SPECIAL TRAY FOR HURRICANE HARVEY RELIEF: There seems to be at least a few times every year where a great need arises due to a terrible tragedy be it humanity or natural disaster. The IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities) is currently collecting money to help with the relief efforts caused by Hurricane Harvey. It is in these moments of humanity that we as followers of Christ must rise to the effort to support in any was possible. So please give as you can today in the tray or come into the office and make a donation. We must show the world the Love that Christ showed us.
SUNDAY SCHOOL BEGINS TODAY: Our Sunday School has become very well organized, efficient and effective, thanks to the efforts and commitment of our Sunday School staff. Through their efforts our Church has developed a program for our youth’s current and future religious education and spiritual growth. However, they cannot do it alone! Parents, we need your support. Please register and bring your children to our Sunday School program. Do not deprive your children of a magnificent opportunity to become better acquainted with the Orthodox Faith and Church, and to come closer to Christ. Today classes begin following Communion and last about 45 mins. It is important that our children attend class as often as possible to truly learn their faith. Today following Liturgy we will have a brief Agiasmos (Blessing of the Waters) for our new Sunday School Year.
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.
ALL 90TH DINNER DANCE PAYMENTS: Must be received no later the Sunday, September 17th, 2017. Thank you for your cooperation.
JOY, HOPE, GOYA YOUTH NIGHT KICK OFF BBQ: Join us tomorrow as our youth groups kick into full swing with a bbq for the ages. We will be providing the burgers and dogs and ask everyone to bring a side dish or a dessert. Join us at 6:30 p.m. following Greek School for a great time.
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 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.
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).
HOLY CROSS FEAST DAY AT JUSTICE, IL: For the feast day itself we will again this year be joining our sister Parish of Holy Cross in Justice, IL. They will have the Great Vesper Service on Wednesday, September 13th at 7:00 p.m. and on Thursday, September 14th Orthros will begin at 8:30 a.m. I will be there for both services along with His Grace Bishop Demetrios. VASSILIKO NEEDED: On Sunday, September 17th we will be having the Procession of the Holy Cross at the end of Divine Liturgy that Sunday. Anyone who would like to bring Vassiliko please bring it Sunday the 17th .