SUNDAY BULLETIN | February 1, 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!
| ORDER OF SERVICE | |
|---|---|
| "Turn! Turn! Turn!" | Written by Peter Seeger | Dave Bradley |
| Welcome and Announcements | Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes |
| Stepping Stones | LeaAnn Koekenberg |
| Intro to the Service | Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes |
| Centering | |
| Candle Lighting, Devotional Moment & Words of Welcome | Rev. Richard Brendan |
| Prayer & Harvest Basket | Shannon Robinson |
| "Answer" | Written by Sarah Maclachlan | Caroline Smith |
| Message | Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes |
| "Put a Little Love in Your Heart" | Written by Jackie DeShannon, Jimmy Holiday, & Randy Myers | Abby Cole |
| Closing | Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes |
House vocalist sponsored by:
DEVOTIONAL MOMENT
THE BLACK NATIONAL ANTHEM:
"LIFT EVERY VOICE AND SING"
Lift every voice and sing,
’Til earth and heaven ring,
Ring with the harmonies of Liberty;
Let our rejoicing rise
High as the listening skies,
Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.
Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us,
Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us;
Facing the rising sun of our new day begun,
Let us march on ’til victory is won.
Words by the American writer and civil rights activist James Weldon Johnson, and music written by his brother J. Rosamond Johnson. The pair initially wrote the song in 1900 to celebrate the birthday of the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln.
| OUR SERVING TEAMS: | |
|---|---|
| The Good Earth Band | Music Director: Doran Nash; Keyboards - Michael Read; Guitar - Michael Clark; Drums - Mike Kessler |
| Creative Team | Creative Director: Dave Bradley, Betty Brandt, Becky Cheetham, Christina Fidone, Joleen House, Kimberly Morgan, Doran Nash, Marci Struble |
| Hospitality Team | Hospitality Director: Tricia Frye, Kevin & Jessica Young, Konnie & John Schlechte, Tom Ford, Shannon Robinson, Beth Young |
| Technical Team | Technical Director: Scott Carroll, Matthew Vire, Tom Ford, Arcy Clark, Jaco Carroll |
| Stepping Stones | Program Coordinator: LeaAnn Koekenberg |
OPPORTUNITIES:
List of Services
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Now Through Feb 8 - THE GARDEN "PROTEIN BOWL" TO BENEFIT CROOKED CREEK FOOD PANTRY
Help support the Crooked Creek Food Pantry as we kick off a Super Bowl–themed can drive! Between now and Super Bowl Sunday, bring in canned chicken to score points for Team Dave or canned tuna to boost Team Doran. Each Sunday, we’ll announce the running score, so bring your cans, cheer on your team, and let’s have some fun while making a real difference for our neighbors. Let’s fill the pantry, lift our community, and enjoy a lighthearted competition while we’re at it. May the best team win… but mostly, may the shelves be full. The real winner is Crooked Creek Food Pantry and the neighbors who count on the pantry each week. Collection Dates: Sundays, January 18, 25, February 1, and the final showdown Sunday, February 8.
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Jan 30 - NAME THAT TUNE & KARAOKE PITCH-IN
Warm up your vocal cords & get ready with your musical trivia skills. We're planning another evening of Name That Tune and karaoke! Bring a dish to share, and maybe have song in mind you might like to bellow out in good fun. A great singing voice is not a requirement--just a readiness to have fun, laugh, and enjoy spending some fun time with your fellow Gardeners. Friday, January 30, 6:00 p.m. at the Mystic Bay Clubhouse. RSVP now!
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Jan 31 - HELP SORT SHOES AT CHANGING FOOTPRINTS
Join fellow Gardeners for a group shoe-sorting session at Changing Footprints on Saturday January 31 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. People can contact Patrice after this Sunday’s Service or by phone (317-910-6988) if interested in helping. Location is 8484 Naab Rd, Suite 1E.
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Feb 1 - TOGETHER TO GATHER
We will welcome Black History Month with videos and a discussion about the development of our own Indiana Ave. Is the city failing its Black residents again?
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Feb 6 - "DEATH MAKES LIFE POSSIBLE" SCREENING, PITCH-IN & DISCUSSION
Join us for a screening of the 2013 documentary Death Makes Life Possible. This moving film explores one of life’s most feared experiences through the voices of scientists, spiritual teachers, health professionals, scholars, children, and those who have had near-death experiences. We’ll begin with a finger food pitch-in and conclude with a time of discussion. Friday, February 6 at 5:30 p.m. in the lower level of FCIndy. Sponsored by The Garden’s Spiritual Growth Team.
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Feb 3 - LIVEFREE/INDY ACTION COALITION STATEHOUSE DAY
This is a great opportunity to engage with legislators and push for or against legislation. Attend a virtual prep session and then show up in person. Meet each day at Central Christian Church 701 N Delaware St, Indianapolis, at 9 a.m. for a 9:30 bus to the statehouse. The bus will return to Central Christian at 1:30pm.
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Feb 4 - LIVEFREE/INDY ACTION COALITION STATEHOUSE DAY
This is a great opportunity to engage with legislators and push for or against legislation. Attend a virtual prep session and then show up in person. Meet each day at Central Christian Church 701 N Delaware St, Indianapolis, at 9 a.m. for a 9:30 bus to the statehouse. The bus will return to Central Christian at 1:30pm.
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Feb 5 - LIVEFREE/INDY ACTION COALITION STATEHOUSE DAY
This is a great opportunity to engage with legislators and push for or against legislation. Attend a virtual prep session and then show up in person. Meet each day at Central Christian Church 701 N Delaware St, Indianapolis, at 9 a.m. for a 9:30 bus to the statehouse. The bus will return to Central Christian at 1:30pm.
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Feb 8 - HEAR OUR STORIES
People returning to our city after being incarcerated face many challenges. Montez Day and India Madison will share first-hand stories about their lives inside prison and what it’s like adjusting to life on the outside. Let these courageous stories change your perspective and motivate you to act. The Garden is one of 3 sponsoring organizations. Sunday, February 8, 4-5:30 p.m. Storytelling Arts of Indiana, 450 W. Ohio St, Indianapolis. Free parking. Contact Betty@thegardenonline.org for free tickets.
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Feb 15 - SOUP'S ON AT ROBERTS PARK
Come help feed those in need at Soup's On at Roberts Park. Sign up sheets are available in the narthex after Sunday service, or you can contact Helen at 317-733-2031 or hpayne@indy.rr.com.
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Feb 18 - ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE
Join Rev. Richard Brendan and Pastor Sarah Lund for a special Ash Wednesday service at FCINdy on Wednesday, February 18 at 7 p.m.
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Beginning Feb 18 - PATHS TO BELONGING: A LENTEN DEVOTIONAL
This Lent, The Garden & FCIndy invite you into Paths to Belonging, a self-led devotional beginning on Ash Wednesday. Through simple daily prompts, the program helps you create space to breathe, reflect, and reconnect with spirit and community. Each day encourages gentle self‑discovery, compassion, and presence as we journey together toward deeper belonging.
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Feb 21 - SYMPHONIC PRAISE CHOIR 28TH ANNUAL GOSPEL CONCERT
Featuring the Symphonic Praise Choir and Indianapolis-based soloists and musicians, this concert highlights the works of Black composers of orchestral music and well-known composers of Gospel and Praise music.
