By God's grace we are taking the big turn in our spiritual life, to face the great ascent to Pascha. This Sunday (Of the Publican and the Pharisee) we are entering the TRIODION period. It is named this way because of the chanting of only three odes at the matins services. The crossing point into TRIODION is during the Vespers service on Saturday evening. Then, specific to this time, the beautiful Idiomela hymns at the Sunday matins: "Open to me the gates of repentance, O Giver of Life..."

On our website, you may find a plethora of excellent audio resources (podcasts) easily accessible and also structured in the flow of our Journey to Pascha.

Also, the small diagram above is loaded with hyperlinks to great info about all the events. To be able to use this new feature, you must download the pdf version of the diagram which is attached. Click on the little icon of this message and then learn, prepare and climb up!

The Catechism/ Orthodoxy 101 Class will continue on Sunday February 9 with topic #11: The Holy Spirit. The curriculum including audio resources can be found at our web site under Adult Education.

Our visitors and newcomers are encouraged to attend and participate. The class is also offered as RECATECHISM to all for their own benefit, for connecting with our visitors and catechumens and for strengthening our community. No asked questions are silly. Come, ask, learn, change and be transformed!

The Divine Liturgy will be celebrated in Salinas on Monday, February 10 (Saint Haralambos) from 8:30 a.m. 

The Book Forum ministry brings to your attention "Wounded by Love" by Saint Porphyrios. This is a magnificent writing perfectly suitable for the Great and Holy Lent which we will soon begin. You may find the book at our bookstore. Consider it an investment to serve you for the rest of your life. Our first meeting to discuss Wounded by Love is scheduled for February 11 to discuss Part 1.

Newly canonized Saint Porphyrios, a Greek monk and priest who died in 1991, stands in the long tradition of charismatic spiritual guides in the Eastern Church which continues from the apostolic age down to figures such as Saint Seraphim of Sarov and Staretz Silouan in modern times. In this book he tells the story of his life and, in simple, deeply reflected and profoundly wise words, he expounds the Christian faith for today.

This book was compiled after his death from an archive of notes and recordings of his reminiscences, conversations and words of guidance, and was first published in Greek in 2003.

The vibrant personality of Saint Porphyrios at all times shines through his words with great transparency and charm. In his introduction to the Greek edition Bishop Irenaeus of Chania writes: ‘The words of blessed Saint Porphyrios are the words of a holy Father, of a man with the gift of clear sight, who was ever retiring, humble, simple and ardent and whose life was a true and authentic witness to Christ, to His truth and to His joy. Through his presence, love, prayer, counsel and guidance he supported an untold number of people in the difficult hours of illness, mourning, pain, loss of faith and death. He is a god-bearing Father of our days, a true priest and teacher who in his ascetic way fell in love with Christ and faithfully served his fellow man. His teaching is deeply impregnated with the ethos and theology of the Orthodox Church and is dominated by the person and image of Christ our Saviour.’

The Congregational Chanting Workshop will take place this week. The next class will be on Tuesday, February 11, from 10 am (before the Book Forum). Open to all.

Our church will hold its parish Oratorical Festival this Sunday, April 5.

The Topics for this year and a collection of hints can be found here. The age categories are as follows: Junior Division (grades 7-9) and Senior Division (grades 10-12). Children of any age may participate outside of the competition. Please see Presbytera Ana for information about participating in this ministry. Visit our Youth Ministry web page for recordings of the last years' participants.

The purpose of the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival is to give children and teenagers an opportunity to learn, write, and speak about their Orthodox faith, church and heritage. This process will enhance their understanding and appreciation of their identity as Orthodox Christians and cultivate spiritual growth and maturity.

This year’s annual Vasilopita National Ministry benefiting the St. Basil’s Academy had a record 15 vasilopitas to auction!!  Our heart felt appreciation to:  Thimi, Paul, Nicky, Nick, Anne, Rania, Marianna, Temia, Stephania, Stephania’s friends Gabriela & Victoria, Georgia, Mimi, and to the whole community of St. John's!!  As a family supporting Philoptochos, we raised just shy of $1300 for the children at St. Basil’s Academy.  With this money they will get clothing, toiletries, linens, medical and dental attention, and of course their schooling.  God bless the children!  It is truly our blessing to be able to give.  Hope to see you all at the upcoming….

Philoptochos cordially invites you to an afternoon reception

Featuring Dr. Nicholas Itsines…

Philoptochos, Philanthropy and the Greek Orthodox Church

 Join us for Mimosas, Wine, Mezze with Nick Fettis on the piano

 Learn what’s new with your small but mighty chapter of Philoptochos

Metropolis & National News

We invite every family Saint John ‘s to become a part of the Philoptochos.

Christ and the Church ask us to serve others, to share our God given talent,

and our wealth with those in need

Saturday, February 15th  3 to 5

Secommbe Hall

Followed by Vespers with... Dr. Nick!

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.

Serving this Sunday in church and at the fellowship hour following Liturgy:

February 9
Parish Council member: Mary Kanalakis
Greeter: Angela Wagoner
Fellowship: Pink Team – Every 2nd  Sunday

February 16
Parish Council member: Katherine Shaw
Greeter: Rania Zavitsanos
Fellowship: Orange Team – Every 3rd Sunday

If you'd like to join the Welcome Ministry, please contact Temia Demakopoulos. And if you’d like to join the Coffee Hour team, please contact Corkey Balcom.

You have heard a lot about Stewardship over the past few weeks and for good reason. Stewardship is an invitation to participate in the vision of Saint John the Baptist Church and to be a part of an exciting transformation and bring people to Christ through our Orthodox Faith.

By making our pledges NOW, and fulfilling them, we don’t have to worry about filling a gap or worry about how each ministry will be met. We can put our focus where it belongs on Christ.

THANK YOU to all those who've already made their stewardship pledge and upfront one-time payment early this year! So far, we've had a good (not great) start to 2020.   

We still need the remaining community to help with early stewardship, a new push that will change the way we operate, and allow us to provide so much more for you and our community!

We have, of course, big plans, and we are hoping to make some great moves for the community here in 2020!!  But we need everyone to come together and help.  This Parish is in all of our hands. We have been working on our Mission and Vision. Soon we will be setting new goals to reach our Vision. This requires the dedication of everyone and the sacrifice of our time, our talent and our treasure. This is how we define Stewardship.

So please, take a few minutes right now to go online at:  http://www.stjohn-monterey.org/about-us/stewardship to download a Stewardship Card. Cards are also available at the church in the Narthex. This completed card can be:

• deposited in the tray at church, or
• mailed in (P.O. Box 5808, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921), or
• emailed to saintjohnmonterey@gmail.com.

It is very easy.  Together, as a community, we can make a difference in the world.
 
Thank you and God Bless you!  

Every summer, hundreds of children and teenagers from throughout the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco gather for summer camp program at St. Nicholas Ranch in Dunlap, CA. Their Orthodox Christian Faith comes alive for young people as they develop lifelong friendships and memories that will last forever. Summer camp activities include: arts and crafts, swimming, canoeing, campfires, archery, nature hikes, Olympics, skit nights, daily worship services, a visit to the Monastery of the Theotokos the Lifegiving Spring, and Orthodox life discussions.

AGES: For children AGES 8-18 years old

The Metropolis will once again offer summer camp “scholarships” (Camperships) to campers of families experiencing financial challenges through the Archdiocese Leadership 100 Foundation.

If you are interested in a “campership”, ask Father Ion to fill out an online Campership Application. The deadline for applications is May 1, 2020. All requests will remain confidential.

Please note: Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and camperships are awarded on a first-come first-served basis until the available funds are distributed. Submission of an application does not guarantee that a campership will be granted, or that the entire amount requested will be awarded.

Caregiving for the aged - facing challenges, trying to make decisions? Many of us care for loved ones who are ill, aged, or disabled. Maybe you’ve wished you could speak with someone about your feelings, thoughts, and concerns…your prayers have been answered.

Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, Inc. The National Philoptochos Department of Social Services presents a confidential Telephone Caregiver Support Group. Training is offered over six consecutive Thursday Evenings by conference call: February 27 to April 9, 2020, 7:00 to 8:00 pm EST. For more information and to Pre-registration Email: supportgroup@philoptochos.org

The All Saints Church Outreach Committee will hold the annual chili, cornbread, beer and wine fundraiser on Saturday, February 29, 5 pm.  A delicious assortment of spicy, tame, meaty and vegetarian chilis and cole slaw will be served. Tickets are $20.00.  Raffle for a week’s stay in 2021, at a lovely cottage in Hawaii at $25 a ticket. We have been cordially invited to attend.

Calling all Young Adults! Join us for the Metropolis Young Adult Lenten Retreat at St. Nicholas Ranch & Retreat Center, April 3 - 5, 2020. This retreat is open to all Orthodox young adults ages 18-30's from across the Archdiocese. Please share this with your friends and encourage them to register as well!

SPEAKERS: Fr. Tom & Pres. Pat Tasgalakis from the Metropolis Family Wellness Ministry.

THEME: "Let Your Light So Shine" Living out our Christian faith amidst a complicated world.

We will spend time having discussions and fellowship at St. Nicholas Ranch, as well as visit and help the Sisters at the Monastery of the Life-Giving Spring with a work project on Saturday. You won't want to miss out!

DATE: April 3-5, 2020
LOCATION: St. Nicholas Ranch & Retreat Center, Dunlap, CA
COST:
$140 for a Dorm Room (cabins with multiple bunk beds)
$180 for Double Occupancy Lodge Room (hotel style room with two queen beds)
$250 for Single Occupancy Lodge Room (hotel style room)

ONLINE REGISTRATION & MORE INFO: http://gosfyouth.org/young-adult-lenten-retreat

AGES: Young Adults, ages 18-30's
ARRIVAL TIME: Arrivals begin at 5:00pm on Friday and continue throughout the evening.
DEPARTURE TIME: 1:00pm on Sunda

FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/events/809504842806321/