 | Monthly Newsletter |
Monthly Newsletter
Find out what is going on at Second in the monthly newsletter available online or throughout the church building.
|  | Lenten Sermon Series: Living in the Shadows |
Living in the Shadows
The season of Lent offers us the invitation to go deep in faith and to confront the shadow side of our faith. We’ll take up several of the shadows this season, trying to understand what they can teach us about ourselves and our God.
MARCH 10: (FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT) Living in the Shadows: “The Shadow of Emptiness” | PDF
“He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished.” (Luke 4:2b)
This Sunday, we contemplate the Shadow of Emptiness. Facing our fear of empty pockets, empty bellies, empty schedules, perhaps even empty faith, and our propensity for filling up with food that does not satisfy and activity that distracts us, we clear a space to imagine the gift that emptiness might bring. Join us Sunday as we these face this shadow together, in the hope that by so doing, we might grow deeper in faith and closer to God.
MARCH 17 Living in the Shadows: “The Shadow of Fear” | PDF
“He said to them, ‘Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?’” (Mark 4:40)
This Sunday, we face the shadow of fear. Though our personal fears are as unique as the stories and experiences that have shaped us, all of us struggle to follow the command repeated hundreds of times in scripture...“Do not be afraid.” Fear is a natural human response to the uncertainties of life. The invitation and challenge of faith is not to avoid our fears or steer clear of storms, but to anticipate the transformation that waits on the other side and remember the one who journeys with us even, especially, when we are afraid.
MARCH 24 Living in the Shadows: “The Shadow of Doubt” | PDF
“He called the place Massah and Meribah, because the Israelites quarreled and tested the Lord, saying, ‘Is the Lord among us or not?’” (Exodus 17:7)
MARCH 31 Living in the Shadows: “The Shadow of Weariness” | PDF
“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
How to use playlist below: In the top left corner of the video, you can toggle between sermons. They are listed in chronological order.
|  | Together@5 |
Together@5
Sundays, 5 p.m.
Together@5 provides an engaging worship experience in McFarland Hall that includes space for interaction during and after the service, a diverse variety of sacred music, a meaningful message, and time for reflection. The relaxed style of the service offers a worship opportunity for families and individuals of all ages who are not able to attend our morning services or are looking for something different. We also continue and renew the traditions of weekly communion, consistent worship leadership, and a time of food and fellowship following the service. Join us on January 6, 2019!
Dear Friends,
Worship is at the heart of everything we do at Second Presbyterian Church—the place where we gather in community, offer our praise and thanks to God, hear and share the gospel message, and receive nourishment and strength for the journey of faith. I am grateful for the gift of worship that equips, inspires, and sends us as disciples of Jesus Christ.
It is a joy for me to share plans for a new Sunday evening worship experience at Second Presbyterian Church. Beginning on Epiphany, January 6, 2019, you are invited to "Together@5", a new worship service held in McFarland Hall on Sundays at 5:00 p.m.
Together@5 will be relaxed in style, lively in spirit, and relational from start to finish. I look forward to sharing more details about Together@5 as January draws nearer.
As we build enthusiasm and make plans for this new worship experience, we want to be good and faithful stewards of our resources. The discernment process which resulted in a vision for Together@5 also led us to decide to bring our other Sunday evening worships services to a close. Families@Five will hold its final service in the chapel on November 25th. Second@Six will hold its final service in the Sanctuary on November 11th. Both have provided wonderfully meaningful worship for many years, and in the weeks ahead we will give thanks and celebrate the good gifts received and shared through the communities built in those services.
Together@5 will, in many ways, highlight the best parts of Second's past Sunday evening services. The space of McFarland Hall will also give us freedom to worship in completely new ways. I hope you will join me at 5:00 on January 6 when we, as a community of faith, begin this new thing together.
With peace and grace,
Chris Henry
|  | Hospitality as a Christian Witness |
Hospitality as a Christian Witness
Wednesday Lenten Class
|  | Second Steps |
Second Steps
Lunch and Class
SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 12 NOON
God takes the first step...the second step belongs to us!
The season of Lent allows us sacred time to reflect on our spiritual lives and to make space for the practices that shape our faith. If you have been searching for a way to deepen your involvement in the life of this congregation, or simply want to learn more about Second, we invite you to our new Second Steps session on Sunday, March 31 from 12 to 2:30 p.m. Whether you are a long-time participant in our church life or a brand new visitor, you are welcome…Second Steps is for YOU!
Join Senior Pastor Chris Henry and other members of the pastoral staff as we explore the Christian faith, the purpose of the church, and the life of Second Presbyterian Church in this new chapter of ministry. We’ll begin with lunch (RSVP here) immediately after the 11 a.m. worship service. Childcare is available and all ages are welcome. At the end of the session, you will be invited to join Second…we love new members! That decision is completely up to you and your family.
If you are looking for a place to connect and belong, to grow in faith and wonder, to serve others, and to find a deeper meaning for your life, we believe you will find it here. Please join us on Sunday, March 31 to take the next steps in your journey at Second!
Not available on March 31? Let us know what you are interested in, and we'll be in touch.
For more information, call the church at (317) 253-6461 or speak with any of our pastors following worship. If you would like to attend the next class, please email Karen Reynard.
|  | The Future is Now Luncheon |
The Future is Now
Luncheon with Dr. David Chaddock
Transitions: The Joys and Challenges
With Dr. David Chaddock
Please join the Sages for lunch and a wonderful program featuring Dr. David Chaddock, director of CenterPoint Counseling. He will talk about the various transitions that we experience in life; some are joyful, some are challenging, and some are both.
The cost is $8 per person. Please make your reservations and non-refundable payments online, in McFarland Hall on Sundays, or at the front desk during office hours. Deadline for reservations is this Tuesday, March 10 at noon.
|  | Revival Breakfast Gathering |
Revival
Breakfast Gathering of Men@Second
THIRD SATURDAY EACH MONTH, 8-9 AM, COMMON RM
Saturday, March 16
Speaker: Ron Snow
Revival: A unique monthly breakfast gathering for all Men at Second to grow our relationships and hear how God has been at work in the lives of those men next to us in the pew.
Come be revived!
|  | Whitewater Valley PW Retreat Day |
Whitewater Valley PW Retreat Day
God's Promises: I Am with You Always
Genesis 28:15
Retreat Leader: Sharon Garlough Brown, Sensible Shoes author
Gathering Mission Project: Second Presbyterian Food Pantry
Please donate diapers or feminine hygiene products. The offering will also go to the church food pantry.
Childcare is available by reservation at SecondChurch.org/Childcare. Please reserve by March 16.
|  | CIC Interfaith Banquet |
CIC Interfaith Banquet
SUNDAY, MARCH 24, 5 PM
MARTIN UNIVERSITY
Followers of diverse faith backgrounds will come together on Sunday March 24, 2019, to share fellowship and entertainment at the 5th Annual Interfaith Banquet. The event will honor Imam Michael “Mikal” Saahir for his decades of leadership in improving understanding and strengthening relationships between people of different faith and ethnic backgrounds in Central Indiana. Presented by the Center for Interfaith Cooperation (CIC), Imam Saahir’s recognition will include the 2019 “Interfaith Ambassador of the Year” award.
The Interfaith Banquet will be held at Martin University (2186 N Sherman Dr, Indianapolis) on Sunday March 24th, beginning at 5 p.m. It will feature a delicious meal that is specifically appropriate for all religious requirements.
Tickets for the Banquet are available online. We look forward to seeing you at the Banquet!
|  | Theology on Tap |
Theology on Tap
Theology on Tap is hosted by Young Adults, but is for any person who wants to attend. We meet (generally) the fourth Tuesday of the month for conversation and catch up, as well as for deep conversations about theological topics. Some of our previous topics have centered around the Bible, resurrection, grief, and faith. The speakers vary on a month by month basis. There are alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, as well as snack foods.
All are welcome to come and share in the rich conversation.
March 26: Mercy and Forgiveness
Karen Lang
If you have any questions please feel free to contact Rev. Meagan Findeiss mfindeiss@secondchurch.org or Rev. Owen Gray ogray@secondchurch.org.
April 23: Love
David Berry
May 28: Wisdom
Chris Henry
|  | Paint with Watercolors |
Paint With Watercolors
Workshop with Bob Bratton, March 13-April 24
Have you wanted to learn how to paint with watercolors?
Join Bob Bratton at Second for a 6-week workshop beginning on Wednesday, March 13, 3:30-5:30 p.m. at Second Presbyterian Church to either learn the basics or further your own knowledge in using watercolors. All levels are welcome. There is a suggested fee of $25 paid by the first class. Basic supplies will be provided.
Class is limited to 10 participants on a "first come" sign-up basis.
Class meets weekly starting March 13 through April 24.
Note: There is no class on April 17 (Holy Week).
To register, contact the Music and Fine Arts office at (317) 253-6461 or mfa@SecondChurch.org.
|  | Rehm Guild Luncheon |
Rehm Guild Luncheon
TUESDAY, MARCH 26
Disaster Response
Speaker: Allison Curts, Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church
Please make a reservation no later than noon on the Thursday before to Jane Williams, by email at: jlw665@yahoo.com or (phone 317-726-7227).
Tuesday, April 23
Children’s Christian Music
Speaker: Karen Archbold, Director and Composer
Please make a reservation no later than noon on the Thursday before to Jane Williams, by email at: jlw665@yahoo.com or (phone 317-726-7227).
|  | Hold Me Tight |
Hold Me Tight
Relationship Enrichment for Couples
Register now for a 2-day workshop for couples to strengthen, renew, and repair relationship. Workshop based on the book, Hold Me Tight, and evidence-based couples therapy model by Dr. Sue Johnson, PhD.
|  | One Great Hour of Sharing |
One Great Hour of Sharing
Repairers of the Breach
THROUGH APRIL 21
In Isaiah 58, God calls us to a new kind of fast-to love one another more deeply by sharing what we have with those in need.
Around the world, millions of people lack access to sustainable food sources, clean water, sanitation, education, and opportunity. Each gift to One Great Hour of Sharing helps to improve the lives of people in these challenging situations, and provides us a way to come together to share God’s love with our neighbors in need. As we look forward to the celebration of new life on Easter, answer God’s call by giving generously to One Great Hour of Sharing.
One Great Hour of Sharing offering envelopes are in the pews or you can give online.
|  | VBS 2019 |
Vacation Bible School - 2019
Sunday, June 23 - Friday, June 28
Vacation Bible School is about making friends, playing games, singing songs, painting pictures, sharing snacks, helping others and sealing God's story in our hearts. What a joyful way to add our own stories to the faith family tree!
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. You are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you." (Isaiah 43:1-4)
Join us for a week-long summer adventure as we experience the powerful love of God and the joy of being a child of the promise!
45D VBS - Our oldest VBS kids, rising 5th and 6th graders, deepen friendships and faith as they engage in side-by-side mission activities. Projects include building a ramp with SAWs ministry, sewing puppy pillows for Riley hospital with our Monday Sew-ers, creating art alongside our special friends from Nobel, and running a lemonade stand to benefit students in Kenya.
Questions: contact Rev. Caroline Dennis, at (317) 253-6461 or CDennis@SecondChurch.org.
VBS Kick-Off Worship, Ice Cream Social and Open House
SUNDAY, JUNE 23, 4 PM
Everyone is invited to join us for worship in McFarland Hall at 4 p.m. followed by a visit to your VBS class and a time of fellowship on the playground.
Vacation Bible School
JUNE 24 - JUNE 28
MONDAY- FRIDAY, 9 AM - NOON
for children Age 4 (by 9/1/2019) – (rising into) Grade 6
Cost: $30 per person
Early bird discount is available. Pay $25 when you register before May 31.
Registration closes June 9, 2019
For families needing a longer day of enriching experiences …
VBSXtended Day
7:30 AM - 9 AM and NOON – 5 PM
Cost: $30 for AM; $150 for PM per person
Early bird discount for VBSXtended Day is available. Pay $25 for AM; $125 for PM per person when you register before May 31.
Registration closes June 9, 2019
Extend your VBS day by adding on VBSXtended Day. Children and Family Ministries offers an early morning and/or afternoon of loving care for VBS Particpants. Children have lunch time with a meal brought from home, take a rest, enjoy arts and crafts, quiet and active games, and outdoor play.
Volunteer for VBS
VBS volunteers range from rising 7th grade to mid-nineties! There is a job for everyone, from classroom teachers to technology assistants, snack preparers to craft creators. We hope you can volunteer with us all five days but we welcome your help on as many days as you may be available. The gift of your time and creative energy will plant seeds of faith that will grow though the life of a child (and your own!).
VBS Volunteers are asked to commit to attend one VBS Volunteer Orientation & Teacher Training Session (6/13 or 6/20), spend 2 hours on Classroom Setup and Decorating (6/22), and stay for Clean-up Friday afternoon (6/28).
PLEASE NOTE: In addition to registration, all NEW Volunteers need to complete the Second Presbyterian Church Volunteer Application Form and Background Check. Find a link to this form in your registration confirmation email. Previous volunteers will be notified if a new background check is needed.
A VBS experience for young children of VBS volunteers...
VBS Jr - Childcare
While you volunteer, your children who are under 4 years old may participate in age appropriate VBS activities while receiving tender care (& a t-shirt) in our nursery.
Please note: VBS Jr Childcare is available to volunteers, for their children under 4 years old, only on days when they are volunteering.
Questions: contact Rev. Caroline Dennis, at (317) 253-6461 or CDennis@SecondChurch.org.
|  | Colorful Connections Art Exhibit |
Exhibits in McFarland Hall
Colorful Connections Through a Child's Eyes
“Art is truly a reflection of God’s creative spirit. Through the creation and perception of beauty, we praise and celebrate the creative power of God. Art is, in this respect, an aspect of worship. The struggle to build harmony in music, beauty on a blank canvas, or implement a creative idea is more than an act of faith—it becomes a quiet act of love” — Martha Sando, member of Second Church and the Fine Arts Advisory Team
The Fine Arts Advisory Team encourages everyone at Second to experience a sense of wonder and joy by these acts of love in the following upcoming exhibits:
“Colorful Connections Through a Child’s Eyes”
FEBRUARY 3 - MARCH 23, MCFARLAND HALL
This exhibit features works by Greenbriar Elementary students and is presented by the Fine Arts Advisory Team. Second partners with Greenbriar Elementary to provide volunteers who mentor and tutor students, support teachers, and help with PTO events. For more information, contact Jan Millholland.
|  | Brown Bag Lunch with Chris |
Brown Bag Lunch
with Chris
THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 11:45 AM
Rev Chris Henry will continue his series of Brown Bag Lunches with small groups of congregants in the Common Room in March and April.
“I was glad to have the opportunity to get to know our new pastor better,” and “It was a chance to talk informally with Chris about his ideas for our church” were two responses from participating members in groups this fall.
If you want to join one of these informal sessions, please sign up on SignUpGenius. And don't forget to bring your own lunch!
|  | 5 Good Books for March |
5 Good Books for March
Hospitality
Recommended by John Franke
-
Joshua Jipp, Saved by Faith and Hospitality (Eerdmans, 2017)
-
Matthew Kaemingk, Christian Hospitality and Muslim Immigration in an Age of Fear (Eerdmans, 2018)
-
Amy Oden, ed. And You Welcomed Me: A Sourcebook on Hospitality in Early Christianity (Abingdon, 2001)
-
Christine Pohl, Making Room: Recovering Hospitality as a Christian Tradition (Eerdmans, 1999)
-
Amos Yong, Hospitality and the Other: Pentecost, Christian Practices, and the Neighbor (Orbis, 2008)
