Updated Guidance for Attending Church: Beginning this Sunday, reservations are no longer required to attend Divine Liturgy and we will return to open seating for all services. We will continue the live streaming of all services and will continue to have expanded seating available in our Halls to allow for flexibility and use as needed. We will no longer require masks and social distancing for individuals who are fully vaccinated. We will continue to maintain cleaning protocols and additional safety measures as appropriate. His Eminence, Metropolitan Gerasimos recently wrote that “As Christians, we have an ethical obligation to protect the vulnerable. Those not fully vaccinated are recommended to continue to wear masks in order to protect themselves and others from potential exposure. While some organizations require proof of vaccination, others maintain an ‘honor system’ policy, which will be our approach, as faith, trust, and love are guiding principles as Orthodox Christians.” You can read the entire letter HERE
Every parishioner who enters our church is a treasure, especially the most vulnerable. We pray that you take this guidance from His Eminence to heart as you consider the personal choices you will make to help protect our community and those who worship with us. We know these changes do not signal an end to the pandemic. In keeping consistent with our approach over the past 16-months we will continue forward in the journey to fully restoring parish life in a thoughtful and thorough way. This step in expanding our ability to worship together is the core of our purpose and a significant step forward along our path. In the days and weeks ahead, you will hear of further steps in restoring other aspects of our parish life – including the reengagement of ministries that have been dormant during this time.
Read this Sunday's Children's Word 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.
Presvyteres Sunday His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros has dedicated this Sunday, June 6, 2021 as “National Sisterhood of Presvyteres” Sunday to honor the faith, love and hope of these special women. Read his letter HERE
The Metropolis of San Francisco Music Ministry has been hard at work providing help and encouragement to our church musicians for the past months, and has created a long-range plan, Returning Strong in Faith, Skill, and Purpose: Reviving and Revitalizing Active Parish Church Music Ministries. See the Entire Music Master Plan for parishes HERE.
Our Metropolis Summer Camp is back, and even though it is virtual, it promises to be another exciting, engaging and fun experience. All youth ages 8 – 18 (including recent high school graduates) can register now for this two week program which will be held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from July 19 – 30, 2021. Activities will include daily cabin talks, prayer services, arts and crafts, cooking classes, evening activities and more! Participants will receive a camper box in the mail with supplies, camp gear and a few surprises. There are also still a few opportunities to be part of the Summer Camp Staff team for 2021. Be sure to check out our new Online Shop for all your favorite camp attire. Visit www.gosfyouth.org for registration information, staff applications, and the online camp shop.
Mission to America: The Metropolis Missions and Evangelism Ministry is in the middle of their Mission to America campaign, which started on Pascha and continues through Pentecost (June 20). Proceeds from this effort will fund tangible projects at each of our six mission parishes located in: Maui, HI; Pasco, WA; Roseburg, OR; Salem, OR; Flagstaff, AZ; and Lake Havasu City, AZ. Learn more about Mission to America at www.groworthodoxy.org and how you can support this important effort today!
Faith and Light Donation Matching All Faith & Light donations received through Pentecost (June 20th) will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $5,000. This means if you give today, you will double your impact. Please consider making an offering today through our online giving portal or by check through the church office (noting Faith & Light in the memo section.) By working together in support of our beloved parish and it's ministries, we strengthen our foundation - now and for the generations to come.
Golf Tournament - Monday, June 7th! Our second annual golf tournament will take place at Hidden Valley Country Club honoring the blessed memory of Althea Cladianos and Tyler Virden. We are sold out for golfing, but it's not too late to sponsor a hole, make a donation, or join for the lunch and raffle. Click here for more information.
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 Stewardship Pledge Books are available once again in the Small Hall for pick up if you would like one.
Bible Study Online meets each Thursday morning at 11am. To receive a ZOOM invite please contact Father Stephen at fatherstephen@att.net