22nd Sunday after Pentecost | |
Христос Међу Нама! Christ is in our midst! Cristo esta' entra nosotros! | |
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Homily on a Poor Man Named Lazarus
Fr. Lawrence Farley
Our Lord’s parable of Lazarus and the rich man is unique among the parables, for in this parable alone one of the characters has a name. The parable begins, “There was a rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus.” Compare how the parable of the Prodigal Son begins: “There was a man who had two sons.” One might ask, “What were their names? What was the father’s name? Where did they live?” It doesn’t matter; all that mattered were their actions. In all the Lord’s parables the characters are nameless—the prodigal son and his father, the sower who went out to sow, the man who sowed good seed in his field, but whose enemy came by night and sowed tares in it. None of these characters have names. We ask therefore why is the poor man in our parable given a name? The name “Lazarus” of course is from the Hebrew “Eleazar,” meaning “God helps,” but this doesn’t explain why he alone is named in all the parables—especially, one might say, since God clearly did not help him during his life, but left him to die by the gate of the rich man.
I suggest that the poor man is given a name to reveal the magnitude of the rich’s man’s sin. For consider it: the rich man left a man suffering outside his very gate whom he knew by name. The poor man was not just another anonymous and nameless beggar in the street, someone whom the rich man quickly passed by and who then vanished from his consciousness. The rich man was on a first-name basis with the poor man. And yet despite this, he still did little or nothing to help him. Every day the rich man feasted sumptuously, and then wiped his mouth and hands with bread (the ancient equivalent of a napkin), throwing aside the scraps. (These were the kind of crumbs falling from the table which the Canaanite woman mentioned in Matthew 15:27.) The poor man was so hungry that he would’ve been grateful even for these, but there is no hint in the parable that he ever was given them. Rather, the rich man finished his sumptuous meal, adjusted his purple and fine linen, walked past Lazarus lying at his gate and went on with his sumptuous life. He may or may not have greeted Lazarus as he passed by; but it is clear that he never gave him alms or brought him past his gate to enjoy food from his table. Instead he let him die at the edge of his property.
A look at the rich man after he himself died reveals that he was something of a slow learner, and that death produced no real change in his heart. To his perplexity, after what was doubtless a great and splendid funeral where his friends declared how wonderful he was, the formerly rich man finds himself engulfed in flame in the next world, and more perplexing still, sees Lazarus far away, feasting at the head table lying in the bosom of no less a celebrity than Abraham himself. (The ancient Jews reclined at such feasts, so that one literally reclined on the bosom of the diner feasting next to one; compare John lying on Jesus’ bosom in John 13:23). But does the rich man repent? Does he apologize to Lazarus for his appalling neglect and ask his forgiveness? Does he congratulate Lazarus on his current blessedness? No, none of this. In fact, he doesn’t speak to Lazarus at all—instead, he speaks to Abraham. And, showing how hard and unrepentant his heart still is, asks Abraham to send Lazarus far from the festal table to minister to him. The request is stunning—the rich man requests that Lazarus cease feasting, traverse the long way across the chasm, brave the fire, all to do a service for the man who let him starve and die at his gate, and in all this he still doesn’t even speak to Lazarus! The rich man apparently assumes that Abraham will send Lazarus to do the job as if Lazarus were just a lackey or a slave. Not surprisingly, Abraham demurs. And even then the rich man asks that Abraham send Lazarus from the table to visit his brothers and to do a service for them—still saying nothing to Lazarus. The rich man is a slow learner indeed.
What is the lesson for us? Our Lord tells the parable not to give us an inside peak behind the scenes at the next life, but to give us an urgently needed lesson for this one. The rich man’s sins and punishment show what happens when we store up our treasure and use it all for ourselves, ignoring the plight of the poor at our gate. Placing the parable in the wider context of Luke’s Gospel allows us to see the central point: You cannot serve God and Mammon (Luke 16:13), however much the Pharisees who were lovers of money (v. 14) or the American Dream say otherwise.
We need to remember this parable the next time we visit the mall and encounter someone asking for the morsels that fall from our festal table (or “spare change,” as it is called today). It is true that they may possibly use those morsels in ways that are less than helpful to them, but of course we also use our resources in ways less than helpful to us. We remember here the words of C.S. Lewis when he was rebuked by a friend for giving spare change to a beggar. “He’ll just use it for ale,” said his friend. Lewis paused and responded, “But if I kept it, that’s what I would use it for.” We give our morsels to the poor not just to help them, but to help ourselves transcend our insular selfishness and remember our essential solidarity with the poor. It is as Solomon said, “The rich and poor have this in common: the Lord made them all” (Proverbs 22:2). We too easily rush past the poor man, not realizing he is our own flesh and blood, one of our own family. The question, “Could you spare some change?” should remind us of another question: “If anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, and yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?” (1 John 3:17). We may think that we know nothing about the man or woman accosting us in the parking lots of our nation and asking for our help. But we do know something about him—we know his name. His name is Lazarus.
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Commemorating the Repose of St Stephen of Decani Serbia, Martyr Means of Egypt, Martyr Victor at Damascus, Martyr Vincent of Spain, Martyr Stephanida of Damascus, Venerable Theodore the Confessor Abbot of the Studion, Repose of the Blessed Maximus of Moscow, Venerable Martyrius Abbot of Zelenets Pskov, St Martin the Merciful Bishop of Tours
RESURRECTION TROPARION—TONE 5
Let us, the faithful, praise and worship the Word, co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit, born for our salvation from the Virgin; for He willed to be lifted up on the Cross in the flesh, to endure death, and to raise the dead by His glorious Resurrection.
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.
HOLY MARTYR STEFAN OF DECANI TROPARION—TONE 4
In accomplishing your heroic deeds, you suffered manifold wounds, and upon the ending of your life, you received the crown from God and joined the ranks of the Martyrs, and were settled with honor in the dwellings of the meek. O blessed Stephen, pray Christ our God for us, to grant His great mercy on our souls.
RESURRECTION KONTAKION—TONE 5
You descended into hell, O my Savior, shattering its gates as Almighty, resurrecting the dead as Creator, and destroying the sting of death. You have delivered Adam from the curse, O Lover of Man, and we cry to You: “O Lord, save us!”
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!
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~Scripture Readings of the Day~ | |
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READERS:
This Week: Matins: Milan Radanovic Epistle: Teddy Sukhernik
Next Week: Matins: Lenny Tepsich Epistle: Jovan Milanovich
EPISTLE: Galatians 6:11-18
DEACON: Let us pay attention.
PRIEST: Peace be unto all!
READER: And with your spirit!
DEACON: Wisdom.
READER: The Prokeimenon in the Fifth Tone: You, O Lord, shall protect us and preserve us from this generation forever.
CHOIR: You, O Lord, shall protect us and preserve us from this generation forever.
READER: v: Save me, O Lord, for there is no longer any that is godly!
CHOIR: You, O Lord, shall protect us and preserve us from this generation forever.
READER: You, O Lord, shall protect us ...
CHOIR: ...and preserve us from this generation forever.
DEACON: Wisdom!
READER: The Reading is from the Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Galatians
DEACON: Let us attend!
READER: Brothers and Sisters, see with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand! As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these would compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For not even those who are circumcised keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
PRIEST: Peace be unto you, reader!
READER: And with your spirit! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: I will sing of Your mercies, O Lord, forever; with my mouth I will proclaim Your truth from generation to generation.
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: For You have said: “Mercy will be established forever; My truth will be prepared in the heavens.”
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
АПОСТОЛ: Галаћанима 6:11-18
Ђакон: Пазимо
Свештеник: Мир свима!
Читач: I Духу Твоме!
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач : ПРОКИМЕН- глас 5 Ти ћеш нас, Господе, одбранити и сачувати од рода овога до вјека.
Хор: Ти ћеш нас, Господе, одбранити и сачувати од рода овога до вјека.
Читач: Помилуј ме Господе, јер неста Светих, јер је мало вјерних међу синовима човјечијим.
Хор: Ти ћеш нас, Господе, одбранити и сачувати од рода овога до вјека.
Читач: Ти ћеш нас, Господе, одбранити
Хор: и сачувати од рода овога до вјека.
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач: Читање посланице Светога апостола Павла Галацима
Ђакон: Пазимо
Читач: Браћо, видите како вам великим словима написах својом руком! Који хоће да се допадну по тијелу, они вас приморавају да се обрезујете, само да не буду гоњени за крст Христов. Јер ни сами обрезани не држе закон, него хоће да се ви обрезујете да би се вашим тијелом хвалили. А ја, Боже сачувај, да се чим другим хвалим осим крстом Господа нашега Исуса Христа, којим се мени разапе свијет и ја свијету. Јер у Христу Исусу нити обрезање што помаже нити необрезање, него нова твар. И који год буду живјели по овоме правилу, мир на њих и милост, и на Израиљ Божији. Убудуће да ми нико не ствара тешкоће, јер ја ране Господа Исуса на тијелу својему носим. Благодат Господа нашега Исуса Христа са духом вашим, браћо. Амин.
Свештеник: Мир свима Читачу!
Читач: I Духом Твоме! Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Пјеваћу увјек милости Господње; од кољена на кољено јавићу истину Твоју устима својим.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Јер си рекао: Милост ће бити основана заувјек; на Небесима си утврдио истину Своју.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
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LITURGY GOSPEL:
Luke 16:19-31
“There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. “Then he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.’ “Then he said, ‘I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’ Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’”
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ЈЕВАНЂЕЉЕ:
Лука 16:19-31
Каза Господ причу ову: Човјек пак неки бјеше богат и облачаше се у скерлет и у свилу, и сјајно се весељаше сваки дан. А бјеше неки сиромах, по имену Лазар, који лежаше пред вратима његовим гнојав, и жељаше да се насити мрвама које падаху са трпезе богатога; а још и пси долажаху и лизаху гној његов. А кад умрије сиромах, однесоше га анђели у наручје Авраамово; а умрије и богаташ, и сахранише га. И у паклу, налазећи се у мукама, подиже очи своје и угледа издалека Авраама и Лазара у наручју његову. И он повика и рече: Оче Аврааме, смилуј се на ме и пошаљи Лазара нека умочи у воду врх од прста својега да ми расхлади језик; јер се мучим у овоме пламену. А Авраам рече: Синко, сјети се да си ти примио добра своја у животу своме, а тако и Лазар зла; сада пак он се тјеши, а ти се мучиш. И поврх свега тога, постављена је међу нама и вама провалија велика, да они који би хтјели одовуд к вама пријећи, не могу; нити они отуда к нама прелазе. Тада рече: Молим те пак, оче, да га пошаљеш дому оца мојега; Јер имам петорицу браће: нека им посвједочи да не би и они дошли на ово мјесто мучења. Рече му Авраам: Имају Мојсеја и пророке, нека њих слушају. А он рече: Не, оче Аврааме, него ако им дође неко из мртвих, покајаће се. А он му рече: Ако не слушају Мојсеја и пророке, ако неко и из мртвих васкрсне, неће се увјерити.
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~ The Week Ahead: Scriptures and Services ~ | |
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~Prayers for the Faithful~
In Our Prayers
The newly wed Christian and Lily Holland, their parents and sponsors, Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop Youhanna, Protinica Ljubica Jockovic, Protopresbyter Rodney Torbic, Popadija Sara Golic, Matushka Barbara Ealy, the child Katie Elizabeth and her parents Mileva and Michael Repasky, the child Metodija and his parents Fr. Dn. Milan and Mira Damljanovic, the child Louise Bare and her parents Zachary & Elizabeth, the child Penelope and her parents, Alex and Michelle Dowd, Kaitlyn Hook and the newborn Bowen William, Catherine Lewis and the newborn Caleb Ereno, Mara Bebeau and the newborn Jacob, Lousi, Tony & infant of God Zayne, Michelle Adams, Addy Andy, Lori Bare, Christina Berchock, Dori & Doug Bert, Jonathan Bertsch, Carole Blitva, Stephan and Barbara Blitva, Walter “Bud” Brown, Guiliana & Aleksandar Carricato, Maria Chigrintseva, Susan & Jim Cibort, Leann Cox, Victoria Cox, Art Dils, 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, Nicole Stefan Imschweiler, Susan Jacobs, Slobodan Jovicic, Dr Lila Kalinich, Tony Kepp, Myong Sook Kim, Dorothy Krnjaich, Dragica Kuzmanovic, Henry Laichak, Peter Lalic, Dragan Lalovic, Stella Wren Lappas, Jovan Lemajic, Dick Livingston, Maggie Livingston, Boro Lojpur, John Luksic, Stephen Lundingrin, Penny MacDonald, Dianne & Jim Martin, Jean & Paul Martin, Rowan Martin, Jack McFall, George Milakovic, Marija Miljkovic, Daria Milletics, Rosanda Mitrovic, Diane & Slobodan Momic, Dr David Murphy, George Myers, Patty Navarro, Bosiljka Ninkovic, Jenny Moore Oliver, Lila Packer, Daniel Paddock, Vid & Marica Pejcic, Hope Pesner, Kobe Petrovich, Duke & Sue Petrovich, Tracy Petrovich, Christopher Radanovic, Logan Roszkowski, Chloe Ruff, Michael Schaffner, Maryann Seiders, Greg Selman, Donald Semic, Steven Semic, Benjamin Shaffer, Tessa Shaffer, John Sheaffer, Milan Shumkaroff, Branko Smitran, Zorka Starcevich, Tim Stefan, Michael Stepanovich, Stevan & Mary Stojic, Patricia & Joseph Sypniewski, Leonard Tepsich, Leroy Tepsich Jr, Savka Trivun, Edie & Michael “Bo” Venesevich, Michael Vishnesky, Rita Vorkapich, Kristina Vukalo, Steve Vulich, Paula Werner, Draga Worman, Beverly Yanich, Tosh Yanich, Dewey Yetter, Mila “Millie” Yezdimir, Marija Zabrodnaya, Jason Zeigler, Ashley Ziobrowski, Eleni Ziogas, 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 Who Are Currently Deployed
Christopher Baker
Those to be Baptized
Bowen William Hook, Caleb Ereno Lewis, Barrett Scott, Nora & Maeve Van Huysen, Sloane & Šeren York
Our College Students
Sophia Adams, Cameron Barber, Kyle Barber, Michael Geppert, Anastasija Gligorevic, Natalija Gligorevic, Cayden Healy, Matthew Hoover, Kalei Howard, Faith Kingsbury, Sophia Mummert, Kobe Petrovich, Christina Radanovic, Ioanna Radanovic, Luis Antonio Radanovic, Madison Vorkapich, Anastasija Vukalo
Our Seminary Students
Elizabeth Bare
Our Dearly Departed Loved Ones
Bogoljub Blagojevic, Jovanka Foltz, Bozidar 'Bobby' Bulatovich, Demetrios Ziogas, Peter Mrgich, Katherine Radoicich, Vladimir
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~Congratulations Offered~
We rejoice in congratulating Christian and Lily Holland in being united in the Holy Mystery of Marriage yesterday, Nov 23. May the Lord bless them with long life, a crown of glory that does not fade away, and to see their children’s children. Ziveli! I Mnogaja Ljeta!
~Vigils Offered~
DONI & STEVE CASHMAN Offered in celebration of our parents’ (and Gram & Grandpa’s) 48th Anniversary (Nov 21). We wish you good health and much happiness. We are thankful for your never ending love and support. Mnogaja Ljeta! Love Meghan, Brad, Mila, Logan, Lauren, Ross, Ryan and Bennett.
BRIAN LEWIS SR Offered in celebration of his birthday (Nov 21). May God grant you many more years! Ziveli! Mnogaja Ljeta! Love Nikki & family.
BRANDON DAVID MUMMA Offered in joyful celebration of his birthday (Nov 22). We pray our Lord guides him, protects him and keeps him in good health and well-being. Given by Godson/Nephew Baylor Hook, nephew Bowen Hook, Kumovi/Cousins, Joyce Matich & Tosh Yanich, and the whole family. Mnogaja Ljeta! Many Years!
CHRISTOPHER BAKER Offered by Chris & Jevi Radanovic during his deployment. Praying for all of our Christ loving soldiers, families and their service to our country.
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.
†ARCHPRIEST STAVROPHOR SRBOLJUB JOCKOVICH Offered for his birthday (Nov 29). Let us rejoice and be glad as we remember Fr. Srboljub, on what would have been his birthday, with fervent prayers for his peaceful repose. We praise our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for the many gifts Fr Srboljub brought to us — from leading us in worship to visiting our families, comforting us in illness, supporting us in grief, showing us how to be repentant, helping us to grow in our Orthodox Christian faith and always reminding us of God’s presence in our midst. Offered with love from the Yanich and Matich family and Semic Kumovi. 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, Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Iraq, Iran, Egypt, the Sudan, China, North Korea, for all of our brothers and sisters in Christ suffering throughout the world, especially in Ukraine, that they might be comforted with the Joy of our Lord, and for all of those suffering from the pandemic, for those who minister, 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 11/17/2024
Collection: $2,991.00
Date 11/10/2024
Collection: $3,984.00
Date 11/3/2024
Collection: $3,676.00
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November Birthdays
Vadim Reznitchenko (Nov 2), Calvin Filepas (Nov 5), Dori & Doug Bert (Nov 6), Mila Ann Livingston (Nov 6), Jim Werner (Nov 9), Marko Rocknage (Nov 11), Tomislav Gligorevic (Nov 13), Leann Cox (Nov 13), Trenton Petrovich Jr, (Nov 13), Philip Lamancusa (Nov 15), Dori Barry (Nov 16), Jovan Milanovich (Nov 16), Matt Healy (Nov 18), Millie Yezdimir (Nov 19), Tomislav Lojpur (Nov 19), Michelle Kingsbury (Nov 20), Michael Dean Stefan (Nov 21), Brian Lewis Sr (Nov 21), Brandon Mumma (Nov 22), Dianne Martin (Nov 23), Marko Miljkovic (Nov 24)
November Anniversaries
Danielle & Joseph Van Huysen (Nov 4), Paula & Jim Werner (Nov 5), Nicholas & Joann Hernjak (Nov 5), Mira & Milijan Lukic (Nov 11), Doni & Steve Cashman (Nov 21), Nick & Terry Govelovich (Nov 23)
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CHOIR SLAVA
The Marinkovich Choir will be celebrating their Slava, St. John Chrysostom, today after liturgy and invite all to help them celebrate with an extended fellowship in the hall.
THE SAINTS OF OUR FRESCOES
This year, we will be offering multiple opportunities to learn more about the saints that are depicted on the icons in the Church. Mrs. Martha Rakowski, Th.M., will be teaching the lives of these wondrous saints—many of whom we call our patrons! This adult education class continues today, Sunday, November 24th after Church with the three Hierarchs (Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, John Chrysostom)
FEAST OF ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM
On Tuesday, November 26, we will celebrate the Feast of St John Chrysostom with Liturgy beginning at 6:00 am.
OFFICE CLOSURE FOR THANKSGIVING AND BULLETIN DEADLINE
The office will be closed this week on Thursday and Friday (Nov 28-29). Bulletin Deadline is Tuesday, November 26 by 11 am.
STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY—NEXT SUNDAY (DECEMBER 1)
On Sunday, December 1, we will celebrate our annual Stewardship Sunday with speakers and a meal as we offer the best of ourselves to God. Please begin considering what you are able to offer God in the coming year. And remember two things: 1) God loves a cheerful giver. 2) True Christians look for the maximum of what they can give to God in thanksgiving for all His bounty of Salvation.
SPECIAL CONGREGATION ASSEMBLY
Sunday, December 15, 2024, after Divine Liturgy, we will have a special Congregation Assembly to vote on the Dedication of the Library to Fr Srboljub.
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 them at a face value of $25. Just see any SOTAYA member or Sladjana for a purchase. Thanks for your support!
MOTHER’S CLUB KIOSK
New items have arrived, including Christmas Cards. Stop by and check them out.
PANTRY BOX IN THE LOBBY
The Pantry Box helps to supply much needed goods to the Bethesda Women’s Shelter. Please remember to drop off items like: ibuprofen, toothpaste, toothbrush, powdered laundry detergent, feminine hygiene products, lotion, razors, bar soap or body wash, deodorant.
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PLEASE HELP - BETHESDA MISSION WOMEN’S SHELTER OUTREACH
On the second Saturday of every month (the next one is December 14th), 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.
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS (THIS WEEK)
Office hours are Monday thru Wednesday 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.
BULLETIN DEADLINE
Please send all Bulletin Requests to the Church Office at office@stnicholassteelton.org
You may also call (717) 939-3872
OFFICE CLOSURE FOR THANKSGIVING AND BULLETIN DEADLINE
The office will be closed this week on Thursday and Friday (Nov 28-29). Bulletin Deadline is Tuesday, November 26 by 11 am.
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November Charity
International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC)
IOCC has maintained an active partnership with the Serbian Orthodox Church since 1992, initially responding to crises of war, dislocation, and other hardships. IOCC aids those in need around the world, without discrimination, as it works to strengthen the capacity of national and local Orthodox Churches and organizations to avert disasters, respond to emergencies, and rebuild communities. IOCC has provided emergency assistance and sustainable development programs in all parts of Serbia. The more we practice spiritual hospitality, the closer we draw ourselves to Christ, and with Christ in our hearts and souls, the greater is our love for all people. Our donations become IOCC’s humanitarian works. It is our responsibility and our blessing to help IOCC continue its ministry. To learn more about IOCC’s programs, please visit the website at www.iocc.org
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ANNUAL CHRISTMAS COOKIE SALE
This is a very important fundraiser for our Church and without YOU this project cannot happen. St Nicholas needs your time, talents, and treasures to provide the cookies we need for the sale.
We ask that cookies be dropped off at the Church on:
Monday through Thursday (Dec 2 - 5) from 9am until noon or all-day Friday, (Dec 6).
Cookie Packing will be done on Saturday, December 7 (TBD)
Pick-up is Sunday, December 8th from 12 pm—2 pm (until gone). Cookies will be sold on a first come first served basis.
Cost is $30 for 3 dozen.
We kindly request ONLY Sonja Henies, Wreaths, Vanilla Kiefles, Filled Kiefles, Wedding balls or Cut-outs, and kindly ask each baker to donate at least 10 dozen. In order to provide a consistent product, we cannot accept other types of cookies.
Please help this project be a huge success and sign up on the sheets posted in the lobby. Contact Tracy Petrovich (717-648-9609) or Nicole Petrovich (717-648-8061) to let us know if you can donate cookies
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