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). 

Mother Love, Mother Loss

By Joy Dyer, MSW, LCSW • August 10, 2026
The relationship we have with our mothers is one of the most meaningful in our lives. Sometimes sweet, sometimes difficult…or worse…but always full of complexity. And researchers have determined that this most significant of relationships actually begins in the womb. It’s the template where we first learn about love, whether we were fortunate to have loving mothers, or mothers who sadly were unable to love us as we needed and deserved. This primal, intense relationship continues throughout our lives, influencing and shaping who we become and how we relate to others as we journey through on our own paths. Is it any wonder then that the death of our mothers is one of the most impactful losses that we will experience? And yet, even after her death, it’s possible to have a continuing conversation and relationship with her…with her gifts and her flaws…that allows for connection and the possibility of repair and forgiveness. This Sunday, please join us as we explore the joys, sorrows, and possibilities of the eternal bond between mother and child.

It's All Fun & Games

By Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes • August 4, 2026
On the Importance of Play

Joyspan

By Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes • July 29, 2026
Sometimes, joy is the last thing on the list. Bills pile up, plans fall through, the news doesn't help — and "just be joyful" can start to feel like one more thing at which we're failing. This Sunday, we're taking a closer look at joy. We're not interested in the fake-it-till-you-make-it or the just-look-on-the-bright-side kind, but something sturdier. Nehemiah 8:10 puts it simply: the joy of the Lord is our strength. It is not a mood, and it is not a performance, but a strength we can lean on. It isn't a denial of pain, sorrow, or other distress, but may offer a path through. Dr. Kerry Burnight makes a related case in her recent book Joyspan — that a good life has less to do with how long we live than with how much joy we let ourselves experience along the way. Join us Sunday as we explore Joy, and what can happen when we open ourselves to it no matter our circumstances.

The Art of Community

By Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes • July 21, 2026
How does a community fight loneliness? We'll explore our grant-funded work, what's working, and how it echoes the community-building ministry.

The Fine Print: The Bible

By Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes • July 13, 2026
As a sacred and revered text, the Bible exerts tremendous influence on our lives. Notwithstanding our constitutional separation of church and state, its impact reverberates through our politics, morality, and spirituality. Yet, while widely respected and treasured, the Bible’s influence—or rather, its interpretation by those with power and resources and the desire to make other people live by their beliefs—has been leveraged to justify slavery, vilify LGBTQ+ people, elevate men over women, and divide rather than unite. This week, we will slow down to look past those historical misuses. Instead, we’ll dig directly into the timeless truths and teachings within the Bible that offer guidance for our faith and inspiration for our daily choices.

Adventures with Moses Day 3

By Lea Ann Koekenberg • July 11, 2026
God Provides, God Protects, God Leads

The Fine Print: The U.S. Constitution

July 6, 2026
Explore the U.S. Constitution's relevance today. Join us for insights on its principles & impact on society.

The Fine Print: The Declaration of Independence

June 29, 2026
We often hear the phrase, "Make sure you read the fine print," as we navigate the complexities of daily life. Whether it's the Constitution, the Bible, or even the manual for our computers, there's a wealth of fine print that tends to be skimmed over, misinterpreted, or entirely overlooked. Yet these details often hold the key to understanding the bigger picture and guiding us through life's challenges. This week, we're excited to launch a three-week series titled "The Fine Print." Over the next few Sundays, we'll take a closer look at some of the most important documents that shape our lives and values. Week 1: We'll explore The Declaration of Independence—a powerful statement of freedom and the rights of individuals that still resonates today. Week 2: Our focus shifts to The Constitution, examining its vital principles and how they continue to influence our society. Week 3: We'll conclude with a deep dive into The Bible, uncovering the profound truths and teachings that guide our faith and actions. Each message will stand on its own, so if you happen to miss one, rest assured you can still enjoy and engage with the others — though we'd love to have you for the whole series. Join us this Sunday for The Fine Print—a journey that promises to deepen our understanding and appreciation of these foundational texts. Together, we'll discover how the details within these documents can illuminate our paths and enrich our lives. You won't want to miss it!

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.
Illustrated person with outstretched arms before an Egyptian temple, with text: “So you wanna go back to Egypt?”

Adventures with Moses Day 2

By Lea Ann Koekenberg • June 22, 2026
Join us for Day 2 of Adventures with Moses. Explore God's call & YAHWEH's significance through storytelling & activities for all ages.