May 28
St. Athanasios Church
Publish Date: 2017-05-28
Bulletin Contents
St. Athanasios Church
General Information
- Phone:
- (630) 851-6106
- Fax:
- (630)898-6131
- Street Address:
- 1855 East 5th Ave.
- Aurora, IL 60504
- Mailing Address:
- 1855 East 5th Ave.
- Aurora, IL 60504
Contact Information
Past Bulletins
- Publish Date:
- 2017-05-21
- Publish Date:
- 2017-05-14
- Publish Date:
- 2017-05-07
- Publish Date:
- 2017-04-30
- Publish Date:
- 2017-04-23
- Publish Date:
- 2017-04-09
Hymns of the Day
Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal Second Mode
Angelic powers were above Thy tomb, and they that guarded Thee became as dead. And Mary stood by the grave seeking Thine immaculate Body. Thou hast despoiled Hades and wast not tried thereby. Thou didst meet the Virgin and didst grant us life. O Thou Who didst arise from the dead, Lord, glory be to Thee.
Ἀγγελικαὶ Δυνάμεις ἐπὶ τὸ μνῆμά σου, καὶ οἱ φυλάσσοντες ἀπενεκρώθησαν, καὶ ἵστατο Μαρία ἐν τῷ τάφῳ, ζητοῦσα τὸ ἄχραντόν σου σῶμα. Ἐσκύλευσας τὸν ᾍδην, μὴ πειρασθεὶς ὑπ' αὐτοῦ, ὑπήντησας τῇ Παρθένῳ, δωρούμενος τὴν ζωήν, ὁ ἀναστὰς ἐκ των νεκρῶν, Κύριε δόξα σοι.
Apolytikion for Holy Ascension in the Fourth Mode
Thou hast ascended in glory, O Christ our God, and gladdened Thy disciples with the promise of the Holy Spirit; and they were assured by the blessing that Thou art the Son of God and Redeemer of the world.
Ἀνελήφθης ἐν δόξῃ Χριστὲ ὁ Θεὀς ἡμῶν χαροποιήσας τοὺς μαθητὰς τῇ ἐπαγγελίᾳ τοῦ ἁγίου Πνεύματος βεβαιωθέν των αὐτῶν διὰ τῆς εὐλογίας ὅτι Σὺ εἶ ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ ὁ λυτρωτὴς τοῦ κόσμου.
Apolytikion for Fathers of the 1st Council in the Plagal Fourth Mode
Most glorified art Thou, O Christ our God, Who hast established our Fathers as luminous stars upon the earth, and through them didst guide us all to the true Faith. O Most Merciful One, glory be to Thee.
Ὑπερδεδοξασμένος εἶ, Χριστὲ ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν, ὁ φωστῆρας ἐπὶ γῆς τοὺς Πατέρας ἡμῶν θεμελιώσας, καὶ δι' αὐτῶν πρὸς τὴν ἀληθινὴν πίστιν, πάντας ἡμᾶς ὁδηγήσας· πολυεύσπλαγχνε, δόξα σοι.
Hymn of the Church
Athanasios, you are the pillar that supports the church of Orthodoxy.
You proclaimed the dogma that refuted the Arian heresy,
Affirming that the Son and Father are one essence.
O Holy Father, to Christ our God pray for us that we
Receive the gift of his great love and mercy.
Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Second Mode
O Christ our God, upon fulfilling Your dispensation for our sake, You ascended in Glory, uniting the earthly with the heavenly. You were never separate but remained inseparable, and cried out to those who love You, "I am with you and no one is against you."
Τὴν ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν πληρώσας οἰκονομίαν, καὶ τὰ ἐπὶ γῆς ἑνώσας τοῖς οὐρανίοις, ἀνελήφθης ἐν δόξῃ, Χριστε ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν, οὐδαμόθεν χωριζόμενος, ἀλλὰ μένων ἀδιάστατος, καὶ βοῶν τοῖς ἀγαπῶσί σε· Ἐγώ εἰμι μεθ' ὑμῶν, καὶ οὐδεὶς καθ' ὑμῶν.
Saints and Feasts
May 28
Heladios the Hieromartyr of the East
May 28
Fathers of the 1st Council
The heresiarch Arius was a Libyan by race and a protopresbyter of the Church of Alexandria. In 315, he began to blaspheme against the Son and Word of God, saying that He is not true God, consubstantial with the Father, but is rather a work and creation, alien to the essence and glory of the Father, and that there was a time when He was not. This frightful blasphemy shook the faithful of Alexandria. Alexander, his Archbishop, after trying in vain to correct him through admonitions, cut him off from communion and finally in a local council deposed him in the year 321. Yet neither did the blasphemer wish to be corrected, nor did he cease sowing the deadly tares of his heretical teachings; but writing to the bishops of other cities, Arius and his followers requested that his doctrine be examined, and if it were unsound, that the correct teaching be declared to him. By this means, his heresy became universally known and won many supporters, so that the whole Church was soon in an uproar.
Therefore, moved by divine zeal, the first Christian Sovereign, Saint Constantine the Great, the equal to the Apostles, summoned the renowned First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea, a city of Bithynia. It was there that the shepherds and teachers of the Church of Christ gathered from all regions in the year 325. All of them, with one mouth and one voice, declared that the Son and Word of God is one in essence with the Father, true God of true God, and they composed the holy Symbol of Faith up to the seventh article (since the remainder, beginning with "And in the Holy Spirit," was completed by the Second Ecumenical Council). Thus they anathematized the impious Arius of evil belief and those of like mind with him, and cut them off as rotten members from the whole body of the faithful.
Therefore, recognizing the divine Fathers as heralds of the Faith after the divine Apostles, the Church of Christ has appointed this present Sunday for their annual commemoration, in thanksgiving and unto the glory of God, unto their praise and honour, and unto the strengthening of the true Faith.
May 28
The Holy Hieromartyr Eutychius, Bishop of Melitene
All information concerning this Martyr has been lost, except that he presented himself before the tyrants, mocked the idols, suffered many unspeakable torments, and was finally drowned in the sea.
May 28
Nikitas, Bishop of Chalcedon
May 28
Helikonis the Martyr
May 28
Eutechios, Bishop of Mytilene
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Epistle Reading
Prokeimenon. Fourth Mode. Daniel 3.26,27.
Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers.
Verse: For you are just in all you have done.
The reading is from Acts of the Apostles 20:16-18, 28-36.
IN THOSE DAYS, Paul had decided to sail past Ephesos, so that he might not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hastening to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost. And from Miletos he sent to Ephesos and called to him the elders of the church. And when they came to him, he said to them: "Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God which he obtained with the blood of his own Son. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. I coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel. You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities, and to those who were with me. In all things I have shown you that by so toiling one must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, 'it is more blessed to give than to receive.' " And when he had spoken thus, he knelt down and prayed with them all.
Προκείμενον. Fourth Mode. Δανιήλ 3.26-27.
Εὐλογητὸς εἶ, Κύριε, ὁ Θεὸς τῶν Πατέρων ἡμῶν.
Στίχ. Ὅτι δίκαιος εἶ ἐπὶ πᾶσιν, οἷς ἐποίησας ἡμῖν.
τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πράξεις Ἀποστόλων 20:16-18, 28-36.
Ἐν ταῖς ἡμεραῖς ἐκείναις, ἔκρινεν ὁ Παῦλος παραπλεῦσαι τὴν Ἔφεσον, ὅπως μὴ γένηται αὐτῷ χρονοτριβῆσαι ἐν τῇ Ἀσίᾳ· ἔσπευδεν γάρ, εἰ δυνατὸν ἦν αὐτῷ, τὴν ἡμέραν τῆς Πεντηκοστῆς γενέσθαι εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα. Ἀπὸ δὲ τῆς Μιλήτου πέμψας εἰς Ἔφεσον μετεκαλέσατο τοὺς πρεσβυτέρους τῆς ἐκκλησίας. Ὡς δὲ παρεγένοντο πρὸς αὐτόν, εἶπεν αὐτοῖς, προσέχετε οὖν ἑαυτοῖς καὶ παντὶ τῷ ποιμνίῳ, ἐν ᾧ ὑμᾶς τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ ἅγιον ἔθετο ἐπισκόπους, ποιμαίνειν τὴν ἐκκλησίαν τοῦ κυρίου καὶ θεοῦ, ἣν περιεποιήσατο διὰ τοῦ ἰδίου αἵματος. Ἐγὼ γὰρ οἶδα τοῦτο, ὅτι εἰσελεύσονται μετὰ τὴν ἄφιξίν μου λύκοι βαρεῖς εἰς ὑμᾶς, μὴ φειδόμενοι τοῦ ποιμνίου· καὶ ἐξ ὑμῶν αὐτῶν ἀναστήσονται ἄνδρες λαλοῦντες διεστραμμένα, τοῦ ἀποσπᾷν τοὺς μαθητὰς ὀπίσω αὐτῶν. Διὸ γρηγορεῖτε, μνημονεύοντες ὅτι τριετίαν νύκτα καὶ ἡμέραν οὐκ ἐπαυσάμην μετὰ δακρύων νουθετῶν ἕνα ἕκαστον. Καὶ τὰ νῦν παρατίθεμαι ὑμᾶς, ἀδελφοί, τῷ θεῷ καὶ τῷ λόγῳ τῆς χάριτος αὐτοῦ, τῷ δυναμένῳ ἐποικοδομῆσαι, καὶ δοῦναι ὑμῖν κληρονομίαν ἐν τοῖς ἡγιασμένοις πᾶσιν. Ἀργυρίου ἢ χρυσίου ἢ ἱματισμοῦ οὐδενὸς ἐπεθύμησα. Αὐτοὶ γινώσκετε ὅτι ταῖς χρείαις μου καὶ τοῖς οὖσιν μετʼ ἐμοῦ ὑπηρέτησαν αἱ χεῖρες αὗται. Πάντα ὑπέδειξα ὑμῖν, ὅτι οὕτως κοπιῶντας δεῖ ἀντιλαμβάνεσθαι τῶν ἀσθενούντων, μνημονεύειν τε τῶν λόγων τοῦ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ, ὅτι αὐτὸς εἶπεν, Μακάριόν ἐστιν μᾶλλον διδόναι ἢ λαμβάνειν. Καὶ ταῦτα εἰπών, θεὶς τὰ γόνατα αὐτοῦ, σὺν πᾶσιν αὐτοῖς προσηύξατο.
Gospel Reading
Fathers of the 1st Council
The Reading is from John 17:1-13
At that time, Jesus lifted up his eyes to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him power over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work which you gave me to do; and now, Father, you glorify me in your own presence with the glory which I had with you before the world was made.
"I have manifested your name to the men whom you gave me out of the world; yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you; for I have given them the words which you gave me, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you did send me. I am praying for them; I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are mine; all mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. And now I am no more in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me; I have guarded them, and none of them is lost but the son of perdition, that the scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves."
Fathers of the 1st Council
Κατὰ Ἰωάννην 17:1-13
Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς, καὶ ἐπῆρε τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτοῦ εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν καὶ εἶπε· πάτερ, ἐλήλυθεν ἡ ὥρα· δόξασόν σου τὸν υἱόν, ἵνα καὶ ὁ υἱός σου δοξάσῃ σε, καθὼς ἔδωκας αὐτῷ ἐξουσίαν πάσης σαρκός, ἵνα πᾶν ὃ δέδωκας αὐτῷ δώσῃ αὐτοῖς ζωὴν αἰώνιον. αὕτη δέ ἐστιν ἡ αἰώνιος ζωή, ἵνα γινώσκωσί σε τὸν μόνον ἀληθινὸν Θεὸν καὶ ὃν ἀπέστειλας ᾿Ιησοῦν Χριστόν. ἐγώ σε ἐδόξασα ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, τὸ ἔργον ἐτελείωσα ὃ δέδωκάς μοι ἵνα ποιήσω· καὶ νῦν δόξασόν με σύ, πάτερ, παρὰ σεαυτῷ τῇ δόξῃ ᾗ εἶχον πρὸ τοῦ τὸν κόσμον εἶναι παρὰ σοί. ᾿Εφανέρωσά σου τὸ ὄνομα τοῖς ἀνθρώποις οὓς δέδωκάς μοι ἐκ τοῦ κόσμου. σοὶ ἦσαν καὶ ἐμοὶ αὐτοὺς δέδωκας, καὶ τὸν λόγον σου τετηρήκασι. νῦν ἔγνωκαν ὅτι πάντα ὅσα δέδωκάς μοι παρὰ σοῦ ἐστιν· ὅτι τὰ ῥήματα ἃ δέδωκάς μοι δέδωκα αὐτοῖς, καὶ αὐτοὶ ἔλαβον, καὶ ἔγνωσαν ἀληθῶς ὅτι παρὰ σοῦ ἐξῆλθον, καὶ ἐπίστευσαν ὅτι σύ με ἀπέστειλας. ᾿Εγὼ περὶ αὐτῶν ἐρωτῶ· οὐ περὶ τοῦ κόσμου ἐρωτῶ, ἀλλὰ περὶ ὧν δέδωκάς μοι, ὅτι σοί εἰσι, καὶ τὰ ἐμὰ πάντα σά ἐστι καὶ τὰ σὰ ἐμά, καὶ δεδόξασμαι ἐν αὐτοῖς. καὶ οὐκέτι εἰμὶ ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ, καὶ οὗτοι ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ εἰσί, καὶ ἐγὼ πρὸς σὲ ἔρχομαι. πάτερ ἅγιε, τήρησον αὐτοὺς ἐν τῷ ὀνόματί σου ᾧ δέδωκάς μοι, ἵνα ὦσιν ἓν καθὼς ἡμεῖς. ὅτε ἤμην μετ᾽ αὐτῶν ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ, ἐγὼ ἐτήρουν αὐτοὺς ἐν τῷ ὀνόματί σου· οὓς δέδωκάς μοι ἐφύλαξα, καὶ οὐδεὶς ἐξ αὐτῶν ἀπώλετο εἰ μὴ ὁ υἱὸς τῆς ἀπωλείας, ἵνα ἡ γραφὴ πληρωθῇ. νῦν δὲ πρὸς σὲ ἔρχομαι, καὶ ταῦτα λαλῶ ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ ἵνα ἔχωσι τὴν χαρὰν τὴν ἐμὴν πεπληρωμένην ἐν αὐτοῖς.
Parish News & Events
Calendar for the week of May 28, 2017
Sunday, May 28th
Fathers of the 1st Council
8:15am Orthros
9:15am Chrismation - Scott Reher
9:30am Liturgy
5 Year Memorial - Ann Petrou
Memorial - Katherine & Lamonia (Mother & Aunt of Christine Sterio)
Spring Parish Assembly
Coffee hour hosted by the family of Ann Petrou
Monday, May 29th
Office Closed
Cemetery Visits 9:00am at Lincoln Memorial Park; 10:30am at Springlake Cemetery; 11:00am at Riverside Cemetery.
Tuesday, May 30th
7:00pm Choir Federation Rehearsal
Saturday, June 3rd
Saturday of Souls
8:30am Orthros with Liturgy to immediately follow
Sunday, June 4th
Pentecost
8:15am Orthros
9:30am Liturgy
Family Picnic
Reminder: The 40 day period of Easter is now over so it is customary to resume kneeling during the Consecration.
37TH Annual Commemoration of the Fall of Constantinople Tuesday, May 30th, 7:00pm at Greenhouse Theater, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago.
"BRYZZO" Jersey Raffle - The Parish council is raffling off framed and autographed Cubs jerseys. The Anthony Rizzo jersey is $20 per ticket, and the Kris Bryant World Series edition jersey is $25 per ticket. Only 100 of each will be sold, so your odds are good! See George Manos or Frank Demas after church services in St. Matthew Hall to "score" tickets for your chance to win before they're gone!
Spring Food Fest Thank you for your support! Last weekend's event was the most successful since we moved the Fest back to church in 2013. We made more than $38,000, 68% over budget.
Raffle Winners - Congratulations to all the winners of the Spring Grand Raffle!
1st Prize - $1,500: Glen and Kim Kaminski
2nd Prize - $500: Martha Lesiotis
3rd Prize - $100: Peter Papageorgakis
4th Prize - $100: Don and Sandy Kalant
5th Prize - $100: Panagiotis Korpas
6th Prize - $100: Penelope Stamatakis
7th Prize - $100: Niko Stritz
Register NOW! Saint Athanasios Summer Camp ~ The INCREDIBLE Power of Prayer!!! June 12-15th 9-11:30am. $50 per student 1st - 6th grade. $60 per student for registrations made after May 21st. We are also in need of 7th grade - High School students to be camp counselors! Please contact the church office to register saintathanasiosoffice@gmail.com. Please submit your child’s name, current grade, and parent’s email. Credit card payments can be submitted to the church office and/or registration and payments will also be collected after church on Sundays.
St. Athanasios Golf Outing: The 2017 St. Athanasios Golf Outing will take place on Monday, June 12th at the Links of Carillon in Plainfield, IL. The event kicks off with lunch and opening of the driving range at 11:30 AM, followed by the shotgun start at 1:00 PM, and dinner (with prizes, raffles, etc) immediately following the golf (around 6:00 PM). Please plan on joining us for this day of fun and fellowship, and bring your friends, family and business colleagues, too!
The Golf Committee members will be in the St. Matthew Hall today following services to take your reservations for the participation in the Outing; we have a dinner-only option for non-golfers, too. We've reduced prices this year, and have further discount for 4-somes paying by May 28th. We also have hole sponsorships available, as well as other opportunities for donations and sponsorships. See the committee members today to reserve your spots in the Outing, and all other items for the Outing. All proceeds will benefit the ministries of our beloved St. Athanasios.
Philoptochos End of Year Party - Will be held Thursday, June 15th at 6:30 at the home of Samantha Dulles. Please let Samantha know if you will be attending at ssdulles@yahoo.com or 312-504-4448.
Bookstore News: GRADUATION IDEAS FOR TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS TEENS
THE PURPLE MANTLE By Aliki Kafetzopoulou: This historical novel is set in the time of the Roman Empire during the time of the persecution of Christians. It is a story of faith and heroism amidst a society plagued by confusion and fear. The story carefully traces the spiritual awakening and growth of a young man and woman Thru these characters we see striking choices faced by all of us-comforts and grandeur of this world and the eternal joy and glory of the world to come.
STORIES FROM SCRIPTURE By Archm. Vasilios Bakoyannis: The Old Testament is full of exciting stories. They are unique in their own way and full of drama, wisdom, and truth. Stories such as these provide great wisdom. These stories present the spiritual truths of the Holy Scripture in a most accessible and applicable way to contemporary man.
****** A MUST HAVE HEAR ME A PRAYERBOOK FOR ORTHODOX TEENS Complied by Annalisa Boyd: As youth, you have entered an exciting time of life. At this moment you are developing patterns of living. Prayer is a valuable pattern to establish. In this book you will find prayers and encouragement for many areas of your life. My you know that you have a God who hears you.
A TINY STEP FROM DEEPEST FAITH: A Teenagers search for Meaning By Marjorie Corbman Marjorie is a seventeen year-old in search of God, love, and identity. She shares her own experiences as well as those of her friends. Along the way she discusses many issues and how each relates to what Marjorie calls the only thing necessary—faith.
80 TALKS FOR ORTHODOX YOUNG PEOPLE By Anthony M. Coniaris: This unique book is simple, yet informative instructions for Orthodox Christian teachings and practices for young people. This book will help our youngsters learn scripture, tradition and liturgical life in a provocative, stimulating and enjoyable way. Everything leads to one goal- To make Jesus Christ the core and essence of our life and make Him our Savior.
YOUNG ADULT BOOKS A TRACE IN THE SAND A TALE OF THE EARLY MARTYRS Edited by Lawrence Damian Robinson and the St. Herman of Alaska Brotherhood During A.D. 274, the Roman Empire Roman citizens quake before the soldier-emperor who styles himself as a living god. Senator Poplius’ son has everything. Nevertheless, he is dissatisfied. So it is, until the day a young slave boy saves his life, and the emperor meets someone nobler and braver than himself: a Christian. DRAGON’S WINE AND ANGEL’S BREAD By Gabriel Bunge: Evagrius Ponticus (A.D. 343-399) spent 16 years in the desert of Egypt. He was a disciple of the two Macarii under whose guidance he became a “philosopher”, one who writes about Christian life. He writes of anger, and its causes, consequences, and cures , offers useful spiritual insight with practical application for the post-modern reader. The opposite of anger is LOVE, and he teaches human beings to possess the love of God within.
CONTEMPORARY MORAL ISSUES Facing the Orthodox Christian By Stanley S. Harakas: This volume is a revised and expanded edition. The topics discussed deal with some of the vital issues which concern Orthodox Christians as members of local parishes, dioceses and the national Church. The topics concern us as well in our capacity as citizens, and as persons faced with many social, political, economic, medical, moral, cultural and religious issues. The effort, in these pages, is to view these issues from concretely Orthodox Christian perspective.
GAME PLAN Practical Wisdom for the College Experience By Nic Gibson and Syler Thomas: How will your faith fare when you enter the new world of college-leaving behind the safety of home, community, and church? Drawing on their own experiences and years of ministry to young men and women, Nic and Syler provide a game plan you can follow to survive and thrive in your new environment.
Reminders: When coming up to recieve Andithoron please have your hands cupped in front of you and open to recieve. Please refrain from placing candles for Memorials of the 7-day candles on the Solea during Liturgy. If you are running late and Liturgy has begun please give them to a Parish Council member who can take care of them for you. Thank you.
Prosforo: The Church is in need of Prosforo, if you are able to make some and bring it in it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Seven Things Church Members Should Say to Guests in a Worship Service
1. “Thank you for being here.” It’s just that basic. I have heard from numerous church guests who returned because they were simply told “thank you.”
2. “Let me help you with that.” If you see someone struggling with umbrellas, young children, diaper bags, purses, and other items, a gesture to hold something for them is a huge positive. Of course, this comment is appropriate for member to member as well.
3. “Please take my seat.” I actually heard that comment twice in a church where I was speaking in the Nashville area. The first comment came from a member to a young family of five who were trying to find a place to sit together.
4. “Here is my email address. Please let me know if I can help in any way.” Of course, this comment must be used with discretion, but it can be a hugely positive message to a guest.
5. “Can I show you where you need to go?” Even in smaller churches, guests will not know where to find the nursery, restrooms, and small group meeting areas. You can usually tell when a guest does not know where he or she is to go.
6. “Let me introduce you to ___________.” The return rate of guests is always higher if they meet other people. A church member may have the opportunity to introduce the guest to the pastor, other church staff, and other members of the church.
7. “Would you join us for lunch?” I saved this question for last for two reasons. First, the situation must obviously be appropriate before you offer the invitation. Second, I have seen this approach have the highest guest return rate of any one factor. What if your church members sought to invite different guests 6 to 12 times a year? The burden would not be great; but the impact would be huge.
Let’s look at one example of breaking attendance barriers by saying the right things to guests. Presume your church has two first-time guests a week. Over the course of a year, the church would have 100 first-time guests. With most of the members being genuinely guest friendly, you could see half of those guests become active members. Attendance could thus increase by as much as 50 people every year.
Seven Things Church Members Should Say to Guests in a Worship Service appeared first on ThomRainer.com.
CHURCH ETIQUETTE: Please note that the Narthex is a Quiet Zone, while Parish Council members are there to greet you they have been asked to refrain from conversing with Parishioners as they light their candles, etc. If you are in need of talking with a council member or another Parishioner, please do so outside of the Narthex in the foyer.
CANDLE SAFETY: Please do not put 7-day candles on the carpet in the Church, this is a fire hazard. Always place them in the candle stand.
PLANNED GIVING: A charitable gift may give you substantial current tax benefits as well as estate tax benefits. For most people, the greatest financial gift we are able to give is what we leave behind when we fall asleep in the Lord. Planned giving can be very rewarding, allowing to you to see your gift at work while receiving tax benefits now.
“Come and See the works of God, Who is awesome” (Psalm 66:5). Please see the brochures in the brochure rack, if you have further questions please contact the Parish Office or Fr. Peter.
PRAYER LIST -
Ann Helopoulos, Marie, Jeff Kuwaja, Eugenia, Carla, Peter, John Nowobielski, Deborah, Eleni, Mary Ann Gavrilys, Philomena Bilder, Kalliope, Lamona Athens, Ellen, Chris, Suzana Cobo, Sophia, Rita, Marie Chialdikas, Denile, Christina, John, Steve, Jill, Loretta, Connie Alunni, John Scheuneman, Alexandra, Sandy, Panagiota, Niki, Raymond, Sophia P., Loraine, George Mishos, Dave S., Valerie Kincaid, Konstantinos, Athena Digrindakis, Ember, Selicija Baztkute, Marija Baztkute, Peggy