Looking Ahead at St Mary (July 28 – August 5)

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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: July 28 – August 5, 2024
This Week: Fasting on Wed, July 31; Dormition Fast August 1 – 14.  
Sun, July 28 at 5:00 pm – Game Night (Bring Your Own Game) and Potluck
Thurs, Aug 1 through Wed, Aug 14: Dormition Fast
Thurs, Aug 1 at 6:00 pm – Paraklesis Service
Sat, Aug 3 at 4:30 pm – Confession
Sat, Aug 3 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers
Sun, Aug 4 at 9:00 am – Matins
Sun, Aug 4 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy
Sun, Aug 4 at 11:30 am – Potluck Coffee Hour
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

Other Notes
(1)  OCPM SUNDAY: Sunday was Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM) Sunday in all US Orthodox Christian parishes. Many of you are aware that OCPM has helped me and some of our parishioners as prison ministers/former inmates. This is a vital ministry of our church, and we take a collection to help monetarily support this agency. If you wish to make a direct contribution to OCPM or learn more about their work, you can do so here: Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry – Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (theocpm.org)

(2)  DORMITION FAST AROUND THE CORNER: The Dormition Fast, during which we prepare for the Falling Asleep (Dormition) and Translation Into Heaven of the Mother of God, begins 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.

(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) COLLECTION FOR BOSRA-HAURAN: Metropolitan Saba has asked parishes of our diocese to again take a collection for the Archdiocese of Bosra-Hauran in Syria. We will do that on Sunday, August 5. 

(5) METROPOLITAN SABA’S WEEKLY TEACHING: This week His Eminence shares “On the Ministry of the Diaconate, Part 2.” 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.

(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 (July 22 – 28)

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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: July 22 – 28, 2024

This Week: Regular Wed/Fri fasting.  

Mon, July 22 – Fri, July 26: Fr Aaron @ Clergy Symposium (Antiochian Village)

Thurs, July 25 at 6:00 pm – Ladies Night Out @ Connie’s Mexican (2227 N Broadway)

Sat, July 27 at 4:30 pm – Confession

Sat, July 27 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers

Sun, July 28 – Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry Sunday

Sun, July 28 at 9:00 am – Matins

Sun, July 28 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy

Sun, July 28 at 5:00 pm – Game Night (Bring Your Own Game) and Potluck

Other Notes

(1) CLERGY SYMPOSIUM: This week (July 22 – 26), I will be at the Clergy Symposium at the Antiochian Village. Please feel free to contact me by phone/text/email while I am away.

(2) ANCIENT FAITH KIDS – NEW PODCAST: On Thursday, July 18, Ancient Faith Kids launched a new podcast, “A Joyful Noise: Exploring Byzantine Chant.” Children will be taught in an age-appropriate manner about the eight modes used in Orthodox Christian Byzantine chant, learn about the parallagi scale, and sing hymns along with the host. Learn more here: Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

(3) OCPM SUNDAY: Next Sunday, July 28, is Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM) Sunday in all US Orthodox Christian parishes. Many of you are aware that OCPM has helped me and some of our parishioners as prison ministers/former inmates. This is a vital ministry of our church and we will take a collection to help monetarily support this agency. If you wish to make a direct contribution to OCPM or learn more about their work, you can do so here: Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry – Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (theocpm.org)

(4) DORMITION FAST AROUND THE CORNER: The Dormition Fast, during which we prepare for the Falling Asleep (Dormition) and Translation Into Heaven of the Mother of God, begins 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.

(5) 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.

(6) METROPOLITAN SABA’S WEEKLY TEACHING: This week His Eminence shares “On the Ministry of the Diaconate, 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

Looking Ahead at St Mary (July 15 – 22)

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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: July 15 – 22, 2024
This Week: Regular Wed/Fri fasting.  
Thurs, July 18 at 5:30 pm – Parish Council Meeting
Thurs, July 18 at 7:00 pm – Ladies Bingo Night @ Central Standard Brewing
Fri, July 19 at 6:00 pm – Divine Liturgy ~ St Elias (Elijah)
Sat, July 20 at 4:30 pm – Confession
Sat, July 20 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers
Sun, July 21 at 9:00 am – Matins
Sun, July 21 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy
Sun, July 21 at 5:30 pm – The Lord’s Diner
Mon, July 22 – Fri, July 26: Fr Aaron @ Clergy Symposium (Antiochian Village)

Other Notes
(1)  LORD’S DINER: On Sunday, July 21, 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.

(2) CLERGY SYMPOSIUM: The week of July 22 – 26, I will be at the Clergy Symposium at the Antiochian Village. Please feel free to contact me by phone/text/email while I am away.

(3) YOUTH EQUIPPED TO SERVE (YES) INTERNSHIP: Over three months in the fall, interns work to bring the YES mission to their communities through an individualized project designed to meet a local need. The application deadline is Monday, July 15. See here for details: Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

4) ANCIENT FAITH KIDS – NEW PODCAST: Starting Thursday, July 18, Ancient Faith Kids will launch a new podcast, “A Joyful Noise: Exploring Byzantine Chant.” Children will be taught in an age-appropriate manner about the eight modes used in Orthodox Christian Byzantine chant, learn about the parallagi scale, and sing hymns along with the host. Learn more here: Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

(5) METROPOLITAN SABA’S WEEKLY TEACHING: This week His Eminence shares “On the Ministry of the Diaconate, Part 1.” Click here 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.

(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 (July 8 – 14)

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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: July 8 – 14, 2024

This Week: Regular Wed/Fri fasting.  

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

Sat, July 13 at 4:30 pm – Confession

Sat, July 13 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers

Sun, July 14 at 9:00 am – Matins

Sun, July 14 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy

Other Notes

(1) LADIES NIGHTS OUT: On Thursday, July 18, at 7:00 pm, all ladies of our parish are invited to Bingo @ Central Standard Brewing for a Ladies Night Out.

(2) LORD’S DINER: On Sunday, July 21, 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) METROPOLITAN SABA’S WEEKLY TEACHING: This week, His Eminence shares “The Teacher Does Not Retire,” a tribute to Metropolitan George Khodr on the occasion of his 101st birthday. 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: https://tmts.transistor.fm/.

(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

Looking Ahead at St Mary (July 1 – 7)

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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: July 1 – 7, 2024

This Week: Regular Wed/Fri fasting.  

Sun, July 1 – Fri, July 5: Fr Aaron on Vacation (see note below)

Sat, July 6 at 4:30 pm – Confession

Sat, July 6 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers

Sun, July 7 at 9:00 am – Matins

Sun, July 7 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy

Sun, July 7 at 11:30 am – Potluck Coffee Hour

Other Notes

(1) FR AARON ON VACATION: I will be out of the office for vacation Monday, July 1 through Friday, July 5. In case of pastoral emergency, please feel free to contact Fr Paul O’Callaghan from St George Cathedral (316-209-4676).

(2) METROPOLITAN SABA’S WEEKLY TEACHING: This week His Eminence shares a teaching on a Culture of Prayer. Read it here >

(3) 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: https://tmts.transistor.fm/.

(4) 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 (June 23 – 30)

/in /by

Beloved in Christ,

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

THIS WEEK: June 23 – June 30, 2024
This Week: No fasting the week following Pentecost.  
Sun, June 23 at 5:00 pm – Game Night (BYOG) – Bring Your Own Game
Mon, June 24 at 8:00 am – Divine Liturgy ~ Nativity of St John the Baptist
Thurs, June 27 at 6:00 pm – Ladies Night Out (Location TBD)
Fri, June 28 at 6:00 pm – Divine Liturgy ~ Sts Peter and Paul
Sat, June 29 at 4:30 pm – Confession
Sat, June 29 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers
Sun, June 30 at 9:00 am – Festal Matins
Sun, June 30 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy

Other Notes
(1) GAME NIGHT: TONIGHT from 5:00 – 7:00 pm we will have a Game Night at the church. We are asking people to BYOG (Bring Your Own Game) to share with others. We have plans for cornball, four-square, a temporary pickleball net, and some board games, so we will have a wide variety of activities available, but we encourage you to bring something you enjoy playing with others as well.

(2) JULY FELLOWSHIP GROUPS: I will soon be assigning you to your fellowship group for the month of July. If you need to opt out for the month and have not already told me you are opting out permanently, please let me know ASAP. If you have already opted out permanently, you do NOT need to contact me about this each month. On the other hand, if you opted out in the past, but wish to rejoin the groups, please let me know that as well.

(3) METROPOLITAN SABA’S WEEKLY TEACHING: This week His Eminence shares a teaching on Youth Spiritual Awakening. 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: https://tmts.transistor.fm/.

(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

Looking Ahead at St Mary (June 16 – 24)

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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: June 16 – June 24, 2024

This Week: Regular Wed/Fri fasting, but with fish & wine allowed each day of the week.  

Sun, June 16 at 5:00 pm – The Lord’s Diner (contact Fr Aaron if interested in serving this month or any future month)

Thurs, June 20 at 5:30 pm – Parish Council Meeting

Thurs, June 20 at 7:00 pm – Ladies Bingo Night @ Central Standard Brewing

Fri, June 21 – Scroll on Website

Sat, June 22 at 9:00 am – Divine Liturgy ~ Saturday of Souls

Sat, June 22 at 4:30 pm – Confession

Sat, June 22 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers w/Chrismation of Beth Elliott

Sun, June 23 at 8:45 am – Festal Matins

Sun, June 23 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy w/Kneeling Prayers for Pentecost

Sun, June 23 at 5:00 pm – Game Night (BYOG) – Bring Your Own Game

Mon, June 24 at 8:00 am – Divine Liturgy ~ Nativity of St John the Baptist

Other Notes

(1) SATURDAY OF SOULS On Saturday, June 22, we will celebrate the “Saturday of Souls” Divine Liturgy. At this liturgy we ask God to remember and have mercy on all of the departed since the beginning of time. We also will pray specifically for any departed loved ones whom you wish to remember. If you would like for your departed loved ones to be mentioned in prayer by name, please send their names to office@stmarywichita.org, bring a list of names to the parish office, or give us your names by phone no later than 12:00 pm on Tuesday, June 18.

(2) GAME NIGHT: On Sunday evening, June 23, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm, we have a Game Night at the church. We are asking people to BYOG (Bring Your Own Game) to share with others. We have plans for cornball, four-square, a temporary pickleball net, and some board games, so we will have a wide variety of activities available, but we encourage you to bring something you enjoy playing with others as well.

(3) METROPOLITAN SABA’S WEEKLY TEACHING: This week His Eminence shares a teaching on the story of the Blind Man. See the link here 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: https://tmts.transistor.fm/.

(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

 

Looking Ahead at St Mary (June 10 – 16)

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Beloved in Christ,

Christ is risen!

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

THIS WEEK: June 10 – June 16, 2024
This Week: No fasting on any day of the week through Ascension; fish & wine allowed on all days through Pentecost.  
Wed, June 12 – Sat, June 15: Parish Life Conference in Beaumont, TX (Fr Aaron Out of Office)
Sat, June 15 – Scroll Deadline
Sat, June 15 – No Confessions, No Great Vespers at St Mary
Sat, June 15 at 6:00 pm – 20/40 Fellowship Group @ Blaise Webster’s (803 S Elizabeth)
Sun, June 16 at 9:00 am – Matins
Sun, June 16 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy
Sun, June 16 at 10:30 am – Catechism Class
Sun, June 16 at 5:00 pm – The Lord’s Diner (contact Fr Aaron if interested in serving this month or any future month)

Other Notes
(1) PARISH LIFE CONFERENCE: I will be out of town at our annual Parish Life Conference in Beaumont, TX from June 12 – 15. Due to my travel arrangements, we will not have Confession nor Great Vespers on Saturday, June 15. We plan to have normal Sunday services on Sunday, June 16.

(2) SERVICES AT ST GEORGE: Fr Paul O’Callaghan of St George Cathedral is not attending the Parish Life Conference and, therefore, will be able to host St Mary parishioners for Ascension services, as well for Saturday Great Vespers. Service times are as follows: Great Vespers for Ascension – Wed, June 12, at 6:30 pm; Divine Liturgy for Ascension – Thurs, June 13, at 7:00 am; Saturday Great Vespers – June 15 at 5:45 pm.

(3) SATURDAY OF SOULS On Saturday, June 22, we will celebrate the “Saturday of Souls” Divine Liturgy. At this liturgy we ask God to remember and have mercy on all of the departed since the beginning of time. We also will pray specifically for any departed loved ones whom you wish to remember. If you would like for your departed loved ones to be mentioned in prayer by name, please send their names to office@stmarywichita.org, bring a list of names to the parish office, or give us your names by phone no later than 12:00 pm on Tuesday, June 18.

(4) GAME NIGHT: On Sunday evening, June 23, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm we will have a Game Night at the church. We are asking people to BYOG (Bring Your Own Game) to share with others. We have plans for cornball, four-square, a temporary pickleball net, and some board games, so we will have a wide variety of activities available, but we encourage you to bring something you enjoy playing with others as well.

(5) METROPOLITAN SABA’S WEEKLY TEACHING: This week His Eminence shares an introduction to Joy Magazine for children. 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: https://tmts.transistor.fm/.

(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 (June 3 – 9)

/in /by

Beloved in Christ,

Christ is risen!

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

THIS WEEK: June 3 – June 9, 2024

This Week: No fasting on any day of the week through Ascension.  

  • June 3 – 6: VBS @ St George Cathedral
  • Sat, June 8 at 4:00 pm – Men’s Prayer Group
  • Sat, June 8 at 4:30 pm – Confession
  • Sat, June 8 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers
  • Sun, June 9 at 9:00 am – Matins
  • Sun, June 9 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy

Other Notes

(1) FAMILY PROMISE HOST WEEK: St. Mary is the host parish for Family Promise the week of June 9 – 17. To volunteer, follow this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A49AAAF2BAAF94-49267835-family#/. Sign up includes providing food for breakfast and snacks, evening meals, 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.

(2) PARISH LIFE CONFERENCE: I will be out of town at our annual Parish Life Conference in Beaumont, TX from June 12 – 15. Due to my travel arrangements, we will not have Confession nor Great Vespers on Saturday, June 15. We plan to have normal Sunday services on Sunday, June 16.

(3) 20/40 FELLOWSHIP: Our 20/40 Fellowship Group (open to anyone ages 20 – 40 something) plans to meet on Saturday, June 15, at 6:00 pm at the home of Blaise Webster (803 S Elizabeth).

(4) SATURDAY OF SOULS On Saturday, June 22, we will celebrate the “Saturday of Souls” Divine Liturgy. At this liturgy we ask God to remember and have mercy on all of the departed since the beginning of time. We also will pray specifically for any departed loved ones whom you wish to remember. If you would like for your departed loved ones to be mentioned in prayer by name, please send their names to office@stmarywichita.org, bring a list of names to the parish office, or give us your names by phone no later than 12:00 pm on Tuesday, June 18.

(5) GAME NIGHT: On Sunday evening, June 23, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm we will have a Game Night at the church. We are asking people to BYOG (Bring Your Own Game) to share with others. We have plans for cornball, four-square, a temporary pickleball net, and some board games, so we will have a wide variety of activities available, but we encourage you to bring something you enjoy playing with others as well.

(6) METROPOLITAN SABA’S WEEKLY TEACHING: This week His Eminence shares a teaching on “Thoughts on the Fullness of Life (Part 1).” See the link>

(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: https://tmts.transistor.fm/.

(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 (May 27-June 2)

/in /by

Beloved in Christ,

Christ is risen!

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

THIS WEEK: May 27 – June 2, 2024
This Week: No fasting on any day of the week through Ascension.  
Mon, May 27 at 9:00 am – Graveside Blessings (seen note below)
Sat, June 1 at 4:30 pm – Confession
Sat, June 1 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers
Sun, June 2 at 9:00 am – Matins
Sun, June 2 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy
Sun, June 2 at 11:30 am – Potluck Coffee Hour

Other Notes
(1) FAMILY PROMISE HOST WEEK: St. Mary is the host parish for Family Promise the week of June 9 – 17. To volunteer, follow this link > Sign up includes providing food for breakfast and snacks, evening meals, 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.

(2) FELLOWSHIP GROUPS FOR JUNE: With Lent, Pascha, and the Festival now behind us, we will restart our Fellowship Group assignments. I will soon be assigning you to your fellowship group for the month of June. If you need to opt out for the month and have not already told me you are opting out permanently, please let me know ASAP. If you have already opted out permanently, you do NOT need to contact me about this each month. On the other hand, if you opted out in the past, but wish to rejoin the groups, please let me know that as well.

(3) THANK YOU: On behalf of the entire Mediterranean Festival Executive Committee, we’d like to say a huge thank you to all of our St. Mary parish family for all the time, treasure, and talents offered to help make the 2024 festival happen! It was truly a labor of love and it allowed us to share our faith, our food, and our hospitality to our Wichita community, as well as support and raise awareness for the  DUI Victim Center of Kansas. We don’t have final numbers yet, but regardless whether it was a record year or not, it was a huge success in bringing us all closer together. May God continue to bless this parish as we seek to do His will and share His love with all who enter our doors.

(4) VBS AT ST GEORGE: St George is hosting a Vacation Bible School June 3 – 6 (Mon – Thurs) from 1 – 4 pm each day, which is centered around the theme of our heavenly protectors, the Holy Archangels Gabriel, Michael, and Raphael. VBS is open to any children ages 4 – 5th grade according to the 2023-2024 school year. You can register here >

(5) MEMORIAL DAY GRAVESIDE BLESSINGS: We will meet on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27 at 9:00 am, at Old Mission Chapel for the annual Graveside Blessing Trisagion Service. I will then go to bless the graves of our departed loved ones at Old Mission Cemetery. If you would like me to bless a grave(s) that is not at Old Mission, please let me know and we can make arrangements.

(6) EARLY AMERICAN ORTHODOXY PODCAST: I want to share another excellent podcast with Matthew Namee discussing his new book, “Lost Histories.” We thank him for being with us today for the book signing! Here is the podcast episode >

(7) METROPOLITAN SABA’S WEEKLY TEACHING: This week His Eminence shares a teaching on “Thoughts on the Fullness of Life (Part 1).” 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 >

(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