9th Sunday after Pentecost | | Христос међу нама! Christ is in our midst! Cristo esta entra nosotros! | | |
Homily on the 9th Sunday after Pentecost
from Fr. Philip LeMasters
People view the church in many different ways. Some think of it as a private club for meeting the spiritual needs of its members in a way that is ultimately self-centered and insular. Contrary to popular opinion, the mission of Christ’s Body is not to help us ignore or escape from the world, but to manifest a sign of its salvation. As members of the Savior’s Body and of one another, we must accept the challenge that St. Paul gave to the Corinthians to live as God’s fellow workers, God’s field, and God’s building. Those are all active images that require something of us. Jesus Christ is our one true foundation, but we must not simply rest content with having a foundation, any more than someone would lay the foundation for a building and then stop construction. As St. Paul wrote, “you are God’s temple and…God’s Spirit dwells in you.” Our calling is to build up the Body of Christ as a holy temple that will shine brightly in a darkened world as we journey toward the Kingdom, where the true spiritual state of our souls will be revealed.
The Apostle is not writing about a building made of wood or stone, of course, but about our common life in Christ. Both collectively and personally, we are temples of the Holy Spirit, which gives us a great obligation to cooperate with the presence and power of God in our lives. There is tremendous responsibility in having the freedom to work together with the Lord to share more fully in His life as we grow in holiness. No one will ever force us to do so, but the consequences of rejecting this high calling are profound. As St. Paul wrote, “If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.” He is not speaking here of burning down a building, but of the consequences of refusing to offer ourselves to Christ, of rejecting our identity as the living temples of the Lord.
Today’s gospel lesson provides a vivid example of what happens when we turn away from Christ as the one true foundation of our lives. St. Peter began to sink like a stone in a raging sea when he shifted his focus from entrusting His life to the Lord to being consumed with fear about the wind and the waves. By his own power, there was no way that Peter could have avoided drowning in this situation, but thankfully he retained the presence of mind to call out “Lord, save me!” That is precisely what the Savior did by reaching out to Peter and rescuing him as He said, “O man of little faith, why did you doubt?” The stress of the storm revealed the weakness of Peter’s faith, which is not surprising because he had gotten himself into this dangerous situation by putting Christ to the test, saying “Lord, if it is You, bid me come to You on the water.” By his prideful lack of trust, Peter literally got himself in well over his head.
Our calling is to become faithful coworkers with God by offering our lives to Him as we become holier and more beautiful temples of the Holy Spirit. That will never happen by allowing the storms of our lives to turn our attention away from the opportunities that they present for actively cooperating with God for the healing of our souls and the strengthening of the Church. Like Peter, we bring about many of our own struggles by our own thoughts, words, and deeds. Out of pride, we may be ashamed to acknowledge that we have put ourselves in a situation in which, left to our own devices, we will sink like stones. Some leave or become inactive in the life of the Church out of hurt pride when they realize the harm that they have done to themselves and their neighbors. It is easy to lose hope for building on the one true foundation of Jesus Christ when we know that we have fallen into an abyss of sin that threatens to wound us and others in profound ways.
We become too much like Peter when we relate to God based on getting what we want, which is really a way of saying that our faith is conditional. Our trust is then not actually in the Lord, but in ourselves. We may not ask to walk on the water, but we judge the importance of faithfulness to the Lord on whether He gives us the results that we want. When things do not go as we would like, the weakness of our faith becomes clear, for then we sink into doubt, despair, and a lack of commitment to find the healing for our souls. When that happens, we still have the choice of whether to drown spiritually or to come to our senses and call out “Lord, save me!” We have the choice between destroying God’s temple by further weakening our faith and separating ourselves from the Body of Christ or of calling out to the Lord in humble repentance from the depths of our hearts. Remember that He had compassion on St. Peter, the thief on the cross, and the tax collector, who could only say “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” We must trust that He will do the same for us when we approach Him with the same spiritual clarity as they did.
As Orthodox Christians, we never encounter the Lord simply as isolated individuals, but as members of His Body, the Church. We have put Him on in baptism, become temples of the Holy Spirit through chrismation, and received His Body and Blood in the Eucharist. We are members of Him and of one another. He is the vine and we are the branches. If we find ourselves spiritually weak, confused, and uninterested, we should take a clear look at our relationship with Christ in His Body, the Church. It is through conscientious participation in the full sacramental and ascetical life of the Church that we will open ourselves to receive the strength to offer ourselves to God as His fellow workers, field, and building. If we take the life of the Church for granted or separate ourselves from it, we risk destroying our integrity as God’s temple. We step away from our one true foundation and put ourselves in a place where we can easily sink like stones.
Our small parish is not simply an association of people who share a common faith. Neither are we merely a non-profit institution that owns land and a building and has programs of various kinds. As hard as it may be to believe, this community manifests the fullness of the Body of Christ and provides us with everything necessary for the healing of our souls. We enter mystically into the Kingdom of God in every celebration of the Divine Liturgy and participate personally in the healing divine energies of the Savior through the holy mysteries. We are members of His Body and temples of the Holy Spirit, both collectively and personally. Absolutely nothing other than our own prideful refusal can keep us from building a life of holiness on the one true foundation of Christ available to us in this parish.
Peter learned the hard way not to put Christ to the test, and we must not make our active participation in the Church conditional upon any preconceived notions of how religion should fit into our lives or what we want from God. The point is not that we fit God into our lives, but that we offer ourselves to participate more fully in His. People involved in construction or farming have to work hard if they are to produce anything worthwhile. Should it be surprising that the same is true of the members of the Church, for our goal is nothing less than to become radiant with the holiness of God as a sign of the salvation of the world?
Before this high vision of our life together in the Church, we should each cry out with the spiritual clarity of sinking Peter, “Lord, save me!” He will raise us up and provide us the strength to build upon Him as our one true foundation in a fashion that will withstand even the most dangerous winds and waves of our lives. When Peter later confessed “the Christ, the Son of the living God,” the Savior said, “upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matt. 16: 16-18) The one true foundation is Christ Himself, Who shares His victory over sin, death, and Hades with us through His Body, the Church. Let us unite ourselves to Him in the ministries of our common life in this parish. Remember what St. Paul wrote, “God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.” Let us find the healing of our souls together as members of the Body of Christ.
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Commemorating Holy Apostles of the Seventy and Deacons Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon and Parmenas, Saint Pitirim Bishop of Tambov, Martyr Julian of Dalmatia, Martyr Eustathius of Apamea, Martyr Acacius of Apamea, Martyr Melitina, Venerable Moses Wonderworker of the Kiev Caves, Venerable Paul founder of the Xeropotamou Monastery on Mount Athos, Saint Irene Chrysovolantou, Venerable George the Builder
RESURRECTIONAL TROPARION—TONE 8
You descended from on high, O Merciful One! You accepted the three day burial to free us from our sufferings! O Lord, our Life and Resurrection, glory to You!
HOLY APOSTLES PROCHORUS, NICANOR, TIMON & PARMENAS TROPARION—TONE 3
O holy apostle Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon and Parmenas, entreat the merciful God, to grant our souls forgiveness of transgressions.
HOLY FATHER NICHOLAS TROPARION—TONE 4
Truly you were revealed to your flock as a rule of faith, an image of humility and a teacher of abstinence; your humility exalted you; your poverty enriched you. Hierarch Father Nicholas, entreat Christ our God that our souls may be saved.
RESURRECTIONAL KONTAKION—TONE 8
By rising from the tomb, You raised the dead and resurrected Adam. Eve exults in Your Resurrection, and the world celebrates Your rising from the dead, O greatly Merciful One!
HYMN TO THE MOTHER OF GOD KONTAKION—TONE 6
Steadfast Protectress of Christians and constant Advocate before the Creator; despise not the cry of us sinners, but come speedily to help those who call on You in faith. Hasten to hear our petition and to intercede for us, O Theotokos, for You always protect those who honor You!
| | ~Scripture Readings of the Day~ | | |
READERS:
This Week: Matins: Lenny Tepsich Epistle: Lincoln Govelovich
Next Week: Matins: Milan Radanovic Epistle: Christopher Krakowski
EPISTLE: 1 Corinthians 3:9-17
DEACON: Let us pay attention.
PRIEST: Peace be unto all!
READER: And with your spirit!
DEACON: Wisdom.
READER: The Prokeimenon in the Eighth Tone: Pray and make your vows before the Lord our God.
CHOIR: Pray and make your vows before the Lord our God.
READER: v: In Judah God is known; His name is great in Israel.
CHOIR: Pray and make your vows before the Lord our God.
READER: Pray and make your vows ...
CHOIR: … before the Lord our God.
DEACON: Wisdom!
READER: The Reading is from the Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Corinthians.
DEACON: Let us attend!
READER: Brothers and Sisters, we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.
PRIEST: Peace be unto you, reader!
READER: And with your spirit! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: Come, let us rejoice in the Lord! Let us make a joyful noise to God our Savior!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: Let us come before His face with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to Him with songs of praise!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
АПОСТОЛ: 1 Коринћанима 3: 9-17
Ђакон: Пазимо
Свештеник: Мир свима!
Читач: I Духу Твоме!
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач : ПРОКИМЕН- глас 8 Молите се и извршујте завете Господу Богу нашему.
Хор: Молите се и извршујте завете Господу Богу нашему.
Читач: Зна се у Јудеји за Бога, у Израиљу је велико име Његово.
Хор: Молите се и извршујте завете Господу Богу нашему.
Читач: Молите се и извршујте завете
Хор: Господу Богу нашему.
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач: Читање је од Прве посланице Светог апостола Павла до Коринћана
Ђакон: Пазимо
Читач: Браћо, ми смо Божији сарадници, а ви сте Божија њива, Божија грађевина. По благодати Божијој која ми је дата, ја сам као мудар неимар поставио темељ, а други зида на њему; али сваки нека гледа како зида. Јер темеља другога нико не може поставити осим постојећег, који је Исус Христос. Ако ли ко зида на овоме темељу злато, сребро, драго камење, дрва, сијено, сламу, свачије ће дјело изићи на видјело; јер ће дан показати, јер ће се огњем открити, и свачије ће се дјело огњем испитати какво је. Ако остане чије дјело што је назидао, примиће плату; Ако чије дјело изгори, биће оштећен, а сам ће се спасти, но тако као кроз огањ. Не знате ли да сте храм Божији и да Дух Божији обитава у вама? Ако неко разара храм Божији, разориће њега Бог; јер је храм Божији свет, а то сте ви.
Свештеник: Мир свима Читачу!
Читач: I Духом Твоме! Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Ходите, запевајте Господу, ускликнимо Спаситељу Богу нашему.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Изиђимо пред лице Његово с хвалом, у песмама ускликнимо му.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
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LITURGY GOSPEL: Matthew 14:22-34
Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.” When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret.
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ЈЕВАНЂЕЉЕ: Матеј 14:22-34
И одмах принуди Исус ученике своје да уђу у лађу и иду прије њега на ону страну док он отпусти народ. И отпустивши народ, попе се на гору да се насамо помоли. А наста вече и бијаше ондје сам. А лађа бјеше већ насред мора, угрожена од валова, јер бијаше противан вјетар. А у четврту стражу ноћи отиде к њима Исус ходећи по мору. И видјевши га ученици гдје иде по мору, узнемирише се говорећи: То је утвара; и од страха повикаше. А Исус им одмах рече говорећи: Не бојте се, ја сам, не плашите се! А Петар одговарајући рече му: Господе, ако си ти, реци ми да дођем теби по води. А он рече: Ходи! И изишавши из лађе, Петар иђаше по води да дође Исусу. Но видећи јак вјетар уплаши се, и почевши тонути, повика говорећи: Господе, спаси ме! И одмах Исус пруживши руку ухвати га, и рече му: Маловјерни, зашто посумња? И кад уђоше у лађу, преста вјетар. А они у лађи приступише и поклонише му се говорећи: Ваистину си ти Син Божији. И прешавши дођоше у земљу Генисаретску.
| | ~ The Week Ahead: Scriptures and Services ~ | | |
~Prayers for the Faithful~
In Our Prayers
Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop Youhanna, Protinica Ljubica Jockovic, Protopresbyter Rodney Torbic, V. Rev. Protostavrofor Ilija Balach, V. Rev. Protostavrofor Joseph Fester, Father Gabriel Rochelle, Protinica Ana Stepanov, Popadija Sara Golic, Matushka Barbara Ealy, Sister Anastasija, the child Katie Elizabeth and her parents Mileva and Michael Repasky, the child Louise Bare and her parents Zachary & Elizabeth, Catherine Lewis and the newborn Caleb Ereno, Jessica Crowe and the newborn Maverick Archer, Bethany Peterson and the newborn Maverick Michael, Mileva Repasky and the child to be born of her, Jensen Swartz and the child to be born of her, Kyranna Baker and the child to be born of her, Michelle Adams, Addy Andy, Kevin Appleby, Samuel Atzeff, Lori Bare, Elijah Barnett, Christina Berchock, Dori & Doug Bert, Jonathan Bertsch, Carole & Nick Blitva, Stephan and Barbara Blitva, Jason Brill, Voni Brown, Guiliana & Aleksandar Carricato, Maria Chigrintseva, Susan & Jim Cibort, Leann Cox, Victoria Cox, Tommy & Kara (Blitva) Dorsey, Edward Dry, JoAnn Filepas, Anaya Garvin, Eric Garvin, Christian & Melanie Geib, Michael Geppert III, Dr Andrea Govelovich, Nick & Terry Govelovich, Kata Gruich, George Gutshall, Dan Hazlett, Travis Heilman, Adam Herigan, Edith Herigan, Kay Himes, Matthew Hoover, Nicole Stefan Imschweiler, Susan Jacobs, Slobodan Jovicic, Tony Kepp, Myong Sook Kim, Caryn Kiraly, Nadine Klipa, Dorothy Krnjaich, Dragica Kuzmanovic, Henry Laichak, Peter Lalic, Dragan Lalovic, Stella Wren Lappas, Sue Leis, Jovan Lemajic, Dick Livingston, Maggie Livingston, Stephen Lundingrin, Penny MacDonald, Dianne & Jim Martin, Jean & Paul Martin, Rowan Martin, Jack McFall, George Milakovic, Slavka Miljevic, Marija Miljkovic, Daria Milletics, Rosanda Mitrovic, Diane & Slobodan Momic, George Myers, Patty Navarro, Bosiljka Ninkovic, Lila Packer, Daniel Paddock, Vid & Marica Pejcic, Hope Pesner, Kobe Petrovich, Duke & Sue Petrovich, Tracy Petrovich, Milena Pilipovic, Christopher Radanovic, Marilynn “Chi Chi” Rapasky, Logan Roszkowski, Chloe Ruff, Michael Schaffner, Maryann Seiders, Greg Selman, Steven Semic, Benjamin Shaffer, Tessa Shaffer, John Sheaffer, Milan Shumkaroff, Branko Smitran, Zorka Starcevich, Karen Stefan, Tim Stefan, Michael Stepanovich, Stevan & Mary Stojic, Patricia & Joseph Sypniewski, Linda Szeerba, Leonard Tepsich, Leroy Tepsich Jr, Savka Trivun, Edie & Michael “Bo” Venesevich, Michael Vishnesky, Magdalen Vloutely, Rita Vorkapich, Kristina Vukalo, Traci Weaver, Paula Werner, Draga Worman, Tosh Yanich, Dewey Yetter, Elizabeth Yezdimir, Mila “Millie” Yezdimir, Marija Zabrodnaya, Jason Zeigler, Ashley Ziobrowski, Miriam “Mim” Codan Ziolkowski
Those Who Need Special Care
ECUMENICAL (COUNTRY MEADOWS) Jane Rush, HOMELAND: Draga Donato; MASONIC HOME: Ray Foltz; RS: Cedo Lukic
Those to be Baptized
Caleb Lewis, Barrett Scott, Evelyn Caryn Howell, Maverick Peterson
Our College Students
Sophia Adams, Cameron Barber, Kyle Barber, Dieter Geib, Gunner Geib, Kirsten Geib, Michael Geppert, Anastasija Gligorevic, Natalija Gligorevic, Matthew Hoover, Faith Kingsbury, Natasha Milanovich, Sophia Mummert, Christina Radanovic, Luis Antonio Radanovic, Madison Vorkapich, Anastasija Vukalo
Our Seminary Students
Elizabeth Bare
Our Dearly Departed Loved Ones
Miloš Balać, Milan Pejčić, Stephen Vulich, Djordje Gajovic, Vera Ressetar Bortniak
~Flowers in front of the Theotokos~ ~Offered~
†ANDELIJA KOBAC MRAOVIC & †LJUBICA MRAOVIC YANICH Offered with love for Grammom & Grammy who arrived at Ellis Island 104 years ago (Aug 12) after traveling by wagon from their village of Bovic to Zagreb, then by train to Belgrade, and a second train to Trieste, and then by ship to New York’s Ellis Island. We praise God for granting them unwavering courage, boldness of spirit and abiding faith in making such a journey. We are profoundly grateful. Given with love and respect by 4 generations of the family. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
~Vigils Offered~
GRUICH FAMILY Offered in celebration of our Slava, St Panteleimon (August 9) and remembering our beloved husband, father, Jeddo Phil, who is loved and missed dearly.
TAYLOR WERNER Offered in joyful celebration of her birthday (August 16). Much love from Baba and the family. Mnogaja Ljeta! Many Years!
KATA GRUICH Offered for God’s Blessing for improvement of health for Kata. May our Patron Saint Panteleimon continue to lay healing hands upon her. With love from her family.
TOOTSIE KRNJAICH Offering vigils and prayers for our Kuma Tootsie. May God’s blessings be with her during her rehab period. From her Godchildren, Kat and families.
MICHAEL GEPPERT Offered prayerfully by Mom & Dad for improvement in health and God’s blessings and loving care during his recovery.
†PAM CASHMAN Offered in loving memory of her repose (August 3, 2025). May God grant her peace, happiness and life everlasting. Sadly missed and loved by Steve, Doni, Meghan, Lauren and families. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†MARY LALIC Offered in memory of our mother/grandmother/great grandmother as we remember her on the 35th anniversary of her repose (Aug 7). Our memories bring us much joy, love and peace. We love and miss you, and pray for your eternal peace and happiness. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal! Doni, Steve, Pete and family.
†EVELYN RUSSIN Offered with love and in remembrance of her repose (17 years—Aug 11) by Frank & Marie Brescia and family. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†VERA RADANOVIC Offered in loving remembrance of her birthday (Aug 12) by Daria, Dave, Jason & Sarah Milletics. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†HOPE ‘TSETSIE’ KLIPA Offered in loving memory of her repose (10 years—August 14). Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
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Please continue to pray for all of those currently being persecuted for Christ's sake in Kosovo, Metohija, Montenegro, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gaza, West Bank, Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Egypt, the Sudan, China, North Korea, for all of our brothers and sisters in Christ suffering throughout the world, especially in Ukraine and Russia, that they might be comforted with the Joy of our Lord, and for those who are unjustly persecuted that they may be strengthened by the love of Christ which knows no race. We also pray for the Orthodox clergy in Alaska, that the Lord might grant them more than enough to feed their families.
LET US PRAY TO THE LORD!
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Stewardship Offering Information
Date 8/3/2025
Collection: $3,456.00
Date 7/27/2025
Collection: $2,621.00
Date 7/20/2025
Collection: $3,060.00
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August Birthdays
Ross Spangler (Aug 1), Tim Hook (Aug 1), Father Ilija Balach (Aug 2), Kaitlyn Hook (Aug 2), Jela Nonkovic (Aug 3), Ted Yanich (Aug 4), Mike Healy (Aug 5), Chris Radanovic (Aug 7), Cathy Fagan (Aug 7), Dieter Geib (Aug 7), Igor Pejcic (Aug 7), Heather Heilman (Aug 9), Bo Venesevich (Aug 11), Ioanna Radanovic (Aug 11), Theodore Sukernik (Aug 11), Victoria Fithian (Aug 11), Eva Sutkliffe (Aug 15), Marina Skinder (Aug 20), Stefan Gligorevic (Aug 21), Endora Wolf (Aug 23), Vaciona Petrovich (Aug 25), Ferris Atty (Aug 27), Maryann Seiders (Aug 28), Chuck Miller (Aug 30)
August Anniversaries
Chris & Jevgenija Radanovic (Aug 1), Duke & Sue Petrovich (Aug 9), Chuck & Jean Miller (Aug 9), Mike & Stephanie York (Aug 20), Zach & Elizabeth Bare (Aug 20), Dn. Bojan & Sladjana Gligorevic (Aug 31)
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AKATHIST TO THE THEOTOKOS
Beginning with the Dormition Fast, we will pray the Akathist to the Theotokos, Healer of Cancer, each morning at 9am (unless there is a festal Liturgy instead). Join us for this prayerful way to give thanks to God for His mother.
SOTAYA GIFT CARD FUNDRAISER
Thinking of a gift for someone, a special occasion, birthday or a reward for yourself? Gift cards are a good choice! And there is no need to go to the store, SOTAYA is selling Texas Roadhouse and Darden Restaurant Group cards (which includes Olive Garden, Longhorn, Cheddar’s, Yard House, Bahama Breeze and Seasons 52) at a face value of $50. Just see any SOTAYA member or Sladjana for a purchase. Thanks for your support!
FOOD SURPLUS FOR SHADELAND
A generous donor has given us a gift of surplus food. PLEASE visit the table in the Social Hall and take what you or someone you know can use. Donate what you can, help someone in need and save money at the same time! Remember to check the table every time you are at church as supplies will change frequently. ALL proceeds will go to support our St. Sava Shadeland Camp!!!
SHADELAND COLLECTION
The operation of our St. Sava Shadeland Camp has been subsidized by the Diocesan Endowment for the Future. This endowment was based upon the royalties we received from natural gas and oil wells and is now depleted. Currently, we no longer have any reliable income from these wells. Camp fees have been kept artificially low due to these royalties. This means that there is a deficit of $150,000 to run the camp each year. Additionally, there are approximately $225,000 in repairs and maintenance that will be necessary in the next 3 years. The Diocese is asking for donations to offset the operating costs. These donations may be given directly to the Diocese, to our local church here at St. Nicholas, by renting Shadeland Camp for your event, or purchasing a hunting license, thus increasing annual revenue. Checks can be made payable to St. Nicholas Church with Shadeland in the memo and given to our Church, or go to easterndiocese.org to donate directly to the Diocese.
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PLEASE HELP - BETHESDA MISSION WOMEN’S SHELTER OUTREACH
On the second Saturday of every month, volunteers from our four Orthodox churches prepare and serve lunch for shelter residents. We also help with various projects and activities that assist with shelter operations. If anyone would like to volunteer or learn more about this important program, please contact Andrea Gunther.
BULLETIN DEADLINE
Please send all Bulletin requests to the church office at office@stnicholassteelton.org. You may also call (717) 939-3872. Bulletin Deadline is Wednesday at 11 am.
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
Office hours are Monday through Friday from 9 am until noon. You may call the office during these hours at (717) 939-3872 or come by the office in person. Office hours will be adjusted when services are occurring during those hours.
GET WELL CARDS
Longtime friend of the parish and candle maker, Sister Anastasija from Monastery New Marcha suffered a stroke. Let’s pray for her recovery and remind her of our Christian love by sending her get well cards. Cards may be sent to:
Pleasant Lake Village
7260 Ridge Road
Parma, OH 44129
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August Charity
Zoe for Life
Many women are fortunate to have the love and support structure to lead them to marriage, children, and a meaningful life. Others, however, are from different circumstances, and may find themselves in crisis because of an unplanned pregnancy. Their situation may have them in turmoil and panic, where healthy decisions are difficult to make. ZOE for Life!® serves as a conduit, guiding women to a wider range of support organizations, providing an attractive set of options and a promising outlook on their situation. There is counseling, housing referral assistance, referral for prenatal care, adoption and other services available for which most women in distress are unaware. It is the goal of ZOE for Life!® to offer more opportunities to women in unplanned pregnancies, and to empower them to make decisions everyone can live with. ZOE for Life!® is a pan-Orthodox outreach of Orthodox Christians. It is funded privately, and has received 501(c)(3) status from the Internal Revenue Service. All gifts are tax-deductible as specified by law.
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