HOLY LAND PILGRAMAGE: We are now only 3 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. Please See Fr. Christodoulos
YOUTH WORKERS WANTED: Our youth programs here at Saint Nicholas are run by some wonderful volunteers who week in and week out do an excellent job. We are currently in need of a GOYA advisor and could use some more parents to help during the year. We are also in need of an Athletic Director. We are also in need of some coaches for team sports at the junior Olympics. Without parishioner support, especially our youth’s parents, we cannot continue our various programs. Please offer your time and talent. If you are interested in helping in any capacity for our youth programs please contact Fr. Christodoulos at the Church Office.
SUPER SUNDAY SIGN-UPS: We have dedicated today and the next two Sundays for youth sign-ups, in an effort to get as many children as possible in our programs. Sign ups for Greek School, Sunday School, Youth groups and Athletics will take place on Sundays, August 27th, September 4rd & 10th. Please make every effort and be sure to sign your children up.
SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS NEEDED! In scripture we read, “Teach them the good way wherein they should walk” (1 Kings 8:36). We are all called to teach, whether it is at home, work, play or at church. We kindly ask the members of our community to hear these words and commit yourself to the teaching of our children through our Sunday School Program. We want to get more teachers into our program, to help balance out all our grades. All those interested are asked to contact Fr. Christodoulos or Kim Isberg. Yours presence and commitment is truly appreciated.
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.
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 non-Orthodox 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).
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.
SILENT AUCTION ITEMS NEEDED: 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.
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.
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.
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. SILENT AUCTION ITEMS NEEDED: 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.
THE MIDWEST HELLENIC DANCE FESTIVAL: Is presented by the Metropolis of Chicago, is being held here at St. Nicholas on October 6 through 8. The Festival will feature Greek Dance Workshops, taught by experienced instructors, for teens and adults ages 13 and up and also for young people ages 9 to 12. Among the activities the Festival will include exhibition dance performances and a dinner. Sign up and reservations open on Thursday, June 1st. You may contact MidwestHDF@gmail.com or call 708-945-6095 or 708-385-2311 for more information. http://www.mhdf.il.goarch.org/
YOUR COOPERATION IS NEEDED: We remind our faithful that the Divine Lit-urgy 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.
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!
STEWARDSHIP REMINDER: We are at the end of the month of August and still many members have failed to make a Stewardship Pledge or to be current with their pledge payments. Please, support the ministries of our Churchl. Include God and His Church in your budget and plans. He includes you in His! Please be active stewards and pay your Stewardship commitment in a timely and managea-ble manner. Thank You!