Looking Ahead at St Mary (Dec 31 – Jan 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: Dec 31, 2023 – Jan 7, 2024

This Week: No fasting through Jan 4 on any day of the week; Jan 5 is a strict fast day.        

  • Sun, Dec 31 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers @ St George ~ Feast of St Basil the Great
  • Fri, Jan 5 at 8:00 am – Royal Hours ~ Theophany
  • Fri, Jan 5 at 4:45 pm – Festal Matins ~ Theophany
  • Fri, Jan 5 at 6:00 pm – Divine Liturgy w/Great Sanctification of Water
  • Sat, Jan 6: House Blessings Begin (a separate e-mail will be sent w/instructions)
  • Sat, Jan 6 at 4:30 pm – Confession
  • Sat, Jan 6 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers
  • Sun, Jan 7 at 9:00 am – Matins
  • Sun, Jan 7 at 9:00 am – Church School
  • Sun, Jan 7 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy
  • Sun, Jan 7 at 11:30 am – Potluck Coffee Hour

Other Notes

(1) BIBLE STUDY BEGINS JANUARY 10: We begin a weekly Bible study in January on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 pm. We will go through the readings of Great and Holy Week that we read each year during the services to help us better prepare for the Lenten/Holy Week/Pascha season.

(2) MEDITERRANEAN FESTIVAL PREP DATES: I plan to send out a separate e-mail this upcoming week with our Mediterranean Festival prep dates via Sign-Up Genius. Please pay close attention to the number of people needed for each date and please make plans to come help out during the open shifts. Last year, we had our best turnout ever for prep dates, and people really enjoyed the time of fellowship together.

(3) METROPOLITAN SABA’S WEEKLY TEACHING: This week His Eminence offers us a contemplation and a prayer. You can read it here (see attachment).

(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 (Dec 24 – 31)

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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: Dec 24 – 31, 2023

This Week: Following the Divine Liturgy for the Nativity on Dec 24, there is no fasting on any day of the week until January 5.       

  • Sun, Dec 24 at 8:00 pm – Festal Matins ~ Christmas/Nativity
  • Sun, Dec 24 at 9:15 pm – Divine Liturgy ~ Christmas/Nativity
  • Fri, Dec 29 – Scroll on Website
  • Sat, Dec 30 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers
  • Sun, Dec 31 – Scroll in Foyer
  • Sun, Dec 31 at 9:00 am – Matins
  • Sun, Dec 31 – NO Church School
  • Sun, Dec 31 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy
  • Sun, Dec 31 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers @ St George ~ Feast of St Basil the Great

Other Notes

(1) CHURCH HALL OPEN FOR CHRISTMAS: Once again this year the Church Hall will be open for people to celebrate after Divine Liturgy on Sunday evening, 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 you and you pick up any mess that you make.

(2) METROPOLITAN SABA’S WEEKLY TEACHING: This week His Eminence teaches us about “God Is With Us.” You can read it here (see attachment).

(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 (Dec 17 – 24)

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Beloved in Christ,

Many thanks to all who contributed to our Humanitarian Ministry Team Christmas Project. Please remember that tonight we have our annual Christmas Program and Potluck. Everyone is invited.

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

THIS WEEK: Dec 17 – 24, 2023
This Week: The Advent Fast began on Wednesday, November 15, and runs through the Divine Liturgy for Christmas.      

  • Sun, Dec 17 at 5:00 pm – Christmas Program & Potluck (see flyer)
  • Wed, Dec 20 at 6:00 pm – Advent Paraklesis
  • Fri, Dec 22 at 8:00 am – Royal Hours ~ Christmas/Nativity
  • Scroll Deadline (see note below)
  • Sat, Dec 23 at 4:30 pm – Confession
  • Sat, Dec 23 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers
  • Sun, Dec 24 – Sun, Dec 31: Family Promise Host Week (see note below)
  • Sun, Dec 24 at 9:00 am – Matins
  • Sun, Dec 24 – NO Church School
  • Sun, Dec 24 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy
  • Sun, Dec 24 at 8:00 pm – Festal Matins ~ Christmas/Nativity
  • Sun, Dec 24 at 9:15 pm – Divine Liturgy ~ Christmas/Nativity

Other Notes
(1) SCROLL CONTACT INFO UPDATE: We welcome Brett Parrott as the new chair of The Scroll Ministry Team. If you’d like to submit any items for consideration, please contact him at parrott.brett.117@gmail.com.

(2) FAMILY PROMISE HOST WEEK: Our host week for Family Promise is coming up soon. This year we only hosted three times total (compared to the normal four), in large part because we have one of the most difficult—yet special—times of the year to host: Christmas. Please consider sharing with our hosted families during this holy season. To volunteer, follow the link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A49AAAF2BAAF94-46363079-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.

(3) CHURCH HALL OPEN FOR CHRISTMAS: Once again this year the Church Hall will be open for people to celebrate after Divine Liturgy on Sunday evening, 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 you and you pick up any mess that you make.

(4) METROPOLITAN SABA’S WEEKLY TEACHING: This week His Eminence teaches us about “The Saints and Us.” You can read it online here: https://www.antiochian.org/regulararticle/1863.

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

(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

Looking Ahead at St Mary (Dec 11 – 17)

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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: Dec 11 – 17, 2023
This Week: The Advent Fast began on Wednesday, November 15, and runs through the Divine Liturgy for Christmas.      
Mon, Dec 11 at 6:00 pm – Belles Christmas Party (see linked flyer)
Wed, Dec 13 at 6:00 pm – Advent Paraklesis
Thurs, Dec 14 at 5:30 pm – Parish Council Meeting
Sat, Dec 16 at 4:30 pm – Confession
Sat, Dec 16 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers
Sun, Dec 17 at 9:00 am – Matins
Sun, Dec 17 at 9:00 am – Church School
Sun, Dec 17 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy w/Chrismations & Installation of 2024 Parish Council
Sun, Dec 17 at 10:30 am – Catechism Class
Sun, Dec 17 at 5:00 pm – Christmas Program & Potluck

Other Notes
(1) BELLES CHRISTMAS PARTY: See the linked flyer for details regarding the Belles Christmas Party on Monday, December 11, including the contest for most festive Christmas attire, which I expect to win!

(2) HUMANITARIAN NATIVITY PROJECT: Our Humanitarian Ministry Team is sponsoring a Nativity Project this year. Please see the linked flyer for details about how you can help.

(3) CHRISTMAS PROGRAM AND POTLUCK: Please join us on Sunday, December 17, for our annual Christmas Program and Potluck. Further details are available on the linked flyer.
(4) ADVENT FAST/SERVICES: The Advent Fast, which helps us prepare for the Feast of the Nativity (Christmas), began on Wednesday, November 15. During the Advent Fast we refrain from meat, dairy, fish, and wine. However, on Tues/Thurs/Sat/Sun during this fast, fish and wine are allowed. We will also celebrate the Advent Paraklesis supplication service each Wednesday evening at 6:00 pm during this fasting season.
(5) CHURCH HALL OPEN FOR CHRISTMAS: Once again this year the Church Hall will be open for people to celebrate after Divine Liturgy on Sunday evening, 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 you and you pick up any mess that you make.
(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 (Dec 4 – 11)

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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: Dec 4 – 11, 2023
This Week: The Advent Fast began on Wednesday, November 15, and runs through the Divine Liturgy for Christmas.      

  • Wed, Dec 6 at 8:00 am – Divine Liturgy ~ St Nicholas
  • Sat, Dec 9 at 4:00 pm – Men’s Prayer Group
  • Sat, Dec 9 at 4:30 pm – Confession
  • Sat, Dec 9 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers
  • Sun, Dec 10 – Choir/Chanter Appreciation Sunday
  • Sun, Dec 10 at 9:00 am – Matins
  • Sun, Dec 10 at 9:00 am – Church School
  • Sun, Dec 10 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy
  • Mon, Dec 11 at 6:00 pm – Belles Christmas Party (see linked flyer)

Other Notes
(1) BELLES CHRISTMAS PARTY: See the linked flyer for details regarding the Belles Christmas Party on Monday, December 11, including the contest for most festive Christmas attire, which I expect to win!
(2) ADVENT FAST/SERVICES: The Advent Fast, which helps us prepare for the Feast of the Nativity (Christmas), began on Wednesday, November 15. During the Advent Fast we refrain from meat, dairy, fish, and wine. However, on Tues/Thurs/Sat/Sun during this fast, fish and wine are allowed. We will also celebrate the Advent Paraklesis supplication service each Wednesday evening at 6:00 pm during this fasting season.
(3) CHURCH HALL OPEN FOR CHRISTMAS: Once again this year the Church Hall will be open for people to celebrate after Divine Liturgy on Sunday evening, 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 you and you pick up any mess that you make.
(4) METROPOLITAN SABA’S WEEKLY TEACHING: This week His Eminence teaches us about St Saba the Sanctified (his patron saint, commemorated on December 5). read more >
(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: https://tmts.transistor.fm/.

(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

Looking Ahead at St Mary (Nov 27 – Dec 3)

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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: Nov 27 – Dec 3, 2023

This Week: The Advent Fast began on Wednesday, November 15, and runs through the Divine Liturgy for Christmas.      

  • Wed, Nov 29 at 6:00 pm – Advent Paraklesis Supplication Service
  • Sat, Dec 2 at 4:30 pm – Confession
  • Sat, Dec 2 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers
  • Sat, Dec 2 at 6:30 pm – 20/40 Fellowship @ Sophia Jacobs’s (2722 E 101st St N, Valley Center)
  • Sun, Dec 3 at 9:00 am – Matins
  • Sun, Dec 3 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy

Other Notes

(1) COLLECTION FOR JERUSALEM: From Sunday, November 12, through Sunday, December 3, we will be taking a collection for the Patriarchate of Jerusalem to help them fund relief efforts in Gaza and the surrounding region. This collection is being taken throughout every Archdiocese in the Antiochian Patriarchate, as was decided at the most recent Holy Synod meeting. If you would like to make a contribution, you can put cash in the designated tray or you may write a check to St Mary, earmarked: Jerusalem.

(2) ADVENT FAST/SERVICES: The Advent Fast, which helps us prepare for the Feast of the Nativity (Christmas), began on Wednesday, November 15. During the Advent Fast, we refrain from meat, dairy, fish, and wine. However, on Tues/Thurs/Sat/Sun during this fast, fish and wine are allowed. We will also celebrate the Advent Paraklesis supplication service each Wednesday evening at 6:00 pm during this fasting season.

(3) BELLES CHRISTMAS PARTY: See the linked flyer for details regarding the Belles Christmas Party on Monday, December 11, including the contest for most festive Christmas attire, which I expect to win!

(4) METROPOLITAN SABA’S WEEKLY TEACHING: This week His Eminence did not share a teaching, due to the holiday break.

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

(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

Looking Ahead at St Mary (Nov 20 – Nov 27)

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Beloved in Christ,

In addition to Metropolitan Saba’s weekly teaching, this week I am including another publication from the Archdiocese discussing how the Archdiocese serves our parishes. I hope you find the interview with Fr Thomas Zain of the Department of Liturgics to be useful. I will begin sharing all of these with you as well, whenever they are sent out.

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

THIS WEEK: Nov 13 – 20, 2023

This Week: The Advent Fast begins on Wednesday, November 15, and runs through the Divine Liturgy for Christmas.      

  • Mon, Nov 20 at 6:00 pm – Divine Liturgy ~ The Entrance of the Mother of God into the Temple
  • Wed, Nov 22 at 6:00 pm – Advent Paraklesis Supplication Service
  • Thurs, Nov 23 – Fri, Nov 24: HAPPY THANKSGIVING (Office Closed)
  • Sat, Nov 25 at 4:30 pm – Confession
  • Sat, Nov 25 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers
  • Sun, Nov 26 at 9:00 am – Matins
  • Sun, Nov 26 – NO CHURCH SCHOOL
  • Sun, Nov 26 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy

Other Notes

(1) COLLECTION FOR JERUSALEM: From Sunday, November 12, through Sunday, December 3, we will be taking a collection for the Patriarchate of Jerusalem to help them fund relief efforts in Gaza and the surrounding region. This collection is being taken throughout every Archdiocese in the Antiochian Patriarchate, as was decided at the most recent Holy Synod meeting. If you would like to make a contribution, you can put cash in the designated tray or you may write a check to St Mary, earmarked: Jerusalem.

(2) ADVENT FAST/SERVICES: The Advent Fast, which helps us prepare for the Feast of the Nativity (Christmas), began on Wednesday, November 15. During the Advent Fast we refrain from meat, dairy, fish, and wine. However, on Tues/Thurs/Sat/Sun during this fast, fish and wine are allowed. We will also celebrate the Advent Paraklesis supplication service each Wednesday evening at 6:00 pm during this fasting season.

(3) PARISH COUNCIL ELECTIONS: All voting members of our parish should have received in the mail ballots for this year’s Parish Council election. Please note that all ballots will be counted immediately following Divine Liturgy on Sunday, November 26, so be sure to turn your ballot in by placing it in the designated box in the foyer or mailing it to the office before that date.

(4) BELLES CHRISTMAS PARTY: See the linked flyer for details regarding the Belles Christmas Party on Monday, December 11, including the contest for most festive Christmas attire, which I expect to win!

(5) METROPOLITAN SABA’S WEEKLY TEACHING: This week His Eminence teaches us about the spirit of the Nativity Fast. He also shares an interview about the Department of Liturgics.

(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 (Nov 13 – Nov 20)

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Beloved in Christ,

For the past several weeks, Metropolitan Saba has been sending the clergy throughout the Archdiocese a short teaching on various topics. Because they are beneficial, I plan to begin sharing his weekly teachings with you in my weekly e-mail to the parish. You can find his teaching from this week on “The Suffering Church” in the “Other Notes” section of this e-mail.

Also, please note the addition to the calendar for this week: the film showing of “Man of God,” the movie about St Nektarios, on Wednesday, November 15, at 7:00 pm (following Advent Paraklesis). Everyone is welcome to attend and to bring their own food/drink.

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

THIS WEEK: Nov 13 – 20, 2023

This Week: The Advent Fast begins on Wednesday, November 15, and runs through the Divine Liturgy for Christmas.      

  • Mon, Nov 13 at 8:00 am – Divine Liturgy ~ St John Chrysostom
  • Mon, Nov 13 at 6:30 pm – Belles Meeting @ St Mary
  • Wed, Nov 15 at 6:00 pm – Advent Paraklesis Supplication Service
  • Wed, Nov 15 at 7:00 pm – “Man of God” Film Showing @ St Mary  
  • Thurs, Nov 16 at 5:30 pm – Parish Council Meeting
  • Sat, Nov 18 at 8:00 am – Belles Making Lentil Soup & Holy Bread
  • Sat, Nov 18 at 3:30 pm – Women’s Book Study
  • Sat, Nov 18 at 4:30 pm – Confession
  • Sat, Nov 18 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers
  • Sun, Nov 19 at 9:00 am – Matins
  • Sun, Nov 19 at 9:00 am – Church School
  • Sun, Nov 19 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy
  • Mon, Nov 20 at 6:00 pm – Divine Liturgy ~ The Entrance of the Mother of God into the Temple

Other Notes

(1) COLLECTION FOR JERUSALEM: From Sunday, November 12, through Sunday, December 3, we will be taking a collection for the Patriarchate of Jerusalem to help them fund relief efforts in Gaza and the surrounding region. This collection is being taken throughout every Archdiocese in the Antiochian Patriarchate, as was decided at the most recent Holy Synod meeting. If you would like to make a contribution, you can put cash in the designated tray or you may write a check to St Mary, earmarked: Jerusalem.

(2) ADVENT FAST/SERVICES: The Advent Fast, which helps us prepare for the Feast of the Nativity (Christmas), begins on Wednesday, November 15. During the Advent Fast we refrain from meat, dairy, fish, and wine. However, on Tues/Thurs/Sat/Sun during this fast, fish and wine are allowed. We will also celebrate the Advent Paraklesis supplication service each Wednesday evening at 6:00 pm during this fasting season.

(3) PARISH COUNCIL ELECTIONS: All voting members of our parish should have received in the mail ballots for this year’s Parish Council election. Please note that all ballots will be counted immediately following Divine Liturgy on Sunday, November 26, so be sure to turn your ballot in by placing it in the designated box in the foyer or mailing it to the office before that date.

(4) METROPOLITAN SABA’S WEEKLY TEACHING: This week His Eminence teaches us about the Suffering Church.

Read

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

(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

Looking Ahead at St Mary (Nov 5 – Nov 13)

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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: Nov 5 – 13, 2023
This Week: Regular Wed/Fri fasting.      

  • Sun, Nov 5 at 6:00 pm – 20/40 Fellowship Group @ Sophie Jacobs’ (2722 E 101st St N, Valley Center)
  • Wed, Nov 8 at 8:00 am – Divine Liturgy ~ The Archangels
  • Fri, Nov 10 – Sat, Nov 11: St George Women’s Retreat (see attached flyer)
  • Sat, Nov 11 at 3:30 pm – Women’s Book Study
  • Sat, Nov 11 at 4:30 pm – Confession
  • Sat, Nov 11 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers
  • Sun, Nov 12 at 9:00 am – Matins
  • Sun, Nov 12 at 9:00 am – Church School
  • Sun, Nov 12 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy
  • Sun, Nov 12 at 10:30 am – Catechism Class
  • Mon, Nov 13 at 8:00 am – Divine Liturgy ~ St John Chrysostom
  • Mon, Nov 13 at 6:30 pm – Belles Meeting @ St Mary

Other Notes
(1) 20/40 FELLOWSHIP GROUP: Our 20/40 Fellowship Group (for everyone ages 20 – 40 something) will meet at Sophia Jacobs’s home (2722 E 101st St N, Valley Center) on Sunday, November 5, at 6:00 pm. Everyone in that age group is invited and welcome to attend.

(2) COLLECTION FOR JERUSALEM: From Sunday, November 12, through Sunday, December 3, we will be taking a collection for the Patriarchate of Jerusalem to help them fund relief efforts in Gaza and the surrounding region. This collection is being taken throughout every Archdiocese in the Antiochian Patriarchate, as was decided at the most recent Holy Synod meeting. If you would like to make a contribution, you can put cash in the designated tray or you may write a check to St Mary, earmarked: Jerusalem.

(3) ADVENT FAST/SERVICES: The Advent Fast, which helps us prepare for the Feast of the Nativity (Christmas), begins on Wednesday, November 15. During the Advent Fast we refrain from meat, dairy, fish, and wine. However, on Tues/Thurs/Sat/Sun during this fast, fish and wine are allowed. We will also celebrate the Advent Paraklesis supplication service each Wednesday evening at 6:00 pm during this fasting season.

(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 (October 29 – Nov 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: October 29 – Nov 5, 2023
This Week: Regular Wed/Fri fasting.      

  • Sun, Oct 29 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm: Fall Festival (see link below)
  • Wed, Nov 1 at 5:45 pm – Trisagion Service for the Family of Christine (Baize) Lowderman (in the chapel)
  • Wed, Nov 1 at 6:00 pm – Funeral for Christine (Baize) Lowderman (in the church)
  • Wed, Nov 1 at 7:00 pm – Meal of Mercy (please note: this will not be a full meal; it will be appetizers/sides)
  • Thurs, Nov 2 at 10:00 am – Burial of Christine (Baize) Lowderman @ Resthaven Cemetery
  • Fri, Nov 3 at 6:00 pm – Divine Liturgy ~ St Raphael of Brooklyn
  • Sat, Nov 4 at 3:30 pm – Women’s Book Study
  • Sat, Nov 4 at 4:30 pm – Confession
  • Sat, Nov 4 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers
  • Sun, Nov 5 – Daylight Saving Time Ends
  • Sun, Nov 5 at 9:00 am – Matins
  • Sun, Nov 5 at 9:00 am – Church School
  • Sun, Nov 5 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy
  • Sun, Nov 5 at 11:30 am – Annual General Meeting (see note below)
  • Sun, Nov 5 at 6:00 pm – 20/40 Fellowship Group @ Sophie Jacobs’ (2722 E 101st St N, Valley Center)

Other Notes
(1) FALL FESTIVAL: Our annual festival, which serves as a fundraiser for the Church School, is TONIGHT from 5-7 pm. Please see the linked flyer for more details, including what you can bring.
(2) ANNUAL MEETING: Our parish’s Annual Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, November 5, immediately following Divine Liturgy. Childcare will be available during the meeting in the Teen Center downstairs. In addition, the parish will be providing pizza for coffee hour. We encourage all members to stay for this meeting as we review our annual financials and budget, as well as learn about some opportunities to serve in our local community. In order for people to prepare for the meeting, we are providing our Annual Report Booklet (see link below) now, which among other things allows you to review our proposed 2024 parish budget. Hard copies of this report are currently available in the church foyer.
(3) 20/40 FELLOWSHIP GROUP: Our 20/40 Fellowship Group (for everyone ages 20 – 40 something) will meet at Sophia Jacobs’s home (2722 E 101st St N, Valley Center) on Sunday, November 5, at 6:00 pm. Everyone in that age group is invited and welcome to attend.
(4) SEMINARY COLLECTION: Each year the Antiochian Archdiocese takes a collection in October from all our parishes to help support our Orthodox seminaries in the US. If you would like to contribute, please send a check to St Mary or drop it in the donation box by the choir loft. Checks should be made to St Mary, earmarked: Seminaries.

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

(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