Faith, fellowship, and friends! ⛪ There’s lots happening at Holy Family Episcopal Church this fall. 📌 Coming Up at Holy Family 🐦🍂 LOOK AT THE BIRDS! — MESSY CHURCH 🍂🐦 📅 Saturday, October 10, 2026 ⏰ 3:00 PM 🗓️ October 11 at 11 AM: Monthly Vestry Meeting 📖 October 18 at 11 AM: God Talk — The Heart of Discipleship 😂 November 7 at 7 PM: Comedy Night! Doors open at 6:30 PM. 🙏 Read this week’s newsletter for reflections, outreach opportunities, upcoming events, and ways to share in the life of our church family. ❤️ Everyone is welcome! 🔗 Read the full newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/holyfamilynj.org/growing-gods-holy-family-october112026

✨ Faith in Action, Fellowship & Fall Fun! ✨ As autumn arrives, we’re reminded that faith is more than words—it’s how we care for one another, serve our neighbors, and share God’s love with our community. 💕 Read this week’s Growing God’s Holy Family for an inspiring reflection on “Reach In – Reaching Out” and discover simple ways to make a difference through kindness, generosity, and stewardship. 🐾 COMING UP AT HOLY FAMILY! 🐾 🍲 First Friday Free Lunch 🐶 Blessing of the Animals 🎨 Messy Church 🙏 God Talk: The Heart of Discipleship 😂 Comedy Night — November 7! Plus, find worship information, volunteer opportunities, outreach needs, and important upcoming Convocation and Diocesan Convention announcements. 💛 Small acts of kindness can make a BIG difference! Let’s continue reaching out in faith, sharing our gifts, and caring for all of God’s creation. 📖 Read the full newsletter here: https://mailchi.mp/holyfamilynj.org/growing-gods-holy-family-october42026 📍 Holy Family Episcopal C

💛 Faith. Fellowship. Service. Community. There is always something happening at Holy Family Episcopal Church! From worship and prayer to learning, serving our neighbors, sharing a meal, and simply having fun together, there are many ways to connect and grow as part of God’s Holy Family. Here’s what’s happening this week and what’s coming up! 🍂 Thoughts & Reflections: Taking Hospitality on the Road 🎃 Trunk or Treat! Holy Family’s Halloween Hospitality is hitting the road! As door-to-door trick-or-treating has declined and Trunk or Treat events have become increasingly popular, our Halloween Hospitality crew is once again taking part in the community celebration at Sterling High School. Last year was our first year participating, and we’re excited to return! Would you like to help make Halloween a little brighter for local families? Please see Cathy Brackin if you are interested in helping. ⛪ Worship Together Sunday, September 27 at 9:30 AM Join us this Sunday for Holy Eucharist as we

There is always something happening at Holy Family Episcopal Church! This week’s Growing God’s Holy Family newsletter brings together opportunities for worship, learning, fellowship, service, and plenty of ways to connect with our community. ✨ Faith & Reflection Take a moment to reflect on the life and wisdom of Hildegard of Bingen, a remarkable medieval mystic, composer, writer, healer, and spiritual leader. Her words remind us of the life-giving presence of God within creation. ⛪ Worship Together Join us Sunday mornings at 9:30 AM for Holy Eucharist. We’re grateful for all who serve our congregation through worship, music, hospitality, and fellowship. 💬 God Talk: The Heart of Discipleship What does it really mean to live as a disciple in today’s complicated world? Come for the conversation, stay for the community, and explore how faith can become more deeply woven into everyday life. The next discussion is Sunday, October 18 at 11:00 AM. 🎨 Messy Church: Faith, Fun & Service Our Aug

There is a season for breathing in—and a season for breathing out. As we begin a new season together at Holy Family, we are reminded that discipleship begins by making space for God. In this week’s reflection, “Deserts and Discipleship,” the Rev. Carmen Viola invites us to step away from the noise, breathe deeply, listen for God’s wisdom, and then return to the world ready to share God’s love with others. Breathe in. Receive God’s grace. Breathe out. Share God’s love. The desert can be a place of renewal—a place where we slow down, reconnect with God, and rediscover who we are beneath the demands of our busy lives. As we move into a new season, may we carry that spirit of renewal with us as we love God, love one another, and go make disciples. ⛪ Worship at Holy Family Sunday, September 13 • 9:30 AM Join us for Holy Eucharist as we gather in worship, prayer, and fellowship. Everyone is welcome! 🙏 September Vestry Meeting Sunday, September 13 • 11:00 AM All who attend Holy Family are we

🍂 A Season of New Beginnings, Faith & Community As September arrives, there’s a familiar feeling of new beginnings in the air. Cooler mornings, changing leaves, new routines, and the return to school remind us that life moves in seasons—and each season offers us an opportunity to begin again. In this week’s Growing God’s Holy Family, Cathy Brackin reflects on the ways these small changes can help us reorient our hearts and notice God’s presence in everyday life. Renewal doesn’t have to be dramatic. Sometimes it can be as simple as a morning walk that becomes a prayer, gathering around a table with friends, or watching a child discover something new about God. 🍁🙏 ⛪ Worship at Holy Family Join us Sunday, September 6 at 9:30 AM for Holy Eucharist, with the Rev. Carmen Viola as celebrant and the Rev. Naomi Cressman, DCN as deacon. And remember: Holy Family gathers every Sunday at 9:30 AM. Come as you are—there is always a place at the table. ❤️ 💬 God Talk Returns September 20 What does