27th Sunday after Pentecost | | Христос међу нама! Christ is in our midst! Cristo esta entra nosotros! | | |
Homily on the Healing of the Woman Bent
Fr. Christopher Rocknage
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Glory to Jesus Christ! - Glory be forever!
My dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, today, can you not feel a little anticipation in the air? Think about it. We woke up this morning. There is snow on the ground. We are in the middle of the Advent Fast, getting ready for the Nativity of our Lord—Christmas is right around the corner. We have all of this energy that it in the air—this preparation that is going on. Preparing ourselves… We might even say that the world itself is taking a breath—is holding its breath just for a moment—anticipating that which is coming, but also that which has already come. It is marking the time. There is a reason for that: because the world wants to be healed.
You see, my dear brothers and sisters, there is so much brokenness, so much sickness, so much injury—wounding, in the world. Just like the woman, bent over with an infirmity for over 18 years, constantly bent, stuck, paralyzed with this infirmity, the world is also infirm. And it has been ever since the first sin. The same world, that when God created it, proclaimed it to be good; the same world that God called into being to be in communion with Himself through the mediator of man…is cursed by our sin.
We think very distantly of mediation in today’s society. We look at the mediator as being the one who goes between to very separate factions in order to communicate between them. Yet, God, in His Wisdom, brings mediation into a reality present through union without confusion. He brings Himself and His creation together in the human being with no separation. We as mediators were called to bring everything that God is to everything in His creation. Everything. Even the rocks… even the bugs. Everything. And so the whole world feels this absence, this longing for God, from Whom it has been separated for so long. This is because God is the source of Life. The world wants to be alive. Thus, this anticipation is here, this desire to be connected to God through humanity, knowing that it is only possible through our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ. The Mediator. The One Who in Himself unites God and man completely, and fully, and unconfusedly. The One Who brings everything together in the center of His Being.
So, when Christ heals this woman who has been infirm, He brings that for which she has been seeking, that for which she has been waiting for 18 years. Just like in His Incarnation, He brings that Which the world has been seeking, for Whom it has been waiting for all of Creation since our fall, into being. Now it is possible to Commune with God. Now, that rest day, the Sabbath Day is there specifically to be healed from our wounds, from our injuries, from our sickness, from sin, which is death itself. So then, my dear brothers and sisters, we have this gift before us. This Gift which God presents to us at each and every Liturgy, This Gift that we might commune with Him fully, so that we might become alike unto God, which He has intended from the beginning.
Here is the catch. We must finish the process. We must finish the rest of the journey. That means that we must take that communion with the One True God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and bring it into the world. We take that relationship into the rest of the world. We bring it there with love. We bring it there with care. We bring it there with compassion. As our Lord has compassion on us. Our Lord co-suffers with us. He takes that which we are enduring and puts it on Himself, that we might then, take that which the world is enduring, and put it on ourselves. Not to replace His sacrifice. We cannot. Nothing can. Not to even, in some way, say that it is our sacrifice. It is not. It is His Sacrifice. Rather, we participate in His Sacrifice by denying ourselves, taking up our Cross, following Him, and living for others.
Christ said, “Greater love has no man, than if he gives up his life for his friends.” Christ gave His Life for us. He showed us the exact path to walk…the path of healing, the path of salvation. A path that enables us to participate in God’s energy to such an extent that we might bring God to the world. You might think this is impossible. Consider for a moment a knife being forged. There are pieces of steel heated in a forge. The steel in the forge is steel, but when you bring it out of the forge it glows. It takes on the properties of that fire. It is so imbued with that power—with the energy of fire—it’s not fire itself—but it is carrying the energy of the fire, so that it can be a light. Not as bright as the fire—but a light nonetheless. It can be a source of heat. Not as hot as the fire—but a truly source of heat nonetheless. The steel itself is that imprinting of the fire that carries the likeness of the fire into the rest of the world.
We are the steel. God is the fire. We are imbued with His energy every single time we receive Him in Holy Communion. We carry that with us. The more that we deny ourselves and unite ourselves to Christ, the more we say no to our will and yes to God’s Will, the more we carry that energy into the world. And then, that energy transforms the world around us. That energy heals those in our lives. That energy brings peace to those who are in dissension and disagreement. That energy brings love to those who are closed off and lonely. That energy brings Life to those who are in the shadow of death.
Take on God’s energy, my dear Brothers and Sisters. Fill this anticipation for the Glorious Incarnation of our Lord, and bring Him, enfleshed in us, into every corner of our lives, into every corner of existence, every corner of the world, so that the world itself might finally breathe a sigh of relief, proclaiming finally, that all is in communion with God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
| | |
Commemorating Prophet Nahum, Martyr Ananias of Persia, Righteous Philaret the Merciful of Amnia in Asia Minor, Venerable Botolph of Iken
RESURRECTION TROPARION—TONE 2
When You descended to death, O Life Immortal, You destroyed hell with the splendor of Your Godhead. And when from the depths You raised the dead, all the powers of heaven cried out: “O Giver of life, Christ our God, glory to You!”
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.
PROPHET NAHUM TROPARION—TONE 2
We celebrate the memory of Your prophet Nahum, O Lord; through him we entreat You, save our souls.
RESURRECTION KONTAKION—TONE 2
Hell became afraid, O Almighty Savior, seeing the miracle of Thy Resurrection from the tomb! The dead arose! Creation, with Adam, beheld this and rejoiced with Thee! And the world, O my Savior, praises Thee forever.
HOLY FATHER NICHOLAS KONTAKION—TONE 3
You revealed yourself, O saint, in Myra as a priest, for you fulfilled the Gospel of Christ by giving up your soul for your people, and saving the innocent from death. Therefore you are blessed as one become wise in the grace of God.
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: Dasha Gencturk
Next Week: Matins: Nick Ressetar Epistle: Jovan Milanovich
EPISTLE: Ephesians 6:10-17
DEACON: Let us pay attention.
PRIEST: Peace be unto all!
READER: And with your spirit!
DEACON: Wisdom.
READER: The Prokeimenon in the Second Tone: The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation.
CHOIR: The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation.
READER: v: The Lord punished me with chastisement, but He did not give me over to death.
CHOIR: The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation.
READER: The Lord is my strength and my song;
CHOIR: He has become my salvation.
DEACON: Wisdom!
READER: The Reading is from the Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Ephesians.
DEACON: Let us attend!
READER: Brothers and Sisters, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
PRIEST: Peace be unto you, reader!
READER: And with your spirit! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: May the Lord hear you on this day of sorrow, may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: Lord, help the king and hear us when we call upon You.
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
АПОСТОЛ: Ефесцима 6:10-17
Ђакон: Пазимо
Свештеник: Мир свима!
Читач: I Духу Твоме!
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач : ПРОКИМЕН- глас 2 Господ је снага моја и пјесма; Он ми постаде спасење.
Хор: Господ је снага моја и пјесма; Он ми постаде спасење.
Читач: Карајући покара ме Господ, али ме смрти не предаде.
Хор: Господ је снага моја и пјесма; Он ми постаде спасење.
Читач: Господ је снага моја и пјесма;
Хор: Он ми постаде спасење.
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач: Читање посланице Светога апостола Павла Ефесцима
Ђакон: Пазимо
Читач: Браћо, јачајте у Господу, и у сили моћи његове. Обуците се у све оружје Божије, да бисте се могли одржати против лукавства ђаволскога. Јер не ратујемо против крви и тијела, него против поглаварства, и власти, и господара таме овога свијета, против духова злобе у поднебесју. Зато узмите свеоружје Божије, да бисте се могли одупријети у зли дан, и одољевши свему, одржати се. Стојте, дакле, опасавши бедра своја истином и обукавши се у оклоп правде, и обувши ноге у приправност за јеванђеље мира; А изнад свега узмите штит вјере, о који ћете моћи погасити све огњене стријеле нечастивога; И кацигу спасења узмите, и мач Духа, који је ријеч Божија
Свештеник: Мир ти читачу!
Читач: I Духом Твоме! Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Нека те услиши Господ у дан жалосни, нека те заштити име Бога Јаковљевога.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Господе, помози цару и услиши нас кад Те зовемо.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
| | |
LITURGY GOSPEL: Luke 13:10-17
At that time, He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up. But when Jesus saw her, He called her to Him and said to her, “Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity.” And He laid His hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. But the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath; and he said to the crowd, “There are six days on which men ought to work; therefore come and be healed on them, and not on the Sabbath day.” The Lord then answered him and said, “Hypocrite! Does not each one of you on the Sabbath loose his ox or donkey from the stall, and lead it away to water it? So ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound—think of it—for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?” And when He said these things, all His adversaries were put to shame; and all the multitude rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by Him.
| |  | |
ЈЕВАНЂЕЉЕ: Лука 13:10-17
У вријеме оно, учаше Исус у једној синагоги суботом. И гле, бјеше ондје жена која имађаше духа немоћи осамнаест година, и бјеше згрчена, и не могаше се никако усправити. А кад је видје Исус, призва је и рече јој: Жено, ослобођена си од немоћи своје. И стави на њу руке, и одмах се усправи и слављаше Бога. А старјешина синагоге, негодујући што је Исус исцијели у суботу, одговоривши рече народу: Шест је дана у које треба радити; у ове, дакле, долазите те се лијечите, а не у дан суботњи. А Господ му одговори и рече: Лицемјере, сваки од вас не одрјешује ли у суботу својега вола или магарца од јасала и води да напоји? А ову, кћер Авраамову, коју свеза сатана ево осамнаест година, не требаше ли одријешити од ове свезе у дан суботњи? И док он ово говораше стиђаху се сви који му се противљаху; а сав народ радоваше се за сва славна дјела што их он чињаше.
| | ~ The Week Ahead: Scriptures and Services ~ | | |
~Prayers for the Faithful~
In Our Prayers
Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop Youhanna, Protinica Ljubica Jockovic, Protopresbyter Rodney Torbic, Protostavrofor Ilija Balach, Protostavrofor Joseph Fester, Archpriest Gabriel Rochelle, Protinica Ana Stepanov, Matushka Barbara Ealy, Matushka Theodora Ressetar, Khouria Patricia Moslener, Sister Anastasija, the child Katie Elizabeth and her parents Mileva and Michael Repasky, the children Genevieve and Louise Bare and their parents Zachary & Elizabeth, Mileva Repasky and the newborn Caroline Grace, Kyranna Baker and the child to be born of her, Michelle Adams, Samuel Atzeff, Lori Bare, Elijah Barnett, Christina Berchock, Dori Bert, Jonathan Bertsch, Stephan and Barbara Blitva, Carole & Nick Blitva, Tommy & Kara (Blitva) Dorsey, Voni Brown, Guiliana & Aleksandar Carricato, Maria Chigrintseva, Leann Cox, JoAnn Filepas, Anaya Garvin, Eric Garvin, Melanie Geib, Michael Geppert III, Dr Andrea Govelovich, Rdr. Nicholas & Teresa Govelovich, Kata Gruich, Travis Heilman, Kay Himes, Matthew Hoover, Nicole Stefan Imschweiler, Susan Jacobs, Slobodan Jovicic, Caryn Kiraly, Nadine Klipa, Christine Krnjaic, Dorothy Krnjaich, Dragica Kuzmanovic, Henry Laichak, Peter Lalic, Dragan Lalovic, Susan Leis, Jovan Lemajic, Elliott Mamula, Dianne & Jim Martin, Jean & Paul Martin, Rowan Martin, Jack McFall, George Milakovic, Slavka Miljevic, Marija Miljkovic, Rosanda Mitrovic, Diane & Slobodan Momic, Bosiljka Ninkovic, Lila Packer, Vid & Marica Pejcic, Kobe Petrovich, Duke & Sue Petrovich, Tracy Petrovich, Milena Pilipovic, Christopher Radanovic, Ioanna Radanovic, Chloe Ruff, Christina Sakmar, Maryann Seiders, Steven Semic, Benjamin Shaffer, Tessa Shaffer, Milan Shumkaroff, Branko Smitran, Zorka Starcevich, Karen Stefan, Timothy Stefan, Michael Stepanovich, Stevan & Mary Stojic, Linda Szeerba, Leonard Tepsich, Leroy Tepsich Jr, Savka Trivun, Peter Velencia, Michael “Bo” Venesevich, Magdalen Vloutely, Rita Vorkapich, Kristina Vukalo, Paula Werner, Nicolette & Nikola Wiel, Tosh Yanich, Dewey Yetter, Elizabeth Yezdimir, Mila “Millie” Yezdimir, Marija Zabrodnaya,
Non Orthodox: Catherine Lewis, Bethany Peterson, Jensen Swartz, Addy Andy, Kevin Appleby, Doug Bert, Jason Brill, Susan & Jim Cibort, Victoria Cox, Barry Dean Jr, Christian Geib, George Gutshall, Dan Hazlett, Adam Herigan, Edith Herigan, Tony Kepp, Stephen Kerstetter, Keith & Kelly Kessler, Myong Sook Kim, Stella Wren Lappas, Richard Livingston, Margaret Livingston, Stephen Lundgren, Penny MacDonald, George Myers, Patty Navarro, Hope Pesner, Makaylie Peterson, Logan Roszkowski, Greg Selman, John Sheaffer, Patricia & Joseph Sypniewski, Edith Venesevich, Michael Vishnesky, Traci Weaver, 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, Maverick Peterson, Caroline Repasky, Trace Swartz
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, Aleksandra Šaran, Theodore Sukhernik, Madison Vorkapich, Anastasija Vukalo
Our Seminary Students
Elizabeth Bare
Our Dearly Departed Loved Ones
Djordje Gajovic, Vera Ressetar Bortniak, Eleana Silk
| | |
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!
| |
Stewardship Offering Information
Date 12/7/2025
Collection: $4,328.00
Date 11/30/2025
Collection: $1,797.00
Date 11/23/2025
Collection: $3,426.00
| |
~Vigils Offered~
DORI & DOUG BERT Offered in celebration of their Wedding Anniversary (Dec 18). Given in love by Mom & family with God’s blessings for many more! Mnogaja Ljeta!
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.
†NATJA KESSLER Offered for my Kuma Natja in memory of her 10 year repose. Sadly missed by Godson Matthew Hoover and family. Memory Eternal! Vjecnaja Pamjat!
†GRIGORIJ RADCZENKO Offered in loving memory of our dear papa/grandfather/great grandfather’s repose (10 years—Dec 18). We love you dearly and miss you every day. Offered with love by the Radczenko family. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†ELIJA & †STANA KLIPA, †MARY KLIPA LALIC, †PATRICIA HERNJAK, †SAMUEL & †MILLIE KLIPA, †NICHOLAS & †HOPE KLIPA, †BASIL KLIPA, †PETER & †OLGA KLIPA, †STEVE & †STEFANIA KLIPA, †JANE KLIPA & †GUY & †MARY LALIC Lovingly remembered by the Cashman, Hernjak, and Lalic families as we celebrate our Krsna Slava, St Nicholas. Our memories bring us much joy and peace. May God grant them peace, happiness and life everlasting. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†MILOS & †MILAN STARCEVICH, STARCEVICH, VUJASINOVICH AND KOTUR FAMILIES Offered in loving memory of our dear Milos (Mico), Milan (Braco) and all reposed members of the Starcevich, Vujasinovich and Kotur families as we celebrate our Krsna Slava, Sveti Nikola. May our good Lord grant them eternal peace in His heavenly kingdom. Forever in our hearts. Offered with love by Zorica and family. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
| | |
December Birthdays
Laurie Brosius (Dec 1), Stephani York (Dec 2), Alex Govelovich (Dec 2), Gordana Fasnacht (Dec 4), Alexandra McFall (Dec 4), Paul Kasper (Dec 7), Alexa Healy (Dec 10), Nicholas Blitva (Dec 11), Sarah Milletics (Dec 11), Lorraine James (Dec 15), Quinn Gilroy (Dec 15), Irina Miljkovic (Dec 17), Steve Barry (Dec 17), Michael Filepas Jr (Dec 23), Carole Blitva (Dec 25), Josh Howell (Dec 30)
December Anniversaries
Alex & Nicole Bazdar (Dec 11), Dori & Doug Bert (Dec 18), Lauren & Ross Spangler (Dec 21), Pharon & Christine Bertsch (Dec 27)
| |
| |
RECEIVING HOLY COMMUNION
This is a gentle reminder regarding preparing for and receiving the Holy Eucharist. As the Lord said, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, first be reconciled, then come to receive. We are called to be prepared and receive at each and every Liturgy.
PREPARATION AND THANKSGIVING PRAYERS
We are also called to pray the prayers in preparation for Holy Communion, and to stay and pray the prayers in thanksgiving for Holy Communion after Liturgy.
KEEPING THE FASTS
Whether we receive the Holy Mysteries or not, ALL Orthodox Christians are called to keep the fasts of the Church as best as they are able. This includes all Wednesdays and Fridays, as well as the special fast periods of the Church. Also, unless medically necessary and blessed by your father confessor, no eating or drinking from midnight until receiving Holy Communion.
KEEPING THE FEASTS
We should be in attendance for Great and Holy Week, Pascha, and all of the 12 Great Feasts of the Church. If we cannot make the liturgy, come for Vespers or Vigil the night before. If traveling, find the closest Orthodox Church and keep the feast there.
FREQUENCY OF HOLY CONFESSION
We are all called to “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is now”. We should take inventory of our souls regularly—at least on a monthly basis. Let the Lord lift the heavy burden of sin, for as He said, His yoke is easy, and His burden is light.
| | |
CLUB SPONSORED LUNCHEON
(TODAY)
The Club will be having a Lenten Luncheon TODAY, December 14. Please join us for fellowship after Liturgy.
POINSETTIA SALE
Once again, we will be decorating our church for Christmas with Poinsettias. You can help offset the church’s cost by purchasing one for $10. Please contact Daria Milletics if you are interested in purchasing any (717-939-3872) or email dmilletics@stnsoc.org
HERE WE GO A-CAROLING!
Dear St. Nicholas community. The Choir and friends will be going Caroling on Sunday, December 21, and Sunday, January 4. Please join us for this festive outreach to those who are homebound or in nursing homes. You do not need to be in the Choir to carol with us. We will be singing Serbian as well as traditional carols. Not sure if you'll know what we are singing? You are welcome to join the last half hour of Choir practice (Thursday evenings from 7:30 to 8:00) to check it out. Questions? Please contact Nina Radanovic (717) 634-6170, or ninarad.mil19@gmail.com for more information. Looking forward to caroling with you!
CALLING ALL BAKERS!!
Would you consider baking for the dessert table at our dance on January 10? Please contact Nicole Petrovich at
nicolepetrovich@yahoo.com or (717) 648-8061 (leave a message if no answer). Hvala!"
SISTERS/MOTHER’S CLUB PARTY (JANUARY 11, 2026)
The Sisters/Mothers Club will host its annual Christmas Party and gift exchange at Gilligan’s Restaurant after Liturgy. All ladies of the church are warmly invited to attend. Please bring a $15 gift to participate in the White Elephant game. However, you are free to choose not to participate in the gift exchange. Join us for an afternoon of fellowship and fun. If you plan to attend, please text or call Doni at 717-887-9146.
SAVE THE DATE—THE TAMBURITZANS ARE COMING!!!
The Parish Council is thrilled to announce that we are sponsoring The Tamburitzans (formerly of Duquesne University) for a show on Saturday, January 10th at 3pm. Tickets are $35 until January 9th, $40 at the door, and $30 for 55+, under 18, and with a valid student ID. Tickets may be purchased in the office, or by clicking on the following link:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/the-tamburitzans.
SUVO MESO DONATIONS FOR TAMBURITZAN DANCE
Please consider donating for the dance on January 10, 2026. So many of our members make the best smoked meat! Would you consider donating smoked meat/suvo meso for the event? If yes, please text, call, or email Stacy Milanovich at tacy1123@gmail.com
(724) 709-4746. Thank you for your consideration! Hvala!
| | |
SPECIAL THANKS TO GOD
We would like to thank Dewey Yetter for once again assembling and donating the kits the Sunday School is using for planting wheat on St Nicholas Day. We are thankful he continues to share his stewardship with our students.
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. This month it is on December 13. 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.
CHURCH SCHOOL REGISTRATION
Register for the 2025-2026 Church School year with the following link:
https://forms.gle/JuVAESBtWpQL6X7s8
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 thru Friday from 9:00 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.
| | |
December Charity
Very Reverend Stavrophor Srboljub Jockovich
Fund for St. Nicholas Church Ministries & those in Need
In 2010, our congregation established The Fr. Srboljub Fund as a permanent resource for special ministries and other special needs or events in our church community or with our Orthodox Christian partners in the Central PA area or the larger Orthodox Christian community. Each month we participate in the Charity Sunday program and we always give those donations to an outside charity. Through the Fr. Srboljub Fund, we have created a dynamic new way to support the special ministries of our Church community and to respond to the special needs of our Orthodox Christian brothers and sisters. We are preparing ourselves to respond to ministries and programs in areas such as feeding the hungry, youth and senior programs, library needs, gift shop resources, education and outreach initiatives, visitation efforts and unforeseen emergencies or crises.
Please give generously to the Fr. Srboljub Fund so we may honor the memory of our long-time spiritual leader in this unique way as we grow our resources and are prepared to respond when a special need arises. God bless you and thank you for your generosity.
| | |
Charitable Contributions to the Church
The Finance Committee is making an appeal for the months of November and December asking for tax deductible charitable contributions. These funds will be dedicated to paying down the mortgage and boosting our reserve funds. The “Burn the Mortgage” Capitol Campaign that we previously ran enabled us to pay down $160,000 on our mortgage balance. Currently our mortgage is down to approximately $500,000. We thank God for your efforts—they have been a big help!
However, our investment account is down to $200,000. We continue to withdraw from our reserves, supplementing mortgage payments as well as paying the bills. Below are a few options:
· If you receive an RMD (required minimum distribution) you can transfer a tax free distribution to the church up to $100,000.
· Donation of dividends from stock, annuities and insurance policies can be used to lessen your tax burden.
· Charitable cash gifts are also tax deductible.
Consult your tax specialist or financial planner to see what you can do to help. No contribution to your church is too big or too small! Any member of our finance committee will be able to offer assistance. Please inquire at the church office.
| | | | |
