A WAY TO DONATE FOR HURRICANE HARVEY RELIEF—INTERNATIONAL ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES This Orthodox Christian based relief organization has an excellent track record for assisting disaster victims across the world. You may feel confident about donating assistance through them. IOCC has activated its Emergency Response Network, the Frontliners, to help the people affected by the storm with emotional and spiritual care and conducting needs assessments. Even after their deployment, IOCC’s work to clean and rebuild homes will continue into the weeks and months following the storm’s devastation.
HOW CAN YOU HELP? IOCC continues praying for the safety and well-being of those affected by this storm. Your gift to our Hurricane Harvey Response Fund helps us react quickly and effectively to conditions in Southern Texas and Louisiana. Your help will provide immediate relief, as well as long-term support through the provision of emergency aid, recovery assistance, and other support to help those in need. To make a donation, visit: https://www.iocc.org/. If you do not use the Internet, your donation is welcome at: IOCC / 110 West Road, Suite 360 / Baltimore, MD 21204. Checks from parishes and individuals should be made out to “IOCC US Emergency Response Fund” (noting Hurricane Harvey in the memo).
***WE WILL BE PASSING A COLLECTION TRAY THIS MORNING FOR HURRICANE RELIEF EFFORTS*** Please make your check payable to IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities). Thank you!
A MAJOR COMMEMORATION THIS WEEK: FEAST OF THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS This feast is commemorated on September 14 which occurs on Thursday of this week. The Church guides us to keep this day as a strict fast. This Wednesday evening, Great Vespers will be prayed at 6PM. Thursday morning, Orthros will be prayed at 9AM with Divine Liturgy following.
A GIFT STRAIGHT FROM HEAVEN Charles George Nelson, son of Kristian & Katie Nelson, little brother of Jackson, grandson of Susan Brountas and nephew of Michael, made his appearance Wednesday, September 6. Baby Charlie weighed 7# 3oz at birth and was 20” long. God bless little Charlie and his whole family!
SUNDAY SCHOOL STARTS September 24 Class meets right after the Divine Liturgy on Sunday mornings. Juniors (ages 8+)—you’ll now be known as GROWING SAINTS. Your class meets weekly except for the first Sunday of each month. CLEAN SLATES (ages 5-7) meet with Mrs. Flanzala on the first Sunday of each month. Younger children are welcome, with parental oversight.
GROWING SAINTS --Can you explain what you believe? Every Orthodox Christian can easily explain their Faith by reciting the Nicene Creed. We say it together during every celebration of the Divine Liturgy. But, what does it mean? And where did it come from? Does it even matter? This is what we’ll explore this fall. Join us for the kick-off of Sunday School, September 24.
NEW GOODS IN THE BOOKSHOP You’ll find new greeting cards and some new books downstairs in the bookshop area. If you are looking for particular icons or want an Orthodox style neck cross, please let Presbytera know. She can special order whatever you’re looking for through the bookshop.
PARISH FINANCES Things are definitely looking up financially as we reflect on a successful weekend at the St. George Food Booth at the Bangor Folk Festival! Figures will be made available once all expenses are in and accounted for. What we can say is that each day our booth had revenues a little better than last year and that is a plus! BIG THANKS to everyone who worked so hard in/for the success of the booth. You all were awesome! So many positive comments were made, and the “good vibes” were palpable. We could not have hoped for better weather, either. Thanks be to God for His manifold blessings! Thanks to our Holy Patron, George who continually supports our parish dedicated to his honor!