Second Presbyterian Church is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year. The congregation was chartered on June 1, 1842 with 26 members. It’s dynamic and faithful ministry continues to embody and proclaim the love, justice and peace of God to the South Loop community, Chicago, the state of Illinois, nation and world. Second Presbyterian Church is an architectural treasure, becoming a National Historic Landmark in 2013. We invite you to join our diverse, multicultural congregation for Sunday morning worship at 11:00 a.m. as we celebrate Christ’s presence in the city!
Lunch Bag Program
The Lunch Bag program began in 1986 when elder Lucille Whitworth noticed many people coming by the church begging for food. Out of her pocket, she started a feeding ministry. Since that time, the Lunch Bag program has grown to feed lunches to approximately 150-200 neighbors a week. Run by the Board of Deacons, fifteen volunteers serve salads and sandwiches donated by Pret a Manger Sandwiches, bakery goods donated by Panera Bread and other foods donated by Savior Chicago at McCormick Place. Supplemented by purchased food from the Greater Chicagoland Food Depository, guests are known by name and greeted with a warm smile and personal caring. Cans of beef stew, chili, ravioli and soup are heated up and served daily, along with chips, cookies, fruit, individual fruit cups, healthy snacks and bottled water. In addition, our Lunchbag Program regularly distributes personal hygiene items and bags of groceries at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Our Winter Clothing Drive distributes caps, scarves, mittens and gloves, as well as sweaters, hoodies and warm coats. All donations are welcome! For more information, please call the church office (312) 225-4951.
Second Presbyterian Church will begin its fourth year of the Tutoring Program ministry on Wednesday, September 13th at 6:00 p.m. Staffed by the women of the Junior League of Chicago, assisted by community volunteers, the Tutoring Program offers weekly help with homework, study habits and fun within the context of hands-on mentoring and support. Students are asked to bring their homework each Wednesday from 6:00–7:30 p.m. Registration forms can be found on the church website. If you are an adult and would like to volunteer as a tutor, applications are being received. Please contact the church office (312) 225-4951.
STATEMENT ON SAME SEX MARRIAGE
The Session of Second Presbyterian Church unanimously approves hosting, conducting and blessing same-gender marriages. We offer our pastoral staff to fully celebrate the inclusive love of God for all people, without exceptions. We rejoice in honoring the unique commitment of two people in the covenant of marriage. We invite gay and lesbian couples to be married here, and find a spiritual home in our community of faith.
