Have you ever been someplace that just kept drawing you back? After a couple of visits, I had ultimately checked Second Presbyterian Church off my list and written my solid, if not particularly stellar, original review of the experience. I've visited other area churches, most notably a nearby Unitarian Church that features wonderful worship services. However, something has sort of always drawn me back to this large North Meridian Church and historic Indianapolis congregation. If you know me from Yelp, then you already know that I value community highly. As an aging adult with a disability in Indy, I've largely outlived most of my supports and I value those places where I fit within a community structure. I'm kind of like the weird uncle at the family reunion that you don't know how to interact with but you still kind of adore. I first attended Second Presbyterian during a no longer existing 6pm on Sundays that appeared to be trying to weave together both traditional worship yet casual atmosphere in a sanctuary that is anything but casual. I mean, seriously. Have you ever been to Second Pres? Casual is not a word I would ever use for their sanctuary. Fairly new senior pastor Chris Henry came in along the time I first attended, though with a congregation the size of Second Presbyterian it has taken time for things to be evaluated and changes to be made. The Sunday evening services, both a 5pm and a 6pm, fairly recently became one service known as "Together@5." Instead of being in the sanctuary, it's now held in McFarland Hall, a 3rd floor room that is still formal yet appears to be more of a banquet space than a worship space. People are gathered around tables rather than in pews, while the entire vibe is much more relational. I attended the first one - I enjoyed it, but it was highly attended and a bit overwhelming. Last night, for Easter, I attended again and was just really blown away by the adjustments that had been made and by the relaxed, warm spirit in the room from the music to the children's time to the message and everything else. It was a perfect example of professionalism meets authenticity. I think a congregation such as Second Presbyterian Church requires multiple visits to fully catch the vibe of the place and to do an honest review. My original review was premature. To be fair, the armed security still makes me uneasy. It just does and that's probably not going to change, though to be completely fair they're remarkably discreet and have never been less than courteous. With a church this size, even I'll admit that it makes sense. There's also little disability challenges in terms of access given the age of the church, though I've seen multiple congregants in wheelchairs and this is a congregation that has worked hard to make their congregation accessible. I do wish disability inclusive language was used a bit more - "please stand" is just immediately excluding. "Stand as you are able" is acceptable, while something along the lines of "Stand in Body or Spirit" is even stronger because it's empowering language. They have a Friendship Group for individuals with disabilities that meets on Thursdays at 6:30pm and if you've ever been here you know that they have a large number of community activities. They have a simple yet beautiful labyrinth that I use regularly on my more challenging days, while there's pretty much a place for everyone here. In some ways, Second Presbyterian feels like a mega-church but without the mega-church vibe. I contemplated going 4 stars - after all, no church is really perfect, but truthfully I've come to admire the ministry here quite a bit and I have to admit that I always leave feeling better than when I arrived - even on my really challenging days mentally or physically. As someone with a ministry background, as well, I see this as being a place where you could likely grow into your gifts in a variety of ways. So yeah, I'm bumping this one up to 5 stars and acknowledging my initial review was simply prematurely developed. While a church this size may not be for everyone, they have enough options available and are so warm and welcoming that you'd be surprised, like I have been, at how much you keep getting drawn back to it. read more

The annual Kenya Carnival at this church is lively and full of culture. Hundreds of church members attend, as well as the general community. We were greeted enthusiastically at the door and felt welcomed immediately. People were grilling out, playing games, and making crafts to send to kids in Kenya. Global Gifts (a store who gives profits back to the countries) had a booth and were selling a large array of jewelry, gifts, and little plates hand-made by Kenyans. There were also bounce houses and families running around everywhere. I would definitely recommend going to this event, as it was a great place to meet new people and support an impoverished country at the same time. read more

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A great place to go to Church. Quickly recognizes new guests, and welcomes them heartily. Has a truly all-inclusive atmosphere and feeling, and makes everyone feel comfortable, even in the midst of a traditional-style service. A great place for people who like the idea of church, but not the baggage and the drama. A wonderful place to reconnect with the lord. read more

Second Presbyterian Church - Elementary Schools Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Second Presbyterian is big church, but its many services makes it seem like a much smaller congregation. They offer traditional morning services and evening family and casual services at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. respectively. Second Presbyterian has lots of talented ministers and several young ones in training, so you stand a good chance of finding one or two who connect with your spiritual self. " I've found the "Second at Six" worship services to be rewarding and welcoming. You can go by yourself, with friends or with your other half. Second Church, as it is known, is more diverse than many expect. Church members vary in race, sexual orientation and age. We have a nice mix from young families, visiting college students and seniors. Everyone mixes it up well... or you can keep to yourself like I do. If you've admired Second Presbyterian from the outside, stop by and take a walk around. You may want to join us for a service, project or activity. read more