The Moses Adventure Begins - 2026 Children's Summer Program

LeaAnn Koekenberg • June 15, 2026

God is our protector

What an exciting start to our intergenerational summer adventure as we began our journey through the life of Moses! Families, children, youth, and adults gathered together to learn, create, worship, and discover an important truth that will guide us throughout this month's adventure:


Setting the Stage for Moses


We began our evening by introducing the songs that will accompany us throughout our Month of Moses. As voices from every generation joined together in worship, we were reminded that God's faithfulness spans all ages.

Next, we were introduced to Moses and the incredible story that led to his birth. Participants learned how God used Joseph's difficult journey to Egypt to save His people during a terrible famine. What began as a story of jealousy and hardship became a story of God's provision and protection.

As we explored the history of the Israelites, we discovered how Jacob's family settled in Egypt and grew into a great nation. But after many years, a new Pharaoh came to power who did not remember Joseph. The Israelites were forced into slavery, creating the circumstances that would eventually lead God to raise up Moses as their deliverer.

One of the key lessons from this part of the story was:

"God used Joseph's difficult journey to protect His people. What looked like a tragedy became the way God provided safety, food, and a future for Israel."


Discovering the Word "Protect"


Our Large Group activity centered around the word PROTECT. Volunteers helped reveal the letters one at a time as participants guessed the mystery word. Once the word was discovered, we discussed the many ways protection appears in the story of Baby Moses.

  • Moses' mother protected him by placing him in a basket.
  • God protected Moses as he floated along the Nile River.
  • Pharaoh's daughter protected Moses by choosing to care for him.
  • Miriam protected her baby brother by courageously watching over him and helping reunite him with his mother.

Throughout the evening, participants were encouraged to gently pat their knees whenever they heard the name "Moses" and make a hug motion whenever they heard the word "protect."


Diving into Scripture


Before reading Scripture, groups discussed important questions:

  • How do your parents take care of you?
  • How does God protect and take care of you?

Participants shared in many different ways—through conversation, drawings, pointing to pictures, and partnering with friends.

We then explored Exodus 1:8-22 and Exodus 2:1-10, reading about the difficult circumstances facing the Israelites and the miraculous protection surrounding Baby Moses.

The story sparked thoughtful discussion:

  • How would you have protected Baby Moses?
  • What do you think Pharaoh's daughter thought when she found the baby?
  • How did Moses' mother and sister feel?
  • Which woman in the story showed the greatest trust in God?

Together, we saw how God was already working behind the scenes long before Moses would become the leader who delivered Israel from Egypt.


Save Moses! Basket Regatta Challenge


The highlight of the evening may have been our hands-on engineering challenge!

Participants were tasked with creating a floating basket for Baby Moses using everyday materials. Their baskets had to be no larger than 3" x 5", hold their precious cargo safely, and travel down a rain gutter using only their breath, a straw, a paper fan, or gentle assistance.

The creativity was incredible! Families worked together, problem-solved, encouraged one another, and celebrated every successful voyage. The activity reminded us that just as Moses was carefully protected in his basket, God continues to care for us through every challenge we face.


A Beautiful Ending


The Basket Regatta provided a joyful ending to a wonderful first week together.

As we left, everyone carried home this important truth:


God protected Moses. God protected His people. And God continues to protect and care for us today.

We can't wait to continue The Moses Adventure next week as we discover more about God's plan and purpose for Moses and His people!

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
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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

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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.