SUNDAY SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENT
Out of an abundance of concern for the health and safety of our children the Sunday School staff decided not to hold Sunday School classes during the months of January and February. There will be lessons available online. When the lessons are posted we will let the Sunday School families know they are available.
THANKS FOR SPECIAL CHRISTMAS DONATIONS
Many of our faithful and friends made special donations during the Christmas season. These donations included generous Christmas Offerings and Poinsettia donations. Please see the attached flyers in the ‘Weekly Insert’ section of the bulletin below.
HOLY WATER AVAILABLE
On the feast of Epiphany the Church traditionally offers an Agiasmos (Blessing of the Waters) Service. There are bottles of holy water available in the narthex for your use. Please feel free to bring your old holy water bottles and deposit them in the narthex to be recycled. They will be sanitized and reused. You are also welcome to fill any special holy water containers you would like to reuse, but please do so at the conclusion of services.
MAINTENANCE HELP WANTED
Interested in helping the church with its maintenance needs. We are organizing a group of people to be on the Maintenance Crew to coordinate service with vendors and to do small projects around the facility. We would appreciate hearing from you! Thanks in advance! Please contact Marc Gulezian (978-649-3387) if you are interested or have any questions.
WEEKLY WORSHIP
The Transfiguration parish has carefully prepared to receive her faithful for services and continues to welcome you to participate in person. The Parish Council while establishing reopening protocols had determined that the safe number of parishioners in the church based on social distancing is around 100. This is our 25% limit based on state mandates. Generally, we have welcomed between 50 and 75 on Sundays so our numbers have always been below the threshold.
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. But please, if you think you have been exposed to someone with COVID, or you have underlying health conditions, or are not feeling well, please stay home and stay safe.
PARISH OFFICE HOURS
Our parish office is currently open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 2 pm. Generally, the office is open in person. On Wednesday, it is open remotely. Even though we are open in person, if you need to come to the office, for your safety, please call and set up an appointment.
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, Christmas offering, weekly basket offering, 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.
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): In Memory of those who have died during the pandemic and for the health of those recovering. - Chuck and Amelia Karayianis
†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 Denise Anastos from the Anastos/Carey Family
†Vigil Light at the Foot of the Holy Cross: For the Good Health of family and friends