Sundays:
Orthros - 9:00 a.m.
Divine Liturgy - 10:00 a.m.
Weekdays:
Evening Vespers - 6:00 p.m.
Yesterday we celebrated the Meeting of our Lord in the Temple; today we honor the righteous Elder Symeon and Prophetess Anna, who prophesied concerning Him by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and were the first in Jerusalem to receive Him as the Messiah.
Prokeimenon. Third Tone. Psalm 46.6,1.
Sing praises to our God, sing praises.
Verse: Clap your hands, all you nations.
The reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 6:1-10.
Brethren, working together with him, we entreat you not to accept the grace of God in vain. For he says, "At the acceptable time I have listened to you, and helped you on the day of salvation." Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. We put no obstacle in any one's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, tumults, labors, watching, hunger; by purity, knowledge, forbearance, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love, truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; in honor and dishonor, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
16th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 25:14-30
The Lord said this parable: "A man going on a journey called his servants and entrusted to them his property; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them; and he made five talents more. So also, he who had the two talents made two talents more. But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.' His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.' And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.' His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.' He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, 'Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not winnow; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.' But his master answered him, 'You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sowed, and gather where I have not winnowed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has the ten talents. For to every one who has will more be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth." As he said these things he cried out: "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!"
9:00AM Orthros
10:00AM Divine Liturgy
11:00AM Religious Education
12:00PM Philoptochos General Meeting
12:00PM Coffee Hour
6:00PM Vespers
6:30PM Inquirer Class
6:00PM Vespers
6:00PM Vespers
7:00PM Couples Ministry Meeting
10:00AM Divine Liturgy
6:00PM Paraklisis
St. Anthony's Monastery
6:00PM Vespers
9:00AM Orthros
10:00AM Divine Liturgy
11:00AM Family Sunday
12:00PM Coffee Hour
Special Events Happening Today:
Engagement
Memorial
One year memorial for Gus Huntalas. May his memory be eternal.
House Blessings
Father will be blessings homes through the end of February. Please contact Sahar or Presbytera to schedule.
Stewardships Envelopes
Each family is asked to sign off on a box of envelopes. Please see Julie in the bookstore.
Men’s Group of St. George Church
Next meeting is February 21st from 6:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. following Vespers.
Couples Ministry
Thursday, February 7th, from 7:00 -8:00 p.m. at the home of Tom & Elaine Dorlis, 8813 Bridlewood Lane 93311. Visit our Couples Ministry resource page for more information and upcoming discussion topic and video.
Items on the Bar in the Hall
We are asking all parishioners--young and old--to help clean the hall clutter. Many items are frequently left in the bar area, kitchen and back room. Beginning in January, any clothing, books, decorations, office supplies, etc. will be saved for two weeks. After that time all remaining items will be gathered and donated to local charities.
Please check the hall every Sunday to claim your family's items and take them home.
Thank you for helping keep our hall neat and clean.
Parish Council News
The Parish Council has implemented safety and security measures for the hall. The front hall doors will remain closed during church services. Please see a Parish Council member for access to the hall and/or restrooms during services. On Sundays, the front doors will be opened after Holy Communion.
Thank you for your understanding as we want to keep our facilities secure.
Also note: Please contact a Parish Council member or usher if anyone is loitering in the hall during services.
Thank you.
Father Joseph's Hours
Father Joseph will be in the office Tuesday and Thursday from 11:00 to 3:00. Wednesday and Friday available at the church by appointment. Confessions appointments can be made with Sahar or Presbytera.
Appointments with Father Joseph
If you need to meet with Father please make appointments during the week. Sunday should be left for Father to have time to visit with parishioners during coffee hour. Please give him the time to do so unless it is an emergency. Thank you for your understanding.
Women’s Prayer Group
There will be a stand in the Narthex for you to leave your prayer request to be added to the list our prayer list. We need women’s prayer group partners. Please see or call Irene Sinopole at 832-1871.
Coffee Hour
Given in memory of Gus Huntalas.
Next meeting is February 21st , at 7 p.m.
Prosphora Schedule
2/3 Olympia Hackleman, 2/10 Sahar Ayoub, 2/17 Elaine Dorlis, 2/24 Mary Mekhel, 3/3 Nahla Demestihas, 3/10 Olympia Hackleman, 3/17 Sahar Ayoub, 3/24 Elaine Dorlis, 3/31 Mary Mekhel. Thank you.Please make arrangements with Sahar or Despina to bring the offering Saturday night either to the church or Father's home. We are looking for more people to make the blessed bread. Please approach Father Joseph if interested.Thank you.
Sunday school lesson 13. Anyone in grades 5th and up who is interested in having their children participate in the monthly skits please see Zain or Hana Ayoub..
Youth Group/GOYA Questions please call Michael or Gabriella Ryan at 219-3421.
HOPE/JOY
The next HOPE JOY meetup will be February 16th at 1:30. The place will be announced shortly.
Book Club
Our parish book club is currently reading Our Thoughts Determine Our Lives: The Life and Teachings of Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica. Our next gathering is Sunday, February 24th during coffee hour. We will be discussing Part Two, chapters 5 to 9. All are welcome to join! For more info call or text Monica (Cassiana) 337-0566 or email mejiamoe@gmail.com
Bookstore
The church bookstore is open Sundays during coffee hour. For more info, special ordering, or questions please call or text Julie Pierucci (661) 342-2407.
Inquirers Class
Every Tuesday at 7:10 p.m. there will be an inquirers class for information regarding the Orthodox faith. We meet at the hall side door on U Street. Class is approximately 40 to 45 minutes. We are currently going through the “Journey of Faith” program by Fr. Barnabas. For more information please call Michael Ryan 661-747-1603.
Church Beautification
Church beautification/Capital Improvements Fund collections as of January 30th are $6,850.00. Once more funds are collected we can begin Phase II.
Charity
Homeless Initiative Meeting Recap and Reboot for Lent
Please join us on Sunday, February 17th following Divine Liturgy to recap our November event with a pros and cons analysis as well as planning a future date for a Spring Initiative. Hope you can join us!
Philoptochos Announcements
Dues are being collected!
We will be collecting dues now through the end of February for 2019. $40 helps our charities!
Anyone (male or female or non-orthodox) who is 18 years of age or older may join. We encourage our High School Seniors to join as well as a way of giving back to others.
Next Philoptochos General Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, February 3rd. Please mark your calendar and make every effort to attend as this is the meeting to approve our annual budget. The meeting will not last long as we want to get people out so they can watch the Super Bowl!
LOCAL WINTER GIVING PROJECT - PLEASE BRING DONATIONS!
Our local giving project for this winter is for the Kern Autism Society. Please bring your items in and put them in the bins in the hall.
We will be collecting the following 12 different items (per their request) now until the end of February:
Outreach
Evangelism and Outreach
Questions please call Michael Ryan at 747-1603.
Legacy
Scrip Cards
Scrip gift cards are now accessible online. You choose the card (cards) you would like and St. George Church receives a percentage of each sale. If you choose e-cards you will receive them same day in your email. If you choose gift cards, we will receive a notice and the order will be delivered to the church. Best to select e-cards so no shipping fee. Use this link and code when purchasing online. www.shopwithscrip.com, Code:42A1521E58345.
Honor your loved ones birthday and or anniversary by making a contribution to the Endowment Fund in their name. Make checks payable to St. George Church and write Endowment Fund on the memo line. Distributions from the fund will benefit the youth and maintenance needs of the Parish. For more information contact a Parish Council Member.
Thank you.
Please Note:
About Communion
If you are a visitor and planning to take Holy Communion, please inform one of our ushers in the Narthex ahead of time. During Communion, parents with infants, and Sunday School Teachers should be first in line to receive Communion. All Christians Orthodox and Non-Orthodox are invited to come up to receive Blessed Bread (Antidoron) at the end of the service. However, present Church guidelines allow that only baptized and confirmed Eastern Orthodox Christians (who have properly prepared) may approach to receive Holy Communion. Thank you.
Dear Parishioners,
Sundays should be set aside for quality time with God, our Church and Family. This is true for the Priest, Parish Secretary and Parish Council. Please let us try to address church business and make appointments during the week during office hours, and not wait until Sunday to address these matters. For the generous providers of Coffee Hour, please arrange all meal preparation so that everyone is attending Divine Liturgy. The hall will always be open at least one hour before Divine Liturgy begins, as well as the evening before from 6:30 to 7:30.
Hall Reservation System
To reserve the hall for any church functions or activities please communicate with Annette or Sahar if you will be using the hall anytime to be placed on the calendar. This includes groups that meet on a regular basis or for any event. Thank you for your cooperation.
Anyone using the hall during the week, please make sure you turn off all lights, coffee maker and the hall is left clean.
Welcome New Parish Members
Prayers/Thanksgiving
Glory to God for His Bountiful Blessings
Please add to your daily prayers for:
Catechumens: Walter (George), Daniel (Porphyrios), Joshua (Michael).
Holy Cross Seminarian Anthony Cornett and family (Anna, Miriam, and Zoë).
Our brothers & sisters unable to attend:
Marika Psihoundas, Mary Valos, Zoe Spanos & Beverly Balasis.
Healing: Marika, Victor, Helen K., Irene, Mary, Mary, Serephima, and others in our parish.
Those who are traveling
Orthodox-Edward, Nicholas, Elaine, Mary C., Sophia,Virginia, Petros, Panagi, Elle, Eva L., Nicholetta Y., Dan S., Monica, Yorgos K, Giorgos, Anna,Angela, Antonia, Stelios, Petros, Anne, Anna, Leonid, Mariyka, Archalia,Natalie, Eva,Eleni K.,Efstratios, Ourania, Christopher, Alice, Suha,Abla, Jennifer, Tom, Gabriela,Ion,Danny,Nadia, Niko, Musa Daoud, Vasiliki, Theodore, Achilles, Vasiliki, Elizabeth, Labrini, Bert & Louise Moosios,Olympia,Margarita, Seraphim, Mary, Tika,Maria Sporaa, Athina, Helen, Gerry Collis, Nektarios,Marika,Bessie Mattly, Noah A., Nick A.,Nick K., Kyriaki, Fred, Hannah, Irene Sinopole, Helen Protopapas, Candess Strategos,Gene, Kathy, Sofia, Clemy (Clementina), Jane, and Matthew.
Non-Orthodox -Angelica, David, Nancy, Bud Lung,Julie, Pamela Y., Debbie, Emmitt, Donna,Steve, Richard,Donald, Christina, Eva, Dominic,Gaby Garcia,Romona, Elea, Graysen Astumian, Marie,Michelle, Irma, Julie, Greg, Allyson, Margaret, Valerie, Martha Rogers, Joseph, Stephen, Elizabeth,Ellen, Ling, Richard, Christine & David, Debby.
Financials Budgeted Actual
|
Stewardship |
$4,750/week |
$549.30 |
|
Candles & Tray |
$250/week |
$183.00 |
Anniversaries
Birthdays
Please note: All bulletin announcements must be received each week by 3:00 pm Tuesday to be included in the Sunday bulletin for that week.