Sarah Illingworth is the Director of Marketing and Communication Strategy. In this role, Sarah leads our efforts to strategically and faithfully engage the community, share Second’s message broadly, and connect our congregation more deeply.

Sarah grew up in Connecticut and is a graduate of Indiana University (B.A. in Journalism with a concentration in Public Relations). Professionally, she has provided leadership in strategic communication efforts, reputation management, media and public relations, and rebranding campaigns in the role of Vice President at FleishmanHillard, a global communications firm. One of her colleagues there wrote, “Sarah stood out. She was known for her rock-solid media relations skills, tireless work ethic, creative problem solving—and character.” Sarah brings professional experience and impressive gifts for crafting, writing, and publicizing information in clear and compelling ways.

Sarah and her husband, John, have three wonderful children: Charlie, Anne, and Jack. They have been active members at Second since 2014 and Sarah has served in leadership roles in several areas of our ministry, including as chair of Vacation Bible School and President of the Children’s Circle Preschool Board. In the broader community, Sarah has served two terms on Indiana University’s alumni boards, the Alzheimer’s Association congressional team, and in active leadership at her children’s schools. We are thrilled to welcome Sarah to the staff of Second Presbyterian Church!

Words from Sarah:

God has written my story with a deep sense of pursuit — a drive to advance and to build on the experiences, the gifts, and the lessons life provides. And that is where I meet you now: Ready to advance and build upon the historic foundation on which Second stands. I have felt the power of childlike faith at Vacation Bible School and the strength of discipleship in small groups; I have felt the warmth of hospitality as a new member and the mission of fellowship when grieving a loved one; I have felt the depth of worship through music and our many ministries. I have felt and seen the love of Christ in the hallways of Children’s Circle Preschool, and I have felt the strong sense of active stewardship that fuels our committees and congregation. God has given Second a story of great care, and it has been both humbling and empowering to see, feel, and come to know its people, its history, and its strong leadership.

In March 2014 our family moved to Indiana from Washington, D.C. Our very first Sunday at Second was Palm Sunday – and we were late! Not knowing anyone, we were greeted at the sanctuary doors, quickly handed palm branches and told to just “jump right in!” and join the parade of children singing, “Hosanna!” In a sea of complete strangers – yet so clearly among the beloved children of God – our family circled the sanctuary and saw Second Presbyterian Church at such a profound height of glorifying love and reverence. Six years later, it is with praise and joy that I again join in this long line of servant leaders and, with great anticipation, trust the next journey God has now begun.