Dear Parishioners of our Beloved Assumption,

When we approach a new year, it is in our nature to evaluate and reminisce about the year that has passed.  We look at our finances—401k’s, bank accounts, earnings and debts; we evaluate our health—weight, clothing size and blood pressure; we look at the great experiences and hope that the next year will be similar and/or our hardships and hope that the new year will be “better.” We plan to earn more, save more and spend less.  We try and lose weight and exercise more. But, do we look at our spiritual growth or decline and plan for the upcoming year?

Did we look at our fasting to see if we progressed—are we planning for the upcoming Lent? Do we examine our philanthropy and grow in our offerings to the needy? Are we praying as much as we should? Do we know more about our faith than we did at the beginning of the year, and if we do, is it through our own efforts? For most, the answer is no.  It just isn’t something that comes to mind naturally for most.

As your spiritual father, I urge you to ask yourselves these questions.  Honestly evaluate where you are and if you’ve grown.  Take your answers and plan for this upcoming year.  Plan your Great Lent fast; plan your time to learn about the faith through Bible Study and regular on-time Church attendance; plan to come to the services of Great Lent and the 15 Days of August; plan to become closer to God thus growing your spiritual assets and lessening your spiritual debt. Become leaner and more healthy in your spiritual life.

One thing that is virtually always true is that whatever we prioritize, plan for, and put effort into will happen.  Let us make our relationship with the Lord the most important priority in our lives!

I remain in His Service,

Rev. Father Jon Boukis

Proistamenos

“Attract, Serve, Illuminate”

On Sunday, January 12, 2020, 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.

St. Nicholas Youth Retreat on Saturday, January 18!  See the Beacon for more details!

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 25th, at Selena's • Louisville, KY

All you have to do is RSVP to the Church by January 20^th so that we can make a reservation - and then show up.

First Aid and CPR Training at the Assumption!!!

January 25^th, 2020

All are welcome to attend First Aid and CPR training at the Assumption Parish Hall on January 25^th, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. to Noon. No experience is required, and will be a wonderful fellowship opportunity as well.

If interested please contact Chuck Shuff @ charles.h.shuff@gmail.com

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). The Sunday Orthodox Bible Study will meet after Divine Liturgy from 12:00 noon-1:00pm (please check calendar to verify times). Make a commitment to learning His Word!

Did you know that the Assumption recycles? There is a blue recycling bin in the social hall and another in the classrooms area. Please recycle clean and empty plastic, glass and metal bottles/containers as well as paper. Dirty plates, styrofoam, and plastic bags are not recyclable.

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!

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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!!!