The fasting season of Great Lent is coming upon us very soon, so please talk with Fr. Mark about your fasting plans. It's a good idea to talk to your priest every year about this, because our nutritional needs change as we age, develop medical conditions, or go through things such as pregancies or surgeries. Fasting is supposed to help us, not harm us! So, talk to your priest to find out what plan will work best for you.
- Sunday, February 27, is the last day for meat until Pascha. Most people are able to fast at least from meat during Lent (and on Wednesdays and Fridays the rest of the year).
- Lent itself starts on Monday, March 7 — or to be very exact, Lent starts at the forgiveness vespers service on Sunday evening, March 6. From that point until Pascha on April 24, we will not eat meat.
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The next Parish Council meeting is will be the second Sunday in March.
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HOME BLESSINGS
Second-to-last call to have your home blessed for 2022! We must finish up House Blessings (or Apartment Blessings) before Lent starts.
We can do the blessing inside or outside your home (because of Covid). Just send Fr. Mark an email or text to schedule your time.
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STEWARDSHIP
Please turn in your pledge cards. Pledge cards aren't a binding contract. They show what you think you can give to the church, as part of your love, care, and upkeep for it. If you have a change in circumstances (job loss, job change, etc.), just let the priest know what is going on and you will be released from your pledge. The church needs your support.
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DONATIONS
Update: We need about $5,000 now to finish paying off the new HVAC system. Thank you to everyone who has donated so far. Every bit helps, so please pitch in if you can.
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UPCOMING SPECIAL SERVICES
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Saturday, February 26, Saturday of Souls, 9 am Orthros, 10 am Liturgy
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Sunday, February 27, Meatfare Sunday, 9 am Orthros, 10 am Liturgy
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Saturday, March 6, Saturday of Souls, 9 am Orthros, 10 am Liturgy
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Sunday, March 7, Sunday of Forgiveness, 9 am Orthros, 10 am Liturgy, with Vespers of Forgiveness immediately following Liturgy, and coffee hour following the Vespers
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Monday, March 7, Great Compline, 7 pm. For more about the service, see "Compline" at OrthodoxWiki.org.
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A complete list of Lenten services will be posted on the website in time for Lent.
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Save the Date: Pascha is April 24 this year.
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WAYS YOU CAN HELP
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We always need prosforo bakers. If you'd like to sign up, see Fr. Mark.
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We need people to help bring food to coffee hour. If you don't want to sponsor the entire meal, you could team up with someone, or just volunteer to bring one dish. There is a sign-up sheet in the kitchen.
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We are looking for volunteers to read the Epistle on Sundays. You could read aloud or chant it, whichever you prefer. If you don't know how to chant it, we can teach you. See Father or John Choate.
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Saints for the Week: See the write-ups we have down below in this bulletin. The saints' stories are very interesting and helpful to us.
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Other Announcements:
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Send your prayer requests to Fr. Mark. Also send your requests for visits to the sick and the hospitalized. These days, hospitals do not release patient information or call the priest, so you need to let Father know yourself.
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When you travel, find an Orthodox parish and go to church! They are easy to find online. Why should we visit other parishes when we go on vacation? Because God doesn't take a break from us, so we shouldn't take a break from Him!
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COFFEE HOUR
Please join us for Coffee Hour. Take the initiative to stay, meet, and talk with one another, so we can build strong bonds of friendship and community.
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SPECIAL OCCASIONS
Birthdays: none
Wedding Anniversaries: none
Namedays: none
Memorials: none
** As always, see the parish website for any changes and updates. **