Dear Parishioners of our Beloved Assumption,

There is never a more profound sense of joy in this world than when a family welcomes a new child.  The feeling of rebirth and awe is almost indescribable.  This new life that parents seem to profoundly know, even from the womb, changes us right to the core.  All of a sudden the whole world around us seems “different.”

One would think that the extreme pain of childbirth would result in a whole lot of one-child families, but the pain is virtually forgotten to the new mom who now holds a new precious life.  In fact, this is stated expressly by Christ in the Gospel according to St. John (16:21):

“A woman in childbirth suffers, because her time has come; but when she has given birth to the child she forgets the suffering in her joy that a human being has been born into the world.” (Christ is referring to the Joy and Peace that He has brought into the world that He will fulfil at His return.)

If we are so overjoyed by the birth of a new child, a creature brought into the world, how much more joy does the “birth” of the Creator bring to us?  Our perception of the world changes with the birth of a child, but it is not the perception of the world, but, the world itself that changes with the birth of our Lord into it.  He is the cornerstone that our salvation is built upon; the bedrock foundation on which we have built our entire lives upon; not only the reason for the season, but the Way, the Truth and the Life.

This humble birth in a small suburb of Jerusalem over 2,000 years ago was, is and forever shall be the greatest “Christmas Gift” ever given or received!!!

Wishing you a Blessed Nativity of the Lord,

I remain in His Service,

Rev. Father Jon Boukis

Proistamenos

“Attract, Serve, Illuminate”

Annual Christmas Card

Wish a Blessed Christmas to the entire Parish of the Assumption by filling out the form below and giving it to a Parish Council member at the Coffee Hour after the Divine Liturgy.  Your investment is only $30 ($40 for an organization) to send your greetings to the entire Parish!!!  Deadline is December 12^th.

Assumption Church Christmas Card Application

Please include my name (family) on the Christmas Card as follows:

______________________________________________

(Please Print)

The Sunday School Christmas Pageant will take place on December 16^th following the Divine Liturgy.  Come and enjoy as our children celebrate the Christmas Season as they offer their specific talents as their gift to the community!!!

ASSUMPTION PHILOPTOCHOS LENTEN LUNCHEON

Immediately following the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, December 16, 2018

*The proceeds will go to benefit the Community Center Campaign Fund of the Assumption

Stewardship Sunday is December 16th! Please bring your 2019 Offering of Treasures Pledge Card to church to be collected and offered in thanksgiving before Him!

If you would like to donate a poinsettia to adorn the Church during the Christmas Season, please see the flyer in the Beacon or the Sunday Bulletin (at the Candle Stand) and contact the Church Office with your offering.

On Saturday, January 12, 2018, the Waters of the Ohio River will be sanctified through the Prayers of our Orthodox Faithful and by the submerging of the Holy Cross in the River. In this way, we sanctify the water of our community and everywhere that it runs.

Come to the Captain’s Quarters in Prospect, KY, and witness your faith to the whole world.

The Blessing will take place at 11:00 a.m. with a reception to follow. Bring your family, friends and neighbors to participate in this once a year Epiphany Celebration so that as His Blessings are given to us that through us they may be given to the whole world.

On Sunday, January 13, 2019, the Blessed Vasilopita will be cut and distributed to the ministries of our Church and Parish. Through our faith, and the actions born of it, we ask for the Blessings of the Lord upon all of our ministries that do His divine will.

Following the Vasilopita celebration, the Philoptochos members will give the Parish the opportunity to display faith and generosity as Vasilopita is auctioned to aid their philanthropic activities. Our Philoptochos Chapter truly works to aid those who are in need. Let us come and support them as they do His work.

Glendi 2019 is scheduled for Friday, February 8th.  The theme this year will be 'Flavors of Greece' and the event will once again be held at The Olmsted.  As you do your holiday shopping, please consider asking the retailer for a donation or purchasing an extra item to donate to the Glendi Auction.  Please give your donations along with a completed donation form (found outside of church office) to Souha Nassar, Angeliki Pecha and Joanna Caneris.  Thank you for your generosity towards this important fundraiser for our church!

Bible Study is an opportunity for us to apply the Scriptures to our everyday lives. The Bible is the “Good News” that enriches our faith and deepens our understanding of every issue that we face. This can only be done through obtaining the mind of the Holy Fathers. Let the scripture come alive in your life today!!!

The Wednesday Orthodox Bible Study will meet on Wednesday Evenings from 6:00pm-7:30pm (please check calendar to verify times) starting September 12th. The Sunday Orthodox Bible Study will meet after Divine Liturgy from 12:00 noon-1:00pm (please check calendar to verify times) to study St. Paul's 2nd Letter to the Corinthians. Make a commitment to learning His Word!

Kroger has partnered with the Assumption to provide flowers for us to take out to those who are homebound, in assisted living facility or hospitals.

Please bring any empty vases that you may have accumulated and don’t know what to do with—we will put them to good use!!!

Are you already Kroger shopper?
Your current shopping could be benefitting the Assumption!

Kroger Community Rewards® makes fund-raising easy...all you have to do is shop at Kroger and swipe your Plus Card!

______________________________________________________

TO USE THE KROGER COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAM:

· Go to www.krogercommunityrewards.com and register your Kroger Plus Card (if you are already registered, click “Sign In” instead of “Create an Account.”)

· Sign up for a Kroger Rewards Account by entering zip code, clicking on favorite store, entering your email address and creating a password, agreeing to the terms and conditions

· You will then get a message to check your email inbox and click on the link within the body of the email.

· Click on My Account and use your email address and password to proceed to the next step.

· Click on Edit Kroger Community Rewards information and input your Kroger Plus card number. If you use your phone number at the register instead of a card, call 800-576-4377, select option 4 to get your Kroger Plus card number.

· Update or confirm your information.

· Enter “Assumption” or our NPO number of AT066 and select us from the list and click on confirm.

· If enrollment is complete, you will see Assumption’s name on the right side of your information page.

· That’s it!!! Use your registered Kroger Plus card or phone number at the register and our parish benefits!!!

By registering online, coupons can be electronically attached to your Plus Card. Not only do you help the Church, but you save money. Talk to everyone you know about registering to benefit our parish!!!