A Word from Fr. John:

On thanksgiving: A very brief excerpt from the Akathist Hymn, “Glory to God for All Things”

“O Lord, how lovely it is to be your guest….

You have brought me into life as into an enchanted paradise. We have seen the sky like a chalice deepest blue, where in the azure heights the birds are singing. We have listened to the soothing murmur of the forest and the melodious music of the streams. We have tasted fruit of fine flavor and the sweet-scented honey. We can live very well on your earth. It is a pleasure to be your guest.

Glory to You for the Feast Day of life;

Glory to You for the perfume of lilies and roses;

Glory to You for each different taste of berry and fruit;

Glory to You for the sparkling silver of early morning dew;

Glory to You for the joy of dawn’s awakening;

Glory to You for the new life each day brings.

Glory to You, O God, from age to age!

… O life-giving and merciful Trinity, receive my thanksgiving for all your goodness. Make us worthy of your blessings, so that, when we have brought to fruit the talents You have entrusted to us, we may enter into the joy of our Lord, forever exulting in the shout of victory: Alleluia!”

Special Prayer Requests: We pray for mercy, life, peace, and healing of Mary, Jim Manos (at Moultrie Creek Nursing & Rehab Center), Chresanthe Lemieux, Jane Anderson, Betty & Fred Day, Despina Xynidis, George P. Nichols, JoAnne Long, our parish, those we serve, and our two missionary families: Dn. Stephanos, Dka. Alexandria & Moses Ritsi serving Albania; and Michael Lisa & Liam Colburn serving translators worldwide. Please keep Father Michael of Holy Cross Orthodox Church in Daytona, Khouria Denise, and their family in your prayers (parish relief fund at https://www.holycrossoc.org/).

Memorials: Today, September 30^th- Grace Sarris 1-year memorial, Minas A. Sarris 5-year memorial; and Michael Lekos 3-year memorial; November 18^th – Katherine Gaetanos 15-year memorial.

Hostess Schedule:  Carman Gaetanos (904) 540-0367 or carmgaet@gmail.com

• Today, September30      Monthly Potluck

Philoptochos Meetings:

• Today - Sunday, September 30
• Sunday, October 28

Parish Council Announcements:

• Next Meeting: Monday, October 14th at 6:30 PM
• Fall General Assembly: Sunday, November 4th after Divine Services
• Ministry Reports Due by October 14th: All ministry, group, and committee leaders are asked to submit reports and schedules of activities in preparation for the General Assembly.  Please submit all items to Nelda in the Church Office via e-mail, holy3goc@gmail.com, no later than October 14th.
• Weekly Offering: Offer as generously as you are able in support church ministries.   Your gift ensures that our church is open and accessible to all who seek her comfort. These donations are very important to the vitality of our parish. Your weekly offerings can be made at the collection basket as you exit the service.
• Treasurers Report:

Income Statement (Jan - Aug 2018)

                            Actual           Budget (YTD)

Revenues:          $122,372      $126,544

Expenses:           $133,074      $146,639

Rev over Exp:    ($10,702)       ($20,095)

Balance of Accounts (Aug 2018)

Operating Account:                 $11,746.68     

Mortgage Account:                   $8,384.54

Mortgage Balance:             $1,337,012.55

Reserves:

Clergy reserve fund:               $18,500.00

Maintenance reserve:             $37,884.00

Iconography:                         $22,603.97

Mortgage refinance:              $353,301.27

Our 21^stAnnual Greek Festival is October 12, 13, and 14:This year there will be daily specials for our guests, and extended outreach efforts to encourage festival goers to visit our church. In preparation for this important event, please see the attached food preparation schedule, sign up for the event itself, and reach out to family and friends.

• Add your name to the Volunteer listings on the bulletin board at church
• Or, fill out a FESTIVAL VOLUNTEER FORM online:  http://stauggreekfest.com/volunteers/
• Invite your family & friends to get involved and stay informed about the festival by visiting  http://stauggreekfest.com.  
• Grab some flyers and post them at businesses, on community bulletin boards & in work break rooms, and share the link on   your FaceBook page!  (Colored flyers are available at church.)

Working together we will have another successful year!

“The Planner” 2018-2019 Ecclesiastical Calendar Available through the Bookstore for $12: The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese has released this year’s edition of a valuable annual resource: “The Planner.”  This year’s theme is Bless God in the Churches,offering a glimpse and emphasizing the important role our churches have in our faith and in our lives.  This 4 ¼ x 5 ½ inch, spiral-bound monthly calendar from September to August includes insightful messages & resources, morning & evening prayers, monthly calendars, and open-spread weekly views including daily readings, feasts, national holidays, indicators for fasting, and remembrance of important occasions affecting our corporate life. The Planner is made for use by all ages.  Download the digital version and other great resources at https://www.goarch.org/products/downloads.

Outreach Update: Visit us anytime at Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/holytrinityoutreach,

Greek Dance Practice: Children in grades VPK-8th are welcome to join as we prepare for the Greek Festival. Practices will be held on Friday evenings 5:30pm-6:30pm and started on 8/31. These will be every week until 10/5 (a total of 6 practices). If you are interested in committing to these practices and performing with the dance group, please contact Angela Lekos (angelmou1@att.net).

2018-2019 Ministries & Committees:Are you and your family interested in gathering for regular activities? Please contact the Church Office to help grow, plan, and strengthen the following ministries/activities in the New Ecclesiastical Year (September through August) for any of the following:  

◼ Baking Prosphoron                

◼ Sunday School                                 

◼ Youth

◼ St. Photios National Shrine     

◼ Stewardship                                    

◼ Bookstore

◼ OCF/College Ministry             

◼ OCMC/Missions/Evangelism              

◼ Greeters/Newcomers

◼ Library                                 

◼ Greek Fest                                      

◼ Ecological/Recycling

◼ Facilities & Maintenance         

◼ Outreach                                           

◼ Greek Dance             

◼ Iconography/Beautification/Consecration                                             

◼ Religious Education               

◼ And More…

Bulletin Submission:Please submit your articles weekly by Wednesday, or at the latest, Thursday. Please note that all submissions will be reviewed and edited by Father John.