SUNDAY BULLETIN | April 26, 2026
We Are Family
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, 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?
Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.
Mark 3:34 – 35
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Matthew 19:14 (NIV)
| ORDER OF SERVICE | |
|---|---|
| "The Love You Leave Behind" | Written by Michael Read | Michael Read |
| Welcome, Announcements, Intro to the Service | Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes |
| Stepping Stones | Lea Ann Koekenberg |
| Intro to the Service & Our Guest | Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes & Laura Rasche |
| Candle Lighting & Centering | Rev. Richard Brendan |
| Devotional Moment | Rev. Richard Brendan |
| Prayer | Rev. Richard Brendan |
| Harvest Basket | Rev. Richard Brendan |
| "Love Can Build a Bridge" | Written by John Barlow Jarvis, Naomi Ellen Judd & Paul Overstreet | Caroline Smith |
| Message | Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes |
| "We Are Family" | Written by Bernard Edwards & Nile Rodgers | Caroline Smith |
| Closing | Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes |
House vocalist sponsored by:
The Garden's next Big Give recipient is Safe Families for Children (SFFC). This organization exists to practice radical hospitality within communities, addressing the challenges of social isolation, limited access to resources, and parental stress that often leads to foster care and family separation. They provide an innovative, evidence-based approach that supports parents by connecting them to a caring network of relationships and resources before child welfare involvement becomes necessary. By walking alongside families, SFFC provides a safety net of support and stand Safe in the gap to keep more children safe and families together!
DEVOTIONAL MOMENT
Baha’i Unity Prayer
Thou kind Lord!
Thou hast created all humanity from the same stock.
Thou hast decreed that all shall belong to the same household.
In Thy Holy Presence they are all Thy servants, and all mankind are sheltered beneath Thy Tabernacle;
all have gathered together at Thy Table of bounty;
all are illumined through the light of Thy Providence...
O Thou kind Lord!
Unite all.
Let the religions agree and make the nations one,
so that they may see each other as family and the whole earth as one home.
May they all love together in perfect harmony.
Abdu’l-Bah’a, son of Bahá’u’lláh,
who was the founder of the Bahá’í Faith
| OUR SERVING TEAMS: | |
|---|---|
| The Good Earth Band | Music Director: Doran Nash; Keyboards - Michael Read; Guitar - Michael Clark; Drums - Mike Kessler |
| Hospitality Team | Hospitality Director: Tricia Frye, Kevin & Jessica Young, Konnie & John Schlechte, Tom Ford, Shannon Robinson, Beth Young |
| Technical Team | Technical Director: Scott Carroll | Team: Matthew Vire, Tom Ford, Carson Morris, Arcy Clark |
| Stepping Stones | Program Coordinator: LeaAnn Koekenberg |
OPPORTUNITIES:
List of Services
-
Apr 25 - Art Meets Nature: Earth Day Extravaganza at Newfields
Celebrate the beauty of our planet at one of Indianapolis’ most iconic landmarks. On Saturday, April 25, Newfields is hosting its annual Earth Day Extravaganza in the Fairbanks Art & Nature Park. This family-friendly day is packed with hands-on art-making, nature workshops, and local food vendors, all set against the backdrop of 100 acres of spring blooms and world-class sculpture. Included with general admission to Newfields and free for members.
-
Apr 26 - Together to Gather
Rev. Brenda Freije returns to our weekly gathering to continue her series on Progressive Christianity. Her session today will focus on wisdom and mysticism. Join the conversation!
-
Apr 28 - Dinner & Demographics
It’s hard to love your neighbors if you don’t know them! Want to know more about the people who live in the neighborhoods around 7171 N Pennsylvania? On Tuesday, April 28, Emily Reece will share her findings about who lives near the church–family and household makeup, socioeconomic status, property characteristics, etc.–to help us understand more about our neighbors and ourselves. Dinner at 6 p.m., then 7 p.m. presentation and Q&A. This event is free to attend, but registration is required so we know how much dinner to order.
-
Apr 28 - Meaningful Conversations: One God, Many Paths
Are the world’s great spiritual traditions more connected than we think? Bahá’í teachings say “…all religion is founded upon the love of humanity.” This gathering invites open conversation across all perspectives as we explore the Bahá’í view that the world’s religions arise from one divine source and ultimately point toward our collective progress and unity. The event is free and open to all–no donations will be accepted. Tuesday, April 28 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Indianapolis Bahá’í Center, 3740 W 62nd Street, Indianapolis.
-
Apr 29 - Pitch-In & Book Discussion on "The Book of Hope"
You are invited to the home of Patrice and Dave Bradley to participate in a pitch-in meal and conversation. We will discuss "The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times" by Jane Goodall and Douglas Abrams with Gail Hudson. Ideally, you will read or listen to the book in advance, but everyone is welcome regardless. Let’s discuss how we can nurture hope in our community. April 29 from 6-8 p.m.
-
May 1 - May Day Peaceful Action at the Statehouse
May 1, known as International Workers’ Day, originated from a 1886 campaign for an eight-hour workday. Join a peaceful May Day action on May 1 from 1-4 p.m. at the Indiana Statehouse, 200 W Washington St, Indianapolis. Abolish ICE, protect all people, and demand dignity! This peaceful action will bring together organizations and community members from across our state.
-
May 4 - The Garden's Outreach Team Meeting
The Garden's Outreach team volunteers coordinate opportunities for helping others such as Little and Big Gives, volunteer service projects, and collecting donated items. The team meets once a month and volunteers choose how they would like to serve. Curious? Have questions? The next meeting is May 4 at noon at The Rusty Bucket, 1130 W 86th Steet.
-
May 6 - Dine to Donate at Big Lug Canteen to Benefit The Garden
Treat yourself to lunch or dinner and support The Garden at the same time. On Wednesday, May 6 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Big Lug Canteen in Nora, mention that you are dining in support of The Garden before ordering and they will donate 15% of the pre-tax total (dine-in only, alcohol and gift card purchases excluded) to The Garden. The restaurant is at 1435 E 86th Street. If you have questions, call 317-672-3503.
-
May 9 - Plant Sale at FCIndy
FCC invites Gardeners to bring plants to sell and then take something home (donations appreciated). Bring your plants in pots, well labeled. Perhaps you have extras to bring or starts that you have nurtured. Saturday, May 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. To volunteer to staff the event or to donate clean plastic grocery bags, call Ann Leatherman at 317-752-3109.
