Take A Second - May 7, 2020

Love and Gratitude

“I believe this with all my heart, I rely on it every single day, I have staked my life on it and I cling to its truth: love is what holds us. Holds us up. Holds us together. Holds us forever."

Rev. Chris Henry

For such faithful fellowship in action...we are grateful!

This week, we say THANK YOU to the many faces across our congregation who inspire, teach, and lead with love – no matter the distance. As appreciation for teachers, nurses and caregivers, and mission work all took center stage this week, we echo this chorus of gratitude. With love and deep compassion, you serve with excellence and empathy around the clock. As you care for many and bring hope to all those around you, know that we care for YOU, and hold you in our continued prayers with joy and thanksgiving.

UPCOMING WORSHIP

Sunday, May 10: “God Helps Those Who Help Themselves”
"In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help." (Psalm 18:6a)

This Sunday, Rev. Chris Henry continues a three-week series called “Beyond Clichés: Seeking a Deeper Faith.” Join us online only this Sunday at 11 a.m.

On Thursday evenings (tonight!), we invite you to join us for a Facebook Live prayer service beginning at 7:30 p.m.

NORTHSIDE FOOD PANTRY

This week, Northside Food Pantry continued to feed hearts and homes across Indianapolis. Led by our Coordinator Lisa Enright, this team has served with selfless leadership and love, reaching more individuals and families across our city than ever before. In the month of April alone, this mission served nearly 400 homes, including 100 first-time shoppers and more than 1,500 souls. Delivering both fellowship and food to cars lined up in our parking lot, these volunteers have not stopped. In Lisa’s own words, “There is no stopping this mission. We are on our feet moving, shopping, loading non-stop. Everyone has their role and we are here to serve.” THANK YOU, NORTHSIDE FOOD PANTRY!

CHILDREN'S CIRCLE PRESCHOOL

Since 1967, Children’s Circle Preschool has shaped and held the littlest hearts among God’s beloved children. For generations, families have turned to the leadership of love and beautiful care that drives this ministry. And for generations, children have been given wings to fly because of this love. Even beyond the classrooms, these teachers have brought school to the homes of their students with online videos, storytelling, and unconditional support for parents. Director Cara Paul offers these words of reflection upon the legacy of Children’s Circle:

The staff of CCP is our program’s number one asset! These caring and dedicated educators bring creativity and joy to their classrooms every day. They work hard to ensure all our students go home feeling safe and loved. What a blessing it is to see these teachers use their gifts and talents to make a difference in the lives of young children!

THANK YOU, CHILDREN’S CIRCLE PRESCHOOL!

OUR CAREGIVERS

Last Sunday, Rev. Chris Henry offered words of wisdom from two members of our congregation, Dr. Jim Lemons and Dr. Emily Giesel. Jim reminded us about protecting the silence – that silence carries more than can be held by words. And Emily reminded us about the strength in being present – staying present – not rushing through the pain. She reminded us about the strength in listening. Rev. Karen Lang shared gratitude for our caregivers in this touching video. For all the nurses, doctors, and caregivers who have stayed through our pain, protected our silent moments, and listened at our side, we say THANK YOU.

SUNDAY SCHOOL AT SECOND

This body of Christ – holding, singing, teaching, discipling, and more! – has long served with deep love. Volunteers spanning generations have united across Sundays to plan, prepare, and shepherd these sheep. In the absence of physical presence, our Sunday School teachers and staff have engaged with intention and relentless love – zooming, texting, storytelling, video-making, and Facebook Live-ing! As a faithful Sunday School volunteer, Shirley Calhoun says, “These teachers are just so wonderful. I am grateful for their love, dedication, and the attention they give to all the children at Second. I love our Sunday School family and the youth teams so very much.”

See how our children are staying connected at SecondChurch.org/Family and SecondChurch.org/Youth.

With all our love and gratitude, we THANK YOU!

Holding Faith, Together
#holdingfaithtogether
#secondpresindy

A welcoming community of faith where Jesus Christ transforms lives

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Fellowship

"A new chapter lies ahead of us. It is a time that begs for leadership from those who are guided by the values of selflessness and love."

Rev. Chris Henry

Fellowship With One Another

Seeking a deeper faith comes with the promise of God's presence – and that of your faith community – no matter the circumstance. Even in our distance, we know the bonds of fellowship hold us close. As we look beyond not only the clichés of faith but also this time of waiting and wondering, remember that our fellowship sustains us -- and our love still grows.

FELLOWSHIP IN PRAYER, Tonight, 7:30 p.m. Facebook Live

With traditional evening prayer adapted from The Book of Common Worship, this short online worship service includes prayers of thanksgiving and intercession, and readings from the Old and New Testament. We invite you to join us in reverence, hope, and faith, anchored in prayer.

(You are welcome to submit specific prayer requests ahead of the evening at Together@SecondChurch.org. Please indicate if you'd like this prayer to be shared and read aloud, or kept in tender privacy)

FELLOWSHIP IN WORSHIP

"For in hope we are saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen." (Romans 8:24)

This Sunday, Rev. Chris Henry will begin a three-week series called “Beyond Clichés: Seeking a Deeper Faith.” Join us online only this Sunday at 11 a.m. to hear part one: “Beyond Clichés: Everything Happens for a Reason.”

FELLOWSHIP IN GIVING

Rev. Dr. John Koppitch shared a video in March about the spirit of generosity reminding us about relational generosity, volunteer generosity, neighborly generosity, and financial generosity. Your spirit of generosity – giving in all measures – has been nothing short of beautifully abundant. To echo this fellowship in giving, a COVID-19 Fund has been established to assist with immediate needs – both within and beyond our church community – to directly support those impacted by this pandemic. You are invited to contribute to this fund if this meets your unique spirit of generosity. We are grateful for all the ways you give with such joy.

FELLOWSHIP IN SUPPORT

Acts of compassion and selfless leadership are all around us. Do you know someone who is giving, doing, helping – setting an example of servant leadership – in your life? We would love to honor their heart and hard work. Fill out this form and our Care Team will send a personal note of thanksgiving, prayer, and support from Second.

FELLOWSHIP IN GOD'S WORD

Our youth are meeting by Zoom Wednesday evenings; our Cherub Choir is virtually singing together on the weekend; Men@Second zoomed in for Revival; Presbyterian Women are studying God's Word – even though apart; the Sanctuary Choir (75 singers strong!) is still singing in harmony across living rooms; prayer circles are praying, and small groups are growing deeper. Let us know how we can help you find fellowship in God’s word at Second! Email Together@SecondChurch.org.

A welcoming community of faith where Jesus Christ transforms lives

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