Our local church, St. George, is not a charity,
but an extension of our homes
that we all share together.
SPIRITUAL PREPARATION FOR THE NATIVITY OF CHRIST The Advent Fast began November 15 and culminates with the celebration of Christ’s Nativity on December 25. Please abstain from eating meat and dairy products on all days leading up to Christmas. Fish may be eaten all days of the week except Wednesday and Friday. The Church also guides us to abstain from fish as well beginning December 12. Seafood can always be consumed during the lengthy fasting periods. God’s peace and strength to all as we endeavor to honor the Church’s guidelines for our spiritual benefit.
PARISH COUNCIL ELECTIONS WILL BE HELD TODAY DURING FELLOWSHIP HOUR. Please remain after the Divine Liturgy and cast your vote—thank you!
CLEAN SLATES SUNDAY SCHOOL MEETS TODAY Our youngest students will meet today as they do on the first Sunday of each month. This class is suitable for children 5-6/7. Younger children are always welcome when accompanied by a parent or grandparent. See you then! Today our youth will learn to follow one special example set by St. Nicholas.
KIDS—YOUR SHOES CAN BE FILLED IN HONOR OF SAINT NICHOLAS’ LOVE AND GENEROSITY TODAY Wear your best shoes and leave them outside the classroom this morning. They will be filled with treats in celebration of the Saint’s Day which is coming up this Thursday, December 6.
Are you wondering—am I too old to have my shoes filled? If you are still living at home and not yet driving, you can still have your shoes filled this morning. Look for your filled shoes in front of the icon of St. Nicholas in the church. Remember to venerate his icon in appreciation when you pick up your shoes. Your teacher(s) will bring you into the church after class.
SERVICES FOR THE FEAST OF ST. NICHOLAS OF MYRA Great Vespers, Wednesday evening 6PM. Orthros & Divine Liturgy, Thursday morning 9AM/10AM. Let us honor the holy Nicholas, whose life and deeds are a supreme role model for each of us! If you can be here to honor his memory and ask his prayers, it will be a blessing not only for you, but for the whole world.
SUNDAY SCHOOL, Presbytera will lead the Sunday School program on the Life of Christ for the elementary-middle school age students. This class will meet every Sunday, except the first Sunday of the month.
She’s taught this program in the past for the kids who are now in or close to high school age. If your child is between ages 7-14, please bring them for this class. We consistently follow the events in the Life of Christ according to the Gospel of Luke so regular attendance is encouraged. We use written materials, video, puzzles, games. Being able to read is important for this class. Parents are always welcome their student(s) in class to give them a little extra help if needed—parents seem to enjoy this class, too!
A VERY SPECIAL OFFER FROM LAMBROS Most of you know that Lambros has operated a successful sailing business, touring the Greek Isles of Sporades each summer aboard his vessel, Alexandros. This summer he is offering a special package deal for six persons from our parish or its friends. Lambros proposes a two-week sailing trip, embarking from Athens in June. Cost would be $2,000 per person, which includes $500 donated to our church (excluding airfare), double occupancy. This is a discounted per person rate. There are just six spots available. You can read details about the itinerary at www.sailgreekisles.com. Please contact Lambros if interested.
A SWEET IDEA Cathy Speronis has a sweet fund-raising idea designed to benefit St. George. She is proposing a special holiday dessert sale that will rival anything that can be store-bought in our area. We can all help her with preparations to make this a success. Please be in touch with her so she knows she can count on your help as needed. Send her a note at cooksotasty@gmail.com.
TO OUR STEWARDS & BENEFACTORS Many thanks to all those who’ve increased their financial gifts to maintain the on-going worship and ministries here at St. George. As a gentle reminder, the Church does need increased stewardship to cover our operations as St. George chose not to be involved in the Folk Festival this month. The Folk Festival income had always been our “bump up” funding each year. We will not have that funding this year. We did realize a record $6,956 profit from our Greek Dance.
As of November 18, we are running a $4219.64 overall deficit. Believe that St. George is aware of all those who care about our spiritual house and his prayers are with us. Thank you for your continued stewardship and loving generosity for St. George, Bangor! We are keeping our heads almost above water because a few people have made some special contributions. Thanks again.
NOTE: Average weekly budgeted expenses for us are $1895.39. Our annual budgeted expenses are $98,560.28 which is lower than about 99% of all the other parishes in the GOA. Our budget was made with a “very sharp pencil.” Another observation: 88% through the year, we have spent 80% of the amount budgeted (this is a good thing). We have also received 76% of our budgeted income (this isn’t so good).
FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE Donatiions can now be made online.
NEW YORK – The Archdiocesan Cathedral Philoptochos Society honored His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Geron of America at their coveted Annual Chrysanthemum Ball held the evening of November 16, 2018, at the prestigious Metropolitan Club.
NEW YORK – His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Geron of America will preside at a Hierarchal Con-celebration of the Divine Liturgy on Friday Nov. 30, 2018, at the Archdiocesan Chapel of St. Paul
