Be "WOKE" Like Jesus

Betty Brandt • May 10, 2025

Jesus Was Woke.

You probably know the origin of the word “woke,” but just in case you don’t, it emerged from the struggles of Black Americans in the early 20th century. In 1938, Black blues singer Huddie Ledbetter used the term “staying woke” in his song about the Scottsboro Boys, referring to the forces that kept power unequally distributed in society, disproportionately disadvantaging the poor and people of color.


In today’s hyper-politicized culture, “woke” has been hijacked and turned into a term used to criticize progressive and liberal initiatives. Shockingly, some churches in the South have been reported to discourage preachers from teaching Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount because it is deemed too “woke.” But Jesus himself was “woke!”


The Sermon on the Mount is the most famous of all Jesus’ teachings. Even if someone is unfamiliar with the Bible, they likely know the Beatitudes and Matthew 25:36–40—a passage that serves as a foundation for mercy and justice throughout the Christian world:


"I needed clothes, and you clothed me. I was sick, and you looked after me. I was in prison, and you visited me."


Then the righteous will answer, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?”


And the King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”


So, what are we—as Progressive Christians—to do? Can we take inspiration from our Black siblings and reclaim “woke” as a declaration of resistance against White Christian Nationalism and the injustices of the Trump administration? Can it become our word of empowerment? Can we announce our solidarity with Jesus as we fight against today’s injustices?


Imagine wearing a T-shirt that says, “WOKE just means you give a damn about other people.” Or a yard sign proclaiming, “WOKE: it’s not the insult you think it is.” You can even buy “Stay Woke” buttons in a variety of colors, or find “Jesus Was Woke” buttons on Etsy.


Now is the time to stand tall and declare our commitment to all of God’s children who are targeted because of the color of their skin, their sexual orientation, their gender identity, their religion, or their immigration status. And in doing so, we are in the company of Woke Jesus.

Addressing Hunger with the Power of the Pen

By Mike Ransom • May 19, 2026
Hunger is Rising — and God Calls Us to Respond

The Thrill of Victory and the Agony of Defeat

By Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes • May 19, 2026
We All Lose Sometimes

The Power of the Pen

By 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.

Welcome to Mothering Sunday

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!

Home, Sweet Home

By Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes • April 28, 2026
Creating Space for Spirit, Connection, and Grace

Whichever Way You Turn, There is the Face of God

By Betty Brandt • April 24, 2026
Betty Brandt explores moving beyond traditional hymns toward a spirituality rooted in peace, love, and shared sacred wisdom.

We Are Family

By Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes • April 21, 2026
Have you ever heard the phrase “blood is thicker than water”? Many people assume it comes from the Bible and refers to the strength of our biological family ties. But what if there’s more to it than we’ve been led to believe? This Sunday, we’ll explore the surprising origins of this saying and what it really invites us to consider. We’ll also welcome our Big Give recipient, Safe Families for Children , as we reflect on what it means to be family in the deepest sense. Together, we’ll take a fresh look at another timeless idea: “It takes a village.” Who makes up our village, and how do we create communities of love, comfort, and safety? Join us Sunday for "We Are Family" as we explore the meaning of belonging, connection, and the families we form along the way.

Seeds of Hope

By Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes • April 14, 2026
This Sunday at The Garden, we celebrated creation and explore the profound connection we share with our planet. We looked at the text from Genesis where humanity is called to have dominion over creation. We considered what that means to claim this responsibility and duty to care for and protect creation. Together, let's uncover how our faith compels us to be stewards of creation.

Peace I Leave With You

April 7, 2026
What Does It Mean to Work for Peace?

Easter Sunday | Choose to Belong

By Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes • March 31, 2026
This Sunday we conclude our Lenten series with a heartfelt message, “Choose to Belong.” We’ll celebrate Easter—both as a remembrance of the resurrection and as a celebration of new beginnings, including welcoming new Gardner members into our inclusive community. Easter's beautiful expression of love and hope represents a tradition that calls us to notice the ways love rises again in our lives, dispelling darkness. Whether you interpret the resurrection story literally or embrace it as a metaphor of love overcoming despair, there is a place for you here. This weekend we’ll explore what it means to belong, and how our faith deepens through our connections with one another and with the sacred. Come experience the joy of community and discover how we can embody the transformative love of Christ together. Join us as we celebrate this meaningful day. Let’s embrace new beginnings and growth as one community. We can’t wait to see you.