Tools 4 School 2017
During our 10 AM worship service, The Reverend John Conners blessed our ingathering of school supplies that will donated to area children in need. Father John also blessed all students, teachers, bus drivers, school staff, and administrators for a safe and productive school year. For more information about ways to support school children in need, email Jolene Johnston at jjohnston@hfec.org.
O Eternal God, bless all schools, colleges, and universities, that they may be lively centers for sound learning, new discovery, and the pursuit of wisdom; and grant that those who teach and those who learn may find you to be the source of all truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer)
Mission in the Mountains: Called to Serve
On Sunday, July 9th, Father John Conners commissioned the ten youth and four adults that will travel to Johnson City, TN on this year’s Mission in the Mountains trip. This mission trip is part of the larger Holy Family Youth Exchange program created with help from Youth Ministry Grant Initiative funds from the Center for Congregations.
We encourage you to join the Mission in the Mountains journey by following HFECyouthgroup on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. More information about the Youth Exchange program as well as photos and video from the 2016 trip are available by clicking HERE. Please contact Youth Director Marty Blake with questions about Holy Family’s youth group program. mblake@hfec.org
“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30
Youth Group Leadership Development
Six members of HFEC youth group and two invited guests gathered for a pizza dinner and leadership development activities Sunday night. The leadership activities were part of Mobile Team Challenge low ropes course. Mobile Team Challenge was purchased for HFEC youth group to use for leadership development with the grant funds provided by Youth Mission Grant Initiative (YMGI). The equipment will be used by the youth group for meetings, lock-ins, and mission trips, including the upcoming trip to Johnson City, Tennessee in July. The eight youth participated in four different activities facilitated by youth leaders Marty Blake and Jolene Johnston. The core focus of these activities is to develop our youth through mind, body, and spirit. For more information about Holy Family’s youth group activities, please contact Youth Director Marty Blake. mblake@hfec.org
Pentecost 2017
On Saturday, June 3rd, Holy Family held it’s annual Pentecost celebration. This year our prayer service was organized by our own Deacon Cathy Scott. Music was provided by the youth of Holy Family led by guitarist Connor Wilson.
The Pentecost prayer service was held in our outdoor chapel. It was a hot day – we certainly felt the heat of the Holy Spirit!
An unusual feature of this year’s service was the reading of a portion of Acts 2 in multiple languages. Readers, shown above, were Jolene Johnston (Polish), Dan Chillemi (Spanish), Ian Johnston (French), Bob Murray (Italian), and Kristine Canter (German.)
Following the prayer service we held our traditional “Tongues of Fire” pitch-in picnic with entree items grilled by members of our Brotherhood of St. Andrew chapter. Families enjoyed the beautiful weather, played frisbee, and kids jumped in the bounce house. It was an incredible day of food, fellowship, and the fire of the Holy Spirit. For more information about upcoming events at Holy Family, please contact our church office. admin@hfec.org
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
2017 Lenten Lock-In
On March 24th, members of Holy Family’s Youth Group hosted a Lenten Lock-In for 21 students from our community. Please CLICK HERE to view photos and descriptions of all the activities shared by our youth. For more information about Holy Family’s Youth Group, please contact Youth Director Marty Blake. mblake@hfec.org
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper 2017
On February 28th, Holy Family’s Youth Group hosted its annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper fundraiser.
Our kitchen crew, made up of primarily Brotherhood of St. Andrew members, cooks up a feast including four kinds of pancakes plus sausage, applesauce, and beverages,
Holy Family is delighted to serve congregation members and guests of all ages.
Midway through the event, we paused to participate in a liturgy to burn the palms used to create ashes for our Ash Wednesday service.
Some of our youngest participants watched from the comfort of our parish hall. The Youth Group members would like to thank those who volunteered as well as everyone who attended to support the event.
Our Ash Wednesday service will be held at 7 PM and is open to all.
Coffeehouse Talent Show 2017
On Saturday, February 4th, members of the Holy Family Youth Group hosted their first Coffeehouse Talent Show.
Visitors were treated to delicious desserts and beverages while enjoying musical performances by youth group students and parents.
This event serves as a fundraiser for youth group activities including their yearly mission trip. More information about the Holy Family Youth Group can be obtained by emailing Youth Director Marty Blake. mblake@hfec.org
Pancake Supper 2017
Tickets will be on sale on Sundays at church. Please look for our Youth Group members near the parish hall during coffee hour.
Youth Group Waycross Retreat – Fall 2016
Holy Family Youth Group
In November 2016, fourteen youth and four adult chaperones from Holy Family attended the Episcopal Diocesan Youth Retreat held at Waycross Camp and Conference Center in Brown County, Indiana. Holy Family’s deacon, the Reverend Cathy Scott, served as the retreat chaplain. Students spent time discussing the weekend’s theme “From Stress to Success” and participating in a variety of worship services and fellowship activities. For more information about Holy Family’s youth group activities, contact Youth Director Marty Blake at mblake@hfec.org.
Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis Youth