Looking Ahead at St Mary (March 2 – 10)

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Beloved in Christ,

Below you will find this week’s schedule, as well as some important notes about upcoming events.

THIS WEEK: March 2 – 10, 2025
This Week: No meat/dairy/wine on any day of the week; wine allowed on Sat/Sun.     
Sun, Mar 2 at 5:00 pm – Vespers w/Rite of Mutual Forgiveness (“Forgiveness Vespers”)
Sun, Mar 2 at 6:00 pm – Ice Cream Social @ Braum’s (201 N Seneca St)
Mon, Mar 3 – Great Lent Begins
Mon, Mar 3 at 6:00 pm – Great Compline w/Canon of Repentance
Tues, Mar 4 at 6:00 pm – Great Compline w/Canon of Repentance
Wed, Mar 5 at 6:00 pm – Pre-Sanctified Liturgy w/Potluck Following
Thurs, Mar 6 at 6:00 pm – Great Compline w/Canon of Repentance
Fri, Mar 7 at 6:00 pm – Little Compline w/Akathist Hymn to the Mother of God
Sat, Mar 8 at 4:00 pm – Men’s Prayer Group
Sat, Mar 8 at 4:30 pm – Confession
Sat, Mar 8 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers
Sun, Mar 9 – Daylight Saving Time
Sun, Mar 9 at 9:00 am – Matins
Sun, Mar 9 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy
Sun, Mar 9 at 11:00 am – Church School
Sun, Mar 9 at 12:00 pm – MF Prep: Cook/Prepare Meat for Kibbee
Sun, Mar 9 at 12:00 pm – Teen SOYO Meeting & Bowling
Mon, Mar 10 at 6:00 pm – Great Compline

Other Notes
(1) FESTIVAL PREP: Our annual Mediterranean Festival is coming up on Saturday, May 3. We have several prep days to ensure we are ready to open our doors and welcome our visitors on May 3. In addition to being a major help for this fundraiser, volunteering at these prep days is a wonderful way to get to know your fellow parishioners. Please see the current sign-up sheet for upcoming prep days and sign up for slots when you can make yourself available. You can sign up here: St Mary/Wichita, KS: Mediterranean Festival Prep Dates – 2025

2)  GREAT LENT RESOURCES: Great Lent begins on Monday, March 3. You can find a number of resources on the Archdiocese website’s Great Lent page: an overview of this holy season, explanations of its Sundays and other important days, opportunities for almsgiving, and podcasts.

(3) GREAT LENT SERVICES: Great Lent, Holy Week, and Pascha is by far the most important time on the church calendar. This is why Pascha is called “The Feast of Feasts” and stands even above the other “Twelve Great Feasts.” With that in mind, I highly encourage our parishioners to prioritize attending the Divine Services during Great Lent. This season is a time for us to re-center ourselves and our lives around God, so please make every effort to arrange your schedules to be in church. You can find the March schedule of services on our parish website homepage by clicking on the “Calendar” link.

(4) SPEED FRIENDING: On Sunday, March 23, during Coffee Hour, we are going to have a “Speed Friending” event. Similar to “Speed Dating,” parishioners will have five minutes to talk with the person across the table from them. We will have questions to guide the conversation. After five minutes, everyone will move down the table to speak with someone else. We hope this will be a fun way to help people get to know each other. Lunch and childcare will be provided. Adults (age 18 and over) are encouraged to participate. See the flyer linked below for more details.

(5) LENTEN RETREAT: Our annual Lenten Retreat is scheduled for Friday, March 28, and Saturday, March 29. Fr Calinic Berger will be our retreat speaker. Further details can be found on a forthcoming flyer, but save the dates now. Fr Cal will be speaking with us about the Psalms and how they lead us to Christ.

(6) METROPOLITAN SABA’S WEEKLY TEACHING: This week His Eminence shares his message “Reflections on Forgiveness” See the link below to read it.

(7) TEXT MESSAGE UPDATE REMINDERS: If you would like to join the St Mary text message group to receive important updates/reminders, you may do so at any time by texting @stmaryict to 81010. Please note you must include the @ sign to be able to join the group. No one in the group will see your phone number or be able to send you a message except through the parish office. You also will not be able to text others in the group, but will receive messages from the office and can respond to the office.

(8) TEACH ME THY STATUTES PODCAST: If you would like to listen to this week’s Teach Me Thy Statutes podcast (with Fr Aaron & Jason Ewertt), you can find it here: Teach Me Thy Statutes.

(9) PASTORAL VISITS: If you would like a pastoral visit for any reason, or if you know of a family member/parishioner who needs a visit, please feel free to contact me via cell phone at 204-6725.

Yours in Christ,
Fr Aaron

Speed Friending

Looking Ahead at St Mary (December 30 – January 6)

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Beloved in Christ,

Below you will find this week’s schedule, as well as some important notes about upcoming events.

THIS WEEK: December 30, 2024 – January 6, 2025

This Week: No fasting through January 4 on any day of the week; January 5 is a fast day, with allowance for wine/oil.     

Tues, Dec 31 at 5:15 pm – Festal Matins ~ Circumcision of Christ & Feast of St Basil @ St George Cathedral

Tues, Dec 31 at 6:30 pm – Divine Liturgy ~ Circumcision of Christ & Feast of St Basil @ St George Cathedral

Fri, Jan 3 at 8:00 am – Royal Hours ~ Theophany

Sat, Jan 4 – No Confessions

Sat, Jan 4 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers

Sun, Jan 5 at 9:00 am – Matins

Sun, Jan 5 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy

Sun, Jan 5 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers ~ Theophany

Mon, Jan 6 at 8:00 am – Divine Liturgy ~ Theophany

Mon, Jan 6 – House Blessings Begin

Other Notes

(1)  FAMILY PROMISE 2025 HOST DATES: The following dates are our scheduled host weeks for Family Promise in 2025. As usual, we will circulate a sign up closer to each date, but we wanted to let everyone know about these dates in advance. Here are the host weeks for 2025: January 26 – February 2; March 30 – April 6; June 29 – July 6; and October 5 – 12.

(2)  BISHOP BASIL ENDOWMENT FUND: The Bishop Basil Endowment Fund supports new missions and parish expansion projects in our diocese, such as land purchase, building projects, or a monetary support for priest of a new mission community. Each year, to honor Bishop Basil on his name-day (January 1), we take a collection for a few Sundays near his name-day. If you would like to donate this year, please contribute by writing a check or making an online donation to St Mary, earmarked: Bishop Basil Endowment Fund. Please turn in your contribution by Sunday, January 12.

(3) 2025 PARISH COUNCIL OFFICERS: The following parishioners were elected as officers of the 2025 Parish Council: Paula Zarich (PC Chair); Tracy Namee (Vice Chair); Darren Minks (Treasurer); and Ken Dannenberg (Secretary). May God grant them many years!

(4) HOUSE BLESSINGS:  Each year it is customary that beginning on Theophany, the Parish Priest is invited to bless parishioner homes with the Holy Water blessed at the January 6 Theophany Divine Liturgy. All parishioners and catechumens are encouraged to sign up for a house blessing. A separate email will be sent this coming week notifying parishioners how to sign up for a house blessing. If you have any questions or concerns following the receipt of that email, please contact Fr Aaron.

(5) PRE-LENT FILM SERIES: Prior to Great Lent 2025, we will have a 7-week Film Series following Wednesday evening services (normally Daily Vespers). The films will begin at 6:30 pm. In January we plan to show the following films: Sacred Alaska (Jan 8); St George the Great Martyr (Jan 15); Amphilochios – Saint of Patmos (Jan 22); and New Men (Jan 29). We will be screening 3 additional films in February.

(6) 20/40 FELLOWSHIP GROUP: The 20/40 Fellowship Group is open to all parishioners and catechumens age 20 – 40 somethingish. Their next gathering will be on Saturday, January 11, at 6:00 pm at White Crow Cider Company (1236 E Waterman).

(7) TEXT MESSAGE UPDATE REMINDERS: If you would like to join the St Mary text message group to receive important updates/reminders, you may do so at any time by texting @stmaryict to 81010. Please note you must include the @ sign to be able to join the group. No one in the group will see your phone number or be able to send you a message except through the parish office. You also will not be able to text others in the group, but will receive messages from the office and can respond to the office.

(8) METROPOLITAN SABA’S WEEKLY TEACHING: This week His Eminence shares his Nativity message. See the link to read it. 

(9) TEACH ME THY STATUTES PODCAST: If you would like to listen to this week’s Teach Me Thy Statutes podcast (with Fr Aaron & Jason Ewertt), you can find it here: Teach Me Thy Statutes.

(10) PASTORAL VISITS: If you would like a pastoral visit for any reason, or if you know of a family member/parishioner who needs a visit, please feel free to contact me via cell phone at 204-6725.

Yours in Christ,

 

Fr Aaron

Sermon: December 15, 2024: 11th Sunday of Luke-St Eleutherios

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Offered by Father Aaron Warwick.

Looking Ahead at St Mary (December 15 – 23)

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Beloved in Christ,

Below you will find this week’s schedule, as well as some important notes about upcoming events.

THIS WEEK: December 15 – 23, 2024
This Week: The Advent Fast began on Nov 15 and continues through Dec 24.    
Sun, Dec 15 at 5:30 pm – Lord’s Diner
Mon, Dec 16 at 6:00 pm – Advent Paraklesis
Wed, Dec 18 at 6:00 pm – Daily Vespers
Thurs, Dec 19 at 5:30 pm – Parish Council Meeting
Fri, Dec 20 at 6:00 pm – Advent Paraklesis
Sat, Dec 21 – Scroll Deadline
Sat, Dec 21 at 4:30 pm – Confession
Sat, Dec 21 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers
Sun, Dec 22 at 9:00 am – Matins
Sun, Dec 22 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy w/Installation of 2025 Parish Council
Sun, Dec 22 at 11:00 am – Church School
Sun, Dec 22 at 5:00 pm – Church School Christmas Program (see note and flyer below)
Mon, Dec 23 at 6:00 pm – Advent Paraklesis

Other Notes

(1)  ST MARY BOOKSTORE: Please consider stopping by the St Mary Bookstore as part of your Christmas shopping. This year, we have the Christmas Road Nativity game for families (see details below). In addition, the bookstore has many icons, books, crosses, and more for Orthodox Christians on your Christmas shopping list. The bookstore is located next to the main church hall/gymnasium. Nativity Board Game for Families. Appropriate for ages 7+ for 2-6 players. Role the dice and move your pawns across the board according to the dice to arrive at the manger where Baby Jesus is. Baby Jesus was born in Bethlehem and laid in a manager. The three wise men arrived from afar bearing gifts. Now it’s your turn to travel to the cave, welcome the new baby, and offer him your commitment to Christian virtues as your gift. Joy and her brother Joe will be your guides. Along the way, you will have the chance to test your knowledge by answering questions on the trivia cards and have fun with surprise cards that pop up unexpectedly. The object of the game is to reach space #75 first. In addition to the trivia cards, there are also 8 Icon cards that will be used when prompted to.

(2) CHRISTMAS PROGRAM: Our annual Church School Christmas Program & Potluck is Sunday, December 22, at 5:00 pm. See the flyer below for more details. Please be sure to bring a little extra than usual for the Potluck as St Michael parishioners have been invited to join us in fellowship that evening.

(3) HUMANITARIAN NATIVITY PROJECT: Our Humanitarian Ministry Team is sponsoring a Nativity project to help re-stock our food pantry that serves several hundred people per year. To learn more details about how you can help, please see the flyer here >

(4) CHURCH HALL OPEN FOR CHRISTMAS: Once again this year the Church Hall will be open for people to celebrate after Divine Liturgy on Tuesday, December 24. The parish will not be providing any food or beverage, but people are welcome to bring their own. As always, please be sure not to drink and drive and to shut the lights off if you are the last person to leave. Please also ensure the doors are locked behind and be sure to pick up any mess you make.

(5) TEXT MESSAGE UPDATE REMINDERS: If you would like to join the St Mary text message group to receive important updates/reminders, you may do so at any time by texting @stmaryict to 81010. Please note you must include the @ sign to be able to join the group. No one in the group will see your phone number or be able to send you a message except through the parish office. You also will not be able to text others in the group, but will receive messages from the office and can respond to the office.

(6) METROPOLITAN SABA’S WEEKLY TEACHING: This week, His Eminence shares “The Nativity & Almsgiving – Part 1.” See the link to read it >

(7) TEACH ME THY STATUTES PODCAST: If you would like to listen to this week’s Teach Me Thy Statutes podcast (with Fr Aaron & Jason Ewertt), you can find it here: Teach Me Thy Statutes.

(8) PASTORAL VISITS: If you would like a pastoral visit for any reason, or if you know of a family member/parishioner who needs a visit, please feel free to contact me via cell phone at 204-6725.

Yours in Christ,

Fr Aaron

Looking Ahead at St Mary (December 8 – 16)

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Beloved in Christ,

Below you will find this week’s schedule, as well as some important notes about upcoming events.

THIS WEEK: December 8 – 16, 2024
This Week: The Advent Fast began on Nov 15 and continues through Dec 24.    
Sun, Dec 8 at 4:30 pm – Christmas Lessons & Carols @ St Michael (2710 E 61st St N, Park City)
Mon, Dec 9 at 6:00 pm – Advent Paraklesis
Wed, Dec 11 at 6:00 pm – Great Vespers
Fri, Dec 13 at 6:00 pm – Advent Paraklesis
Sat, Dec 14 at 3:00 pm – Baptism of Jack Kingery
Sat, Dec 14 at 4:00 pm – Men’s Prayer Group
Sat, Dec 14 at 4:30 pm – Confession
Sat, Dec 14 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers
Sun, Dec 15 at 9:00 am – Matins
Sun, Dec 15 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy
Sun, Dec 15 at 11:00 am – Church School
Sun, Dec 15 at 5:30 pm – Lord’s Diner
Mon, Dec 16 at 6:00 pm – Advent Paraklesis

Other Notes
(1)  ST MARY BOOKSTORE: Please consider stopping by the St Mary Bookstore as part of your Christmas shopping. This year we have the Christmas Road Nativity game for families (see details below). In addition, the bookstore has many icons, books, crosses, and more for Orthodox Christians on your Christmas shopping list. The bookstore is located next to the main church hall/gymnasium. Nativity Board Game for Families. Appropriate for ages 7+ for 2-6 players. Role the dice and move your pawns across the board according to the dice to arrive at the manger where Baby Jesus is. Baby Jesus was born in Bethlehem and laid in a manager. The three wise men arrived from afar bearing gifts. Now its your turn to travel to the cave and welcome the new baby and offer him your commitment to the Christian virtues as your gift. Joy and her brother Joe will be your guides. Along the way, you will have the chance to test your knowledge by answering questions on the trivia cards and have fun with surprise cards that pop up unexpectedly. The object of the game is to reach space #75 first. In addition to the trivia cards, there are also 8 Icon cards that will be used when prompted to.

(2) CHRISTMAS CAROLS AT ST MICHAEL: Our brothers and sisters in Christ at St Michael/Park City have invited us to attend their annual Festival of Lessons and Carols on Sunday, December 8, at 4:30 pm. This is a beautiful service that includes the singing of many Christmas hymns familiar to us in America. Refreshments to follow. See the link below for more details. In turn, we have invited St Michael to our annual Christmas Program & Potluck on Sunday, December 22 at 5:00 pm. More details on that soon.

(3) HUMANITARIAN NATIVITY PROJECT: Our Humanitarian Ministry Team is sponsoring a Nativity project to help re-stock our food pantry that serves several hundred people per year. To learn more details about how you can help, please see the flyer here >

(4) CHURCH HALL OPEN FOR CHRISTMAS: Once again this year the Church Hall will be open for people to celebrate after Divine Liturgy on Tuesday, December 24. The parish will not be providing any food or beverage, but people are welcome to bring their own. As always, please be sure not to drink and drive and to shut the lights off if you are the last person to leave. Please also ensure the doors are locked behind and be sure to pick up any mess you make.

(5) TEXT MESSAGE UPDATE REMINDERS: If you would like to join the St Mary text message group to receive important updates/reminders, you may do so at any time by texting @stmaryict to 81010. Please note you must include the @ sign to be able to join the group. No one in the group will see your phone number or be able to send you a message except through the parish office. You also will not be able to text others in the group, but will receive messages from the office and can respond to the office.

(6) METROPOLITAN SABA’S WEEKLY TEACHING: This week His Eminence shares “The Holy Scriptures: Nourishment of the Faithful – Part 3.” See the link to read it. 

(7) TEACH ME THY STATUTES PODCAST: If you would like to listen to this week’s Teach Me Thy Statutes podcast (with Fr Aaron & Jason Ewertt), you can find it here: Teach Me Thy Statutes

(8) PASTORAL VISITS: If you would like a pastoral visit for any reason, or if you know of a family member/parishioner who needs a visit, please feel free to contact me via cell phone at 204-6725.

Yours in Christ,

Fr Aaron

Looking Ahead at St Mary (August 26 – September 1)

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Beloved in Christ,

PLEASE NOTE THE DAY AND TIME CHANGE FOR THE LITURGY OF THE BEHEADING OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST. IT HAS BEEN MOVED FROM WEDNESDAY EVENING TO THURSDAY MORNING.

Below you will find this week’s schedule, as well as some important notes about upcoming events.

THIS WEEK: August 26 – September 1, 2024

This Week: Regular Wed/Fri fasting; Thursday is also a fast day for the Beheading of St John the Baptist.   

Thurs, Aug 29 at 8:00 am – Divine Liturgy ~ Beheading of the Holy Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist John

Sat, Aug 31 at 4:30 pm – Confession

Sat, Aug 31 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers

Sun, Sept 1 at 9:00 am – Matins

Sun, Sept 1 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy

Sun, Sept 1 – Sun, Sept 8: FAMILY PROMISE HOST WEEK (see below)

Other Notes

(1) FAMILY PROMISE HOST WEEK: St. Mary is hosting families the week of September 1st to September 8th. To volunteer, click on the link below. Opportunities for those who would prefer to sign up in person will be available after liturgy on August 18th and 25th. Sign up includes providing food for breakfast and snacks, evening meals, a hot breakfast Saturday, transportation to and from the Day House, and spending the night at the church. Thanks for your support of this important ministry. Contact Vicki Jones, 650-0658, with any questions. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A49AAAF2BAAF94-50527273-fpstmary

(2) FELLOWSHIP GROUPS: As noted in a previous email to the parish, beginning in September, our Fellowship Groups will be using an opt-in system. If you wish to continue/start participating in the Fellowship Groups, please contact me by August 29 to receive a September group assignment. Once you opt-in, you will be assigned each month unless you opt-out for that specific month (I will be sending monthly reminders to opt-out, if needed, for the next month).

(3) ARCHIEPISCOPAL VICAR VISIT: Our new Archiepiscopal Vicar, Fr Calinic Berger, will make an official visit to our parish for our festal weekend. He plans to be with us on Saturday, September 7, for Great Vespers, followed by a meeting with the Parish Council. He will then be with us on Sunday, September 8, for Matins and Divine Liturgy, followed by our festal picnic at Edgemoor Park. Please mark your calendars for this festal weekend now–more details will be coming soon.

(4) DAILY VESPERS & BIBLE STUDY: As noted in the most recent issue of The Scroll, we will begin a Wednesday evening Daily Vespers (6:00 pm) and Bible Study (6:30 pm). We will begin with the Book of Genesis. All parishioners are encouraged to attend in person. For those unable to attend in person, we will offer a link to join the Bible Study virtually.

(5) BAPTISMS & CHRISMATIONS: On Saturday, September 7, at 4:00 pm we have scheduled two baptisms and four chrismations of current catechumens. We invite all of our parishioners to attend as we welcome these catechumens as official members of our parish. May God grant them many years!

(6) PARISH PICNIC: On Sunday, September 8, our parish’s feast day in honor of the Nativity (Birth) of the Mother of God, we will have a picnic at 12:00 pm at Edgemoor Park. We have reserved the Rec Center for the picnic in case there is inclement weather. The parish will provide fried chicken and water, but we ask parishioners to bring side dishes, desserts, and other beverages for yourself if you’d like. In addition, we encourage parishioners to bring equipment to play softball. There are also nearby pickleball courts and a skateboard park, for anyone interested.

(7)  METROPOLITAN SABA’S WEEKLY TEACHING: This week His Eminence shares “Your Grace Transforms the Universe (Part 2).” See the link to read it.

(8) TEACH ME THY STATUTES PODCAST: If you would like to listen to this week’s Teach Me Thy Statutes podcast (with Fr Aaron & Jason Ewertt), you can find it here: Teach Me Thy Statutes.

(9) PASTORAL VISITS: If you would like a pastoral visit for any reason, or if you know of a family member/parishioner who needs a visit, please feel free to contact me via cell phone at 204-6725.

Yours in Christ,

Fr Aaron

Looking Ahead at St Mary (August 19 – 25)

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Beloved in Christ,

Below you will find this week’s schedule, as well as some important notes about upcoming events.

THIS WEEK: August 19 – 25, 2024

This Week: Regular Wed/Fri fasting.   

Thurs, Aug 22 at 6:00 pm – Ladies Night Out @ Thai Tradition (650 N Carriage Pkwy)

Fri, Aug 23 – SCROLL ON WEBSITE

Sat, Aug 24 at 4:30 pm – Confession

Sat, Aug 24 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers

Sun, Aug 25 at 9:00 am – Matins

Sun, Aug 25 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy

Sun, Aug 25 at 11:30 am – Teen SOYO Pancake Feed

Other Notes

(1) FAMILY PROMISE HOST WEEK: St. Mary is hosting families the week of September 1st to September 8th. To volunteer, click on the link below. Opportunities for those who would prefer to sign up in person will be available after liturgy on August 18th and 25th. Sign up includes providing food for breakfast and snacks, evening meals, a hot breakfast Saturday, transportation to and from the Day House, and spending the night at the church. Thanks for your support of this important ministry. Contact Vicki Jones, 650-0658, with any questions. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A49AAAF2BAAF94-50527273-fpstmary

(2) TEEN SOYO PANCAKE FEED: Our teens have been active this summer, recently visiting Reconciliation Services in KC and volunteering to help them set up their new location. Before that, they visited Oceans/Worlds of Fun. We want them to be able to continue these types of enriching activities, which requires them to occasionally host fundraisers. One such fundraiser will be the Pancake Feed on Sunday, August 25, at Coffee Hour. A free-will donation will be taken. Please be generous with your support of our teens!

(3) ARCHIEPISCOPAL VICAR VISIT: Our new Archiepiscopal Vicar, Fr Calinic Berger, will make an official visit to our parish for our festal weekend. He plans to be with us on Saturday, September 7, for Great Vespers, followed by a meeting with the Parish Council. He will then be with us on Sunday, September 8, for Matins and Divine Liturgy, followed by our festal picnic at Edgemoor Park. Please mark your calendars for this festal weekend now–more details will be coming soon.

(4) PLAYROOM MANAGER POSITION: available at The Treehouse. Needs: bilingual (English and Spanish) individual, available 15 to 20 hours a week, Monday – Thursday, 2 years childcare experience. Please email references and resume to jaleen@wichitatreehouse.org.

(5)  METROPOLITAN SABA’S WEEKLY TEACHING: This week His Eminence shares “Your Grace Transforms the Universe (Part 1).” See the link to read it. He also shares the news of a new Antiochian Orthodox Ecclesiastical Online Musical School. You can enroll here: Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

(6) TEACH ME THY STATUTES PODCAST: If you would like to listen to this week’s Teach Me Thy Statutes podcast (with Fr Aaron & Jason Ewertt), you can find it here: Teach Me Thy Statutes.

(7) PASTORAL VISITS: If you would like a pastoral visit for any reason, or if you know of a family member/parishioner who needs a visit, please feel free to contact me via cell phone at 204-6725.

Yours in Christ,

Fr Aaron

Looking Ahead at St Mary (August 12 – 18)

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Beloved in Christ,

Below you will find this week’s schedule, as well as some important notes about upcoming events.

THIS WEEK: August 12 – 18, 2024
This Week: Dormition Fast August 1 – 14; regular Friday fast on 8/16.   
Mon, Aug 12 at 6:00 pm – Paraklesis Service
Wed, Aug 14 at 4:45 pm – Festal Matins ~ Dormition
Wed, Aug 14 at 6:00 pm – Divine Liturgy ~ Dormition
Thurs, Aug 15 at 5:30 pm – Parish Council Meeting
Thurs, Aug 15 at 7:00 pm – Ladies Bingo Night @ Central Standard Brewing
Sat, Aug 17 – SCROLL DEADLINE
Sat, Aug 17 at 4:30 pm – Confession
Sat, Aug 17 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers
Sun, Aug 18 at 9:00 am – Matins
Sun, Aug 18 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy
Sun, Aug 18 at 5:30 pm – Lord’s Diner

Other Notes
(1) DORMITION FAST: The Dormition Fast, during which we prepare for the Falling Asleep (Dormition) and Translation Into Heaven of the Mother of God, began on August 1 and ends each year on August 15. This year, in addition to fasting from meat and dairy products and increasing our almsgiving, we will also celebrate the beautiful Paraklesis Supplication Service the following dates during the fast (at 6:00 pm each date): Thursday, August 1; Wednesday, August 7; Friday, August 9; and Monday, August 12. The fast will conclude with the celebration of Festal Matins (4:45 pm) and Divine Liturgy (6:00 pm) on Wednesday, August 14.

(2)  LORD’S DINER: On Sunday, August 18, we will need volunteers to serve with members of St George and St Mary at The Lord’s Diner from 5:15 – 7:45 pm. If you are interested in being added to the list of potential volunteers, please let me know. You will then receive the monthly email requesting volunteers for our joint service on the 3rd Sunday of each month.

(3) TEEN SOYO PANCAKE FEED: Our teens have been active this summer, recently visiting Reconciliation Services in KC and volunteering to help them set up their new location. Before that, they visited Oceans/Worlds of Fun. We want them to be able to continue these types of enriching activities, which require them to occasionally host fundraisers. One such fundraiser will be the Pancake Feed on Sunday, August 25, at Coffee Hour. A free-will donation will be taken. Please be generous with your support of our teens!

(4) PLAYROOM MANAGER POSITION available at The Treehouse. Needs: bilingual (English and Spanish) individual, available 15 to 20 hours a week, Monday – Thursday, 2 years childcare experience. Please email references and resume to jaleen@wichitatreehouse.org.

(5) ARCHIEPISCOPAL VICAR VISIT: Our new Archiepiscopal Vicar, Fr Calinic Berger, will make an official visit to our parish for our festal weekend. He plans to be with us on Saturday, September 7, for Great Vespers, followed by a meeting with the Parish Council. He will then be with us on Sunday, September 8, for Matins and Divine Liturgy, followed by our festal picnic at Edgemoor Park. Please mark your calendars for this festal weekend now–more details will be coming soon.  

(6) METROPOLITAN SABA’S WEEKLY TEACHING: This week His Eminence shares on “The Christian Priest.” See the link to read it. He also shares the brief video (Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America) of the translation of St Raphael’s relics, and an audio podcast (Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America) speaking about the same event.

(7) TEACH ME THY STATUTES PODCAST: If you would like to listen to this week’s Teach Me Thy Statutes podcast (with Fr Aaron & Jason Ewertt), you can find it here: Teach Me Thy Statutes.

(8) PASTORAL VISITS: If you would like a pastoral visit for any reason, or if you know of a family member/parishioner who needs a visit, please feel free to contact me via cell phone at 204-6725.

Yours in Christ,

Fr Aaron

Looking Ahead at St Mary (August 5 – 12)

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Beloved in Christ,

Below you will find this week’s schedule, as well as some important notes about upcoming events.

THIS WEEK: August 5 – 12, 2024
This Week: Dormition Fast August 1 – 14.  
Mon, Aug 5 – Fri, Aug 9: VBS @ St Michael (see link below for details)
Mon, Aug 5 at 4:45 pm – Festal Matins ~ Transfiguration
Mon, Aug 5 at 6:00 pm – Divine Liturgy ~ Transfiguration
Wed, Aug 7 at 6:00 pm – Paraklesis Service
Fri, Aug 9 at 6:00 pm – Paraklesis Service
Sat, Aug 10 at 4:00 pm – Men’s Prayer Group
Sat, Aug 10 at 4:30 pm – Confession
Sat, Aug 10 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers
Sun, Aug 11 at 9:00 am – Matins
Sun, Aug 11 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy
Sun, Aug 11 at 10:30 am – Catechism Class
Mon, Aug 12 at 6:00 pm – Paraklesis Service

Other Notes
(1) DORMITION FAST: The Dormition Fast, during which we prepare for the Falling Asleep (Dormition) and Translation Into Heaven of the Mother of God, began on August 1 and ends each year on August 15. This year, in addition to fasting from meat and dairy products and increasing our almsgiving, we will also celebrate the beautiful Paraklesis Supplication Service the following dates during the fast (at 6:00 pm each date): Thursday, August 1; Wednesday, August 7; Friday, August 9; and Monday, August 12. The fast will conclude with the celebration of Festal Matins (4:45 pm) and Divine Liturgy (6:00 pm) on Wednesday, August 14.

(2) FAMILY PROMISE TRAINING: Training is required for all volunteers who have direct contact with families.  This includes drivers, overnight hosts, and those serving meals. There are two options for completing the three-module training.  Option one; attend a group training session right after liturgy on August 11. This is the best option for anyone who does not have reliable Internet access.  The second option is to complete the training at home, available through this link (Enter your email | Coassemble). This option provides you the most flexibility. Please contact Vicki Jones, 316-650-0658 with any questions.

(3) ST MICHAEL VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: Our sister parish, St Michael the Archangel in Park City has invited our children to join their Vacation Bible School August 5 – 9. Details can be found on the linked flyer. Please contact Sally Buxton (sallybuxtonwks@gmail.com) to register ASAP.

(4) ARCHIEPISCOPAL VICAR VISIT: Our new Archiepiscopal Vicar, Fr Calinic Berger, will make an official visit to our parish for our festal weekend. He plans to be with us on Saturday, September 7, for Great Vespers, followed by a meeting with the Parish Council. He will then be with us on Sunday, September 8, for Matins and Divine Liturgy, followed by our festal picnic at Edgemoor Park. Please mark your calendars for this festal weekend now–more details will be coming soon.  

(5) METROPOLITAN SABA’S WEEKLY TEACHING: This week His Eminence shares on “Churching of Newborns.” See the link to read it >

(6) TEACH ME THY STATUTES PODCAST: If you would like to listen to this week’s Teach Me Thy Statutes podcast (with Fr Aaron & Jason Ewertt), you can find it here: Teach Me Thy Statutes.

parishioner who needs a visit, please feel free to contact me via cell phone at 204-6725.

Yours in Christ,

Fr Aaron

God Is with Us!

/in /by

~By Metropolitan Saba (Isper)

For Your Nativity, O Master, the world celebrates, homes and streets sparkle with lights, and cities put on joyful attire, as do the stores and malls.

For Your Nativity, my Master, people exchange gifts and wish each other a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
For Your Nativity, my Master, churches, organizations, and associations are busy with celebrations, concerts, bazaars, theatrical and scouting performances, and entertaining Christmas events.

For Your Nativity, my Master, everyone is busy and merry.
Indeed, everyone is busy and merry, my child, but not necessarily because of Me, the reason for the feast. Rather, they are occupied by what you generally call “Christmas.” Don’t you see that I am absent from almost everything people do for My birth?

Yes, Master. Most of us take the opportunity of your birthday to rejoice, not in You, but in what pleases him.

They replace Me, My child, with so many things, for those who have not experienced the joy and peace of My presence in their lives imagine that they can find them somewhere else.

People are still afraid of Your presence in them, because Your presence changes them. They fear change, O Lord.
I know, My child. However, I came only to be life for you—or rather, to give you the fullness of life. I rejoice when I see you joyful, especially when the outward manifestation of the festivities reflects the purity, love, and virtues that your souls carry.

I came to illumine your hearts and minds, not for you to settle for lighting up your streets.

I came, My child, to be the greatest gift to you, and how I wished you would offer yourselves to Me as gifts as you exchange presents on My birthday!

I came to give you the joy of My eternal presence among you and within you, as you try to find joy in everything through Me. Didn’t the angels proclaim to you through the shepherds, “I bring you great joy… a Savior was born for you?”

I came to give you steadfast peace, which none of the evils of the world will be able to shake. Yet you are still afraid of and forgetful of My peace, and I see that you are pursuing it everywhere except in My true presence in you.

I see you adorning your homes and yards immeasurably more than you adorn your souls, as is expected of you by the Gospel that I handed to you.

I did not come to become some kind of brand—even one that carries My name—or to increase the income of industry and trade. I came to you and shared My life with you to the point of death, so that you would share what you have with the needy and poor.

I filled the earth on which I walked with acts of love and tenderness, lest anyone among you might die of cold, lacking the warmth of love.

What is it that you are so concerned about, more and more, with all that keeps you away from the essentials and makes you settle for ephemera!

My child, you are afraid of change toward the better and the perfect! Don’t you want to be freed from your fragility, through which the storms of this life, however feeble, cast you right and left and toss you into sadness and despair!

On My feast, I want you to cleanse your hearts, My children, not just your homes. I want you to put Me on and become like Me: anointed ones who fill the earth with eternal joy, love, and peace. I want you to be pure and innocent, so that I can find a dwelling place with you. I want you to share with the poor, as I did when I was among you.

I want you to become apostles who continue My message.

What benefit do you get from glittering appearances if your hearts remain dark?

Do you spend money on external adornments, while you are stingy with the sweetness and beauty that come from within you, which are truly within you?

On this feast, while people are under pressure due to the deteriorating economy, environment, and climate, how I wish you would realize the importance of sharing the blessings you have, no matter how few; that you would spend on the poor and needy; that you would visit the sick, the elderly, and the forgotten; that you would comfort the bereaved, the miserable, and the depressed. How happy I am when I see you proclaim, through your behavior, My compassion and embrace of humanity.
I want your hands to deliver My gifts and your hearts to continue warming the world with My love. I want your actions to console the bereaved, give hope to those in despair, and offer My friendship to the forgotten.
I want you to continue My work, so that the world knows that I am with it.

Open your hearts to change, and don’t remain as you are. Make the memory of My birth a true birth for yourselves. Renew yourselves, purify yourselves, return to Me, and you will find life for yourselves.

Do not dig wells for yourselves that do not hold water and leave Me, the living spring.

Do not replace Me with rituals, for without Me they will keep you in death.

Do not forget that I am still standing, knocking at your doors, waiting for you to open them for Me, so I may enter and dine with you.