Life can feel like waves—sometimes calm, sometimes overwhelming, and sometimes filled with unexpected joy. This week's Growing God's Holy Family newsletter reminds us that following Christ doesn't mean avoiding life's storms—it means learning to trust God through them, finding strength in community, and discovering that even the roughest waves eventually pass.
🌊 Thoughts & Reflections: Life in Waves
This week's reflection from Carmen beautifully compares our spiritual lives to the rhythm of the ocean. There are moments when we feel tossed about by life's challenges, but God remains present through every wave.
As Carmen reminds us, discipleship isn't always easy—it calls us to enter the surf, help others through their struggles, and trust that God is with us in every season. Sometimes, the most faithful response is simply to breathe, be still, and remember that every wave eventually reaches the shore.
🙏 Join Us for Worship
Sunday Worship
📅 August 2 at 9:30 AM
Everyone is welcome as we gather for worship, prayer, music, Holy Communion, and fellowship.
📖 Grow in Faith
God Talk – The Heart of Discipleship
📅 Sunday, August 16 • 11:00 AM
What does it really mean to live as a disciple in today's world? Join us for meaningful conversation, encouragement, and community as we explore living out our faith together.
🎉 Coming Soon: Messy Church – The Wedding at Cana
📅 Saturday, August 29 • 3:00 PM
You're invited to an afternoon of:
- 🎨 Crafts
- 🎲 Games
- 🍽️ Free Dinner
- ❤️ Family Fun
As part of this event, we'll assemble "Birthday Party in a Bag" kits for Unforgotten Haven.
🎂 Donations Needed (by August 23)
- 🟡 Yellow cake mix
- 🧁 Vanilla icing
- 🍪 Boxed cookies
- 💌 Children's birthday cards (please leave unsigned)
Help make a child's birthday extra special!
🍽️ First Friday Lunch
📅 Friday, August 7
🕛 12:00–1:30 PM
Enjoy a free, homemade lunch and warm fellowship. Everyone is welcome! Volunteers, desserts, and donations are always appreciated as we continue this important community ministry.
🎒 Help Local Students Succeed
Holy Family is collecting school supplies for Laurel Springs Elementary School.
Suggested donations include:
- ✏️ Pencils & crayons
- 📓 Notebooks
- 📁 Folders
- 🎒 Backpacks
- 🧴 Hand sanitizer
- 🧻 Tissues
- ✂️ Child-safe scissors
- And other classroom essentials
Your generosity helps children begin the school year with confidence and hope.
🤝 Serve Our Community
There are many opportunities to make a difference this month:
- 🛍️ Saturday Outreach – August 15 (collecting household essentials)
- 🥪 Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich Making – August 22 (volunteers and donations needed)
- 🍳 Pampered Chef Online Fundraiser – July 31–August 9
- 😂 Save the Date: Comedy Night – November 7 at 7:00 PM
💙 Whether you're looking for a place to worship, serve, grow in faith, or simply find encouragement, there's a place for you at Holy Family Episcopal Church.
📍 233 Fairmount Avenue, Laurel Springs, NJ
🌐 Learn more at: holyfamilynj.org
Read the complete newsletter for additional ministry updates, worship information, volunteer opportunities, prayer requests, and upcoming events.
