WEEKLY WORSHIP
Having carefully prepared to receive her faithful for services, the Transfiguration community welcomes you to participate in person. Seating is limited based on social distancing protocols, we ask that you follow the direction of the ushers, and everyone must wear a mask. These protocols have been established to help protect and keep safe all who gather for worship. So far, everything has gone smoothly and we thank everyone for their cooperation. We caution those who have underlying conditions to exercise caution in making the decision to participate. If you are hesitant to attend in person maybe a weekday service, when they are scheduled would be a good option for you.
If you would like more information or have any questions about attending services, do not hesitate to contact the parish office or Fr. Tom by phone or email. You can find the reopening protocol and information on our website. Please share this information with those you know who do not use email or are not on our contact list.
WATCH ONLINE
We continue to live stream services of our parish. The services can be found on the internet by logging on to www.youtube.com/TransGOC or www.facebook.com/transchurch. A weekly list of services can be found on our website www.transchurch.org and on the calendar below.
Recorded services from our parish can be found on www.YouTube.com/transGOC . If you are unable to watch live, you can watch the service at a later time. For those who do not have internet and are Comcast customers, you may be able to watch some services on local cable access television. Please consult your local listings for times.
HELP ONLINE
Many still do not feel comfortable physically attending services, but would still like to light a candle or support the parish. Your continued generosity is greatly appreciated. We encourage your continued use of our secure online giving platform for single or repeating donations, https://transchurch.churchgiving.com. Of course, you are still welcome to mail in a check to make your donation.
1) To light a vigil candle, please contact Pat Mahoney (pmahoney7@comcast.net or 978-436-0998) or the church office (info@transchurch.org or 978-458-4321). Pat will make sure that your vigil candle is lit for you. Donation: $10. As with all donations, you can mail in a check or you can make a donation online.
2) You are able to make your stewardship, offering basket, candle, memorial, special event, or general donations by using our secure website. Your donations help support the ministries of the parish. Although you may not be in the church building, essential ministries of the parish continue.
3) The Parish Council is exploring a more permanent source for live streaming services. We hope to continue this ministry, but to do so will need to invest in some new technology. If you are interested in supporting this ministry financially or participating in the production aspect, please speak with Fr. Tom.
BIBLE STUDY TO BEGIN SEPTEMBER 30
We welcome everyone to join us for weekly Bible Study starting this Wednesday, September 30 at 10 am. In order to continue to keep our participants safe and healthy, we will be meeting virtually via zoom meetings. If you don’t have a computer you can call in on your phone and participate. If your computer does not have a camera or microphone, but does have speakers, you can listen in on the Bible Study and ask questions or make a comment through the ‘Chat’ function. The link for the meeting will be sent out via email. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Father Tom.
PARISH OFFICE IS REMOTE
Our parish office is currently open remotely Monday through Friday from 9 am to 2 pm. If you need to come to the office, please call and set up an appointment. It may take a little longer to provide you with some of the information, but we will strive to do so in a timely fashion.
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL YEAR IS AT HAND
The new school year is upon us. Public schools have had to address just how the classroom will work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some have determined that virtual classrooms are the safest way to start the year. Others have established a hybrid schedule and still others are attempting to return back in-person.
The Sunday School staff is in the process of determining just what our school year will look like. This is very difficult. One of the key factors is trying to gauge our limited church attendance in relation to student numbers. We are looking at all possibilities.
Normally we start classes the second Sunday of September. This year we are aiming to start the School Year on Sunday, October 4th. Watch for more information in the coming weeks.
TRANSFIGURATION HOSTS BLOOD DRIVES
Since April, the Transfiguration parish has teamed up with the Red Cross and is hosting blood drives. During the pandemic, the Red Cross has had difficulty finding places to host blood drives because so many facilities are closed, but the need for blood is ongoing.
If you are interested in donating go to redcrossblood.org and put in the church’s zip code, 01854, in the search bar. The next blood drive at Transfiguration is Thursday, October 15th. You can sign up online.
CENSUS DEADLINE – SEPTEMBER 30
The deadline for the 2020 US Census is quickly arriving. If you have not yet completed the 2020 Census, it is important that you do so. It takes only a couple of minutes to complete. Go to www.2020census.gov or call 844-330-2020. Multiple languages, including Greek, are available to complete the census. Do your part and complete the census TODAY!
STEWARDSHIP PRAYER
Lord Jesus Christ, our God, accept our offerings as You accepted the gifts of Your people throughout the ages. We offer these gifts to Your glory, for the support of the ministries of Your holy Church, for the alleviation of suffering and hunger, and for the proclamation of Your Gospel to the whole world.
Grant us Your blessing, Lord our Savior, that we may always be faithful stewards, continuing to share the gifts you have given us, by the power of Your grace, mercy and love. May Your name be glorified forever. Amen.
Trinity votive candles (To Sponsor a Candle please call the Church Office.)
†Vigil Light at the Side Altar (Icon of the Theotokos): Available
†Vigil Light at the Icon of Christ: In Loving Memory of Deborah Victoria Skrekas and George Skrekas
†Vigil Light at the Theotokos: In Loving Memory of Ioannis "John" Zaralidis from his family
†Vigil Light at the Icon of the Forerunner: In Loving Memory of Angelike Flanagan
†Vigil Light at the Foot of the Holy Cross: For the good health of Lucas Simoglou and family in celebration of his baptism