Welcome to the Shalom Zone

Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes • October 1, 2024

World Communion Sunday

This Sunday World Wide Communion Sunday, when we come together in unity to celebrate God’s work through the global church. We will celebrate our work with other churches on the Northside in a program known as “The Shalom Zone.” 


Shalom Zone is an inspiring example of interfaith collaboration in action. Diverse churches – Allisonville Christian Church, Cross & Crown Lutheran Church, Epworth United Methodist Church, St. Pius X Catholic Church, The Garden, and First Friends Quaker Church – are driven by their shared mission to serve the community and build God's kingdom. 


Shalom Zone's activities are as diverse as its members. They host eco-film screenings with expert discussions, organize electronics recycling drives to promote environmental responsibility, and hold annual garage sales that fund local charities like School on Wheels. Recognizing the issue of food insecurity, they provide free lunches for children during school breaks. Furthermore, they foster a spirit of unity through an annual ecumenical Thanksgiving service. Through their support of SAWs, a non-profit that builds wheelchair ramps, Shalom Zone empowers those with disabilities to live independently and remain connected to their community.


World Wide Communion Sunday reminds us that while we may worship in different languages, cultures, and traditions, we are all called to share in the transformation of the world with the unconditional love of God. We will highlight some of the special projects The Shalom zone will be offering, and share how you can get involved. Join us Sunday as we celebrate coming together in The Shalom Zone.


Read the Bulletin

Devotional Moment


May the love of life fill our hearts.


Mat the love of earth bring joy to heaven.


May the love of self deepen our souls.


May the love of neighbor heal the world.


As nations, as peoples, as families this day,


may the love of life heal our world.


John Philip Newell

"Praying with the Earth"

February 3, 2026
A powerful call to action from a local vigil: “Never Again” is now. Stand up for dignity, justice, and immigrant rights in Indianapolis.
February 2, 2026
With The Universal Christ , Richard Rohr presents a vision of Christ not as a figure confined to Jesus alone or to Christianity, but as the eternal, cosmic presence of God permeating all creation from the beginning. Rohr distinguishes between Jesus (the historical person) and Christ (the divine reality revealed through Jesus). He argues that Jesus is the “first incarnation,” present in every person, place, and particle of the universe. Drawing on Scripture—especially John 1, Colossians 1, and Paul—along with early Christian mystics and contemporary science, Rohr reframes salvation. Rather than describing it as rescue from a fallen world, he presents salvation as awakening to the divine presence already within and among us. This universal, incarnational vision invites a way of life grounded in compassion, solidarity with suffering, and participation in the healing and transformation of the whole world. Rohr’s approach also offers a theological grounding that aligns with The Garden’s emphasis on finding the sacred in the ordinary and celebrating a universal spiritual nature. Come explore this with us Sunday at The Garden.
By Betty Brandt February 2, 2026
A stirring reflection on the Black National Anthem’s enduring message of hope, unity, and the pursuit of freedom—honoring Black History Month through song and story.
By Betty Brandt January 29, 2026
Reflections on a community celebration honoring Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., with powerful storytelling, music, and recognition of local justice work, hosted by northside Indianapolis Shalom Zone churches.
By Betty Brandt January 29, 2026
A gentle reflection on the spiritual practice of stillness—inviting readers to pause, notice, and embrace the quiet beauty of going nowhere during Lent.
By Betty Brandt January 27, 2026
Learning to Greet the Day With Wonder
By Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes January 27, 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!
By Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes January 20, 2026
In elementary school, we learn the life-saving phrase “stop, drop, and roll.” It’s a simple yet powerful reminder that can literally save lives. This phrase resonates with me when I reflect on Jesus’ call to his first disciples. He calls these fishermen right in the midst of their daily routines to stop everything and embark on a mission that would transform their lives forever. This Sunday, let’s take a moment to pause and consider what could happen if we were to stop, drop our distractions, and enroll in the invitation to live our best lives. Join us as we explore how answering this call can ignite a profound change within us!
By Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes January 13, 2026
When the civil rights movement gained momentum in the 1950s, it found a powerful champion in Martin Luther King Jr., who drew inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi and Henry David Thoreau. Ghandi successfully used nonviolent resistance to free India from British colonial rule, and Henry David Thoreau coined the phrase "Civil Disobedience," arguing that individuals have a moral duty to refuse cooperation with unjust laws. King advocated for nonviolent resistance as a transformative force for justice and equality. His philosophy centered on love, moral courage, and disrupting unjust systems—not through hatred or violence, but through the redemptive power of unearned suffering.  King's approach was far from passive. Through boycotts, marches, and civil disobedience, he actively resisted evil while refusing to humiliate opponents. His goal was to defeat injustice itself, not the people perpetuating it, and to awaken understanding that could convert adversaries into allies. This courageous method aimed to create what King called the "Beloved Community"—a society built on reconciliation and mutual respect. On Sunday, we will remember MLK's legacy and consider how we can continue building beloved community through our own peaceful revolution.
By Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes January 6, 2026
Join us this Sunday for a hope‑filled gathering as we pause to celebrate where The Garden has been and dream boldly about where God is leading us next. It’s a moment to breathe, to remember, and to imagine—together. We’ll look back on our first season in our new home at FCIndy, celebrating the programs, services, and community partnerships that have helped us take root and flourish. We’ll revisit the seeds planted during our 2025 Greenhouse Challenge and share a special announcement you won't want to miss: a new initiative designed to spark creativity, deepen connection, and nurture growth in the year ahead. Through shared visioning and prayer, let's listen for God’s whisper and step into the future with courage, curiosity, and mindful, determined joy. Come be part of this uplifting service "Let's Get Started" for the journey still unfolding.