Out of the Dark

Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes • January 7, 2025

Memory Lane

This Sunday, we wandered down memory lane, dug deep into the fertile soil of The Garden's history, unearthed stories, and rediscovered the roots that have nourished us along the way. For some, it may have been a stroll through familiar landscapes; for others who joined The Garden in more recent years, it may represent new terrain.


We revisited the dream that first planted the seed of The Garden in Linda McCoy's heart, and trace the journey of how that seed germinated and grew. We remembered the early days, tending those first fragile shoots in the darkness – a time of growth, nurtured by generosity, faith, vision, openness, curiosity, and love.


After The Garden's departure from its first home in a dark theatre space, it blossomed and found new life bathed in the sunlit space we know today. We've flourished in this environment, our community branching out in countless ways.


Now, as we prepare to transplant The Garden once more, we look for insight in our history and how we have grown. What lessons have we learned? What strengths have we cultivated? How can we ensure our roots remain strong as we seek new ground in which to grow?


This Sunday was "Coming out of the Dark" – a journey through time and a glimpse into the future of The Garden. Reflecting on the past, celebrating the present, and looking with hope towards a future filled with light and possibility.

Read the Bulletin


"Come In From The Rain"

Sung by Deb Mullins

Originally recorded by Melissa Manchester

Written by Carole Bayer Sager, Melissa Manchester

Lyrics © Sentric Music, Songtrust Ave


"Coming Out of the Dark" 

Sung by Caroline Smith

Originally recorded by Gloria Estefan

Written by Jon Secada, Emilio Estefan & Gloria Estefan


"Reelin’ In the Years"

Sung by Michael Read

Originally Recorded by Steely Dan

Written by Walter Carl Becker / Donald Jay Fagen

Lyrics © American Broadcasting Music, Inc., Red Giant Music Inc, Red Giant, Inc.

By Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes December 9, 2025
Join us this Advent season for a thought-provoking sermon titled "Do You See Who I See?" as we explore the profound theme of immigration through the lens of faith. Together, we'll revisit the story of Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem, noting parallels to the experiences of immigrants today. We will consider the importance of seeing beyond borders and recognizing the dignity and humanity in every individual. Prepare to open your hearts and minds as we embrace the spirit of compassion and understanding this Advent, celebrating the sacred diversity of God's creation. In reflecting on these timeless truths, we will be challenged to live out our faith in ways that welcome the stranger and extend hospitality to all. May this gathering remind us that the Advent story is not only about waiting, but also about acting with courage and love in our communities. Don't miss this opportunity to deepen our faith and engage with the world around us.
By Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes December 1, 2025
Listening for God’s song in the season
By Rev. Richard Brendan November 26, 2025
Light in Unexpected Places
By Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes November 18, 2025
In this Sunday’s service, we’ll reflect together on how our journey as a church--full of movement, growth, and change—-mirrors God’s ongoing work in each of our lives. Through three short messages, we will celebrate the many ways that nurturing our spiritual community and sharing God’s blessings can feed not only our own souls but also the hearts of those around us. As we bring this year’s stewardship campaign to a close, we invite you to consider how your gifts of time, talent, and resources help The Garden continue to flourish. Stewardship is not only about sustaining our church; it is about embodying God’s love in action—-on the go, in our homes, workplaces, and neighborhoods. Together we create a community where generosity and compassion ripple outward, touching lives far beyond our walls. Let’s take this opportunity to reflect on how we can keep growing, contributing, and carrying God’s love into the world. We look forward to celebrating our shared mission and the joy and lasting power of giving with you this Sunday at The Garden.
By Joleen House November 17, 2025
How hugs, service, and fellowship shaped one Gardener’s spiritual journey
By Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes November 11, 2025
Have you ever experienced a hunger so profound that nothing seems to satisfy it? You might turn to junk food, healthy snacks, or every culinary delight in between, and still feel a gnawing emptiness. This discontent often signals something deeper, a spiritual hunger or longing that the world’s offerings cannot fulfill. In our quest for satisfaction, we frequently look to satiate our physical needs, while it’s our spirit that craves nourishment. This Sunday, we will consider what we genuinely hunger and thirst for. Together, we’ll explore the myriad ways we attempt to fill those voids, often to find ourselves still dissatisfied and yearning for more. Imagine what it would be like to genuinely feed your hungry heart, to find true fulfillment in spiritual nourishment. We’ll share in the profound experience of intimate communion with the Divine, discovering how to look beyond our material lives for the spiritual satisfaction that transcends our earthly desires. Join us this Sunday for “Feeding the Hungry Heart.” Together, we will uncover the depths of our cravings and learn how to find lasting peace and fulfillment through a deeper relationship with God. Let’s embark on this journey of discovery and nourishment, and fill our hearts with the sustenance they truly seek.
By Mike Ransom November 4, 2025
Discover why longtime member Mike Ransom pledges to support The Garden. In this interview, he reflects on decades of service, the joy of giving, and how stewardship and advocacy for the hungry have shaped his faith and community life.
November 3, 2025
Donations of Baskets of Home Necessities
By Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes November 3, 2025
Join us this Sunday as we dive into the first part of our stewardship theme, “The Garden on the Go.” We’ve experienced what it means to be a church on the move, embracing change and sharing our faith through multiple transitions in recent years. These shifts have stretched us, but they’ve also reminded us that God’s Spirit is not bound to one place or one way of being. We are not alone in this journey; the early church blazed a trail before us, spreading the love of God without the confines of a permanent building. This history shows us that faith is not tied to walls or structures, but to the spirit and values embodied by the teachings and example of Jesus, which we seek to apply in our daily lives and in our community. Together, we’ll explore the essential nature of being a community, discovering how we can embody a vibrant faith that travels with us wherever we go. This is a chance to imagine how our daily lives—our homes, workplaces, and neighborhoods—can become sacred spaces of connection, witness, and loving transformation. Don’t miss this opportunity to reflect on how we can be a people who actively share our journey of faith in all places and at all times, carrying the light of God’s love into every corner of our lives.
By Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes October 28, 2025
All Saint's Day