Dear Parishioners of our Beloved Assumption,

Greetings in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

The Nativity of the Lord has now passed and we await His Presentation to the Temple and reception by the Righteous Symeon.   Although we are moving away from what many term  the “season of giving,” it is important that we, as followers of Christ, fight to keep within us the spirit of the “cheerful giver.” (2 Cor. 9:7).  Wouldn’t it be nice if the feeling of Christmas was in our hearts every day of the year?

As Orthodox Christians, we understand that evangelism is not purely a function of preaching with our mouths, but also preaching with our actions.  It is through our love that we bring people to Christ.  St. Paul tells us that those to whom we are philanthropic “will give glory to God for the obedience which you show in professing the gospel of Christ.“  (2 Cor. 9:13)  When we profess to something it means that we own it—in other words, we are not just talking the talk but walking the walk.

As we enter the new year, let us:

• be cheerful givers to all of creation,
• offer our time and talent to Christ’s Holy Church and to His people,
• be a beacon of righteousness to all who know us,
• not leave behind the spirit of Christmas and the peace that comes along with it,
• set aside our worldly cares that we may receive the King of All!

Yes, it is possible to have the peace in our hearts that Christmas brings each and every day of the year!!!

Wishing you a Blessed and Prosperous New Calendar Year, I remain,

In His Service,

Rev. Father Jon Boukis

Proistamenos

“Attract, Serve, Illuminate”

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.

The Restaurant Circle will meet every few months at a different restaurant.  There will be no planned menus, no fixed costs and no obligations - just good food, good fun and great company!

6:30pm on Saturday, January 19^th, at 3rd Turn Oldham Gardens • Crestwood, KY

(Check it out http://3rdturnbrewing.com/)

All you have to do is RSVP to the Church by January 16^th so that we can make a reservation - and then show up.

Glendi 2019 will be held on Friday, February 8th at The Olmsted.  The theme for this year is 'Flavors of Modern Greece'. The Glendi committee is in need of unique items to be auctioned in the silent auction.  The silent auction is a major fundraiser for our parish.  If you have an item that you would like to donate, please complete the form found outside of the church office and return it and the items to either Souha Nassar, Angela Pecha, Dana Schenk or Joanna Caneris.  Thank you for your support!

Looking for a last minute Christmas gift?  Raffle tickets to win one week (2/19 - 2/20) at "Villa by the Sea", a four bedroom condo on the beach in Blue Mountain Beach located on infamous 30a are now for sale.  The price for each ticket is $100 and only 100 tickets will be sold.  Drawing will be held on February 8th at the Glendi.  Need NOT be present to win. Please see Dana Schenk or go to www.glendi.us if you would like to buy a ticket for yourself or someone special. Hurry, they are going fast!

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!!!