Second's Impact
Second Presbyterian Church is a welcoming community of faith where Jesus Christ transforms lives.
Second's mission is to be a church for the city of Indianapolis and a charging station for all God's people.
Each month, we'll share stories of how our community is living out its faith.
Stories from Second: More Than a Dock
As 164 children and 108 volunteers entered McFarland Hall each day during Vacation Bible School, they were welcomed by a massive harbor dock that transformed the room into the perfect setting for this year's Into the Waters theme. Few realized the impressive structure was far more than a stage prop. Built by members of Second serving through SAWs (Servants At Work), the dock had been designed with a second purpose already in mind.
When this year's Into the Waters theme was announced, VBS Chair Jordana Marcus knew exactly what the space needed.
"I immediately pictured a large dock in McFarland. With the help of Pete Mohr, Dorian Chrismon, and the SAWs team, my vision came to life and was even greater than I expected. It really set the stage for the week and got everyone so excited from the minute it went up," said Marcus.
While SAWs volunteers built the sturdy framework, a talented VBS decorating team led by Meghan Sibla added the backdrop and finishing details, transforming raw lumber into a bustling harbor dock. For five days, it became the centerpiece for worship, music, storytelling, and community.
"We have worship each day in McFarland, and the dock made the whole week. It was truly amazing to have the SAWs partnership available to us. I hope VBS and SAWs can have a partnership for many more years to come," Marcus said.
Rev. Audrey Thorne reflected on the collaboration behind the project.
"The dock reflects the kind of collaboration that makes Second so special—Jordana's vision, the craftsmanship of Pete Mohr, Dorian Chrismon, and the SAWs team, and the creativity of Meghan Sibla and our decorating team all came together to transform the space exactly as we'd hoped. Their work allowed us to transport the kids Into the Waters for a week of song, story, and play.”
But when VBS ended, the dock's story was just beginning.
True to the spirit of stewardship and service that defines SAWs, the dock was never meant to be discarded. It was built with its next purpose already in mind. As VBS came to a close, the SAWs team carefully deconstructed the dock, reclaiming the lumber and hardware for future mobility ramps.
The transformation happened almost immediately. According to Mohr, the wood—and even the screws—from the VBS dock had already been repurposed into two new ramps within days: one for a man in Indianapolis who uses a wheelchair and another for a woman in Elwood who relies on a walker. What served as a temporary stage where children experienced God's love during VBS has already become a source of freedom, independence, and accessibility for neighbors in need.
For SAWs, this kind of transformation is the heart of the ministry.
Through creativity, stewardship, and a shared heart for service, the dock's impact extended far beyond VBS. It is a beautiful reminder that some of the most meaningful ministry continues long after the final song is sung.
The dock that welcomed children Into the Waters of VBS now helps welcome neighbors home.
To learn more about the ministry of SAWs and the life-changing impact of its mobility ramp program, listen to SAWs Founder Rik Hagarty on a recent episode of Faithful Discourse with Chris Henry, available on Apple, Spotify, or PodBean.
Share Your Story
Know someone making a difference? Witnessed a moment of grace? We'd love to hear from you!
Please send your story ideas, ministry updates, or photos to Ayrika Gunn, Director of Communications, at AGunn@SecondChurch.org.
Please note: Submissions may be edited or adapted by the Communications team for publication across our print and digital platforms. While we can't guarantee every story will be published, we sincerely appreciate every submission. Before submitting, please ensure you have permission from anyone featured in your story or photos.
+ Raising Walls Together
Saturday, May 30, thirteen Second volunteers partnered with Greater Indianapolis Habitat for Humanity with one shared goal: to raise the second floor of a home that will one day welcome a family. The team installed subflooring, assembled wall panels, and worked side by side to lift and secure the second-floor walls. By the end of the day, the framework had taken shape. What began the morning as an empty deck was now a structure clearly looking like a home.
"We are honored to be in partnership with Greater Indianapolis Habitat for Humanity and their mission to help neighbors realize homeownership," says Lisa Enright, Director of Missions. "It was a wonderful day of fellowship, meeting new friends, and a great opportunity to live into our call to walk alongside our neighbors."
This build is one of 10 Habitat homes planned for the new neighborhood, each constructed through partnerships just like ours. At Stories from Second, we believe that ministry is sometimes named in sermons and sometimes named in subfloors. This Saturday was beautifully the latter.
We are deeply grateful for the volunteers who showed up to sweat and serve, and we pray for the family who will one day call this house home.
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