Listening with the Ear of Your Heart

The Garden • June 19, 2024

Spiritual Disciplines Part 1 of 4: Inspirations of Grace

Have you ever wondered how to better understand the inspirations of grace in yourself? In the quiet spaces of our lives, there exists a sacred practice—-an artistry of presence. It’s the art of listening with the ear of your heart. Imagine your heart as a finely tuned instrument, attuned to the whispers of grace, the echoes of pain, and the melodies of hope. It’s in this tender listening that we encounter the divine.


When we listen with our hearts, we become bearers of burdens. We hold the fragile stories of others—their joys and sorrows, their triumphs and defeats. We don’t merely hear; we cradle their words, allowing them to resonate within us.


The ear of the heart discerns beyond surface noise. It hears the unspoken ache, the silent plea for understanding. It leans in when someone shares their dreams, their fears, their questions about purpose. And in that leaning, we fulfill the law of love—the law that binds us together, transcending borders and beliefs.


A spiritual director is a guide who can help you on this journey, leading you to the destination God has in store for you. Join us at The Garden this Sunday, with special guest Bill Johnson.

Read the Bulletin
Rev. Bill Johnson, guest speaker today at The Garden

Help Us Welcome Our Guest for This Sunday: Rev. Bill Johnson


Bill recently retired from full-time ministry in Madison, Indiana. He is married to the former Julia Skiles, and they have relocated to Indianapolis to be near family. Bill has served in several UMC and Disciples congregations, including as youth director at St. Luke’s UMC in the mid-1990s. He was ordained with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) after completing a Master of Divinity degree from Christian Theological Seminary in 2010. Bill completed training as a Spiritual Director at the Benedict Inn and Retreat Center in Beech Grove during seminary and has supervised five interns during the last eight years. 

Surviving the Desert

By Matthew Vire • February 17, 2026
The Garden welcomes Josh Riddick for a message on justice, faith, and how Jesus’ desert journey offers courage and clarity for our moment.

A Sacred Romance

By Rev. Richard Brendan • February 9, 2026
To Be Known, Chosen, and Loved

Never Again

February 3, 2026
A powerful call to action from a local vigil: “Never Again” is now. Stand up for dignity, justice, and immigrant rights in Indianapolis.

Revisioning Christianity: A Universal Christ?

February 2, 2026
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.

Lift Every Voice and Sing

By Betty Brandt • February 2, 2026
A stirring reflection on the Black National Anthem’s enduring message of hope, unity, and the pursuit of freedom—honoring Black History Month through song and story.

A Community Celebration of Dr. King’s Life and Vision

By Betty Brandt • January 29, 2026
Reflections on a community celebration honoring Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., with powerful storytelling, music, and recognition of local justice work, hosted by northside Indianapolis Shalom Zone churches.

Go Nowhere With Me

By Betty Brandt • January 29, 2026
A gentle reflection on the spiritual practice of stillness—inviting readers to pause, notice, and embrace the quiet beauty of going nowhere during Lent.

Hello, Sun in My Face

By Betty Brandt • January 27, 2026
Learning to Greet the Day With Wonder

Been There, Done That

By Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes • January 27, 2026
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!

Stop, Drop, Enroll

By Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes • January 20, 2026
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!