🌟 What’s New This Week Our latest weekly e-news edition is now live and packed with inspiration, announcements, and ways to connect. Check it out here: 👉 Growing God’s Holy Family – Weekly Update Here’s a taste of what’s inside: Highlights from worship, fellowship and service opportunities Invitation to our inter-generational “Messy Church” gatherings Ways you can serve in our “Essential Sacks” outreach for neighbors in need Reflections and scripture prompts to deepen your faith walk Why It Matters In a world where many feel disconnected, our church offers genuine belonging. As one neighbor described it: “Very friendly there. Welcoming. And plenty of ways to be involved in things.” nextdoor.com We’ve seen friendships forged, spiritual journeys begin, and lives shift in small and meaningful ways.

This week at Holy Family Episcopal Church, we celebrate community, compassion, and gratitude as we move deeper into the fall season. 🍂 Join us as we worship, serve, and grow together in faith. ✨ Inside this week’s newsletter: Carmen's reflection for November Upcoming events and outreach opportunities Formation opportunities Ways to give and get involved 👉 Read the full newsletter here: https://mailchi.mp/holyfamilynj.org/growing-gods-holy-family-11022025 📅 Join us Sunday at 9:30 AM for worship — all are welcome at Holy Family!

Do you ever pause and notice the rainbow after a rainstorm — a simple yet profound reminder of hope, presence and love? That image resonated deeply for our writer in the recent newsletter from Holy Family Episcopal Church in Laurel Springs, NJ. Read the full piece here: Growing God’s Holy Family. 🎨 A Palette of Memory and Meaning In “A Rainbow of Color,” the author reflects on the passing of their sister — a vibrant soul whose life felt like a coat of many colors, whose laughter and generosity left a visible stroke of love on the canvas of those around her. The moment of a rainbow appearing during the homeward drive became a symbol: she was still with us, in every glint of light. It’s a beautiful reminder that grief and joy often walk hand in hand, and that noticing the small miracles brings healing. 🔔 Shining Our Light in Real Ways The newsletter highlights community-events where the church’s light is actually shining: Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich Making – On Saturday, October 25t

🌿 Growing God’s Holy Family — more than just a monthly update, it’s an invitation to walk deeper into faith, community, and action. Read the full newsletter here: https://mailchi.mp/holyfamilynj.org/growing-gods-holy-family-1092025 Mailchimp 💙 Thoughts & Reflections: Caring for Those Who Carry the World Have you ever stopped to think how your favorite tee, your phone, or your morning coffee made its journey across the seas before reaching your hands? Nearly 90% of the world’s goods travel by sea, carried by crews of seafarers — often unseen, often unsung. Mailchimp These men and women spend months away from home, confronting isolation, language barriers, and restrictive port rules. The Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI) steps into that gap, offering spiritual support, advocacy, and practical help (WiFi, phone cards, transportation). Mailchimp Holy Family is rallying to support SCI — here’s how we can help: Donate essential items (warm hats, socks, lotion, razor, playing cards, etc.) Mai

Sunday, October 5, 2025 Reaching In — Reaching Out “Disturb us, Lord, when we are too well pleased with ourselves, when our dreams have come true because we have dreamed too little; when we arrived safely because we sailed too close to the shore… Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly, to venture on wider seas…” — attributed to Sir Francis Drake (1577) As autumn deepens, the air grows crisper, the leaves begin to fall, and the spirit of the season stirs within us. In the midst of economic hardship, uncertainty, and division, Christians are called to embody a faith that is dynamic and outward-looking. We are invited first to reach inward — to pray, reflect, to let God stir in our hearts. Then, renewed, we are to reach outward — to act compassionately, generously, and bravely in the world around us. Think of those walking difficult paths — people with no assurance of a next meal, those unemployed or ill, or even those wrestling with doubt or despair. In small and large ways, we are called

This Sunday at Holy Family: Instructed Eucharist On Sunday, September 28th at 9:30 am, Holy Family will celebrate an Instructed Eucharist. Our regular worship service will be narrated with explanations to help us explore the meaning behind Episcopal traditions and practices. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more deeply about why we worship the way we do. All are invited to attend—and friends are always welcome! Looking ahead, October will be full of additional opportunities for both learning and worship. Be sure to check out our weekly news for details: Growing God’s Holy Family, September 28, 2025.