CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, VERONA
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Joyfully exploring our faith, serving others, welcoming all​

Welcome to Church of the Holy Spirit!

​36 Gould Street, Verona, NJ 07044 • Phone: (973) 239-2850
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Via Venmo:
Holy Spirit Verona @Jerry-Racioppi-2 [6663]​
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The red door on an Episcopal (Anglican) Church is traditionally a sign of welcome. Come through the door, and you'll discover that we are a multi-generational, family-centered church.

​Our congregation worships together, supports each other in times of trouble, celebrates together, and does God’s work in the world. We are open, welcoming, and inclusive. We invite you to join us!
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Worship Schedule

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Sunday Mornings
​8am Quiet Eucharist - Also available via Zoom.
9am Choir Rehearsal (September - June)
10am Choral Eucharist ​and Sunday School (September - June) - Also available via Zoom and Facebook.
Email our office for the Zoom logon passcode information.

Click here for our Worship Booklet and Scripture Readings

WHAT'S HAPPENING?

Stewardship Campaign 2027 - "Plenty Good Room" - start thinking now!

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On Sunday, October 18, we kick off our Stewardship Campaign. This is the time of year when we each recommit our time, talent, and treasure to the Holy Spirit Verona Community. This year’s theme "Plenty Good Room" is an opportunity to be reminded that there are "many rooms" in God's house, as the Gospel Writer of John tells us. How are you welcoming others to Holy Spirit Verona? There is ALWAYS room at the table. Here is a recent Stewardship Reflection Insert for you to review.

Please consider NOW how you'll support the work of Holy Spirit Verona next year with your time, talent, treasure. Can you pledge more, pledge the same or consider adding a ministry to your experience? Forms will become available in September. On Pentecost, the disciples discovered that there is no limit to God’s generosity. The same is true for us. When we trust the Spirit and share freely, God multiplies our gifts and sends us out as witnesses to love. There is indeed plenty good room – for every culture, every language, every person – in the household of God.

Heavenly Finds Thrift Shop will now be open on MONDAYS, not Tuesdays

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Our Thrift Shop, located at 90 E. Mt. Pleasant Avenue in Livingston is typically open once a week. At the request of our Diocesan Landlord, the day of the week the Shop will open to the public is going to be MONDAYS as of September 14, 2026. Despite being open on Tuesdays for over 70 years, the Shop will now be open on Mondays. If you would like to learn more about the Heavenly Finds Thrift Shop visit heavenlyfinds.org.

Centering Prayer Group - Saturday, August 29 from 10 to 11:30am

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Our monthly prayer group gathers to check-in, share Lexio Divina (divine reading) of a piece of Scripture and then practice Centering Prayer. The next gathering will be on Saturday, August 29 at 10am.

If you have any questions, contact Reverend Katherine or Father Jerry.


Next Vestry (lay leaders) Meeting is Wednesday, September 9 at 7:30pm via Zoom

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The Vestry typically meets on the second Wednesday of the month, and does so via Zoom unless otherwise indicated. For the month of September, we will gather on September 9 at 7:30pm via Zoom to pray together, discuss the business of the church and enjoy each others' company. All relevant materials will be emailed to members several days before the meeting by Ms. Melissa Dat, Churchwarden.

Holy Eucharist for 25th Anniversary of September 11th - Friday, September 11, 2026 at 12pm

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On Friday, September 11, 2026 at noon (12pm) we will commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the tragic day in American History known as September 11, 2001 with a Eucharist in our Chapel. The service will be in-person and available via Zoom using our Sunday Morning login credentials. Our prayers will be for all affected by the events of that day. Join us as we pray and remember. #neverforget

Second Friday Fundraiser - Doors Open at 6pm on Friday, September 11

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Holy Spirit Verona will host another Friday BINGO Fundraiser on Friday, September 11 at 7pm - our usual second Friday of the month. Doors open and BINGO cards go on sale at 6pm; the first number is called at 7pm. $20 to play 10 Games, which includes $5 Admission and 6 cards per game. Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase, and you are welcome to bring your own food. No alcohol is allowed and you must be 18 years old to play BINGO.

Additional set of sheets may be purchased for $15 and extra sheets for our cover-all game (Game #10) can be purchased for $5. It's a fun nigh out: you'll laugh, you'll dance, you'll have fun!

Worship and Program Committee Meeting - Saturday, September 12 at 8:30am

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Our next Worship and Program Committee Meeting will be Saturday, September 12 at 8:30am via Zoom. Rev. Katherine will email the Zoom Link to those attending. We will be discussing plans for the Fall and Advent, which starts soon! If you are interested in attending contact Rev. Katherine.

The Worship and Program Committee is the group that brainstorms and plans all worship services and programming events during the year. Have a suggestion? Email Rev. Katherine.


Gathering Sunday is September 13, 2026 - Outdoor Potluck after 10am Service

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Gathering Sunday is Sunday, September 13, 2026. An interactive activity for the kids will be offered during the first half of worship, and then children join their parents during the second half of worship. Join us for our special outdoor (weather permitting) potluck coffee hour!  Sign up sheet for potluck in Fellowship Hall or forms in pews to place into Collection Plate three weeks prior.

Blessing of the Backpacks - Sunday, September 13, 2026 during 10am Service

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The tradition continued! During our 10am Worship on Sunday, September 13, 2026, ***the first day of Sunday School Classes***, students of all ages are encouraged to bring their backpacks to Church. A special blessing will be offered at the end of Announcements as a new academic year commences.


Heavenly Finds Thrift Shop Reopens on Monday, September 14

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Our Thrift Shop, located at 90 E. Mt. Pleasant Avenue in Livingston will reopen on Monday, September 14 from 10am to 2pm. The Shop is typically open on Tuesdays, but has been closed for the summer months. Starting in September 2026, the Shop will be open on MONDAYS instead of Tuesdays. If you would like to learn more about the Heavenly Finds Thrift Shop visit heavenlyfinds.org.

Florence Li Tim-Oi RMN Gathering at Diocesan Center - Tuesday, September 15 at 6:30pm

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On Tuesday, September 15 at the Diocesan Center (94 E. Mt. Pleasant Avenue, Livingston, NJ), members of the Florence Li Tim-Oi Regional Ministry Network are invited to join Bishop Carlye Hughes for an evening of fellowship, conversation, and breaking bread. A simple supper begins at 6:30pm. Conversation with Bishop Hughes begins at 7pm.

For more information, visit https://dioceseofnewark.org/event/florence-li-tim-oi-region-breaking-bread-with-the-bishop/

Prayer Shawl Ministry Next Meets on Wednesdays, September 16 and September 30

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For the month of September, our Prayer Shawl Ministry will gather to meditate and knit on Wednesday, September 16 and Wednesday, September 30 in our Fellowship Room at 1pm. This is a spiritual practice that benefits the practitioner and those gifted with these sacred mantles. This ministry is nondenominational and open to anyone who is seeking to step away from their daily stresses with an alternative form of meditation. Our dedicated knitters have made shawls, blankets for Baptisms, hats/scarfs for our Food Pantry, prayer patches for Memorial Day and so much more. Please email Rev. Katherine for additional information.

Bi-Annual Bishop Visitation - Sunday, September 20 at 10am

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It has been two and a half years since our Diocesan Bishop visited Holy Spirit, so on Sunday, September 20, the Right Rev. Carlye J. Hughes will preach and celebrate at our 10am service, meet with the congregation after the service, and then conclude her visit with a lunch (in the lower level) with the Vestry and manager of our Heavenly Finds Thrift Shop. To learn more about the Diocese, take a look at Bishop Hughes' vlog (videoblog). We look forward to welcoming Bishop Hughes back to our community.

Next Food Pantry Distribution Day is Saturday, September 26

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For the month of September, we will open our Food Pantry on Saturday, September 26, the fourth Saturday of the month. The Pantry will accept Essex County residents only (ID required) as shoppers in the lower level from 9 to 11am. Shoppers will remain in their vehicles with a limited number being invited inside at a time. Home deliveries are still available for Verona/Cedar Grove residents who are unable to visit Pantry; contact our Church Office for arrangements.   

The first shift of volunteers is from 8:15-9:45am and the second shift is from 9:45-11:15am. The Food Pantry is typically open the 4th Saturday of every month from 9-11am. For more information see: http://holyspiritverona.org/food-pantry.

Holy Spirit Verona Celebrate Social Media Sunday - September 27

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Often worshipers are asked to put away their devices during worship service, but you won’t hear that on Social Media Sunday, September 27. In this Sunday's Gospel, Jesus is asked by the chief priests and the elders of the people, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” Jesus asks them a question in return. Questions? Lots and lots of questions? Where do we get answers? How do we know what questions to ask? 

What tools do we use to ask these questions -- Social Media!  It is important that the Church use the tools we have in 2026 to connect Holy Spirit Verona with the world outside our four walls. People need to be told the Good News multiple times in multiple ways: in person, Facebook, Instagram, website, letter, etc. Each of us must share the Good News! In 2026, our communication options include social media. With billions of users of social media around the globe and millions of new social mobile users added each day, going into the world to share good news requires using new tools to reach people where they are.

Holy Baptism of two Children - Sunday, September 27 at 10am

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On Sunday, September 27, 2026 at 10am we will celebrate the Holy Baptism of the second child of Erin and Dan Smythe, as well as the first child of Joanna and Harry Cancro. The service will be in-person and available via Zoom using our regular Sunday Virch information. If you do not already have the passcode, email Father Jerry.

Next Children's Eucharist is Sunday, September 27 at 10am

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We will host another of our Children's Eucharist on Sunday, September 27 at 10am with our Sunday School students assisting Father Jerry at the altar (he needs a lot of help, you know). The 10am Service is sure to be VERY interactive with Father Jerry asking our students questions before the start of the Eucharistic Prayer. It is great fun for children and those young at heart!

Be sure to join us in-person OR via Zoom to participate, pray and probably laugh.

Book Group using "Awakening to Grief" by John E. Welshons - starts Thursday, October 1

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Join Holy Spirit Verona members and friends for another four-session book group (using "Awakening to Grief" by John R. Welshons) on Thursdays from 11am-12:30pm in-person only meeting October 1, 15, 29 and November 12 in our Fellowship Room.
 
For A COPY OF THE BOOK or more information contact Reverend Katherine Rollo at [email protected] or Father Jerry Racioppi at [email protected].


Blessing of the Animals - Sunday, October 4, 2026 at 10am

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Join us for the annual Blessing of the Animals during our 10am worship service (which will be shortened) on Sunday, October 4. There are no Sunday School classes on this day so that kids can be in the pew with their pet(s). Bring your pet or a photo of a pet and receive a special blessing at the end of the service. It's usually a rather "eventful" service and a great way to celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi and thank God for the blessings our pets provide.

10th Annual Celebration of Pets - Sunday, October 4, 2026 from 1 to 4pm

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On Sunday, October 4, 2026 from 1-4pm Holy Spirit Verona will host our tenth annual Celebration of Pets in the Verona Town Hall Square (600 Bloomfield Avenue) with pet-orientated activities, rescue organizations, vendors, crafts-people, pet blessings and more. We will have activities for kids, DJ music provided by our resident DJ Emilio, food vendors and a Pet Parade at 2:30pm with prizes in several categories. If you have a pet or love all God's creatures, join us! For more information, click here.
If you would like to a table (there is no fee), email Catherine Tamasik or complete the online form via Word document or pdf or editable pdf.

Outing to The Cloisters - Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 9am to 3pm

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On Saturday, October 17 a group of Holy Spirit Verona members will visit to The Cloisters in NYC. Bus departs Holy Spirit at 9am; returning at 1:30pm with a lunch to follow at The Verona Inn. This event is being sponsored by the Lily Foundation Grant we received for Father Jerry’s 2025 Sabbatical. At The Cloisters we’ll have a private tour with “a focus on women in medieval art”.

This outing is currently FULL. There is a sign-up list of "wait-listed" spots in the Fellowship Room.

There is no cost to attend – other than your time and spirit.

Stewardship Campaign Kick-Off Sunday -October 18, 2026 "Plenty Good Room"

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On Sunday, October 18, we kick off our Stewardship Campaign. This is the time of year when we each recommit our time, talent, and treasure to the Holy Spirit Verona Community. This year’s theme "Plenty Good Room" is an opportunity to be reminded that there are "many rooms" in God's house, as the Gospel Writer of John tells us. How are you welcoming others to Holy Spirit Verona? There is ALWAYS room at the table.

How will you support the work of Holy Spirit Verona in 2027 with your time, talent, treasure. Can you pledge more, pledge the same or consider adding a ministry to your experience? Forms will become available in September. On Pentecost, the disciples discovered that there is no limit to God’s generosity. The same is true for us. When we trust the Spirit and share freely, God multiplies our gifts and sends us out as witnesses to love. There is indeed plenty good room – for every culture, every language, every person – in the household of God.

Stewardship Campaign 2026-27 Timeline:
Sundays, October 11- November 29 - Stewardship Questions Inserts in Sunday Bulletin (or online)
Sunday, October 18 - Kick-Off / Stewardship Materials Available (electronically and in Church)
Sundays, October 11 & 18, November 8, 15 & 22 - stories of members shared at 10am worship
Sunday, November 22 - In-Giving Sunday / Re-Commitment Forms Returned [deadline to be in the raffle for "dinner for two" prepared by your clergy; three winners will be drawn.]

Climate Justice Action Services - Sunday, October 25, 2023 at 8am & 10am

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On Sunday, October 25, we will hold a climate action event. Local sustainability focused architect and parishioner Christine Liaukus along with Father Jerry Racioppi will discuss personal actions residents can take right in their own homes to reduce our climate impact - including programs available to improve the efficiency of your home and a ways to make a difference for climate justice. Find out: How to reinforce what our faith says by finding ways to care of Creation. All are welcome at either Service: 8am or 10am. Be the change you want to see in the world! Have you signed up to receive the free audit on your home? Learn more from Sustainable Verona in their recent promotional video in which Holy Spirit Verona is featured.

Fabulous Fish or Chicken Fry **To-Go** - Friday, October 30

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On Friday, October 30 from 5:30-7pm, we will host another TO-GO only Fish (or Chicken) and Chips Dinner (prepared by Argyle Catering of Kearny). For reservations, click here to pay online or pay via Venmo (Holy Spirit Verona @Jerry-Racioppi-2 [6663]​) or email [email protected] or call (973) 239-2850. Homemade desserts will be included with each meal. Cost is $22 for adults, $14 for children under age 12. Please make reservations by Wednesday, October 28.

Holy Spirit Serves a Meal at Christine's Kitchen West Orange - Saturday, October 31

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We will host a meal at Christine's Kitchen on Saturday, October 31 from 11:15am to 1:15pm. Christine's Kitchen is a feeding ministry at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church West Orange. Parishioners are making sandwiches and desserts. Volunteers are needed at Holy Spirit on Saturday morning o assemble to-go bags, as well as in West Orange on serve the 175 meals. If you can make sandwiches, bake or volunteer please sign up in the Fellowship Hall or email Father Jerry.

The Feast of All Saints Day - Sunday, November 1

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All Saints' Day is a day on which we pray the names of those we have lost in the past year (or longer). We are reminded of all those who have marked our lives with a sign, act, word, experience from their own. We are ALL called to be saints to each other!
 
If you would like someone remembered in our prayers on Sunday, November 1, please email our Parish Administrator, Catherine Tamasik ([email protected]), or write the person(s) name(s) on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.

Holy Spirit Verona Food Pantry -- Lakeside Deli Wednesday Fund Raiser -- November 4

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Holy Spirit Verona Food Pantry is a part of the Fundraising Wednesday Meal at Lakeside Deli/Eight Hills Caterers on Wednesday, November 4. Place your orders that week at https://order.toasttab.com/online/lakesidedeli

Parish Hike and Potluck -- Saturday, November 21, meet at 8:45am

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Join us for a beautiful hike to Tripod Rock, located at the Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area in Montville. We will meet at the church parking lot at 8:45am to caravan or carpool to the trailhead. The hike should take about 2 1/2 hours.
Wear sturdy shoes and bring water, snacks, and hiking poles (if you have them). Dogs are welcome on the trails but must be kept on leash at all times. Potluck at Church after hike!

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE PARISH HIKE: The 3-mile loop hike begins with a 300 foot climb along the Blue Trail, where we will be rewarded with an unobstructed view of the New York City skyline. (It's a pretty steep climb, but once we get to the top it's mostly flat.) We will continue on the Blue trail to the Blue Dot trail which leads to a unique glacial erratic known as Tripod Rock. This renowned, multi-ton boulder is balanced on three small boulders, and was deposited by the Wisconsin Glacier over 18,000 years ago. We will then backtrack to the Blue Trail, descend another steep climb and walk alongside the Taylortown Reservoir.

For over 10,000 years, this wilderness land provided shelter and served as a hunting, fishing, and gathering site for the Lenape Indians, who may have used Tripod Rock as a celestial calendar. Later, notorious outlaws used the region as a hide-out, while 19th century explorers and traders came and went. At the conclusion of the hike (which is rated "Moderate") we can check out the visitor’s center which features Indian artifacts and other exhibits. Join for potluck at the Church after that!

Sign-up in the Fellowship Hall or email Father Jerry at rector@holyspiritverona. Questions? See parishioner Ruth Portela.

In-Giving Sunday - Return Your Commitment Forms by Sunday, November 22

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On Sunday, November 22, 2026 all parishioners are asked to return their Re-Commitment Forms for 2027. We ask you to discern how you can join our effort to make "plenty good room" for all people at Holy Spirit Verona. How will you share your time, talent and treasure in this place in 2027? Join together as we explore and create ways to be the beacon of light to the wider community and continue to make "plenty good good" for all in God's house. This is the time of year when we ask that you intentionally think about how you might share your gifts with and beyond the Holy Spirit Verona Church Family. 

Sunday Altar Flower Dedications - Who do you want to honor?

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Would you like to dedicate the Altar Flowers on an upcoming Sunday?
Dedications can be In Memory of someone In Honor of a Special Event or Person or In Thanksgiving for a Blessing?

Choose a Sunday from the list in the Fellowship Room and fill in your name. Email the parish office at [email protected] with your dedication information.

Make payment ($35 suggested) online (e-giving), via Venmo (put “Altar Flowers” in the memo), or write a check.

"Here Come The Sun" Solar Panel Capital Campaign

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In the Spring of 2022, Holy Spirit Verona joined other churches in the Diocese of Newark in an agreement with Performance Solar of Richmond, Virginia. Through this agreement, 20% of the cost of the solar panels AND roof replacement was paid by Performance Solar.
 
Our roof was replaced prior to the solar installation as it had been determined that our previous roof was over twenty years old. Both the roof replacement AND the solar panel installation were completed by Azimuth Renewable Energy (azimuthrenew.com) of Manasquan, New Jersey.

The solar panel and roof work have been financed through a 20-year loan with the Diocese at 4.75% interest rate. Our hope with this Capital Campaign is the lower the principal on the loan of which was approximately $67,000 for solar panels and $36,000 for the roof. There are different levels to donate: Mercury - $1,000, Venus - $500, Mars - $400, Jupiter - $200.

Each of these will give you the ability to “name” a particular solar panel in honor or memory of someone OR perhaps a particular group (Spiritual Enrichment Group, Prayer Shawl Ministry, etc.). A memorial frame will be hung in the Fellowship Hall with all the dedications.
Visit the e-payment portion of our website, pay via Venmo, send a check, whatever works best for you. If you have any questions, please email [email protected]. Thank you for helping us make our own energy and make a difference in our environment.

Pastoral Letter from The Right Rev. Carlye J. Hughes, Diocesan Bishop

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Our Diocesan Bishop, The Right Rev. Carlye J. Hughes, has issues a pastoral letter on Friday, June 5, 2026 and asked that it be shared with all members of all congregations within the Diocese of Newark. Please click on the link below to read the letter which were referenced by Reverend Katherine in a recent Sunday's Announcements:
  • Christian Response to Mass Deportation
A copy of the letter is hung on the bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall. If you would like to receive a copy, please speak with one of our leaders.

We are pleased to host...

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creativebeginningspreschool36.com
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Click here for meeting times.
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Click here for meeting times.
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Fr. Jerry is chaplain to the Verona Chapter.
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Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit
​​36 Gould Street, Verona, NJ 07044 • Phone: (973) 239-2850
  • Home
  • Who We Are
    • Clergy, Staff & Leaders
    • Our Mission & Vision
    • Sermons
    • Our History
  • Worship
    • Service Times
    • Sacraments
    • Ministries
    • Choir
  • What We Do
    • Adult Education
    • Outreach
    • Celebration of Pets
    • Fellowship
  • I'm New
    • Contact Us
    • For Newcomers
    • What We Believe
    • Becoming A Member
  • Children & Youth
  • Food Pantry
  • Thrift Shop
  • Calendar