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.food 2
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A Word to the Church: Holy Week 2016

Dear Friends of Holy Family,
This afternoon, Bishop Cate released a letter from the House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church.  Please see that letter below, and do pray for our nation.
Blessings,
Fr. Mike+
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Episcopal Bishops Issue A Word to the Church

“We reject the idolatrous notion that we can ensure the safety of some by sacrificing the hopes of others.”

March 15, 2016
The House of Bishops of The Episcopal Church, meeting in retreat, unanimously approved the following Word To The Church.

A Word to the Church, Holy Week 2016

“We reject the idolatrous notion that we can ensure the safety of some by sacrificing the hopes of others.”

On Good Friday the ruling political forces of the day tortured and executed an innocent man. They sacrificed the weak and the blameless to protect their own status and power. On the third day Jesus was raised from the dead, revealing not only their injustice but also unmasking the lie that might makes right.

In a country still living under the shadow of the lynching tree, we are troubled by the violent forces being released by this season’s political rhetoric. Americans are turning against their neighbors, particularly those on the margins of society. They seek to secure their own safety and security at the expense of others. There is legitimate reason to fear where this rhetoric and the actions arising from it might take us.

In this moment, we resemble God’s children wandering in the wilderness. We, like they, are struggling to find our way. They turned from following God and worshiped a golden calf constructed from their own wealth. The current rhetoric is leading us to construct a modern false idol out of power and privilege. We reject the idolatrous notion that we can ensure the safety of some by sacrificing the hopes of others. No matter where we fall on the political spectrum, we must respect the dignity of every human being and we must seek the common good above all else.

We call for prayer for our country that a spirit of reconciliation will prevail and we will not betray our true selves.

The Episcopal Church House of Bishops met in retreat March 11 – 15 at Camp Allen Conference Center in Navasota, TX.

The Episcopal Church

Episcopal Bishops Issue A Word to the Church



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
 
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Note from a Neighbor

Steeple moon

Hello,

I just wanted to let you know that I was so happy to see the steeple back up. We had missed it so much.  It’s like a beacon seen throughout the neighborhood. It gives me such a calming feeling when I see it from our balcony. A sense of gratefulness washes over me. Your new addition looks very nice as well and am sure your parishioners are very thankful for that.

God Bless!  (Love the steeple at night)
Jane
(a Holy Family neighbor)