Author: Lou Ellen Gibson

The finance ministry at Holy 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.

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.

The mission statement of the Communications Team is:

Engaging our community and congregation to inform, invite, and inspire participation in the life of The Episcopal Church of the Holy Family.

We strive to keep our parishioners informed and engaged, while also attracting potential new members from our local community and beyond. To support this mission, we manage the Holy Family website, Facebook page, and weekly newsletter. We also share news, photographs, and announcements through local newspapers and directories. In collaboration with the Broadcast Team and Parish Life, we ensure that accurate, timely information is shared across all platforms—wherever and whenever it’s needed.

We have nine members: Phil Anderson, Christie Beiring, Loran Davis, Lou Ellen Gibson, John Kirk, Jeannine Krenson, Rosemary Lovelace, Jim Reid, and Richard Smith. We meet monthly via Zoom to review the status of work in progress and develop plans based on the activities of the parish. Anyone interested in joining the Communications Team should contact Team Chair, Rosemary Lovelace.

MARK WINWARD, Incoming Rector

Ordained as a deacon in 1997 (VA); Priest 1998 (VA); Rector 1999-2002 (ME); Navy Chaplain 2001-2024; Joining Holy Family August 1, 2025

• During college, influenced by a professor who had been a student of C.S. Lewis, Mark fell in love with the Episcopal Church, drawn to the centrality of the Eucharist and the beauty of classic Anglican hymns. In addition to living healthfully and practicing mindfulness, he believes the key to a good life is found in Micah 6:8: “doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with our God.”
• He began his naval career as an active duty officer on surface ships and, over his 38 years of active and reserve service, was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan in various Navy, Marine, and Special Operations assignments. He was also an Assistant Professor at the Joint Forces Staff College.
• After Mark received his Master of Divinity degree in 1997, he transferred to the Naval Reserve Chaplain Corps and served as rector in Episcopal churches in Virginia and Maine until he reactivated following the 9/11 attacks. During this time, Fr. Mark felt called to return to active duty as a Navy Chaplain, serving as the Senior Navy Chaplain for the Western Pacific, as well as for the National Security Agency until his retirement last year.
• Fr. Mark is an accomplished sailor, holds an instrument pilot’s license, and has been SCUBA diving since the age of 15. But his true passion is long-distance bicycle touring – riding from San Diego to Texas this past fall – and he hopes to complete the journey in segments to Florida.
• Thirty-eight years ago, he married his beloved bride, KC, and together they have 2 adult sons, Christian and Matthew.

BILL HARKINS, Interim Priest-in-Charge

First served Holy Family as a Postulate in 1999 and will fulfill his commitment as the Interim on July 31, 2025

• An accomplished cook, Bill’s personal favorite meal to make is Eggplant Parmesan, followed by fresh peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream.
• The book, The Movie Goer, written by friend Walker Percy, greatly influenced Bill’s decision to change his career path from neuroscience to pursue theology and psychotherapy. He has practiced at the Cathedral Counseling Center since 2003 and was on the faculty of Columbia Seminary for 24 years, teaching pastoral psychotherapy.
• Bill runs, on average, around 40 miles per week, enjoying the wooded trails and even marathons. This year he will run the Peachtree Road Race for the 49th consecutive year – running in memory of a dear friend!
• His earliest memories include admiring the dangling mobile from his crib, his first car – a 1967 GTO convertible, and the time he and some classmates “liberated” a large T-rex dinosaur from an abandoned goofy golf and rehomed it on the roof of Sandy Springs High School. Playing wide receiver and defensive halfback in high school and college, he wore jersey #21 in honor of his hero, Roberto Clemente.
• Bill treasures his time with loved ones – married to Vicky for 44 years, 2 sons – Justin and Andrew, and 4 precious grandchildren, as a “pearl of great price”.