Taking the Flag: The Finish Line
Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes • May 21, 2023
Black & White: Part 2 of 2
The Indianapolis 500 isn’t the only contest in the month of May where the racer crosses the finish line. We know it's a season of big finishes. School ends and our graduates prepare for the next step on the adventure. Teachers finish the year and pack up the classroom for summer. Many of the year-long activities from book clubs to sports leagues finish the season and take a break over the summer. This Sunday, we will take a look at what it means to finish a race and how we can celebrate in the winners' circle, then plan our next race. Join us Sunday for "Taking the Flag: The Finish Line."

With The Universal Christ , Richard Rohr presents a vision of Christ not as a figure confined to Jesus alone or to Christianity, but as the eternal, cosmic presence of God permeating all creation from the beginning. Rohr distinguishes between Jesus (the historical person) and Christ (the divine reality revealed through Jesus). He argues that Jesus is the “first incarnation,” present in every person, place, and particle of the universe. Drawing on Scripture—especially John 1, Colossians 1, and Paul—along with early Christian mystics and contemporary science, Rohr reframes salvation. Rather than describing it as rescue from a fallen world, he presents salvation as awakening to the divine presence already within and among us. This universal, incarnational vision invites a way of life grounded in compassion, solidarity with suffering, and participation in the healing and transformation of the whole world. Rohr’s approach also offers a theological grounding that aligns with The Garden’s emphasis on finding the sacred in the ordinary and celebrating a universal spiritual nature. Come explore this with us Sunday at The Garden.

As February 2nd approaches, we find ourselves reflecting on Groundhog Day—a moment filled with anticipation and hope. Just like that furry little creature who predicts the end of winter, we often face our own shadows and uncertainties. Are you tired of the cold and darkness, yearning for the warmth of spring? Maybe you’ve felt stuck in a season that just won’t seem to shift, repeating the same patterns and wondering when change will come. This Sunday, we’ll explore how to step forth in faith amidst life's challenges, seeking light and renewal even when the world feels overwhelming. Come as you are, and let’s lean into transformation together. Don't miss this opportunity to gather in community and discover ways to embrace hope and resilience! See you there!

In elementary school, we learn the life-saving phrase “stop, drop, and roll.” It’s a simple yet powerful reminder that can literally save lives. This phrase resonates with me when I reflect on Jesus’ call to his first disciples. He calls these fishermen right in the midst of their daily routines to stop everything and embark on a mission that would transform their lives forever. This Sunday, let’s take a moment to pause and consider what could happen if we were to stop, drop our distractions, and enroll in the invitation to live our best lives. Join us as we explore how answering this call can ignite a profound change within us!








