WHAT CURRENT METROPOLIS POLICIES MEAN FOR OUR PARISH: We are able to continue to worship as we have been (masks, distancing, sanitizing, check-in, 50% max occupancy, etc). Coffee hour and any in-person meetings are suspended until further notice, but we are encouraged to gather via phone or zoom.
The Nativity Feast: There is zero fasting until the Eve of Theophany (Jan 5), a stand-alone strict fast day.
Philoptochos' Vasilopita Fundraiser - THIS SUNDAY: See Kathy Stern or Harriet Sickles in the hall for pickup.
2020 Stewardship Closing Up: There are only a couple more days to get your 2020 Stewardship payments in for 2020 tax purposes. There is still $12,000 in pledged stewardship to be met (the amount posted in the Voice included people donating in excess of their pledge). We will always accept donations for 2020 in 2021, but it will have to count for 2021 tax purposes.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY RESCHEDULE: Our scheduled meeting for November 29th was about 8 members in good standing short from having quorum. Please be on the lookout for a new meeting date to see the 2019 Audit, 2021 Budget, official update on the Architectural work, and other important information. Thank you to those who took the time to join in person and via zoom.
THEOPHANY SCHEDULE:
- January 5th - Eve of Theophany
- 10am Royal Hours
- 5pm Vesperal Divine Liturgy w/ Great Blessing of the Waters
- January 6th - Theophany
- 9am Orthros
- 10am Divine Liturgy w/ Great Blessing of the Waters
BLESSING EVERY HOUSE IN 2021: Due to COVID, Fr. Anastasios' current plan for house blessings is as follows, instead of signing up, Father plans to bless every home of our parishioners in the local area. He will be praying a short service and blessing the OUTSIDE of each home (unless asked specifically not to come). He intends to leave one bottle of holy water at each residence with instructions for sprinkling the inside. Father will keep all exposure to a short limit to protect everyone and masks with social distancing will be required. These will not be appointment-based, but rather he will be doing specific areas on specific days and will bless the outside of your home even if you are away. Thank you for your understanding.
*Please let us know if you have moved or no longer reside at the address we mail things to.
2021 Stewardship Drive: Join us as we make our plans for 2021 by submitting your 2021 Stewardship Card, which was on the back cover of the Voice Newsletter. Copies are available at Church as well. Stewardship is our greatest fundraiser and also lets us know that you stand with us. We thank you for your dedication over the years and especially during 2020 and look forward to many years of serving you and your family through your generous donations.
CHECK-IN VOLUNTEERS: In the current policies of the metropolis we are required to have a check-in person or team for every service. We are looking for additional volunteers who are willing to come a little early to check people in and, if able, to help sanitize after the services. Please contact Fr. Anastasios if you are interested in helping a necessary function during these times.
ONLINE GIVING & STEWARDSHIP: Is OPEN! Online giving can be found by clicking here! Please consider your continued support of our church through becoming one of our online giving families. You can make general contributions and stewardship contributions.
REGULAR GIVING: The church is still accepting donations in normal ways through the mail and drop off. Thank you to all of those who have continued to contribute in these challenging times.
Live-Stream: If you don't have a Facebook account, don't worry! You can still access our services right on our website (HTGOC.ORG) or a larger video directly on facebook, learn more by watching the following video: