YOUR COOPERATION IS NEEDED: We remind our faithful that the Divine Liturgy begins at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday. Please be prompt and on time! Please turn off cell phones before entering church. No conversation should take place during worship. During the reading of the Gospel people in the narthex should not be purchasing or lighting candles but standing reverently and listen to the reading. If possible avoid using center aisle during high points of Divine Liturgy. Lipstick and lip-gloss should be removed before kissing icons, receiving Holy Communion and kissing the hand of the priest. When receiving antidoron, please use both hands and do not allow the crumbs to fall to the floor.
HOLY LAND PILGRAMAGE: We are now only 5 months away from our Holy Land Pilgrimage in November. This is truly a once in a life time experience and I Strongly recommend that if you are considering it. Take the leap and join. We are currently collecting deposits and the total cost f the trip will be around $3,100. That includes air fare, hotel and breakfast & dinner everyday. For those planning on going, we hope to have the deposits in by July 15th.
SAVE THIS IMPORTANT DATE: Our Saint Nicholas Church will be turning 90 Years old this year and we are going to celebrate in a big way! Saint Nicholas’ 90th Anniversary Dinner Dance is on Sunday, September 24th, 2017 at Tuscany Falls in Mokena. The cost will be $125 per adult, and $25 for children 3 to 12 years of age. Children under 3 are free. The ticket includes hors d'oeuvres, a four hour open bar, a full four-course meal, music, dancing and other surprises. WE NEED YOUR HELP: We are searching for volunteers to bring their creativity to the table. The only way we can make the 90 th Anniversary event memorable and successful is with the help of everyone. We are also searching for old photos and memories to share with everyone. If you have any photos could you please email them to George Danos at gpd81@comcast.net. Or bring them into church and we can scan them. If you would like to contribute your talents to this event please call Dorothy Mezilson Pavlick @ 708-203-6402.
GREEK SCHOOL REGISTRATION: It has come yet again. The time to register our kids for Greek School. Please see the registration forms in the bulletin for more information. Classes will begin on the Wednesday following Labor Day.
HELP NEEDED FOLLOWING LITURGY TODAY: If some of the men of our parish can help Fr. Christodoulos following Liturgy this morning. He needs to change the Altar cover and needs help lifting the glass. If interested stay in church following the liturgy.
PLEASE NOTE: We are looking for monetary donations and donations of high end items that can be auctioned for the silent auction for our 90th Anniversary Dinner Dance. If you wish to donate please call Zoe Skopec at 708-642-4350.
OFFICE HOURS CHANGE FOR AUGUST: During the month of August our office will now be closed on Fridays through September 1st. After which we will go back to our regular office hours.
ATTENTION PARISHIONERS: Before making any firm plans for baptisms, weddings, funerals, or memorial services, please check with the parish priest to see if dates and times are permissible. Also, please refrain from scheduling a baby, bridal shower or any other type of party celebration during the a Fasting period.
THE SAINT NICHOLAS GOLF OUTING: Will be on Thursday, July 27th Sign up as soon as you can, to be part of good fellowship, great golf & d
METROPOLIS OF CHICAGO FAMILY SYNAXIS RETREAT: Join other Orthodox families at the St. Iakovos Retreat Center in Wisconsin over Labor Day Weekend for a fun-filled time reconnecting with your family and reconnecting with God. Retreat leader Fr. Stephen Freeman, a priest, author, blogger and podcaster (learn more at GloryToGodForAllThings.com), will present workshops on the theme Living the Mystery. Children’s workshops will also be provided, as will childcare for babies. Find more information and register online at www.GOCFamilySynaxis.org or email Chicago.Family.Synaxis@gmail.com . Register by Aug. 18 for the best rate. You may also call Eleni Anast at 708-250- 0034. Please see flier for more information.
STEWARDSHIP NOTE: Have you submitted your 2017 pledge form of commitment to the church office? Are you current with your pledge payment? At this time you should be at least half way paid on your pledge. If you have not pledged or are not current, please catch up by Sunday, August 6th. Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this matter.
COMMUNION ANNOUNCEMENT: While we pray and work for the reconciliation and unity of all the world's Christians, the reality remains that there is still no intercommunion between our Orthodox Churches and the Churches of the West. This means that only baptized, chrismated and observant Orthodox faithful receive Communion in our churches. At the same time, we warmly welcome all nonOrthodox to join us in prayer and celebration, and humbly offer to all present the Antidoro bread of fellowship at the end of the service. We offer this important symbol 'instead of the Gifts', in the words of the Apostle Paul, 'Till we all come to the unity of the Faith' (Eph. 4.13).
SACRAMENT OF HOLY CONFESSION: The Sacrament of Confession is one of the most important sacraments of the Church. We should always be striving to reconcile ourselves with God. Take a moment this summer to set up a time for the most blessed sacrament. Please call Fr. Christodoulos if you would like to schedule an appointment. God Bless
ATTENTION PARISHIONERS: Before making any firm plans for baptisms, weddings, funerals, or memorial services, please check with the parish priest to see if dates and times are permissible. Also, please refrain from scheduling a baby, bridal shower or any other type of party celebration during the a Fasting period.
PLEASE don’t leave your weekly bulletin in the pew. Take it home with you and share the message and announcements, written here, with your family and friends. Thank You
ENJOY YOUR SUMMER REST, but don’t be neglectful of your duties to God and Church. Worship God wherever your summer plans take you. Remember that there is an Orthodox Church within driving distance in almost all parts of the Unit-ed States. Also, if you are going away for a period of time, perhaps you might consider sending your stewardship offering that you give weekly, so that our Church will continue to meet her obligations. Although church attendance during the summer months has improved, it is not sufficient to help meet all our financial responsibilities.