A New Online Discussion Group Series for High School Students is being launched by the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco. Called “OrthoTalks”, the first series will focus on Lent. This six-part series will help teens in “Cultivating a Purposeful Life” and will address questions like, “Why am I here? What is the purpose of life?” Find out more here
Church Attendance Update We have seen a slow relaxing of gathering limits over the past weeks. As this has been occurring the Reopening Team has been working to increase our church seating capacity to the extent it is safely possible. Since the onset of COVID-19 we have respected the guidelines of health and civil authority and worked with our Metropolis following guidelines they have provided as well. We will continue to do this, keeping the care and safety of our parishioners as top priority. Unfortunately, due to the continued mandate of 6 feet social distancing, we are limited to the number we can safely seat in the sanctuary. However, we have created an extended seating area in our small hall where parishioners can participate in services via Live Stream on a large TV. This allows us welcome 15 more parishioners to worship together and receive Holy Communion.
Reservations are still required to attend Sunday Services, there is no change to the weekly reservation process. We appreciate everyone’s understanding, flexibility, and patience as we continue our best efforts to make worship available to as many people as possible. We will continue to adapt as we learn and as guidelines change.
Young Adult Book Club. Ages 18-35. Our discussion is on ‘Wounded by Love: The Life and Wisdom of Elder Porphyrios.’ More info and schedule here
Using Ages Initiatives As many of you know, this is a very powerful tool we use at each of or services. We encourage you to become familiar with this resource and use it as you see fit. However we also ask that you either print or save & download the service on your device prior to coming to church as the use of Wi-Fi impacts our streaming ability.
SIGN UP NOW for the Annual Golf Tournament! Our second annual memorial golf tournament will take place on Monday, June 7 at Hidden Valley Country Club. Click Here for Golf Tournament details and to sign up to play, sponsor a hole, or simply join in for lunch and a raffle!
Faith and Light Progress Update Thank you to all who continue to generously support the Faith and Light of our Church. We are encouraged by the love shown through the offerings of treasure, talent, and time in support of our Income Generation Plan. Through the efforts of many we are now at the 60% mark. After review of our progress, financial outlook, and consideration of the pandemic-related uncertainties, the Faith and Light Committee decided to stay with the original fundraising goal of $125,000. However, the committee does anticipate the opportunity to extend the time needed to achieve this goal. At the beginning of April, first-quarter financials will be reviewed and used as a basis for setting a possible new target date. This Spring will show an uptick of fundraising event activity.
We continue to explore and welcome new, creative, pandemic-friendly activities. If you have an idea, we invite you to share it with us...or better yet, join the team as an organizer or support volunteer! To put these ideas into action we will need the support of many!
Faith and Light Town Hall The Faith and Light Committee anticipates hosting another Town Hall in April. This provides an opportunity to learn more about our progress, lessons, and adjustments; as well as provide an opportunity for questions and ideas to be shared! The date and information on how to attend will be communicated next month.
2021 STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN CONTINUES! With much love, faith, and light, let's share gratitude for our 2021 stewards, and ask those who haven't yet had a chance, to prayerfully consider making a 2021 commitment. Click on this link for an explanation of Stewardship at our parish. View and print a 2021 Stewardship Commitment Card by clicking this link: 2021 Stewardship Commitment Card
Here is the link for this Sunday's Children's Word
Let us continue to pray for those impacted, for our front-line health care workers, and for the health and well-being of our entire community. God willing, these additional restrictions will only be with us for a limited time.
Bible Study Online meets each Thursday morning at 11am. To receive a ZOOM invite please contact Father Stephen at fatherstephen@att.net
Pastoral Visits & Holy Communion For setting dates, sacraments, memorial services, personal counseling, confessions, sick calls and personal visitations that may include receiving Holy Communion, please call the church office (775-825-5365) and speak with Father Stephen or e-mail at fatherstephen@att.net. You may also contact Maria at the church office or email saintanthonychurch@sbcglobal.net
Please make sure you are receiving email updates from the parish. Be included on our list by emailing saintanthonychurch@sbcglobal.net
Coronavirus and Vaccines There is much information available on internet regarding the Coronavirus pandemic as well as the vaccine, its development and administration. But there is also much misinformation as well. Here is a document authored by the Health Officer at Sts Constantine and Helen in Cardiff By the Sea and others that answers many questions on the development of the vaccine and how it works so that we can provide informed answers to all our parishioners.
Live Streaming All services are being live-streamed on our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/saintanthonychurchreno/. Thank you for your continued patience and support as we learn and grow with this capability. It is a blessing to be able to connect with those at home in this way.
Online Giving Portal for Stewardship & Donation Offerings The Online Giving Portal can be accessed through our Church Website by clicking the new “Donations & Stewardship” tab. This functionality is secured for your protection and gives you the opportunity to make a one-time contribution or set up a recurring offering.
Our traditional ways of accepting offerings remain the same – the portal has been added for those who prefer the convenience of online giving. It also helps to mitigate the risks associated with handling cash. Our office remains open during weekdays and at services a collection tray will be placed in the Narthex (as a health and safety precaution it will not be passed).
Quick Reminders: A reservation is required for Sunday Services You do not need to sign up for services held Monday-Saturday (except during Holy Week).
o Face masks are required for everyone 10 years of age and older.
o Social distancing of 6ft should be maintained while at church.
o When venerating the icons, please refrain from touching or kissing them.
o Please avoid physical contact when greeting fellow parishioners
o Please do not congretate in the Narthex or Small Hall after church.
We always look forward to your participation at liturgy (if possible). Learn more about signing up for Sunday services on our website. As always, for personal counseling, confessions, sick calls, and personal visits that may include receiving Holy Communion, please call and speak to me (775-825-5365) or e-mail at fatherstephen@att.net.
Click here for more info on FAITH & LIGHT FOR ALL GENERATIONS