WEDNESDAYS, 6:30 - 8 PM, COMMUNITY ROOM
SEPTEMBER 19 - NOVEMBER 7

By common consent Paul’s letter to the Romans is viewed as his greatest work and is without question the most influential of his writings in the history of Christianity. The class will work through Paul’s letter to the Romans with particular attention to the ways in which it casts light on our understanding of God’s mission in the world and the corresponding mission of the church, as well as the calling of Jesus followers to a life of discipleship and spiritual formation. The class, led by John Franke and Jim Riley, will be interactive and include both presentations and small group discussions. Our aim will be to tie a close reading of Romans to issues of corporate and individual discipleship and mission so that participants will grow in their understanding of: 1) the content of Romans; 2) the mission God; 3) the mission of the church; and 4) the calling of Jesus’ followers to participate in that mission as his disciples.

Schedule:

• September 19: Introduction (Romans 1:1-17)
• September 26: Redemption in Jesus Christ  (Romans 1:18-4:25)
• October 3: Salvation without Religion (Romans 5:1-7:25)
• October 10: The Renewal of All Things (Romans 8:1-39)
• October 17: God’s Covenant Faithfulness  (Romans 9:1-10:21)
• October 24: All Israel Will Be Saved (Romans 11:1-36)
• October 31: Life Together as a Witness to the Gospel (Romans 12:1-15:13)
• November 7: Paul’s Mission and Concluding Matters (Romans 15:14-16:27)
   

Videos of the classes will appear above as they are live.

You can help in a number of ways:

• Bake.

Sign Up to Bake

Bring baked goods to sell in the bakery booth at the bazaar. Please include a list of ingredients with your donation. Details online at Sign-Up Genius!

• Help with set-up.

Sign Up to Volunteer

Bazaar booths are set up around the church on Thursday, November 1.

• Eat.

Register here for Progressive Dinner

Progressive Dinner! While you are checking out the dozens of booths, stop by food stations for salad on the first floor, Italian skewered chicken and cheese tortellini in marinara sauce on the second floor and espresso mousse on the third floor. Please purchase progressive dinner wristbands by Sunday, October 28  ($15 per person or $45 per family).

• Volunteer on sale day.

Sign Up to Volunteer

You can greet shoppers, work a specific booth or help wherever needed.

• Shop!
  Come to the bazaar on Friday or Saturday! You will find great deals, see friends, and have fun!

You may contact Jennifer Shirk (317) 753-4509, or Debbie Slack (317) 374-2062 to assist you with signing up.

If you are wondering what the PW sale is all about, watch this short testimony from Debbie Slack, co=chair of the event:

Speaker:  Rev. Sara Hayden and PCUSA

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, NOON - 2 PM
COMMON ROOM

A salad lunch will be served for $5. Please make a reservation no later than noon on Thursday, October 18 with Pat Slichenmyer at (317) 873-4161.

The Rev. Sara Hayden is the Director of Apprenticeships, Residencies and Leadership Cohorts for the 1001 New Worshiping Communities movement of the Presbyterian Church USA, which has started over 450 new churches around the country since 2012. She is interested in how Christian community can adapt to provide a place for and include the gifts of those who are new to organized religion. 

Sara has been instrumental in the development of 1001’s national apprenticeship and residency programs and cohort network, which more than 100 new worshiping community leaders turn to for mutual support and continued training. One of her key roles in the 1001 movement is the strategic development of national resources. She uses her experience as a regional and local new worshiping community leader to inform that work. As director of the 1001 Apprenticeship and Residency Program, Sara teaches apprentices about church-planting via weekly video seminars.

A graduate of Columbia Theological Seminary and Truman State University, Sara has also studied developmental sociology at the University of Havana. Her expertise includes recruitment and development of new worshiping community leaders; executive coaching; leadership retreats; apprenticeships, and sustaining fruitful leadership cohorts.

She is a coach for the Gallup StrengthsFinder leadership assessment tool, and has coached multiple staff teams and leadership groups in talent identification and team-building.

Sara recently moved from Atlanta to Indianapolis with her husband, Rev. Chris Henry, and their two young sons, Samuel (5) and Ben (1.5). She is excited to be with the Rehm Guild this fall!

Tuesday, November  27
Speaker: Sheila Dollasake with Goodwill Industries Schools
Goodwill Industries Schools

Reservations for the month of November 2018 should be made to Jane Williams at (317) 726-7227 or by email at J1w6625@yahoo.com.

Tuesday, March  26
Speaker: Allison Curts, Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church
Disaster Response

Tuesday, April  23
Speaker: Karen Archbold, Director and Composer
Children’s Christian  Music

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 11 AM

Get to Know Chris Henry

The Book of Order of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) states:

When the congregation, the presbytery, and the minister of the Word and Sacrament (or candidate) have all concurred in a call to a permanent or designated pastoral position, the presbytery shall complete the call process by organizing and conducting a service of installation. Installation is an act of the presbytery establishing the pastoral relationship. A service of installation occurs in the context of worship. (G-2.0805)

The Presbytery of Whitewater Valley and Second Presbyterian Church cordially invite you to join us as we celebrate the Installation Service for Reverend Christopher A. Henry, Senior Pastor, Second Presbyterian Church:

• Sunday, November 4, 2018
• 11 a.m. Service of Installation
• 12:15 p.m. Reception to follow in McFarland Hall

Commission Members:

• Elder Sandra Reid, Presbytery Vice-Moderator member at Tabernacle Presbyterian
• Elder Karen Buttrey, PNC co-chair and member at Second
• Elder Jerry Hallett, PNC co-chair and member at Second
• Rev. Chelsea Benham, Associate Pastor at Irvington Presbyterian
• Rev. Winterbourne Harrison-Jones, Pastor of Witherspoon Presbyterian
• Rev. Mike Samson, Associate Pastor at Orchard Park Presbyterian

Participants in the Service:

• Rev. Dr. Joanna Adams
• Rev. Dr. Bill Enright
• Rev. Sara Hayden
• Rev. Dr. David Henry
• Rev. Dr. Rob McClellan

Chris Henry’s friend and colleague, Rob McClellan, will be preaching at the installation service. The Rev. Dr. Robert (Rob) McClellan is Senior Pastor/Head of Staff at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Tiburon, CA.  Originally from Bloomington, he holds a B.A. in Communications (University of Iowa), a M.A. in Philanthropic Studies (Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis), a M.A. in Rhetoric (University of Wisconsin), a M.Div. (Columbia Theological Seminary), and a D.Min. from San Francisco Theological Seminary.

Rob is drawn to Celtic Christianity and has a passion for the environment. In his doctoral work and ministry, he has explored pilgrimage as a spiritual practice in mainline Protestantism. Prior to moving to California, he served churches in Bryn Mawr, PA and Philadelphia. He is married to former Lake Fellow, Rev. Sherri Hausser, with whom he has a son Liam born in 2013.

SELECT WEDNESDAYS
SEPTEMBER 12 - DECEMBER 19, 6:30-8 PM

This class is for adults who want to stay younger, smarter and fit. Using the book by the same title – Aging Well – by Dr. Rod Rhoades, we will explore the practices that promote personal vitality and lasting purpose in life. Scientific findings and interdisciplinary wisdom will be presented in order to increase each person’s ability to guide their own path to a meaningful and purposeful life. Participants will be given keys to physical, mental, social and spiritual practices that enhance the quality of life at any age.

Leadership:

Rod Rhoades, Ph.D., author of Aging Well: Staying Younger, Smarter and Fit, is Professor Emeritus at Indiana University School of Medicine. He has spent more than 30 years in medical and integrative research, and is author of numerous books and papers. His keen interest is on the importance of a person taking responsibility of his or her own physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual well-being.

Robert L. Hunter, M.Div., Th.M. , has 40+ years of experience as a pastor, counselor, consultant and coach. He is the former Director of CenterPoint Counseling, currently an adjunct counselor. His areas of expertise relate to the healthy functioning of individuals-in-relationships – from family systems to work systems and social groups. He is the author of one book, Helping When it Hurts: A Practical Guide to Helping Relationships.

Class Schedule: (Wednesdays, 6:30 – 8 p.m.)

• September 12: Introduction and Background
• September 26: Who’s Responsible for Your Health and Wellbeing?
• October 24: Healthy Aging: A Matter of the Mind.
• October 31: Learning to Thrive: Expanding Your Heart and Mind
• November 7: The Power of Belief-Reaching Beyond Ourselves. 
• November 28: Spiritual Practices and Connections. 
• December 5: The Transformative Power of Gratitude and Generosity.

Sponsored by CenterPoint Counseling, a ministry of Second Presbyterian Church

Videos of the classes will appear in the playlist above as they are available.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 7 PM

Recycling is second nature, right? As careful stewards of creation, we bundle our newspapers for the local school; we give our pop cans to the neighborhood Can Lady; and we all put our plastic water bottles, glass jars and broken down cardboard boxes into blue bins at home. But what happens next?

If China isn’t buying our recyclable stuff anymore, where is it going? What’s the big deal about straws? What about all the other stuff like Styrofoam, snack packages, and plastic bags? Why does so much of it end up in the ocean?

A representative of the Indiana Recycling Coalition will unravel the mysteries of recycling on Wednesday, November 14 at 7 p.m. at the church.

Bring your questions and your favorite strategies for waste-free living. 

DECEMBER 26, 2018 - JANUARY 5, 2019

Register Now

Israel/Palestine 2018-2019
College Age Students

Why:  Globally, conflict between people of different faiths are in the headlines almost daily. These conflicts engender great debate and often further and deepen the rifts between neighbors. Therefore, many important questions about how we live together and work toward reconciliation must be asked and discussed by people of faith around the world. It is vital that Christians commit ourselves to this conversation. The Christian faith tradition has much to say about community, justice, and the work of reconciliation. This is an opportunity to discover that together and to find ways that we might put these concepts into practice in our everyday lives.

Who:  People who are college age and have been out of high school for at least one year & participated in Footsteps of Faith.

When:  The group will meet throughout the summer of 2018 to build a sense of togetherness, learn about the roots of our fath tradition in Israel/Palestine, uncover the challenges faced in that part of the world, and gain practical knowledge about reconciliation and justice work in polarized settings.

The group will travel to Israel and Palestine together from December 26, 2018 through January 4, 2019.

Cost: The experience will cost between $1500 and $1750 per participant thanks to the generosity of the people of Second.

Contact: Brian Shivers with questions.

Rev. Christopher Henry
Senior Pastor
317-253-6461
chenry@secondchurch.org

Below is a playlist of short videos to help you get to know Chris and his family a little better:

Rev. Chris Henry came to Second from Shallowford Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, where he served as Senior Pastor for seven years. He is a graduate of Duke University (B.A. in Religion) and Columbia Theological Seminary (M.Div.). He has served the wider church in a variety of capacities, currently serving as a member of Columbia Seminary’s board of trustees, the advisory board of NEXT Church, and on the board of the Alliance for Christian Media.

Chris has a passion for preaching that both inspires and challenges all to faithful living in complex times. He believes that churches have the capacity and the mandate to be places of transformation in the lives of individuals, the surrounding community and the world.

His wife, Rev. Sara Hayden, has served since 2014 as Ministry Associate for the 1001 New Worshipping Communities movement of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The couple has two sons, Samuel and Benjamin.

Q&A with Chris Henry

1. Why are you considering the call to come to Second?

Because I truly believe that God is calling us to join in ministry together. While I have never experienced God’s call as a flash of lightning or thundering voice from the heavens, I believe God does speak to us in palpable ways. For me, this has most often come in conversations with those who know and love me best and in the subtle but steady form of experiences that point the way forward. Since last summer, I have seen and heard God’s call to consider this unique ministry opportunity.

2. What intrigues you about our congregation? What opportunities most excite you?

Second Presbyterian Church is, without a doubt, a leading congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and of mainline Protestantism. I am intrigued and inspired by the incredible history of this congregation and its vital role in shaping the future of faith in our nation. The vision and leadership capacity of Second Presbyterian can be a catalyst for renewal both within this congregation and far beyond. I am also excited for opportunities to engage in meaningful dialogue and action on the issues that face Indianapolis and the wider culture. I believe that God has gifted this church in such a wide variety of ways, and I believe that God’s gifts always come with a call to use them in the service of others.

3. What leadership positions have you held?

In addition to serving as senior pastor of a growing congregation for the last seven years, I have had the opportunity to provide leadership to the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta through its Coordinating Council and Examinations Commission. I have also enjoyed serving our denomination and am now a member of the Board of Trustees at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia and on the Advisory Board of the NEXT Church movement.

4. What would you say have been your greatest accomplishments at your current church?

The Shallowford congregation has really experienced remarkable growth over the last seven years. We have increased from a membership of 717 to a membership of 1,048 in that time, and our annual budget has increased by 61%. Among those who have joined the Shallowford congregation in that time, many are young families or have young children. This has contributed to a sense of renewed energy and vitality in the church. Still, I think perhaps the greatest accomplishment of our time together has been the genuine sense of intergenerational community that has emerged. I love serving a church with active members at every stage of life, and particularly enjoy watching relationships form among those representing different life stages. Shallowford has grown deeper and wider in our time together.

5. What is your favorite thing about being a pastor?

Baptisms! Also, the amazing privilege of walking with people and communities through every joy and sorrow that life can bring, and representing the presence of God with them in each moment. I continue to be astounded that God has called me to serve in this way. Astounded, and grateful.

6. Why did you feel called to ministry?

Church has always been home for me. When I was a freshman at Duke University, I began to sense that God was calling me into ministry. I considered whether that might be mission work, academic pursuits, or a ministry of advocacy. And then, I felt called back home to the place where my call was formed. In the intervening years, I had fallen in love with the power of the spoken word. And so, I discovered the gift of preaching and the joy of serving congregations…it was a perfect fit!

7. What appeals to you about being part of PC(USA)?

The PC(USA) is my theological home because it has shaped my faith and my life. I was born nine months before reunification, and so I am roughly as old as the denomination, which seems fitting. I love being part of a denomination that takes the Bible seriously, that honors different and even divergent perspectives, that believes God calls us to live faithfully, and that trusts in God’s sovereign love.

8. What is your favorite Bible passage?

Honestly, it depends on the situation! For me, the letters of Paul have been formative and instructive. I am especially drawn to his letter to the Romans. I am challenged by his instruction at the end of the letter, Romans 15:7, “Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” What would it mean to welcome others just as Christ has welcomed us?! How might that bring glory to God?

9. Tell us about your family.

I grew up as the second of four children and am the son of a Presbyterian minister and a clinical psychologist. Since August of 2008, I have been married to Rev. Sara Hayden, who is on our denomination’s staff as part of the 1001 New Worshipping Communities movement. We have two sons—Samuel is four and Benjamin is one. We are loving the energy of two young sons and missing some of the sleep that once came so easily!

10. What do you enjoy in your free time?

A few years ago, I decided to become a runner. I hated it for three months, then I fell in love with it. Now, I try to carve out time for running, which is good for body, mind and spirit. I love watching college basketball (mostly Duke basketball), eating out with friends and reading a good biography or novel.

11. What is your favorite food?

Is coffee a food? If so, I’ll go with that. If not, I would say that Indian cuisine is a current favorite—I love the spices and preparation methods of good south Asian food.

12. Who are your favorite sports teams?

I was fortunate enough to experience a men’s national basketball championship my freshmen year at Duke. As one who had been a fan since I was seven years old, that was a highlight of my college years. I still try to get back for a game or two each year. While I follow professional sports, my allegiance is somewhat thin. I do like the Carolina Panthers (growing up in NC) and the St. Louis Cardinals (where my brother lives)…but I guess I should say Colts and Pacers, right?

Letter from Rev. Chris Henry:

Dear Friends,
Though we have not yet had the opportunity to meet, you have been in my heart and mind for several months now. I am filled with hope and anticipation for the journey that is ahead of us, and I am deeply honored to be nominated to serve as your next Senior Pastor. In conversation with friends, mentors, and colleagues around the nation and particularly in exploring this potential call with the faithful and gifted members of your Pastoral Nominating Committee, my vision of Second Presbyterian Church has grown in clarity and depth. I know that to serve as your pastor means building on an extraordinary foundation of Christian witness, worship, mission, and discipleship. I know that to join in your ministry means becoming part of one of our nation’s most vibrant and gifted congregations. Your contributions to the city of Indianapolis, the Presbyterian Church (USA), and the Christian Church around the world, are truly remarkable. I am humbled and I am grateful.

I have been deeply blessed by the privilege of serving for seven years as Senior Pastor of Shallowford Presbyterian Church in Atlanta. We have experienced wonderful growth and have seen the power of God at work in broad and deep ways among us. I continue to find my ministry at Shallowford both rewarding and challenging, and the congregation has been a community of grace for our family. Still, from my first conversation with your PNC co-chairs, I could sense that God’s Spirit was on the move. With the eyes of my heart, I could see the possibilities ahead. Since that time, you have not been far from my mind or my prayers. As others came and went, this potential call remained like a steady drumbeat that began to sound like God’s own voice. I am convinced that God was, and is, calling me to Second Presbyterian Church.

My partner in this journey of life and ministry, and the most spiritually-centered person I know, is Sara Hayden. We will celebrate our tenth anniversary in August. The greatest joy of our life together is the gift of being parents to Samuel and Benjamin. Sam is a wise and kind four-year-old who loves to be exploring outside or listening to a good story. Ben, who turned one on March 10, is on the verge of walking and loves to follow his big brother around. We join you as a family and look forward to making Second our church home.

From my earliest memories to my most recent worship experience, church has been the place where I have met God. In congregations of faithful believers who gather regularly to be sustained and sent out, I have witnessed the risen Christ. In strangers who become sisters and brothers, I have seen the Spirit weave the fabric of community together in profound ways. In the power of sacred words read and shared, I have come to believe in a living God who is still speaking. My prayer is that our ministry together will be a testimony to God’s grace at work in the world. I can’t wait to get started!

With gratitude and joy,
Chris

Pastoral Nominating Committee: Karen Buttrey, Co-Chair, Jerry Hallett, Co-Chair
Beth Bedwell, Carolyn Dederer, Bob Getts, Shadreck Kamwendo, Bud Melton, Eric Mercer, Anne Nobles,
Bill Sando, Kristine Seufert and Cindy Swider

Who is Chris Henry?

I cannot think of a greater blessing for Second Presbyterian church than to have Chris Henry step into the role of your soon-to-be Senior Pastor. Your storied congregation will soon discover that you have called one of the most gifted Christian leaders of this generation. Chris is a rare combination of high intellect and warm-heartedness. He preaches a message that challenges the mind, nourishes the spirit, and encourages discipleship. He also has a swell sense of humor and genuinely enjoys every aspect of ministry. He is beloved by centenarians, babies in the nursery and everyone else in between. He loves them all right back.

Chris and I have known one another since he came to work as seminary intern at a church I served as pastor in Atlanta. The congregation immediately fell in love with him. When he graduated from seminary (at the top of his class), he was ordained as our Associate Pastor, a job he fulfilled as if he already had twenty years of experience under his belt. He was a great colleague from the start. After he became pastor of his own congregation in Atlanta, his tenure there was soon marked by strong numerical and spiritual growth on the part of the membership, a flourishing children and youth program, and broad, effective outreach into the community.

You will love Chris and his wife Sara Hayden, an especially gifted minister herself who knows more about new church development than anyone else around. Their family is filled with love and delight, and their splendid little boys, Samuel and Ben, will soon steal your hearts.

All of this is to say that the Second Presbyterian Pastoral Search Committee has found for you a genuine treasure. I have no doubt that Chris will lead you well into a new tomorrow and a deeper life in Christ.

To God be the glory!

Rev. Dr. Joanna M. Adams 
Pastor Emerita, Morningside Presbyterian Church, Atlanta, GA

I am thrilled that Chris will be the next pastoral leader for Second Presbyterian Church. I have always found Chris to be a person of high integrity and humility. He is an excellent leader who is authentically himself both in and out of the pulpit. I look forward to what happens in the next season of Second Presbyterian Church’s life.

Rev. Shannon Johnson Kershner
Pastor, Fourth Presbyterian Church, Chicago, IL

From the day I met Chris Henry as a freshman at Duke, I knew that God had given us someone very special. As a student, Chris always took the most demanding courses and pushed himself to prepare as best he could, because of his great respect for the mission of Jesus Christ and the part he was to play in that mission.

After watching him thrive in seminary, I got to see Chris dive into pastoral leadership. Testing himself in a variety of church situations, Chris showed what good judgment God had used in calling and equipping someone like Chris to lead the church.

And now Chris has been called to one of the grand congregations in his denomination. Chris Henry is just the right person to lead Second Presbyterian into the future. Hey, Second Pres, hold on to your hats. With Chris Henry as your pastor, you will end up miles from here!

Will Willimon
Former Dean, Duke University Chapel, United Methodist Bishop, Professor of the Practice of Christian Ministry, Duke University