A Ripple of Love: Joleen’s Stewardship Story at The Garden

Joleen House • November 17, 2025

How hugs, service, and fellowship shaped one Gardener’s spiritual journey

Joleen, can you share how The Garden first became meaningful in your spiritual life?


Since Linda McCoy first imagined and started the Garden, I have felt that it was what I had always looked for in my spiritual life. Watching it grow from ideas on paper to a weekly service has been life-changing. It’s given me a family, a purpose. Of course The Good Earth Band is phenomenal and inspiring. I look forward to it every Sunday. Most important are the many people I have met at The Garden who have inspired me to be a better person, especially Patti Read, who touched my heart and will be sorely missed.


How has serving at The Garden shaped your understanding of stewardship?


Serving at The Garden has taught me that any heart-felt action can start a ripple which can change things for the better, sometimes for people and in ways you may never know. Early on, there was a sermon on hugs which inspired me so much that today I'm well known for giving great hugs to everyone!


In times of difficulty, what keeps you grounded and hopeful?


With all the recent turmoil in our world, it can be hard to really see the good in other people, to find hope for the future, to find joy. I help out anywhere I can (Soup's On, the Garden’s Garden, Outreach team, Indy Action Coalition, etc.), and I join Gardeners at events like Indy Pride and the No Kings rallies. Time spent doing these things fills me up, brings me the joy I need, and renews my faith and hope that we can overcome the problems of homelessness, hunger, lack of medical care, violence, etc.


Why do these issues feel so personal to you?


These issues are so personal because innocent people are being detained, families separated, children not fed, and people dying due to lack of medical care. We must rally together with like-minded people to find the way forward as we follow the Golden rule!


After all these years, what does The Garden continue to mean to you?


All these years later, through all the changes and moves, The Garden remains a very special place for me on Sundays and beyond. This community provides great opportunities to help others in many ways in like-minded fellowship. My journey has taught me that the greatest gift you can give yourself is to help others. I love helping people in need, and I get back love, hope, and joy as part of this community. I have these opportunities because of our ongoing commitment to The Garden and our desire to serve others.

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.

Adventures with Moses Day 2

By Lea Ann Koekenberg • June 22, 2026
Day 2 of Adventures with Moses

The Many Faces of Fatherhood

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!

Adventures with Moses - Day 1

By LeaAnn Koekenberg • June 15, 2026
Day 1 of Adventures with Moses God is our protector

The Garden Celebrates Pride

By Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes • June 10, 2026
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!

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!

The Art of Community

By Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes • May 26, 2026
What does true community look like? How can we cultivate a closer, stronger, more loving one where we all thrive, belong, and prosper? Where isolation and fear divide us, the church can be a beacon of unity and love. Community is more than a gathering of people; it is a chosen interconnectedness, a tapestry woven together by the divine within us. While we may find ourselves part of a community by circumstance, we can also join and co-create them with intention. This Sunday, we'll reimagine the meaning of community, why it matters, and how we can lovingly, compassionately, and joyfully cultivate it in our lives. Join us for "The Art of Community."

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