As I reflect on our ministry in 2024, I’m filled with gratitude for our congregation’s faithfulness, leadership, and commitment to the mission and vision of Second Presbyterian Church. In the fall of 2023, we began a multi-year focus on the message of the prophet Isaiah to the exiles returning to a former home transformed by a generation of destruction and disregard. In early 2024, we focused on the call to rebuild. In the fall, we turned our attention to our call as repairers of the breach.
Mindful of the impact of polarization and deepening division around us, Second Church seeks to be a place of trusting relationships, intentional listening, spiritual engagement, and communal action for the good of others. We believe that the voice of God can be found in the pages of scripture and the stories of our neighbors. We are called to worship, to pray, to welcome, to build bridges, and to repair broken places with compassion and care.
As our nation faced a contentious election season, we at Second lifted up the role of the church through a Covenant for Faithful Living in Divided Times. As a guide for our life together and our work in the wider world, this set of commitments grounded our congregation in the virtues we find in scripture.
As disciples of Jesus, we are called to follow as he leads us. The following pages highlight some of the ways we are answering this call as a community of faith.
It is a privilege to share this journey with you all!
With peace and grace,
WORSHIP
In 2024, we bridged two themes: A Time to Rebuild and Repairing the Breach, the first two themes of a three-year focus on Isaiah 58. The work of repair begins in worship. We centered ourselves in sacred space and time in order to live in every space and time attentive to that same sacredness.
We continued to see steady increases in worship attendance and participation in our weekly services. In-person attendance grew by 8%, and livestream viewing increased 20%. We installed deacons and elders, commissioned Footsteps of Faith travelers and VBS volunteers, welcomed 104 new members and confirmands, were blessed by the beauty of music, remembered our saints, and celebrated 26 baptisms.
Every week we gathered to offer our best to the work of ministry to which God calls us — to be a welcoming community of faith where Jesus Christ transforms lives.
WORSHIP
IMPACT
8% IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE INCREASED
20% LIVESTREAM VIEWING INCREASED
26 BAPTISMS CELEBRATED
104 NEW MEMBERS
MUSIC AND FINE ARTS
• 1,565 people attended 7 Sacred Arts Series concerts featuring the major works of renowned composers in collaboration with members of Second’s Sanctuary Choir and Indy’s Baroque, Symphony, and Chamber Orchestras.
• The internationally acclaimed, Grammy® Award-winning ensemble, Chanticleer, performed an evening of sacred music that captivated an audience of more than 500, including many of Central Indiana’s finest musicians, music teachers, and choral directors as well as Second’s congregation and members of the community. Earlier that day, Chanticleer singers led a choral masterclass for more than 100 Butler University and Ben Davis High School music students.
• Nearly 300 people attended 5 Art Song Series concerts, featuring the section leaders of Second’s Sanctuary Choir accompanied by pianist Rebecca Edie.
• MFA provided 2 hours of live music every week to 3 local hospitals, touching the lives of hundreds of hospital staff, doctors, patients, and families.
• In June and December, Second Chamber Players, our intergenerational wind, brass, and string ensemble, provided music for worship services at Marquette Manor.
• MFA led the initiative for the all-church, collaborative art experience that culminated in the creation of a stunning mosaic representing the heart and life of Second. Its permanent installation in the McFarland Hall alcove last June was a highlight of the year.
• In March, Second welcomed the Ball State University Trombone Choir to play in worship and perform a concert in the sanctuary, enriching the education and experience of 20 college musicians while also benefiting from their glorious music.
• The handbell ensembles of Second Presbyterian and St. Luke’s United Methodist, along with the Circle City Ringers performed a concert of sacred and secular music in April that was attended by nearly 200 people.
• Second hosted the Midwest handbell event Spring Ring.
• Second hosted four Indianapolis Children’s Choir Christmas concerts in December, attended by more than 2,000 members of the community.
• Second hosted Oaks Academy’s third, fourth, and fifth grade choirs for a performance of their annual Christmas concert, welcoming approximately 800 children and family members into our church.
• MFA produced 10 art exhibits and 3 artist talks, facilitated the creation and permanent installation of the church-wide mosaic, and hosted a plein air “paint out” event.
• Second’s Director of Music and Fine Arts was in the “Alumni Spotlight” of the Yale Institute of Sacred Music, which celebrated her 17th year leading the music ministry of Second Presbyterian Church.
• Members of the Sanctuary Choir and congregation began preparing for their 2025 South Africa tour by developing an educational series of 5 lectures on the history and culture of South Africa as well as a 7-part book club series focused on the great literature of that country. These learning experiences are open to everyone at Second.
• Nearly 30,000 (29,980) lives were impacted by Second’s Music and Fine Arts ministry in 2024, through the combined experiences of worship, concerts, fine art exhibits, music-making, artmaking, collaborative community endeavors, education, and outreach.
CENTERPOINT COUNSELING
This year, CenterPoint celebrated 37 years of counseling ministry at Second Presbyterian Church, marking a significant milestone with key staff transitions. In August, we welcomed Scott Sweet back to the team as Executive Director following David Chaddock’s departure in May.
A major highlight of 2024 was our October Open House, where we invited Second staff, elders, and deacons to visit our offices. The event included a shared lunch, opportunities to connect with our team, and four engaging educational programs.
Throughout the year, CenterPoint provided essential support to our community, welcoming 252 new intakes and completing over 6,670 counseling sessions. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we were able to allocate more than $109,000 in Samaritan Funds to assist clients who might otherwise have been unable to access the counseling services they need.
As we reflect on the challenges and blessings of 2024, we are filled with gratitude for the unwavering support from members of Second Presbyterian Church and the many friends of CenterPoint.
Looking ahead, we are incredibly optimistic about 2025! We are excited to grow our team of therapists, expanding our ability to serve the community and meet the increasing need for compassionate, professional counseling. With your continued support, we are ready to embrace new opportunities and make an even greater impact in the year ahead.
Your partnership makes this vital ministry possible.
CENTERPOINT COUNSELING IMPACT
37 YEARS OF COUNSELING MINISTRY
6,670 COUNSELING SESSIONS
252 NEW INTAKES
COMMUNICATIONS
Communications works to keep our church community informed and engaged through weekly bulletins, newsletters, our website, social media, and printed materials. Our goal is to share meaningful stories, important updates, and opportunities for connection—both within our congregation and beyond.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected!
2,800 FACEBOOK FOLLOWERS
727 INSTAGRAM FOLLOWERS
31,306 WEBSITE VIEWS*
120 NEWSLETTERS SENT
PODCAST
In our first year of the podcast Faithful Discourse with Chris Henry, we produced 26 episodes reaching a total of 9,000 downloads in 36 countries. The highest performing episode was Chris’ conversation with David Letterman. All episodes continue to grow exponentially as new listeners discover the podcast.
26 EPISODES
9,000 DOWNLOADS
36 COUNTRIES
CHILDREN’S CIRCLE PRESCHOOL
Children’s Circle Preschool (CCP) finished our second semester of the 2023-24 school year with “preschool business” as usual.
A full house for our PK Spring Music & Art program, Mother’s Day teas, Father’s Day (early) celebrations and visits from Amazon John and Silly Safari for the whole school were some of our highlights. We ended the school year with 163 students and 125 families. We sent off 39 graduating Pre-Kindergartners on our last day. It’s always hard to say goodbye but the blessing of nurturing families and preparing our little friends’ futures is a joy. We wouldn’t have it any other way.
In the fall, our school year began with a big change as Children Circle Preschool’s long-time Director and friend, Cara Paul made the difficult decision to resign after 15 years of exemplary care and leadership. The goal this year has been to continue the excellent ministry that CCP has offered the Second Church family and the community for nearly 60 years. The staff of CCP has indeed brought their best to children and families! Highlights from this semester included our annual Pumpkin Carving night and Christmas pageants, as well as visits to learn about food insecurity from the Northside Mission Ministries’ food pantry. CCP collaborated with CenterPoint Counseling on several occasions including preparing a presentation on Mindfulness for Teachers and preschoolers for CCP’s Staff Professional Day. A special time of bonding occurred when CCP’s staff prepared 100 sack lunches for The Wheeler Women and Children’s Ministries.
The end of 2024 brought many notes of thanks and appreciation for the staff and Second Church from families confirming that the standard of care that they have found in the hallways and classrooms of CCP has continued! We believe CCP has a bright future as we begin 2025!
YOUTH MINISTRY
In 2024, along with the whole church, youth ministries continued to focus its attention on both rebuilding and repairing. For us, this looked like the continued effort to expand the church’s concept of youth ministries. As we’re often heard saying, “youth ministry doesn’t just happen in the youth suite.” Where there are youth, youth ministry is happening! You all have so wonderfully partnered with us to ensure our youth are supported by a constellation of relationships. YOUTH IMPACT
50 WEEKLY PARTICIPANTS
35 CONFIRMANDS*
*34 joined Second
12 FOOTSTEPS OF FAITH
“So, in a word, 2024 was all about creating and maintaining connection – connecting youth to this welcoming community of faith where Jesus Christ transforms lives such that the youth are known, formed, and loved.”
~Tom Markey, Director of Youth Ministries
CHILDREN AND FAMILY MINISTRY
2024 was a milestone year for Children and Family Ministry (CFM). We welcomed Katherine McKinney as Coordinator of Children and Family Ministry and Renae Saager as Childcare Coordinator, both over the summer. Distinguishing these roles has enabled more faithful, efficient, and joyful ministry in both areas of the church’s life and witness! In addition, the Christian Formation unit welcomed a new Administrative Assistant, Susie Bland.
HIGHLIGHTS
Godly Play Training weekends were held in January, April, and July, bringing the total numbers of Godly Play leaders to 15. 15 adults are trained in the theology and pedagogy of the curriculum we use with children age 3 to 3rd grade, and many have put those skills to use, sharing sacred stories with our children every Sunday morning!
On Wednesday of Holy Week, 100+ children and family members attended our interactive “Stations of the Cross,” where they took a walk through Jesus’ last days in Jerusalem. This event has fast become a beloved tradition at Second, and it is rich faith formation for the whole family.
Vacation Bible School was held the last week of June. 59 volunteers hosted 119 children as they considered what it meant to heed the biblical call to “Rebuild Together!”
A new Presbyterian Parenting Group began their two-year covenant in September. Over 30 parents now participate in these groups that meet quarterly for conversation around faith formation, the vocation of parenting, and life in general!
Beginning in September and ending in December of 2024, each grade level celebrated a “milestone event” in their faith formation. These events are markers for children—most of whom are baptized as babies—between their baptisms and when they get confirmed in adolescence.
MILESTONES INCLUDE
• Kindergarten Communion
• First Grade Bibles
• Second Grade Remember Your Baptism
• Third Grade Lord’s Prayer
• Fourth Grade Bibles
• Fifth Grade Service Project
The Advent Party is another beloved tradition that kicks off the sacred season by gathering families for an evening of food and fellowship, and equipping them to return home to observe Advent intentionally and playfully. This year’s event had over 100 participants.
100+ STATIONS OF THE CROSS ATTENDEES
59
119
30 PRESBYTERIAN PARENTING GROUP
100+ ADVENT PARTY ATTENDEES
ENGAGEMENT
The member engagement process strives to embody and offer Christ’s welcome at Second. It is a relational ministry that begins with first-time visitors and facilitates their journeys to engaged members and leaders. It starts with our Hospitality Team, an enthusiastic group of volunteers that carries out Second’s mission of being a welcoming community of faith where Jesus Christ transforms lives. Our hospitality volunteers welcome guests into our building, provide personal follow-up to first time guests, and extend invitations for fellowship and connection. The Engagement Committee, made up of Elders, at-large members, and staff, hosts opportunities for guests to learn more about our congregation and to meet others who are exploring life at Second.
The Welcome Table is an informal brunch where guests can meet pastoral and programming staff and make connections with others who are new to Second.
The New Member Class is for guests who are ready to dig deeper and explore what membership at Second looks like and how we are called to be disciples of Christ together.
Once someone becomes a member, we continue to walk alongside them, helping them find meaningful ways to connect and engage in the life of the church and our community. Fellowship events and small groups encourage community building and friendship that extend beyond the walls of the church building.
We welcomed 75 new members (includes one retired pastor) and 34 Confirmands. We hosted three Welcome Tables, four New Member Classes, the Congregational Brunch, and the Church Picnic. With Stewardship and Endowment we co-hosted 14 Porch Parties and the Solar Eclipse Viewing Party. A new small group called Middlers was formed to bring together those who are journeying through the middle phase of life. 75
Our young adults were able to do just that as faith and friendships were deepened in community groups, Bible studies, and college-age cohorts.
YOUNG ADULTS
Growth happens as we go with God from worship to serve others and seek out community for prayer, reflection, and transformation.
We got away together to seek Christ’s peace and presence at the Winter Retreat and at Grown-up Summer Camp, which doubled in size since 2023.
We served across our city with Home Repairs for Good, Habitat for Humanity, and SAWs.
The hospitality and intentionality of this community made it possible for new friends to be baptized and welcomed into membership.
We continue to give thanks for the grace and generosity of Second!
WOMEN@SECOND
Women@Second continues to build upon its strong heritage of service and sisterhood, extending impact both within and beyond the community. Over the past year, Women@Second has partnered with Second’s diverse ministries, embodying a spirit of service, hospitality, and mission.
During gatherings, they have shared meals, created memories, and welcomed new members, fostering deeper connections while stepping into the new year with faith and a touch of fun. They have also enjoyed serving meals, organizing donation efforts, supporting local schools, and so much more.
The most exciting event was the Grand Opening of Second Treasures in April. Since then, Second Treasures has served the community both in providing fellowship to members as well as mission to the community. Second Treasures has sold more than 6,000 items in over 1,300 transactions. Women@Second look forward to supporting the continued success of Second Treasures in 2025, as well as Bible studies, inspiring speakers, volunteer opportunities, and more.
MEN@SECOND
Men@Second offered a variety of programming that fostered new and existing relationships and intentional living as disciples of Christ. The Men@Second Living Intentionally Retreat marked its second year with growth in attendance and a small group that formed for further connection.
Men’s Monthly Fellowship, formerly known as Revival, met 10 times and continues to offer a forum for men to share their personal stories of faith and spiritual growth. Weekly Bible studies included the Pregame class on Sunday mornings and Men’s Fellowship Breakfast on Tuesday mornings. Fellowship and social activities included Hoops at Second, a weekly basketball pick-up game, and seasonal Pop Up Socials and Sunday Cycling events.
SECOND ACT
In 2024, Second Act continued to embrace the mission of fostering meaningful Christian fellowship, closer interpersonal relationships, and a sense of community and belonging among those who are in their second half or “Second Act” of life, through fun and educational programs, social activities, and events. They held regular monthly gatherings and began a new tradition of celebrating birthdays each month. The Second Act Speaker Series was proud to host Dr. Tim Brimmer, Shadreck Kamwendo, and Dr. Jim Lemons as featured speakers.
This summer, Second Act took to the skies, traveling to Germany and Switzerland to learn about the Protestant Reformation. Throughout the fall, they enjoyed outings to Bloomington and Nashville, a day-trip to Shipshewana, and a cheese-making class at Tulip Tree Creamery.
In 2025, Second Act is looking forward to a trip to Montreat, North Carolina, and other continued opportunities for joyful community in Christ.
DINNERS FOR 8
Dinners for 8 brings together groups of eight members — a mixture of singles and couples – to meet together monthly for the simple purpose of sharing a meal and fellowship. Over the course of a year, strangers and acquaintances become friends in Christ.
In October 2024, Round 5 participants (108 individuals in a total of 14 groups) concluded a year of monthly gatherings. In November 2024, they began the 6th round of Dinners for 8 with 114 participants in 14 groups. These groups will continue meeting through October 2025.
STEWARDSHIP
Jesus spoke frequently about money because how we use our money is important to God. Financial Stewardship is important to Second Presbyterian Church, which depends on congregational generosity for our annual operations and special ministries.
The 2024 In Our Hands Commitment Campaign received pledged commitments of $3.73M while the 2025 Imagine Second Campaign reached $3.9M, both of which formed the foundation of our operating budgets, providing funding for programs, mission, pastoral care, youth and family ministries, music and fine arts, building maintenance and upkeep, our amazing Second pastors and staff, and much more.
The Stewardship Office also raises funds throughout the year for special mission and arts projects such as the Chapel Organ Project, the Mosaic Project, a social worker to support Northside Mission Ministries, and our neighbors in need through our annual Home and Hunger Campaigns.
We are grateful for the abundant generosity of our congregation!
ENDOWMENT
The Second Presbyterian Church Endowment Fund is a blessing to our congregation, helping offset expenses for our annual budget and providing funding for many unique and meaningful programs each year. Through the generosity of members who came before us, and the careful management of endowment boards over the decades, the Endowment Fund reached new heights in 2024 with $69M in assets. Last year, more than $2M was given back to the church to support important programs and opportunities that would not otherwise be available including the Lake Fellow Program, many music and fine arts initiatives, Footsteps of Faith, support for our food pantry and mission work, and so much more.
A wonderful way to help ensure the future of Second Presbyterian is by including a gift to Second in your will, trust, IRA, or through a gift annuity. Members who have included Second in their estate plans are honored as members of the Beecher Society, named for Second’s first pastor Henry Ward Beecher, and receive recognition, invitations to events, and our deepest appreciation.
For more information on becoming a Beecher Society member, visit SecondChurch.org/Give.
MISSION
FEBRUARY
$5100+ RAISED & 961 LBS NONPERISHABLE FOODS
• Sponsored by the Deacons at Second and Souper Bowl of Caring
JULY
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP BACK-TO-SCHOOL DRIVE
• 59,000 school supplies, 500 backpacks, and 13 schools
• Funded through NMM and our Deacon Committee
2 FUNDRAISING EVENTS
• VBS collected books and wrote letters to students in Kenya
APRIL
LAUNCHED IMMIGRATION LEGAL AID CLINIC
• Partnership with Neighborhood Christian Legal Aid Clinic
JUNE
EXPANDED OUR TEAM WITH KATE BOOKER SOCIAL WORKER
• Assisting with the many needs for our Northside Neighbors
FALL SEASON
PRESBYTERIAN DISASTER RELIEF FUND
• $27,000+ donated , 175 hurricane buckets, and hygiene kits
• Partnership with our Youth and Church World Services
167 PEOPLE ASSISTED TOTALING $97,163
• Utility or rental assistance
NOVEMBER
2 HOMES BUILT THROUGH MULTIFAITH HABITAT BUILD
• Raised over $175,000.00, 30 different faith communities, and continued the build efforts in March and July
SAWS BUILDS
2 VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
2 RAMP BUILDS
• Participated in two builds this year
UMOJA
URAP
COMMUNITY MEALS
3 COMMUNITY FELLOWSHIP MEALS
• 80+ neighbors were able to fellowship and share a meal at each of the gatherings
ADOPT A CLASSROOM
27 CLASSROOMS FUNDED 23 SECOND MEMBERS CONNECTED
• Partnership with Washington Township School District connecting our members and local classrooms
FALL REPAIR FEST
2 VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
• Partnership with HR4G
122 FAMILIES, 633 INDIVIDUALS AND 329 CHILDREN
• Toys, small appliances, school outfits, coats, and more donated
MALAWI
1ST MISSION TRIP SINCE 2019
• Groups from Second and Witherspoon PC will be participating
BLOOD DRIVES
84 UNITS COLLECTED
• Impacting 252 Indiana patients
A member of the Gleaners Food Bank Pantry Partner Network 9,742 families assisted 611 home deliveries
• 39,840 individuals and 1,269 new families served
• 14.54% increase in pantry participation from 2023-2024
• 52% increase in pantry participation since 2022
CNN
CARE
In 2024, our members, elders, deacons, and staff continued to pray for and support one another in countless ways, seen and unseen.
The Intercessory Prayer Group gathered weekly via Zoom, faithfully praying for the concerns of our church, community, and world. Thanks to our Knitting and Crocheting Ministry, we were able to gift prayer shawls to nearly 120 recipients, each shawl lovingly crafted to serve as a tangible reminder of God’s embrace and of the prayers and care of our faith community. Support groups, including a newly-formed GriefShare group, met regularly this year, providing community and understanding to those experiencing grief, caring for aging parents, or living with chronic illness or fertility challenges.
Our deacons served as the hands and feet of Christ by delivering approximately 150 flower arrangements and 20 thoughtfully-prepared meals to individuals and families recovering from illness or surgery. Each Sunday, deacons brought the Lord’s Supper to a total of more than 40 members and families. Monthly, our deacons took ‘church’ on the road, gathering at senior living facilities for short time of worship, communion, and fellowship. The May Memorial Service and the Advent Service of Lament and Hope created worshipful spaces for grief, gratitude, and sharing the hope of God’s faithfulness in all seasons.
Throughout the course of the year, our pastoral staff completed over 450 pastoral visits in homes, hospitals, and senior living facilities. Last spring, the Care Committee of the Session sponsored a 4-week class on death, dying, and the life of faith, exploring theological understandings of death and resurrection, as well as some of the practical aspects of preparing for the end of life, understanding palliative and hospice care, and reflections on how to care for ourselves and others in grief.
We are grateful for these and many other expressions of Christ’s presence and compassion within and beyond the walls of Second Presbyterian Church this year.
CARE
IMPACT
120 SHAWLS DELIVERED
150 FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS DELIVERED
20 MEALS DELIVERED
450 PASTORAL VISITS
FORMATION
With regular classes on Sunday mornings and throughout the week, as well as several special events and visiting speakers, adults were gathered and formed for faith, hope, and love throughout 2024.
SPECIAL GUESTS
• Michael Wear, author of The Spirit of Our Politics, shared about how churches and Christians can contribute to bringing the relevant virtues of our faith into our political life together.
• Alex Kor, son of the late Auschwitz survivor, Eva Kor, shared from his life and book, A Blessing, Not a Burden, about his experience as the son of two Nazi concentration camp survivors, including the deep wisdom and many blessings his parents imparted on him and the communities they touched.
• Dr. James McGrath, Professor and Chair of New Testament Language and Literature at Butler University, presented his research and writing on John the Baptist.
Beyond special guests, new territory was explored with the Parenting Through Adolescence class, a South Africa Seminar, and opportunities to learn about Malawi. We look forward to future learning and partnering with our siblings-in-Christ across the ocean.
THE MOSAIC PROJECT
A TIME TO REBUILD TOGETHER
From April 30 to May 14, more than 1,000 people from the congregation and community participated in a collaborative art project symbolizing our dedication to rebuilding community, a faithful world, and a better future. Led by mosaic artists Yael Buxbaum and Joani Rothenberg, and the Fine Arts Advisory Team, people of all ages gathered in the North alcove of McFarland Hall to place colorful tiles into a large mosaic thoughtfully designed by the artists.
The mosaic was a culmination of a year-long reflection on what it means to rebuild community and connection with God and with one another. The artists took ideas, submitted by members, describing what Second and rebuilding means to them, and incorporated many of the church symbols and ideas from the congregation into their final design.
The completed mosaic, which was funded by a small group of generous members, was dedicated on June 16, 2024, and now permanently hangs in the north alcove of McFarland Hall. A smaller mosaic created by our Northside food pantry community now resides just outside the interior entrance to the Don & Karen Lake Buttrey Northside Food Pantry.
SECOND STAFF
Behind every ministry at Second is a passionate team of individuals who bring our programs, classes, and events to life!
Their dedication and hard work make everything we do possible.
