A Message from Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes following the FedEx Shootings

June 2, 2021

Dear Friends,



In the Sikh tradition, salvation is obtained by loving your neighbor and God.


Guru Arjun Dev Ji said that minds are like precious jewels that shine in loving God and others. If you love God, then you will not hurt anyone but will love as God loves.

The Garden joins Indianapolis and people throughout the world in mourning the loss of nine souls to yet another act of violence. We have also become aware that half of those victims were from the Shikh community.


As we just finished two weeks of exploring the practice of the Golden rule in different faith traditions, we are keenly aware doing unto others as you would have them do unto you is practiced not only in life but also in death.


So in this time, we join loved ones as they mourn the loss of Matthew R. Alexander, 32; Samaria Blackwell, 19; Amajeet Johal, 66; Jaswinder Kaur, 64; Jaswinder Singh, 68; Amajit Sekhon, 48; Karli Smith, 19; and John Weisert, 74.


A Sikh hymn often sung at funerals says, “Like droplets of water are in an ocean wave and the ripples of a stream, I am immersed in the Lord.” May all those who mourn on this day be immersed in the love of and comfort of the Lord.


As in the Christian tradition, in Sikhism, death is not the end. When somebody dies, the soul transitions; the soul and energy transcend and traverse into the universe to help influence other events. Like Christians, Sikhs believe love never dies, and the spirit lives on as well.


The purpose of this statement is simply to join together and mourn. Yes, we must continue to wrestle with matters of preventable violence in our nation. But the time now is to come together in our grief and mourn the loss of our brothers and sisters. To seek a peace that passes all understanding and find a way forward together.


Peace,


Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes
Lead Pastor, The Garden Community Church

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!