Sunday Services

Matins: 9:00 a.m.

Divine Liturgy: 10:00 a.m.

Coffee Fellowship follows Divine Liturgy

Saturdays - 5:00 pm - Vespers

(Confession available following Vespers)

691 Green Street, Craig, CO 81625

Fr. David Henderson - 970-846-2245

fatherdavid@saintjohnscraig.org

www.saintjohnscraig.org

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America



In This Issue:

A Message from Father David

Epistle and Gospel Readings

for Sunday, November 2

Food for the Soul

This Week/Next Week Services and Events

A Message from Father David

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks;

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

  I Thessalonians 5:16

In his book, “For the Life of the World,” Fr. Alexander Schmemann of blessed memory writes: “Of all accusations against Christians, the most terrible one was uttered by Nietzsche when he said Christians had no joy.” What a terrible indictment. What a tragic observation to make of those whose lives do not reflect the fruit of the Holy Spirit. When we read the New Testament and the Lives of the Saints and Holy Martyrs, we find that they possessed an abiding, deep joy, that is the response of the human soul to the love of God and our salvation in Christ.

Joy is not merely an emotion or fleeting feeling, but a profound spiritual gift rooted in the presence of God. Joy, as understood by the Church Fathers, springs from communion with Christ and is intimately connected to the experience of resurrection, hope, and love. It is more than happiness based on circumstances; it is the assurance that God is with us, even in times of difficulty.

The Apostle Paul exhorts us to "Rejoice always" (1 Thessalonians 5:16), reminding us that joy is possible in every situation when our hearts are centered on Christ. This joy is not diminished by suffering; but rather, shines forth most brightly in the midst of trials as a testimony to the power of God’s grace.

Saints in the Orthodox tradition embody this joy, living lives marked by peace, gratitude, and love for others. Their joy is contagious, drawing others into the life of the Church and the embrace of God’s mercy. True joy is found not in seeking our own pleasure, but in self-giving love, humility, and the constant remembrance of God’s presence and promise that through Christ’s victory over death, nothing can separate us from His love.



Blessings,

Father David

Epistle and Gospel Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Mode 4 

Psalm 103.24,1

O Lord, how manifold are your works. You have made all things in wisdom.

Verse: Bless the Lord, O my soul.

The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 2:16-20

Brethren, knowing that a man is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ, and not by works of the law, because by works of the law shall no one be justified. But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we ourselves were found to be sinners, is Christ then an agent of sin? Certainly not! But if I build up again those things which I tore down, then I prove myself a transgressor. For I through the law died to the law, that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

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Food for the Soul

Be Courteous to All

A Christian must be courteous to all. His words and deeds should breathe with the grace of the Holy Spirit, which abides in his soul, so that in this way he might glorify the name of God. He who regulates all of his speech also regulates all of his actions. He who keeps watch over the words he is about say also keeps watch over the deeds he intends to do, and he never goes out of the bounds good and benevolent conduct. The graceful speech of a Christian is characterized by delicateness and politeness. This fact, born of love, produces peace and joy. On the other hand, boorishness gives birth to hatred, enmity, affliction, competitiveness, disorder and wars.

~ Saint Nektarios of Aegina

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Our Parish at Work

IOCC Sunday

Thank you to all that participated in IOCC Sunday on October 26. The Parish prepared 100 Hygiene Kits for International Orthodox Christian Charities.

If you were unable to join us last Sunday, click here to watch the IOCC promotional video featuring the Saint John's Team from March 2025!

Saint Michael's Community Kitchen



Thank you also to all that participated in preparing meals at Saint Michael's on October 29. Saint John's has prepared over 3500 meals for local residents in Craig!

Thanksgiving Holiday Service Projects

We will once again provide Thanksgiving Baskets to local families. If you would like to provide a basket, please let Jeannie Glimidakis know (970-824-8794) so that we can keep track! Items needed: Turkey, chicken stock, gravy mix, canned yams, canned vegetable, stuffing, potatoes, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls, butter, pie

Saint John's also will prepare stuffing to be served to 300 plus local residents on Thanksgiving Day. We will prepare the food at Saint John's on Tuesday, November 25 at 9:00 AM. Your help is needed!

Saint John's Bookstore is Open

Saint John’s bookstore is open in the Narthex where you can buy or borrow Orthodox Study Bibles, various books about our faith and the lives of the Saints, icons, prayer ropes, and other items. Come and see! Contact Lee Dockins at (928) 846-9446 with any questions or to request any specific books that we may be able to order at cost.