Looking Ahead at St Mary (October 28 – Nov 3)
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
