🍂 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 it really mean to live as a disciple in today’s complicated world?
God Talk – The Heart of Discipleship continues Sunday, September 20 at 11:00 AM at Holy Family. Come for the conversation, stay for the community, and explore what it means to live out an active, alive faith.
🍲 First Friday Lunch — Everyone Is Welcome!
Our First Friday Lunch is Friday, September 4 from 12:00–1:30 PM in the Parish Hall. This warm, welcoming meal is free for everyone—seniors, students, parents, neighbors, friends, and anyone who would enjoy good food and fellowship.
There are lots of ways to help, too: serve, greet guests, bring a dish or dessert, or make a donation to keep this ministry going.
🧼 Saturday Outreach Needs Your Help
Our Outreach cupboards are running low. On Saturday, September 19, Holy Family will continue its monthly outreach distribution of bags filled with essential household items.
You can help by adding an extra item to your shopping cart, including:
🧻 Toilet paper
🧻 Paper towels
🧴 Tissues
🍽️ Dish liquid
🧼 Bath soap
🧴 Shampoo
Every donation helps Holy Family extend Christ’s love and care into our community.
🥪 Spread Kindness, One Sandwich at a Time
Holy Family is preparing 200 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for people in need. Donations of creamy peanut butter, grape jelly, and bread are needed, and volunteers are invited to help assemble the sandwiches.
📅 Next Sandwich Making Date: October 24
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 at 6:30 PM
🎤 Show begins at 7:00 PM
📍 Holy Family Episcopal Church
233 Fairmount Avenue, Laurel Springs, NJ
Tickets are $25 each or 4 for $80. Bring your family, friends, neighbors, or coworkers and make it a fun night out while supporting Holy Family’s ministries.
🚨 Stay Scam Aware
Holy Family is also reminding everyone to be cautious about fraudulent emails and text messages requesting money or gift cards. Messages appearing to come from Carmen, Naomi, or Holy Family may be scams. The newsletter emphasizes that Carmen and Naomi will not send personal emails or texts requesting money or donations. When in doubt, contact the church office directly before responding.
💛 Come, Connect & Grow With Us
September is a wonderful time to begin again, gather together, serve others, learn, worship, and make room for God’s grace.
Whether you join us around the Communion table, at First Friday Lunch, through Outreach, during God Talk, or at one of our upcoming community events, there is a place for you at Holy Family.
🌻 Love God. Love One Another. Change the World.
