Agape News November 2007

Transcription

1 Agape News November 2007

2 PICTURES Metropolitan IAKOVOS Nameday Dinner 1st Annual GCF Golf Tournament Ladies Card Stamping Men s Club Football Party GOYA Fellowship JOY Fellowship

3 PASTORAL MESSAGE Dear Parishioners, Greetings in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! In the Book of Tobit (14:15) it is written, And the house of God will be rebuilt there with a glorious building for all generations for ever. Over the past few months, the Parish Council, many volunteers and donors have truly made the Assumption glorious. The Temple has been beautified; the fellowship hall has been renovated; and, the grounds have begun to be restored. As we now approach the season of the Nativity of the Lord, we must take our glorious Assumption and make it full continuously with not only the many parishioners who attend every Sunday and the Weekday Services and the different lessons, but also those who don t attend very often. There are still many parishioners that I haven t even met - and I have now been here over 7 months, including Pascha and our Feastday! In fact, I was recently at a social function and didn t even realize there were a few parishioners in attendance that not only I didn t know, but didn't introduce themselves to me. I am here to serve you, but first I must know you! The wonderful thing is that we don t need to look back, only forward. If you haven t attended, start now! If your kids haven t yet attended Sunday School, bring them this Sunday! If you haven t given your stewardship, send it today! If you haven t received Holy Communion in some time, do so! The focus must be our salvation - put your pride aside. St. Maximus the Confessor said, the root of all evil is self love. The only thing keeping us from the Lord is our pride. Let us commit our whole life unto the Lord today! In Christ s Love, Rev. Father Jon Boukis Proistamenos

4 PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS Philoptochos Christmas Bake Sale Saturday, December 8, :00 am - 12:00 noon Baking Schedule Kourambiethes & Melomakarona To Be Announced Koulourakia, Finikia, Baklava,Tiropitakia & Spanakopitakia Completed!!! Cookbook Recipes Needed Do you have a recipe for which you are known? Did Yiayia have a great recipe for Bougatsa? Submit your recipes for the Philoptochos cookbook to info@assumptionem.org or to Helen Haney. Contact: Yvonne Constantinou (563) SACRAMENTS The Handmaiden of God Chrysanthe (Crystal) Grimm was Baptized on September 30, Chrysanthe s Godmother is Celia Lubbers. The Servant of God Nicholas Passini was received into the Orthodox Faith through the Sacrament of Chrismation on October 14, Nicholas sponsor is Chris Thodos. The Servant of God Dean Maess and the Handmaiden of God Crystal Grimm were united in Marriage on October 20, The Koumbara is Ellen Kaldis.

5 SUNDAY SCHOOL Spiritual Arrows All children with attendance of 80% or better have hit the mark and will be listed monthly in the Agape News as based on cumulative attendance. Spiritual Arrows with 3 absences or less for the entire year will be recognized at the end of the year with a special gift to acknowledge their dedication to Religious Education. Attendance is Important!!! All you need is 80% Attendance!!! Congratulations to our Spiritual Arrows!!! Shebah Chirackal Effie Constantinou Penny Constantinou Evan Dounoulis Bill Kandis Alexia Kontos Jimmy Lamacki Elianna Lovejoy Kristin Lubbers Cyleigh Maess Bobby Nikolopoulos John Nikolopoulos Naina Biju Ninan Naveen Biju Ninan Peter Stopoulos Tony Stopoulos Stephanie Theofilis Shannon Thodos Stephanie Thodos Contact: Fr. Jon (309)

6 JOY NEWS Let s Wash Our Hands & Get to Work!!! It s Time to Make Apple Pies!!! On Saturday, November 17 th, at 2pm, the J.O.Y. will be making Apple Pies for our Fall Fundraiser. Be There!!! Contact: Fr. Jon (309) JOY APPLE PIE SALE The JOY is making homemade apple pies in our Fellowship Hall Kitchen for the benefit of the ministries of our Beloved Assumption Church. Don t miss out on this opportunity to have a pie cooked with our secret ingredients (LOVE AND SERVICE). Pre-Order Now for Thanksgiving!!! I would like Apple Pies Name: (Make Checks Payable to: The Assumption Church) Pies are $9 each and will be available for pickup on Sunday, November 18 th, following the DIVINE LITURGY at the Coffee Hour. Contact: Fr. Jon (309)

7 GOLDEN CIRCLE On December 2nd, the Golden Circle will go to the Circa 21 Dinner Playhouse for an evening of fellowship, fun and food. Dinner is served at 4:00pm and the Show, Irving Berlin s White Christmas begins at 5:45pm. Ticket Cost is $40. All are invited! Please RSVP to the Church Office as soon as possible. Contact: Litsa Gregory (309) ORTHODOX BIBLE STUDY One plants in you the seeds and another does the watering - but it is...only God, who gives the growth (1 Corinthians 3:6) The Orthodox Bible Study meets every Monday evening from 6:00-7:30pm to study St. Paul s 1 st Letter to the Corinthians. This book is filled with application that is not only applicable at the time of Christ, but to us today. Come and learn about the role of the Clergy, clicks in the church, pride, spiritual discernment, proper attire, marriage, marital relations, divorce and much more!!! Make Bible Study a priority!!! Keep your Monday evenings open!!! Contact: Fr. Jon (309)

8 GOYA NEWS In November, the GOYA will be going Ice Skating!!! Make sure you come to the meetings following Sunday School on November 4th and 18th to learn the details. The Christmas Fundraiser has begun. GOYA members are needed to offer the Christmas Card opportunity during the coffee hour - see next page. The Christmas Card is a great opportunity for our parishioners to express a Blessed Christmas to the entire Church. Please offer your time and talents to this project. Contact: Louie Constantinou (563) METROPOLIS OPEN HOUSE His Eminence Metropolitan IAKOVOS has extended to his Parishes an invitation to the Annual Christmas Open-House at the Metropolis. Let us take this opportunity to extend our love to our Spiritual Father. We will be departing the Church on a Luxury Bus at 12 Noon on Sunday, December 14th. Our 1st stop will be the Greek Islands Restaurant in Greek Town (Chicago) for Mezathakia and then we will proceed to the Metropolis, where His Eminence offers a wonderful display of hospitality and desserts. Cost is $40/person - please RSVP to the Church office ASAP. Contact: Fr. Jon (309)

9 PARISH CHRISTMAS CARD ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CARD With the change of the color of the trees and the drop in temperature, there is not doubt that Christmas is on its way. Save time, energy and postage while supporting our GOYA Kids. Wish a Blessed Christmas to the entire Parish of the Assumption by filling out the form below or by visiting the GOYA table at the Coffee Hour after the Divine Liturgy. Your investment is only $20 to send your greetings to over 200 families!!! The Deadline is December 4th. ASSUMPTION CHURCH CHRISTMAS CARD APPLICATION Please include my name (family) on the Christmas Card as follows: (Please Print) Twenty Dollars ($20) must accompany this form. Please make Checks payable to: Assumption GOYA Send to: 4900 Kennedy Drive, East Moline, Illinois Contact: Louie Constantinou (563)

10 ORTHODOXY 101 I need to make Spiritual Growth a Priority! I have so many questions about the faith! Where can I go to learn more? Is this going on in your head? It sounds like Orthodoxy 101 is for you!!! November Dates and Topics Wednesday, November 7th, 7:00-8:30pm Topic 1 - Sin Topic 2 - Sacraments Wednesday, November 21st, 7:00-8:30pm The Theotokos and the Saints After each session, there will be time for discussion. Orthodoxy 101 is for Beginners and Experts

11 SAINT NECTARIOS Commemorated November 9 Saint Nectarios was born in Selyvria of Thrace on October 1, After putting himself through school in Constantinople with much hard labour, he became a monk on Chios in 1876, receiving the monastic name of Lazarus; because of his virtue, a year later he was ordained deacon, receiving the new name of Nectarios. Under the patronage of Patriarch Sophronius of Alexandria, Nectarios went to Athens to study in 1882; completing his theological studies in 1885, he went to Alexandria, where Patriarch Sophronius ordained him priest on March 23, 1886 in the Cathedral of Saint Sabbas, and in August, in the Church of Saint Nicholas in Cairo, made him Archimandrite. He greatly beautified the Church of Saint Nicholas, and years later, when Nectarios was in Athens, Saint Nicholas appeared to him in a dream, embracing him and telling him he was going to exalt him very high. In 1889, in the same Church of Saint Nicholas, Nectarios was consecrated Metropolitan of the Pentapolis in Libya. Nectarios' swift ascent through the degrees of ecclesiastical office aroused the envy of lesser men, who convinced Sophronius that he had it in his heart to become Patriarch. In 1890, Nectarios was relieved of his duties; and commanded to leave Egypt. Without seeking to avenge or defend himself, he left for Athens, where he found that accusations of immorality had arrived before him. Because his good name had been soiled, he was unable to find a position worthy of a bishop, and in 1891 accepted the position of provincial preacher in Euboia; then, in 1894, he was appointed dean of the Ecclesiastical School in Athens. At the request of certain pious women, in 1904 he began the building of his convent of the Holy Trinity on the island of Aegina while yet dean of the School; finding later that his presence there was needed, he took residence on Aegina in 1908, where he spent the last years of his life, devoting himself to the direction of his convent and to very intense prayer; he was sometimes seen lifted above the ground while in prayer. He became the protector of all Aegina, through his prayers delivering the island from drought, healing the sick, and casting out demons. Although he had already worked wonders in life, an innumerable multitude of miracles have been wrought after his repose in 1920 through his holy relics, which for many years remained incorrupt. There is hardly a malady that has not been cured through his prayers; but Saint Nectarios is known especially for his healings of cancer all over the world.

12 SAINT CATHERINE. Commemorated November 25 The Holy Great Martyr Catherine was the daughter of Constus, the governor of Alexandrian Egypt during the reign of the emperor Maximian ( ). Living in the capital, the center of Hellenistic knowledge, and possessed of a rare beauty and intellect, Catherine received an excellent education, studying the works of the greatest philosophers and teachers of antiquity. Young men from the most worthy families of the empire sought her hand, but she was not interested in any of them. She told her parents that she would marry only someone who surpassed her in nobility, wealth, comeliness and wisdom. Catherine's mother, a secret Christian, sent her to her own spiritual Father, a saintly Elder living in a cave outside the city, for advice. After listening to Catherine, the Elder said that he knew of a Youth who surpassed her in everything. "His countenance is more radiant than the shining of the sun, and all of creation is governed by His wisdom. His riches are given to all the nations of the world, yet they never diminish. His compassion is unequaled." This description of the Heavenly Bridegroom produced in the soul of the holy maiden an ardent desire to see Him. "If you do as I tell you," said the monk, "you will gaze upon the countenance of this illustrious man." In parting, the Elder handed Catherine an icon of the Theotokos with the divine Child Jesus on Her arm and told her to pray with faith to the Queen of Heaven, the Mother of the Heavenly Bridegroom, and She would hear Catherine and grant her heart's desire. Catherine prayed all night and was permitted to see the Most Holy Virgin, Who said Her Divine Son, "Behold Thy handmaiden Catherine, how fair and virtuous she is." But the Child turned His face away from her saying, "No, she is ugly and unbelieving. She is a foolish pauper, and I cannot bear to look at her until she forsakes her impiety." Catherine returned again to the Elder deeply saddened, and told him what she had seen in the dream. He lovingly received her, instructed her in the faith of Christ, admonished her to preserve her purity and integrity and to pray unceasingly. She then received the Mystery of holy Baptism from him. Again St Catherine had a vision of the Most Holy Theotokos with Her Child. Now the Lord looked tenderly at her and gave her a beautiful ring, showing her betrothal to the Heavenly Bridegroom (This ring is still on her hand).

13 .THE GREAT MARTYR At that time the emperor Maximian was in Alexandria for a pagan festival. The cries of the sacrificial animals, the smoke and the smell of the sacrifices, the endless blazing of fires, and the bustling crowds at the arenas defiled the city of Alexandria. Human victims were brought, the confessors of Christ, who would not deny Him under torture, were condemned to death in the fire. The saint's love for the Christian martyrs and her desire to ease their sufferings compelled Catherine to speak to the pagan priest and the emperor Maximian. Introducing herself, the saint confessed her faith in the One True God and with wisdom exposed the errors of the pagans. The beauty of the maiden captivated the emperor. In order to convince her and to show the superiority of pagan wisdom, the emperor ordered fifty of the most learned philosophers and rhetoricians of the Empire to dispute with her, but the saint got the better of the wise men, so that they came to believe in Christ themselves. St Catherine made the Sign of the Cross over the martyrs, and they bravely accepted death for Christ and were burned alive by order of the emperor. Maximian, no longer hoping to convince the saint, tried to entice her with the promise of riches and fame. Receiving an angry refusal, the emperor gave orders to subject the saint to terrible tortures and then throw her in prison. The Empress Augusta, who had heard much about the saint, wanted to see her. She prevailed upon the military commander Porphyrius to accompany her to the prison with a detachment of soldiers. The empress was impressed by the strong spirit of St Catherine, whose face was radiant with divine grace. Catherine explained the Christian teaching to them, and they were converted. On the following day they again brought the martyr to the judgment court where, under the threat of being broken on the wheel, they urged that she renounce the Christian Faith and offer sacrifice to the gods. The saint steadfastly confessed Christ and she herself approached the wheels; but an angel smashed the instruments of execution, which shattered into pieces. Having beheld this wonder, the Empress Augusta and the imperial courtier Porphyrius with 200 soldiers confessed their faith in Christ in front of everyone, and they were beheaded. St Catherine firmly confessed her fidelity to the heavenly Bridegroom Christ, and with a prayer to Him she herself lay her head on the block beneath the executioner's sword. The relics of St Catherine were taken by the angels to Mount Sinai. In the sixth century, the venerable head and left hand of the holy martyr were found through a revelation and transferred with honor to a newly-constructed church of the Sinai monastery, built by the holy Emperor Justinian (November 14). St Catherine is called upon for relief of difficult childbirth. At her monastery on Mt Sinai, pilgrims are given souvenir rings as a remembrance of their visit.

14 PARAKLESIS The Small Paraklesis to the Theotokos is a service in which we offer our prayers to the Blessed Mother of God in which we ask her to pray on our behalf to the Lord. Our supplications are for health, guidance and deliverance from adversity. It is through her prayers that we are saved, for she is closer to the Lord than you or I, and we know through many miracles that her prayers are heard. A Paraklesis will be offered monthly so that we, the Body of Christ, may come and pray for our loved ones and for the whole world. It is important that we as Orthodox recapture our environment of worship. We are a community of worship and prayer. We must not be only Sunday Morning Christians! We must glorify God in every moment of our lives! Please take a moment and prepare a list of those for whom you would like to have prayers offered - bring the list to the Paraklesis and offer your prayers with the whole community. For those who cannot come, know that the Church is open and that prayers are being offered for all of us. Again we pray for mercy, life, health, peace, safety, salvation, visitation, forgiveness and remission of sins of the servants of God

15 SERVICE SCHEDULE November 4 Sunday 5TH SUNDAY OF SAINT LUKE Orthros 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy 10:00 a.m. November 9 Friday SMALL PARAKLESIS 6:00 p.m. November 11 Sunday 8TH SUNDAY OF SAINT LUKE Orthros 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy 10:00 a.m. November 18 Sunday 9TH SUNDAY OF SAINT LUKE Orthros 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy 10:00 a.m. November 21 Wednesday ENTRANCE OF THE THEOTOKOS Orthros 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy 10:00 a.m. November 25 Sunday 13TH SUNDAY OF SAINT LUKE Orthros 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy 10:00 a.m.

16 N O V E M B E R CHURCH. Sunday Monday Tuesday 5th Sunday of Luke Orthros 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Sunday School Coffee Hour GOYA Meeting 8th Sunday of Luke Orthros 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Sunday School Coffee Hour Philoptochos Meeting 9th Sunday of Luke Orthros 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Sunday School GOYA Meeting General Assembly 13th Sunday of Luke Orthros 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Family Worship Coffee Hour Orthodox Bible Study 6:00pm - 7:30pm 5 12 Orthodox Bible Study 6:00pm - 7:30pm 19 Orthodox Bible Study 6:00pm - 7:30pm 26 Orthodox Bible Study 6:00pm - 7:30pm 7:00pm-8:30pm - Adult Advanced Greek :00pm-8:30pm - Adult Advanced Greek 20 7:00pm-8:30pm - Adult Advanced Greek 27 December Agape News Assembly Day

17 CALENDAR Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sacrament Orthodoxy 101 7:00pm - 8:30pm 7 7:00pm-8:30pm - Adult Beginners Greek 8 6:00pm - GCF Board Meeting 7:00pm - Parish Council Meeting 7:00pm-8:30pm - Adult Beginners Greek :00 - Paraklesis Service 16 Turn your clocks back tonight 10 Basile s Growing up Greek in America (Advance Reservations Required) 17 Metropolis of Chicago Clergy Laity Assembly JOY Apple Pie Baking 2:00pm in the Kitchen 7:00pm-8:30pm - Adult Beginners Greek 21 Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos Orthros 9:30am Divine Liturgy 10:00am 22 Thanksgiving Day Church Office Closed Orthodoxy 101 7:00pm - 8:30pm No Greek Class Fasting Symbols Strict Fast Wine and Oil Allowed Fish Allowed Fast Free

18 ΠΡΟΓΡΑΜΜΑ ΙΕΡΩΝ ΑΚΟΛΟΥΘΙΩΝ 4 Νοεμβρίου Κυριακή Κυριακή Ε Λουκά Όρθρος 9:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 10:00 π.μ. 9 Νοεμβρίου Παρασκευή Μικρή Παράκλησις 6:00 μ.μ. 11 Νοεμβρίου Κυριακή Κυριακή Η Λουκά Όρθρος 9:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 10:00 π.μ. 18 Νοεμβρίου Κυριακή Κυριακή Θ Λουκά Όρθρος 9:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 10:00 π.μ. 21 Νοεμβρίου Τετάρτη Είσοδος της Υπεραγίας Θεοτόκου Όρθρος 9:30 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 10:00 π.μ. 25 Νοεμβρίου Κυριακή Κυριακή ΙΓ Λουκά Όρθρος 9:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 10:00 π.μ.

19 DIAKONIA Prosforo Schedule November 4 Sophia Mihalopoulos November 11 Katherine Moraetes November 18 Anna Fotos November 25 Helen Petaros Coffee Hour November 4 Georgia Maess November 11 Ludmilla Cherevko November 18 Constantinou & Haney Families November 25 Not Yet Requested Sunday Gospel and Epistle Readings November 4 Gospel Luke 16:19-31 Epistle Ephesians 2:4-10 November 11 Gospel Luke 10:25-37 Epistle II Corinthians 4:6-15 November 18 Gospel Luke 12:16-21 Epistle Ephesians 4:1-6 November 25 Gospel Luke 8:41-56 Epistle Galatians 3:23-4:5 Parish Council Ushering Teams & Schedule St. Matthew St. Mark St. Luke St.John 9:15 Celia Lubbers Cathy Diakogeorgiou Michael Weis Bill Theofilis 9:40 George Bagatelas Michael Haney Michael Kandis Deno Kandis 9:55 Lee Dokolas Abraham Chirackal John Stopoulos Lambros Mihalopoulos November 4 St. Luke November 11 St. John November 18 St. Matthew November 25 St. Mark

20 ΣΥΝΑΞΗ ΑΡΧΑΓΓΕΛΩΝ Σύναξη Αρχάγγελων ΜΙΧΑΗΛ και ΓΑΒΡΙΗΛ και τών λοιπών Ασωμάτων και ουρανίων ταγμάτων 8 Νοεμβρίου Κατά την Αγία Γραφή οι άγγελοι στέλνονται από το Θεό με μορφή ορατή (οι άγγελοι είναι αόρατα αγαθά πνεύματα κοντά στο Θεό) σε σπουδαίες ιστορικές περιστάσεις, που πρόκειται να εκδηλωθεί ή να εκτελεσθεί κάποια μεγάλη θεία θέληση. Τη σχέση, τώρα, που έχουν οι άγγελοι με το Θεό και τους ανθρώπους, καθώς και την αποστολή τους, βλέπουμε επίσης μέσα στην Αγία Γραφή. Και ιδιαίτερα, αγαπητέ αναγνώστη, άν διαβάσεις τους Ψαλμούς 33, στίχ. 8 και 90, στίχ , στη δε Καινή Διαθήκη, Ματθ. ιη στίχ. 10, καθώς επίσης και στην προς Εβραίους επιστολή, κεγ. α στίχ. 14, όπου ο συγγραφέας αναφωνεί: "ουχί πάντες εισί λειτουργικά πνεύματα εις διακονίαν αποστελόμενα δια τους μέλλοντας κληρονομείν σωτηρίαν;". Δηλαδή, δεν είναι όλοι οι άγγελοι πνεύματα υπηρετικά, τα οποία ενεργούν όχι από δική τους πρωτοβουλία, αλλ αποστέλλονται απο το Θεό για να υπηρετήσουν εκείνους που μέλλουν να κληρονομήσουν την αιώνια ζωή; Επικεφαλής δε τών αγγελικών δυνάμεων είναι οι αρχάγγελοι Μιχαήλ και Γαβριήλ. Τον Μιχαήλ συναντάμε στην Παλαιά Διαθήκη. Π.χ. όταν ο Αβραάμ μέλλει να θυσιάσει τον Ισαάκ, στον Ιησού του Ναυή, στον Ηλία και αλλού. Τον Γαβριήλ συναντάμε στην Καινή Διαθήκη, όπως στον Ευαγγελισμό της Θεοτόκου και αλλού. Στη μνήμη, λοιπόν, τών αποστολών και του έργου που επιτελούν οι άγγελοι, η Εκκλησία μας όρισε τη γιορτή της 8ης Νοεμβρίου.

21 ΑΓΙΟΣ ΑΝΔΡΕΑΣ Ο Απόστολος ΑΝΔΡΕΑΣ ο Πρωτόκλητος 30 Νοεμβρίου Ο Ανδρέας, ψαράς στο επάγγελμα και αδελφός του Αποστόλου Πέτρου, ήταν από τη Βηθσαϊδά της Γαλιλαίας. Επειδή κλήθηκε απο τον Κύριο πρώτος στην ομάδα των μαθητών, ονομάστηκε πρωτόκλητος. Η ιστορία της ζωής του Ανδρέα μέχρι τη Σταύρωση, την Ανάσταση και την Ανάληψη του Κυρίου, υπήρξε σχεδόν ίδια με εκείνη των άλλων μαθητών. Μετά το σχηματισμό της πρώτης Εκκλησίας, ο Ανδρέας κήρυξε στη Βιθυνία, Εύξεινο Πόντο, Θράκη, Μακεδονία και Ήπειρο. Τελικά, κατέληξε στην Αχαϊα. Εκεί η διδασκαλία του καρποφόρησε και με τις προσευχές του θεράπευσε θαυματουργικά πολλούς ασθενείς. Έτσι, η χριστιανική αλήθεια είχε μεγάλες κατακτήσεις στο λαό της Πάτρας. Ακόμα και η Μαξιμίλλα, σύζυγος του ανθυπάτου Αχαϊας Αιγεάτου, αφού τη θεράπευσε ο Απόστολος απο τη βαρειά αρρώστια που είχε, πίστεψε στο Χριστό. Το γεγονός εκνεύρισε τον ανθύπατο, και με την παρότρυνση των ειδωλολατρών ιερών συνέλαβε τον Ανδρέα και τον σταύρωσε σε σχήμα Χ. Έτσι, ο Απόστολος Ανδρέας παρέστησε τον εαυτό του στο Θεό "δόκιμον εργάτην". Δηλαδή δοκιμασμένο και τέλειο εργάτη του Ευαγγελίου. Το λείψανό του έθαψε με ευλάβεια ο πρώτος επίσκοπος Πατρών Στρατοκλής.

22 GENERAL ASSEMBLY NOTICE OF PARISH ASSEMBLY TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 18, 2007 An assembly of all the stewards* of the parish will occur on Sunday, November 18, following the DIVINE LITURGY. The agenda will be as follows: 1. Opening Prayer / Attendance 2. Election of Assembly Chairperson 3. Minutes of Previous Assembly 4. Reports (President s Report, Treasurer s Report, Foundation, Stewardship, Auditing) 5. Adoption of 2008 Parish Budget 6. Nomination of Candidates for Parish Council, Election / Auditing Committees 7. Cultural Festival Update 8. Hosting Family Basketball Tournament in Property Renovations (Courtyard concrete, roof, etc.) 10. Unfinished and New Business affecting the life of the Parish 11. Adjournment / Closing Prayer *A steward is any person baptized according to the rites of the Church, or was received into the church through CHRISMATION, who lives according to the faith and canons of the Church, and who has met his or her stewardship obligations to the parish for the current year. A list of current stewards will be available at the Parish Assembly. Please contact the church office to determine if you are currently a steward or if we can be of assistance in any aspect of living as an Orthodox Christian. A Parish Assembly consists of parishioners in good standing of the Parish who have met their stewardship obligations to the Parish in accordance with the Parish Bylaws. A person whose name appears on the Stewardship rolls but who is in arrears in the payment of his/her stewardship obligations may take part in the Parish Assembly by meeting such stewardship obligations on or before the date of the meeting. If a Parishioner is delinquent for more than the current calendar year, he or she may vote at the Parish Assembly only after that parishioner has met the unfulfilled stewardship financial obligations at least thirty (30) days before the Parish Assembly. New members may exercise their vote at Parish Assemblies if they have been parishioners in good standing for at least three months. The Priest shall be non-voting participant of the Parish Assembly. Uniform Parish Regulations, Article 31, Section 3

23 PANCAKE BREAKFAST Following the Divine Liturgy and Christmas Pageant on December 9, 2007 Donation: $5 for Adults (Age ) $3 for Children (Age 3-12) Free for those under 3 and Over 100 The proceeds from the Pancake Breakfast will be dedicated to offsetting the remainder of the debt incurred for the repair and renovation of the Courtyard.

24 MARBLE SOLEA & ALTAR DONORS May those who beautify the house of the Lord be Blessed!!! Fr. Jon & Presbytera Doreece Boukis Anonymous Paul and Christine Bagatelas Frances Bourboulas Dr. Costas and Yvonne Constantinou Cleo Dalamaggas in memory of Peter Dalamaggas Jim Jannes Deno and Ann Kandis Francis Kandis Mike and Terry Kandis Roger and Celia Lubbers Lambros and Lisa Mihalopoulos Sophie Minas Roseann Monn Sakis Padazopoulos Christ and Marena Panousis The Philoptochos of the Assumption Jimmy Pliakos John and Tricia Thodos St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Congregation COURTYARD DONORS Thank you to those who responded to the special appeal and have made a contribution toward the repair of the Courtyard: Fr. Jon & Presbytera Doreece Boukis Fr. Basil Papanikolaou Anonymous George Bagatelas Paul and Christine Bagatelas Ted and Karen Bagatelas Ludmilla A. Cherevko Victor and Judy Cherevko Abraham and Molly Chirackal Nick & Mary Fotiadis George & Maria Georgiadis Mike and Terry Kandis Helen Karas George & Sherry Kontos Thomas Lingris Georgia and Roger Lovejoy & Family Roger and Celia Lubbers Roseanne Monn Biju and Sholly Ninan Chris Panouses Spiro & Carol Pappaspiros Chris and Helen Petaros Judy Poterack Colette Spurgetis Peter and Patricia Stopoulos Frank Vretis

25 COURTYARD DONATION The Courtyard Concrete is nearly complete!!! Only a small percentage of our congregation has contributed to this necessary project. The cost is approximately $12,500 (only $2,600 collected so far). Please help retire this debt. Name: Knowing that $100 per steward will cover this necessary project, I am offering $100 to do my family s part. The Lord has Blessed my family. I would like to give more than $100. Please accept my donation of $ toward this necessary project. I understand the need for full participation, but am unable to commit $100. Please accept my donation of $ toward this necessary project. All donors will be listed in publication unless otherwise requested Please keep my donation anonymous (do not list in the Agape News or the Weekly Bulletin) But remember: anyone who sows sparsely will reap sparsely as well -- and anyone who sows generously will reap generously as well. Each one should give as much as he has decided on his own initiative, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

26 DONATIONS The Philoptochos Ladies thank Ludmilla Cherevko for the wonderful new kitchen broom. Thank you to the following people who have donated their time and talents to help with the renovations of the Church by helping in preparation of the Solea and Altar for the now installed marble floor: Orest Akulow; Vladimir Chobotarev; Ludmilla Cherevko; Victor and Judy Cherevko; Deno Kandis; Mike Kandis; Diane Lamacki; George Lingris; Celia Lubbers; Dale and Erica Melchin; Chris and Helen Petaros; John Stopoulos; Bill, Tracey and Christopher Theofilis; Thank you to John and MaryBeth Stopoulos of Dr. Gyros and Chris Panouses of Uncle Pete s who donated lunch to the Marble Setters as they beautified our Solea and Altar. Please call Fr. Jon if you would like to donate a Poinsettia ($20), which will adorn our Church for Christmas. CHRISTMAS PAGEANT This Year s Sunday School Christmas Pageant will be held on Sunday, December 9th, following the Divine Liturgy. Parts will be handed out on Sunday, November 11. Practices will be held on Sundays, November 11 and 18, and the final dress rehearsal in the Church will be on Sunday, December 2. If you would like your child to participate, it is important that (s)he is present for the practices. It will not be possible for a child that does not attend practice to participate - as practice is necessary for a quality event.

27 GCF GOLF TOURNAMENT The 1st Annual Greek Cultural Festival Golf Tournament was a success in every way. The day was filled with great golf and great fellowship. A Special Thank you to our Sponsors, those who we have had a relationship and those who have chosen to become part of our family: Pete Barboutis Financial Services Ruhl & Ruhl - Gary Bettenhausen Butler Insurance - Mike Stopulos GraphixOne - Diane Lamacki LCV Foods - Lambros Mihalopoulos Lujack s Auto Plaza The Sedona Group THE National Bank Van Hoe Funeral Home

28 Growing Up Greek in America Saturday, November 10, night only at the Assumption Cultural Center This is a limited engagement!!! Tickets are $50 per person All seating is reserved - tables of 10 may be reserved - but hurry, seating is limited!!! Mezathakia will be served!!! Return the reservation form and secure your table today!!!

29 Basile Growing Up Greek in America Reservations Tables are reserved on a 1st Come 1st Served Basis - Those who reply 1st, get the best seating!!! So reserve your table today!!! What are you waiting for? It s next week!!! Reservation Name I would like to reserve a table of 10. Attached is a check for $500 I would like to reserve a table of 10. I will come to the Church Office in the next 14 days and pay with MasterCard / Visa. I would like to reserve tickets at $50 each. Attached is a check for $ I would like to reserve tickets at $50 each. I will come to the Church Office in the next 14 days and pay with MasterCard / Visa. For Office Use Only Date Reserved Date Paid MasterCard Visa Check #