April - Second Presbyterian Church

SP
THE
Second Presbyterian Church
7700 North Meridian Street
Indianapolis, Indiana
RE
April, 2008
Volume XXXVII, No. 4
a monthly newsletter
In This
issue
3
Men’s Steak
Dinner
page 3
5
Dr. Joan
retirement
celebration
invitation
page 5
6
136th Annual
Praise Luncheon
page 6-7
SAWs and PW Unite Their Spirits!
The synergy of God’s spirit results in love and freedom! Just
ask Amber and her family. Amber is a young girl afflicted with
muscular dystrophy, but she is often thought of as a shining
star in others’ eyes. She did not have a ramp at her home that
allowed her to enter or leave her home as easily as other children.
Her mother and sister always struggled with how to get Amber
out of their home for the everyday activities of life. Now Amber
and her family experience the love of God and the freedom of
living each time Amber uses her new ramp to enter or leave her
house, thanks to the volunteers of Presbyterian Women and
SAWs.
Presbyterian Women work all year long (each and every
year) to collect, sort and price donations to sell at the Bazaar
and Summer Sale. The proceeds always go to mission locally,
nationally and internationally. This past year these monies
exceeded $65,000. Patience, love and commitment to their
ultimate goal generated such results. This past year some of the
hard earned money went to buy the materials needed to build a
ramp for the SAWs group.
SAWs (Servants at Work) is a group of ecumenical volunteers
that work together to build wheelchair ramps for the elderly,
disabled and infirm who cannot afford to have the ramp built.
These men and women donate their time and energy to the
physical building of the ramp. Some volunteers work in prefab on Thursday mornings, others build on Saturdays in halfday shifts and others work as a “finishing” crew on Tuesday
and/or Wednesday mornings. The need for these ramps is
great. Weather permitting, SAWs works from March through
November. So, you can still help this year! Please contact Rik
Hagarty at rhagarty@indy.rr.com if you would like to join the
group.
Servan s at Work
Isaiah 42:6 says, “I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness….to free captives
from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.”
Join in the love expressed by patience, commitment and
physical labor. The result is extraordinary! A family can now
easily function as a family. A mother does not have to worry
about dropping her child. A child can now play outside with her
friends! The love of God flourishes in joy!
Building Faithful Lives at Second Presbyterian Church
APNC Prayerfully
Seeks Candidate
Family Movie Night
May 3, 2008
Kenya Carnival
September 6, 2008
Please mark your calendars for the above date changes as we work to
expand the Kenya Carnival to make it a huge community event. On May
3 we will have a free Family Movie Night featuring the inspiring movie,
“The Ultimate Gift.” This film tells the story of a wealthy grandfather who
dies leaving his spoiled, rich grandson a series of “gifts” that teach him a
crash course on what’s most important in life. These “gifts” (such as the
“gift of work”) lead him on a journey of self-discovery and transformation
right before our eyes. This movie is rated PG and is appropriate for older
elementary-aged children (watch a trailer at www.theultimategift.com).
Weather permitting, the movie will be shown on a huge 25-foot screen on
the south lawn with popcorn and other snacks available from 7 to 9:30
p.m.
Before the movie, there will be a short presentation on the “Umoja
Project,” with information on how you can get involved in the Kenya
Carnival. Please send an e-mail to Nate Osborne and A.J. Sood at
kenyacarnival@indy.rr.com to get involved or check out our new website at
www.kenyacarnival.com!
Please join us on May 3 to learn about the “Umoja Project” and see
“The Ultimate Gift” under the stars on the big screen!
The Associate Pastor Nominating
Committee for Children and Family
Ministry (APNC) has been working
diligently since October organizing
and preparing to conduct the search
for a new associate pastor. Co-chairs
Wendy Drook and Dave Swider have
been meeting weekly with committee
members Scott Dennison, Deb
Leithauser, Jason Reese, Cassandra
Short, Britt Stemme, Vera Vander
Kooy and Robert Warhurst.
Documents used by prospective
candidates to understand the
requirements of this position and to
learn more about our congregation
have been completed and approved by
Session. With great expectation, the
APNC is looking forward to the work
ahead.
We cherish and treasure the
prayers and support of the entire
congregation as we prepare for the
person whom, we are convinced, God
has already selected to be our next
Associate Pastor for Children and
Family Ministry.
Dr. Joan Malick to Speak at April Luncheon
Dr. Joan Malick, our executive co-pastor, will be retiring from Second in August,
2008, after exactly 20 years of ministry with us, having joined the staff in August, 1988.
“Dr. Joan,” as she has affectionately come to be known, has been a tremendous blessing
to the church during her tenure. Her deep and vibrant faith and incomparable sunny
disposition are truly legendary. Through her fun-loving, caring and generous ways, she
brightens our lives and inspires us to be better people.
We are blessed to have Dr. Joan as the speaker for our April 27th luncheon.
Advance paid reservations for the Luncheon and Program are $12 per person, due no
later than noon Monday, April 21, to the church reception desk.
Sponsored by the Sages of Second Presbyterian Church
2 The Spire
Second Presbyterian Church
A Letter from Lewis
“The churches of Asia send greetings. Aquila and Prisca,
together with the church in their house, greet you
warmly in the Lord.” I Corinthians 16:19
Dear Friends,
From the very beginning of the church, Christians have joined
together for worship, prayer, fellowship, study and mission. Jesus
did not call us to be solitary disciples, but
members together of the body of Christ. It is
thrilling to gather in a packed sanctuary on Easter
morning to sing “Jesus Christ is Risen Today,”
but it is also equally transforming to be with
a small group of Christians who are mutually
supportive and committed to spiritual growth
and service. In a healthy congregation there are
Dr. Lewis F. Galloway
both large and small opportunities to experience
Senior Pastor
Christian community. In the New Testament the
gospel was proclaimed in large public gatherings, but often lived
out in small house churches. In a number of the New Testament
letters we hear how Christians joined with others in circles of prayer,
worship, communion, study, mission efforts, spiritual fellowship
and service to those in need.
In a large congregation it is important for our growth as
Christians that we find an opportunity to participate in a small
group. Small groups provide a safe environment for us to explore
our faith, give and receive caring support and join together in service
to others. At Second Presbyterian Church there are prayer groups,
Bible studies, ministry teams, Church School classes, music groups,
fine art teams, reunion groups and service ministries that give us
ways to live out our faith together and to develop what Dr. Greg
Jones, the Dean of Duke Divinity School, calls holy friendships. If
you have not yet found a small group of fellow Christians to serve as
a kind of spiritual home for you, I encourage you to contact me, Dr.
Jim Riley or Dr. Richard Baker to explore your interests and needs.
Currently, a Small Group Ministry Team is working very creatively
to encourage our congregation to participate in an ever-growing
number of small groups. Small groups are not an end in themselves.
They are the means through which we come to experience more
powerfully the presence of the One who said, “Where two or three
are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”
Yours in Christ,
25th Annual
Men’s Steak
Dinner
Thursday, April 24,
at 6 p.m.
Guest Speaker
Dallas
Clark
of the
Indianapolis Colts
Parents with sons and daughters
Grandparents with grandchildren
ALL ARE WELCOME!
Adult Steak Dinner $25
Youth (17 & under) Steak Dinner $15
Youth (17 & under) Hamburger $10
Table $200 Corporate Sponsor $1000
Proceeds support the Urban Youth Ministry of Shepherd Community
Childcare for the littlest ones 3 years old and younger
are available by reservation one week in advance.
Lewis F. Galloway
Tickets are on sale NOW at the CHURCH OFFICE
and online at SecondChurch.org
www.secondchurch.org
The Spire
3
Sanctuary Choir
Sanctuary Choir
Sanctuary Choir
Spring Choir
Sanctuary Choir
Choir School Spring
Concert
The Department of Children’s Music
Ministries is delighted to announce
that its Spring Choir Concert will be
presented on Saturday, April 26, at 2
p.m. in the Sanctuary. The Cherub,
Carol and Crusader Choirs will sing a
variety of pieces for your enjoyment.
A reception will follow in Room 356.
Come for an afternoon of uplifting
music offered by our church’s talented
young musicians.
Music Events in April
XX Sunday, April 6, at 7:30 p.m.
Rob Turner, baroque and concert
flute
Airs pour la Flute Seüle
XX Saturday, April 26, at 2 p.m.
Second Presbyterian’s Children’s
Choirs
Spring Concert
XX Sunday, April 27, at 3 p.m.
Adriane Fink, flute and Joseph
Platt, piano; works by Fikret
Amirov, Sergei Prokofiev, Otar
Taktakishvili
Celebrating Mission: An Exhibition of Art
When we think of
mission, we often think
of projects, of tasks done
to serve others. However,
mission experiences are
full of benefits for those
who serve as well as for
those who are served. One
of the great gifts of the
many mission projects
of Second Presbyterian
Church is the new
appreciation we all may
gain of the beauty and
connectedness of all of
God’s creation.
In celebration
of mission, a new art exhibit will explore some of
the many glories God has shown us through our
contacts with God’s people in Kenya and Uganda in
Africa, in Quintana Roo in Mexico and here at home
4 The Spire
Sanctuary Choir
Sanctuary Choir
April 10—May 18
Festival of Hymns
Join us for 6 weeks!
As we prepare for a
Festival of Hymns
(with orchestra)
mfa@secondchurch.org
317-253-6461 ext. 309
Art and Worship
Because of its creative nature, art is truly a
reflection of God’s creative spirit. Through
the creation and the perception of beauty,
we praise and celebrate the creative power
of God. Art is, in this respect, an aspect
of worship.
in Indianapolis.
Photographs and other
works of art will help link us more closely to the brothers
and sisters we serve, so that we may more fully share in
God’s joy in the beauty of creation.
In conjunction with this exhibit, Second Church
children are invited to create drawings to help decorate
the new Riley Mother and Baby Hospital being
completed in Eldoret, Kenya. These drawings will be
concrete symbols of the link between Second and the
new hospital.
The exhibit will be in McFarland Hall from March
30 to May 10, 2008. It is presented by the Fine Arts
Advisory Team of the Department of Music and Fine
Arts
For more information about the exhibit or the
ministry of Music and Fine Arts, please see the church’s
website, www.secondchurch.org/mfa or contact Dr.
Michelle Louer, Director of Music and Fine Arts, at
317-253-6461, ext. 307, or at mlouer@secondchurch.org.
Second Presbyterian Church
www.secondchurch.org
The Spire
5
“There is NO ONE like Joan.
She’s one-of-a-kind in her
creativity, her unselfishness
and her outstanding listening
ability. We all love her.” —Audrey Pelham
“Joan’s greatest gift is the way she
models servant leadership. Since I
have been a part of Second, I have
seen Joan demonstrate a willingness
to do whatever needs to be done, no
matter how small or large the task.
From missions to pastoral care, from
church administration to organizing
events, Joan steps into a situation and
provides quiet leadership and service.
We will miss her compassionate spirit,
enthusiasm, humor and example of
devoted service.”
—Dr. Lewis Galloway
Presbyterian Women’s InSpiring Speaker Series
proudly presents
Dr. Joan Malick
$5 in the Dirt
(and Other Signs of God’s Confetti)
Thursday, May 8, 2008: 11:15am or 7pm
It’s not often that God places someone in our midst
who can simultaneously exhibit abiding faith, dazzling
creativity, admirable organizational skills and deeply
personal compassion for others – along with a wellhoned gift for goofiness and fun. Serious goofiness
and fun! Second Presbyterian Church’s dearly loved
Dr. Joan Malick, Senior Associate Pastor, is truly an
extraordinary individual who defies easy description.
Her unassuming ways belie a veritable fireball
of Christian activity. Certainly for nearly 20
“Joan has a knack for i
years the members of Second Presbyterian –
on what a person is sa
shut absolutely everyt
and Presbyterian Women in particular – have
that’s saying a LOT gi
been given a gift in the form of “Dr. Joan.” She
has been responsible f
thoroughly process wh
has touched many with her kindness and the
She listens to the Hol
uncanny ability to make others feel special.
conversation so she ca
and make good recom
Her example has truly brightened our lives and
observations.” —Dr.
inspired us to be better people.
Presbyterian Women is privileged
to present the unique opportunity to enjoy our
own soon-to-retire Dr. Joan as featured speaker at
the 136th Annual Praise Luncheon on Thursday,
May 8, at 11:15a.m. To ensure all will enjoy this
rare chance to hear her speak, she will also give
the same talk that evening at a gourmet coffee
and dessert gathering at 7 p.m. Mark your
calendars now! Find out why that $5 bill
“Dr. Joan’s thoughtfuln
heart. On the first ann
was in the dirt and hear Dr. Joan tell stories
one’s death she had a lo
from scripture and life about the surprising
flowers waiting for me
note I will always cheri
appearances of God.
“Dr. Joan is never
short on creative
ideas. She’s truly a
possibilities person.”
—Susan Hall
“Joan has always demonstrated
a commitment to excellence and
a gift for making processes and
projects successful. She is also a great
cheerleader to all those around her.”
—Dr. William Enright
“Dr. Joan’s gift of encouragement and being present in the crucial moments
of life has been an incredible gift to me and to so many others at our great
church. May we all be inspired by her life’s message of selfless service, love
and encouragement. I will miss her godly wisdom and jingle bell hugs.
Barnabas is truly alive in the person of Dr. Joan.”
—Julie Osborne
6 The Spire
hold in her mind one d
all but me? I feel so fo
amazing, one of a kind
Dr. Joan’s background prepared her well
for the many roles played and challenges faced
at Second Presbyterian. After growing up in
Cleveland, she received a B.A. in Fine Arts and
a graduate degree in Education from Boston University
and was also a graduate of Menninger Foundation’s
School of Psychiatry & Mental Health. She went on
Second Presbyterian Church
“I think Dr. Joan has been
so successful here because
of her memory – her mind
is a computer! And I will
certainly miss the way her
smile just lights up her entire
face. ” —Becky Hagarty
to earn a Master of Divinity
and then Doctor of Divinity
at McCormick Theological
Seminary in Chicago.
She served at churches in
Northbrook and Winnetka, IL and came to us in
1988 from First Presbyterian Church in McAlester,
OK as Associate Minister with responsibilities in
Early Childhood Ministries, Women’s Ministries,
Deacons, the Parish Life Committee and the
Mission and Benevolence Committee. In 1999, she
became Executive Pastor and assisted Dr. Enright in
supervisory and administrative responsibilities. She
is currently Senior Associate Pastor and also serves on
the Board of Trustees of McCormick Seminary and
the Council of Whitewater Valley Presbytery. When
she’s not blessing our church with countless hours of
service or spending time with her beloved
daughter, Becky, she may be found picking
intently keying in
up some Starbucks coffee, cheering on the
aying. She’s able to
thing else out (and
Colts, dreaming about a lovely beach next
iven how much she
to a sparkling ocean or listening to 60’s
for at Second) to
hat she’s hearing.
music.
ly Spirit in the
an ask good questions
mmendations or
r. Robin Chaddock
Particular memories include Christmas
Benevolence over the years, exciting mission
trips, the funeral for Ryan White (she still
fondly recalls being pastoral staff liaison
to Sir Elton John and witnessing his performance of
“Skyline Pigeon” on a grand piano) and, of course,
the 20-year close association with Presbyterian
Women. Through all her experiences, Dr. Joan says,
“God has taught me that he is far more available as
the Almighty than we ever knew. Nothing is too big
or too small for God.”
ness is dear to my
niversary of a loved
ovely bouquet of
e on my desk with a
ish. How does she
date insignificant to
ortunate to know this
d woman.”
—Linda Ryan
Join us for either the luncheon or
evening coffee and dessert to hear Dr. Joan
express in her own words how God makes
his presence known. 136th Annual Praise
Luncheon tickets are $15 and evening
event tickets are $8 – all will be available
April 13 – May 4. Purchase them online at
SecondChurch.org, Sundays in McFarland
Hall or weekdays at the front desk. Free childcare for
either event is available by calling 252-5519 at least
one week prior.
www.secondchurch.org
The Lake Fellow Scrapbook
In this issue of the Spire we continue a series of updates on the lives of past residents
in the Lake Fellow program here at Second Presbyterian Church. Please watch for
additional updates in future issues of the Spire and check past issues on the web at
SecondChurch.org. If you wish to contact any of these wonderful people, please
call the church office.
Trina (Ward) Portello, Class of 2005-2006,
It’s hard to believe it’s been
almost two years already since I
left Indianapolis and moved on
to a new phase in the journey.
Just after my time as a Lake
Fellow concluded, I married
Nelson Portillo at my home
church in Rochester, NY on July
29, 2006. We were delighted to
share the occasion with both of
our families and friends, particularly since Nelson’s
had to travel such a long distance!
Since returning to Chicago, I have been
working at Chicago Lights at Fourth Presbyterian
Church, a not-for-profit umbrella organization
with seven programs in literacy and education;
hunger and homelessness; and health and wellness.
In February, 2008, I became the new Associate
Director for Foundation and Corporate Relations
for the Development Department. I have enjoyed
developing new skills and interests in this capacity.
Nelson and I have found a new church home
in Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church, a small
congregation close to where we live.
Nelson is working toward the completion of
his Ph.D. in Applied Social Psychology through
Loyola University. We plan to move to El Salvador,
Nelson’s home country, sometime within the next
year to spend two years living and working there. I
anticipate becoming a much more fluent Spanish
speaker during that time!
I learned so much from you all during my time
at Second and I miss you dearly. I want to say
thank you for being such a warm and welcoming
congregation to generation after generation of Lake
Fellows that pass through your doors. You welcome
us not only into the church, but into your homes
and your lives and hearts as well. I think of my time
with you fondly and will always carry you with me in
my heart. May God’s blessings be with you always!
The Spire
7
Second Presbyterian Church Responds,
Declaring World Missions A Priority
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has determined
that there is an alarming shortage of mission co-workers
addressing global concerns. In response, Second
Presbyterian Church enthusiastically seeks to be part of
the solution by supporting a new mission co-worker in
the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In the article
quoted below, Rev. Hunter Farrell asks the question, “are
world missions a priority?” Second Presbyterian Church
is responding with a resounding, “Yes.” Because of the
generous response of our congregation to the mission
challenge in our 2007 Stewardship Campaign, we are
now in a position to support one of the 40 validated
mission opportunities. The coordinators of the Global
Mission Partnerships from our Mission Committee will
be working to form a Congo Ministry Team. The Congo
Ministry Team will help develop a strategic and deep
partnership with our mission co-worker in the Congo.
If you would like to be a member of this new
ministry team, please contact Rev. David Berry.
The Presbyterian News Service reports that the
number of PC(USA) mission co-workers serving overseas
is expected to drop soon to a record low. In December
2006, the PC(USA) had 247 long-term mission workers
serving in 67 countries. By January 2008, that number
had fallen to 220 missionaries and is expected to reach an
all-time low of 190 by next January through retirement
and attrition. “The funding has decreased and the cost
of each mission worker has increased,” World Mission
Director, the Rev. Hunter Farrell, said during the
General Assembly Council’s regular meeting, February
13 through15. “Are world missions a priority?” asked
Rev. Farrell. “We will drop to 190 mission workers. Is
that all right? If not, we will look at what it would cost
to support 200, 210 or 220 [mission workers] and bring
that information to the April meeting of the General
Assembly Council.” Farrell said there are 40 vacant
positions that are priorities but no funding for them. “It
puts us in awkward positions with our partners around
the world,” he told the GAC’s Evangelism and Witness
(E&W) Committee. “What are creative and sustainable
solutions?” GAC Executive Director Linda Valentine
estimated it would cost about $3 million for 30 mission
workers for two-year terms.
However, finding the money to support the positions
may not be easy. If new sources are not identified, it
means the funds could come from cuts in a proposed
PC(USA) budget for the next two years that will go
before the GAC in April for approval.
The Rev. Bill Young, executive director of the
Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship and a E&W committee
member, said, “It’s a critical time. Something bold and
drastic needs to be done. If we don’t do something we
will be out of business. This has to be a priority in the
budget.”
Aspire Youth Ministries Summer Mission Trips!
Throughout middle school,
students have the opportunity to
work in three types of mission
experiences: urban, rural and a
college campus. This year, students
will travel to a Big Ten campus June
22 - 27 to do a variety of work in an
area we typically think of as possibly
needing little mission work. We look
8 The Spire
forward to fun, fellowship and lots
of work during this awesome week of
working through and for Christ.
Similarly, our high school
students are offered the opportunity
to engage in a four-year mission
rotation: rural, urban, road rules and
international. This year, we are on the
“rural” rotation and will spend our
time working on a Native American
reservation. Make sure to mark your
calendars for one of the following
trips: Week 1—July 13-20; Week
2—July 19-26. Spaces are limited
and sign-ups will begin soon as we
prepare for these amazing weeks of
discovery in faith, friendship and
missions.
Second Presbyterian Church
Come Dive In
Second
the
Lake
2008
LAKE WAWASEE
June 20-22
Friday night to Sunday at Noon
Guest Speaker - Dr. John Van Nuys
Pastor of Wabash Ave. Presbyterian Church in
Crawfordsville, IN
Come dive into the fun and fellowship of a
weekend at Lake Wawasee where our whole church
family gathers together. Get away for a weekend of
spiritual refreshment, relaxation and recreation. Relax
with others on the beautiful shores of Indiana’s largest and prettiest lake.
Enjoy the exceptionally nice Oakwood Hotel and Conference Center
and take time for yourself and your family.
At Second at the Lake you’ll enjoy an intergenerational experience,
which brings together people from all ages to learn and grow together in
God’s love through our enlightening speaker, singing, games, campfires,
and recreation, along with special programs for children and youth. It is
an amazing, spiritually uplifting experience!
TAKE IT TO
TOWN 2008
Saturday, June 14, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Join with your fellow church
members for a rewarding one-day
service event. You don’t have to
travel far—contribute your time and
talents helping those in need right
here in Indianapolis! Regardless of
skill or experience, there is a need
for you. Work in our community
to help the poor, the homeless
and the disadvantaged among us.
Wonderful opportunity for your
family, company and small group!
Look for more details and signup opportunities online at www.
secondchurch.org.
www.secondchurch.org
Dr. John Van Nuys is a former member of Second Presbyterian
Church’s pastoral staff, and oversaw the ministries of our deacons. John
has a great sense of humor and is a person with tremendous warmth and
dynamism that make him able to communicate to people of all ages.
John holds degrees from Wabash College, Vanderbilt Divinity
School and Wesley Theological Seminary. In addition to seeing every
movie ever made, John enjoys lap swimming, is an avid photographer,
and above all loves being the dad of his seven-year-old boy Sam.
Registration begins Sunday March 30th. Registration forms are
available at the church reception desk or online at www.Secondchurch.
org. There are a variety of accommodations that will fit the budget for
anyone who seeks to attend. Scholarships are available to help defer cost
of the retreat and can be obtained by contacting Dr. Jim Riley at jriley@
secondchurch.org or 253-6461.
The Spire
9
Three Perspectives of Avraham-Abraham-Ibrāhīm “God’s Green Earth”
XX Thursday, April 3, 6:30-8 p.m.:
Light of the World Christian Church
4646 North Michigan Road
Indianapolis, Indiana
XX Thursday, April 10, 6:30-8 p.m.:
Al-Fajr Masjid
2846 Cold Spring Road
Indianapolis, Indiana
Members of the three Abrahamic faiths comprise
over half of the world’s population. With growing
environmental challenges that threaten our planet, what
is the theological mandate to care for the earth? What is
currently being done to confront these challenges and
reverse unsustainable trends? Is there benefit in working
together?
The Abraham Trialogue series offers a unique
opportunity to learn more about the faith response to
caring for God’s creation. These discussions, free and
open to the public, also provide an opportunity to
visit and tour a local mosque, synagogue and church,
and learn more about the diversity within our faith
community.
The concept for this public discussion series
arose from the “House of Abraham” project of Habitat
for Humanity of Greater Indianapolis. Learn more
about the “House of Abraham” by attending the public
XX Thursday, April 17 6:30-8:00pm:
Congregation Shaarey Tefilla
3085 West 116th Street
Carmel, Indiana
discussions or visit www.indyhabitat.org.
Each conversation about caring for God’s green
earth will be led by a resident expert from the host
congregation and include:
XX Interfaith Alliance’s Care for Creation
XX Information about the “House of Abraham”
XX Question and answer period
XX A tour of the House of Worship and refreshments
Abraham Trialogue series is sponsored by: Second
Presbyterian Church, Congregation Beth-El Zedeck,
Congregation Shaarey Tefilla, Al-Fajr Masjid, Habitat for
Humanity’s “House of Abraham”, Nur-Allah Mosque,
Bridging the Gap, Light of the World Christian Church,
and International Interfaith Initiative. Contact Charlie at
(317) 466-0114 or @peacelearningcenter.org
aspire youth ministries
middle school winter trip 2008
Aspire Youth Ministries Winter Trip Wrap-Up!
It’s finally spring and what better time for a wrap-up
of our middle and high school winter trips!
In January, nearly 40 middle school students braved
the sub-zero temperatures for a fun-filled weekend
slipping and sliding down the waterslides at Great Wolf
Lodge in Cincinnati, Ohio. The students enjoyed lots of
time for fellowship while hanging out in the wave pool,
lazy river and nine waterslides in the indoor water park.
Friendships were formed and strengthened and we look
forward to another wonderful trip in the future.
10 The Spire
In February, our high school group boarded a
charter bus bound for the snowy peaks of Michigan.
The students enjoyed a day of skiing at Mt. Brighton
and a great stay at the Marriott Hotel in Ypsilanti,
MI. Our plans were altered on Sunday due to weather,
but everyone had a wonderful time at Joe Dumar’s
Fieldhouse in Detroit as they challenged themselves on
the high ropes course, rock climbing wall, bungee jump
trampoline, a huge inflatable slide, as well as miniature
golf and laser tag. Indeed, this weekend was packed full
of fun and adventure for our high school students!
Second Presbyterian Church
A Presbyterian Women & Welcome Baby Ministry Combined Event:
The Cow Who Wouldn’t Come Down
“Miss Rosemary calls, ‘You will kindly come down
this very instant. It’s a known fact cows don’t fly.’ But
her cow, Gertrude, pays no attention and continues
doing figure eights in the sky.” This story by Paul Brett
Johnson paints a wonderful picture of how our lives can
feel when “normal” seems to take a vacation. Sometimes
we have to find ingenious ways to cope and get that cow
back on the ground. Other times, we are like Gertrude,
trying to do what feels right, but sensing from those
around us that “normal” is something we still need to
work on.
Rev. Kim Olson, Interim Pastor at First Presbyterian
Church in Martinsville and wife of Second’s Theologianin-Residence, Dr. Richard Baker, will explain that the
pursuit of – and pressure to be – normal isn’t something
God necessarily promises or encourages at a very special
gourmet coffee and dessert event on Wednesday, April
23, at 7 p.m. During her talk entitled “The Cow Who
Wouldn’t Come Down,” she will note that following
Jesus Christ certainly adds an element of surprise and
adventure, for Jesus was anything but normal!
Rev. Olson juggles her roles as pastor, wife to a
husband currently studying Hebrew 24/7, mother to
Maya (15) who has a
basketball injury, Anna
(almost 11) who has a
dance injury and Graham
(almost five) who thinks
he’s Buzz Lightyear, with
the demands of a basset
hound with a kidney
infection, a hyperactive black lab and a cat who lives
in perpetual fear of the black lab. She is grateful for
her solid education gained at Mount Holyoke College,
University of Texas and Columbia Theological Seminary,
although she notes that somehow she missed the class
on how to simultaneously handle all these challenges.
Rev. Olson’s great faith, experience as a pastor and sense
of humor no doubt help her to put that flying cow in
perspective.
Presbyterian Women and the Welcome Baby
Ministry are proud to combine forces and present this
delightful evening for women of all ages. Tickets are
$8 and may be purchased online at www.secondchurch.
org, Sundays in McFarland Hall or weekdays at the front
desk. Free childcare is available by calling 252-5519 at
least one week prior to the event.
Sewing Seeds of Fellowship at Second
Are you a recent retiree and finding you have just a little more time on your
hands? Are you perhaps searching for a meaningful way to contribute at Second
Church but not sure where you might fit in?
Come learn about a special warm and friendly group of ladies that meets
weekly for fellowship, laughter, lunch and light work on a variety of sewing-related
crafts and projects. Lots of experience is NOT required! Members of the PW
Monday Crafts, Quilters and Sewers group come and go during the hours of 10
a.m.-2 p.m. in PW room 230. “We’re a family,” says Doris Stewart with a smile, “and
we would absolutely love to welcome a whole new generation of women with open
arms.”
The sewers gather year round to create items to be sold at the Country Store
booth in the annual PW Bazaar as well as to support a variety of outreach projects.
While these wonderful ladies are primarily seeking new members, they are also in
great need of donations of any homemade items such as mittens, hats or blankets and
would appreciate your help. Please contact Doris Stewart at 844-8151 for details.
www.secondchurch.org
2008 Travel
Opportunities
XX Mexican Riviera Cruise
July 27-Aug. 3, 2008
Includes: Cabo San
Lucas, Mazatlan,
Puerto Vallarta
XX Transatlantic Cruise
October 3-18, 2008
Ports of call: Rome,
Italy; Monte Carlo,
Monaco; Barcelona
and Seville, Spain; and
Madeira, Portugal
The Spire
11
Calendar of Events
April 5—6 Marriage Enrichment
April 7
Deacons Dinner and Meetings (6 p.m.)
New Day (6—8 p.m.)
Elder Training (7—9 p.m.)
April 12
Pre-Baptismal Conference (10 a.m.)
April 15
Session Dinner and Meetings
(6:30 p.m.)
April 16
Endowment Meeting (noon)
April 19
Mission Trip
April 21
Sages Council Meeting (3—5 p.m.)
“How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!”
Psalm 133:1
Second Presbyterian Church
7700 North Meridian Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46260-3699
www.secondchurch.org
Address Service Requested
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
Permit No. 1512
Indianapolis, Ind.
April 21—May 4 Adult Footsteps of Faith
April 22
Rehm Guild (11 a.m.)
New Day (6—8 p.m.)
CC Donuts with Dad
April 23
CC Donuts with Dad
April 24
Men’s Steak Dinner
April 26
Marriage Preparation (8 a.m. — noon)
New Member Discovery Class
(8:30 a.m. —1:15 p.m.)
Choir School Spring Concert (2 p.m.)
April 27
Marriage Preparation (8 a.m. —noon)
New Members Discovery Class
(8:30—10:30 a.m.)
April 28—May 2 Perlington, MS Mission Trip
May 2
Hunter Smith Concert to benefit
the Indiana Chapter of American
Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Watch for more details.
See the calendar at www.secondchurch.org for updated dates and times.
Periodically, in Second Church publications, you will notice small icons
next to events. The icons have been placed in these locations to help guide
you to “Spread Your Wings” at Second. For a better understanding of these
icons, pick up a copy of the opportunities catalog, Spread Your Wings,
available in the literature racks around the church.
Education
Education
Volunteer Opportunities
Youth
Children
Volunteer Ops
Youth
Adult
Adult
Children
If you have recently changed your e-mail
address, please contact the church office at
253-6461 or 2church@secondchurch.org
to update our records!
Second Presbyterian Church Information
Sunday Worship
8:15 a.m.—Chapel
9:30 a.m.—Sanctuary
11 a.m.—Sanctuary
Families@Five Worship
5 p.m.—Chapel
Second@Six Casual Worship
Inspirational Phone Message
(317) 259-5715
Children’s Circle
(317) 252-5517
Childcare Reservations
(317) 252-5519
6 p.m.—Sanctuary
Center for Family Life Ministries
(317) 252-5518
Service of Communion
& Wholeness
Weekly Radio Program
10:35 a.m.—Chapel
Sunday, 9:30 a.m. on
WXNT 1430AM
Telephone/Fax Numbers
Office Hours
Church Office
(317) 253-6461 (phone)
(317) 252-5590 (fax)
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. to noon
Church news, calendar, newsletters, sermons and more
are all available on our web site: www.secondchurch.org
The Spire is published monthly by Second Presbyterian Church.
Editor: Jamison Coler (jcoler@secondchurch.org), Director of Communications