Helping the Homeless
During Sunday school on April 29th, students in preschool through high school helped to pack supply bags for the homeless. They talked at length about the challenges faced by the homeless and how specific items in the bags can be comfort items or even save lives.
Youth Group member Mikaila Blake and her friend Lauren Crimm organized the outreach project. They also consulted Holy Family’s deacon, The Reverend Cathy Scott, for suggestions about distributing the bags. Deacon Cathy also helped secure additional donations of items from St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Carmel. Mikaila had the following to contribute:
“We decided to start a project to help the homeless in Downtown Indianapolis. We have always desired to make a difference no matter how big or small. A few months ago we started a Go Fund Me campaign so we could buy items that people like you and I take for granted. We raised around $350. With that money we bought dried fruit, water, drawstring bags, snacks, socks, deodorant, and dry shampoo. We also received items from our schools, CRU (Campus Crusade for Christ), family members, and St. Christopher’s Youth Group in Carmel. We appreciate all of the help and are very blessed to be able to do this for others!”
The bags were blessed by The Reverend Bob Dekker who celebrated Eucharist at Holy Family this week. For more information about ways to help the homeless, please contact our Deacon, the Reverend Cathy Scott. cscott@hfec.org
Welcome, Stepping Stones Preschool!
On Wednesday, April 26th, Holy Family hosted an open house to welcome the children and families of Stepping Stones Child Development Center, Inc. led by owner and Director Jenn Norris. (Pictured above are Senior Warden Ben Paden, Director Jenn Norris, and Children’s Ministry Director Jolene Johnston.) Stepping Stones has operated as an in-home preschool since 2003 and is partnering with Holy Family provide a new learning environment for its children.
Children and their parents met with church staff, enjoyed hospitality, and took a tour of the building and spaces that will be utilized by the preschool program.
We enjoyed the beautiful evening and gathered outside to play before going home. More information about Stepping Stones Child Development Center, Inc. is available by clicking HERE.
Girl Scout Sunday 2017
Girl Scouts Sunday was celebrated on Sunday, March 12, 2017. Girl Scouts Day commemorates the day in 1912 when Juliette Gordon Low founded the very first girl troop of scouts with 18 girl members in Savannah, Georgia. It is also known as the birthday of the girl scouts. The week surrounding Girl Scouts Day is Girl Scout Week, also including Girl Scout Sunday and Girl Scout Sabbath. Father Steve Giovangelo offered a blessing for girl scouts and leaders on Sunday. You may view Father Steve’s blessing HERE. For more information about Holy Family, please contact our office. admin@hfec.org
Advent 2016: Family Program
During Advent this year, Holy Family’s Junior Daughters of the King chapter led a family Advent program on Wednesday evenings. Families took turns supplying a soup supper, and activities were led by Jr. DOK leaders Ruth Everett and Kristine Canter. It was a special way to reflect on the weekly Advent themes and spend time with our church family.
Disciples Class: Climb Time
On a brisk evening in December, members of our Disciples Sunday school class gathered for an evening of fun and fellowship at Climb Time in Fishers. Students enjoyed time climbing while parent chaperones belayed ropes for them. The students and parents also presented Mrs. Galvin with a goodbye gift. As Father Mike retires in January, we wish the Galvin family many blessings on their new adventures. More information about our Sunday school programs for children can be found by clicking here or emailing jjohnston@hfec.org.
Jr. DOK Prayer Hike
On October 9th, seven of the Mary & Martha Jr. Daughters of the King picnicked at and hiked through Ritchey Woods in Fishers. It was a beautiful afternoon as their co-directresses led them on a nature walk and discussed the day’s homily. The event ended with a discussion of upcoming activities and plans for the rest of the year. For more information about our Jr. Daughters of the King chapter, please contact Ruth Everett or Kristine Canter at mmjrdok@gmail.com.
Back to Church Sunday 2016
On Sunday, August 14th. Holy Family held its annual Back to Church Sunday. On this day, all 9 AM Christian Education programming resumes for the school year, and the choir returns to the 10 AM worship service. It’s an exciting day when youth and adults gather together to share tales of their summer adventures, refreshed and renewed for another leg of their spiritual journey together.
Sunday school classes are offered for children who are three years old through high school. Parents may contact Jolene Johnston, Director of Children’s Ministry at jjohnston@hfec.org or Marty Blake, Director of Youth Ministry at mblake@hfec.org. Registration cards are required for all children who participate in our Sunday school and childcare offerings including nursery. Adult Forum offers a variety of presentations at the same time as Sunday school for children and youth.
Pentecost – Celebration Sunday
On Sunday, May 15th, Holy Family observed the Feast of Pentecost with a variety of celebrations. During our 8 AM service we recognized Amy Mundie for nearly twenty years of service to the children and families of our church as Nursery Leader. Deacon Cathy and Father Mike presented Amy with flowers and a certificate of appreciation.
During the 10 AM service we recognized our 2016 high school graduates. Each student described his or her current school and plans for the future.
As it tradition at Holy Family, each student was awarded a bible and a prayer shawl created by crafters in the congregation. Father Mike blessed them and encouraged them to keep their “Holy Family” close in their prayers.
Father Mike also recognized and blessed all Christian education teachers and childcare workers during the 10 AM service. Many congregation members wore red in the spirit of Pentecost. Cheery balloons floated above the chairs. Finally, Father Mike shared one of his favorite prayers for the Feast of Pentecost.
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful
and kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
And You shall renew the face of the earth.
and kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
And You shall renew the face of the earth.
O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit,
did instruct the hearts of the faithful,
grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise
and ever enjoy His consolations,
Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
Disciples: Hospitality Hosts
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Students from our Disciples Sunday school class gathered recently to prepare snacks for a special hospitality brunch. They enjoy working together to serve others, particularly with food preparation.
Kids Helping Kids
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On Saturday, March 5th, students in preschool through third grade helped pack up needed hygiene items into bundles for children in area schools. This project was created by MAASK, a local organization that wanted to find meaningful ways for young children to participate in hands-on service projects. While this organization leads other activities, one of its most important goals was to provide these opportunities for young children and their families. Many local outreach projects require a minimum age of 16 or even older. This event was organized in such a way that even our littlest lambs could participate.
Holy Family’s Godly Play and Believers classes plan to adopt this project for two area schools in the coming year. To contribute monetary donations to this outreach project, please submit a check with HYGIENE BUNDLES in the memo line. You may also make a donation using our online payment link. The congregation is also invited to participate in packing supply bundles – our newsletter will announce future events. Please contact Jolene Johnston for more information. jjohnston@hfec.org
