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Hello Second family,
I write to you today hopeful and in pursuit of God’s promise to renew. As we learned from the prophet Ezekiel in yesterday’s sermon – “Begin, Again: Can These Bones Live?” the call of faith is to trust God’s promise of redemption, resurrection, and renewal more than the voices of division, distraction, and even destruction. So much of our faith is lived in between the question, can these bones live, and God’s faithful answer: “I will put my Spirit within you, and you shall live.”
We know the valley of dry bones, filled with collective grief and shared loss. We know, better than we once did, the context of Ezekiel’s proclamation. We have lived a wilderness journey. Can these bones live?
As disciples of Jesus Christ, we boldly claim the answer is yes. We boldly claim the truth and the promise of new life. Part of our story as Christians is to reflect on what has been, to dream about what lies ahead, and to discern our role in God’s vision for this community of faith. This is the work we are so often called to begin, again. Listen to the Vatnsdal family give powerful witness to this journey. In the bones of this community of faith – Second Church – is a telling history of new beginnings, awakened callings. I invite you to read about our story and be inspired by God’s constancy over our 182 years. Be refreshed by God’s work within and among you. Be called forward into the next chapter of our story knowing God waits with a promise of new life.
At the heart of who we are is hope. Hope in work yet to do and joy yet to live. Hope in renewal. In Ezekiel’s story, it is the choice of the Divine to use a human voice as a channel for this truth. Let us trust the spirit of redemption. Let us prepare ourselves for the breath of God that whispers and then shouts: begin, again.
With peace and grace,
Chris
BEGIN, AGAIN.
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"I will put my spirit within you and you shall live." (Ezekiel 27)
Part of our story as Christians is to reflect on what has been, to dream about what lies ahead, and to discern our role in God’s vision for this community of faith. This is the work we are so often called to begin, again. We invite you to spend time in the pages of our shared history through Second Presbyterian Church, and recall the ways we have long worked afresh and anew, together, as the body of Christ.
FAITHFUL POLITICS EVENT AT SECOND
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REGISTER TODAY!
What is the call of the church, and the role of Christian faith, in such a time as this? Join Rev. Chris Henry THIS SATURDAY evening in the sanctuary at Second for a conversation about faithfully navigating this election season as followers of Jesus Christ...who belong to one another. This is the first of a two-part evening session, the second will be held Saturday, October 24, also in the sanctuary. Don’t miss this important conversation – register today!
FALL FELLOWSHIP
SecondChurch.org/Adults
OCTOBER EVENTS ON THE CALENDAR!
Men@Second – THIS SATURDAY morning, 8 a.m. – Join the community of Men@Second and Zoom in for this month’s Men’s Virtual Revival featuring guest speaker Ted Vatnsdal. Watch this video invitation from Ted! Song, prayer, devotion, and conversation will start your weekend off with renewal and energy. Contact Steve Haigh for Zoom details.
PW Yoga Fans! – Thursday, October 29, 7:30 p.m. – Don’t miss this chance to join Presbyterian Women for an evening of fellowship and yoga! Hosted by Baptiste Power Yoga in Carmel this session will bring restoration, healing, and rejuvenation to all who come! Only 25 spots available! Email Phyllis McDonald to register today.
Inspiring Speaker Series – Zoom in next Tuesday, October 20, 11 a.m. – to hear Rev. Sara Hayden speak on “Church Can Happen Anywhere.” Sponsored by PW, this conversation is sure to bring assurance, hope, and a reminder of God’s redeeming love – no matter where you may be. Email Phyllis McDonald for Zoom details.
Second Act – Zoom in next Wednesday, October 21, 11 a.m. – to hear Rev. Brian Shivers reflect on “What I Have Learned So Far.” Brian will share insights from his 30 years here at Second working primarily with our youth. Email Sherri McMonigle for Zoom details.
SERVING AS THE BODY OF CHRIST
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HANDS, FEET, HEARTS
Will you help build disaster relief kits or donate a winter coat to bring warmth to Indianapolis neighbors this month? Or maybe you’d like to volunteer in Northside Food Pantry? Be sure to visit SecondChurch.org/Serve for details on ways we can serve together as the body of Christ today!
SPIRITUAL FORMATION: NEW ONLINE ADULT STUDY
SecondChurch.org/Adults
How, in the present, can we help open people to hope but also help them process the weight of this moment? This study gives congregants recourse to ask questions about what the Christian life looks like in times of upheaval and distress. Watch this nine-minute introductory video to learn more. You won't want to miss this eight-part series launching this week.
SPIRITUAL FORMATION: GROWING AS DISCIPLES OF CHRIST
SecondChurch.org/Children
SecondChurch.org/Youth
Second families tune in to Facebook Live at 6:30 Wednesday evenings for Family Devotion Time with Kat and Ann. Join us for a mid-week pause with this 10-minute conversation on faith for kids.
Our Virtual Youth Suite is open Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. when students can join friends to hang out and have faith conversations. And stay tuned for in-person opportunities coming soon! Contact Tyler Wolfcale or Tom Markey for details.
Niners has started meeting on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in the Niners Zoom Room. Register on line at SecondChurch.org/Niners.
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