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 welcome to attend the September Vestry Meeting. Come learn more about the life and ministry of our parish, listen, share ideas, and participate in the future of our church community.

Vestry members: Please remember to check your mailboxes for important information for the meeting.

All are welcome and invited!

💬 God Talk: The Heart of Discipleship

Sunday, September 20 • 11:00 AM

You love Jesus. You read your Bible. You pray.

But what does it really mean to live as a disciple in today’s complicated world?

Come for the conversation. Stay for the community. Leave with a faith that feels alive.

Join us at Holy Family for another thoughtful and engaging God Talk conversation.

🤲 Saturday Outreach — September 19

Our cupboards are bare, and the need is great.

Our monthly Saturday Outreach provides bags of essential household items to people in our community.

You can help by adding an extra item to your shopping cart:

🧻 Toilet paper
🧻 Paper towels
🤧 Tissues
🧴 Dish liquid
🧼 Bath soap
🧴 Shampoo

Every donation helps us extend Christ’s love beyond the walls of our church.

🎨 Messy Church Is Back!

Saturday, October 10 • 3:00 PM

Save the date for our next Messy Church!

Our August gathering brought together 39 people for an afternoon filled with storytelling, crafts, games, food, fellowship, and fun as we explored the Wedding at Cana.

Participants created crafts, decorated cupcakes, experimented with water, enjoyed outdoor games, and celebrated together. We also assembled 20 “birthday parties in a bag” for families in need through The Unforgotten Haven.

That’s what Messy Church is all about: faith, fellowship, service—and plenty of fun!

Watch for details about our October gathering.

🍲 First Friday Lunch

Friday, October 2 • Noon–1:30 PM

Holy Family Parish Hall

A warm meal. Good conversation. New friends. A welcoming table.

First Friday Lunch is free and everyone is invited!

Seniors, students, busy parents, neighbors new and old—come break bread with us and enjoy fellowship around the table.

Want to help? We can use volunteers to:

Serve and set up
Greet guests
Pour drinks
Clear tables
Bring a dish or dessert
Make a donation to help keep the ministry going

Come hungry. Leave connected. ❤️

🥪 Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich Ministry

Saturday, October 24

Holy Family is preparing 200 sandwiches for people in need, and we need your help!

Donations Needed:

🥜 Creamy peanut butter
🍇 Grape jelly
🍞 Bread — 20 loaves for each event

Volunteers are also needed to help assemble the sandwiches.

Every sandwich shared is a simple act of love.

😂 Comedy Night at Holy Family!

Saturday, November 7, 2026

Doors Open: 6:30 PM • Show Begins: 7:00 PM

Get ready for a night of clean comedy, laughter, and community!

Three local professional comedians will take the stage at Holy Family Episcopal Church for an evening that's perfect for:

😂 Date night
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family and friends
🎉 Small groups
💼 Coworkers
❤️ Anyone who wants to support Holy Family's ministries

🎟️ Tickets

Individual: $25
Group Special: 4 tickets for $80

Bring your friends, neighbors, coworkers, and family. The more, the merrier!

For tickets, volunteering, or questions, contact the church office at office@holyfamilynj.org.

⚠️ Stay Scam Aware

Please continue to be alert for fraudulent emails and text messages pretending to come from Holy Family clergy or the church.

Carmen and Naomi will never send personal emails or texts asking for money or gift cards.

If you receive a suspicious message:

Don't respond. Don't send money. Verify first.

Contact the church office or clergy directly if you are unsure whether a message is legitimate.

💚 Come. Worship. Learn. Serve. Connect.

Holy Family is more than a Sunday morning gathering.

It is a place to pray together, learn together, serve our neighbors, share a meal, make new friends, and grow in God's love.

Whether you've been part of Holy Family for years or you're just discovering us, there is a place for you here.

⛪ Sunday Worship

Holy Eucharist • 9:30 AM

📍 Holy Family Episcopal Church

233 Fairmount Avenue
Laurel Springs, NJ 08021