This Week in Our Church:
Present Word Bible Study: Sunday mornings at 9:30am (conference call--contact church office for information on how to join)
Second Book Group: Sunday morning at 9:30am (Zoom link in bulletin or you can contact the church office)
Worship: Sunday mornings at 10:55am (link on website)
Coffee Hour: Sunday afternoons at 12:15pm (Zoom meeting--contact church office for information on how to join)
South Loop Community Table: Sundays at 7pm in the parking lot
Lunch Bag Program: Tuesday-Friday 11am-1pm. Enter through South doors facing Cullerton Ave.
Romans Bible Study: Tuesday afternoons at 1:30pm (conference call--contact church office for information on how to join)
Circle of Prayer: Thursday afternoons at 12pm. (Zoom meeting--contact church office for information on how to join)
COVID-19 Update:
April 14, 2020
Friends,
“When the world was at its worst, the church was at its best.” These words said in England during the Second World War point to the spiritual strength and hope the church can provide in times of crisis.
While the church is closed, we continue to reach out and offer a sense of community to our neighbors. On Sunday morning, our worship service is live-streamed at 10:55 a.m. (see 2ndpresbyterian.org). During the week, we provide four different bible study groups (by phone or Zoom). On Thursdays at noon, we offer a Circle of Prayer (Zoom). We also offer a monthly book discussion group on the third Sunday morning of each month. On our website is a collection of prayers, composed by members and friends of the church. You are welcome to submit prayer requests through the google form (https://forms.gle/LEMjRWWgpHUcxBPr6). As always, the pastoral staff is available for counseling and prayer by phone. Call the church office (312) 225-4951 for information about all of the above.
Our Lunch Bag program continues to serve our neighbors in need Tuesday through Friday, 11am-1pm on a ‘grab-and-go’ basis. Volunteers are always needed. Please email Vicki Reynolds at vickireynolds24@gmail.com to volunteer.
To support the work of the church, please click on the right and follow the online donation, or submit your checks to Second Presbyterian Church, 1936 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60616. Thank you for your generosity!
Remember, God promises to supply all our needs. God will give you the faith, hope and love to get through this difficult time; and a community of support to walk with you, offer care and pray for you. Jesus said: “In the world, you will have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
South Loop Farmers' Market
Prayers
During this time of pandemic and social distancing, members and friends of the church are asked to compose prayers for the people of God. Please send your prayer compositions. We will publish them as they become available. You may also submit your prayer requests by completing this form https://forms.gle/dr1PYQk8fDZnjY8Y6
PRAYER
Gracious God, would you protect the people who live in my building and all the buildings in our South Loop neighborhood? Let our densely populated high-rise buildings be places of health and wellness for all who live and work in them. We're all living side by side, so close and yet unable to interact with each other in person. I'm grateful for walls that keep us safe from germs, but would you continue to break down walls that separate us from each other--race, money, religion, politics? You are at work in the midst of our increasingly restricted lives during this COVID-19 outbreak. Would you unite us in new ways we couldn't have dreamed up in easier times?
For 2nd Presbyterian--may we be a church body that is known for our love for our neighbors in South Loop and beyond. Would you protect those who continue to serve selflessly in our Lunch Bag program to ensure that the under-resourced don't go hungry? Would you let your hand of blessing and provision be on our church even though we can't meet as a congregation in person?
Father God, would you let this pandemic serve to draw people to you--to call out to you when fear and anxiety become unbearable, to ask for your help, to recognize your hand of blessing even in difficult days, to see you in new and significant ways--so that all may believe in you, your son, and your spirit. Draw us together as one body, Lord.
Marian Liataud
A PRAYER FOR ELDERS
Father, when you send us hardships, it’s not to bring us harm but to give us hope.
Give us strength to guide Second Presbyterian Church, its members and community through these unprecedented times as the world quickly adapts to the rapidly changing dynamics created by COVID-19.
Make the weak strong, the sick healthy, the broken whole, and confirm those who serve you as agents of your love.
We commend our neighborhoods to your care. Give us strength of purpose and concern for others and that we may create a community of love, support, goodness and grace.
Lord, bring the truth and power of the gospel into our current situation and into the needs of our community. We trust in you and our faith is unwavering. Grace to be God! Amen.
Amy Haack
Children - Prayer for protection
Our father in heaven I ask you to extend your hands over the universe to protect us all, Amen.
Prayer for strength
Our father in heaven I ask you for more love and joy, to share with anyone in need of strength and a smile during these trying times, Amen.
Prayer for blessings
Father thank you for all of the blessings you provide for me and my family today and every day, Amen.
Prayer for guidance
Father in heaven I ask that you shine your light so that we follow it for peace on earth, Amen.
Prayer for healing
Our father I ask for your mercy to heal the sick, guide the weak and lead us all to peace, Amen.
Adults - Prayer for guidance
Father I ask that you strengthen those you have embraced to provide spiritual leadership, medical comfort and emotional stability, during these desperate times that we need faith and understanding, to help us help others that are less fortunate.
Prayers for family
Father I ask that you give me, my family, friends and spiritual family, more strength, hope, faith and blessings, to survive this world crisis. I ask you to reach out and touch every woman, man and child to keep us safe, sane and healthy Amen
Prayer for acceptance
Lord I ask you to steer us in the direction you want us to go. I ask you to give us patience and acceptance that this infliction of illness shall quickly pass in your name, Amen.
Prayer for protection
Our father I ask you to help us in the midst of this world crisis and give us the desire to reach out and help those in need. I ask that you not allow any harm to cross my threshold, my family, friends, relatives and spiritual family threshold. I ask that you protect us from the things that we can’t see coming at us. In your name father in heaven I ask for peace on earth for all, Amen.
Prayer for those in need
Father in heaven I ask that you reach out to the sick and shut in, to those who need help and can’t ask for it, to those who need help and refuse to ask for help. I ask that you keep me humble and grateful throughout these difficult times, in your name Amen.
Priscilla Echols-Hych
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you, infinitely, for your Divine light and grace. Thank you for blessing and healing the world right now. Thank you for allowing all your children to flourish and prosper, as we trust in you. Thank you for giving us the eyes to see the Light. Thank you for giving us ears to hear the Truth. Thank you for giving us strength and courage to always do what is right. We give thanks for Divine Justice. We give thanks for renewal.
Thank you for showering the earth with blessings of wellness and longevity. Thank you for releasing the past. Thank you for releasing what no longer serves us. Thank you for allowing us to accept each other with unconditional love. Thank you for teaching us how to better love ourselves. Thank you for all the positive transformation that is taking place right now. We welcome more blessings.
We ask you to do for us that which is in the Highest Good of All.
We extend our love to infinity and beyond.
Thank you, Heavenly Father for your blessings, now, and always. Amen.
Amber Amour
Worship
When you worship with us at Second Presbyterian Church, you will immediately be drawn by the outstanding architecture and artistry of this City, State, and National Historic Landmark location. Our sanctuary features nine Tiffany Stained Glass Windows and 175 angels depicted in statues, carvings, glass, and murals. We are a PC(USA) church rooted in the Presbyterian tradition, however our congregation is anything but traditional. We are proud to be a beautiful representation of God's Kingdom in the make-up of our congregants every Sunday. We have folks from every corner of the earth worshiping together each Sunday morning and we have formed a community of support, love, and care for anyone who walks in our doors. Whether you are new to Christianity or have been a life-long Christian, all are welcome and will feel comfortable worshiping with us. We look forward to meeting you and sharing in God's glory with you!
Serve
We have multiple volunteer opportunities weekly at Second Presbyterian Church.
Lunch Bag Program: We are always looking for volunteers Tuesday-Friday from 10am-1:15pm to help serve our neighbors that are either homeless or living with food insecurity. We serve a free lunch bag to anyone in need. This volunteer opportunity is a great way to serve those in need and connect with others living in the South Loop Community. For more information, please contact Vicki Reynolds at vickireynolds24@gmail.com
Tutoring: At Second Presbyterian Church, we tutor around 35 children and youth (2nd grade-8th grade) on Wednesday evenings (6pm-7:30pm) from September 18-mid June. If you are interested in helping with our tutoring program, please contact Pastor Neff at pastor.secondchurch1936@comcast.net
2019-2020_Wednesday Night Tutoring Registration Form_9.5.19_PRINT
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Teach: Our Christian Education Hour is one of our most amazing programs and we are always seeking adults who have a passion for Christ and a passion for teaching to engage our children and youth. If you are interested in helping serve as a teacher, a substitute, or an aide, please contact Pastor Neff at pastor.secondchurch1936@comcast.net
Weddings: Second Presbyterian Church offers beautiful weddings in our National, State, and City Historic Landmark location. For any wedding to be successful, we need individuals who have a passion for making this day memorable and joyful for the wedding party. If you would like more information, please contact our Wedding Coordinator Barbara Crawford at spcweddingschicago@gmail.com
South Loop Community Table: The South Loop Community Table, brought to you by South Loop Campus Ministries and The Inclusive Collective, will resume on Sunday, September 8th at 7pm. Please enter through the parking lot doors. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Pastoral Assistant Leslie Deslauriers at pastoralassistant.2ndpreschgo@gmail.com
South Loop Memory Cafe: The South Loop Memory Cafe is a monthly gathering for those living with Alzheimer's/Dementia and their caregivers to gather together for food, singing, and activities. We are always looking for volunteers to help with the monthly activities. South Loop Memory Cafe meets the 2nd Thursday of each month from 2:30pm-4pm. If you're interested in volunteering, please contact South Loop Memory Cafe at southloopvillage@gmail.com
Study
Second Presbyterian Church is committed to making disciples of all ages. We offer multiple Christian Education classes weekly for all age groups.
Present Word: This adult Christian Education class meets weekly on Sunday mornings at 9:30am in the Church Library. Study materials are provided each quarter and all are welcome.
Book of Romans: Join Rev. Tolliver for an in-depth study on the Book of Romans each Tuesday afternoon at 1:30pm in the Fellowship Hall. Only your Bible is needed!
Alpha to Omega Bible Discussion Group: This group is committed to going through the Bible, one book at a time and discussing key themes. They meet twice/month on the second and fourth Wednesdays at 6pm in the 2nd Floor office. All are welcome to participate. For more information, please contact Flea Parker at flea@golden2.net
Second Book Group: The Second Book Group meets monthly on the 3rd Sunday at 9:30am in the 2nd floor office. The April 19th book will be Talking with Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell. The May 18th book will be My Antonia by Willa Cather. All are welcome to participate in the discussion and recommend future books.
Biblical Foundations: This class is meant for children kindergarten-5th grade and meets every Sunday morning (September-June) in the middle classroom (behind the kitchen) at 9:45am. The lessons are meant to build a Biblical foundation for children and youth beginning at an early age.
Confirmation Class: A new confirmation class for grades 6 and above will meet the on the first and third Sunday of each month at 12:15 p.m. Join us on this journey to discover, nurture and develop your faith. For more information and a registration form, please contact Eugene Leonard or call the church office.
Post-Confirmation Class: This class meets Sunday mornings also in the North Parlor (September-June) at 10am and is designed to continue laying the Spiritual foundation for our youth once they have joined the church.
Other: Periodically we study series that meet during the week or even on Sunday afternoons. As these series are planned, they will be added to this section. Past studies include: Women of the Bible, The Book of Confessions Study, Loving Ourselves and Loving Our Neighbors: A Lenten Journey, Christianity and Poverty, and Christianity and Healthcare.
Who is Second Presbyterian Church?
We are diverse, inclusive, community, engaging, passionate.
Mission Statement
We are a diverse and inclusive community bringing people to Christ through the power of service, education, hospitality, and compassion.
Vision Statement
Second Presbyterian Church seeks to be a diverse, vibrant and passionate Christ-centered community of hospitality and outreach actively serving the South Loop, the city of Chicago, and the world. We accomplish this through inspirational worship in our historic Sanctuary, educational ministry to all ages, and the power of compassionate service to our neighbors.
Sunday Parking
The parking lot adjacent to the north side of the church is available for parking for Sunday worship. We encourage those whose mobility permits to park on the city streets so as to leave parking lot space for those with more limited mobility. Street parking is FREE every Sunday. Please contact Office Administrator, Ashley McLean, for more information.
Statement on Same Sex Marriage
For many years, Second Presbyterian Church has offered same-sex marriage as part of our ministry to the church and the greater Chicagoland community. You and your partner will find an inclusive, warm fellowship of diverse spiritual people at Second Presbyterian Church. If you are looking for a place to be married, or a people who believe in the full dignity, beauty and equality of all God’s children, welcome home.