FEEL AND FILL THE GAP UPDATE
So many thank you’s to everyone responding to our Fill-the-Gap campaign to meet our 2018 Stewardship budget of $130,000. It is so difficult to know if we will meet our budget at the beginning of the year when Stewardship cards are being completed. But here we are in the final months of the year and we now have 7 new stewards who have joined us, bringing our total to 78 families!! God bless them! And we are within 6% of meeting our Budget Goal. We, together, have halved the gap we had last week. We still need to raise another $7,898 to close that gap entirely. What progress we’ve made. Thank you to all who are opening their hearts to help Saint John’s efforts.
We encourage you to reassess the many ministries now being offered and participate in all the very rewarding encounters we have with each other and with our God. Consider the many blessing God has granted us, with thanksgiving, let us fill the gap! Complete a “Fill the Gap” card or stewardship card. Or simply make a contribution and it will be counted toward stewardship. Feel the gap? Then let us fill it!
STEWARDSHIP APPRECIATION DINNER
We are pleased to announce this year’s Stewardship Appreciation Dinner Honoree
Euthimios Saites
In addition, we take this opportunity to recognize
and thank for their faithful service
Daniel Vanderhoof
Jamie Wojtal
Alexie Coman
We are blessed to have fine people such as these in our church community.
Please join us!
SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH - Invites you to our annual
Stewardship Appreciation Dinner
Please join us for a Blue Jeans Barn Party hosted by the Parish Council
Saturday, November 10, 2018
Doors open at 6 pm, Dinner at 6:30 pm, Children welcome
Admission Ticket is Your 2019 Stewardship pledge card
Located at Saint John the Baptist Church, Seccombe Hall, Dolores and Ninth, Carmel-by-the-Sea
Dress Blue Jeans or Denim wear for indoor or outdoor (weather permitting)
RSVP to Mary 831-277-2078 or tasktrak@hotmail.com by November 6th
CONGREGATIONAL CHANTING PRACTICE - NEW SATURDAY SCHEDULE
"Praise the LORD! How good it is to sing praises to our God; for he is gracious, and a song of praise is fitting." (Psa 147:1 NRS) We encourage congregational chanting at our services. In an effort to make it more accessible, we are beginning to introduce new music to our services following the new Divine Liturgy Hymnal book. This will be a gradual transition for which we will prepare with practice sessions on Tuesdays (11:30am, before noon prayer and Book Forum) and on Saturdays (5:45pm, AFTER Vespers) starting October 27. Always check the schedule online. Music and audio recordings for private practicing can be found at our web site http://stjohn-monterey.org/about-us/chanting-at-saint-johns Join the choir and sing praises to our God!
NEW: GIVE HIM FIVE!
This Sunday we continue our series of five-minute presentations to take place right after the Liturgy: Give Him Five! brought to us by the Stewardship Ministry, they are part of the FILL the GAP! campaign, pointing to the foundation of our life as stewards of God's creation and Church. The topics are as follows:
1. Prayers
2. Alms giving- 11/04, this Sunday
3. Fasting - 11/11
4. Church attendance - 11/18
5. Mysteries - 11/25
So, give to the Lord through these five ways and receive from Him in many more and much more!
SUNDAY SCHOOL
The Sunday School classes will be in session this Sunday after the fellowship time. The children should follow their instructors to class - Presbytera Ana and Carrie (preschool) and Jacob and Daniel (primary and secondary grades).
ORTHODOXY 301 LECTURES
Orthodoxy 301 is a new class to complement our regular catechism training. It is structured as a short lecture given by various people from our community followed by discussion. The topic of Orthodox Spirituality has become more relevant in a world where many consider themselves "spiritual but not religious", finding refuge away from the Church. Open to all. Will use material from "Orthodox Spirituality - a Brief Introduction" by Metropolitan Hierotheos of Nafpaktos. The book is available at our bookstore. The class will meet at noon every Sunday in Saint Nektarios Chapel.
Remaining Lectures on Orthodox Spirituality
5. Praxis and Theoria (11/4 by Jamie)
6. Sacraments and Asceticism (11/11)
7. Neptic and Social Theology (11/25)
8. Monasticism and Married Life (12/2)
THE STRUGGLE FOR VIRTUE - BOOK FORUM - NEW SCHEDULE!
We will be finishing "The Struggle for Virtue: Asceticism in a Modern Secular Society" book by Archbishop Averky (Taushev). Our next Forum will be on Tuesday, November 6 from 12:30pm, after the 6th Hour service (12 noon). Even if you haven't read the chapters, you are welcome to join in the discussion. Bring your own lunch and join us! Prepare the last three Chapters: 10, 11 and 12.
NEW: TUESDAY FORUM TO BEGIN NEW BOOK
The Tuesday Book Forum will meet this week to finish the second book we read and discussed together (The Struggle for Virtue). Then we will have a week off. On Tuesday, November 20, we will begin and end the third book which is very short: Pascha Transforms Wolfman Tom - The True Story of a Repetant Murderer. Check the bookstore or see Athanasios for your own copy. The book is NOT available on Amazon.com. Chanting class from 11:30am, 6th Hour Service from 12 noon, Book Forum from 12:30pm. Bring your own lunch.
NEW: CHRISTMAS CONCERT 2018
With the enthusiasm of the beautiful concert from the last Advent season, we will be holding the second Annual Christmas Concert on Sunday, December 16 from 5pm. For details, please see Nick Fettis.
FALL PARISH ASSEMBLY
Our Fall Parish Assembly Meeting scheduled for Sunday, November 18, following Divine Liturgy. We encourage you to attend this important meeting of all parishioners to learn all the news. You won't want to miss it! Elections for Parish Council members will be held at this time as well.
PARISH COUNCIL ELECTIONS
Elections for Parish Council will be held Sunday, November 18. If you’re are interested in becoming a member of the Parish Council, please contact Father Ion to complete a candidate application. Qualifications for the position include active participation in the liturgical life of the church and the desire to serve in this ministry for a term of two (2) year’s, beginning in January 2019, you are a parishioner in good standing as stated in Article 18 of the 2007 Regulations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and that your parish stewardship commitment is current. You will need to attend the Pre-Election Seminar on Tuesday, November 13 (pizza provided) in Saint John's Room, Carmel, prior to the elections, and if elected, will take the Affirmation of Office as stated in Article 26 of the Regulations and that:
- You have been Baptized in the name of the Holy Trinity.
- You have been Chrismated into the Orthodox Christian Tradition.
- You have had your Marriage in the Orthodox Church.
- You participate in the Sacraments of Holy Confession and Communion.
- You participate in the Divine Services, observe Fast Days.
YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
Our high school and college students and their friends are invited to join the Young Adult Group for Monday evening activities from 6:30pm. Each month we rotate four activities, one per session: lesson, fellowship, worship and an activity/ project. We meet at people's homes and in Saint Nektarios Chapel. The theme for this coming school year is A Life of Offering. The month of November will orient us towards Offering Our Conflicts to God. Our next meeting is on Monday, November 5. Please contact Father Ion for details.
PHILOPTOCHOS BAKE SALE
The Ladies of Philoptochos are baking delicious cookies and pastries! Perfect for your Holiday tables and gift giving. Be sure to visit us at Star Market in Salinas Friday November 16th and Saturday November 17th 10 AM until 4PM. Sunday November 18th parishioners are invited to pick up their orders after Divine Liturgy. Accepting pre orders now. Please contact Sandy Sanders 831-229-1937 or Alexandra Mouzas alex@alexandramouzas.com 619-518-2755
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS ENDS SATURDAY NIGHT
Please remember to turn your clocks back one hour on Sunday, November 4th.
SERVING THESE SUNDAYS
Serving this Sunday in church and at the fellowship hour following Liturgy:
November 4
Parish Council: John Ehab
Welcoming: Brian and Corky Balcom
Fellowship: Team Gold – always 1st Sunday of the month.
November 11
Parish Council: Euthimios Saites
Welcoming: Hussam Ibrahim
Fellowship: Team Pink – always 2nd Sunday of the month.
NEW SCHEDULE FOR SAINT NEKTARIOS FEAST CELEBRATION
November 9 is the feast of Saint Nektarios the Wonderworker. Our little chapel in Carmel is dedicated to him. This would mark two years of worshiping in Saint Nektarios Chapel where almost all of our week day services have taken place. Note that the schedule has changed: Orthros, Liturgy and Artoklasia (Blessing of the Five Loaves) on Friday, November 9. There will be no Vespers. Let us thank God for His love through our protector Saint!
NOVEMBER LITURGY IN SALINAS
The Orthros and Liturgy for the Entrance of the Theotokos will take place in Salinas on November 21.
CONFESSIONS AT SAINT JOHN’S
Father Ion is available to hear confessions after services and also by appointment at other times. If you need to do confession, please contact Father Ion ahead of time.
OPEN CHURCH DURING ALL SAINTS CRAFT FAIRE
All Saints Craft Faire is Saturday, November 17 Seccombe Hall 9:00-4:00pm. Once again Saint John's will have a “booth" at the faire. This involves spending the day at our table introducing the community to our church which will have its doors open for visits and tours. Also, if you are a crafter or baker, this is a great opportunity for you. This is a very well attended event. If interested, please fill in the information required bellow and send it to Corkey.
I can work the booth on Saturday __________.
I would like to sell an approved craft and
donate a portion to the church __________.
I can bake for the sale__________.
Name____________________________________________
Phone____________________________________________
Email____________________________________________
There will be about 40 other booths/tables. Crafts must be approved and we will have limited space. Contact: Corkey Balcom 831-998-2611, corkey819@comcast.net or Corkey Balcom on Facebook
CLEAN-UP DAYS WITH ALL SAINTS CHURCH
Our brethren from All Saints Church will gather for cleaning once a month as listed below. We were invited to participate and take care of the space that we use and offer support in other areas as needed. Let us join the effort with gratitude and joy on these following Saturdays from 10:30am: November 10 /December 8.
ORTHODOX HOMESCHOOLING CONFERENCE - DUNLAP
The Saint Emmelia West Orthodox Homeschooling Conference will be held November 8-11, 2018 at St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center in Dunlap, California. For more information, please reference saintemmeliaconferences.com/west-conference or email stemmeliawestconference@gmail.com.
ADVENT RETREAT at SAINT NICHOLAS CHURCH
Saint Anna Philoptochos Chapter of Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
Invites you to an Advent Retreat on Saturday, November 10 , 10:30 am to 3:30 pm. Guest Speaker is His Eminance Metropolitan Nikitas speaking on Philanthropy and Christmas. Refreshments and Lunch will be provided. Open donation. RSVP to Stacy Panayotopoulos at 408-295-0387 or stacypanayotopoulos@yahoo.com.
MONASTERY OF THE HOLY THEOTOKOS, THE LIFE GIVING SPRING FUNDRAISER
SAVE THE DATE!! Gerontissa Markella and her Sisterhood invite you to a benefit dinner to support the Life Giving Spring Monastery on Sunday, November 11, 2018 at the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Community Center, 1270 Davis Street, San Jose. More details to follow.
LIGHT THE PATH LUNCHEON - SUPPORT OUR SEMINARIANS!
His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos and the Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos joyfully invite you to attend Light the Path, a Christmas Luncheon in support of the BISHOP ANTHONY PHILOPTOCHOS STUDENT AID ENDOWMENT FUND.
Saturday, December 1, 2018 from 11am
Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Cross
900 Alameda De Las Pulgas
Belmont, California
$75 per person
For reservations contact Alexandra: alex@alexandramouzas.com
“The Bishop Anthony Philoptochos Student Aid Endowment Fund started as a small seed, but with faith, nurturing and perseverance, we have been able to secure the future of our faith and culture in this Metropolis. Hundreds of students have received considerable support and are now serving the Greek Orthodox Church as priests, educators, pastoral assistants and youth directors. Since its inception, the Metropolis Philoptochos has been the guardian angel of this important effort. Your support of this event will help them to further expand their efforts and will create a lasting legacy for our future.” His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos
YOUNG ADULT WINTER RETREAT
SAVE THE DATE for the 14th Annual Metropolis Young Adult Winter Retreat in Lake Tahoe, January 18-21, 2019! Join us for this beautiful retreat, located on a private beach on the shore of Lake Tahoe with spectacular views, incredible food, and awesome accommodations! Not to mention, we have a weekend packed full of fun, faith, and fellowship with Orthodox young adults from all over the West Coast! This retreat will sell out with a max capacity of 60, so make sure to register beginning November 1, 2018!
DATE: January 18-21, 2019
LOCATION: Galilee Episcopal Camp & Retreat Center, South Lake Tahoe
ARRIVAL TIME: Friday beginning at 5:30pm
DEPARTURE TIME: Monday 9:30am
SPEAKER/THEME: Coming soon!
AGES: 18-30's
ONLINE REGISTRATION Opens: November 1, 2018 at www.gosfyouth.org
FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/events/1943883609026865/
RETREAT VIDEO from 2016: https://vimeo.com/153430756
COST: $260 includes 3 nights lodging (Fri, Sat, and Sun) and all meals except lunch Saturday & Sunday since we will be out exploring Lake Tahoe both afternoons. Price does not include lift ticket.
PILGRIMAGE TO ST. ANTHONY'S MONASTERY - ARIZONA
A Pilgrimage to St. Anthony’s Monastery in Florence, AZ is scheduled for the weekend of December 8 – 10. Visit the grounds, see the churches and chapels or you could have confession with Elder Paisios or one of the other priestmonks, upon request. If you are interested, please call Despina Anagnosotu at 520-457-0000, who will be making accommodations to/from the airport/monastery along with reserving rooms at the monastery for all the pilgrims. Flights are reserved by each individual but you may contact Despina to obtain the specific flights.