Beloved in Christ,

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

THIS WEEK: September 8 – 14, 2025

This Week: Regular Wed/Fri fasting; Sunday is also a fast day for the Exaltation of the Cross, with wine allowed.          

Sun, Sept 7 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers ~ Nativity of the Mother of God

Mon, Sept 8 at 8:00 am – Divine Liturgy ~ Nativity of the Mother of God

Mon, Sept 8 at 6:30 pm – Belles Meeting @ St Mary

Wed, Sept 10 at 6:00 pm – Daily Vespers

Wed, Sept 10 at 6:30 pm – Bible Study & Kids Night

Sat, Sept 13 at 4:00 pm – Men’s Prayer Group

Sat, Sept 13 at 4:30 pm – Confession

Sat, Sept 13 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers ~ Exaltation of the Cross

Sat, Sept 13 at 6:00 pm – Chant Class

Sun, Sept 14 at 8:45 am – Matins ~ Exaltation of the Cross

Sun, Sept 14 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy ~ Exaltation of the Cross

Sun, Sept 14 at 11:00 am – Church School

Sun, Sept 14 at 5:00 pm – 20/40 Fellowship @ Fr Aaron’s (16005 W Sheriac St)

Other Notes

(1) BIBLE STUDY & KIDS NIGHT: Beginning on Wednesday, September 10, we will begin a Fall Bible Study each Wednesday evening around 6:30 pm, following Daily Vespers. The Bible Study will begin with an examination of the Epistle of St Paul to the Galatians and will be led by our own biblical scholar, Blaise Webster. While the adults are in Bible Study, the kids will have an opportunity to gather with me in our Teen Room to play games, interact, and talk. We will also make time for a Q&A with the kids. If enough of our kids attend, we will eventually break into more than one class by age. If you have any questions about this, please feel free to contact me.

(2) CHURCH SCHOOL: Once again this year, our Church School will meet on Sunday mornings immediately following the reception of Holy Communion. Because of that, teachers and children should line up to receive Holy Communion before the rest of the congregation so they may be dismissed to their classrooms. Parents, please do not disrupt class to pick up your children after church. When their class is finished, the children will be dismissed to coffee hour.

(3) ROLLING GRAPE LEAVES: We will be making grape leaves for our upcoming Holiday Bake Sale on Saturday, September 20th. We will start at 9:00 a.m. We’d love to have a good crew so we can get them finished quickly.  Please know that you don’t have to have any experience in rolling! We will show you how it’s done!! We should be done by noon if we have enough help. You can sign up here: St Mary/Wichita, KS: Holiday Bake Sale Prep Dates – 2025

(4) TEXT MESSAGE GROUP: Our new text message system through tithe.ly is now up and running. We need anyone who wants to receive text messages from the church to sign up for this service (even if you had already signed up using our previous Remind system). You can join by following these quick steps:

– Text the phone number 855-516-9861 with the following phrase in the message box: STMARYTEXT

– Click on the link sent back to you via text and fill out your name (having your name will make it much easier for us in the future to create separate groups, such as the Parish Council, the Belles of St Mary, etc.).

– Check the box giving permission to receive texts.

– Click the “Submit” button.

Once you have done this, you should be automatically added to our text message list. Contact Fr Aaron if you have any issues.

(5) METROPOLITAN SABA’S WEEKLY TEACHING: This week His Eminence shares a teaching entitled “Questions & Thoughts.” Read it here >

(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

Beloved in Christ,

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

THIS WEEK: August 17 – 24, 2025

This Week: Regular Wed/Fri fasting.          

Sun, Aug 24 at 5:00 pm – Orthodoxy on Tap @ Old School Tap House (210 E Kechi Rd, Kechi, KS)

Wed, Aug 27 at 6:00 pm – Daily Vespers

Thurs, Aug 28 at 6:00 pm – Divine Liturgy ~ Beheading of The Forerunner & Baptist John

Fri, Aug 29 – Scroll on Website

Sat, Aug 30 at 3:00 pm – Baptisms of Maddi Hamilton & Aspen Laham

Sat, Aug 30 at 4:30 pm – Confession

Sat, Aug 30 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers

Sat, Aug 30 at 6:00 pm – Chant Class

Sun, Aug 31 – Scroll in Foyer

Sun, Aug 31 at 9:00 am – Matins

Sun, Aug 31 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy

Other Notes

(1) ORTHODOXY ON TAP: On Sunday, August 24, from 5-8 pm, Orthodoxy on Tap meets at Old School Tap House in Kechi. In addition to the fellowship, Warren Farha (of 8th Day Books) is speaking about CS Lewis and Orthodoxy. Everyone is invited to attend!

(2) BAPTISMS: On Saturday, August 30, at 3:00 pm, we celebrate the baptism of Maddi Hamilton and her daughter, Aspen Laham. Everyone is invited to attend.

(3) FEAST DAY WEEKEND PICNIC: The St. Mary Feast Day Picnic (a cherished parish tradition) is September 7, following the Divine Liturgy. The location is the same as prior years – Edgemoor Recreation Center, 5815 East 9th Street, Wichita. The parish will provide a main course (fried chicken); plates, utensils, cups, napkins, and ice water. Parishioners attending are asked to bring a side dish, dessert, and/or beverage. A sign-up board is in the parish hall. The chow line opens at 12:30 p.m. A softball game will commence at 1:30 p.m. on the field adjacent to the center. A Teen SOYO team will challenge a team of other parishioners coached by Mike Zarich. Please contact Mike and bring a glove if you want to participate on the parish team. Skill is not required to participate, but the roster number will be kept to a manageable number.

(4) TEXT MESSAGE GROUP: Our new text message system through tithe.ly is now up and running. We need anyone who wants to receive text messages from the church to sign up for this service (even if you had already signed up using our previous Remind system). You can join by following these quick steps:

– Text the phone number 855-516-9861 with the following phrase in the message box: STMARYTEXT

– Click on the link sent back to you via text and fill out your name (having your name will make it much easier for us in the future to create separate groups, such as the Parish Council, the Belles of St Mary, etc.).

– Check the box giving permission to receive texts.

– Click the “Submit” button.

Once you have done this, you should be automatically added to our text message list. Contact Fr Aaron if you have any issues.

(5) METROPOLITAN SABA’S WEEKLY TEACHING: Metropolitan Saba’s weekly teachings resume in September. In the meantime, he wishes to share that enrollment for the Antiochian Orthodox Ecclesiastical Online Music School is currently open. You can learn more details 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

Beloved in Christ,

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

THIS WEEK: August 10 – 18, 2025

This Week: We follow the Dormition Fast through August 14; on Friday, August 15, regular Friday fasting day except fish is allowed for Dormition.         

Sun, Aug 10 at 5:00 pm – 20/40 Fellowship Meeting @ White Crow (1236 E Waterman)

Mon, Aug 11 at 6:00 pm – Paraklesis Service to the Mother of God

Thurs, Aug 14 at 4:45 pm – Festal Matins ~ Dormition

Thurs, Aug 14 at 6:00 pm – Divine Liturgy ~ Dormition

Sat, Aug 16 at 4:30 pm – Confession

Sat, Aug 16 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers

Sat, Aug 16 at 6:00 pm – Biblical Greek

Sun, Aug 17 at 9:00 am – Matins

Sun, Aug 17 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy

Sun, Aug 17 at 10:30 am – Catechism Class

Sun, Aug 17 at 11:30 am – Teen SOYO Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser & Pool Party to Follow

Sun, Aug 17 at 5:00 pm – Lord’s Diner

Mon, Aug 18 at 6:00 pm – Ladies Night Out @ Carrabbas (3409 N Rock Rd)

Other Notes

(1) DORMITION FAST: August 15 is the great feast of the Dormition (“Falling Asleep”) of the Mother of God. In preparation for that feast, we follow the Dormition Fast August 1 – 14. During that fast, in addition to the extra services and increased almsgiving, we abstain from meat and dairy products on all days of the week, as well as wine on all days except on Saturdays and Sundays, when it is allowed. Fish and wine are both allowed on August 6, for the great feast of Transfiguration.

(2) TEEN PANCAKE FUNDRAISER & POOL PARTY: Our Teen SOYO group will host a Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser on Sunday, August 17, during Coffee Hour. In order to prepare, our teens need to sign up for different jobs on the 17th, such as making egg casseroles, mixing the pancake batter, flipping pancakes, setting up, cleaning up and anything else that comes up. Following the fundraiser, the teens are invited to Tracy Namee’s for a Pool Party.

(3) ORTHODOXY ON TAP: On Sunday, August 24, from 5-8 pm, Orthodoxy on Tap meets at Old School Tap House in Kechi. In addition to the fellowship, Warren Farha (of 8th Day Books) will be speaking about CS Lewis and Orthodoxy. Everyone is invited to attend!

(4) TEXT MESSAGE GROUP: Our new text message system through tithe.ly is now up and running. We need anyone who wants to receive text messages from the church to sign up for this service (even if you had already signed up using our previous Remind system). You can join by following these quick steps:

– Text the phone number 855-516-9861 with the following phrase in the message box: STMARYTEXT

– Click on the link sent back to you via text and fill out your name (having your name will make it much easier for us in the future to create separate groups, such as the Parish Council, the Belles of St Mary, etc.).

– Check the box giving permission to receive texts.

– Click the “Submit” button.

Once you have done this, you should be automatically added to our text message list. Contact Fr Aaron if you have any issues.

(5) METROPOLITAN SABA’S WEEKLY TEACHING: Metropolitan Saba’s weekly teachings will resume in September. In the meantime, I want to share an excellent article/interview from OYM (Orthodox Youth & Young Adult Ministries), “What’s Your Ministry? Raising Saints in the Modern World”:  What’s Your Ministry? Raising Saints in the Modern World

(6) TEACH ME THY STATUTES PODCAST: If you would liketo 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

Beloved in Christ,

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

THIS WEEK: July 20 – 27, 2025

This Week: Regular Wed/Fri fasting.         

Sun, July 20 at 5:00 pm – Lord’s Diner

Mon, July 21 – Fri, July 25: Fr Aaron @ Antiochian Archdiocese Convention in Chicago, IL

Fri, July 25 – Teens Volunteering at Reconciliation Services in KC

Sat, July 26 at 4:30 pm – Confession

Sat, July 26 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers

Sat, July 26 at 6:00 pm – Chant Class

Sun, July 27 at 9:00 am – Matins

Sun, July 27 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy

Other Notes

(1) FR AARON OUT OF OFFICE: I will be out of the office for the biennial Antiochian Archdiocese Convention in Chicago from Monday, July 21 – Friday, July 25. Please feel free to contact me at any time during my absence. I will be responding to messages as I am able.

(2) SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE: As noted in a previous email to the parish, we are collecting supplies/money to buy supplies for Carpenter Place Children’s Home (Carpenter Place Children’s Home | Wichita, KS). Please see the linked flyer for more details. To make a monetary donation, you can give a check/cash to Joan Ferris, Justine Nightingale, or Tracy Namee by Sunday, August 10; or you can donate through our website ( Donate to St. Mary).

(3) ST ELIAS CHURCH RELIEF FUND: Many of you are aware that our church of St Elias in Damascus, Syria, was recently attacked, resulting in the death and injury of multiple people, as well as severe damage to the church building and property. In response to this, a relief fund has been set up to help the church and victims. A letter from Metropolitan Saba regarding this matter is linked below. You can also access a link to donate here: Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

(4) TEXT MESSAGE GROUP: Our new text message system through tithe.ly is now up and running. We need anyone who wants to receive text messages from the church to sign up for this service (even if you had already signed up using our previous Remind system). You can join by following these quick steps:

– Text the phone number 855-516-9861 with the following phrase in the message box: STMARYTEXT

– Click on the link sent back to you via text and fill out your name (having your name will make it much easier for us in the future to create separate groups, such as the Parish Council, the Belles of St Mary, etc.).

– Check the box giving permission to receive texts.

– Click the “Submit” button.

Once you have done this, you should be automatically added to our text message list. Contact Fr Aaron if you have any issues.

(5) METROPOLITAN SABA’S WEEKLY TEACHING: This week His Eminence does not have a specific teaching, but expresses his thanks for all those who have helped or will help with the St Elias Church Relief Fund (see #3 above).

(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

Beloved in Christ,

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

THIS WEEK: July 7 – July 13, 2025

This Week: Regular Wed/Fri fasting.         

Wed, July 9 at 6:00 pm – Daily Vespers

Sat, July 12 at 7:30 am – Belles Mixing & Baking Holy Bread

Sat, July 12 at 4:00 pm – Men’s Prayer Group

Sat, July 12 at 4:30 pm – Confession

Sat, July 12 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers

Sat, July 12 at 6:00 pm – Chant Class

Sun, July 13 at 9:00 am – Matins

Sun, July 13 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy

Other Notes

(1) LADIES NIGHT OUT: All of our ladies are invited to the Tuesday, July 15, Ladies Night Out at 6:00 pm @ Thai Traditions (650 N Carriage Pkwy).

(2) BAPTISM OF THEODORA MARSHALL: All are welcome to attend the baptism of Theodora Marshall, daughter of Nathanael & Abilene Marshall, on Saturday, July 19, at 3:00 pm. May God grant her many years!

(3) TEXT MESSAGE GROUP: Our new text message system through tithe.ly is now up and running. We need anyone who wants to receive text messages from the church to sign up for this service (even if you had already signed up using our previous Remind system). You can join by following these quick steps:

– Text the phone number 855-516-9861 with the following phrase in the message box: STMARYTEXT

– Click on the link sent back to you via text and fill out your name (having your name will make it much easier for us in the future to create separate groups, such as the Parish Council, the Belles of St Mary, etc.).

– Check the box giving permission to receive texts.

– Click the “Submit” button.

Once you have done this, you should be automatically added to our text message list. Contact Fr Aaron if you have any issues.

(4) ST ELIAS CHURCH RELIEF FUND: Many of you are aware that our church of St Elias in Damascus, Syria, was recently attacked, resulting in the death and injury of multiple people, as well as severe damage to the church building and property. In response to this, a relief fund has been set up to help the church and victims. A letter from Metropolitan Saba regarding this matter is HERE. You can also access a link to donate here: Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

(5) METROPOLITAN SABA’S WEEKLY TEACHING: This week His Eminence shares his teaching, “On the Interpretation of the Holy Scriptures – Part 4.” His teaching is linked below.

(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