Upcoming Events and General Announcements

Movies With a Social Conscience: Join Holy Family for a monthly activity that focuses on movies with strong social justice themes. View the month’s designated movie on your own and then come together with others from Holy Family for a one-hour discussion of the themes and topics raised by the film. The August movie is “Son of the South” (rated PG-13, run time 2:05) which is available from many streaming services. Participants will discuss the movie VIA ZOOM on Wednesday, September 28th from 7-8 PM. For more information, contact Fr. Bruce by email to bgray@hfec.org.

Pet Blessing: On Sunday, October 2nd, the 10 AM service will take place at the Outdoor Chapel adjacent to the parking lot. The first part of the service will include a blessing of any pets in attendance, and the second part will be a simplified Holy Eucharist. This service will be very informal and is a great opportunity to invite new people to try Holy Family. All properly-restrained pets are welcome to be blessed in the chapel, and the clergy will be happy to bless them in their cars or trailers instead if that is preferred by their human. In the event of rain, the pet blessing and service will be held in the sanctuary. Please feel free to bring camp chairs, blankets, or beach towels to make your time in the outdoor chapel more comfortable. Holy Family welcomes all creatures great and small!

Game Night: The next gathering of Game Night is Friday, October 7th at 7 PM. The regular gathering time is the first Friday of the month at 7 PM. You don’t have to come every time, but you are certainly welcome! Feel free to bring games you are interested in playing. See you then!

Support for Kairos Ministry: Holy Family member Stephen Canter will be spending time with inmates and Jehoshua House re-entry ministry brothers and sisters at Hamilton County Jail by teaching Alpha Classes (a basic course in Christianity) in October. This program focuses on sharing God’s love, listening to the inmates, building up their spirits with love, and helping them successfully reenter the “outside word” after serving their sentences. Here are some ways that you can support this ministry:

Sign up to pray for Kairos participants.
Decorate a placemat or poster at church with messages of love and support.
Purchase approved snacks online for the event. Bring approved snacks to church by October 9th.
Make a financial donation through the church office payable to Kairos Prison Ministry.
Attend the closing ceremony from 12-3 PM on Sunday, October 16th at the Correctional Industrial Facility in Pendleton. Contact the church office for details. admin@hfec.org

“Generosity Sunday” Luncheon: To recognize the generous support of parishioners throughout the past year, Holy Family invites you to a luncheon and brief presentation in the Parish Hall following the 10 AM worship service on Sunday, October 9th. Come celebrate the generosity of members of the congregation and all who give of their time, talent, and treasure to support the ministries of Holy Family.

Reading the World Book Group: In an ongoing effort to explore the world through literature, the chosen reading for October will journey underwater! The book group will dive into a book published just this year, Remarkably Bright Creatures. It’s a story of a recently widowed woman (who also lost a son many years earlier) who falls into an amazing (and magical?) friendship with a captive -and wise- octopus, Marcellus, in the aquarium where she works. According to the reviews, first-time novelist, Shelby Van Pelt, has created a story that is both heart-warming and mysterious…and with an octopus as a central character, it’s likely to be a story of uncommon insight and magic! Pick up Remarkably Bright Creatures soon, then join the lively Zoom conversation on Wednesday, October 12th at 1 PM. To receive Zoom details, contact Bruce Gray or visit the book group webpage. bgray@hfec.org

Trunk or Treat: Holy Family will hold its annual Trunk or Treat event for children on Friday, October 28th from 6-7:30 PM. Kids (and grownups!) may dress up and walk safely around the Holy Family parish hall to visit themed displays (created by parish members and youth group students) while collecting candy and other treats. If you would like to host a themed display, please click HERE. For more ways that you can support this event, please contact Jolene Johnston.
jjohnston@hfec.org

School Supplies: Holy Family’s “Support a Teacher and Staff” team is tracking the supply needs of teachers and others at Fishers Elementary. Right now, there is a request for books for independent reading in a third grade class room. If you’re interested in donating a book from the teacher’s list, please see Susie Beard, Cathy Gray, or Jackie Pickens or contact the church office. admin@hfec.org If you’d like to make a financial donation toward the purchase of these books and other future requests for classroom needs from FES teachers, you can make your donation online (choose Support a Teacher Ministry in the drop down menu) or by placing your contribution in the offering plate on Sunday morning. Please specify that your donation is for Support a Teacher/Staff.

Mulch Madness: Bag and bulk mulch is on sale now. Bag mulch is available for pick-up in the church parking lot. Bulk mulch can be delivered on several dates in April or May or on a date of your choice. Proceeds benefit Holy Family outreach activities. Please contact Lorri in the church office for more information. admin@hfec.org

Township Food Pantry: The food pantry has asked for the following items: sugar, oil, flour, juice, peanut butter/jelly,

spaghetti sauce, rice, dried beans, canned fruit, crackers, oatmeal, cereal, household cleaners, laundry detergent, bleach, personal hygiene items. This list includes suggestions, but any canned or nonperishable item is gratefully received.