Looking Ahead at St Mary (Feb 20 – 27)

Beloved in Christ,

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

THIS WEEK: February 20 – 27, 2023

This Week: No meat; eggs/cheese allowed on all days of the week, including Wed/Fri.    

  • Fri, Feb 24 – Scroll on Website
  • Sat, Feb 25 at 4:30 pm – Confession
  • Sat, Feb 25 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers
  • Sun, Feb 26 – Scroll in Foyer
  • Sun, Feb 26 at 9:00 am – Church School
  • Sun, Feb 26 at 9:00 am – Matins
  • Sun, Feb 26 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy
  • Sun, Feb 26 at 5:00 pm – Forgiveness Vespers w/Rite of Mutual Forgiveness & Vittles @ Braum’s
  • Mon, Feb 27 – GREAT LENT BEGINS
  • Mon, Feb 27 at 6:00 pm – Great Compline w/Canon of Repentance

Other Notes

(1) ASSISTANCE FOR EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS: Our archdiocese is taking a collection through the month of February to assist victims of the recent earthquake that devastated areas within our Antiochian Patriarchate. If you would like to make a contribution, please make a check to St Mary earmarked: “Earthquake.” Alternatively, you can donate directly through the Archdiocese here or through IOCC here.

(2) DOWAMA EPISCOPAL RETIREMENT FUND: Please see the flyer regarding the new Diocese of Wichita & Mid-America (DOWAMA) Episcopal Retirement Fund. In past years we honored Bishop Basil on his name day, January 1. The funds we raised in his honor benefitted the mission parishes in our diocese. Since Bishop Basil is now retired, we have decided to honor him (as well as potential future bishops) instead by seeding a DOWAMA Episcopal Retirement Fund. If you would like to contribute to this fund, please make your check payable to St Mary Orthodox Church, earmarked: “Episcopal Retirement Fund.” We ask that you submit your payment by Sunday, March 26, so that our parish can forward the money by the deadline of Saturday, April 1. These funds will begin to support Bishop Basil during his retirement immediately.

(3) HOSTING ST GEORGE CATHEDRAL COMMUNITY: We will be hosting a joint Pre-Sanctified service and Potluck Dinner with St. George Cathedral on Wednesday, March 8. Please bring double or triple the amount of food that you would typically bring. There will be a sign-up sheet in the hall, or, if you prefer, click on the Sign Up Genius link. If you have any questions, please talk to Vicki Jones.

(4) LADIES BOOK STUDY: We’ve had an overwhelming response from those who want to participate in the Ladies Book Study! Our first gathering will be Saturday, March 4, at 4:00 pm. We’ll meet at the church (location to be determined) and be finished in time for Great Vespers. Books have been ordered and will be delivered in the next week. If you didn’t sign up but would like to participate, let Vicki Jones or Tracy Namee know!

(5) SCHOLARSHIPS FOR HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS: Please see the link for two scholarship opportunities for graduating high school seniors in our diocese. Please note the deadline is Friday, April 21, and the recipients will be announced on Friday, June 16, at our annual Parish Life Conference.

(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 >

(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 (Feb 13 – 19)

Beloved in Christ,

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

THIS WEEK: February 13 – 19, 2023

This Week: Regular Wed/Fri fasting.    

  • Sun, Feb 12 – Sun, Feb 19: Family Promise Host Week – Sign up >
  • Thurs, Feb 16 at 5:30 pm – Parish Council Meeting
  • Fri, Feb 17 at 8:00 am – MF Prep: Marketplace Cookies (see sign up link below)
  • Sat, Feb 18 at 8:00 am – MF Prep: Marketplace Cookies (see sign up link below)
  • Sat, Feb 18 at 9:00 am – Divine Liturgy ~ Saturday of Souls
  • Sat, Feb 18 at 3:00 pm – Baptism of Mabel Singiresu
  • Sat, Feb 18 at 4:30 pm – Confession
  • Sat, Feb 18 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers
  • Sat, Feb 18 at 5:45 pm – 20/40 Fellowship Group Meeting
  • Sun, Feb 19 at 9:00 am – Church School
  • Sun, Feb 19 at 9:00 am – Matins
  • Sun, Feb 19 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy
  • Sun, Feb 19 at 10:30 am – Catechism Class

Other Notes

(1) FESTIVAL PREP SIGN-UP: We have multiple festival prep dates coming up in February. You can sign up to help using this link > Thank you for your help in making our festival a success!

(2) ASSISTANCE TO EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS: Our archdiocese is taking a collection through the month of February to assist victims of the recent earthquake that devastated areas within our Antiochian Patriarchate. If you would like to make a contribution, please make a check to St Mary earmarked: “Earthquake.” Alternatively, you can donate directly through the Archdiocese here or through IOCC here.

(3) 20/40 FELLOWSHIP: I am happy to announce that we are re-starting our 20/40 Fellowship. The 20/40 Fellowship is a local chapter of a broader Archdiocese group that seeks to meet the spiritual needs of our parishioners in the 20-40 age group. The group is open to people in that age group regardless of their marital status and/or if they have children (although children will not attend their events unless specifically noted). The first event planned for this group is coming up on Saturday, February 18. The schedule/details are as follows: 5:00 pm – Great Vespers; 5:45 pm – Talk by Project Mexico Executive Director, Fr Nicholas Andruchow; 6:00 pm – Dinner & Fellowship (Church Basement).

(4) LADIES BOOK STUDY: Interested in joining a Lenten book study? Interested in working toward a deeper understanding and relationship with God? Interested in spending time with your fellow female parishioners? If you answered “Yes!” to any of these questions, please contact Vicki Jones or Tracy Namee and let us know. We would like to study the book “Introduction to God” by Father Stephen Andrew Damick. This is an easy-to-read book that can help all of us draw closer to God. Once we know who is interested, we can decide when we will meet. We hope that many will want to join us in studying this book during our Lenten journey. Vicki – vawj55jones@gmail.com or Tracy – tnamee@cox.net.

(5) PROJECT MEXICO 2023:  Join us for an exceptional Orthodox mission trip experience at Project Mexico and St. Innocent Orphanage August 1-7, 2023. Please contact Ben Mosley (316) 617-6965 or Elena Somerhalder (316) 644-8844 of St George Cathedral for information or questions.

(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 >

(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 (Feb 6 – 12)

Beloved in Christ,

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

THIS WEEK: February 6 – 12, 2023

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

  • Tues, Feb 7 – Fri, Feb 10: Fr Aaron @ Clergy Brotherhood Retreat
  • Sat, Feb 11 at 8:00 am – MF Prep: Kibbe (see sign up link below)
  • Sat, Feb 11 at 4:30 pm – Confession
  • Sat, Feb 11 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers
  • Sun, Feb 12 at 9:00 am – Church School
  • Sun, Feb 12 at 9:00 am – Matins
  • Sun, Feb 12 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy
  • Sun, Feb 12 – Sun, Feb 19: Family Promise Host Week (see sign up link below)

Other Notes

(1) FESTIVAL PREP SIGN-UP: We have multiple festival prep dates coming up in February. You can sign up to help using this link > Thank you for your help in making our festival a success!

(2) FAMILY PROMISE HOST WEEK: St. Mary is hosting families from Sunday, February 12, through Sunday, February 19. To volunteer, follow this link > Sign up opportunities include 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.

 (3) BAPTISM OF MABEL SINGIRESU: All are welcome to attend the baptism of Mabel Singiresu, daughter of Melissa Shippy and Dheeraj Singiresu, on Saturday, February 18, at 3:00 pm.

(4) LADIES BOOK STUDY: Interested in joining a Lenten book study? Interested in working toward a deeper understanding and relationship with God? Interested in spending time with your fellow female parishioners? If you answered “Yes!” to any of these questions, please contact Vicki Jones or Tracy Namee and let us know. We would like to study the book “Introduction to God” by Father Stephen Andrew Damick. This is an easy-to-read book that can help all of us draw closer to God. Once we know who is interested, we can decide on when we will meet. We hope that many will want to join us in studying this book during our Lenten journey. Vicki – vawj55jones@gmail.com or Tracy – tnamee@cox.net.

(5) PROJECT MEXICO 2023:  Join us for an exceptional Orthodox mission trip experience at Project Mexico and St. Innocent Orphanage August 1-7, 2023. Please contact Ben Mosley (316) 617-6965 or Elena Somerhalder (316) 644-8844 of St George Cathedral for information or questions.

(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 >

(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.

 

Yours in Christ,

 

Fr Aaron

 

Looking Ahead at St Mary (Jan 30 – Feb 5)

Beloved in Christ,

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

THIS WEEK: January 30 – February 5, 2023

This Week: Regular Wed/Fri fasting.    

  • Mon, Jan 30 at 8:00 am – Divine Liturgy ~ The Three Great Hierarchs
  • Wed, Feb 1 at 6:00 pm – Divine Liturgy ~ The Meeting of the Lord in the Temple
  • Sat, Feb 4 at 3:00 pm – Belles Farkle Party
  • Sat, Feb 4 at 4:30 pm – Confession
  • Sat, Feb 4 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers
  • Sun, Feb 5 at 9:00 am – Church School
  • Sun, Feb 5 at 9:00 am – Matins
  • Sun, Feb 5 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy
  • Sun, Feb 5 – Potluck Coffee Hour

Other Notes

(1) FESTIVAL PREP SIGN-UP: We have multiple festival prep dates coming up in February. You can sign up to help using this link > Thank you for your help in making our festival a success!

(2) FAMILY PROMISE HOST WEEK: St. Mary is hosting families from Sunday, February 12, through Sunday, February 19. To volunteer, follow this link > Sign-up opportunities include 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.

(3) BELLES FARKLE PARTY: Women of St. Mary: plan to attend a “Farkle Party” hosted by The Belles of St. Mary on February 4, at 3:00 PM. Farkle is a fun dice game that can be played by all skill levels. Please bring a snack to share. Drinks will be provided. Plan to stay for Vespers. If you have any questions, call Vicki Jones at 650-0658.

(4) FELLOWSHIP GROUPS: All participating parishioners will be assigned to a new fellowship group for the month of February unless you have contacted me to opt-out. I will be contacting you before the end of January to let you know your assigned group for February.

(5) PROJECT MEXICO 2023:  Join us for an exceptional Orthodox mission trip experience at Project Mexico and St. Innocent Orphanage August 1-7, 2023. Please contact Ben Mosley (316) 617-6965 or Elena Somerhalder (316) 644-8844 of St George Cathedral for information or questions.

(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 (Jan 23 – 30)

Beloved in Christ,

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

THIS WEEK: January 23 – January 30, 2023

This Week: Regular Wed/Fri fasting.    

  • Sat, Jan 28 at 8:00 am – Belles Making Holy Bread
  • Sat, Jan 28 at 4:30 pm – Confession
  • Sat, Jan 28 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers
  • Sun, Jan 29 at 9:00 am – Church School
  • Sun, Jan 29 at 9:00 am – Matins
  • Sun, Jan 29 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy
  • Mon, Jan 30 at 8:00 am – Divine Liturgy ~ The Three Great Hierarchs (Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom)

Other Notes

(1) FESTIVAL PREP SIGN-UP: We have multiple festival prep dates coming up in February. You can sign up to help using this link > Thank you for your help in making our festival a success!

(2) FAMILY PROMISE HOST WEEK: St. Mary is hosting families from Sunday, February 12, through Sunday, February 19. To volunteer, follow this link > Sign up opportunities include 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.

(3) HOUSE BLESSINGS: If you would like a house blessing this year, please contact me via e-mail (preferred) or sign up on our sign-up sheet available in the foyer.

(4) BELLES FARKLE PARTY: Women of St. Mary: plan to attend a “Farkle Party” hosted by The Belles of St. Mary February 4, at 3:00 PM. Farkle is a fun dice game that can be played by all skill levels. Please bring a snack to share. Drinks will be provided. Plan to stay for Vespers. If you have any questions, call Vicki Jones at 650-0658.

(5) FELLOWSHIP GROUPS: All participating parishioners will be assigned to a new fellowship group for the month of February unless you have contacted me to opt out. I will be contacting you before the end of January to let you know your assigned group for February.

(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 >

(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 (Jan 16 – 22)

Beloved in Christ,

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

THIS WEEK: January 16 – January 22, 2023
This Week: Regular Wed/Fri fasting.    
Mon, Jan 16 at 6:00 pm – Divine Liturgy ~ St Anthony the Great
Thurs, Jan 19 at 5:30 pm – Parish Council Meeting
Sat, Jan 21 at 8:00 am – MF Prep: Roll Cabbage sign up to help here >
Sat, Jan 21 at 4:30 pm – Confession
Sat, Jan 21 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers
Sun, Jan 22 at 9:00 am – Church School
Sun, Jan 22 at 9:00 am – Matins
Sun, Jan 22 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy

Other Notes
(1) FESTIVAL PREP SIGN-UP: At our Focus Group meeting earlier this year, one topic that was mentioned by many people was using SignUp Genius to help recruit volunteers for our Mediterranean Festival prep dates. We believe this helps because it gives people a timeline and some detail about what they will be doing when they volunteer. To that end, we have created a SignUp Genius which now includes ALL work days up until the week of the festival. You can sign up to help using this link > Thank you for your help in making our festival a success!

(2) FELLOWSHIP GROUPS: Everyone who has an e-mail account on my list of participants should have received an e-mail about their January assignment with the other members of your group included. If you have not received an e-mail, but would like to be included in the Fellowship Groups, please contact me ASAP so I can get you added to my list and to a group for January.

(3) HOUSE BLESSINGS: If you would like a house blessing this year, please contact me via e-mail (preferred) or sign up on our sign-up sheet available in the foyer.

(4) BELLES MAKING HOLY BREAD: The Belles of St. Mary will be making holy bread on Saturday, January 28. Mixing will begin at 7:00 am. Please arrive at 8:30 am if you are not part of the mixing. We hope to make 100 pounds, so lots of help is needed. Men and women of the parish are invited.

(5) BELLES FARKLE PARTY: Women of St. Mary: plan to attend a “Farkle Party” hosted by The Belles of St. Mary February 4, at 3:00 PM. Farkle is a fun dice game that can be played by all skill levels. Please bring a snack to share. Drinks will be provided. Plan to stay for Vespers. If you have any questions, call Vicki Jones at 650-0658.

(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 >

(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 (Jan 2 – 9)

Beloved in Christ,

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

THIS WEEK: January 9 – January 16, 2023

This Week: Regular Wed/Fri fasting.    

  • Mon, Jan 9 at 6:30 pm – Belles Meeting @ St Mary
  • Wed, Jan 11 – NO BIBLE STUDY
  • Fri, Jan 13 – Special Archdiocese Convention – Fr Aaron Out of Office
  • Sat, Jan 14 at 4:30 pm – Confession
  • Sat, Jan 14 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers
  • Sun, Jan 15 at 9:00 am – Church School
  • Sun, Jan 15 at 9:00 am – Matins
  • Sun, Jan 15 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy
  • Sun, Jan 15 at 12:00 pm – MF Prep: Steam/Trim Cabbage Sign up to help here >
  • Mon, Jan 16 at 6:00 pm – Divine Liturgy ~ St Anthony the Great

Other Notes

(1) FESTIVAL PREP SIGN-UP: At our Focus Group meeting earlier this year, one topic that was mentioned by many people was using SignUp Genius to help recruit volunteers for our Mediterranean Festival prep dates. We believe this helps because it gives people a timeline and some detail about what they will be doing when they volunteer. To that end, we have created a SignUp Genius which now includes ALL work days up until the week of the festival. You can sign up to help using this link > Thank you for your help in making our festival a success!

(2) FELLOWSHIP GROUPS: Everyone who has an e-mail account on my list of participants should have received an e-mail about their January assignment with the other members of your group included. If you have not received an e-mail, but would like to be included in the Fellowship Groups, please contact me ASAP so I can get you added to my list and to a group for January.

(3) HOUSE BLESSINGS: If you would like a house blessing this year, please contact me via e-mail (preferred) or sign up on our sign-up sheet available in the foyer.

(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 >

(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 (Jan 2 – 9)

Beloved in Christ,

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

THIS WEEK: January 2 – January 9, 2023

This Week: There is no fasting any day of the week from December 25 – January 4; January 5 is a strict fast day; January 6 there is no fasting for Theophany.    

  • Thurs, Jan 5 at 8:00 am – Royal Hours & Typika ~ Theophany
  • Thurs, Jan 5 at 4:45 pm – Festal Matins ~ Theophany
  • Thurs, Jan 5 at 6:00 pm – Divine Liturgy w/the Great Blessing of Waters ~ Theophany
  • Fri, Jan 6 – House Blessings Begin (see note below)
  • Sat, Jan 7 at 4:30 pm – Confession
  • Sat, Jan 7 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers
  • Sun, Jan 8 at 9:00 am – Church School
  • Sun, Jan 8 at 9:00 am – Matins
  • Sun, Jan 8 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy
  • Sun, Jan 8 at 11:30 am – Potluck Coffee Hour
  • Mon, Jan 9 at 6:30 pm – Belles Meeting @ St Mary

Other Notes

(1) FELLOWSHIP GROUPS: Everyone who has an e-mail account on my list of participants should have received an e-mail about their January assignment with the other members of your group included. If you have not received an e-mail, but would like to be included in the Fellowship Groups, please contact me ASAP so I can get you added to my list and to a group for January.

(2) FESTIVAL PREP SIGN-UP: At our Focus Group meeting earlier this year, one topic that was mentioned by many people was using SignUp Genius to help recruit volunteers for our Mediterranean Festival prep dates. We believe this helps because it gives people a timeline and some detail about what they will be doing when they volunteer. To that end, we have created a SignUp Genius which now includes ALL work days up until the week of the festival. You can sign up to help using this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090f44aaa92aa7fb6-mediterranean. Thank you for your help in making our festival a success!

(3) HOUSE BLESSINGS: If you would like a house blessing this year, please contact me via e-mail (preferred) or sign up on our sign-up sheet available in the foyer.

(4) THEOPHANY: We celebrate the Great Feast of Theophany, the Baptism of Christ, and the Revelation of the Holy Trinity, with several services on Thursday, January 5. Those services are: 8:00 am – Royal Hours & Typika; 4:45 pm Festal Matins; and 6:00 pm Divine Liturgy w/the Great Blessing of Water.

(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

 

2023 Medfest Workday Information

Each workday hasseveral shifts.

Yes! You can sign up for more than one shift per workday! 😊

Please use the Sign Up Genius to sign up for workdays.

Everyone is needed to help. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!

Sunday, January 15                         12 pm – 4 pm – After Liturgy –  Core, Steam and Trim Cabbage

Saturday, January 21                     8 am – 2 pm  – Roll Cabbage

Sunday, February 5                         12 pm – 4 pm – After Liturgy – Cooking Meat for Meat Pies & Kibbe

Saturday, February 11                   8 am – 2 pm – Kibbee

Friday, February 17                        8 am – 2 pm – Marketplace Cookies

Saturday, February 18                   8 am – 2 pm – Marketplace Cookies

Saturday, March 18                        8 am – 2 pm – Meat Pies

Saturday, April 1                             8 am – 2 pm – Baklawa Sticks

Saturday, April 29                           8 am – 2 pm – Baklawa

Saturday, April 29                           11 am – 2 pm – Initial Hall Set Up

April 30 – May 5                              Week of Festival – Many work days to be scheduled. Details to follow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Looking Ahead at St Mary (Dec 26 – Jan 1)

Beloved in Christ,

Christ is born!

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

THIS WEEK: December 26, 2022 – January 1, 2023
This Week: There is no fasting any day of the week from December 25 – January 4.       

  • Sat, Dec 31 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers
  • Sun, Jan 1 at 8:50 am – Festal Matins ~ The Circumcision of Christ & Feast of St Basil the Great
  • Sun, Jan 1 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy

Other Notes
(1) FELLOWSHIP GROUPS: As previously announced, our Fellowship Groups will begin meeting in January 2023. All parishioners will be assigned to a group of three total “family units” for the month of January unless you contact me to opt out. Sometime this coming week I will be contacting you to let you know your assigned group for January. The goal is for each group to meet together sometime during the month of January for fellowship. If someone is willing to host, you can meet at their house. Or you can meet at a local coffee shop/restaurant or have some type of fun outing with each other. You can even meet at the church after a Liturgy by sitting together at coffee hour, if that is your best or most comfortable option. The only limit is your imagination!!! The goal of this program is to help our parishioners get to know each other better. For February, everyone will be assigned to a different group so you have the opportunity to meet with other people. This should be a wonderful opportunity for our parishioners to grow in fellowship and love for one another.

(2) FESTIVAL PREP SIGN-UP: At our Focus Group meeting earlier this year, one topic that was mentioned by many people was using SignUp Genius to help recruit volunteers for our Mediterranean Festival prep dates. We believe this helps because it gives people a timeline and some detail about what they will be doing when they volunteer. To that end, we have created a SignUp Genius for the January festival prep dates. You can sign up to help using this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090f44aaa92aa7fb6-mediterranean. Please note in the field “Available Slot,” the number in parentheses indicates the number of people we still need to volunteer to help with each session. As we finalize the prep dates beyond January, they will be added to this link. Thank you for your help in making our festival a success!

(3) POTLUCK COFFEE HOUR: Our monthly Potluck Coffee Hour is Sunday, January 8, immediately following Divine Liturgy. We ask all those who are able to please participate by bringing a dish to share with others.

(4) THEOPHANY: We celebrate the Great Feast of Theophany, the Baptism of Christ, and the Revelation of the Holy Trinity, with several services on Thursday, January 5. Those services are: 8:00 am – Royal Hours & Typika; 4:45 pm Festal Matins; and 6:00 pm Divine Liturgy w/the Great Blessing of Water.

(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