The Power of the Pen

Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes • May 12, 2026

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.

Current Situation


House passed H.R. 7567, the new Farm Bill (last one 2018); sent to the Senate.


Drastic cuts in SNAP and Medicaid from the “BBB” now codified in the $390B Bill.


$60B boost in subsidies to farmers (and farm corporations); $187B in cuts to food assistance programs (SNAP).


This is the largest reduction in federal food assistance in history.

 

Impact of “BBB” / Farm Bill:


3.4 million Americans pushed off SNAP while grocery prices are rising significantly


Direct impact on local economies - grocery stores and their employees at risk


 USAID (DOGE) cuts reduced humanitarian aid by 71%; resulting in 750,000 lives lost in the first year alone; the richest cut food aid to the poorest


 If cuts stand 9.4 million lives lost with 2.5 million children under 5 by 2030


The Administration has slashed data collection to obscure and suppress the facts.



Letters from individuals make the difference in our representatives’ support.


Must ask for a specific action.


Your personalization and signature (name / address) is critical to the impact of the letter.


Personalization suggestions (select one or write your own):


1) "In the last year there has been a significant cut in food assistance; I am asking you to reject H.R.7567, and restore SNAP funding so every family can put food on the table."


2) "In Indiana, nearly one million Hoosiers, many of them children, live with food insecurity; we must do better."


3) "As a person of faith, it is my responsibility to speak up on this critical issue and ask for your support to help hungry children around the world."


Victoria Spartz - District 5

Indianapolis north of I-465

Includes Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Kokomo, Muncie, Anderson, Marion. Does not include Zionsville, Whitestown, Lebanon, Frankfort.


Andre Carson – District 7 

Most of Indianapolis from I-465 on the north, south to (but not including) Beech Grove, east to Lawrence and Cumberland, and west to Eagle Creek. Does not include Zionsville, Avon, Plainfield, Greenfield, Beech Grove, Southport or Greenwood.


Note: Jeff Shreve (District 6) is south and east of Andre Carson; Jim Baird is in a large district (4) which covers areas west and northwest in central Indiana (beyond Lafayette and to the Illinois border). 

Blessed to Give

June 23, 2026
We have often heard the words, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." The phrase is so well-known that many people don't even realize it is found in the Bible (Acts 20:35). So, is it just a cliché, or does God truly do something in the heart of a giving person—something that blesses both them and the world in which they live? Research shows that this is no mere platitude. Our brains respond to generosity by triggering a significant positive feedback loop when we practice, receive, or even simply witness giving in action. In a 2008 study, researchers found that people who spent money on others reported a notably higher uptick in happiness than those who spent it on themselves. Interestingly, this difference had nothing to do with how much they spent, but rather the direction of their spending. Giving really does benefit everyone—the giver, the receiver, and the witness—and the effect ripples outward. And it’s not just about monetary gifts, but also gifts of kindness and service. What we do, and how we give, truly matters. Join us Sunday as we explore how God turns giving into the blessing of receiving.

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By Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes • June 16, 2026
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!

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By Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes • June 10, 2026
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Lessons from Woodstock: Music Sunday at The Garden

May 29, 2026
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!

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By Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes • May 26, 2026
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By Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes • May 5, 2026
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!