Who is My Neighbor? (part 2)

Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes • April 24, 2024

Welcome our Guest, Judge David Shaheed

On this Sunday, we welcomed Judge David Shaheed, who shared his Muslim faith tradition with us. He and his daughters recently returned from a pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia to make the spiritual journey of Umrah, the lsser Hajj. He has made the entire Hajj twice in his lifetime. These pilgrimages are deeply transformative experiences and provide a time of unity, humility, and devotion. Making the Hajj is one of the 5 Pillars of Islam and Judge Shaheed will help us understand the 5 Pillars and their significance to Muslims all over the world. Judge Shaheed has been a trial judge in the Marion County Superior Court for over 20 years, has served as the Chairman of the Board of the Center for Interfaith Cooperation and was recently honored as the 2024 CIC Interfaith Ambassador of the Year. Following the service, Judge Shaheed joined us for “Together in 111” to share slides from his recent trip and answer questions.

By Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes September 24, 2025
Dear Friends, Please read these two important announcements: First: We’re excited to share that The Garden has now officially moved into our new home at 7171 North Pennsylvania Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46240. This is a joyful new chapter for our community, and we’re so grateful for the ways you’ve helped us grow into it. If you give to The Garden through your bank, IRA, or BillPay service, please take a moment to update our new address with your financial institution so your gifts continue to reach us smoothly. Second: We hope you will be with us for our Annual All‑Church Meeting on Sunday, October 5, immediately following the 9 a.m. service at the church. As a United Methodist congregation, this is one of those “official business” gatherings we hold each year. It’s short and simple—we’ll share financial updates, answer questions, and take care of the necessary business of being a church family. Even in our untraditional way of doing things, this meeting is a reminder that we’re in this together—tending The Garden with love, transparency, and care. With gratitude and joy, Carolyn and The Garden Leadership Team P.S. Please reply to this email if you have any questions we can answer!
September 24, 2025
Your Voice Matters
By Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes September 24, 2025
Twenty‑five years ago, sociologist Robert Putnam released his groundbreaking book Bowling Alone, in which he shed light on a troubling cultural shift from a society knit together by shared experiences to one increasingly dominated by individualism. In the decades since, isolating walls have grown taller, separating neighbors, friends, and often families. This Sunday at The Garden, we invite you to step into an informative exploration of how our faith may help us dismantle those walls and return to the heart of community. Together, we can engage with the incredible power of unity and how it nurtures love, encourages us, and draws us closer to Divine Spirit and to each other. As you may know, we chose the name "Together to Gather" as a nod to the strength and beauty of gathering with intention, with purpose. People joining together maintain their individuality while simultaneously creating something new and stronger than the sum of its parts: community. Let's explore what it means to belong deeply within a chosen family like The Garden. We’ll celebrate the joy of living in harmony, not as isolated individuals, but as a vibrant, interwoven community of faith and our shared desire to bring more love to the world. Come ready to be inspired, challenged, and renewed. We'll hear a couple of scripture passages and stories, reflect, and consider why gathering matters. Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your connections, embrace the beauty of fellowship, and step boldly into the life God calls us to live—together.
By Betty Brandt September 23, 2025
Building Access, Building Belonging 
By Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes September 15, 2025
World Peace Day
By Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanblan-Holmes September 8, 2025
When was the last time you set off on a treasure hunt?
By Rev. Richard Brendan September 3, 2025
Choosing Light When the World Feels Heavy
By Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes September 3, 2025
The Garden Moves to Its New Home
By Richard Brendan August 29, 2025
Explore how everyday choices shape your inner flame and life force. Richard Brendan reflects on spiritual wisdom, emotional vitality, and conscious decision-making—featuring insights from Debbie Ford and Bradford Keeney, Ph.D.
By Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes August 25, 2025
On the Bridge Between