Joyspan
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.
How does a community fight loneliness? We'll explore our grant-funded work, what's working, and how it echoes the community-building ministry.
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.
God Provides, God Protects, God Leads
Explore the U.S. Constitution's relevance today. Join us for insights on its principles & impact on society.
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!
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.
Join us for Day 2 of Adventures with Moses. Explore God's call & YAHWEH's significance through storytelling & activities for all ages.
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!
Join us for Day 1 of our summer program focusing on God's protection through Moses' story. Engage in activities & worship with the community.
This Saturday, Indianapolis comes alive as we celebrate Pride 2026 with a vibrant parade, a lively festival, and a powerful celebration of resilience, activism, and community building. It’s a time to honor our journey, reflecting on the progress we’ve made while acknowledging the work that still lies ahead in achieving true equality and acceptance for all members of the LGBTQ+ community—both in Indiana and across the nation. Join us this Sunday as we pause to reflect on our journey, the milestones we've reached and the miles we still must travel toward inclusivity and love. Together, we will share in the sacred mission of creating spaces where every one of God’s children feels valued and embraced as part of our family of faith. Let’s gather to celebrate the beauty of diversity, to uplift one another, and to commit ourselves to a future where love knows no bounds. This is not just a celebration; it’s a call to action for all of us to be the welcoming arms of love at The Garden. Don’t miss this opportunity to be inspired, uplifted, and empowered as we stand together in pride and faith!
