, pillaged your hometown, Jerusalem, destroyed the Temple—the place where God resided, killed thousands, then carried others, including you, to Babylon. You were separated from your family and have not seen any of them since you left Jerusalem. You are not hopeful; you saw too many people killed, too many buildings burned to the ground to think that your family could have survived. You are alone, weak from dehydration and hunger and practically faithless. The Temple was destroyed; how could God still be alive? Maybe it would just be better if you converted to Babylon’s faith and customs, at least you wouldn’t be mocked anymore for believing in a losing faith.

What the Israelites felt was despair and hopelessness. They had experienced the worst type of trauma and destruction. Their land, bodies, spirits and faith were ravaged. But then they hear these words of Jeremiah, words of restoration and promise. Jeremiah speaks words of justice, righteousness and hope into a situation where only despair seems possible. Although their situation is dark and dismal, the people are reminded who God is and the promises God has made: promises to be with them, to bless them, to make them a blessing to all the earth (Gen. 12:1-4). They are reminded of what God has done in the past; God has brought them out of the land of Egypt and, after forty years of wandering, God delivered them into the Promised Land. In unexpected ways, God has cared for God’s people. Now, Jeremiah points to the future, “The days are surely coming.” Jeremiah is emphatic: death and destruction do not have the last word. God has the last word.

In the beginning of Advent, we also cling to hope in God’s future that often seems impossible. This promised future still seems far removed from our reality. When will justice and righteousness come? When will we live in a world where everyone lives in safety without fear? There are parts of this prophecy we are still waiting and watching for. Yet, through the birth and life of Jesus, we see glimmers of this future reality. Through this prophecy, we turn from despair to hope, knowing “the days are surely coming” when God will fulfill all God’s promises. Amen. Rev. Anna Fulmer

Sunday, December 2: First Sunday of Advent
Jeremiah 33:14-16; Psalm 25:1-10;
1 Thessalonians 3:9-13; Luke 21:25-36

8:15 AM
Dr. Glen Bell preaching: Straight and Smooth
Amos 7:10-17 and Luke 3:1-18
Offertory: Carol Helmling, flute

9:30 & 11 AM
Dr. Glen Bell preaching: Straight and Smooth
Anthem: A Spotless Rose – Herbert Howells
Sanctuary Choir: Dr. Michelle L. Louer, director

5 pm - Families@five
Rev. Caroline Dennis preaching: Journey with Hope
The light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it.

6 pm - Second@six
Advent Lessons & Carols Candlelight Service featuring Arvo Pärt’s Magnificat Beecher Singers: Dr. Michelle Louer, director

Monday, December 3
Psalm 90; Numbers 17:1-11; 2 Peter 3:1-18

Tuesday, December 4
Psalm 90; 2 Samuel 7:18-29; Revelation 22:12-16

Wednesday, December 5
Psalm 90; Isaiah 1:24-31; Luke 11:29-32

Thursday, December 6
Luke 1:68-79; Malachi 3:5-12; Philippians 1:12-18a

Friday, December 7
Luke 1:68-79; Malachi 3:13-18; Philippians 1:18b-26

Saturday, December 8
Luke 1:68-79; Malachi 4:1-6; Luke 9:1-6

Advent Text Messages

Sat, 01 Dec 2012 05:00:00 GMT

We invite you to 'opt in' to receive a daily text message from the church at 7 p.m. each evening during the entire Advent season. Each text will contain a short message and scripture to remind you of the season and help you stay focused on the true meaning of Christmas and Advent.

To sign up, simply text the word ADVENT to the shortcode 69302. You will receive a “thank you” text once you are added to the list. Standard text message rates do apply.

Online Devotionals for Youth and Families

Sat, 01 Dec 2012 05:00:00 GMT

We invite all youth (6th through 12th grades) to go to the Aspire Youth Ministries website (SecondChurch.org/youth) for an online Advent devotional. The weekly readings will be listed with a short devotional and a suggested family activity (many of the activities will be service oriented). We hope this is a blessing to you and your Advent season.

Advent Devotionals and Lectionary - Week 2

Sat, 01 Dec 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Week 2 - Peace: Light your second purple or blue candle on the Advent wreath, saying together, “We light this candle in peace; Jesus is our peace!”

What God Has Prepared

“See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight—indeed, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears. For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fuller’s soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the LORD in righteousness. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the LORD as in the days of old and as in former years.’” Malachi 3: 1-4

We sit in a privileged position at this point in the year, counting off days until the stockings are un-hung and all the packages are ripped open in delight. Each day puts another “X” on the calendar which moves us closer to the one day circled in red pen: December 25th. Our anticipation builds because we know what’s coming; we know some of the joys that await us; we’ve seen it all before. The calendar tells us we can measure the progress of time. We know when Mary and Joseph will lay the Christ-child in the manger. We know what happens after that, too.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing, it’s 20/20 vision after all, but it doesn’t have quite the same mysterious quality as foresight. Prophets have foresight. They often tell us what will happen—or what has happened—but not quite in the way we’ve seen it or will see it. Why should we expect to see things the same as prophets? Prophets are wild. They live out in the desert eating locusts and honey and seeing things in trances and visions and dreams. The prophet Isaiah once saw God enthroned in heaven. How could he ever see earth the same way again?

Malachi is one of these prophets. In fact, his name simply means “my messenger;” he is defined by his role. We don’t know how wild he was, or much about him at all really. His job was to announce the presence of God to Israel. Malachi is privileged, too. His book is the last one in the Old Testament so, in the tradition, he has kind of the final word on what has happened before and he gets to project what happens next. He says that a messenger is coming, God will return to God’s temple and righteousness will reign. Just over the page, Jesus shows up.

Maybe this is the subtlety of Malachi’s humor or his wildness. Maybe the nature of prophecy is ambiguous enough that Malachi himself didn’t foresee what “The LORD coming to his Temple” would look like. How can the LORD of Creation purify Judah and Jerusalem from a cattle stall in the body of an infant?

Yet, we know the answer to this question from the hindsight of the cross. We know what the rest of the story looks like. However, even from this privileged perspective we don’t have the whole story because it’s ongoing. We’re living in it today. The prophets’ words still ring true as they point us through the calendar.

We know God has come to earth at Christmas. We await it every year. It is always mysterious. Great is the mystery of faith: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again. Rev. Will Scott

Sunday, December 9 - Second Sunday of Advent
Malachi 3:1-4; Luke 1:68-79;
Philippians 1:3-11; Luke 3:1-6

8:15 AM
Offertory: Edson Youth Choir
Dr. Lewis Galloway preaching: Resistance and Acceptance
Isaiah 42:1-7; Luke 1:26-38

9:30 & 11 AM
Children’s Christmas Music Sunday
Dr. Lewis Galloway preaching: Resistance and Acceptance
Isaiah 42:1-7; Luke 1:26-38
Music by the Cherub, Carol and Crusader Choirs
Anthem: Lux Aurumque – Eric Whitacre
Sanctuary Choir: Dr. Michelle L. Louer, director

5 pm - Families @ Five
Rev. Caroline Dennis preaching: Journey with Peace
Isaiah 11:6-9

6 pm - Second @ Six
Jazz Trio with Erin Benedict, soloist

Monday, December 10
Psalm 126; Isaiah 40:1-11; Romans 8:22-25

Tuesday, December 11
Psalm 126; Isaiah 19:18-25; 2 Peter 1:2-15

Wednesday, December 12
Psalm 126; Isaiah 35:3-7; Luke 7:18-30

Thursday, December 13
Isaiah 12:2-6; Amos 6:1-8; 2 Corinthians 8:1-15

Friday, December 14
Isaiah 12:2-6; Amos 8:4-12; 2 Corinthians 9:1-15

Saturday, December 15
Isaiah 12:2-6; Amos 9:8-15; Luke 1:57-66

Coming Home for Christmas

Sat, 01 Dec 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Inspiring Speaker Series

Coming Home for Christmas
Connie Taylor Shakalis

December 13, 2012, 11:15 a.m.
McFarland Hall

The Christmas holidays are a time for gathering with family and friends to celebrate the birth of Christ and to share the love and gifts which have blessed us. Please mark your calendars to join Presbyterian Women in December as the talented vocalist, Connie Shakalis, is “Coming Home For Christmas” to entertain us with various musical selections.

Connie, an award winning vocalist and actress from Huntington Station, New York, attended Broad Ripple High School, Indiana University and began her career in Indianapolis appearing in local productions at Civic Theater, Beef and Boards and Starlight Musicals. Connie then returned to New York to pursue her career. She has sung in many of the top cabarets in NYC as well as performed lead roles in musicals throughout the United States.

Currently, she regularly sings with the “Music on the Sound” Opera Series in Port Jefferson and with the Long Island Accordian Alliance at LaVillini Restaurant in East Northport, NY, where she performs selections from operas and Broadway musicals, as well as ethnic folk melodies. She has performed the role of Dolly in Hello, Dolly; Nellie in South Pacific; Maria in The Sound of Music and Fiona in Brigadoon, to name a few of her starring roles. Additionally, she has written and performed in numerous night-club acts.

Reservations for the December lunch gathering will be available for $15 on Sunday, November 25, December 2, and 9, in McFarland Hall during fellowship, at the church reception desk during regular business hours or online at SecondChurch.org/PW.

Free childcare is also available by calling 252-5519 at least one week prior to the event.

Upcoming Inspiring Speakers

Lauren Dungy
March 14, 2013, 11:15 a.m.

Karla Dornacher
May 9, 2013, 11:15 a.m.
143^rd PRAISE GATHERING

Advent Devotionals and Lectionary - Week 3

Sat, 01 Dec 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Week 3 - Joy: Light the pink candle on the Advent wreath, saying together, “We light this candle in great joy; Jesus is our joy!”

Train Your Eyes on the Horizon

“Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! The LORD has taken away the judgments against you, he has turned away your enemies. The king of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; you shall fear disaster no more. On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands grow weak. The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing as on a day of festival. I will remove disaster from you, so that you will not bear reproach for it. I will deal with all your oppressors at that time. And I will save the lame and gather the outcast, and I will change their shame into praise and renown in all the earth. At that time I will bring you home, at the time when I gather you; for I will make you renowned and praised among all the peoples of the earth, when I restore your fortunes before your eyes, says the LORD.” Zephaniah 3:14-20

Some people see things others don’t. Like the great fictional detective, Sherlock Holmes, many of us have great powers of observation in particular areas of passion and expertise. Take my father-in-law, whose love of military history means he never misses a chance to identify even the tiniest plane flying overhead that I do not even notice. The prophet Zephaniah is the same way—his passion and knowledge of God’s justice and mercy allow him to see rays of hope where others see only an empty gray sky.

The people of Israel are in the midst of one of the most tragic moments of their history—their land is being conquered by outsiders, the city of Jerusalem is destroyed, they are refugees without a home. But Zephaniah has the eyes of a prophet. Prophets look beyond the harsh realities of the present and proclaim that God is still there, still alive “in our midst,” even in times of suffering. He can see what others do not always see because he is an expert student of God’s character of faithfulness. So, Zephaniah trains his eyes on the horizon looking toward the fulfillment of God’s promises.

In Advent we are called to be prophets too—to train our eyes on the horizon, to be watchful for signs of God “in our midst.” As Advent prophets, we sharpen our eyesight through the celebration of God’s acts of steadfast love and mercy. We put up nativity scenes, we retell stories of angels announcing the birth of a savior and we place that guiding star atop our trees to remind us that we have more evidence of God’s faithfulness than even the prophet Zephaniah did. Jesus Christ is the ultimate evidence that our God is “in our midst” or, as we like to say this time of year, “Emmanuel” which means “God with us.” So, like Zephaniah, we call on one another to sing, to rejoice in the anticipation that God is always with us in Jesus Christ and that God’s justice and mercy will ultimately be victorious. Rev. Caitlin Deyerle

Sunday, December 16 - Third Sunday of Advent
Zephaniah 3:14-20; Isaiah 12:2-6;
Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:7-18

8:15 AM
Offertory: Laura Erhart, soprano

9:30 & 11:15 AM
Christmas Music Sunday
Dr. Lewis Galloway preaching: Mary's Song
Luke 1:39-56
Anthems: Magnificat – Gerald FinziMary’s Magnificat – Andrew Carter
Sanctuary Choir & Festival Orchestra
Dr. Michelle L. Louer, director

5 PM - Families@Five
Brown Bag Nativity
Luke 2:1-20
No practice necessary! Children ages 3 to 5th grade (and their parents) will experience the wonder of Jesus’ birth as we tell the story again and sing our favorite Christmas Carols. Arrive at 4:30 to put on your sheep, angel or shepherd costume and prepare to greet the baby Jesus and share the good news.

6 pm - Second@Six
Vivaldi Gloria with chamber orchestra, Crusader Choir, Edson Youth Choir and the Beecher Singers; Kristopher Sanchack, director

Monday, December 17
Isaiah 11:1-9; Numbers 16:1-19; Hebrews 13:7-17

Tuesday, December 18
Isaiah 11:1-9; Numbers 16:20-35; Acts 28:23-31

Wednesday, December 19
Isaiah 11:1-9; Micah 4:8-13; Luke 7:31-35

Thursday, December 20
Psalm 80:1-7; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 10:10-18

Friday, December 21
Psalm 80:1-7; Isaiah 42:10-18; Hebrews 10:32-39

Saturday, December 22
Psalm 80:1-7; Isaiah 66:7-11; Luke 13:31-35

Christmas Benevolence 2012

Sat, 01 Dec 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Extending Hospitality And Care To Our Neighbors In Need

With Christmas Benevolence, the Deacons are trying to reach out more into our immediate neighborhood within Washington Township. In doing so, we are helping some of the same neighbors that are served by our Northside Ministry Food Pantry. We are allocating more resources to the township trustee and working with our food pantry workers to try to coordinate the care within the shadow of the Spire. We are also doing more face-to-face interaction with our social services agency workers who help us with clients to serve at Christmas. We invited the agency workers to a kick-off breakfast this year and are hoping to involve them more in the clothing selection sessions with their clients.

Phil Ireland, 2012 Chair of Deacon’s Christmas Benevolence Committee

CHRISTMAS BENEVOLENCE VOLUNTEER SCHEDULE DECEMBER 2012
Find out more information and sign up online to volunteer.

Dec. 4 Clothing Selection; Clothing & Gift Wrap
9:00 am – 12:00 n, 1:00 – 3:30 pm 6:00 – 8:30 pm
Child care by appointment*

Dec. 5 Clothing Selection; Clothing & Gift Wrap
9:00 am – 12:00 n, 1:00 – 3:30 pm, 6:00 – 8:30 pm
Child care by appointment*

Dec. 7 Clothing Selection & Gift Wrapping
9:00 am – 12:00 n, 1:00 – 3:30 pm, 6:00 – 8:30 pm
Child care by appointment*Lunch 12 noon

Dec. 8 Clothing Selection 9:00 am –2:15 pm
Child care by appointment*
Lunch 12:00 noon

Dec. 9 Turkey Drop-Off before each service

Dec. 10 Clothes & Gift Wrapping 9:00 am – 12:00 n
Pack up MPR and get tables for food set up

Dec. 11 Clothing & Gift wrapping 9:00 am -12:00n
Food Delivery 12:00 noon

Dec. 12 Food Selection 6:00-8:30 pm
Child Care by appointment*
Supper at 5:00 pm

Dec. 13 Food Selection 6:00 – 8:30 pm
Child care by appointment*
Supper 5:00 pm

Dec. 14
CB deacons complete boxing tasks
Help set up for delivery day

Dec. 15 DELIVERY DAY
Unload freezer 6:30 am
Coordinators’ meeting 8:00 am
Deliveries 9 am – 11:00
Chili/Hot Dog Lunch 11 – 1

Meals will be served in the Community Room.

Clothing Selection and Food Selection are in the Multi-Purpose Room. Gift Wrapping is in the Common Room. New Clothes Wrapping is in Room 230.

*To make a reservation for child care, please call 252-5519 at least one week in advance.

Advent Devotional and Lectionary - Week 4

Sat, 01 Dec 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Week 4 - Love: Light your third purple or blue candle on the Advent wreath, saying together, “We light this candle in God’s love; Jesus is our love!” – Micah 5:2-5a

In Whom Does Our Security Rest?
“But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has brought forth; then the rest of his kindred shall return to the people of Israel. And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth; and he shall be the one of peace.”

As we approach the fourth week of Advent, the lectionary guides us to the prophet Micah. Admittedly, this prophet is writing in a difficult time in the southern kingdom of Judah. Jerusalem is under siege, as is much of Judah, by the Assyrian empire and their king has suffered humiliation at their hand. At the time, the people felt (understandably) as if there was no hope for this insecure world.

Like ancient Judah, it often seems like our world is in a perpetual state of insecurity. War, poverty, hunger and political strife ring true throughout much of the world and even the most comfortable of us cannot escape the pains of disease, death and loss. This insecure world we live in has (also understandably) left people with little or no hope at all. This reality beckons the twin questions of: in whom does our security rest and in whom can we hope?

Through the prophet Micah, God is promising a security the world cannot match. Verse four tells us: “and they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth.” Micah reassures the Judeans that our God is a God who promises hope to the hopeless, security to the insecure. The source of this hope, this security, is not in the conventional institutions of a monarch, but in the anticipated coming of a new kind of ruler in Israel; not from the places of power, but of lowly Bethlehem— the city of David. This ruler will “feed his flock” (v. 4), proclaim God’s majesty “and he shall be the one of peace.” (v. 5)

Nancy Taylor claims that security is “the thrilling substance of our Advent hope.” Advent reminds us year after year that the source of our security and our hope does not rest in earthly institutions, but in the One whose birth we are anticipating and will soon celebrate. In Christ, God provides true security and true hope from every trouble in our lives. Indeed, the prophet’s words also point us toward a future in which God’s kingdom will truly be realized through Christ—and his reign will be one of peace.

So as we make the fourth turn of our Advent track this year and make our way into the final straightaway: may we, like Micah, be able to proclaim hope to the hopeless and security to the insecure as we sing: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel and ransom captive Israel.” Rev. Jim Lunde

Nancy S. Taylor, “Micah 5:2-5a Pastoral Perspective” in Feasting on the Word Year C. Vol. 4 WJK, 2009. pg. 74-79.

Sunday, December 23 - Fourth Sunday of Advent
Micah 5:2-5a; Luke 1:47-55 or Psalm 80:1-7;
Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-45 (46-55)

8:15 AM
Dr. Lewis Galloway preaching: Breaking Tradition
Isaiah 43:15-20; Matthew 1:18-25
Offertory: Julia Erickson & Cindy Colter, sopranos

9:30 & 11 AM
Dr. Lewis Galloway preaching: Breaking Tradition
Isaiah 43:15-20; Matthew 1:18-25
Anthem: Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine– arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams
Offertory: Erin Benedict, alto

NO Families@five

6 PM - Second@six
Jazz Trio with Erin Benedict, soloist

Monday, December 24
Christmas Eve (Morning)
Isaiah 9:2-7; Psalm 96; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-14 (15-20)

Monday, December 24
Christmas Eve (Evening)
Evening Psalms: 132, 114; Isaiah 59:15b-21; Philippians 2:5-11

4 pm - Children and Family Service
Rev. Caroline Dennis

7 pm - Service of Lessons, Candles and Carols
Rev. Brian Shivers and the Aspire Youth Ministries

9 pm - Service of Lessons, Candles and Carols
Dr. Lewis Galloway
Prelude begins at 8:45 p.m.
Music of the season presented by the Sanctuary Choir and Brass
Dr. Michelle L. Louer, director

11 pm - Service of Holy Communion
Dr. Lewis Galloway
Prelude begins at 10:45 p.m.
Music of the season presented by the Sanctuary Choir and Brass
Dr. Michelle L. Louer, director

Rosanna Hardin Hall

Sat, 01 Dec 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Several paintings and watercolors created by Rosanna Hardin Hall will be on view in McFarland Hall from December 2 through February 9 as part of our “Sacred Journeys” series of exhibits.

The theme is appropriate to Rosanna’s work, as her journeys take her to Gardens of Paradise, ancient gardens in Pompeii, and Mughal gardens in India. Many of the Renaissance gardens in Italy she has painted were created by the Catholic Church where the clerics may have contemplated what Heaven might be, hoping it would be something like their gardens with their fountains, shade trees and paths for peaceful, contemplative strolls.

Rosanna employs many pains-taking techniques and influences in creating her art as she mentions in her artist’s statement:

'Several techniques are designed to enhance my work. I capture magical sunlight and long shadows by using a black mirror; grind my own pigments; create thumbnail sketches, and use size-sighting. . . I am influenced by Renaissance artists of Italy. In addition, 19th century Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot influences me through his mastery of plein air painting based on neo-classic draftsmanship and composition. . .'

Rosanna exhibits her work at her gallery, Villa dell’Artista, in historic Woodruff Place. She participates in the Indianapolis Downtown Artists and Dealers Association (IDADA) First Friday gallery tours. Rosanna helped produce David Letterman’s first talk show, “Cloverpower,” in Indianapolis, appearing as his guest several times.

For a preview of Rosanna’s work, visit www.rosannahall.net. She will occasionally be present at Sunday Coffee Hour (10:30 to 11 a.m.) during the run of her exhibit to meet you and discuss her work. Her full biography and artist’s statement may be found on the Music and Fine Arts page at SecondChurch.org/MFA.

Advent Devotionals and Lectionary - Christmas Day

Sat, 01 Dec 2012 05:00:00 GMT

The Nativity of Jesus Christ, Christmas Day Devotionals

On Christmas Day and the following week: Today we relight all the candles on the Advent wreath: Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. Jesus makes them possible for us. We light the Christ candle to celebrate Jesus’ birth. Jesus shines in the darkness making it LIGHT!

What Simeon Saw

“Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon . . . and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus . . . Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,

“Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”

And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, ‘Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.’” – Luke 2:25-35

It’s quite a scene: The old man, Simeon, in the temple, holding the baby, Jesus. The old man has been promised by the Holy Spirit that he will not die until he sees the Lord’s Messiah. And now . . . now at last he holds this child in his arms. And before he lifts his eyes to praise God, he looks down, and sees . . . well, what does he see?

A baby? Yes, of course. The end of his years and years of waiting? Yes, that too. His own imminent death? Probably that, as well. But Simeon sees more than all that. He sees God’s Messiah, the one whom the prophets foretold.

Simeon sees this child through the eyes of the prophets. So when he lifts his eyes to praise God, he uses their words. “Eyes seeing salvation,” “a light to the Gentiles,” “glory to your people Israel”--Simeon is here borrowing wholesale from the prophets, especially Isaiah. But it’s not just borrowing: what Simeon sees as he looks down in his arms is the fulfillment of their prophesying. This, this--whether they fully understood it or not--this is what Isaiah, Micah, Malachi, Jeremiah, Zephaniah, and all the rest of the prophets were talking about.

As the painter sees more colors in the slate-grey winter sky, as the musician hears more tonality in the notes of the familiar carols, as poet hears more resonance in the common words—so Simeon, similarly guided by God’s Spirit, sees God’s salvation in this child.

And so, as Simeon, still guided by the Spirit, hands the child back to his mother, he offers his own prophesy: “Behold, this child is destined to be a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” For us, knowing of Golgotha and Good Friday, it is hard not to hear how heart-breakingly prophetic Simeon’s parenthetical remark will prove for Mary. But we also need to hear “that thoughts from many hearts” will be revealed.

As we look at Jesus in Simeon’s arm, may the Spirit give us eyes to see as Isaiah saw: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” - Dr. Richard Baker

Tuesday, December 25 - Christmas Day (Dawn)
Isaiah 62:6-12; Psalm 97; Titus 3:4-7; Luke 2:(1-7) 8-20

Tuesday, December 25 - Christmas Day
Isaiah 52:7-10; Psalm 98; Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12); John 1:1-14

Sunday, December 30 - First Sunday After Christmas
8:15 and 10 am
Rev. Karen Lang preaching: A Promise Fulfilled
John 14:23-27; Luke 2:22-35
'Simeon took him in his arms and praised God.' (Luke 2:28)
Offertory: Kevin Trager, baritone

January 6 - Epiphany
Communion Sunday
Dr. Lewis Galloway preaching: What the Wise Men Know
Isaiah 60:1-6; Matthew 2:1-12
Children’s Epiphany parade
Music by the Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders

Poinsettia Delivery Renews Spirit

Sat, 01 Dec 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Each December, the Deacons of Second deliver dozens of poinsettias to some of our members who cannot come to church. Here are a few reflections on what this experience means to both the receiver and the giver:

Have you ever played solitaire? Do you know the feeling that all is lost, the cards have come to a dead end? And then you turn over just one more card and EUREKA, a new avenue is open and you continue to move forward with renewed spirit.

Delivering poinsettias can be exactly like that; not only for the one delivering but also for the one receiving: a reminder that, especially at Christmas, you are remembered by your church family. You can get out of your car in the sleet and slush, trudge into a lonely place, kneel down beside a wheelchair --- and when you smile and present the Christmas flower, it is like turning over the winning card. Suddenly the two of you remember what the holiday means: sharing and remembering God’s ever present love. And you both continue with renewed spirit; a new avenue for winning has been opened. —Sara Haley

I have been delivering both Poinsettias and Easter Lilies for the past ten years. Of all the things that the Deacons do, this is so important. Many of our members cannot attend church, and this is such a welcome reminder that they are not forgotten by their church family. They are so grateful not only for the flowers but also for the visit from caring members of our congregation. What a tremendous blessing it has been to me to represent Second Church in this most powerful way. It makes me feel so blessed to be the hands and feet of Jesus. —Carole Schramm

Delivering poinsettias at Christmas is another important way that Second Presbyterian Church reaches out to our senior members, many of whom are unable to attend Sunday services. The wonderful smiles and warm appreciation we receive when we deliver the poinsettias reflect the impact we have on the lives of our members who miss the opportunity of worshiping on Sundays with the rest of the congregation. This is one of the many programs that enable our congregation to “put our arms around God’s community” and has an even more meaningful impact on those of us who deliver the poinsettias than on those who receive them. —Keith Phelps

Awaken Your Senses to the Wonder of God

Sat, 01 Dec 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Spiritual Growth presentation by J. Brent Bill and Beth A. Booram
January 11-12, 2013 7 PM Friday - 3 PM Saturday

Register Now!

Friday, January 11 - Optional dinner from 5:30 – 6:30, program at 7 p.m.

Saturday, January 12 - 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., with lunch included

Cost for 2-day event is $29

Childcare is available throughout the event; infant – Grade 5. Registrations for child care may be made by calling the reservation line at: 252-5519

We all desire a spiritual experience with God. Our problem is we have been taught to live our faith from sermons, books and Bible studies. These all direct our thinking. Often, our souls are missed. We rely on words to provide information about God, words that are analyzed and processed logically in our left brain. Our creative side, the right brain, connects us to our senses – touch, smell, feel, hear, taste. The right brain does the experiencing. Beth Booram and Brent Bill invite you to engage all of who you are in your relationship with God by –

Taste – chocolate, words, matzo, Scripture, forgiveness [“Jesus chose wine and bread to embody his sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins. He offered the bread and wine to help his disciples…taste forgiveness—to bring forgiveness into them as they ate and swallowed the elements.”]
See – moon, wisdom, art, glory, your best self
Touch – others, stones, prayers, rubble, Jesus
Hear – silence, music, pain, footsteps, the Spirit, the news
Smell – gardenias, life, salty air, home, healing oil, coffee…

The authors open us to a sensory faith – one in which God can be experienced.

J. Brent Bill is a writer, retreat leader and Quaker minister. He’s the author and coauthor of many books, including Awaken Your Senses…The Wonder of God. He lives in Mooresville, Indiana. Beth A. Booram has been a lifelong minister. She speaks around the country at conferences and retreats on topics of spiritual life and Christian leadership. She and J. Brent Bill together present a workshop on Awaken Your Senses.

For more information, please contact Dr. Jim Riley or his administrative assistant, Karen Reynard. Register on church website or contact Karen Reynard at (317) 253-6461.

CHILDREN: Taste, see, feel, smell, and hear that the Lord is Good!

Children, perhaps more than the rest of us, learn through experience. God has given us so many good things to see, feel, smell, hear… and taste. These amazing sights, textures, scents, tastes and sounds are clues to knowing the Creator. Who can help but delight at a morsel of chocolate, or wonder at the song of a bird or marvel at the colors in a sunset?

On Saturday morning, January 12, in conjunction with the weekend Spiritual Growth Presentation, “Awaken Your Senses to the Wonder of God,” from 9 a.m. to noon, children ages 5 – Grade 5 will enjoy a hands-on (nose, eyes, tongue, ears) experience of God. Children will listen to and create beautiful music, bake (and eat bread), take a nature walk, and paint pictures. Plan to join us for this special time to experience the wonder of our Creator!

Transforming Lives Through Discipleship

Sat, 01 Dec 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Stewardship Ministry 2013

“Jesus said, ‘Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.’” Matthew 28:19

Year End Gratitude
This season celebrates the wonderful gift we have received in Jesus Christ. We respond to God’s love with great joy and gratitude. This season also brings us the opportunity to plan how best to manage our financial resources as one year ends and a new year begins. Whether for gratitude, the joy of the season, catching up on a commitment or excitement about exceeding your commitment, we are grateful for your year-end giving and want to assist in any we can.

Giving in sensible and effective ways may help stretch your charitable dollars, while minimizing your tax-burden at the same time. Here are some opportune ways to give at year-end:

Cash – gifts of cash are easy and may be eligible for a federal tax deduction.
Securities – gifts of appreciated assets are appealing because long-term gains are not taxed and the gift is generally deductible from income tax.
Life Income Gifts – may bring many benefits: support for the church, fixed income for life and potential tax benefits.

We encourage you to consult your professional advisers when planning your year-end gifts. For more information about how your gift can help the church, contact John Koppitch.

Make a Difference with Your Gift Giving this Year!

Sat, 01 Dec 2012 05:00:00 GMT

In response to requests for giving ideas, Second has published the Alternative Gift Guide outlining creative ways you may honor your friends and family while supporting the mission work of our church.

Pick up a copy at church or visit SecondChurch.org/GiftGuide.

First@Second Boys Teen Basketball

Sat, 01 Dec 2012 05:00:00 GMT

First Baptist Athletics and Second Presbyterian Church are excited to partner for another season of High School basketball (age 14-18) with First@Second!

This season will begin with practices on Monday, January 14. Games will take place twice per week (one weekday and on Saturdays) in the Multipurpose Room here at Second.

There will be a mandatory evaluation of players on Saturday, January 5, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.

We’re excited about another season and hope you will be, too! If interested, please register as soon as possible—you can register in person at FBA or online!

INVITE YOUR FRIENDS!

If you have any questions, contact Tyler Wolfcale at (317) 253-6461, or George W. Robinson, or call the First Baptist Athletics office at 844-3559. FirstBaptistAthletics.com.

Holiday Hints: 25 Tips to Help You this Christmas Season

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 05:00:00 GMT

The Celebration Continues... A Gift for YOU!

As we continue our year-long celebration of 25 years of counseling ministry, the Board and staff of CenterPoint Counseling want to give you a gift! This holiday season, CenterPoint Counseling will launch a new feature on our updated website.

Starting December 1, the Board and staff will offer “Holiday Hints: 25 Tips to Help You this Christmas Season.” There are three ways to "subscribe"

Fill in the small form on this page to receive a text message each day at noon. Reply with "OK".
Visit our Facebook Page and hit the "Like" button. <http://www.facebook.com/CenterPointCounseling>
Follow us on Twitter [@CenterPointIN] <https://twitter.com/CenterPointIN>

All you need to do is fill out the form below, and reply "OK" when prompted to do so. Or, "like" us on Facebook, or follow us on twitter. Once you subscribe, each day between December 1 and Christmas, you will receive a new hint to help you enjoy a more meaningful and peaceful Advent. These tips will come directly from members of the CenterPoint Counseling board and staff. You will also be able to share these gifts with friends and family via e-mail or on Facebook. We hope you find these tips to be fun and helpful.

CenterPoint’s Impact in the Community!
One of the points we are celebrating at CenterPoint Counseling is the tremendous growth we have enjoyed over the last several years. The word is spreading about CenterPoint and we have more than tripled our annual counseling session count since the year 2004. We continue to set new records in the number of intakes each year as well. Nearly 90% of our new clients come from beyond the membership of Second Presbyterian Church. This means that in 2012, over 550 families will enter Second Church for the first time to receive care and counseling from CenterPoint. In addition, about 25% of our new clients receive some financial help from our Samaritan Fund to get the counseling help they could not otherwise afford. We are grateful to all who have contributed to our Samaritan Fund. As the year 2012 comes to a close, if you find yourself in a position to contribute, we ask that you prayerfully consider CenterPoint’s Samaritan Fund. Your donation will be put to great use helping others in your community.

Thanksgiving Worship

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Thanksgiving Eve Worship

Community Interfaith Service

Wednesday, November 21, 7 PM

People of all faith traditions are welcome to join in a Thanksgiving Service of Worship at Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian St. [get map] This service is hosted by area congregations.

Guest Preacher: Rabbi Brett Krichiver, Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation

An offering for the Interfaith Hunger Initiative will be received. A combined choir from participating congregations will present special music. If you would like to participate in the choir, please contact Dale Caldwell.

A nursery will be provided. We hope you will join us for this service of thanksgiving.

For additional information or questions, please contact
Bev McGee by email at bmcgee@secondchurch.org, or by phone at 317-253-6461, ext. 354.

If you would like to promote this event at your congregation please feel free to download the flyers for distribution. [color|BW]

Transforming Lives Through Discipleship

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Stewardship Ministry 2013

“Jesus said, ‘Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.’” (Matthew 28:19)
“Jesus said, ‘Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.’” (Matthew 28:19)

Jesus commands us to make disciples of all nations. The apostle Paul urges us to be transformed by God. At Second Presbyterian Church, we try to respond faithfully by being “a welcoming community of faith where Jesus Christ transforms lives through worship, mission, discipleship, giving and fellowship.” Spiritual transformation is a two-way street. Sometimes, we find ourselves transformed by Christ through the ministries of our church. At other times Christ uses us, and the church’s ministries, to transform others.

These life-changing, disciple-making ministries are supported by the annual General Fund, 85% of which comes from member contributions. It is the accumulation of many gifts, large and small, that underwrites the annual budget.

We cannot rely on a few members. We depend upon a broad range of financial support. Every gift is important. Each gift makes a difference. You can still make a difference this year by making a contribution to the church. You can make a difference (and help our leaders plan) by making a pledge toward the 2013 General Fund. You can pledge online at SecondChurch.org/Stewardship.

Letter from Lewis

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 04:00:00 GMT

“Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.” (Romans 12:13)

Dear Friends:

Growing up in a large family of five rowdy children, we were often reminded by our parents to “remember to be nice.” We heard it when company was coming over, when new kids moved in down the street, when our extended family gathered for holidays or when we were going out to play. I remember hearing these words as a young child when my mother prepared us for our first visit to a great aunt who lived in the nursing home among strangers whose appearance, words and actions were frightening to me. Our parents taught us to be kind not only to the people we knew and loved, but to the strangers who entered our world as we grew.

Learning to be kind was my first introduction to the practice of Christian hospitality. So often, we limit our understanding of hospitality to the social niceties and good manners we lavish upon our friends. Paul reminds the church in Rome to “extend hospitality to strangers.” Hospitality is a strong, risky and demanding virtue that asks us to extend ourselves in love to strangers as well as to friends. The greatest model of hospitality is the way in which Jesus Christ gives his life for sinful humanity in order to welcome us into the household of God. In spite of Jesus’ example and Paul’s command, it is interesting that the practice of hospitality is one of the most often overlooked Christian virtues.

I am grateful to be a part of a congregation that takes the practice of Christian hospitality seriously. In our mission statement, we say we are a welcoming community of faith where Jesus Christ transforms lives. Several weeks ago, members of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra asked if we would host a benefit concert for the Indianapolis Youth Orchestra. Many volunteers and staff worked together to extend hospitality to the orchestra. The result was a stirring concert attended by over 850 people. Over 80 members of our congregation have been trained by the Red Cross to open our doors to those needing shelter in the event of a community crisis or natural disaster. Our Northside Ministry welcomes into our building families from Washington Township in need of food or emergency assistance. Four weeks a year, we host each week up to four homeless families in transition. Hospitality happens each time our doors open for worship, youth fellowship, church school, adult Bible studies, Great Banquet, Bible Study Fellowship, athletic teams, Children’s Circle and Centerpoint Counseling. Two of our most important annual opportunities to practice hospitality will soon take place: the Presbyterian Women will host the Christmas Bazaar and the Deacons will lead our Christmas Benevolence program.

What a difference it would make if each one of us took the time to extend ourselves to welcome others in the name of Christ and practice the grace of hospitality. I want to challenge each one of us to get to know one new person each week at church and learn something of that person’s life, experiences, joys and struggles. The practice of Christian hospitality has the power to transform us all.

Yours in Christ,
Lewis F. Galloway

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What is Hospitality

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Before I got involved with the pantry my experience with Christian hospitality was mostly limited to both the preparing and receiving of meals on the occasions of births and deaths. The meals were always appreciated, and some were so good they led to recipe sharing. Now, however, I’m experiencing hospitality in a whole new way. The food I share with others is in cans and packages, and it’s not fancy at all. It’s basic and nutritious. There is still some conversation about recipes and how certain pantry items can be combined to make a meal. But there are deeper conversations, too. Ones about jobs lost and unpaid bills, lingering illness and lack of health care, family dysfunction and cries for help and sometimes even joy over answered prayers and blessings received. I’m reminded each time I work the pantry that food is indeed a gracious gift from God and something that connects all humans. I’m also reminded that meaningful hospitality can occur inside a walk-in closet filled with shelves of food.
Ellen Gullett, Northside Mission Co-Chair

One hospitality story that I share with new volunteers goes as follows: A woman with three younger children had visited the pantry for six weeks. We talked about her kids, school and recipes she could make with our food items. On the sixth week after helping her bag her groceries, she looked at me, smiled and said, “This is the last time I’ll see you!” I asked her if everything was OK. She responded that she had been in a serious on-the-job accident: she’s a city bus driver. She had no disability insurance and depended on our pantry to feed her family. Her doctor had released her, and she was returning to work the following week. We hugged, she thanked me with tears in her eyes, we shared a prayer for her continued good health and she left. I’ve not seen her since, but she and her family are still in my prayers. Our short-term hospitality gave her the peace of mind that her family would have good, nourishing food while she recuperated. This is hospitality in the church’s basement from a small closet of food. Our pantry shines like a great banquet hall with tables laden with every food imaginable open to all who enter.
Becky Hagarty, Northside Mission Co-Chair

Hospitality begins at home and this is God’s house. We are only the caregivers. As the caregivers, we must open our hearts and honor His name. As Christ’s children, we must ensure that all who enter His house of worship be treated with decency and respect.
Ruth Twenty, MFA Event Volunteer

Hospitality is more than a “Peace of Christ” handshake. Anyone who enters the building of Second Pres should feel a warm welcome just as Christ welcomes us into life with Him.
Beth Bedwell, Hospitality Volunteer

We have such a beautiful facility and it is a pleasure to show it off. I enjoy helping people find a classroom or program of whatever it happens to be and watching all the little children as they file into church is a plus for me. I truly enjoy small children! They have all kinds of expressions and information they just want to share with someone. They can say some amazing things!
Jane Curdes, Hospitality Volunteer

While presenting a gracious environment for all people that I come in contact with, I try to make them comfortable by acknowledging them as humans made in God’s image. I participate as a co-chair of Second’s Hospitality Ministry Team because I enjoy seeing their light shining out to me. Also as the Golf Cart Ministry Leader, it is fun to see God’s intergenerational spirit at work.
Larry Treadwell, Hospitality Volunteer

Hospitality is more than a welcome or a friendly greeting. Hospitality means that you invite and love people into your heart and show the grace of God. It’s about building a real relationship with people-- letting them in. Hospitality is opening up your life to embrace another child of God. Christian hospitality is accepting and loving the stranger as God loves us. This house of worship is the place where God’s people should embrace and uplift the least of these. Perhaps with Christ’s guidance, I will be able to encourage someone to keep going even when the road seems impassable. I give my time and patience because I want others to know they are not alone. Who knows, maybe God has sent me to bring wholeness and healing.
Dianne Berry, Interfaith Hospitality Network Volunteer

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You Are Welcome

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Second has many opportunities for you to extend hospitality in your own way. Give an hour or an evening with one of these ministries:

Sunday Morning Hospitality Team
Spirit Shuttle Golf Cart Ministry
Evening Hospitality
Weekend Receptionist
Greeter at Music and Fine Arts events
Greeter at Presbyterian Women events
Greeter at other congregational events
Usher
Interfaith Hospitality Network (hosting local families for a week’s stay at Second)
Christmas Benevolence
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Northside Mission Food Pantry
Welcome Ministry (meeting visitors to our church)
Ambassadors (assisting visitors interested in membership)
Second Friends (helping new members become active in the life of the congregation)
Connections Ministry (helping members connect to programs at Second)
Welcome Baby Ministry (greeting our newest—and youngest—congregation members and their families)

The 2012 Presbyterian Women’s Bazaar

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Church Family Night & Dinner
November 9, 5 – 8:30 p.m.

Open Sale
November 10, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice Hospitality. (Romans 12:13)

The Presbyterian Women of Second cordially invite all to participate in our annual fund raiser! Volunteers of all ages will work together to provide a rummage sale of epic proportions. One hundred percent of Bazaar proceeds go to support missions in our community and around the world.

Our Friday “Harvest Festival” dinner, serving continuously from 5-7 p.m., is the perfect venue to gather with church friends and family. Child friendly food selections will be available. Advance tickets: Adult $11; children 6 -12 $7; 5 and under are free.

For the second year in a row, we are featuring a variety of Fair Trade items. The Saturday Sale opens our door to the public, welcoming all with hospitality and grace. Shopping on both days includes: men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, shoes and wardrobe accessories, toys, electronics, furniture, linens, home décor, kitchen and service ware.

Please consider donating your gently used clothing and household items.
We cannot accept ripped, torn, stained or non-functional items of any sort!
Drop-off is located at the north entrance under the awning.
We Welcome volunteers, whether on a weekly schedule or for one day.
Come and share in fellowship while serving God’s people who are in need. Your generosity provides for many.

For further information, please contact Amy Johnston or Kathy Clark.

Die Schöpfung

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Schöpfung
Sunday , November 4, 3 p.m.

The Indiana University Pro Arte Singers and Chamber Orchestra under the baton of William Jon Gray will present Joseph Haydn’s masterpiece The Creation (Die Schöpfung) on Sunday, November 4, at 3 p.m. in the Sanctuary. A reception will follow in McFarland Hall. A freewill offering will benefit the SAWs (Servants at Work) ministry of Second Church, an ecumenical group providing wheelchair ramps for persons with disabilities.

Congregational Advent Festival

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Saturday , December 1, 3-5 p.m.

“Come they told me par-rum-pum-pum-pum….”

Please celebrate the coming of the Christ child with us on Saturday, December 1, from 3 - 5 p.m. at the annual congregational Advent Festival! This is a great way to share the special joy of the Advent season with family and friends. There is no ticket to buy, no reservation to make, just come!

We will be placing our unwrapped Christmas Benevolence gifts under the tree in the atrium as familiar carols are playing with live musicians. Then join us in the community room and…

Make Christmas tree ornaments
Have a photo taken of you and your family/friends in nativity costume
Enjoy cookies, punch and hot chocolate
Sing Christmas Carols
Be part of the music
Listen to the “Little Drummer Boy”

It’s a great way to meet people of all ages in our congregational family! It’s fun! It won’t be the same without the special gift of you!

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Seeking... Little Angels, Shepherds, Wise Men, Mary, Joseph

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Seeking... Little Angels, Shepherds, Wise Men, Mary and Joseph.

Children ages 4 – Grade 5, enjoy this annual opportunity to be a part of the story on Christmas Eve, December 24, 4 PM

For more information on how your child can participate in our annual Christmas Eve pageant, contact Sue Jackson Register at: SecondChurch.org/ChristmasEve.

Deadline for registration is November 16.

Christmas Benevolence 2012

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 04:00:00 GMT

“I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me…Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:35-36, 40)

Extending Hospitality And Care To Our Neighbors In Need
With Christmas Benevolence, the Deacons are trying to reach out more into our immediate neighborhood within Washington Township. In doing so, we are helping some of the same neighbors that are served by our Northside Ministry Food Pantry. We are allocating more resources to the township trustee and working with our food pantry workers to try to coordinate the care within the shadow of the Spire. We are also doing more face-toface interaction with our social services agency workers who help us with clients to serve at Christmas. We invited the agency workers to a kick off breakfast this year and are hoping to involve them more in the clothing selection sessions with their clients.
Phil Ireland, 2012 Chair of Deacon’s Christmas Benevolence Committee

CHRISTMAS BENEVOLENCE VOLUNTEER SCHEDULE DECEMBER 2012
Find out more and sign up online.

Dec. 1         Box moving and set-up
                    MPR 9:00 am
                    Pizza Lunch 11:30 am

Dec. 2          Clothing Selection and Gift Wrapping set up 1:00 pm
                    ***GIFTS AND NEW CLOTHING DUE***

Dec. 3         Clothing Selection; Clothing & Gift Wrap
                    9:00 am – 12:00 n, 1:00 – 3:30 pm, 6:00 – 8:30 pm
                    Child care by appointment*
                    Lunch 12 noon

Dec. 4         Clothing Selection; Clothing & Gift Wrap
                    9:00 am – 12:00 n, 1:00 – 3:30 pm 6:00 – 8:30 pm
                    Child care by appointment*

Dec. 5          Clothing Selection; Clothing & Gift Wrap
                     9:00 am – 12:00 n, 1:00 – 3:30 pm, 6:00 – 8:30 pm
                     Child care by appointment*

Dec. 7         Clothing Selection & Gift Wrapping
                    9:00 am – 12:00 n, 1:00 – 3:30 pm, 6:00 – 8:30 pm
                    Child care by appointment*Lunch 12 noon

Dec. 8         Clothing Selection 9:00 am –2:15 pm
                    Child care by appointment*
                    Lunch 12:00 noon

Dec. 9          Turkey Drop-Off before each service

Dec. 10       Clothes & Gift Wrapping 9:00 am – 12:00 n
                    Pack up MPR and get tables for food set up

Dec. 11       Clothing & Gift wrapping 9:00 am -12:00n
                    Food Delivery 12:00 noon

Dec. 12        Food Selection 6:00-8:30 pm
                     Child Care by appointment*
                     Supper at 5:00 pm

Dec. 13       Food Selection 6:00 – 8:30 pm
                    Child care by appointment*
                    Supper 5:00 pm

Dec. 14       CB deacons complete boxing tasks
                    Help set up for delivery day

Dec. 15       DELIVERY DAY
                    Unload freezer 6:30 am
                    Coordinators’ meeting 8:00 am
                    Deliveries 9 am – 11:00
                    Chili/Hot Dog Lunch 11 – 1

Meals will be served in the Community Room.

Clothing Selection and Food Selection are in the Multi-Purpose Room. Gift Wrapping is in the Common Room. New Clothes Wrapping is in Room 230.

*To make a reservation for child care, please call 252-5519 at least one week in advance.

A Sense of Being Called

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 04:00:00 GMT

A Sense of Being Called
by Richard Stoll Armstrong
Cascade Books, 2011

A Book Review by Dr. Richard Baker

If Paul had his Damascus-Road experience—a direct encounter with the living God that changed his life dramatically and permanently, so Richard Stoll Armstrong (former pastor of Second Presbyterian Church) had his Dixie-Highway experience. The year was 1955. Dick Armstrong, a young man of 31, at last had landed his dream job: Director of Public Relations for a major-league baseball club, the Baltimore Orioles. It was March, early spring.

Armstrong, his wife, Margie, and their three children, were all in Daytona Beach, Florida, for Spring Training. Spring Training, as every baseball fan knows, is the time for dreams: rookies dream of making the majors, last year’s also-rans dream of winning the pennant and fans begin to dream of long summer evenings and the sound of the home team’s games crackling over the radio (televised games being still a novelty in the mid-50’s).

What happened to Dick Armstrong that March evening in 1955 on the Dixie Highway was no dream. He and Margie were driving back to their motel, having enjoyed an all-too-infrequent dinner out together. There they were, driving along, chatting about nothing in particular, when—with no warning whatsoever—Armstrong “was suddenly seized by an overpowering feeling that God was speaking to [him].” The experience was so overpowering that he had to pull off the road and, for a time, could only sit there, gripping the steering wheel, unable to speak. It was only after several minutes that Armstrong could respond to the questions of the (understandably!) anxious Margie.

But, if God speaking to him was itself astounding—what God was saying to him was incredible! God’s message was unmistakable: Armstrong must become a minister—that was God’s will for him! This message was even more incredible, because Armstrong, at that time, was not a particularly religious man. Although he had been confirmed in the Episcopal church, he and his family rarely attended services while he was growing up, and he had never set foot inside the Sunday School. Moreover, although Margie grew up in the Presbyterian church, the two of them, during their married life, had only attended a church every once in a great while, dropping into whatever church was close by.

Yet, they had, of late, been praying together. They had been praying because their five-year-old son, Ricky, had been stricken with leukemia and, although there had been periods of remission, every one had come to an end.

A Sense of Being Called tells not only of Armstrong’s Dixie-Road experience, but also of its immediate aftermath: his struggle to make sense of the experience, the reaction of his family and friends, his confused effort to figure out exactly what seminaries are for and which one he should attend, his years at Princeton Seminary and his first call to be pastor for Oak Lane Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. It’s also the story of Ricky’s death, and how Dick and Margie found strength in one another and their faith through that ordeal. The book is alternately poignant, funny, serious and surprising. It paints a wonderful picture of Princeton Seminary in the fifties. More than that, it assures us that God is still at work in the world, and in all of our lives, calling us to surprising new things.

It's Second's Nature to be Green

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Wings for West Africa E-Cycle Event
Saturday , November 3, 9 am - 2 pm

Bring your used laptop computers, desk top computers and old electronics. Wings for West Africa will be hosting an E-Cycle event to support students and schools in West Africa.

Wings collects, reformats, refurbishes and ships computers to schools in communities which lack access to the Internet. Approximately 120,000 students have become computer literate as a result of donated used computers. Other electronic items (anything with a cord) will be accepted and recycled.

For more information contact Scott Burns or visit the Wings for West Africa website at wafwings.org.

Rush Hour Recycling!
Thursday , November 15, 7-9 am

Have some old computers or electronics lying around the house collecting dust? Need to get rid of the clutter and clear out some space? Honoring “America Recycles Day,” Second’s Green Ministry Team will be hosting a computer and electronics recycling drive during morning rush hour. Effective this year, Indiana law prohibits the disposal of electronic items in your regular trash. They must be recycled. Computers that you recycle and operate with MS XP or newer will have their hard drives erased by technicians on-site and be donated to Wings for West Africa, an organization that provides computers to schools in Senegal. Older computers and electronics will be recycled by WorkForce, Inc. For questions please contact Scott Burns.

Did you know?
Second Presbyterian Church recycles ink and toner cartridges, cell phones and eyeglasses in addition to paper, aluminum and plastic. The proceeds from our newest recycling project, ink and toner cartridges, will be used to purchase seed packets for our community garden. This will allow us to provide fresh produce to families who visit the Northside Food Pantry. Drop off bins may be found by the vending machines in the hallway outside of the Mission Suite. For more information about our different recycling programs, please visit our website at SecondChurch.org/Recycle.

Women's Winter Retreat

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Companions on a Journey: Walking God’s Path Together
February 1-2, 2013

Ladies, mark your calendars! This winter come and enjoy a 24-hour Sabbath retreat close to home. Make new friends and spend time with old friends. We will enjoy fellowship, study, reflection and prayer, as well as listening to our guest speaker, Rev. Kim Olson. Bring your daughter, your sister, your mother or a good friend and prepare to become rested and refreshed.

We will be staying at the beautiful Fatima Retreat Center in Indianapolis. The retreat will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, February 1, and will end at 6 p.m. on Saturday, February 2.

Cost is $60 for a double room and $76 for a single room. Scholarships are available. The final date to register is January 18, 2013.

For more information please contact Rev. Caitlin Deyerle or call the church office at (317)253-6461.

Friday
6 p.m. Registration
6:30 p.m. Welcome and Introductions
6:45 p.m. Dinner
7:15 p.m. Evening Prayer
7:45 p.m. First Session
9 p.m. Dessert and Fellowship

Saturday
8 a.m. Breakfast
8:45 a.m. Morning Prayer
9:15 a.m. Session II
11 a.m. Creative Reflection
12 p.m. Lunch
1 p.m. Workshops
2:30 p.m. Free Time
3:15 p.m. Session III
5 p.m. Closing Worship
6 p.m. Check Out

Register now at Secondchurch.org

Inspiring Speaker Series

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Coming Home For Christmas

December 13, 2012, 11:15 a.m.

Connie Taylor Shakalis

The Christmas holidays are a time for gathering with family and friends to celebrate the birth of Christ and to share the love and gifts which have blessed us. Please mark your calendars to join Presbyterian Women in December as the talented vocalist, Connie Shakalis, is COMING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS to entertain us with various musical selections.

Connie, an award winning vocalist and actress from Huntington Station, New York, attended Broad Ripple High School, Indiana University and began her career in Indianapolis appearing in local productions such as Civic Theater, Beef and Boards and Starlight Musicals. Connie then returned to New York to pursue her career. She has sung in many of the top cabarets in NYC as well as performing lead roles in musicals throughout the United States.

Currently she regularly sings with the “Music on the Sound” Opera Series in Port Jefferson and with the Long Island Accordian Alliance at LaVillini Restaurant in East Northport, NY, where she performs selections from operas and Broadway musicals as well as ethnic folk melodies. She has performed the role of Dolly in Hello, Dolly; Nellie in South Pacific; Maria in The Sound of Music and Fiona in Brigadoon to name a few of her starring roles. Additionally, she has written and performed in numerous night-club acts.

Reservations for the December lunch gathering will be available for $15 on Sunday, November 25, December 2 and 9 during Coffee Hour, at the church reception desk during regular business hours or online at SecondChurch.org/PW.

Free childcare is available by calling 252-5519 at least one week prior to each event.

March 14, 2013, 11:15 a.m.
Lauren Dungy

May 9, 2013, 11:15 a.m.
143^rd PRAISE GATHERING
Karla Dornacher

Register Now, Men!

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 04:00:00 GMT

November 9-10

See what 24 hours away can do for your relationship with God and with each other!

Register: SecondChurch.org/Dads

You will have an opportunity at this year’s Men’s Retreat to engage in many fun activities, including zip line, trap shooting, horseback riding, paintball and more, here is your chance! Be inspired, challenged and encouraged to take in the beautiful scenery in southern Indiana. This event, sponsored by the Dads Ministry Team, is for all men in the church!

For more information contact Dr. Jim Riley or Tyson Vaughn.

Welcome to John Allegar

Sun, 05 Aug 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Sunday, August 5th we welcome our Principal Organist, John Allegar, as he plays at both the 9:30 and 11 a.m. worship services.

Children's Circle Preschool

Wed, 25 Jul 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Things are quiet in the halls of Children’s Circle Preschool now, but we will be back in August to start a new and fun school year.

We offer classes for children ages nine months to five years in a loving, Christian environment. Our curriculum allows children to learn creatively through play. There are still openings available for our 2012-13 school year which begins in August. Please contact the preschool office at 252-5517 or check our website ChildrensCircle.org for more information about our program or to set up a tour.

Ministerial Candidate News

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 04:00:00 GMT

All the best to Beau and Amber Brown! After three years of study at Louisville Seminary for Beau and two years of study there for Amber, Beau has accepted a call to the First Presbyterian Church of Olney, Illinois. He will be ordained and installed in Olney by the Presbytery of Southeastern Illinois on Sunday, August 26 at 4 p.m (Central Time) at a special service of worship. Everyone is warmly invited.

New Lighting in Sanctuary

Sun, 08 Jul 2012 04:00:00 GMT

We are excited to announce that new flexible, energy-efficient LED lighting has recently been installed in the front of the Sanctuary. It will take several weeks to make adjustments to the programming of this complicated system. We ask for your patience and understanding as we seek the appropriate balance of intensity and color.

Please direct any questions to Jamison Coler, Director of Communications, at 253-6461.

Sunday Intermission

Sun, 17 Jun 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Two opportunities for Sunday fellowship this summer. Join us in McFarland Hall for fellowship, coffee, lemonade and donuts, or join young children and their families on the large playground for donut holes and lemonade.

No Adult Sunday School Classes May 27th

Wed, 16 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

No Adult Sunday School classes on May 27^th, 2012

For Christian Education updates on facebook, 'like' our CE page at Facebook.com/2PCCE

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Be a part of the WILDLY successful Kenya Carnival!

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Sunday - September 11, 2011

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Footsteps 2011

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Summer schedule for children and youth

Wed, 18 May 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Summer brings schedules changes for every family, but don't take a vacation from church!

Second continues to have special programs for children throughout the summer months. See the enclosed schedule for Sunday morning activities.

On Sundays:

· Our nursery is available from 8:00 a.m. to noon on Sundays throughout the year.

· Toddlers through kindergarten age children attend church school all summer from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Children attend the classes they have been going to until Promotion Sunday, August 14.

· 1st through 12th grade students have Sunday morning classes at 9:30 during June. From July 3 to August 8, students attend worship with their families. Children attend the classes they have been going to until Promotion Sunday, August 14.

SUMMER SUNDAY SCHEDULE

MAY 22

9:30 a.m.

Children attend worship with their families.

After the special time for children during the 9:30 service, children ages 3 through 5th grade can go to church school classes or stay to worship with their families.

11 a.m.

Children attend worship with their families.

After the time for children during the 11 service, pre-kindergarten and kindergarten children go to a special service in the Children's Chapel (room 206).

First graders gather in the Community Room at 10:30 for a reception , then move to the sanctuary for the 11:00 service, where they will receive a Bible and will remain in the congregation for the worship service.

MAY 29 - Memorial Day Weekend

Worship is at 8:15 and 10 a.m.

Church school for infants through 5th grade at 10:00.

JUNE

9:30 a.m.

Children attend worship with their families.

After the Time with Children during the 9:30 service, children ages 3 through 5th grade can go to church school classes or stay to worship with their families.

11 a.m.

Children attend worship with their families.

After the Time with Children during the 11 service, pre-kindergarten and kindergarten children go to a special service in the Children's Chapel (room 206).

June 12 is Pentecost Sunday. School-age children who have received instruction in the April Communion Workshop gather for a reception in the Community Room at 10:30, then worship with their families and celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion with the congregation at 11:00.

JULY

No church school for 1st through 12th grades.

At 9:30 and 11, children attend worship with their families. Younger children are dismissed to church school class or Children's Chapel following Time with the Children.

AUGUST 1 and 8

No church school for 1st through 12th grades.

At 9:30 and 11, children attend worship with their families. Younger children are dismissed to church school class or Children's Chapel following Time with the Children.

AUGUST 14 - PROMOTION SUNDAY

Children move to their new age or grade level class.

Register Now for Vacation Bible School 2011

Tue, 03 May 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Calling all kids for this summer’s SonSurf Beach Bash! Explore the wonders of the beach and discover big answers to big questions about Jesus during Vacation Bible School.

Children, 4-year-olds through grade 4 (by 9/1/11), are invited to join us June 27 – July 1, 9:15 a.m.-noon for inspiring music, dramatic storytelling, fun-filled games, creative crafts and engaging mission projects. Students in 5th and 6th grade have the opportunity to take part in VBS for 45 Degrees, a special full day class focused on mission and leadership. These kids will gain experience in implementing service projects and serving others, participate in worship and Bible study, create their own music and interact with church leaders. 45 Degrees meets 9:15 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, ending at noon on Friday.

We need lots of volunteers to pull off this spectacular beach bash. All you need is a smile and a willing heart; we’ll give you all the other tools you need to lead children through this life-changing week of growing in faith. Opportunities exist to fit a wide variety of skill levels and schedules.

Families and volunteers may register online at SecondChurch.org/vbs. The registration fee is $20 for children up to grade 4 or a $50 family maximum and $30 for all children attending the 45 Degrees program. Free childcare is offered for the children of volunteers who are too young to participate in VBS. Scholarships are available for families in need of financial aid.

An extended-care program will be offered for families who would like a full-day option (12-6 p.m.). Children should bring their own lunch and plan to enjoy an afternoon of recreation, crafts and relaxation. The cost for extended care is $90 for preschool children, $75 for elementary children, and $30 for 45 Degrees kids (M-Th 4-6, F 12-6 p.m.).

VBS provides a fun and meaningful experience for your kids to grow in faith and explore connections with God, family, friends and others around the world through a consistent message of God’s unconditional love. Register today and get ready to experience the sea, the sand and the Son!

Care, Support and Enrichment

Wed, 06 Oct 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Welcome Baby Ministry!
We welcome new babies into the church family with prayerful and practical support. If you are expecting or adopting a baby, contact Megan Marquardt at 253-6461, Ext. 325, or MMarquardt@SecondChurch.org.

Pastoral Care Office
We encourage you to let us know if there is sickness, a crisis, or any problem where we can provide support or assistance. Due to privacy laws, we cannot inquire which of our members are hospitalized, so we depend on your calls.

All information is held in strict confidence. Please call Pat Shirey 253-6461, Ext. 321 to request a visit or intercessory prayer.

Spousal Grief Support Group
Meets the first and third Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Parlor. Please call Pat Shirey at 253-6461, Ext. 321.

Families and Friends of Gay and Lesbian Adult Children
A confidential group which seeks to encourage and support one another through study, prayer and sharing respecting each individual journey. Meets the last Monday at 6:45 p.m. in Room 230. For more information, please call Pat Shirey at 253-6461, Ext. 321.

Care Corps
Need occasional visits or a listening ear, or know someone in the congregation who does? Please call Rev.
Karen Lang at 253-6461 Ext. 362, for more information.

Home Communion
For information on receiving communion at home, please call Pat Shirey at 253-6461, Ext. 321.

The Parkinson’s Disease Support Group (“Sticks”)
Meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month from 11 a.m. until noon in Room 112. Please call Bunny Alexander at 726-5413 for details.

Open Arms Ministry Team
Actively reaching out and extending the love of Jesus Christ to all persons and families with special needs to be incorporated fully into the life of the church. Please contact Brandi Long at 254-1826 or Lyle Liechty at 580-1940. Please complete the survey at SecondChurch.org/OpenArms.

Young Adults in 20s-30s
These ages are full of transitions - from singleness to marriage, children, new jobs, or job searches, and more. If you are looking for community and/or connection, please contact Rev. Ryan Byers at 756-7258 or RByers@SecondChurch.org.

Sages
Our many active 60+ members care for and support one another and Second Church through Sage Council, fellowship opportunities and many diverse activities. Please contact Rev. Joyce Hunn at 253-6461 Ext. 323, or Sages Assistant, Kathy Stacy at KStacy@SecondChurch.org.

Home Communion Available

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

The Deacons of Second Presbyterian Church take communion to those who cannot attend church. For more information on receiving communion at home, please contact the church office of pastoral care at 253-6461, ext. 321.

Care and Support at Second

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

The pastoral care office invites you to let us know if there is sickness, a crisis, or any problem where we can provide support or assistance.

Due to privacy laws, we are unable to discern which of our members are hospitalized, therefore we depend on your calls. All information is held in strict confidence.

Call the church office for pastoral care, 253-6461, ext. 321 to request a visit or intercessory prayer. You can also submit prayer requests online.

Parkinson's Disease Support Group

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

The Parkinson’s Disease Support Group (“Sticks”) meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month from 11 a.m. until noon in Room 112. Please contact Bunny Alexander at 726-5413 for details.

Spousal Grief Support Group

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Spousal Grief Support Group: First and third Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Parlor. Please contact Pat Shirey at 253-6461, ext. 321.

E-Statements

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Would you like to receive your quarterly contribution statement electronically? In response to requests for less paper and more timely statements, we offer statements by e-mail rather than standard mail. The statement is password protected and access instructions will be included with the e-mail.

If interested, please e-mail your name, address and home telephone number to eStatements@secondchurch.org. If you have questions, e-mail Martha Nommay at mnommay@secondchurch.org or call 253-6461, Ext. 306.

Get to Know Your Website: What's Going On

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Curious about what's happening at Second? Check out the detailed calendar on the web site. Click on a date to see a list of events for that day. Click on the event to find out details including who to contact for more information. Contact the church office to have your event added to the calendar.

Find your place in mission!

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Please fill out the mission interest survey to get more information about volunteer opportunities and programs at Second.

Care Corps

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Need occasional visits or a listening ear, or know someone in the congregation who does? Contact Rev. Karen Lang at 253-6461 to learn about the Care Corps.

Worship Aids Available

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Large print hymnals and bulletins are available at all morning worship services. Please ask an usher for these worship aids.

CDs and DVDs of last week’s sermon are available in the library. The CDs are there for your taking; the DVDs are “check-out” only.

Hearing aid devices are available for use in the Sanctuary. These simple to use, pocket size units are available from the ushers. Please return to the ushers, after the service.

Recycle paper and cans at Second

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Recycle your newspapers and aluminum cans at Second. A recycling bin for printed material (no
phone books please) is located on the east side of the far north parking lot. A recycling bin for aluminum cans is located under the awning at the northeast side of the church. Proceeds will be used for mission.

For more information, contact Scott Burns at 847-3862 or Scott.Burns@nationalcity.com.

Get to Know Your Web Site: Search Function

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Get to Know Your Web Site

Have you registered yet? SecondChurch.org can be a powerful tool. The tip below is one of a series of tips which help us get the most out of this wonderful resource. For additional tips, look for this box each month, visit the website or contact the church office! We're glad to help.

This Month's Tip: Search function

Are you searching for answers? Help is at hand on the church website. In the top right corner of each page is a search area. Type in a word or phrase, then click the small arrow on the right. A list of pages with that word or phrase will appear. Simply click on a page listing, and you will be taken right to it. This Search function should help you find what you are looking for on SecondChurch.org.

Get To Know Your Web Site: Faith Tools

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Get to Know Your Web Site

Have you registered yet? SecondChurch.org can be a powerful tool. The tip below is one of a series of tips which help us get the most out of this wonderful resource. For additional tips, look for this box each month, visit the website or contact the church office! We're glad to help.

This Month's Tip: Faith Tools

The website offers tools for your personal faith journey. Daily scriptur readings, along with each Sunday’s Lectionary reading, are listed in the lower left corner of the front page. Just below this section is a link to the “Weekly Message,” an inspirational message recorded by the Deacons. You can listen to the message online or get an MP3 file.

Also, the Links area of the “Media Center” section connects you with Bible Search tools.]]>