Our Outreach Ministries
Barbara's Basement
Second Presbyterian Church has a bargain basement of treasures, all at an inexpensive price. The shop is updated with new items for each season, including designer clothing for women and men, women’s shoes and purses, jewelry, home décor and art pieces, lamps and fans. Our resale shop is open on Tuesdays and Saturday from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, and on Sundays, after our morning service, from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm. Quality donations are always welcome!
All proceeds go to the mission and ministry of the church.
Docent Led Tours
Docent led tours of our National Historic Landmark sanctuary are available for individuals or groups. All are welcome. For more information and to arrange for a tour for you or your group, please contact the Church offices at (312) 225-4951.
Lunch Bag Program
The Community Outreach Committee at Second Presbyterian Church oversees the Lunch Bag Program. Our dedicated volunteers serve nutritious lunches Tuesday through Friday from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, serving, pre-Covid (our servings are down but we hope and pray to have them back up soon), approximately 150 to 200 of our neighbors in need each week. Our volunteers know each neighbor by name and greet each with a warm smile, and a caring and personal hello.
The Lunch Bag Program was started in 1986 by elder Lucille Whitworth when she noticed many of our neighbors were coming to the church asking for both food and help. Wanting to feed the need, she began, what has become a staple for our community, the Lunch Bag Program at Second Presbyterian Church. Originally paying for it herself, the free lunches are now made possible through the generous donations of our church members and many of our community members at large. We are grateful for all of their support.
The Lunch Bag Program also distributes bags of groceries and personal hygiene products at Thanksgiving and Christmas, and provides warm clothing throughout Chicago's winter through our Winter Clothing Drive. As an aside, we collect and distribute hats, scarves, mittens, gloves, and socks, as well as sweaters, hoodies, and warm coats. All donations are welcome! For more information about our Lunch Bag Program or our Winter Clothing Drive, please call the Church offices (312) 225-4951.
Anna Grace Sawyer Scholarship
For students of color that are members of Presbytery of Chicago Churches.
The 2023/2024 Anna Grace Sawyer Scholarship is administered by Second Presbyterian Church of Chicago. Graduating high school seniors of color, that are members of a Presbytery of Chicago Church, are invited to apply.
To access the Anna Grace Sawyer Scholarship application, please Click Here.
Study Opportunities
Second Presbyterian Church is committed to making disciples of all ages. We offer multiple Christian Education classes weekly for all age groups. Click Here to find out more.
Free Tutoring Wednesdays!
Second Presbyterian Church offers a free tutoring program each Wednesday night for students in grades 2nd through 8th. Run by the women of the Junior League of Chicago, supplemented by community volunteers, help with homework is offered each Wednesday evening from 6:00 to 7:30 pm in a supportive, structured and fun environment. Students are required to bring their homework each week. Tutors are always needed! If you would like to volunteer as a tutor, please contact the Church offices (312) 225-4951.
Download the tutoring form here.
Volunteer Opportunities at Second Presbyterian Church
Lunch Bag Program: We always have opportunities for volunteers to help serve lunch to our neighbors Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 am to 1:15 pm. Many of our guests are our neighbors that are either homeless or living with food insecurity. We serve a free nutritious lunch 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 Denise Conway at conway1632@yahoo.com.
South Loop Community Table: The South Loop Community Table, brought to you by South Loop Campus Ministries and The Inclusive Collective, is offered each Sunday in September through May at 7:00 pm. Please enter through the parking lot doors. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Caleb Leman caleb@letsgetinclusivechi.org.
South Loop Memory Café: The South Loop Memory Café 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 Café meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. If you're interested in volunteering, please contact South Loop Memory Café at SouthLoopVillage@gmail.com