Sunday, October 5, 2025

Reaching In — Reaching Out

“Disturb us, Lord, when we are too well pleased with ourselves,
when our dreams have come true because we have dreamed too little;
when we arrived safely because we sailed too close to the shore…
Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly, to venture on wider seas…”
— attributed to Sir Francis Drake (1577)

As autumn deepens, the air grows crisper, the leaves begin to fall, and the spirit of the season stirs within us. In the midst of economic hardship, uncertainty, and division, Christians are called to embody a faith that is dynamic and outward-looking.

We are invited first to reach inward — to pray, reflect, to let God stir in our hearts. Then, renewed, we are to reach outward — to act compassionately, generously, and bravely in the world around us.

Think of those walking difficult paths — people with no assurance of a next meal, those unemployed or ill, or even those wrestling with doubt or despair. In small and large ways, we are called to let Christ’s love flow through us: a hot meal for someone homebound, a warm coat or blanket for someone in need, a listening ear or helping hand.

This is stewardship lived in its truest form — caring for all God’s creation (ourselves, our neighbors, and the earth). It’s about giving not just of our money, but of our presence, our hands, our hearts.

As the Church year begins anew, it’s a fitting time to reflect on how each of us might offer what we can — time, talent, treasure. May our gifts help Holy Family become not just a building or institution, but a “body in Christ,” alive to the world’s pain and hope.

Thank you for all that you give, seen and unseen. The returns may not appear on a balance sheet — but the rewards, in eternity, are beyond measure.

Your faithful servant,
Carmen

This Sunday & Worship Teams

Sunday, October 5, 9:30 am

  • Celebrant: The Rev. Carmen Viola
  • Deacon: The Rev. Deacon Naomi Cressman
  • Organist: Bob Frederick
  • Altar Guild: Madeline Juliano
  • Usher: Rocky Vitucci
  • LEM / Acolyte: Nicole Juliano
  • Old Testament & Psalm Reader: Chris Botto
  • New Testament Reader: Chris Botto
  • Counters: DeSha Viola & Bob Frederick
  • Coffee Hour Host: Bonnie Stoll
  • Vestry Person of the Month: Elaine Bryan

Sunday, October 12, 9:30 am (roles listed in the newsletter)
Vestry Person of the Month remains Elaine Bryan

If you’d like to volunteer for any opening, please reach out to the office or Nicole.

How You Can Engage & Serve

🧡 Blessing of the Animals

Sunday, October 5 (After 9:30 am worship)
Bring your pets; all are welcome.

God Talk — The Heart of Discipleship

Begins Sunday, October 19, 11:00 am
A conversation series exploring what it means to live as a disciple today — how to listen for God, embody transformation, and live beyond Sunday.

Messy Church

Saturday, October 11
A family-friendly, creative worship gathering.

First Friday Free Community Lunch

Friday, October 3 | 12:00 – 1:30 pm | Parish Hall
Free warm meal for all. You can help by:

  • Volunteering (serving, greeting, cleanup)
  • Bringing a dish or dessert
  • Donating funds to keep the effort going

Monthly Outreach: Non-Food Necessities

Our shelves are nearly bare.
Please consider picking up extras when you shop — items like:

  • Toilet paper, paper towels, tissues
  • Dish soap
  • Bars of soap, shampoo

Your donations make real difference in lives.

Fall Camden Convocation Meeting

Sunday, October 19, 4:00 pm | St. Bartholomew’s, Cherry Hill
Includes elections and diocesan updates.

242nd Diocesan Convention

November 21–22, 2025 | Christ Church, Toms River
Clergy and Lay Deputies are encouraged to attend (in person or via Zoom).
Registration open until Nov 14.

A Few Important Reminders

  • Scam Awareness: Be alert to fraudulent emails or texts claiming to be from clergy asking for money or gift cards.
    • Carmen, Naomi, and the church will never solicit funds via personal texts or emails.
    • If a message seems suspicious, please verify with the church office before responding.
  • Giving Options:
    • Secure online giving via Vanco
    • PayPal donations

Mark Your Calendar

  • Recurring:
    • Sunday Worship, 9:30 am
    • AA Meeting, Sunday evenings at 6:30 pm
  • Upcoming Events:
    • Oct 3: First Friday Lunch
    • Oct 5: Blessing of the Animals
    • Oct 11: Messy Church
    • Oct 12: Vestry Meeting
    • Oct 18: Trunk or Treat at Sterling High School
    • Oct 19: God Talk & Camden Convocation
    • Nov 21–22: Diocesan Convention