Beloved in Christ,

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

THIS WEEK: December 2 – 9, 2024

This Week: The Advent Fast began on Nov 15 and continues through Dec 24.    

Mon, Dec 2 at 6:00 pm – Belles Christmas Party (2860 N Cypress Cir) (see note below)

Wed, Dec 4 at 8:00 am – Divine Liturgy ~ Sts Barbara and John of Damascus

Wed, Dec 4 at 6:00 pm – Great Vespers

Wed, Dec 4 at 6:30 pm – Bible Study (Genesis)

Fri, Dec 6 at 8:00 am – Divine Liturgy ~ St Nicholas

Fri, Dec 6 at 6:00 pm – Advent Paraklesis

Sat, Dec 7 at 4:30 pm – Confession

Sat, Dec 7 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers

Sun, Dec 8 at 9:00 am – Matins

Sun, Dec 8 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy

Sun, Dec 8 at 11:00 am – Church School

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

Other Notes

(1)  BIBLE STUDY LINK: I highly encourage people to attend Daily Vespers and Bible Study in person. For those unable to make it in person, you can join virtually using the following link: https://teams.live.com/meet/9338659190975?p=RmHOjYNZcu2xsG9NKo

(2) BELLES CHRISTMAS PARTY: All women of our parish are invited to the annual Belles of St Mary Christmas Party. Even if you are not a regular participant in the Belles, we encourage you to attend this wonderful evening. Please see the linked invitation below with some important details.

(3) FAMILY PROMISE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: St. Mary is the host parish for FAMILY PROMISE the week of December 8-15. Please use the link below to sign up. Opportunities for those who would prefer to sign up in person will be available after liturgy on Nov.17 and Dec. 1.  Sign up opportunities include providing food for breakfast and snacks, evening meals, a hot breakfast Saturday, transportation to and from the Day House, laundry, and spending the night at the church. Thanks for your support of this important ministry. Contact Vicki Jones, 650-0658, or Father Aaron with any questions. Sign up link here:  Dec. 8-15 2024

(4) 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.

(5) 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 >

(6) METROPOLITAN SABA’S WEEKLY TEACHING: This week His Eminence shares “The Holy Scriptures: Nourishment of the Faithful – Part 2.” 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

Beloved in Christ,

Below you will find this week’s schedule, as well as some important notes about upcoming events.
THIS WEEK: November 18 – November 24, 2024
This Week: The Advent Fast began on Nov 15 and continues through Dec 24.    
Mon, Nov 18 at 6:00 pm – Advent Paraklesis
Wed, Nov 20 at 5:30 pm – Divine Liturgy ~ The Entrance of the Mother of God Into The Temple
Wed, Nov 20 at 6:30 pm – Bible Study (Genesis)
Mon, Nov 22 at 6:00 pm – Advent Paraklesis
Sat, Nov 23 at 4:30 pm – Confession
Sat, Nov 23 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers
Sun, Nov 24 at 9:00 am – Matins
Sun, Nov 24 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy
Sun, Nov 24 at 11:00 am – Church School

Other Notes
(1) BIBLE STUDY LINK: I highly encourage people to attend Daily Vespers and Bible Study in person. For those unable to make it in person, you can join virtually using the following link: https://teams.live.com/meet/9338659190975?p=RmHOjYNZcu2xsG9NKo

(2) WORK DAYS FOR HOLIDAY BAKE SALE: Thank you to all who helped on Saturday with making baklawa. We still need help packaging the baklawa on Monday, December 9. We appreciate those who volunteer their time on those days to help. You can sign up here: St Mary/Wichita, KS: Holiday Bake Sale Prep Dates – 2024 (signupgenius.com)

(3) FAMILY PROMISE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: St. Mary is the host parish for FAMILY PROMISE the week of December 8-15. Please use the link below to sign up. Opportunities for those who would prefer to sign up in person will be available after liturgy on Nov.17 and Dec. 1.  Sign up opportunities include providing food for breakfast and snacks, evening meals, a hot breakfast Saturday, transportation to and from the Day House, laundry, and spending the night at the church. Thanks for your support of this important ministry. Contact Vicki Jones, 650-0658, or Father Aaron with any questions. Sign up link here:
Dec. 8-15 2024

(4) 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 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.

(5) ADVENT FAST WEBPAGE: The Antiochian Archdiocese has a wonderful resource page for the Advent/Nativity Fast, with guidelines and spiritual reflections. You can view that website here: Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

(6) METROPOLITAN SABA’S WEEKLY TEACHING: This week, His Eminence shares “The Christian Approach to Crisis – Part 4.” 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

Beloved in Christ,

Please remember that next Sunday, November 3, we have our important Annual Meeting. You can find the Annual Meeting Booklet linked here. Among multiple reports from our Ministry Teams, myself, and the Parish Council, you will also find our proposed 2025 Annual Budget, as well as our Full-Year Results from 2023. Please let me know if you have any questions/concerns. Hard copies of this report are available in the foyer.

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

THIS WEEK: October 28 – November 3, 2024

This Week: Regular Wed/Fri fasting.   

Tues, Oct 29 at 11:30 am – Bingo & Lunch @ St George Cathedral

Wed, Oct 30 at 6:00 pm – Daily Vespers

Wed, Oct 30 at 6:30 pm – Bible Study (Genesis)

Fri, Nov 1 at 6:00 pm – Divine Liturgy ~ St Raphael of Brooklyn

Sat, Nov 2 at 8:00 am – Mix Kibbee

Sat, Nov 2 at 9:00 am – Make Kibbee (see sign up below)

Sat, Nov 2 at 4:30 pm – Confession

Sat, Nov 2 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers

Sat, Nov 2 at 6:00 pm – Teen SOYO Meeting w/St Michael Teens

Sun, Nov 3 – Daylight Saving Time Ends

Sun, Nov 3 at 9:00 am – Matins

Sun, Nov 3 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy

Sun, Nov 3 at 11:00 am – Church School

Sun, Nov 3 at 11:30 am – Annual Meeting

Other Notes

(1) BIBLE STUDY LINK: I highly encourage people to attend Daily Vespers and Bible Study in person. For those unable to make it in person, you can join virtually using the following link: https://teams.live.com/meet/9338659190975?p=RmHOjYNZcu2xsG9NKo 

(2) WORK DAYS FOR HOLIDAY BAKE SALE: We are making baklawa and kibbee for a Holiday Sale this year as a fundraiser. We need help making both of these items on Saturday, November 2 (for Kibbee), and Saturday, November 16 (for Baklawa). We appreciate those who volunteer their time on those days to help. You can sign up here: St Mary/Wichita, KS: Holiday Bake Sale Prep Dates – 2024 (signupgenius.com)

If you want to order any baklawa or kibbee, you may do so here: St. Mary Orthodox Christian Church (square.site)

(3) ANNUAL MEETING: Our parish’s Annual Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, November 3, immediately following Divine Liturgy. All members, catechumens, and inquirers are invited and encouraged to attend this meeting. At the meeting we will learn about various activities going on at St Mary and will present and approve the 2025 annual budget. Pizza will be provided to those who attend.

(4) ORTHODOXY ON TAP: This event brings together young(ish) people from all three of our Orthodox communities in the Wichita area. We meet at Old School Tap House in Kechi for fellowship and a brief lecture. More details on the speaker will be available soon. We will meet at 5:00 pm on Sunday, November 10.

(5) ADVENT FAST: The Advent Fast begins each year on November 15 and runs through the Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the Flesh (Christmas). During this fast, we abstain from all meat & dairy products, as well as from wine. However, on Tues/Thurs/Sat/Sun throughout the Advent Fast, fish & wine are allowed (Mon/Wed/Fri are stricter fasting days). During this time we also should step up our charitable efforts/giving and should consider making a sacramental confession. We also will celebrate the Advent Paraklesis service numerous times during the Advent Fast.

(6) METROPOLITAN SABA’S WEEKLY TEACHING: This week His Eminence shares “The Christian Approach to Crisis – 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

Beloved in Christ,

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

THIS WEEK: October 7 – 13, 2024

This Week: Regular Wed/Fri fasting.   

Tues, Oct 8 at 5:30 pm – Budget Committee Meeting

Wed, Oct 9 at 6:00 pm – Daily Vespers

Wed, Oct 9 at 6:30 pm – Bible Study (Genesis)

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

Sat, Oct 12 at 4:30 pm – Confession

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

Sat, Oct 12 at 6:00 pm – 20/40 Fellowship Meeting @ Jacobs’ (2722 E 101st St N, Valley Center)

Sun, Oct 13 at 9:00 am – Matins

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

Sun, Oct 13 at 11:00 am – Church School

Other Notes

(1)  BIBLE STUDY LINK: I highly encourage people to attend Daily Vespers and Bible Study in person. For those unable to make it in person, you can join virtually using the following link: https://teams.live.com/meet/9338659190975?p=RmHOjYNZcu2xsG9NKo 

(2) ASSEMBLY OF BISHOPS STATEMENT: The Assembly of Bishops issued a statement following their 13th Annual Meeting. Included in that statement is the mention of our own parishioner, Eric Namee, being honored by The Assembly for his work on their behalf. You can read it here: https://www.assemblyofbishops.org/news/2024/aobxiii-press-release

(3) FALL FESTIVAL: Our annual Fall Festival is scheduled for Sunday, October 20, from 5-7 pm. Details can be found on below.

(4) METROPOLITAN SABA’S WEEKLY TEACHING: This week His Eminence shares “Eastern Remnants – Part 2.” See the link to read it. 

(5) 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.

(6) 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: September 23 – September 29, 2024

This Week: Regular Wed/Fri fasting.   

Sat, Sept 28 at 4:30 pm – Confession

Sat, Sept 28 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers

Sun, Sept 29 at 9:00 am – Matins

Sun, Sept 29 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy

Sun, Sept 29 at 11:00 am – Church School

Sun, Sept 29 at 12:00 pm – Altar Server Training

Sun, Sept 29 at 5:00 pm – Orthodoxy on Tap @ Old School Tap House & Social (Kechi, KS)

Other Notes

(1) FR AARON ON VACATION: I will be out of the office on vacation from Wednesday, September 18, through Friday, September 27. Fr John Baize will serve the usual Sunday services on Sunday, September 22. In case of pastoral emergency during my absence, please contact Fr Paul O’Callaghan of St George Cathedral at 316-209-4676.

(2) ALTAR SERVER TRAINING: On Sunday, September 29, following Divine Liturgy, we will have an official Altar Server Training session. All boys/men ages 7 and over are welcome to learn to serve in the altar. Even if you currently serve in the altar, you should attend this training session. If you wish to serve/continue serving in the altar and cannot be there that Sunday, please speak with me so we can arrange for other plans.

(3) METROPOLITAN SABA’S WEEKLY TEACHING: This week His Eminence shares “This Is How God’s Pure Ones Think.” See the link to read it >

(4) 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.

(5) 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