PARISH NEWS AND EVENTS
Annual Palm Sunday Luncheon:
Today, is our Annual Palm Sunday Luncheon in Plato Hall. Donation: Adults $12.00, Children under 12, $6.00. The cost of the luncheon has been graciously underwritten by an anonymous donor. Proceeds will benefit the Sunday Church School’s Lenten Project: 40 Charities in 40 Days. Please join us in Plato Hall to enjoy fellowship.
Special Collection For Epitaphios Flowers:
Following this morning’s sermons, the Ladies Philoptochos Society will pass a special tray following divine Liturgy Services in both the main Church and in Saint Catherine’s Chapel collecting your offerings for flowers for the Epitaphios/Kouvouklion that will be used on Good Friday evening. As in the past, your gift is greatly appreciated.
40 Day Baby Blessing:
The son of Father and Presvytera Burikas was churched last Saturday.
Church School on FACEBOOK:
Our Sunday Church School has created a FACEBOOK page. Like our page: Assumption Sunday Church School! Keep up to date on upcoming events and view photos from recent events.
Ministry, Ministry, Ministry!
Every Christian who has accepted salvation has also accepted the responsibility of working in the ministry of the Church. The clergy have been called apart and given the grace and blessing to perform the specific sacramental functions of the church, but all Christians, clergy and laity alike, have been called to serve in our Lord’s ministry. If this is not what the Church is doing, then we have entered into serious error. Everything that we do as a Church should be in direct support of Christ’s ministry of salvation. If we build buildings, they should be to support ministry. Any event sponsored by the Church should be ministry or in support of ministry. The Church’s budget should be driven by its ministry, not the ministry to be limited by its budget.
Sunday Church School Happiness Challenge:
The children of our Sunday Church School continue to spread happiness from organization to organization.
January: Cards for a child with leukemia
Dinner for families staying at Ronald McDonald House (Loyola Hospital)
February: Valentine Cards for children at LaRabida Children's hospital
March: Fleece Blankets for patients at Ronald McDonald House
Every month the children will have an opportunity to put our faith in action with various philanthropic service projects. We will have monthly bulletin updates to show our children’s progress as well as updates to our website with pictures that will show a glimpse of the beautiful example of our faith in action that our children continue to offer.
ASSUMPTION SUNDAY CHURCH SCHOOL
LENTEN PROJECT: 40 CHARITIES IN 40 DAYS
WE DID IT!! 40 CHARITIES IN 40 DAYS!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!!
Charities #1-10 RECAP:
Charity #1: Peace Corner Youth Center, Collecting: crayons, markers, colored pencils
Charity #2: Thumbuddy Special , Collecting: Hand lotion, nail polish
Charity #3: Mission Congo, Collecting: Spare change for copier purchase
Charity #4: OPRF Food Pantry, Collecting: Food seasonings and Spices
Charity #5: Easter Seals, Collecting: Art supplies(glue sticks, crayons, markers etc.
Charity #6 Anti Cruelty Society, Collecting: Newspapers
Charity #7 The Boulevard, Collecting: ToiletriesCharity #8: Deborah’s Place, Collecting: hand soap, bars of soap, shampoo and conditioner
Charity #9: Sarah’s Inn, Collecting: nonperishable food items
Charity #10: Bridge to Success, Collecting: gently used professional clothing
Charities #11-20 RECAP:
Charity #11: Covenant House, Collecting: gently used backpacks, drawstring athletic bags, & new socks
Charity #12: Ronald McDonald House, Collecting: pop tabs
Charity #13: New Moms, Collecting: kitchen cleaning supplies
Charity #14: Phil’s Friends, Collecting: knit hats, puzzle books (word search, crossword etc.)
Charity #15: The Night Ministry, Collecting: Plastic Grocery Bags
Charity #16: Bernie's Book Bank, Collecting: Gently used, children's books (ages birth- 6th grade)
Charity #17: Appalachian Wildlife Refuge, Collecting: Cleaned, used mascara wands
Charity #18: IOCC, Collecting: metal nail files/nail clippers, combs or band aids
Charity #19: The GrayMatters Foundation, Collecting: Bright, colorful stickers
Charity #20: Muscular Dystrophy, Collecting: Pens
Charities #21-30 RECAP:
Charity #21: Sunny Patch, Collecting: Craft sticks or Garden Markers
Charity #22: Featherfist, Collecting: Gently used clothing
Charity #23: Teen Living Program, Collecting: Snack Items (Granola bars, fruit snacks, chips, etc.)
Charity #24: Jesse Brown VA, Collecting: Magazines (new/gently used 3 months old or newer)
Charity #25: Random Acts of Flowers, Collecting: Vases (new or gently used)
Charity #26: Fisher House, Collecting: Kleenex
Charity #27: Cradles to Crayons, Collecting: Gently used shoes all sizes
Charity #28: San Jose Obrero Mission, Collecting: DVDS/board games/puzzles (new or gently used)
Charity #29: Connections for Abused Women & Children, Collecting: Hand Sanitizer
Charity #30: Support Our Troops, Collecting: Hard candy/Breath mints, Gum, or granola bars
Charities #31-40 RECAP:
Charity #31: Lake County Haven, Collecting: Baby Wipes or Hand Soap
Charity #32: A Safe Haven, Collecting: New Washcloths
Charity #33: Pacific Garden Mission, Collecting: Gently Used Children’s Clothing
Charity #34: OCMC, Collecting: Spare Change for our Mission Box
Charity #35: Sarah’s Circle, Collecting: Ladies Deodorant or Disposable Razors
Charity #36: Lions Club International, Collecting: Usable Glasses or Sunglasses
Charity #37: Toy Box Connection, Collecting: Gently Used Toys
Charity #38: Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation, Collecting: Coloring Books
Charity #39: Oak Park Animal Care League, Collecting: Gently Used Blankets and Towels
Charity #40: Youth Outreach Services, Collecting: School Supplies: Pocket folders, notebooks, pencils etc
Stewardship:
The 2017 stewardship packets were mailed to all faithful (stewards) of this Parish. We ask that you please prayerfully consider your pledge commitment for 2017, complete the pledge card and mail in the the envelope provided. We are forever grateful to the many loving stewards, supporters, and friends of this Parish who stand tall in their commitment to our Lord, the Blessed Panagia and this ministry.
In addition, members of the Parish Council/Stewardship Committee will be at the back of both Churches following our Liturgies to distribute stewardship packets for those existing stewards who have not pledged, as yet, for 2017. Packets will also be available for those not currently stewards of Panagia, yet may be interested about our Parish.
Adult Education Program:
Once again, Fr. Dimitrios is continuing the Adult Education Program (AEP) one Sunday each month for the 2016-17 year. The next AEP will be held on Sunday, April 23, 2017 in St. Catherine Chapel following the SCS Liturgy.
Did you miss the last Adult Education Program session? Have no fear! The hard working video team at Assumption will be recording all of the AEP sessions and posting them on the parish website. You can watch all of the videos at http://www.assumptionchicago.org/video/educational-videos/.
Philoptochos News:
Easter Bake Sale
Just a reminder, the Easter Bake Sale will be this Sunday, April 9th after Divine Liturgy.
Easter Lambades
If you need Lambades for your Children or Godchildren, this is the final day that the Sunday Church School Ladies and the Assumption Philoptochos Ladies have made. Today, Palm Sunday, is the final day to purchase Lambades.
College Students -- Check Out OCF (Orthodox Christian Fellowship):
To our young people who are going away to college for the first time, or to those returning to school to continue their studies, Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) is the organization which keeps you connected to your Church and your Orthodox Faith. OCF has 300 chapters in colleges and universities throughout North America. So be sure to check out their web site to locate and find out about your chapter -- WWW.OCF.NET. We also encourage our college young people to share their e-mail addresses with our Church so that we may keep them informed of their “Spiritual Home” while they are away. And always remember, your Assumption Church’s weekly Divine Liturgy Services are just a click away on your computer each Sunday as we now broadcast live each Sunday. Just access it by going to our website at: www.assumptionchicago.org
Also, our parish is starting a database of all college students in the community. If you have a college student in your family or if you are a college student, please send your name, school, area of study, address, and email address to Fr. Dimitri at frdimitrios@assumptionchicago.org.
Lenten/Easter Needs:
As we enter the Lenten Season and as in the past we look for donors for the flowers that are used during the Lenten/Easter Season. Should you wish to offer a donation for one of the items below, please call the Church Office - 773-626-3114
Icon for The Salutations to the Theotokos March 31st - $175 per week
Icon for Bridegroom Services, April 12th - $175
Dates to Remember:
Palm Sunday, April 9th
8:30 am – Orthros
10:00 am – Divine Liturgy
Annual Palm Sunday Luncheon following the Divine Liturgy
7:00 pm – Service of the Bridegroom
Monday, April 10th
Great and Holy Monday
7:00 pm – Service of the Bridegroom
Tuesday, April 11th
Great and Holy Tuesday
7:00 pm – Service of the Bridegroom
Wednesday, April 12th
Great and Holy Wednesday
2:30 pm – Sacrament of Holy Unction
7:00 pm – Service of the Bridegroom
Holy Unction will be distributed after the service.
Thursday, April 13th
Great and Holy Thursday
9:00 am – Vespers and Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil
7:00 pm – The Holy Passion of Our Lord
Friday, April 14th
Great and Holy Friday
9:00 am – Reading of the Royal Hours
3:00 pm – Removal of Christ from the Cross
7:00 pm – Service of the Lamentations
Saturday, April 15th
Great and Holy Saturday
9:00 am – Vespers and Divine Liturgy
11:00 pm – Canon of the Holy Resurrection
Sunday, April 16th
HOLY PASCHA
12:00 Midnight Resurrection Service and Divine Liturgy
11:00 am – Vespers of the Feast of Agape
Tuesday of Bright Week, April 18th
Feast of Panagia Portaitissa
8:30 am – Orthros
9:30 am – Divine Liturgy
Friday of Bright Week, April 21st
Zoodohos Peghe - The Life-giving Fountain
8:30 am – Orthros
9:30 am – Divine Liturgy
Sunday, April 23rd
Saint George the Great Martyr
8:30 am – Orthros
10:00 am – Liturgy
Adult Bible Study Monday April 24, 2017:
Our Adult Bible Study will meet Monday evening, April 24, 2017, at 7:00 pm, in Saint Catherine’s Meeting Room. We will continue with our study of the Epistles written by Saint Paul the Apostle. This class is open to all, and it is hoped that you will avail yourself to the opportunity to study the Bible in-depth. All you need to bring along with you is your Bible. For further information and/or questions, please see Father Timothy.
Coffee Fellowship Hosts Needed:
Have you considered selecting a day to host the Weekly Fellowship Hour following Worship Services on a specific Sunday in 2017? You might want to celebrate a family event, a memorial, or just want to share time with the Church family. Please call the Church Office (773.626.3114) to book a date and for more information. Available dates for the 2017 Year:
April 23 May 28 July 9 Aug. 6
May 7 June 4 July 16 Aug. 13
May 14 June 25 July 23 Aug. 20
May 21 July 2 July 30 Aug. 27
Assumption Prayer Ministry:
The Assumption Adult Bible Study Group has developed an idea that may be of interest to parishioners and friends of our Panagia Parish. They are interested in being able to form a ministry comprised of individuals who would like to pray for the health of those individuals who may be ill or experiencing health issues. Our Orthodox Faith teaches us that the ‘power of prayer’ literally works miracles, and Jesus instructs us in the Bible that we should “always pray for one another in the fellowship of love and through the Holy Spirit”. As a Panagia Parish, we are united as brothers and sisters in Christ, and we are encouraged to pray for one another as any family would do. So, how do we plan to do it? It’s simple, easy, and spiritually uplifting and rewarding. Here is what we can all do:
- If you are interested in participating, you need only submit your name and email address to the Church Office or Fr. Timothy.
- When a name is submitted to be prayed for, you will be contacted by email, given the first name of the person to be prayed for, along with the prayer to be read by you, offering the prayer for the intercession of God upon that individual, and asking that the afflicted be healed by God’s abundant blessing.
- Your prayer, together along with the many others who are offering a prayer for the person who is ill, will bring comfort beyond comprehension.
Just think about that….our prayers collectively praying for a person who needs the loving and tender Hand of God during his/her special time of need. It’s that simple. Just provide us with your email address, and you can join this ministry team who will pray for the person who needs help the most. It costs nothing, takes only a few seconds to do, but will make us all part of a spiritual family that looks and cares for one another.
Prosfora Bakers Needed:
One of the blessings of Stewardship that we are given is the ability to serve our Church in a number of ways. Our Church is in need of individuals who can offer the weekly Prosforo (Bread) for the Divine Liturgy. Should you be able to offer your service, please inform the Church office or see either Fr. Timothy or Mrs. Demetra Spyropoulos. With the help of each steward/member, we come together as a Church family to better offer our thanks to our Lord.
Bookstore:
Do you need gifts for your family or relatives? Then please visit the Bookstore in Plato Hall after the Divine Liturgy on Sundays. There you will find unique gifts for everyone, such as books for children and adults, icons of your or your children’s patron saints, crosses, key chains and other beautiful items, which will make much appreciated gifts this year. Please stop in and browse, you’ll be glad you did.
Holy Communion Announcement:
While we pray and work for the reconciliation and unity of all the world’s Christians, the reality remains that there is still no intercommunion between our Orthodox Churches and the Churches of the West. This means that only baptized, chrismated, and observant Orthodox faithful are allowed to receive Holy Communion in our churches. At the same time, we warmly welcome all non-Orthodox to join us in prayer and celebration, and humbly offer to all present the Antidoro bread of fellowship at the end of the worship service. We offer this important symbol ‘instead of the Gifts’, in the words of the Apostle Paul, ‘Till we all come to the unity of the Faith’ (Eph. 4.13).
Website News:
In addition our Parish’s website, we encourage you to keep abreast on the latest news and happenings about Orthodoxy from our Metropolis of Chicago and our Holy Archdiocese.
Please use the links below to access any of the three sites:
Assumption Church: www.assumptionchicago.org
Metropolis of Chicago: www.metropolisofchicago.org
Archdiocese of America www.goarch.org
All three websites will provide you with articles and resources for the Orthodox Church. They include the history of Orthodoxy, special Services and Blessings, Spirituality, Teachings of the Orthodox Church, how to become a member of the Orthodox Church, the meaning and celebration of The Holy Eucharist, the form and characteristics of Orthodox worship, the Sacrament of Confession, Holy Week Meditation and Study Guide, Fasting, the Orthodox Calendar, and much more. Specifically, on our Parish’s website, we have uploaded past and current editions of the Assumption Newsletter and the St. Catherine Newsletter, and are available for reading online.
We Need Your E-mail Address:
Are you receiving the weekly bulletin online in your e-mail mailbox each week? How about our Assumption Church’s Newsletter and the Saint Catherine’s Newsletter? If not, please give the Church Office your e-mail address so that you can stay informed about the schedule of religious services, events, and news of our Community.
Our Sunday Church Services are broadcast live on the Internet each week:
A reminder to all, our Parish of Panagia began broadcasting live to the internet each Sunday. This is of particular benefit to our shut-ins, elderly, college students, and vacationers who are away from home, yet need to receive the benefit and blessing of the weekly Divine Liturgy experience. All you need to do is log on to our website www.assumptionchicago.org, and click the link to begin watching the Worship Service live. We have also archived our Services allowing anyone to click and watch the Service/sermon at their leisure. We encourage you to give it a try.
NOTE: Please note that this morning’s Divine Liturgy, as well as prior Divine Liturgies, are available for rebroadcast. Simply log on to our Parish’s website (www.assumptionchicago.org), and click on the “Watch Worship Services Online” link.
Ushers:
Andrew Kanel, Dr. Evie Maggos, Dr. Peter J. Panton, George Sefer, Lynn Voulgarakis, Dr. Voula Spyropoulos