Second Presbyterian Church is a welcoming community of faith where Jesus Christ transforms lives.
Rev. Chris Henry Senior Pastor
MESSAGE FROM THE SENIOR PASTOR
Dear Friends,
As I reflect on our life together in 2025, the word that keeps coming to mind is clarity.
Beginning this fall, we walked to the cadence of a simple invitation: Live in the Light. But this year, we have learned together that living in the light is rarely about a soft glow or an easy path. More often, it’s about the courage to see things as they truly are. It’s about the vulnerability required to show up for one another when the world feels heavy, and the honesty to admit that we cannot carry the weight of these times alone.
I have seen this clarity in the way you have leaned into our community. In a year that could have pulled us toward cynicism or isolation, you chose presence.
That presence is our light. It is visible in the quiet, sacred work of pastoral and congregational care: the meals delivered to families, the flowers brought to a bedside, the steady rhythm of visits and prayer. It is visible when we ensure a neighbor has a roof over their head, when we walk alongside a family in crisis, or when we simply make sure there is enough food on the table for neighbors who are hungry. We have moved beyond the “business of church” to the “work of the kingdom”—recognizing that we are not just a congregation in Indianapolis, but a people called to be for Indianapolis.
To be honest, the work hasn’t always been easy. We have navigated transitions and felt the strain of an anxious world. Yet, I have never been more invigorated by our calling than I am right now.
I see that vitality in our pews, which have grown fuller for the fourth consecutive year. I see it in the new members who have joined us from across the street and across the region, searching for a place where faith is both deep and wide. I see it in your steadfast generosity, which allows us to be healthy—not for our own comfort, but so that we can be faithful. It is a profound privilege to share this journey with you. Thank you for the gift of your trust, the depth of your witness, and the strength of your light.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Let’s keep it burning.
With peace and grace,
THE BELONGING
The Belonging is a newly launched community initiative designed to create an inclusive, joyful, and relationshipcentered space for young adults ages 19–39 with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Since its inception, the program has already demonstrated meaningful impact by addressing a critical need: helping young adults cultivate authentic friendships, build confidence, and experience a sense of belonging that extends beyond the walls of the gathering space.
At each meeting, participants are welcomed into an environment intentionally shaped to be warm, accepting, and socially rich. The combination of shared meals, creative activities, and structured social opportunities has allowed individuals who often face isolation to connect in ways that feel natural, empowering, and fun. Many have reported feeling “included,” and “excited to come back,” demonstrating the emotional and relational impact of the program.
Families and caregivers have also provided positive feedback. Several have shared that The Belonging has provided rare and valuable opportunities for young adults to form friendships with others who are going through similar walks of life. The program offers a safe, supportive setting where social growth can flourish, giving families confidence that their loved ones have a community that genuinely embraces them.
Beyond the personal benefits, The Belonging is helping to shift community culture toward greater inclusion. By creating a consistent space where young adults of all abilities come together, the program highlights the importance of belonging as a fundamental human need. It models how simple elements—food, fun, and friendship—can make a profound difference in someone’s life.
As The Belonging continues to grow, its impact is evident: it is not merely a program, but a vibrant community where every individual is valued, welcomed, and connected.
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The Belonging is not merely a program, but a vibrant community where every individual is valued, welcomed, and connected.
BROADCAST
Second’s broadcast ministry continues to extend the reach of worship well beyond our walls, connecting with members, homebound individuals, and viewers around the world.
In 2025, live worship services received 22,994 views on Resi and more than 242,000 views on YouTube, reflecting a growing appetite for accessible, high-quality online worship.
Our YouTube channel also welcomed 581 new subscribers, underscoring the broadcast ministry’s role in expanding Second’s community and sharing the hope and message of Christ with a broader audience.
Through broadcast worship, Second extends Christ’s presence beyond our walls, meeting people wherever they are.
22,994 RESI VIEWS
242.2K
YOUTUBE VIEWS
581+
NEW YOUTUBE SUBSCRIBERS
177
SECOND EVENTS SUPPORTED
CARE
This year, the community of Second Presbyterian Church embodied the presence and compassion of Jesus Christ for one another in times of joy and in times of hardship and sorrow.
In November, the Care Committee sponsored a “Surviving the Holidays” event. Over 20 individuals gathered in the knowledge that we are not alone when we experience grief during the holiday season. Participants received and shared comfort and encouragement and learned practical strategies for navigating the emotions of the holiday season and honoring loved ones who have died.
Our 5 Second-affiliated support groups met throughout the year, nurturing spaces of companionship and understanding for caregivers, individuals and families affected by Parkinson’s, and those experiencing grief or fertility struggles.
Our Deacons gathered members and friends of Second at one of three senior living facilities each month, bringing the joy of worship and sharing communion together to those who can no longer attend worship in-person on Sundays. Deacons faithfully shared Christ’s love and care with those recovering from surgery or hospitalization, welcoming a new baby, or experiencing loss, delivering 13 meals and 139 flower arrangements, and serving home communion to 42 households. Deacons provided hospitality at funerals throughout the year, supported the annual May Memorial Service and Advent Service of Lament and Hope, and, special for Christmas and Easter, delivered poinsettias and lilies to over 300 individuals and households. While the numbers are noteworthy, even more impactful are the personal conversations and the sharing of heartfelt prayers and care that accompany each of these interactions.
Our pastors made 474 visits this year to members in the hospital or in rehab or senior living facilities. Our pastors and deacons collaborated to deliver 103 prayer shawls lovingly crafted by Second’s Knitting and Crocheting Ministry.
Second hosted 35 funeral and memorial services in our church building, utilizing the resources and leadership of our pastoral staff, Music and Fine Arts, Facilities, AV, and more to offer hospitality, comfort, and hope to those experiencing loss and grief. Our pastors led an additional 17 services offsite.
The Keeping in Touch team made approximately 2,450 personal phone calls for the purpose of inviting prayer requests. The Intercessory Prayer Group met faithfully on Mondays of each week to lift up the joys and concerns of our church, community, and world.
We are blessed to be part of a community that cares and prays for one another so faithfully in all seasons!
5 SUPPORT GROUPS
139 FLOWERS DELIVERED
474 PASTOR VISITS
103 PRAYER SHAWLS
2,450 PERSONAL PHONE CALLS
In every season of life, Second shows up— praying, listening, and caring so that no one walks alone.
CHILDREN AND FAMILY MINISTRIES
2025 has been a year of big transitions, and Children and Family Ministries continues to thrive with joyful energy and faithful engagement.
Each Sunday we welcome more than 55 children to our 9 and 10 AM programs and nursery care. At 9 AM, children explore the stories of our faith through Bible readings, games, and crafts. Godly Play Chapel, which takes place during the 10 AM service, is at the heart of our work of faith formation. Here children experience the sacred stories and respond through song, embodied movement, and creative activities.
This year we celebrated meaningful milestones of faith with 50 children and families. These Milestone Events are markers for our children—many of whom were baptized as infants—of their growth in faith between baptism and confirmation.
MILESTONES
• Kindergarten Communion
• First Grade Bibles
• Second Grade Remember Your Baptism
• Third Grade Lord’s Prayer
• Fourth Grade Bibles
• Fifth Grade Service Project
55 CHILDREN ON SUNDAYS 75 ATTENDED STATIONS OF THE CROSS
120 ATTENDED ALL SAINTS’ PARTY
Children at Second don’t just learn the story of faith—they live it through worship, creativity, and joy.
In March, we prepared for the season of Lent with our Shrove Tuesday Pancake Party, which included a pancake feast, a “Lent at Home” workshop, and the imposition of ashes mixed with sparkles—a reminder of our humanity and our belovedness.
On Wednesday of Holy Week, 75 children and family members gathered for our annual Stations of the Cross event, where they walked through interactive and age-appropriate vignettes of Jesus’ last days.
Our Summer Vacation Bible School was full to the brim with more than 150 children and 84 dedicated volunteers. Together we learned that we can be trailblazers, because God guides us continually (Isaiah 58:11).
We welcomed around 120 friends and neighbors to the church for our All Saints’ Party in October. One highlight was seeing many Northside neighbors—including some wearing their Winter Warmth coats—finding a warm welcome in our community.
The children of the church blessed us with their leadership of the Child-Led Service on Christmas Eve. They carefully prepared readings, served as liturgists, led us in song, and enacted the story at the heart of our faith.
CENTERPOINT COUNSELING
In 2025, CenterPoint Counseling marked thirty-eight years of service to individuals, couples, and families in our community. This past year was one of renewal, growth, and deepened outreach.
A major focus of the year was the relaunch of our New Day Program. We hired three Program Planners to support this relaunch and strengthen care for families navigating divorce. In addition, we welcomed two new mental health therapists, a Board-Certified Wellness Coach and a Somatic Therapist to expand the depth and range of care we provide.
Several longstanding programs were relaunched and strengthened, including our Mindfulness Meditation gatherings, held every Monday and Thursday and our Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program. We also introduced a new offering, Flourish, designed to support parents of children with disabilities.
In partnership with Second Presbyterian Church staff, we began offering Employee Support Moments at monthly Second staff meetings focused on emotional wellness, stress management, and personal support. These gatherings have helped normalize care for mental and emotional health within the broader life of the church.
In 2025, CenterPoint Counseling provided a total of 7,155 therapy sessions. We welcomed 226 new intakes, reflecting a continued need for accessible, compassionate mental health care in our community.
Through our Samaritan Fund and generous donor support, we were able to provide $159,000 in subsidized counseling services for individuals and families who could not afford the full cost of therapy. This support ensured that financial limitations did not become a barrier to care.
We are deeply grateful to our generous supporters and to the wider church community who make this work possible.
7,155 THERAPY SESSIONS
226 NEW INTAKES
$159K SUBSIDIZED SERVICES
New Day was relaunched. It’s a free support group helping children and families navigate the emotional journey of divorce with care, creativity, and community.
CHILDREN’S CIRCLE PRESCHOOL
Children’s Circle Preschool continues its ministry to educate children using a play-based, holistic learning approach that combines early literacy, wonder, and imagination all while building a relationship with Jesus. Our classrooms support each child’s unique developmental journey. Teachers encourage creative expression, natural experiences, and child-driven exploration. Our programs feature process art, music, storytelling, and outdoor activities. With small class sizes and resource support, each child receives personalized attention and care.
Our experienced staff at CCP provides an exceptional educational path for the children that is rooted in the foundations of Early Childhood Education. The staff participates in weekly professional development that allows them to learn and grow in various elements of early childhood teaching. Monthly staff meetings have been crucial for inspiring staff to communicate, collaborate, and strategically plan with one another to ensure that curriculum and instruction is aligned to the developmental milestones of each respective age group.
Social emotional learning (SEL) has been a major focus this year. Staff and students have been inspired to apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.
Self-care and work-life balance have also been highlighted during staff PD. The staff have also been encouraged to set boundaries and prioritize self-care through mindfulness practices, recognizing that their well-being directly impacts their ability to support students effectively.
Children’s Circle Preschool is at optimal enrollment for the 25-26 school year. Positive teacher retention, continual family enrollment and outside interest in programming show that CCP has a strong community reputation. This year specifically, CCP helped a neighboring preschool, Peter Panda, by enrolling displaced students due to a fire. The outpouring of praise and gratitude for the staff and programming at CCP from these respective parents has truly highlighted the excellence in the classrooms. From our nursery classrooms to the PreK classrooms, our teachers ensure that students are meeting child development milestones which are the foundation for future educational stages. Feedback from surrounding elementary schools report that our CCP PreK students are well prepared and ready for kindergarten.
In conclusion, from our vibrant classrooms to our experiential opportunities, our programs are more than just an early learning space; they are a community where every child is encouraged to explore, discover, question and wonder—all while building a relationship with Jesus.
Children’s Circle Preschool is a place where children explore, discover, and wonder—all while building a foundation for learning and a growing relationship with Jesus.
COMMUNICATIONS
Communications at Second serves the church by supporting ministry, worship, and community through clear, consistent, and thoughtful communication. Working alongside staff, the Communications team helps share the story of God’s work at Second, ensuring that information is accessible, timely, and welcoming to members, visitors, and the wider community.
In 2025, Communications launched a new website designed to strengthen engagement and improve access to worship, ministry opportunities, and storytelling. Throughout the year, Second’s social media presence expanded significantly, amplifying the church’s voice and reach. Facebook content averaged more than 100,000 views per month, including one post shared more than 90 times, and the platform reached 3,100 followers for the first time. Instagram also continued to grow, engaging more than 287,000 people over the course of the year.
Through collaboration across ministries, Communications supports worship, outreach, and connection— meeting people where they are and inviting deeper participation in the life of Second.
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3,102
DINNERS FOR 8
Round 6 of Dinners for 8 concluded in October 2025 with 121 participants in 15 groups. Round 7 (currently in progress) began in November 2025 with 105 participants in 14 groups, and will continue to grow as the year progresses.
Since Dinners for 8 began in January 2020, we have averaged around 14-15 groups each year. We give thanks to God for the gift of countless meals enjoyed, hospitality shared, and friendships (new and old) grown, and for the strengthening and flourishing of the body of Christ through this ministry.
ENGAGEMENT
The member engagement process strives to extend Christ’s welcome at Second. From a warm smile greeting you at worship to an invitation into deeper relationship with the church and your faith, we offer our best to the work of engaging in the lives of friends and members of Second.
Over 3 Welcome Tables and 4 new member classes, we welcomed 67 new adult members to Second while 16 youth joined the church through confirmation, making for a total of 83 new members. We had a wonderful church picnic with more than 300 people in attendance! We co-hosted, with Formation, a class on Being Presbyterian that was well attended by visitors and long-time members alike. We also began a new group called the LGBTQ+ Christian Fellowship for those in our community seeking belonging, friendship, and discipleship.
Engagement is committed to recognizing what God is up to in our midst and ensuring each person is invited into a deeper relationship with Christ in community.
From a warm smile at worship to deeper connection in community, Engagement helps people find their place at Second.
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2025 DOWNLOADS
EPISODE 35
Hunger in a Land of Abundance
Guest Dave Miner Hunger Activist
EPISODE 32
More than Running Guest Mark Crull
EPISODE 37
A Spacious Spirit
Guest Sara Hayden
Director of Apprenticeships and Leadership Cohorts for the 1001 New Worshiping Communities
FAITHFUL DISCOURSE WITH CHRIS HENRY
Faithful Discourse with Chris Henry continues to extend Second’s voice beyond Sunday mornings through thoughtful conversations on faith, leadership, and public life. As of January 21, 2026, the podcast has released 59 episodes and reached listeners through 17,400 downloads across 38 countries, with the majority tuning in via Apple Podcasts (72.6%) and Spotify (8.93%).
Celebrating its two-year anniversary, the podcast expanded its reach by introducing a video format on YouTube beginning with Episode 53, further strengthening its ability to engage audiences locally and globally.
17.4k DOWNLOADS
59 EPISODES
72.6%
LISTEN VIA APPLE PODCASTS
38 COUNTRIES REPRESENTED
MEN AT SECOND
Men at Second kicked off 2025 with the Living Intentionally Retreat. More than 80 men attended the two-day event focused on repairing the breach within and among us through intentionality, hyper-localism, repetition, and accountability. Rev. Chris Henry provided the Friday night keynote address, and Saturday speakers included Scott Sweet, Executive Director of CenterPoint Counseling, Rev. Tom Markey, Associate Pastor for Youth & Families, and Rev. Mike Samson, Associate Pastor for Formation.
Throughout the year, Men at Second hosted events to help men grow in faith and community. Men’s Monthly Fellowship welcomed men of all ages for dinner and conversation, praise music, and the opportunity to hear from members of Second who shared their personal faith journeys. Other events included Pop Up Socials at varying local pubs, a Northside and Downtown lunch meet up, and cycling and basketball groups. Weekly opportunities for faith formation included the Tuesday morning Fellowship Breakfast and Bible Study and the Sunday morning Pregame Sunday School class.
Men at Second is creating space for men to grow in faith and community through intentionality, accountability, and shared faith.
• Food donations to support the Northside Food Pantry.
• Volunteers helped build a ramp for a homebound residents on the southwest side of Indianapolis.
57,000 SCHOOL SUPPLIES
6,000 STUDENTS
THE YOUTH
*Sponsored by the Deacons
• We had volunteer days to complete this drive for WTSC. We also supported the Back-to-School bash by providing hygiene items.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY*
FAMILY PROMISE*
2 APARTMENT KITS
•
provided five additional apartment kits this fall.
23 FAITH COMMUNITIES
2 HOMES BUILT
• Multifaith panel build.
IMMIGRATION CLINIC*
11 IMMIGRATION CLINICS
44 CLIENTS
• Partnership with Neighborhood Christian Legal Services; Kristin Ullum, Second legal counsel.
FELLOWSHIP MEALS
•
80+ neighbors were able to fellowship and share a meal at each of the gatherings.
Food, Insecure was shown to 26 youth and 8 adult leaders, and they discussed the difference between the need for advocacy
12 FAMILIES PARTICIPATING IN COACHING AND MEETUPS 10 ACTIVE PARTICIPANTS
•
Several families are taking active leadership roles. Many
111 FAMILIES SERVED (304 CHILDREN • 318 ADULTS)
• Every person received socks and underwear. School-age children received a gift and outfit. Families received a household item, food, and a children’s Bible.
9,868 FAMILIES SERVED
375 HOME DELIVERIES
42,723 INDIVIDUALS THIS YEAR
MUSIC AND FINE ARTS
A CHARGING STATION FOR GOD’S PEOPLE
• In September, we celebrated the installation of our new Milner Chapel pipe organ built by Richards, Fowkes, & Co. This handcrafted, mechanical-action instrument reflects 18th century North German and Dutch organ-building traditions and is known for its historical integrity and tonal clarity. Dedication events took place over three days and included four concerts by Organist Michael Unger as well as a donor dinner, builder brunch, and open house for the congregation.
• The combined handbell ensembles of Second Presbyterian, St. Luke’s United Methodist, and Circle City Ringers, playing over 350 bells and chimes, performed a concert of sacred and secular music.
• Second Chamber Players, our 25-member intergenerational chamber orchestra, along with church staff and volunteers, supported worship services at Marquette Senior Living, Hoosier Village, and The Barrington, bringing in-person worship to those who are homebound.
• The Sanctuary Choir logged over 11,000 hours of rehearsal and sang 45 worship services.
• The Children’s Choirs logged 850 hours of rehearsal and sang in 7 worship services.
A CHURCH FOR THE CITY AND THE WORLD
• Members of the Sanctuary Choir and congregation traveled to South Africa for two weeks where they sang and provided resources and support for four churches, one school, and the Kliptown Youth Program.
• Nearly 1,300 people attended eight Sacred Arts Series concerts in collaboration with members of Second’s Sanctuary Choir and Festival Orchestra, as well as the Indianapolis Baroque Orchestra. Major works included Joseph Haydn’s The Creation, J.S. Bach’s St. John Passion, and Morten Lauridsen’s Lux Aeterna
• Second hosted four Indianapolis Children’s Choir Christmas concerts in December, attended by more than 3,000 members of the community.
• Second hosted the third, fourth, and fifth grade choirs of Oaks Academy for the performance of their annual Christmas concert, welcoming nearly 900 students, their teachers, and family members into our church.
• MFA hosted the premiere concert of the Beckenhorst Singers, featuring new sacred choral works by Dan Forrest and conducted by Indiana composer, Craig Courtney. This concert was attended by 300+ congregational members and leading choral musicians and directors of central Indiana.
• The Sanctuary Choir partnered with Latin Jazz Duo Pavel Polanco-Safadit and Leah Crane, as well as the Covenant Community Church Choir in a concert supporting MusicEd Fest, an annual education program for young artists in the Dominican Republic.
• MFA Outreach provided weekly live piano music as well as Christmas caroling in December to IU North, Ascension St. Vincent, Community North, and Eskenazi hospitals.
• The Fine Arts Advisory Team curated eight art exhibits in McFarland Hall, including the annual Eighth Day of Creation all-church exhibit; participated in the Penrod Arts Fair; hosted contemplative prayer stations during Lent; hosted the Watercolor Society of Indiana workshops, and published volume four of Second Thoughts, an anthology of art and reflections written by congregational members.
SECOND ACT
Second’s ministry for older adults, Second Act, had a full and wonderful year! Highlights included a trip to Montreat, North Carolina; outings around Indianapolis and beyond to enjoy our community and grow in fellowship and learning; “Community & Cards” events, bringing people together around a beloved past time and a simple meal; and more!
We continued our tradition of monthly gatherings for fellowship, devotion, and connection, and our Second Act Speaker Series brought engaging speakers including Director of CenterPoint Counseling Scott Sweet, Geriatricians Drs. Pat and Diane Healey, and representatives from the Sanctuary Choir Trip to South Africa. We also began planning this year for our next big adventure: a trip to Portugual in October 2026!
We are grateful for all the opportunities that this year brought and look forward to growing in faith and friendship in Christ in the year ahead.
Second Act invites older adults into a vibrant season of faith, fellowship, and lifelong learning.
SECOND TREASURES
Second Treasures, the thrift store ministry of Second Presbyterian Church, completed a remarkable first year of operation—serving both the wider community and the church’s mission partners through generosity, hospitality, and care. In its startup year, Second Treasures generated approximately $24,000 in sales, sold more than 3,200 items of clothing, and directly supported community members in need by providing $400 in clothing at no cost to individuals referred by a social worker. The store also contributed $7,200 to mission partners including Monday Mission Sewing Group, Grass Roots, Umoja Project, Family Promise, and the Northside Food Pantry, extending its impact well beyond its walls.
Equally significant is the volunteer spirit that sustains this ministry. More than 1,350 volunteer hours were given through donation sorting, special donation days, and weekly store shifts, with many volunteers committing dozens—some more than 100 hours of service. Through these efforts, Second Treasures became a place where dignity and delight meet: families displaced by fire were clothed, job seekers found interview attire, a young dancer discovered her first pair of ballet shoes, and countless shoppers experienced the joy of finding exactly what they needed at the right moment.
These everyday stories reflect the heart of Second Treasures— meeting practical needs while offering care, welcome, and hope in Christ’s name.
$24K SALES
$7,200 MISSION DONATIONS
3,200 ITEMS OF CLOTHING
1,350 VOLUNTEER HOURS
Second Treasures meets practical needs with dignity, generosity, and care— extending Christ’s love to our neighbors.
STAFF
The staff of Second shared life together throughout the year through moments of fellowship, service, and celebration. Staff gathered for joy and connection at events such as an Indianapolis Indians game, the annual meeting at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, a Halloween party, and a Christmas party that included singing carols with homebound members, and more!
Along the way, we also gave thanks for faithful leadership and service as several staff members completed seasons of ministry at Second. Together, these moments reflect a staff grounded in gratitude, resilience, and a shared commitment to Christ’s work.
STEWARDSHIP
Thank you Second Presbyterian Church for your wonderful generosity and faithful giving throughout the year. Your gifts provide funding for all that we do—our programs, services, mission, and ministries that all work together to help bring to life our mission to be a welcoming community of faith where Jesus Christ transforms lives.
The 2025 Commitment Campaign—Be the Light!—was an inspiration. This annual effort brings the community of faith together to focus on an important goal, and offers us an opportunity to be a part of God’s work in and through Second by contributing to the work and ministries of the Church.
Pledges form the bedrock of our annual budget and determine how courageously and boldly we can plan to grow, worship and serve in the coming year. Pledging also provides a way to participate in a spiritual practice—the practice of gratitude and trust as we set aside each week, month, or year, a portion of our earnings in response to, and with trust in, God’s abundant gifts and provision for each of us.
From small to large, each pledge was gratefully received and together, helped us reach (and surpass) our $3.9M goal! We know our numbers will continue to grow, but as of January 7, 2025:
BE THE LIGHT
$4,003,675 Received in pledges 103% of goal 716 Commitments received 95% of goal
$5,592 Average pledge
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who participated in this year’s Commitment Campaign, and for the generous gifts received for our work and ministries throughout the year.
ENDOWMENT
One of the many extraordinary things about Second Presbyterian Church is its Endowment Fund. Established more than 100 years ago, the Endowment Fund has been carefully stewarded and managed by a Board of Directors who are dedicated to our Church and to the donors whose gifts provide important annual funding for Second’s operations and programs.
In 2025, the Endowment Board celebrated the service of two important board members whose terms ended, Jeff Kittle and Scott Enright, and welcomed new Trustees John Rapp and Deborah Tobias. The Endowment Board meets quarterly to review reports from the investment adviser, and to make important decisions about the operations and future of the Endowment. In addition to program grants, the Endowment covers all fundraising and stewardship expenses throughout the year.
The Endowment provides significant funding for many of Second’s ministries and programs, as well as for its operations, which offsets expenses and helps reduce annual budget expenses. There are more than 80 individual funds, each of which is designated for a specified purpose and use, many bearing the names of the individuals and families who created them. In November 2025, Endowment Fund assets totaled nearly $79M.
Beecher Society
A wonderful way that members and friends of Second can extend their faithful support of Second even beyond their lifetimes, is by planning for a gift to benefit the church in their estate plans.
When notified of a planned gift, these individuals or couples are recognized as members of the Beecher Society, named in honor of Second’s first pastor, Rev. Henry Ward Beecher.
In the spring, the Beecher Society hosted a gathering at the new Graham Rahal Performance Center for camaraderie, and a chance to see some extraordinary cars on display. Our 2026 event is in the planning stages, but is sure to be equally as fun and engaging.
For more information on the Beecher Society and how to include Second Presbyterian Church in your estate plans, contact the Office of Stewardship and Endowment.
WOMEN AT SECOND
As we look toward 2026, Women at Second does so with deep gratitude for the volunteers and donors whose support makes our work possible. Through their generosity, we continue to serve our neighbors, support local schools, and strengthen connections within our church and community.
Second Treasures remains a vital part of this ministry. In 2025, the store generated $24,000 in revenue and benefited from nearly 1,400 volunteer hours. These efforts provided clothing and shoes for job interviews, emergency assistance for families displaced by fire, special purchases for food pantry clients, and items that brought dignity and joy to children and families who otherwise could not afford them.
Through the Community Mission Committee, Women at Second supported partners including The Don & Karen Lake Buttrey Northside Food Pantry, Monday Mission Sewing Group, Umoja, Grassroots, Family Promise, and neighborhood schools. In partnership with Washington Township school social workers, we distributed 100 weekend meal gift cards to students in need and provided appreciation treats to 200 teachers. With the help of congregation members, we also assembled 40 Thanksgiving baskets, providing meals for 216 people.
The Monday Mission Sewing Group donated 200 handmade quilts to pediatric cancer patients at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital—offering comfort and care during difficult seasons.
Women at Second also nurtures spiritual growth and fellowship. This year, we launched Women Shaped by Scripture, a Bible study led by women pastors and lay leaders. Participants consistently cite the value of intergenerational relationships and meaningful discussion rooted in Scripture.
Women at Second continues to serve faithfully—building community, meeting needs, and growing in faith.
WORSHIP
In 2025, we bridged two themes: Repairing the Breach and Live in the Light, 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.
During worship, we installed deacons and elders, commissioned Footsteps of Faith travelers and VBS volunteers, welcomed 83 new members and confirmands, were blessed by the beauty of music, remembered our saints, and celebrated 25 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.
612 AVERAGE IN PERSON ATTENDANCE
837 AVERAGE ONLINE ATTENDANCE
25 BAPTISMS CELEBRATED
Christmas Eve attendance increased by 38.6% across in-person and online worship
YOUNG ADULTS
In 2025, along with the congregation, young adults sought to Repair the Breach and Live in the Light. Through retreats, Grown-up Summer Camp, a Service and Sabbath day, small groups, and Sunday brunches, we connected to each other and to Christ. A new group called The Belonging was formed for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to connect and build relationships with others.
Our Emerging Adults (18–25-year-olds) wrapped up the year with worship and dinner at our Christmas Party. In the bruising busyness, pressure, and isolation of this season of life, our faith drew us into community and reminded us that, no matter what, we belong to Jesus Christ.
44 RETREAT/CAMP ATTENDEES
27 PARTICIPATED IN SMALL GROUPS
25 VOLUNTEERS FOR SABBATH
Grown Up Summer Camp
YOUTH
In 2025, youth ministries could best be described as steady and stable – after a period of heavy change and transition, a strong and sturdy foundation has been laid such that the future of youth ministries remains a vibrant and vital ministry at Second Presbyterian Church.
This was accomplished most especially through a focused commitment to two of our guiding values in youth ministries: faithfulness and fruitfulness. Meaning a concerted focus and commitment to living as Christ’s disciples as we activate our faith by investing time, energy, and resources to show the love and justice of Jesus Christ and work for the reconciliation of the world.
Here are just a few examples of this kind of faithful and fruitful living:
• In February, through the combined efforts of Elder Alicia Buckley and our Coordinator for Youth and Families, Andrea Kamwendo, the Youth Late Night at Second event was created. This is an evening for fifth graders to join youth ministries for a night of fun and fellowship and to learn more about youth ministries. In total, we had over 40 youth and fifth graders participate.
• In May, we welcomed 16 confirmands into full membership at Second.
• In June, we embarked on our 24th Footsteps of Faith pilgrimage with 20 high school seniors.
• In November, at our annual youth Friendsgiving and Invite-a-Friend night, we had 58 youth join us for the evening.
As we look forward to another transformative year together in 2026, our focus will now turn to how we allow the foundations of this past year forge us into a year of thinking imaginatively and creatively about the future of youth ministry at Second.
Footsteps of Faith
