Outreach is in Our DNA We have heard that saying so often it has become a main descriptor of our church. I hope whoever said that first has not been lost to history. What does it mean to say that something is in our DNA? To me it means that Outreach is so much a part of our way of being in the world that we cannot help but do Outreach in all the ways we can. What is Outreach? Jesus commanded us to go into all the world teaching and preaching the gospel, healing and loving one another. In the early days there was a group of people, some of whom were doctors, who were so concerned about the lack of affordable health care in Pickens County that they, along with organizers, started a free health clinic for uninsured folks (Good Samaritan Health & Wellness Center). Then out of that grew the Food Bank at Pete’s Porch (now CARES) and then the Thrift Store. At one time, someone could ask at a worship service for all who volunteered for these various nonprofits to stand and there were virtually only visitors left seated! So many of us were involved in various forms of Outreach that nearly everyone had a volunteer job at one of them. This month we will be highlighting some of the work Outreach does. Watch for more news and information each Sunday and in the Touchstone. Let us not be intentionally blind to the needs around us (see Katharine’s sermon last week). There is a place for all. -Leamarie True
Author: Lou Ellen Gibson
Our annual stewardship campaign will begin soon. For those of you who are at least 73 years of age and have an IRA you might consider using your required minimal distribution (RMD) of your IRA for all or a portion of your 2026 pledge. The advantage of doing this is that the RMD now becomes tax free which can be a big advantage for you. Note that the RMD is the minimal distribution you are required to take by law but you can take any amount you wish if it exceeds the minimum required. You can do this before year end and the pledge amount will be credited to your 2026 pledge as long as you specify that. Contact your Financial Advisor for more information or contct Jim Braley at 770-262-3601 or jim@fleetfeetjohnscreek.com
The finance ministry at Holy Family is comprised of 9 members, all who have either a strong financial background or business background. The ministry meets monthly. The primary function of the ministry is to review and approve monthly financial statements and to assist the Treasurer in developing and approving the annual operating budget. It is important to note that the ministry is advisory in nature, just as all other ministries at Holy Family are. The vestry is the governing body for Holy Family and has approval authority over all recommendations from all ministries. Finance also acts on various other matters related to the financial matters of Holy Family.
During the annual budget process, the ministry meets with all ministry chairs to review their budget requests. All the ministry requests are then compiled into one expense budget. The Atlanta Diocese requires that each church in the Diocese develop a balanced budget. As a result, pledged contributions for the upcoming year are critical in being able to fund all of the ministry requests. If the total pledges are short of the expense requests, then expenses must be reduced in order to balance the budget. A successful stewardship campaign is critical each year for Holy Family to continue to support our many ministries.
Labyrinth Workshop
On Saturday, March 29, Adult Education offered our first ever workshop in response to parishioners’ request to learn more about our lovely labyrinth. Dianna Blosser, an expert on the labyrinth, led our workshop. Bill Harkins borrowed the canvas labyrinth from the Cathedral so that we were able to utilize both our indoor and outdoor spaces.
Participants found Ms. Blosser to be an excellent and engaging teacher. She discussed the history of the labyrinth and instructed participants in its use. She provided each participant with materials to take home.
The workshop took place between 9 am – 2 pm inclusive of coffee and lunch. The schedule allowed multiple opportunities to walk the labyrinth. Shelley Garstin, the harpist, provided music for the workshop.
Thanks to everyone who participated in this workshop.
Lenten Study and Potluck Meal
On Wednesdays during Lent, Holy Family parishioners and guests gather on Wednesday evenings for learning and fellowship. In 2025 Bill Harkins and Allan DeNiro co-led discussions of Richard Rohr’s book, Falling Upward, and Allan’s lovely book on his journey with St. Peter. Thirty-five to forty souls met each week. Bill hoped that attendees would “learn something new, think theologically about their lives and the world around us, and meet new friends.” Allan reports “this was an engaged and ever-more willful group in a very prayerful mode of learning and sharing.” Each evening ended with Compline. Thanks to Allan and Bill, all our attendees and to Hospitality for their support.
On Sunday mornings at 9:15, congregants gather in the Parish Hall for Adult Education. Our Sunday programming reflects the diversity of Holy Family. Whether exploring the Bible with the Yale Bible study (the Psalms, Romans), learning about John’s Gospel with Amy-Jill Levine, tapping into the Sermon on the Mount with Richard Rohr (Jesus’ Alternative Plan- The Sermon on the Mount, journeying through Advent with Will Willamon (Heaven and Earth – Advent and the Incarnation), or exploring the history of the Episcopal Church in the US (lead by Elaine DeNiro), the 9:15 class provides opportunities to learn and explore in a safe space. Thanks to all involved in this vital ministry.
This week Parish Life continues its spotlight on Adult Education with a look at Education for Ministry. EfM helps participants understand how the church got to where it is today. It helps answer questions like: How did we get the Old Testament? Who wrote the books of the New Testament and why? The sessions also look at the 3,000 years of church history. Participants are presented with an overview of various theological positions in order to form their own individual theologies. There is a smattering of ethics thrown into the mix as well.
The program impacts each participant differently. Some take away a deeper understanding of their belief systems. Others begin jettisoning previously held beliefs for new positions learned during the four years of EfM. While everyone is unique, we all bring our personal baggage to the table. We do not always agree on every position, and that is OK. In fact, it is welcomed. EfM is a safe place to try out new ideas and theologies in the safety of the group. You do not have to be Episcopalian to take EfM. In fact, you do not even have to be Christian. Questioners and seekers are always welcome. For more information
on EfM, contact Byron Tindall or Jeannine Krenson.
The Rev. Mark Winward has been named as the new Rector for the Episcopal Church of the Holy Family in Jasper, Georgia. Father Winward’s first service at Holy Family will be on Sunday, August 3rd. All are welcome to attend with receptions to follow after both the 8:00 am and 10:30 am services.
A native of East Hartford, CT, Father Winward is a recently retired Navy Captain in the Chaplain Corps and a prior Navy Unrestricted Line Officer. His last assignment was as the Senior Chaplain at the National Security Agency and Central Security Service at Fort Meade, MD.
Father Winward wrote his Master’s Thesis at Ridley Hall, Cambridge University, UK; earned his Master of Divinity from Virginia Theological Seminary in 1997; and his Master of Theology from Princeton Theological Seminary in 2007. He was ordained to the diaconate in the Episcopal Church in 1997 and to the priesthood in 1998.
Upon his graduation in 1997, Father Winward accepted a call to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Newport News, Virginia as Assistant Rector. During this time, he co-founded the Committee for Science, Technology, and Faith for the Episcopal Church. In 1999, he accepted a call as Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Saco, ME.
After supporting recovery efforts at the Pentagon following the attacks on 9-11, Father Winward felt a strong calling to return to active duty as a Chaplain. Since 2002, in addition to his numerous joint military, Navy and Marine Corps assignments, he completed assignments in Iraq and Afghanistan, and served on the faculty of the Joint Forces Staff College in Norfolk, VA, and the Special Operations University in Tampa, FL. Father Winward has been married to his beloved bride, KC, for 37 years and has two adult sons, Christian and Matthew.
This month Parish Life recognizes the Adult Education Ministry team and its programs. This week we focus on DISCIPLE Bible Study. Adult Education offered its first DISCIPLE Bible Study in response to parishioners’ requests for Bible study. DISCIPLE is designed for anyone who wants to grow in their understanding of the Bible and what it means to be a disciple of Christ. The study gives the Old and New Testaments equal time, emphasizing the wholeness of the Bible as the revelation of God. It draws upon the work of scholars, personal Bible reading and study of the participant, and dynamic group discussion to aid in the application of biblical concepts.
Facilitated by Tammy Kirk, DISCIPLE asks three basic questions – “What does this passage say about God? What does it say about me? And what does it say about the relationship between the two?” Committed DISCIPLE participants experience personal transformation through biblically based understanding, develop meaningful relationships with those who share the journey together, and identify ways to serve more faithfully within the church, community, and the world. Many thanks to Tammy Kirk for facilitating this group and to all who participated in the inaugural class.
Registration for our 2025 – 2026 classes is open now. Information is available in the Parish Hall. Questions? Contact Tammy Kirk.
Purpose and Formation – The Digital Ministry Team is an integral part of the parish Worship Ministry. Its central purpose is to live-stream weekly worship services, as well as special events such as concerts and Evensong. The Broadcast Team was formed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown. In the earliest days, broadcasts were simple, featuring only the rector, who was recorded outdoors using a tripod and iPad.
Progress and Development – Following these initial steps, the parish hired a professional production company to handle live-streaming of services. At the same time, a committee was created to select a contractor responsible for installing new broadcast equipment and providing training in live production for church volunteers. Jacques LeBlanc and Terry Nicholson took on the task of building the parish’s broadcast booth.
Team Structure and Operations – Currently, the team is made up of fourteen volunteers. Of these, five serve as producers who collectively manage the team by consensus. For each service or event, a team is assembled consisting of a producer, a camera operator, and a sound operator. The team is responsible for all aspects of in-person audio and live-stream production for weekly worship. Our guiding principle is to capture the essence of Holy Family’s services, ensuring that everyone can enjoy them—no matter where they are located.
Join Us! We provide training, flexible scheduling, and a fun Christmas Party. Reach out to Stacy Strongman, Team Chair at anytime.
In 2007/2008 Outreach decided to add a global mission to our efforts. After exploring global missions supported in the Atlanta Diocese, we settled on The LAMB Institute in Honduras. Two of our members, Phyllis Seitz and Leamarie True, volunteered to go with a team from St David’s in 2008 to learn first hand about LAMB.
Since that time The LAMB Institute has grown in many ways, being led by Suzy McCall with her motto, “Following the Lamb, wherever He may go.” There are two schools, a daycare, and a Children’s Home. Additionally there is a Transition Program, getting
young people vocational training and independent living training.
LAMB is a very Spirit-led organization run largely by and for Hondurans. We at Holy Family hope to have a team go early next year to serve the people of LAMB and learn firsthand how God is working there.
Contact Leamarie True to learn more about the mission in Honduras and how you might join the team going to Honduras. See how LAMB has shared the hope found in Christ Jesus as they care for, educate, protect, and empower those suffering extreme poverty, abuse, and exploitation.