Walking on Water
On Sunday, Holy Family students gathered for our VBS=style Sunday school program. Youth Group members read three different Gospel accounts of Jesus walking on water.
The students worked together to create sidewalk paintings of the chosen scripture using cups of water.
Students also stepped into a tray of water to “walk on water” representing their intent to follow Jesus.
They created water footprints along the cross-shaped path that leads to the front door of Holy Family. Our unit on The Miracles of Jesus continues this fall.
No Power? No Problem!
With the appearance of large construction equipment on the church grounds comes the potential for unexpected changes to our regular routine. This week we were surprised by the total loss of power in the church building but used it as an opportunity to get creative and look for the silver lining in any situation. Our 8 AM service was held using candles in the sanctuary, and our 9 AM Adult Forum group met as usual.
It was a glorious day, so we held our 10 AM service in our newly-created outdoor chapel.
Special thanks are extended to Aspen Group for providing coffee and donuts during our hospitality time.
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.