New to White Lick

Traditional and Historic

2021 marks the 170th anniversary of the founding of our church by Scottish Presbyterian farmers who worshipped in various homes until the first wooden church was built. White Lick is a tradition on the corner of 575 and 600 where it has stood since the first worship service held on August 18, 1857. The current brick sanctuary was built in 1881. The cemetery precedes the church going back to 1837 and contains not only the founding families but many of the early settlers in Hendricks County. Here is a link to our 170-year history document.

The quiet natural setting in the midst of a growing metro area lends well to its name of “the church in the wildwood”. To the casual passer-by, the church has a quaint, rural look. The simplicity of the sanctuary leads to peaceful contemplation. White Lick offers several outdoor settings for quiet prayer and meditation; and contemplation 24/7 around the church and adjacent cemetery. An outdoor worship center provides a welcoming, casual environment nestled in the woods for summer worship and informal gatherings for neighbors and walkers during the week.

The quaint look of the church hides its activity. White Lick is not pastor driven or gender-driven. The shared voices between the pastor and the congregation include both men and women sharing responsibilities and decision making in church functional units including serving as ruling elders and deacons. As a small church, our members enjoy the intimacy of fellowship and engagement in church life frequently missing in our neighboring larger churches.

First Time Visiting

If you are planning your first visit to White Lick Presbyterian you may have a few questions. Know that we are warm and friendly people who will be happy to meet you. Worship is not a production but an invitation to enter into a time with God. White Lick offers thoughtful learning and spiritual growth; not dogmatic church doctrine. Scripture is used to clarify and broaden understanding; not narrowing and selective. White Lick is accepting of all, regardless of your faith tradition and life journey. White Lick follows in the footsteps of Jesus in welcoming all. As Paul so aptly says in Galatians 3:28:

“ There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus”.

What to Wear

We have some men who wear ties and women who wear dresses, but most dress casual.

Where to Park

There are parking lots on three sides of the church (North is behind, East is to the side, and South is in front). If you need handicapped parking you will find parking and a ramp in the North lot. There is also a ramp in the East lot that leads directly to the sanctuary. If you park in the South lot you may want to use the sanctuary entrance (double red doors). The other entrance will take you to our kitchen.

Once Inside

Our facility is not overwhelming and there is always a warm member around to point you to the sanctuary, restrooms, classrooms, or fellowship hall. Feel free to look around.

Sunday Mornings

White Lick follows a traditional Presbyterian liturgy. You will sing familiar hymns and some more contemporary selections. Music is provided by piano and organ. Communion is offered every second Sunday of every month at 10:30. Communion is “open table” which means all are invited to participate in this important sacrament of the church.

What about Children

We have a dedicated nursery space for small children to play during worship, and Sunday School teachers are available for elementary school children during worship time. The congregation is very accepting of squirming, wiggly, and sometimes noisy children.

Stay for Lunch

White Lick is known for our lunches and hospitality; a family feel in a warm and loving café style setting. We gather the first Sunday of each month after the 10:30 service for lunch, fellowship, and to get to know one another better. There is a free will offering for the meal but for the first time you stay for lunch, let us host you as our guest.