FEEL AND FILL THE GAP UPDATE
As we reach the final month in this beautiful year, many take a realistic view of their Stewardship commitment. Many have increased their pledge, while others facing challenging times are forced to reduce their pledge. Still others realize they need to step up and make a pledge, adding their name to our number.
Thank you to everyone responding to our Fill-the-Gap campaign to meet our 2018 Stewardship budget of $130,000. It is not too late to be a part of this glowing response of love for Christ our Lord, especially as His nativity approaches. We our 82 families strong!! God bless them! And we are within 4.6% of meeting our Budget Goal. We still need to raise another $6,007 to close that gap entirely.
Consider the many blessing God has granted us. 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!
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- 11/11
3. Fasting - 11/18
4. Church attendance - 11/25
5. Mysteries - 12/2 - this Sunday
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. We'll 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
6. Sacraments and Asceticism (12/9 by Kevin Wheeler)
7. Neptic and Social Theology (12/16)
8. Monasticism and Married Life (12/16)
ADVENT BOOK FORUM FOR DECEMBER
Join us for the Book Forum in December to read and discuss a most beneficial book by Saint Nikodemos of Mount Athos about Holy Communion. It is in line with our previous readings - based on a scriptural and patristic foundation - and it is meant to be part of our fasting/ ascetic labor of preparation for the Nativity of our Lord. The reading will change/ improve our understanding of participating in the Holy Eucharist and even of... the Lord's Prayer as part of the same mystery.
The book has three parts plus a nice Preface, a Prologue and two Appendices that are optional. The schedule is as follows:
December 4 - Part One: Explanation of the Lord's Prayer
December 11 - Part Two: Concerning Frequent Communion
December 18 - Part 3: Objections and Clarifications
Please note that the book can be found in both printed and electronic format. Please let Athanasios know your preference so he can order the books ASAP. The printed version is more suitable for prayerful reading and study.
SERVING THESE SUNDAYS
Serving this Sunday in church and at the fellowship hour following Liturgy:
December 2
Parish Council: Fotis Papoulias
Welcoming: Rania Zavitsanos
Fellowship: Team Gold – always 1st Sunday of the month.
December 9
Parish Council: Christina Pressas
Welcoming: Anthony Zavitsanos
Fellowship: Team Pink – always 2nd Sunday of the month.
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.
PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS
Dearest Brothers and Sisters,
We ask for continued prayers for our sister Tiffany, and our little brother in Christ Dimitris, and their families. Your prayers are heard and bring much love and comfort to their families.
Please mark the following important dates:
- Sunday, December 2 Philoptochos Christmas Luncheon, reservations are still available
- Sunday, December 9 Philoptochos Salvation Army Angel Tag & Tree trimer, reserve your gingerbread house today
- Friday, December 14th Philoptochos Christmas Wrapping at Del Monte Center, please see Sheila Rickenbacker for details
- Sunday, December 16th Board Meeting & Philoptochos Christmas Tsoureki Sale, send in your pre orders today
- Sunday, December 23rd Stuffing Blessing Bags for the homeless, for more information contact Candace Sanders 831-214-5835 or candycane7438 @gmail.com
Advent Luncheon: Philoptochos warmly invites you, and the whole family to the annual Advent Luncheon
Sunday, December 2nd ~ RSVP today seating limited
Chapter Member Nick Fettis will delight us with Christmas Carols, There will be chances to win fun prizes
We’re looking forward to sharing warm Philoptochos fellowship with all of you!!!
PHILOPTOCHOS ANGEL TREE DECORATING & GINGERBREAD HOUSE BUILDING
Philoptochos invites you:
Please bring in the Angel Gifts that you offered to purchase for children in need
on December 9.
They should be unwrapped and with the Angel Tag.
No gifts can be used after this date.
Thank you for you kindness!
Reserve your gingerbread house today
Potluck Lenten Luncheon
For more details on what to bring to the potluck ~ please contact Christina Pressas
831-917-5439 or email: yasou-girl@comcast.net
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 the final Saturday from 10:30am: December 8.
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.
SAINT NICHOLAS CHURCH GALA
Join the 73rd Anniversary of Saint Nicholas Church in San Jose! Save the date:
Sunday, December 9, 2018, Marriott Hotel, 301 South Market, San Jose
No Host Cocktails – 5:30 pm, Dinner - 6:30 pm
To reserve your seats call the church office at 408.246.2770. Tickets for adults are $100, young adults $50, and children $35.