WEEKLY WORSHIP
Having carefully prepared to receive her faithful for services, the Transfiguration community welcomes you to participate in person. Based on social distancing protocols, seating is limited and we ask that you follow the direction of the ushers. Everyone must wear a mask. These protocols have been established to help protect and keep safe all who gather for worship. With the start of Sunday School we anticipate that the number of faithful at service on Sundays will increase. We are, however, prepared for this increase. So far, everything has gone smoothly and we thank everyone for their continued 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 on Sundays, maybe a weekday service when scheduled would be a good option.
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.
SUNDAY SCHOOL BEGINS THIS MONTH
The Sunday School staff has worked diligently to prepare for Sunday School this year. Though the program will look different this year, we are excited to welcome students for class. There will be a 4 week rotation of class groupings that will be held in the Fellowship Hall. We have regrouped the students (grades 1-6) mainly by alphabet. Each week we will have a lower grade lesson and an upper grade lesson. Grades 7-12 (GOYA) will comprise the fourth group. Following the GOYA class they will have their GOYA meeting or activity. Our plan, at least once a month, is also to have a video lesson that students can do on their own time with their parents.
Please understand that the primary reason for creating different groupings is to help maintain appropriate spacing in church for services. This is our plan from October thru December. Like with schools we may have to make modifications as time goes on so stay tuned!
PARISH COUNCIL
PARISH COUNCIL NOMINATIONS WELCOME – Nominations for the 2021-2022 term of the Parish Council are welcome. Any parishioner in good standing interested in being nominated must contact the Parish office to request an official nomination form and return the completed form to the office by 1:00pm on Friday, November 13, 2020. Elections will be held on December 13, 2020.
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.
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.
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 drives at Transfiguration are Thursdays, November 12th and December 31st. You can sign up online.
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: Available
†Vigil Light at the Foot of the Holy Cross: Available