An organization chapter led by Alexandra Mouzas

It is Happening!
The Philoptochos Big Fall Bake Sale

 This Saturday at Star Market in Salinas  10:00 until sold out
This Sunday pick up at St. John the Baptist Church 12 noon

Tsourekia, Baklava, Koulouraikia, Almond Cookies, Cretan Rusks Paximadia, Sesame Koulouria, Greek Mountain Tea, Greek Oregano & more.

For more information: 619-519-2855 or Alex@alexandramouzas.com

 Thank you for supporting the Philoptochos!

Living the Gospel

An organization chapter led by Alexandra Mouzas

Although we won’t be able to gather around the community Christmas tree this year, nor will we be able to have lunch and decorate gingerbread houses as a community family. But we still can celebrate the true meaning of Christmas as a community and give to the underserved children in our community!!

These children are truly precious and innocent angels who deserve love and have a gift under the Christmas tree. Some of these children have been abandoned, are victims of violence, have a parent who is incarcerated, While others have witness horrific crimes and are in protective custody. May God be with: Sherry, Jacoby, Ashley, April, Aitana, Ariana, Isaac, Ezekiel, Karen, Chris, Janine, and all the precious children of the world. Won’t you please help Philoptochos give Christmas to these needy children?

If you would like to sponsor an angel’s gift, please mail a check in the amount of $35 to $50, made out to: Philoptochos PO Box 5808, Carmel by the Sea, CA  93921

Living the Gospel

The Stewardship Ministry is led by Mary Kanalakis

Brethren, the point is this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. - 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

 What are your talents? What do you love to do? – Clearly, those talents are blessings from God. That joy you experience in doing what you love is God’s reflection in you. What if your talents were the very thing that transforms our parish into an engaged and giving community?  Well, it’s true. You talents ARE the very thing that will help transform you when given freely to God. And the parishioners around you will be inspired by you to, in turn, give freely of their own unique talents to God. And the accumulation of these talents will inspire a community, a city, a nation. (You’ve seen it happen with one voice insisting on banning plastic straws. Plastic Straws! What about the salvation of millions?)

 You are being called to become engaged in your parish. Now, getting involved is NOT engagement. Engagement is how you feel using your gifts in the way it was intended.  How you use those talents reflects what is in your heart. You are being invited to give bountifully of your talents. There is a place in the parish that needs you, sits empty and dark without you and has no light.

 You should know that distance is not an issue. If you live far away or close by. If you are active or prefer to stay home. God has given you certain talents for a reason to bring you closer to Him.

 Here is another item for thought: If time and money were no object, what would you do for God? – Sometimes we limit ourselves: “I’m just one person.”  “I can’t do as much as I used to.” “I’m so busy with _______ (fill in the blank).” Are these really the things you will say when you stand before the judgement seat of God?  You still have another day. Your dream for your parish and the church is entirely possible with just one step.

 Here is what you should do: Take 5 or 10 minutes and answer these questions. Write them down. Put them in your bible.

• What are my talents? What am I good at?
• What do I LOVE to do?
• If time and money were not an issue, what would I do for God?

 You can act on these answers right now. And soon you will receive a Stewardship Card for next year. At that time, pull out the answers you wrote down. Attach them to the Stewardship Card, or record them on the card. Be prepared to experience God’s Kingdom.

 Online stewardship link: CLICK HERE

Online offering link: DONATIONS

Living the Gospel

Parish Council Ministry led by Thimi Saites

Our new 3 year Strategic Plan is coming together, thanks to the amazing work by many of our parishioners. Their work reveals careful preparation, thought, and love for our parish.  The efforts of individuals on our top six goals takes the form of Action Plans. These are being pulled together into one place where we can more clearly see the direction we are taking.

Our community will have an opportunity to review the new strategic plan and contribute comments on the Action Plan at our next Parish Assembly on December 9.

The top six goals are:

• Plan for Creating a Stewardship Culture of Generosity, Tithing Community
• Explore Market Information and Community Consensus for the possible sale of the Salinas property
• Leadership Development
• Plan for Bible Study, lives of the saints. Evening hours. Online
• Plan for Welcoming
• Formal arrangements for congregational chanting

If you are interested in participating in one or more of these areas, you will have many opportunities to join. You can let your Parish Council President know, volunteer at the Parish Assemby, or speak directly to one of the Action Plan leaders or team members. We are looking forward to the entire community getting involved in our future.

Living the Gospel

A ministry led by Kathy Shaw.

"At the Ringing of the Bells: The Paschal Martyrs of Optina" by Collective Works (author, Anna Larsen(translation) . On Pascha of 1993, three young monks of the famous Optina hermitage were brutally murdered by a satanic. The saintly lives of these monks show that their martyric death was a special gift to them from the Lord. This book is the most complete account of their lives, miracles, and writings available in English. 

Our Bookstore offers a few copies. You may also purchase this book online through Amazon or the Ancient Faith store.

Beginning on Wednesday, November 25.

• Meeting time: from 10am, right after the Matins service.
• To prepare: Introduction, Part 1 and Part 2 – Heiromonk Vasily
• Zoom in at the known link.

Adult Education

The Divine Liturgy on Thanksgiving Day will be celebrated, God willing, on the patio for all to attend and to come together in Christ.

A ministry led by Father Ion

The Church University continues the daily Zoom webcasting from Saint Nektarios Chapel with the short Matins Services. At the end of the service Father Ion offers a reflection, teaching on the readings and the saints of the day. Connect via Zoom to extend Matins with the study of the Scripture readings, great discussion and fellowship time.

Worship and Education

DEADLINE TO REGISTER: DECEMBER 1 

Please take a moment to register for the annual Light the Path Luncheon.  This year the event will go live broadcast on Zoom, which is such a blessing as so many more of you will have the chance to participate in this festive kick off of the Celebrated Christmas Season.  This ministry started by our Beloved Bishop Anthony of memory to help our seminarians graduate without the burden of debt.  Successfully for over 20 years Philoptochos has carried on the torch.  Our very own seminarian, Devon Latzen, is among those graduating this year.  Please take a moment and register.  It will be a beautiful event, featuring our own associate Philoptochos member, Nick Fettis.  Let’s cheer on our own!!!

His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos
and the
Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos
joyfully invite you to attend
Light the Path
A Virtual Celebration

Saturday, December 5, 2020
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. PT

There is no cost to attend, however advance registration is required. Complete the form below by December 1, 2020 to receive the Zoom link login information which will be sent to you via email prior to the event.

RESERVATIONS HERE

Donations will be accepted LIVE during the event or make a secure donation online TODAY!

For questions regarding 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

A ministry led by Paige Benton.

This last Wednesday we closed the Fall Faith and Fellowship Session on the Epistle of Saint James. We were blessed to have six small groups with fantastic leaders. The groups included people from outside of our community, old members and newcomers. The meetings will take a break until January when we will start a new topic.

Adult Education, Community and Relationships Building

Our Fall/ Winter Parish Assembly will take place on Wednesday, December 9, right after the Paraklesis Service, from 7pm.

The Parish Council is a ministry that calls its members to witness Christ and the Orthodox Faith to those they encounter in all aspects of life. It is a truly a high responsibility task that requires serious individual committed to our Lord. The calling of a Parish Council member is holy and spiritual. In assisting in the administrative responsibilities of the Church, a Parish Council member acknowledges and makes real the importance of strengthening the earthly ministry of Christ through God’s Church. This takes humility, faith and a deep commitment to Christ our Lord.

In accordance with the 2014 Regulations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, all candidates seeking election to serve on the Parish Council must attend a PARISH COUNCIL SEMINAR organized by the local Parish Council and under the leadership of the Parish Priest. The purpose of the Seminar is to prepare candidates for the Parish Council, as well as making aware of the sacred responsibilities expected of a Council member.     

Saint John the Baptist Church will hold a PARISH COUNCIL SEMINAR on a date convenient to the candidates. All potential Parish Council members, including those seeking re-election, must attend the Seminar. In order to be placed on the ballot, one must complete the Application for candidacy form and return it to Brian Balcom not later than December 1. Elections will be held Sunday, December 13.

The Audio/Video Ministry is led by Hussam Ibrahim

• Daily services, reflections and homilies video.
• Sunday homilies audio.
• Some Sunday homilies video and archives prior to June 1 2020 audio.

Organization and Leadership 

Are you finding yourself shopping more on Amazon these days??? Don't forget you can shop at smile.amazon.com and choose Saint John the Baptist Church Carmel as your charity of choice and 0.5% of your purchase will be donated to Saint John’s. This is no cost to you. How Does it Work?

1. Visit smile.amazon.com. Link to https://smile.amazon.com/ch/94-6136359.
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We continue to worship each Sunday on the Patio.

EVEN IF IT SHOULD RAIN, DO NOT FEAR. Plans are in the works to keep you dry even on a rainy day on the patio. Just wear extra layers for warmth. 

Thank you to all for observing and practicing the safety protocols! Please wear the mask and maintain the 6 feet distance to non-members of your family.

Notice of Informed Consent:

We have been asked by our Metropolis to provide the following information for your information prior to attending the live services.

By voluntarily attending Saint John's services in person, you affirm that:

• You are not currently ill or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
• You agree to abide by the social distancing and safety guidelines as being practiced in our Parish.
• You acknowledge, that while the recommended CDC, State and Local County safety measures are being taken by the Church, the parish cannot guarantee that there is no risk of infection for attendees.
• If you are not able to agree with the above statements, we kindly ask that you remain at home to participate in the live-streaming of our services.

We look forward the day when EVERYONE returns home to worship God together!

Father Ion can hear confessions at the church. Please contact him directly for an appointment.

Lighting Candles when you can not attend services is possible through our Light a Candle website.

Click this link: Light a Candle

The candles will be lit at the next service after the request was received. The names mentioned in the online order will also be remembered during that week at the Wednesday Paraklesis (the living only), at the next Sunday Liturgy and at any other liturgy that week (both the living and the departed).