BAKE SALE FUNDRAISER FOR CHURCH
We are still accepting orders for Greek Pastries. Please contact Wilma Dunias, a member of our parish, at baklavabywilma@live.com or 720-989-7928.
~
CHRISTMAS IS COMING
Calling all volunteers! The organizers of the Concho Christmas Celebration have asked our parish to be hosts for the Christmas light tour.
Date: Friday, December 23
Time: one-hour shifts, from 6-9 pm
There will be a sign displayed that says we are the hosts, and it will have the name of our church.
What it involves is greeting people in their cars at the starting point of the tour, and handing out a little bag that has a survey card, a pencil, and a candy cane.
This will be a good way for people to meet Orthodox Christians and see that we are friendly. We can invite them to visit our parish, too! It will also help spread Christmas cheer.
If you can volunteer, even for a little while, please see Charis Worden or go to the sign-up sheet in the church kitchen, on the refrigerator. Thank you!
~
UPCOMING SERVICES
- Sunday, November 27, 9am Orthros, 10am Divine Liturgy, followed by Coffee Hour.
Fr. Mark Lichtenstein, celebrant.
- Sunday, December 4, 10am Typica service, followed by Coffee Hour.
- Sunday, December 11, 10am Typica service, followed by Coffee Hour.
- Sunday, December 18, 9am Orthros, 10am Divine Liturgy, followed by Coffee Hour.
Fr. Mark Lichtenstein, celebrant.
- Saturday, December 24 (Christmas Eve), 9am Orthros, 10am Divine Liturgy, followed by Coffee Hour.
Fr. Mark Lichtenstein, celebrant.
- Sunday, December 25 (Christmas Day), 9am Orthros, 10am Divine Liturgy, followed by Coffee Hour.
Fr. Mark Lichtenstein, celebrant.
- Sunday, January 1 (New Year's Day, St. Basil's Day, and Commemoration of the Circumcision of Christ) 9am Orthros, 10am Divine Liturgy, followed by Coffee Hour.
Fr. Mark Lichtenstein, celebrant.
~
CHRISTMAS SERVICES
- The fasting period before Christmas started on November 15.
- During this pre-Nativity fasting period, we give up meat for the full extent of the Fast, from November 15 through December 24.
- If we are able and have no health problems that prevent us, we also fast from these things:
- Fish is permitted on days that are not Wednesdays and Fridays, up through December 12. In addition, fish is permitted on other Feasts and Days of Commemoration designated on the Church calendar. Note: Shellfish is not considered "fish," so it is always permitted.
- Oil and Wine are permitted on weekends, up through December 24. They are also permitted on days that are not Wednesdays or Fridays through December 12, and on other Feasts and Days of Commemoration designated. This year, those dates when oil and wine are permitted are November 16, 25, 30 and December 9, 12, 15, 20.
- It is always wise to talk to your priest before undertaking a fast. He can give you advice about how to make the fast manageable for you. Fasting should always be helpful, never harmful.
- Fasting is not just about food. Fasting is about drawing closer to God. So, in addition to being more mindful about God as we eat and drink, we Christians also change our leisure time activities: we read more books about God, or listen to podcasts on AncientFaith.com, or watch documentaries about saints. We also pray more, give alms more, and attend church more.
- December 24 & 25: We will hold the usual Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services for the Nativity. Christmas Day is on a Sunday this year.
~
ONLINE CATECHISM CLASS ON THURSDAYS
The Orthodox Church: Catechism class on Thursday, December 1 at 7:00 pm
Join us for weekly catechism classes online via Zoom. This week we will be discussing the Ecumenical Councils of the sixth through the eighth centuries and their importance to the theology and practices of the Church. The reading selection is from The Orthodox Church by Timothy Ware - pp. 27 to the end of Chapter 2. Previous classes are archived on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7ronGHeNPzEgi9mDcF0Y2A/streams
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9299265692?pwd=cytWQUQ2Z1JrdnZ5czliMTR2dktoQT09
Meeting ID: 929 926 5692
Passcode: Grace22
Questions? Email Fr. Nektarios
~
FASTING
Currently we are in the pre-Christmas fast, which is described above. When we are in a season of normal fasting, we fast on only Wednesdays and Fridays.
Question: Why do we fast?
Answer: Because Christ did. He also said that we need to fast to increase our spiritual strength. “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.” (Mark 9:29)
Question: Why do we fast on Wednesdays and Fridays even when it's not Lent?
Answer: Because Christ was betrayed on a Wednesday, and crucified on a Friday.
~
CARING MEALS MINISTRY
If you know someone who needs meals due to illness, birth, etc., please see Kathy Baughman or Noelle Bartl. Thank you to everyone who volunteers for this ministry. You are being the hands of Christ!
~
HELP FOR THE GARCIA FAMILY
As you know, Joanna Garcia continues to go through a very difficult time with her ongoing illness. Joe is her faithful caregiver, so he is at home full-time helping her now. They could really use some extra support from us!
If you want to give a financial donation to help with medical expenses, etc., please make your check out to our church (Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, or AVMGOC for short), and make note that it's for the Garcias.
If you have any questions, please call or text Kathy at 325-277-0274.
The Garcias sure appreciate our prayers and support. Cards or notes of encouragement would brighten their days too. You can send them to the church, and we will forward them on. The church address is Assumption Orthodox Church, 801 Montecito Dr., San Angelo, TX 76903.
Thank you for helping during this time of great need.
~
PARISH COUNCIL
The next meeting will be Sunday, December 18, during Coffee Hour.
~
COFFEE HOUR
We have open slots on the sign up sheet for Coffee Hour, which can be found on the refrigerator in the church kitchen. Can you help host? It's okay to bring something simple, or even just one dish. Encourage others to sign up with you as co-hosts. "Many hands make the burden light." Thank you for your help!
~
Check out the rest of the bulletin online! See below for news from the world of Orthodoxy, online concerts and lecture series, and more.
~
SPECIAL OCCASIONS
Birthdays: Presba. Suzanne Lichtenstein
Anniversaries: none
Namedays:
- 11/21 Eva Bartl (Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple)
- 11/25 Seraphina Katerina Bartl, Kathleen Baughman, Katia Lichtenstein (St. Katherine)
Memorials: Fr. David Eckley
~
AFTER CHURCH
Please join us for refreshments in the Social Hall.
** As always, see the parish website for any changes and updates. **