Blog - Holy Family Episcopal Church

Outdoor Eucharist & Parish Picnic: Spring 2016

Posted on May 23, 2016 in Fellowship, General, Worship |

On Saturday, May 21st, Holy Family held its annual spring outdoor Eucharist and parish picnic. We began by celebrating in the outdoor chapel with music provided by youth group members. Following the service, we enjoyed a pitch-in picnic with offerings from the congregation and items grilled by our Brotherhood of St. Andrew members. The rest of the evening was spent in fellowship outdoors. Our children bounced and ran and played together. Our next regularly-scheduled outdoor event will be held in September and will be announced when details are confirmed.

Pentecost – Celebration Sunday

Posted on May 17, 2016 in Children, Christian Education, General, Worship | Tags: Graduation, Pentecost, Teachers

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.

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.

Medical Mutts Presentation

Posted on May 16, 2016 in Christian Education, General |

Mobile users – please CLICK HERE to view the entire post with more photographs.

On Sunday, May 15th Holy Family hosted a special presentation by Medical Mutts Dr. Jennifer Cattet, owner and dog trainer, shared helpful information about patients with “invisible diseases” such as diabetes and seizure disorders which are often aided by the use of service dogs. She and her husband, Jack Topham, shared personal stories about the training techniques used with their dogs as well as the amazing physiology of canines that allow them to serve in such an important life-saving role.

At Medical Mutts, they are passionate about helping patients with health issues work with a dog to assist them in handling their medical needs. Because trainers at Medical Mutts only work with dogs from shelters, they strive to help good dogs find a new life while providing options for patients in need of an alert to potential emergencies due to diabetes, seizures, PTSD, or other medical needs.

Medical Mutt Tyson demonstrated service dog skills such as “nose-touching” a person to alert to low blood sugar and also showed how he can carry his own leash, or other items, if necessary. Dr. Cattet shared appropriate service dog etiquette with our congregation members which will be valuable information when one of our parishioners is partnered with a Medical Mutt in the near future. Please CLICK HERE for a PDF version of their service dog etiquette handout. For ways that you can help support Medical Mutts, please contact the church office. admin@hfec.org

YMGI Grant Proposal Submitted

Posted on May 2, 2016 in General, Outreach, Youth Group | Tags: YMGI

Grant signing

During the summer of 2016, Holy Family Episcopal Church will pilot the week-long Mission: United in Faith event for youth. This mission trip is part of the larger Episcopal Youth Exchange Program. The goals for this program are to provide experiences that will positively impact faith formation and develop the Episcopal identity of our youth.

The mission group will participate in team-building activities, worship services, urban and rural community outreach efforts, nature conservation activities, and educational experiences. We hope that this impact will lead to continued active church participation and a life guided by Christian values. We believe that the proposed programming will have a lasting impact not only on the youth, but also the entire congregation of Holy Family.

The Episcopal Youth Exchange Program is made possible by a Youth Ministry Grant Initiative from the Center for Congregations. The program was developed and directed by Holy Family member Rachelle Galvin. Signing the grant proposal, shown above, are Holy Family’s rector, The Reverend Michael Galvin and Senior Warden, Benjamin Paden.