Uncomfortable
Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes • April 12, 2023
Celebrating Emancipation Day
We learn in our history classes that President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation during the Civil War in 1863. Many of us do not realize, though, that although it freed thousands of slaves, it took more than two years before news of their freedom reached those still enslaved in Texas. And did you know that the proclamation expressly did not free the slaves in the slave-owning states that had already come under Union control? While the repercussions of the injustice of slavery continue to powerfully impact the lives of black people in America today. Sadly, many among us do not acknowledge this--some with active denial. Our laws say we are equal, but the truth and reality are not so simple.
The Bible has been used to justify slavery. While it tells a story of Paul appealing to a slave owner, reminding us we are all One with God, in other stories and passages, it seems to support slavery. This Sunday, we celebrate and observe Emancipation Day, also known as Juneteenth, and pray that we may move past our fears and prejudices and work toward a world where all may truly experience freedom and justice.
Today, with GPS at our fingertips, most of us rarely unfold a map—let alone look up to the stars. We navigate by screens that pull our attention downward, keeping our focus just a few inches from our faces. This Sunday, we’ll take a step back in time to when travelers—like the Magi—lifted their eyes to the night sky for direction and inspiration. As we enter the season of Epiphany, we’ll explore what it means to look up again, to notice the light around us, and to follow the kinds of “stars” that guide us toward meaning, connection, and the places that feel most sacred in our lives. Join us Sunday for “Finding Our Way.”
A New Page, A New Dawn
This Christmas Eve, First Congregational Church of Indy and The Garden come together to celebrate the joy and wonder of Jesus’ birth in this shared service. We are delighted to join voices and hearts for this special evening. The service will weave together gifts of both congregations—music, prayer, readings, and storytelling—in a spirit of unity and welcome. Whether you are part of FCIndy or The Garden, or simply seeking a place to experience the wonder of Christmas, we welcome you as we celebrate the light that shines in the darkness and the hope that brings us together.
This Sunday is the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year. On this Longest Night, we pause to remember that God is with us through it all. From moments of awe and beauty to times of sickness and grief, we are never alone. This season brings with it all kinds of feelings. Sometimes it helps to acknowledge that the twinkling lights and merry songs of Christmas can also deepen the shadows for those coping with grief, pain, fear, or loss. It is not always easy to hear “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas!” and other cheerful tunes when we may be personally struggling. On Sunday, we will conclude our Advent journey with the theme “Do You Feel What I Feel?” Together, we’ll recognize that we each come to this season with different emotions and experiences. Let’s pause and explore how we can support and care for one another, knowing that we all arrive here from different places and with different stories. Join us for “Do You Feel What I Feel?”
Join us this Advent season for a thought-provoking sermon titled "Do You See Who I See?" as we explore the profound theme of immigration through the lens of faith. Together, we'll revisit the story of Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem, noting parallels to the experiences of immigrants today. We will consider the importance of seeing beyond borders and recognizing the dignity and humanity in every individual. Prepare to open your hearts and minds as we embrace the spirit of compassion and understanding this Advent, celebrating the sacred diversity of God's creation. In reflecting on these timeless truths, we will be challenged to live out our faith in ways that welcome the stranger and extend hospitality to all. May this gathering remind us that the Advent story is not only about waiting, but also about acting with courage and love in our communities. Don't miss this opportunity to deepen our faith and engage with the world around us.
Listening for God’s song in the season
Light in Unexpected Places
In this Sunday’s service, we’ll reflect together on how our journey as a church--full of movement, growth, and change—-mirrors God’s ongoing work in each of our lives. Through three short messages, we will celebrate the many ways that nurturing our spiritual community and sharing God’s blessings can feed not only our own souls but also the hearts of those around us. As we bring this year’s stewardship campaign to a close, we invite you to consider how your gifts of time, talent, and resources help The Garden continue to flourish. Stewardship is not only about sustaining our church; it is about embodying God’s love in action—-on the go, in our homes, workplaces, and neighborhoods. Together we create a community where generosity and compassion ripple outward, touching lives far beyond our walls. Let’s take this opportunity to reflect on how we can keep growing, contributing, and carrying God’s love into the world. We look forward to celebrating our shared mission and the joy and lasting power of giving with you this Sunday at The Garden.
How hugs, service, and fellowship shaped one Gardener’s spiritual journey
Have you ever experienced a hunger so profound that nothing seems to satisfy it? You might turn to junk food, healthy snacks, or every culinary delight in between, and still feel a gnawing emptiness. This discontent often signals something deeper, a spiritual hunger or longing that the world’s offerings cannot fulfill. In our quest for satisfaction, we frequently look to satiate our physical needs, while it’s our spirit that craves nourishment. This Sunday, we will consider what we genuinely hunger and thirst for. Together, we’ll explore the myriad ways we attempt to fill those voids, often to find ourselves still dissatisfied and yearning for more. Imagine what it would be like to genuinely feed your hungry heart, to find true fulfillment in spiritual nourishment. We’ll share in the profound experience of intimate communion with the Divine, discovering how to look beyond our material lives for the spiritual satisfaction that transcends our earthly desires. Join us this Sunday for “Feeding the Hungry Heart.” Together, we will uncover the depths of our cravings and learn how to find lasting peace and fulfillment through a deeper relationship with God. Let’s embark on this journey of discovery and nourishment, and fill our hearts with the sustenance they truly seek.
