Second’s story is one of service to others. From our church’s founding, Second members have responded to social issues of the time and reached out with programs that were creative and innovative in their day. Changing times continue to challenge us to be faithful and thoughtful in how we engage with our community. In each new age, we find ways to begin, again.

Our purpose – the way we seek to reflect our love of God – is to stand as a welcoming community of faith where Jesus Christ transforms lives. This summer, the elders of Second voted to embrace the Matthew 25 initiative – a vision set forth by the PC (USA) that anchors our mission work on three key pillars: eradicating systemic poverty, dismantling structural racism, and building congregational vitality. This work has always been our call as people of God and followers of Jesus Christ; this work has long been central to the mission of Second Presbyterian Church in our city and beyond; this work calls to us anew and afresh in this moment. We continue to serve with continued compassion, intention, re-energized conviction, and conversation.

In short, mission is not just what we do; it is who we are as faithful servants of a living God. This year’s circumstances have led us to examine existing programs in new ways and to explore how we might respond to fresh challenges. We continue to distill our work to its essence: serving God by serving others. As we move forward under the Matthew 25 banner, we recommit to many mission partnerships that sustain our neighbors, in Indianapolis and beyond.

Northside Food Pantry responds to the needs of those in our immediate Washington Township community. In March, pantry volunteers donned masks and shifted operations to be low contact with curbside check-in and loading food directly into clients’ cars. High school and college students, faced with unanticipated time at home, stepped forward to volunteer, providing new energy and enthusiasm in a time of increased need. 

With funding assistance from a grant by Second’s Presbyterian Women, Northside purchased a reconditioned box truck to facilitate food pick-up in the city. Second members suggested names for the vehicle, and survey results clinched the name of “Grace.” Grace is now sporting a fresh, new look as she cruises the streets of Indianapolis.

Second’s community garden, located south of the sanctuary, is once again producing fresh produce for Northside Food Pantry. More than 1,300 pounds of produce from the garden have filled the shelves of Northside Food Pantry this year, and the harvest continues. Volunteers tend this plot year round, ensuring the space is both functional and beautiful, with an abundance of vegetables and flowers. Visitors are welcome in the prayer garden, a lovely spot for rest and reflection.

We continue to work closely with the Washington Township School District. The start of school this fall unfolded differently as in past years, but we navigated the changing plans and partnered with other congregations to provide school essentials for local students. The massive effort involved school supplies for each elementary, middle, and high school student, in addition to special kits for home learning as the district decided to start the school year with virtual instruction. In July Second members spanning all ages came together for masked and physically distant work sessions to pack 3,000 kits for local middle school students.

Second continues its 32-year partnership with Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity. The organization has scaled back its plans for the year, but the annual interfaith build, which Second initiated, is once again taking place this fall. Second members can support future homeowner Doris as she works to complete Habitat classes and move with her two boys into their new home. Habitat is offering engagement kits as a way for Second members to support the family. Each engagement kit includes a notecard (with stamped envelope) to mail to Doris, a profile of the family, a calendar of blessings, coloring and activity sheets, and a wish list of items the new homeowners need. 

Recently, Rev. David Berry reflected on the long-term relationship between Second Presbyterian and Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity. Not only has this partnership served our neighbors with the construction or rehabilitation of dozens of homes, providing much-needed stable housing for local families, the annual interfaith build has nurtured relationships among faith communities in our city. By following “the theology of the hammer” as Habitat for Humanity Founder Millard Fuller said, members of Second have joined with other people of faith to live out the challenge of helping others – not only through Habitat builds, but also through other organizations spawned by these interactions, including the Center for Interfaith Cooperation and Umoja Partnership. The Habitat for Humanity story on our website (SecondChurch.org/Habitat) features a beautiful testimony from Rev. David Berry sharing his experience with Habitat for Humanity.

In October, our church is once again a collection site for disaster relief buckets and hygiene kits to be distributed around our country and overseas by Church World Service. These kits include necessary supplies for those who have experienced natural disasters, such as hurricanes, flooding, tornadoes, or wildfires. In addition to gathering the buckets assembled by others, our church is also hosting sessions (with masks and physically-distanced work stations) for the Second faith family to come together to assemble these essential kits for those in need. 

Christmas Benevolence has been a vital part of Second’s local outreach for decades. This year the program is shifting to adapt to changing times. We will continue to serve between 130 and 150 families in our community. Some cherished Christmas traditions, such as opportunities for members to purchase new gifts or wrap presents, will continue. This year we are inviting families to come to Second to pick-up their items, instead of having Second members deliver them. Rather than working toward a single Delivery Day, Deacons are working closely with Northside Mission Ministries to support our local families throughout the year. For example, the Winter Warmth coat drive this fall brings warm outerwear to children and adults as the weather begins to cool. 

As a church family, we adjust to changing times and tides while remembering our core identity. We are all children of God, called to reach out in love to our neighbors. The Matthew 25 initiative reminds us to actively engage in our community. 

An African proverb states that “If you want to walk fast, walk alone. If you want to walk far, walk together.” God equips us for the journey. Jesus travels alongside us. The Spirit guides us to move together toward a more just and loving world for all God’s children.