SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES CONTINUE
We continue class rotations today. Please check the Weekly Calendar below for the rotation. Please understand that the primary reason for creating different groupings is to help maintain appropriate spacing in church for services. This is our plan thru December. We will send the 2021 schedule shortly. Remember, like with public schools we may have to make modifications as time goes on so stay tuned!
PARISH COUNCIL ELECTIONS
Parish Council elections are scheduled for today, December 13, 2020. Since there are six candidates for six positions one parishioner will be asked to cast a ballot next week to elect the new members to the Parish Council.
PHILOPTOCHOS
The Philoptochos Society sincerely thanks all of you who answered our request for donations for our recent fundraisers. Thank you to the over 150 people who donated to the Christmas Tea. The funds raised will go to our National and Metropolis commitments, as well as donations to local charities. If you did not see the live Christmas Tea program, you may watch it here at any time.
The Adopt-a-Family goal this year was to collect 75 gift cards to help Community Teamwork, Inc. provide a Christmas for the many children in their shelters. Through your donations we will be providing more than 130 gift cards! Many of CTI’s other contributors were unable to participate this year so the extra cards will be greatly appreciated. 125 individuals and families contributed to this year’s Transfiguration Christmas card. The card should be delivered next week, so please keep an eye on your mailbox! May you all have a blessed Christmas assured that you have helped to brighten the holiday season for many others.
MAINTENANCE HELP WANTED
Recently Jimmy Demetri ‘retired’ as our church maintenance manager and we thank him for his time and talent in keeping our church building operating smoothly. Thank you, Jimmy, and Congratulations! Please contact Marc Gulezian (978-649-3387) if you have interest in helping the church with its maintenance needs. We are looking to organize a group of people to be on the Maintenance Crew to coordinate service with vendors and would appreciate hearing from you! Thanks in advance!
CONGRATULATIONS TO JOHN THIBAULT
On Saturday, December 12, John was honored with the title ‘Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate’. There were only 18 individuals bestowed this honor during the virtual ceremony. May our Lord continue to bless him with all good things. Kai eis anotera.
WEEKLY WORSHIP
There is an uptick in COVID-19 cases in the Lowell area. The Transfiguration parish having carefully prepared to receive her faithful for services continues to welcome you to participate in person. Even with the increase in cases we believe we are well prepared and have put into place protocols that will help keep all healthy. We continue to use social distancing protocols that keep seating limited. 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.
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.
Additionally, if you have traveled or attended a large gathering over Thanksgiving weekend, please follow the CDC and State guidelines to quarantine 10-14 days or until you receive a negative test upon your return.
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.
PARISH OFFICE IS REMOTE
Our parish office is currently open but is primarily remote 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.
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.
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 and last blood drive of the year at Transfiguration is Thursday, December 31st. Please sign up online to donate.
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: In Memory of our Philoptochos sister Helene Antonakis