Dedicated to Jesus Christ, we are committed to making a difference by caring for one another, growing in our ministries, and reaching beyond ourselves.

January 5, 2011 Issue No. 1 PARSON TO PERSON As we step into a new year, I invite you to reflect upon two observations that look at the present and the future of the church, especially for the Presbyterian Church USA and particularly for Second Presbyterian Church. The first observation comes from The Presbyterian Outlook magazine (11/15/10) in an article entitled “Survey Produces Church Life Snapshot.” The largest survey of worshippers ever conducted in the United States shows that “there is more gray hair in Presbyterian pews today” than in 2001 - Presbyterian worshippers are on average 17 years older than adults in general in the country-and that Presbyterian congregations are getting smaller and experiencing more financial stress than they were nine years ago. The most recent U.S. Congregational Life survey conducted in 2008 and 2009, summarizes the views of more than 40,000 people who worship in 521 PC(USA) congregations. • Median age of Presbyterian worshippers in 2008 was 61, compared with age 58 in 2001. • Most people who join PC(USA) congregations are transfers--either from another

Presbyterian church or another denomination. • Presbyterian congregations today face more serious economic challenges than they did in

2001. Nearly a third of Presbyterian congregations (32 percent) in 2008 said their financial base was declining, compared to 20 percent in 2001.

• Fewer than half of Presbyterian worshippers (44 percent) had, in the previous year, invited to worship a friend or relative who doesn’t attend any other church. Only about one in five are involved in their congregation’s evangelistic or outreach efforts.

I think we can agree that such a snapshot of the present church is not an encouraging picture for the future church. This brings us the second observation which comes from Louisville Presbyterian Seminary professor Ken McFayden. In the forward of his recent book, Strategic Leadership for a Change: Facing Our Losses, Finding Our Future, he writes the following in addressing the present and future church. All leadership these days is about change. Both people and institutions need to change if they are to survive, let alone remain vital, in today’s rapidly and radically changing world. This is a challenge for every organization, but especially so for the church, for we have a special, even sacred, charge to maintain a tradition. We cannot let go of the past lightly. We need to be clear about the nonnegotiables when it comes to change. And yet we also need to be willing to let go of much, knowing that the Spirit is at work among us, bringing something new into being. This is where the problem often occurs—sorting out the wheat from the chaff, the package from the wrapping, the traditions of the faith from the customs of the congregation. It’s often said that people fear change. However, it’s not change we fear so much as loss. If we don’t talk about the loss we can never move beyond the fear, so the fear blocks us. Fear becomes the obstacle to change. If we don’t talk about the loss we may never discover that what we feared we would lose may not be lost at all. Unfounded fear becomes the obstacle to change.

For a church denomination such as ours and for a church congregation such as ours, moving into a new year with a vision of merely doing the same things the same way will probably not bring a bright future. Let’s pray that God’s Spirit will lead us forward in such a way that we can make a difference for the better both in and through the church. Let’s ask God to help us in this new year to live into our new vision statement which declares:

Dedicated to Jesus Christ, we are committed to making a difference by caring for one another, growing in our ministries, and reaching beyond ourselves.

Blessings,

Dan

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES 8:30 & 11:00 a.m.

January 9

“Life’s Sure Thing” Dan Hans

Scripture Psalm 90

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Offertory “Wondrous Love” Covenant Choir with

Elizabeth Maurey, soprano

January 16

“Finding Value in Other Religions”

Dan Hans

Scripture Mark 9:38-41

Ephesians 4:14-16

Offertory “Hallelujah: Praise the Lord” (Gospel Mass)

Covenant Choir

SECOND CHANCES

MLK Celebration 2

Membership Classes 2

Marriage Seminar 3 Youth (SPY) Events 4 Mission News 5 Bible Studies and More 6 2011 J-Term 8

SECOND SHARING . . . MLK Celebration, Membership Classes , Sunday Brunch, Breakaway PAGE 2

When: Sunday, January 9 Time: 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Where: Fellowship Hall

Come join us for brunch on January 9. Call the church office (254-7768) to RSVP or sign up on our website: www.2preslex.org. Menu: Fresh Fruit, Scrambled Eggs, Sausage, Bacon, Cheese Grits and Breakfast Breads. Suggested donation: $7/adults; $4/children under 12; $20/family max

SUNDAY BRUNCH IN JANUARY

February 25-27, 2011 at Shaker Village of

Pleasant Hill

All are invited . . . Singles, Families, Young and Young at Heart.

Registration form available on our website (www.2preslex.org) or by calling

the church office (254-7768).

INTERESTED IN MEMBERSHIP AT SECOND? Inquirers’ Class for joining Second Church begins Sunday, January 23 from 5:00-6:00 p.m ., in the Campbell Memorial Room. Call the church office (254-7768) to RSVP. Childcare available.

January 23: What is Faith? January 30: No Class February 6 What is the Church? February 13: What is a Presbyterian? February 20: What are Christian Mission and Spiritual Growth? February 27: Received into Membership

2011 MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR., CELEBRATION EVENTS - JANUARY 16 & 17

20TH ANNUAL MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR., MEMORIAL WORSHIP SERVICE

The Memorial Worship Service will be held on Sunday, January 16 at 6:00 p.m. at Central Christian Church located at the corner of Short Street and Martin Luther King Blvd.

2011 DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR., UNITY BREAKFAST The Unity Breakfast will be held on Monday, January 17 at 7:30 a.m. in the Bluegrass Ballroom at the Lexington Convention Center. Second Presbyterian’s Mission Committee has a table with limited seating. If you are interested in attending, please call the church office (254-7768) for more information. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR., CELEBRATION MARCH The celebration march will be held on Monday, January 17 at 10:00 a.m. at the Lexington Convention Center. This event is free and open to the public.

ALL-CHURCH BREAKAWAY RETREAT

SECOND SHARING . . . Wednesday Night Programs, Birthdays, Parent’s Morning Out, Marriage Seminar PAGE 3

Our Wednesday Night Programs resume on January 5 . If you need nursery care, please call the church office (254-7768) in advance.

Dinner: 5:15-5:50 p.m.

6:00-7:00 p.m. Youth Events (Grades 6-12)

6:00-7:00 p.m. Adult Studies: DVD Study From Jesus to Constantine. Bart Ehrman, the chair of the Religious Studies Department at the University of North Carolina, will be leading you in your study.

6:00-7:00 p.m. Kids of the Kingdom Choir (Grades K-5) 7:00-8:45 p.m. Carillon Handbells (201)

OPENINGS STILL AVAILABLE!!

Located at Second Presbyterian Church

Ages 12 months – 3 years

One, Two or Three Day Options

Monday–Wednesday: 8:30 – 11:30

Enrollment forms available by contacting

the church office

(254-7768 or office@2preslex.org)

WEDNESDAY NIGHT PROGRAMS

JANUARY BIRTHDAYS MAKING MARRIAGE WORK SEMINAR 16 Mary Jane Patton 17 Paul Justis, Pat Farmer, Kathryn Beck 18 Kate Lillich, T.J. Moses, Veronica Taylor 19 Gerry McGee, Sue Wylie-Fox, Mina Berger,

Teresa Champe, Stuart McIntosh, Mike Bensing, Christopher Turner, Zandria Skinner

20 Stuart Eads, Chelsea Lyle 21 Bill Perrine, Lois Edmiston, Louie Seelbach,

Trey Kramer, Michael Leopold 22 Prentiss Douglass, Eliza Waller 23 Doug Wimmer, Becky Drahovzal, Sherrill Thomas,

Max Chelvarajan 24 Mary Lou Croucher, Charles Lee, Matthew Abner,

Maddison Carter 25 Greg Ladd 26 Sarah Hall, Kelcy Monday, Benjamin Byars 27 Beth Porter, David Kratt 28 Bobby Simpson, Tom Harris, Lisa Richardson,

Holly Wethall 29 Marjorie Polites, John Tebbs, Bethany Harris 30 Madge Smith, Korin Olson, Dale Mennach,

Greg Jenkins, DeeAnne Carlson 31 Jo Greene, Joy Oakley

Mark Your Calendars! Dan Hans will lead a three part seminar called “Making Marriage Work” on Friday, February 11 (7:00-9:00 p.m.) and Saturday, February 12 (8:00-11:30 a.m.) in the Forum Room.

The subjects addressed will include:

� Marriage Myths – The belief in a happily-ever-after marriage is a widely held yet destructive myth about marriage. Respecting differences will be the focus.

� Marriage Pressures – Regardless how strong a marriage is, it is not invulnerable: pressures build and problems occur even in the best of marriages. Communication will be the focus.

� Marriage Conflicts – Misunderstandings are as natural to marriage as is sex. Regardless of how deeply a husband and wife love each other, they will disagree and have conflict. Learning how to “fight” fairly and respectfully will be the focus.

Hopefully these important marriage topics have your interest. If so, contact the church office (254-7768) to RSVP complete below and return to Second or sign up on our website www.2preslex.org. Childcare is available.

Making Marriage Work Seminar

Name(s): _____________________________ Email: ________________________________

SECOND SHARING . . . Youth Group News, Bell Ringers, Music News PAGE 4

SECOND PRESBYTERIAN YOUTH (SPY)

As we move reluctantly and slowly away from the beauty and awe of the Christmas season, the music program is preparing for post-Epiphany and pre-Easter music. The Kids for the Kingdom choir, Carillon Handbell Choir, and Covenant Choir will be working on new repertoire, new to the ensembles and new to worship. And, by beginning new repertoire we are offering a special opportunity to welcome new members to all ensembles! Rehearsals for the Kids for the Kingdom (children’s choir) and for the Carillon Handbell Choir begin on Wednesday evening, January 12. Rehearsals for the Covenant Choir begin on Thursday evening, January 12. “The time for singing/playing is here!” Contact Donna Phillips (children’s choir and handbell choir) or contact me (Covenant Choir) if you are interested in joining us (254-7768). Welcome to Winter Recruitment for our music program.

Gary Anderson, Director of Music

WHEN IN OUR NEW MUSIC GOD IS GLORIFIED

With Christmas and the Advent season now behind us, we look into the New Year with anticipation, hope, and excitement for all that we will share together in the coming months. Although we conclude another chapter of SPY fellowship together, I trust that the year ahead is sure to be just as incredible as the one that has passed! It is my hope that all middle and high school youth will come and be a part of the SPY fun and fellowship in 2011, and I am looking forward to our growing together, to creating many more memories to cherish, and to working to become the people and community that God has called us to be! Many continued blessings in the New Year, and I will hope to see you all in the coming weeks. Upcoming Events:

• Confirmation Retreat at Camp Burnamwood: Saturday, January 8 and Sunday, January 9. If you plan to attend, please be sure to contact Barrett at the church office ASAP to confirm and for registration details.

• Wednesday, January 12: Middle and High School will gather at the church (5:30-7:00 p.m.)

Ski Trip: Saturday, February 5 to Perfect North Slopes, IN. Please contact the church office for more information regarding registration. Sign up deadline: January 30

Thanks to all from Second who came out to ring the bell for the Salvation Army. This is the fourth year in row that Second has come out in force to ring the bell. We had almost 100 participants which included several carolers and one young sax player. Thanks to Bill Fortune for continuing this “tradition” at Second.

SECOND RINGS AGAIN IN 2010!

SECOND SHARING . . Mission Updates and News PAGE 5

WESTMINISTER & LAKESIDE MANOR UPDATES Thanks to your generosity, the residents of Westminster Village and Lakeside Manor, (two properties in Lexington owned by Presbyterian Housing Corporation) had wonderful Christmas holidays! On Sunday, December 19, record numbers of Second volunteers and other area churches showed up to deliver Christmas food baskets to residents of both properties. Enthusiastic members of Second’s youth group, Pastor Barrett and adult advisors met the delivery teams to help carry the food into apartments at Westminster. A total of 93 baskets were delivered to individuals and families ; of the $6,625.98 cost of the baskets, Second members contributed $3,144 toward the total. All those at WV who requested being "adopted" through the "Adopt a Family" program were successfully placed. Thank you!

Help support the Presbyterian Coffee Project by purchasing your coffee, tea and now Olive Oil. The Coffee Project links Presbyterian congregations with small farmers in other countries through fair trade. Most small farmers throughout the world sell their coffee through middlemen and in their struggle just

to make a simple living, the producers of this rich crop are often trapped in poverty. The Coffee Project buys directly from these small farmers, enabling them to earn a fairer price for their product. To support the Project, the church offers packaged fair trade coffee , tea and even chocolate . . .and Olive Oil for sale in the Gathering Place on Sundays 9:30-11:00 a.m.

SUPPORT FAIR TRADE AND ENJOY GREAT COFFEE, TEA & OLIVE OIL!

Dan Hans will be leading a team of about 70 North Americans to Honduras from June 17-28 for the annual medical and dental mission trip. General helpers are needed as well as medical and dental professionals.

Now is the time to sign up if you are interested in going to Honduras in 2011. Dan needs people to register by mid February. Should you have questions about the trip and/or want more information please call Dan (254-7768). Scholarships are available.

HONDURAS MISSION TRIP

Thank you for our generosity! For 2009 and 2010 $114.29 have been given to alleviate hunger in our Transylvania Presbytery. Thanks to members and friends of Second Presbyterian Church who so generously have supported this project: The Five-Cents-A-Meal Cups put on the tables when we gather to share a meal. At the Christmas dinner, $106.87 was donated!! This “third mile giving” goes directly to area organizations which offer assistance to folks who need help feeding their families. These cups will be appearing again throughout 2011 - so save your change for this worthy mission project. 12 Days of Christmas at the Hope Center was held December 27. Members of Second prepared and served dinner for 230 men at the Emergency Shelter of the Hope Center. Thanks to all for donating 2-liters of soda, shopping, working in the kitchen or serving!

THANK YOU

Second Church is partnering with the BackPack Program of God's Pantry. The program is designed to meet the needs of hungry children at times when other resources are not available, such as weekends and school vacations. Team Hope fills grocery bags with child-friendly, nonperishable, easily consumed, and vitamin fortified food about six times a year. The team members have supported Second's BackPack efforts for the past two years. Their next packing date is the fourth week of January. Second's volunteers are currently packing for children at risk at Cardinal Valley Elementary School. If you are thinking about becoming a BackPack Buddy, please contact Evelyn Kramer (873-4700 or ebkramer55@yahoo.com ) for more information.

BACKPACK BUDDIES

SECOND SHARING . . . Bible Studies and More, For The Health Of It PAGE 6

FOR THE HEALTH OF IT

���� Women’s Saturday Discussion Women's Saturday discussion group meets each Saturday at 9:00 a.m. in the church library. Join us as we read Secrets in the Dark by Frederick Buechner. Contact Joanne Olson-Biglieri (268-4323) for details.

����Women’s Bible Study Women’s Tuesday Bible Study meets from 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon in room 204. Join us as we study The Revelation, also using Reversed Thunder by Eugene Peterson. Call Linda Crawford (254-7768) for details.

����Men’s Breakfast Men’s Breakfast meets each Wednesday (6:30-7:30 a.m.) at Bob Evans on Richmond Road. Join us as we study The Meaning of Jesus by Marcus Borg and Tom Wright. Questions? Call Shawn Caudill (219-1249).

����Second Creations “Second Creations” art group meets each Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. in room 204. Bring your lunch, your project, and stay as long as you can. This is a non-instructional group of men and women working on individual arts/craft projects. Come join our friendly group. Call Beth Hans (309-9553) for questions.

����Beth Wachs Monday Circle Beth Wachs Monday Circle will meet Monday, January 10 at 1:00 p.m., in the Forum Room. Join us for Bible study; dessert and beverage will be provided. Call Betty Adkins (245-1817) for details.

����Prayer Shawl Ministry The Prayer Shawl Ministry group will knit or crochet together on the third Tuesday of the month at 12:30 p.m . in room 201a. We will be sharing yarn and patterns. Visit www.shawlministry.com for a pattern and explanation of this ministry or call Bobbie Brown (272-1985). Our next meeting will be January 18.

����Second Book Group The next Second Book Group meets Tuesday, January 25, at 7:00 p.m., in the Campbell Memorial Room. We will be discussing The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver. All are invited to attend every month (we meet on the 4th Tuesday) or whenever the book selection draws you. We’ve been in existence for three years and participants take turns in facilitating discussion on recommendations from the group. Contact Bob Boldrey (421-2096 or 263-4699) if you have any questions

The Kids for the Kingdom Choir performed A Christmas Carol: Scrooge in Bethlehem on December 15 in our sanctuary. Thanks to Donna Phillips, Kids for the Kingdom Director.

The New Year lends itself nicely to new beginnings, fresh starts . Who hasn't vowed to lose weight, start exercising, spend more time with family? The resolve to improvement needs some structure to keep it going. Some suggestions… � Create an action plan with very specific terms of what to do next and what steps are required. �Harness your mot ivat ion by crea t ing strategies immediately, and write them down. A journal format helps track successes. �Think in terms of a year-long plan, with New Year as the starting point. �Break down large goals into smaller ones that are manageable and realistic. �Think of alternative behaviors to substitute for things you want to change. For instance, if you smoke to relax, what other relaxation technique might work instead. �Remain flexible. Your plan can and will change. Sometimes even the goal changes as you move along. �Aim for things that truly matter to you, and not e x p e c t a t i o n s o t h e r s m a y h a v e . �Don't hesitate to ask God's help, remembering what Jeremiah said, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord; plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you." Jeremiah 29: 11-12

Jackie Graves, Parish Nurse

CHURCH CALENDAR

SECOND SHARING . . . Church Calendar, Member News, 2011 Baptism Dates PAGE 7

Saturday, January 8 9:00 a.m. Women’s Saturday Book Group (Library) Sunday, January 9 9:00 a.m. Sunday Brunch (Fellowship Hall) Monday, January 10 1:00 p.m. Staff Meeting (202) 1:00 p.m. Beth Wachs Circle (Forum) 5:30 p.m. Finance Committee (204) 6:30 p.m. Worship and Music (202) Tuesday, January 11 10:30 a.m. Tuesday Women’s Bible Study (204) 6:00 p.m. Fellowship Committee (204) 7:00 p.m. Mission Committee (Forum) 7:00 p.m. Bible Study-Dan Hans (202) Wednesday, January 12 6:30 a.m. Men’s Breakfast (Bob Evans) 10:00 a.m. Second Creations (204) 12:30 p.m. Facility Planning Committee (202) 7:00 p.m. Carillon Handbell Practice Thursday, January 13 6:30 p.m. Personnel Committee (202) Saturday, January 15 9:00 a.m. Women’s Saturday Book Group (Library) Sunday, January 16 12:15 p.m. Deacons (202) 5:30 p.m. Youth Events (Youth Group) Monday, January 17 (Office Closed) Tuesday, January 18 10:30 a.m. Tuesday Women’s Bible Study (204) 12:30 p.m. Prayer Shawl Ministry (201) 1:00 p.m. Staff Meeting (202) 7:00 p.m. Bible Study-Dan Hans (202) 7:00 p.m. Trustees Meeting (205)

E-SHARING AND WEBSITE

The next issue of Second Sharing will be mailed on January 19, 2011 and emailed to those who are signed up to receive Second E-Sharing. The electronic version can be seen on our website at www.2preslex.org .

Sympathy to the family of Gifford Blyton who died on December 9.

Sympathy to the family of Geraldine Breckenridge who died on December 14.

Sympathy to Georgia Drake on the death of her sister, Marie O’dell on December 21.

Sympathy to Lida Evans on the death of her father, Dr. William Joseph Henderson, on December 21.

The staff of Second would like to thank the members of the Candlelight Circle for giving a gift in their honor to God’s Pantry.

Big Thanks to Outgoing Trustees: We extend our gratitude to these trustees who are completing their three years of service and are departing from the Board of Trustees: Charlie Gorton (president), Dretta Christian, and Priscilla Poynter.

Special thanks to Bill and Fredda Moody who ushered at both the 8:00 and 10:00 p.m., Christmas Eve services and the 11:00 a.m., December 26th service. For those who have been asking about our “special friend” that sits on our bench outside the Fellowship Hall, her name is Dorothy. The staff and several members have attempted to help her in various ways, but she has declined. Please keep her in your prayers and if you see her, don’t be shy to say hello!

MEMBER NEWS

2011 BAPTISM DATES The dates below have been reserved during the 11:00 service for those of you who would like to schedule a baptism for your child.

January 23 and April 24 (Easter)

Please contact the church office (254-7768) if you would like to discuss having a child baptized.

Do you have a special Sunday you would like to honor and/or remember a loved one, or celebrate a special occasion? If so, a flower arrangement in the sanctuary on Sunday mornings is a great way to do this! Visit the “2011 Flower Chart” located in the Gathering Place.

SANCTUARY FLOWERS FOR SUNDAY

WOULD YOU LIKE A PASTORAL VISIT? If you would like a pastoral visit or phone call from Rev. Dan Hans, please call the church office (254-7768) or email (office@2preslex.org) expressing your interest. We will set up a time that is convenient for you. Thank you!

Member Merl Baker received the 2010 Dist inguished Alumnus Award from Tau Beta Pi, the engineering honor society, on October 10. He is recognized for his innovative contributions and his steadfast leadership at engineering institutions.

Second Presbyterian Church 460 E. Main St. Lexington, KY 40507

USPS (023-259) Periodical Postage Paid at Lexington KY Second Sharing is published bi-weekly by Second Presbyterian Church 460 E. Main St., Lexington, KY 40507 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Second Presbyterian Church, 460 East Main St., Lexington, KY 40507

Church Phone: 859.254.7768 Church Fax: 859.252.3857 Internet: www.2preslex.org E-Mail: office@2preslex.org

Periodical Postage Paid

CHURCH STAFF Gary Anderson Director of Music Martha Anderson Organist JoAnn Atcher Director of Childcare Daisy Brown Meals on Wheels Cook Bob Destefano Superintendent of Building & Grounds Linda Crawford Interim Director of Adult Ministry & Fellowship Charles Crutcher Night Watchman Paulette Domingo Secretary Kristy Ehlert Director of Outreach Jackie Graves Parish Nurse

Dan Hans Pastor/Head of Staff Frances McDowell Meals on Wheels Cook Barrett Milner Associate Pastor-Youth Ministry & Mission Donna Phillips Kids for the Kingdom/Handbell Director Shawn Ray Secretary Mollie Sawyer Business Administration John Thomas Custodian Missy Wallace Director of Children’s Ministries Holly Wethall Director of Involvement Rick Zudonyi Custodian

J-Term Adult Classes Sunday’s (January 9-30, 2011)

9:40-10:40 a.m. Sunday mornings in January : Most of our regular Adult Church School classes take a break during the month, but the following short-term classes will meet beginning Sunday, January 9.

� � � � Glad Tidings: John Muir and Christianity led by Dic k Shore Forum Room

This course will lift up selected writings of John Muir, scientist, writer, and great soul. We will seek insights into this man, his understanding of his relationship with God, how we are called to life and to live. Muir invites us to stand in the presence of the great marvels of creation as a way to know the Creator. It is for the health of your immortal soul he calls to you, “Come to the mountains and hear their glad tidings”. Our leader, a nationally recognized interpreter of Muir, presented re-cently at both Yosemite Valley, and the Muir Institute. No mountain climbing required. � � � � The Bible on Leadership led by William Maloney Room 201

Leadership is a process of social influence, i.e., a leader is someone who attempts to influence others to do something. Leadership, or a lack of leadership, is a topic that is widely discussed today. Book stores are filled with books on leadership and organizations spend a great deal of money on leader development programs and consultants in efforts to improve leadership within those organizations. For Christians, the Bible is an excellent guide on leadership. ���� Praying in Color: Drawing a New Path to God led by Colette Crown Room 205 This class will be an experiment in expanding our prayer life. Our starting point will be the book Praying in Color: Drawing a New Path to God by Sybil MacBeth. Our path will wander through various ways to pray. Our end point will be wherever the Spirit takes us. Come with a willingness to wander, an open heart and a desire for discovery.