Sunday School: We’re All in This Together!
Holy Family celebrated its “Back to Church Sunday” with the return of Sunday school programming for children in preschool through high school. Due to the upcoming City of God building project, we decided to engage all children and youth in a VBS-style program that will continue throughout construction. The first unit this fall will present scripture and activities based on the miracles of Jesus. Youth Group students partnered with younger children to assist with many activities.
For this activity, each student directed a blindfolded partner through a course of “life’s obstacles” and found many ways to reach their desired goal. Bible stories described Jesus healing the blind.
Our second activity challenged students to assist their partners in traveling across the room when they didn’t have use of their legs. Our bible story described four men carrying their paralyzed friend to Jesus to be healed. Additional miracles stories will be shared this fall.
City of God: Groundbreaking Liturgy
Bishop Catherine Waynick turns over a shovel of dirt during groundbreaking ceremonies at Holy Family Episcopal Church on Wednesday. The renovations to existing buildings and expansion into new space will impact nearly 9,600 square feet of space at the church. Pictured (L to R) Bob Gray of Aspen Group, The Rt. Rev. Catherine Waynick, The Rev. Cathy Scott and Rector, The Rev. Michael Galvin.
Following groundbreaking by The Rt. Rev. Catherine Waynick, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis, other leaders joined in. Pictured (L to R) Bryan Luce, Holy Family Senior Warden, Charles Forman, Envision Committee Co-Chair, Doug Franklin, Aspen Group Architect, Bishop Waynick, Bob Gray, Aspen Group Project Coordinator, The Rev. Cathy Scott, Deacon, The Rev. Michael Galvin, Rector.
Music was provided by members of Holy Family’s youth group, guitarist Ethan Everett, and soloist Hillary Blake.
Aspen Group Architect Doug Franklin explains some of the design features of the church expansion to members of the congregation. A complete listing of City of God articles and information can be found HERE.
Care Package Ministry – A Note from Alaska
Holy Family’s Care Package Ministry kicked off the new year with a bundle of notes and treats to one of our congregation members who is spending several months volunteering in Alaska. Mara describes her care package and how it made her feel in a thoughtful blog post that you can read by clicking HERE. Come home soon, Mara!
“Unconditional love and support is nothing to take for granted and something
that we miss terribly when we are away.” – Mara Yachik
that we miss terribly when we are away.” – Mara Yachik
End Racism Sunday
Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori and President of the House of Deputies the Reverend Gay Clark Jennings have issued a letter calling on Episcopal congregations to participate in “Confession, Repentance, and Commitment to End Racism Sunday” on September 6th. Father Mike read this letter aloud during our 8 AM and 10 AM services. You may read the Presiding Bishop’s letter by clicking HERE.
City of God Contract Complete
Holy Family Episcopal Church executes a construction contract with Aspen Group, for the expansion of multi-purpose space and remodeling of existing space. This project will impact nearly 9,300 square feet of space at the church. Pictured (L to R) Bryan Luce, Senior Warden, The Rev. Michael Galvin, Rector, and Bob Gray representing Aspen Group.
More information about our City of God building project can be found HERE.
Welcome back, Father Mike!
Today the Reverend Michael Galvin, Rector, rejoined his congregation at Holy Family following a fourteen week summer sabbatical. Father Mike spent time in Europe as well as the United States in a time of spiritual and physical renewal.
Our “holy village” was extremely excited to have Father Mike back in church with us.
Father Mike spent some time greeting congregation members and visitors and chatting.
Holy Family’s Hannah chapter of the Order of the Daughters of the King hosted a delicious hospitality hour following the 10 AM service to welcome Father Mike. Members of the 8 AM service also provided treats between our Sunday services. Father Mike plans to share stories from his sabbatical during a 9 AM Adult Forum presentation in September. Details will be posted shortly.
Community Garden in the News
The Holy Family Community Garden was featured in the August 25th issue of the Fishers Current newspaper. Providing fresh produce to the Come to Me Food Pantry at Fishers United Methodist Church is what first spurned the garden’s creation. The garden first welcomed area gardeners in 2011 and has expanded nearly every year since. You may view the article by clicking HERE.