Come On, Everybody's Doing It
Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes • September 6, 2023
Positive Peer Pressure
On Sunday, September 17, we will welcome new members into the Garden Fellowship. In a world where we celebrate individualism, it's important to remember that we are better together and our differences make us stronger. Together we can inspire one another, lift each other and transform the world with the love of God. There is beauty in belonging to a tribe of people who believe the world can be a place where there is more than enough for everyone. Join us Sunday September 10 for “Come on – Everyone is doing it!”

This Sunday, we celebrate Father's Day—a special occasion to honor the remarkable men who have shaped our life journeys: biological fathers, teachers, mentors, coaches, and friends. Each of us carries unique experiences that contribute to who we are, and it's important to recognize that no two stories are alike. Take comfort in knowing that there is no such thing as one perfect family. Even Jesus grew up in an unconventional household, with both Joseph and God as His Father. Yes, Jesus had two dads! Join us this Sunday for a service filled with heartfelt stories, laughter, and powerful insights. We'll reflect on the diverse expressions of fatherhood and celebrate all the father figures in our lives—whether traditional or not. This is a wonderful opportunity to deepen your relationship with God and embrace a love that transcends all family structures. Come ready to be inspired and uplifted—bring your friends and family, and let's celebrate together. We can't wait to see you!

This Saturday, Indianapolis comes alive as we celebrate Pride 2026 with a vibrant parade, a lively festival, and a powerful celebration of resilience, activism, and community building. It’s a time to honor our journey, reflecting on the progress we’ve made while acknowledging the work that still lies ahead in achieving true equality and acceptance for all members of the LGBTQ+ community—both in Indiana and across the nation. Join us this Sunday as we pause to reflect on our journey, the milestones we've reached and the miles we still must travel toward inclusivity and love. Together, we will share in the sacred mission of creating spaces where every one of God’s children feels valued and embraced as part of our family of faith. Let’s gather to celebrate the beauty of diversity, to uplift one another, and to commit ourselves to a future where love knows no bounds. This is not just a celebration; it’s a call to action for all of us to be the welcoming arms of love at The Garden. Don’t miss this opportunity to be inspired, uplifted, and empowered as we stand together in pride and faith!

Woodstock was more than a festival. It was a moment when people chose peace over violence, community over division, and love over fear. Those values still speak to our culture today--calling us to show up, stand together, and create a world that works for ALL. Join us Sunday, June 7 for Music Sunday at The Garden when the rock band Opening Day will take over our service. Opening Day is a psychedelic band from Indianapolis led by songwriter and guitarist Casper Willow. Blending a vast palette of experimental, progressive, and art/folk influences, the band crafts immersive live experiences designed to offer audiences a moment to pause, feel, and reconnect. This mini concert will feature songs by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young; Santana; Led Zeppelin; The Grateful Dead; The Who; Janis Joplin; and Joan Baez among others. See you there!

What does true community look like? How can we cultivate a closer, stronger, more loving one where we all thrive, belong, and prosper? Where isolation and fear divide us, the church can be a beacon of unity and love. Community is more than a gathering of people; it is a chosen interconnectedness, a tapestry woven together by the divine within us. While we may find ourselves part of a community by circumstance, we can also join and co-create them with intention. This Sunday, we'll reimagine the meaning of community, why it matters, and how we can lovingly, compassionately, and joyfully cultivate it in our lives. Join us for "The Art of Community."

On Sunday we will participate in our annual Bread for the World letter campaign and be reminded of “the Power of the Pen.” It is a time each year when we acknowledge we live in a world where there is more than enough for all to eat. We acknowledge Hunger is a policy choice, not an inevitability. In a season of division in our country followers of Jesus are called to put pen to paper. It is a season when we are reminded Jesus commands us, not just to "pray for the poor," but to be God's hands and feet, taking action to ensure the needy are fed. In a democratic society, the "pen"—our letters, emails, and phone calls to legislators—is a tangible, effective tool for justice, turning compassion into public policy. Join us Sunday as we welcome representatives from Bread for the World and share in The Power of the Pen.

This weekend, we invite you to return to your mother church, The Garden, as we celebrate the beautiful tradition of Mothering Sunday! Originating in England on the fourth Sunday of Lent, this special day has deep roots stretching back to the 16th century when families would gather at their "mother church" for a communal service. Over the years, it blossomed into a joyous occasion where children express their love through gifts, flowers, and heartfelt cards for their mothers. Today, Mothering Sunday reminds us not only to honor our mothers and mother figures but also to cherish the nurturing spirit within our community. Let us come together to acknowledge the love, support, and guidance that shapes our lives. Join us as we celebrate the vital role of mothering in our journeys and how each of us is called to nurture one another. Don’t miss this heartfelt service filled with reflection, love, and connection!





