Hope

Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes • November 12, 2024

Revisiting The Garden's Word of the Year

The word of the year for the Garden is HOPE. On Sunday, we will be reminded of our hope-filled journey in 2024 where we learned hope is a choice. 


In the face of trials that test the limits of our endurance, that tempt us to despair, hope remains as a choice. Even in the darkest hours, the human spirit reveals remarkable resilience. We are called upon to rise above adversity, to extend a hand to those in need, and to face the our fears of the unknown and the things we cannot control with courage and compassion. In the shared struggle, in the humble commitment to help each another, we can forge a strength to transcend trials that seek to break us.


In times of uncertainty and challenge, the words of J.R.R. Tolkien in his epic Lord of the Rings trilogy speak to the essence of hope, resilience, and community. As Frodo laments the burden placed upon him, Gandalf’s wisdom sheds light on the power of our choices and actions. "I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo. "So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us." 


On Sunday we will focus on choosing what we can control and that is living in hope. Hope emerges as we lean on each other hope emerges as we lean on one another for support. By choosing to extend a helping hand, we not only strengthen our own resolve but also kindle sparks of hope in those around us, proving that together, we can navigate even the darkest of times. 


Join us this Sunday for a message about the power of Hope.

READ THE BULLETIN


DEVOTIONAL MOMENT


When others hate, may you love.

When others curse, may you bless.

When others hurt, may you heal.

When others divide, may you unite.

When others rage, may you calm.

When others deny, may you affirm.

You are a servant of the light.

You need not be afraid of darkness.

God will strengthen you to carry on with your work 

to faithfully follow Jesus:

to love the stranger, to love your enemy, to love your neighbor.

  Amen


Based on a prayer by Steven Charleston, Native American Theologian and former Episcopal Bishop of Alaska

Do You See Who I See?

By Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes • December 9, 2025
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.

Do You Hear What I Hear?

By Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes • December 1, 2025
Listening for God’s song in the season

Do You See What I See?

By Rev. Richard Brendan • November 26, 2025
Light in Unexpected Places

A Spirit of Thanksgiving

By Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes • November 18, 2025
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.

A Ripple of Love: Joleen’s Stewardship Story at The Garden

By Joleen House • November 17, 2025
How hugs, service, and fellowship shaped one Gardener’s spiritual journey

Feeding the Hungry Heart

By Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes • November 11, 2025
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.

The Rewards of Service and Stewardship

By Mike Ransom • November 4, 2025
Discover why longtime member Mike Ransom pledges to support The Garden. In this interview, he reflects on decades of service, the joy of giving, and how stewardship and advocacy for the hungry have shaped his faith and community life.

Christmas Baskets for Fletcher Place

November 3, 2025
Donations of Baskets of Home Necessities

The Garden On the GO

By Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes • November 3, 2025
Join us this Sunday as we dive into the first part of our stewardship theme, “The Garden on the Go.” We’ve experienced what it means to be a church on the move, embracing change and sharing our faith through multiple transitions in recent years. These shifts have stretched us, but they’ve also reminded us that God’s Spirit is not bound to one place or one way of being. We are not alone in this journey; the early church blazed a trail before us, spreading the love of God without the confines of a permanent building. This history shows us that faith is not tied to walls or structures, but to the spirit and values embodied by the teachings and example of Jesus, which we seek to apply in our daily lives and in our community. Together, we’ll explore the essential nature of being a community, discovering how we can embody a vibrant faith that travels with us wherever we go. This is a chance to imagine how our daily lives—our homes, workplaces, and neighborhoods—can become sacred spaces of connection, witness, and loving transformation. Don’t miss this opportunity to reflect on how we can be a people who actively share our journey of faith in all places and at all times, carrying the light of God’s love into every corner of our lives.

Remember Me

By Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes • October 28, 2025
All Saint's Day