💛 Faith, Fellowship & Serving Our Community
There’s a lot happening at Holy Family Episcopal Church, and this week’s Growing God’s Holy Family is filled with opportunities to worship, learn, serve, and connect with our neighbors. From praying for students and educators to preparing birthday celebrations for children in need, there are plenty of ways to put our faith into action.
⛪ Worship With Us
Join us Sunday, August 23 at 9:30 AM for Holy Eucharist.
Celebrant: The Rev. Carmen Viola
Deacon: The Rev. Naomi Cressman, DCN
And remember—worship at Holy Family is about more than Sunday morning. It’s an invitation to come together, share our gifts, and grow in faith throughout the week.
🎉 Messy Church: The Wedding at Cana
Saturday, August 29 at 3:00 PM
Our next Messy Church will explore The Wedding at Cana while giving us an opportunity to share God’s love beyond our church walls.
We’ll be assembling “Birthday Party in a Bag” kits for Unforgotten Haven, helping make sure children have the chance to celebrate their birthdays with joy.
Donations are needed by Sunday, August 23:
- 🎂 Yellow cake mix
- 🧁 Vanilla icing
- 🍪 Boxed cookies
- 💌 Unsigned children's birthday cards
Every donation can help make a child’s special day a little brighter!
🍲 First Friday Lunch Returns!
Friday, September 4 | Noon–1:30 PM | Parish Hall
Come hungry and leave with a full heart!
Our First Friday Lunch is a free community meal open to everyone—seniors, students, parents, neighbors, friends, and anyone who would enjoy good food and fellowship around the table.
There are plenty of ways to help, too: serve, greet guests, set up, bring a dish or dessert, or make a donation to support this ministry.
🎒 Help Local Students Start Strong
Holy Family is collecting school supplies for Laurel Springs Elementary School.
Needed items include crayons, colored pencils, pencils, erasers, pens, highlighters, notebooks, folders, binders, child-safe scissors, glue sticks, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, tissues, paper towels, and new backpacks.
Bring donations to Holy Family during Sunday worship or office hours.
“Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” – Matthew 18:5
A pencil may seem like a small gift, but to a child beginning a new school year, it can be a reminder that their community cares. ❤️
🥪 Sandwiches, Service & Simple Acts of Love
Holy Family volunteers are preparing 200 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for those in need.
Upcoming Sandwich-Making Dates
📅 August 22
📅 October 24
Donations of creamy peanut butter, grape jelly, and bread are welcome. Volunteers are also needed to help assemble the sandwiches.
As the newsletter reminds us, every sandwich shared is a simple act of love.
😂 Save the Date: Comedy Night!
Get ready for an evening of clean comedy, community, and plenty of laughs!
Saturday, November 7, 2026
🕡 Doors Open: 6:30 PM
🎤 Show Begins: 7:00 PM
📍 Holy Family Episcopal Church
233 Fairmount Avenue, Laurel Springs, NJ 08021
Three local professional comedians will take the stage for a fun night that's perfect for friends, family, coworkers, date night, or anyone who simply needs a good laugh.
🎟️ Individual tickets: $25
🎟️ 4-ticket special: $80
Bring your friends and neighbors and make a night of it! Tickets can be reserved through the QR code in the newsletter or by emailing office@holyfamilynj.org.
⚠️ Stay Scam Aware
Holy Family also reminds everyone to be cautious about fraudulent emails and text messages.
Scammers may pretend to be church leaders and ask for money, gift cards, or urgent financial assistance. Carmen and Naomi will never send personal emails or texts requesting money or donations.
If a message seems suspicious, don't respond. Contact the church office or church leaders directly to verify it.
📅 Mark Your Calendar
Saturday, August 22 – 11:00 AM | Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich Making
Saturday, August 29 – 3:00 PM | Messy Church
Friday, September 4 – Noon | First Friday Lunch
Sunday, September 13 – 11:00 AM | Vestry
Sunday, September 20 – 11:00 AM | God Talk: The Heart of Discipleship
❤️ Come. Worship. Learn. Serve. Laugh. Belong.
At Holy Family, faith isn't something we simply talk about on Sunday. It's something we live together—around the altar, around the table, in our schools, and throughout our community.
Whether you're looking for a place to worship, a way to serve, a meaningful conversation, or simply a welcoming community, there's a place for you at Holy Family.
Holy Family Episcopal Church
233 Fairmount Avenue
Laurel Springs, NJ 08021
🌐 holyfamilynj.org
