Sacred Arts at Second
Art at Second is an inherent part of connecting with our Divine Creator, expressing our faith, and building a strong community.
About the Cover
Many hands and many hearts went into developing and creating a colorful mosaic work of art symbolizing our dedication to rebuilding community, a faithful world, and a better future. Months in the making, members and friends of Second explored the theme of rebuilding together, inspired by Isaiah 58:12, which informed the design of the final work. Artists Joani Rothenberg and Yael Buxbaum facilitated the process and, with more than 1,000 participants, young and old, the artwork was completed in the spring of 2024 and now hangs in the sunlit alcove of McFarland Hall on the third floor.
We believe art is an inherent part of building community, inspiring and enhancing our appreciation of the glory of God. Mosaics have been used to tell the stories of the faithful for thousands of years. The carefully placed tiles are visual statements of faith, perseverance, and permanence. Artists often describe the creation of art as a spiritual practice, but the spiritual practice extends to those who view the art as we reflect upon, seek God’s voice, and respond in gratitude for God’s divine gifts.
“This mosaic is so indicative of who and what we are as a church family – so many beautiful broken pieces that come together as one to shine out into the community, to give and to share the life and light of Christ through our gifts.”
~Second Deacon Tracy Vatnsdal
REPAIRING THE
When we see each other’s brokenness and expose our own, and as we listen to all of the disparate voices around us, we open ourselves up to healing ourselves and others. We see otherness, but we also see commonality. We recognize each person as a beloved child of God, made in the Creator’s image, a shining bit of the Divine walking among us.
Mindful of the impact of polarization and deepening divides, we are called to create trusting relationships, intentional living, and collective action for the common good. We are called to heal, to amend, to build bridges, and to repair broken places with compassion and care.
The work of repair begins in worship. We center ourselves in sacred space and time so that we can live with awareness of and attention to the holy.
Our Music and Fine Arts Ministry joins all ages in our community of faith and with collaborative arts partners throughout the city to come together in creating something that is transcendent, that builds bridges across age, race, gender, theological, and political divides and that touches the sacred that is within each of us.
All are welcome at Second Presbyterian Church!
Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in.
~Isaiah 58:12
Rev. Christopher Henry
Invitation
You are invited to experience the glory of music and the arts at Second. Our Sacred Arts Series concerts feature a variety of musical styles and voices sharing traditional compositions and contemporary arrangements. Second’s expansive sanctuary offers a setting unlike any other in the city of Indianapolis.
We believe music and art are integral parts of worship. Second has a long-standing tradition of artistic excellence, and our music and fine arts programs are vibrant and active, with ministries for all ages, from four-year-olds through adults.
With our tradition of reformed worship and our commitment to artistic expression, we provide opportunities to learn, grow, and serve in worship, mission, and outreach as we profess and live the message of Jesus Christ’s transforming love.
We invite you into Sacred Arts at Second. Whether you want to sing, play an instrument, create art, or enjoy the gifts of others, there is a place for you in our music and fine arts ministry.
With praise and joy, Dr. Michelle Louer
Music in Worship
Worship is at the heart of all we do. Every Sunday, our sanctuary is filled with the voices of our choirs and the thrilling sound of our Aeolian-Skinner pipe organ. Sunday worship is at 10 AM in the sanctuary, with worship services at 8:15 AM and 11:15 AM in Milner Chapel.
Festival Music Sundays take Second’s worship music to the next level with a full orchestra accompanying the Sanctuary Choir and congregation.
Mark your calendar for upcoming Festival Music Sundays during 10 AM worship:
• Sunday, October 20 • Prayer for Peace
• Sunday, December 15 • Christmas Music Sunday
• Sunday, May 18 • Music of South Africa
In the season of Lent, leading up to Easter Sunday on April 20, 2025, services on Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday provide opportunities for contemplation with extended music.
Other special music Sundays feature the Second Chamber Players, Handbell Ensemble, and Children’s Choirs.
On December 22, Second’s Beecher Singers present their 8th annual Christmas concert at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Columbus, Indiana.
The Sanctuary and Children's Choirs are shown in this photo, on Christmas Music Sunday, accompanied by professional orchestra.
From the Earth to the Stars: Organ Concert
Sunday, September 22 • 4 PM
Second’s principal organist, Dr. John Allegar, will present a moving solo concert of works by Sowerby, Heine, Bolcom, Holst, and Reger on the majestic Aeolian-Skinner pipe organ in the sanctuary.
SACRED ARTS SERIES 2024-2025
Art Song Series Concerts
Our gifted section leaders share music for solo voice and piano in the intimate setting of our choir room after worship. From fanciful to witty, romantic to capricious, songs from America and around the world offer something delightful for everyone!
Sunday, September 29 • 11:35 AM • Falling Leaves
Sunday, November 3 • 11:35 AM • Songs of Gratitude
Sunday, February 23 • 11:35 AM • African American Composers
Sunday, May 4 • 11:35 AM • Songs of South Africa
Photo credit: Brooke Littell
Chanticleer in Concert
Friday, October 4 • 8 PM
Tickets start at $35
The country’s premier male vocal ensemble brings their distinctive sound to Second for a community concert. This GRAMMY® Award-winning group has been called “the world’s reigning male chorus” by The New Yorker and is known as “an orchestra of voices” for its wide-ranging repertoire and incredible virtuosity.
Their expansive repertoire is rooted in the Renaissance, but also includes classical, gospel, spirituals, jazz, and hymns.
You don’t want to miss the opportunity to see and hear Chanticleer filling the sanctuary with captivating harmony.
Tickets start at $35 and are available at SecondChurch.org/Events.
Masterclass with Chanticleer
Butler University Chorale and Ben Davis High School
Friday, October 4 12:30 – 2:15 PM Second Presbyterian Church
This class is open to all with no cost to attend.
Opus 3 Artists is exclusive representative of Chanticleer.
Photo credit: Stephen K. Mack
Fall Concert
Second Presbyterian Sanctuary Choir
Dr. Michelle Louer, Director
Witherspoon Presbyterian Church Choir
Dr. Jillian Harrison-Jones, Director
Sunday, November 17 • 4 PM
We will join hands and voices in unity and thanksgiving. Come be awed and inspired in this concert of faith, hope, and joy with music from American and African traditions.
Featuring members of Witherspoon Presbyterian’s Choir and Second’s Sanctuary Choir at the Artsgarden, November 12, 2023.
Tonos del Sur
Presents Lamentatio y Alegría (Lamentations and Celebrations) Indigenous Music of the Americas
Sunday, February 2 • 3 PM
Tonos del Sur (literally, sounds of the South), directed by Dr. Sarah Cranor, is comprised of historicallyinformed musicians who are passionate about sharing Baroque-era music from the Americas around the time of colonization, especially music by indigenous peoples.
The solemnity of polyphonic music from the cathedrals of South America is juxtaposed with the pervasive joy and dance elements of the Moxos and Chiquitos Jesuit missions in a fascinating journey that invites the listener to connect with these poets and musicians from the far and near past, sharing their grief, joy, sadness, dance, and wonder.
SPECIAL CHILDREN’S PROGRAM FEATURING TONOS DEL SUR
Saturday, February 1 • 10 AM
The Tonos ensemble presents a program for children, inviting them into the rhythmic tunes and musical traditions of our continent’s indigenous people.
Dr. Sarah Cranor, Director
LENTEN CONCERT
The Creation by Franz Joseph Haydn
Sunday, March 23 • 4 PM
Few works of sacred music are more joyous than Haydn’s setting of the epic story of creation. His brilliant depiction of light and whimsical imitations of rushing wind, roaring lions, and bleating sheep will leave you breathless with wonder and delight.
The
Joy of Ringing
Sunday, April 27 • 4 PM
Together
Over 200 handbells are played by the handbell ensembles of Second Presbyterian, St. Luke’s United Methodist, and Circle City Ringers in this lively concert of sacred and secular music. Conductors Rebecca Holt and Mike Keller lead this 4th annual celebration!
Fine Arts
Be awed and inspired by the rotating fine art exhibits in McFarland Hall. Each year, our Fine Arts Advisory Team presents exhibits by local talent and renowned Christian artists. For opportunities to meet artists and engage with the arts at Second, visit SecondChurch.org/FineArts.
Art submitted by the Second Presbyterian Church community is featured in the Eighth Day of Creation: All Church Exhibit from October 6 through November 15.
Artists of all ages and abilities are invited to submit visual art by Friday, October 4.
Above: “Second Home” by Artist Deb Slack.
Below: Second member exhibit featuring the late Robert Bratton.
Check out the Plein Air Paint Out during the church picnic on Sunday, September 15!
May 29–June 10, 2025
Sanctuary Choir South Africa Tour
From May 30 through June 10, members of the Sanctuary Choir will be performing throughout South Africa. From Johannesberg’s Holy Cross Church in Soweto to Tyholora Primary School in Thembalethu and St. George’s Cathedral in Cape Town, they will share the light and love of Christ through the universal language of music. Along the way, they’ll visit such awe-inspiring sites as Robben Island, Featherbed Nature Reserve, and Cape Point Nature Reserve and Penguin Colony.
Even if you are not traveling along, you can follow the experience from home at SecondChurch.org/SouthAfrica2025.
SOUTH AFRICA SEMINARS
Learn with us!
David Hoegberg, associate professor of English and Africana Studies at Indiana University, Indianapolis, will convene an online book club, based on South African literature, and a monthly in-person seminar that will take participants on a moving journey through us all the complex history and culture of South Africa.
Vocal Ensembles
SANCTUARY CHOIR (High School – Adult)
Our principal vocal ensemble provides musical leadership for Sunday worship services, September through May. Anyone with a love of singing is invited to participate. No audition is required, but some music reading ability is recommended.
Director: Dr. Michelle Louer
Rehearsals: Thursdays • 7-9 PM • Choir Room
Children’s Choirs
CHERUB
CHOIR
(Age 4 – 1st Grade)
With a playful approach to music learning, children reach their potential in singing, vocabulary development, and motor skills while developing an understanding of church music and worship participation. Children discover worship as a place where people express love for God and experience the Bible, its stories, and people as a part of their everyday lives.
Director: Carol Baker
Rehearsals: Sunday during 10 AM worship • Room 112
CAROL CHOIR (Grades 2-8)
Carol Choir singers have fun building on their Cherub Choir experience while developing skills in music literacy, vocal technique, and ensemble while learning the joy of worship leadership.
Director: Patrick Pauloski
Rehearsals: Sundays during 10 AM worship • Choir Room
Instrumental Ensembles
These ensembles are open to anyone in the community. You do not need to be a member of Second Presbyterian Church to join!
HANDBELL ENSEMBLE
(Grade 8 – Adult)
The Handbell Ensemble plays in worship approximately once a month from September through May. Moderate music-reading ability is necessary, and a sense of rhythm and coordination is important. No audition is required. Regular attendance at rehearsals is crucial and fosters a sense of group spirit and mutual support.
Director: Rebecca Holt
Rehearsals: Saturdays • 9-10:30 AM • Room 356
SECOND CHAMBER PLAYERS (All Ages)
This intergenerational ensemble features congregational members and friends playing a variety of instruments to create beautiful music, enjoy fellowship, and use their gifts and talents to glorify God. All youth and adults who have completed at least three years of study on wind, brass, string, or percussion instruments are encouraged to join this ensemble.
Director: Patrick Pauloski
Rehearsals:
Festival Sundays
2024
Sunday, October 20
Sunday, December 15
2025
Sunday, May 18
Prayer for Peace
Christmas Music Sunday
Music of South Africa
Sacred Arts Series Highlights
2024
Sunday, September 22
Friday, October 4
Sunday, November 17
2025
Sunday, February 2
Sunday, March 23
Sunday, April 27
Organ Concert featuring Dr. John Allegar
Chanticleer in Concert
Fall Concert: Collaboration with Witherspoon Presbyterian Church
Tonos del Sur (Indigenous Music of the Americas)
Lenten Concert: The Creation by Franz Joseph Haydn
The Joy of Ringing Together