As a welcoming community of faith, we share God’s love with each other by supporting one another through calm seas and in turbulent times. Throughout the year, we continue to support each other in ways large and small, communal and individual. 

In prayer – no matter our distance – we share moments of joy, challenging times, and days of sorrow. This call to stand by one another in prayer stands the test of time and circumstance. Second’s intercessory prayer group has held strong and steady throughout the pandemic, quickly shifting online this spring and consistently joining Second staff in surrounding our members and others in loving prayer. That work goes on. If you have a concern, a sorrow, or a joy, we invite you to share with your church at SecondChurch.org/Prayer. 

The ministry of care for others with the love of Jesus Christ knows no time or space. Staff and church members have found new ways to reach out to those in need of a gentle affirmation, a kind word, or a reassuring presence. Flowers left on porches, handwritten notes in mailboxes, grocery shopping for each other, sewing masks, drive by parades, delivering meals, posters and signs of love, and more have helped keep hope and fellowship alive. Shepherding one another through grief, new beginnings, and the yet unseen has anchored our faithful work and will always ground our call as disciples of Christ. 

The “Keeping In Touch” ministry has continued to faithfully reach out to our members to learn family updates and prayer needs. This dedicated group of volunteers provides steadfast care month after month, embodying the presence and care of Christ’s body, the church. 

Continuing a years-long tradition, members of the Board of Deacons have recorded weekly inspiring messages. These thoughtful devotions are available at SecondChurch.org/Watch and by calling the inspirational phone line at (317) 522-1943. Training for the next class of Deacons is again underway with renewed purpose and conviction for the journey we are called to share with one another. 

It is the message of Christ that we are charged to carry forth in our ministry of care. Viewed by tens of thousands across the country, our pastors recorded such messages over video in the early weeks of COVID-19. Did you see them? A beautiful series of video devotionals, our pastors reminded us of the One who remains sure and steady – telling of God’s grace, God’s presence, God’s unshakable love. These videos are available on SecondChurch.org/Watch and on the Second Church YouTube channel. 

CenterPoint Counseling has seen an increased demand for counseling services in this time of uncertainty. The Center’s 12 staff therapists have provided steady guidance and help during crisis for individuals, couples, and families from throughout central Indiana. Most sessions this year have been online via a secure, telehealth portal. Dr. David Chaddock shared the wisdom of CenterPoint with our greater Indianapolis community – and beyond – by participating in a widely viewed panel about mental health hosted by Christian Theological Seminary. He reminded us of our interconnectedness, and spoke of rediscovering our communal sense of belonging – our deep need for compassion, grace, and love. 

As we look ahead, we remember the gift that comes with selfless love. The gift of checking in on one another – and allowing others to check in on you. Caring in partnership and with empathy is a beautiful witness of Christ’s love. We are called to share and carry one another’s burdens and walk side by side in faith and in love. No matter what we experience individually or collectively, what will always remain is our call to care for one another, meeting every new challenge with creativity, compassion, and the persistent determination to begin, again.