Glad Tidings. How to Give to the Church by Father Rick Andrews. Special articles: Trinity Missions- page 5 and Stewardship Misconceptions- page 6

Transcription

1 November 2005 Volume 11, Issue 11 ST. GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH Glad Tidings How to Give to the Church by Father Rick Andrews Stewardship 2006 Archdiocesan Theme is Bearing Fruit: Witness and Service Christ sows the seed of the Word in our lives. We must prepare our hearts and minds to receive it with a good and noble heart. We must help the seed to grow and bring forth fruit of righteousness by witnessing our Faith in word and action. We must share our faith in Jesus Christ with Orthodox, non- Orthodox and non-christians alike. We must serve others, especially the poor and needy, by sharing our wealth, resources and talents. Each year, November brings to mind thoughts of Thanksgiving and holiday traditions. What an appropriate time of year to focus on the theme of Stewardship in the life of the Church. Giving to God through the Church is one of the many ways we can show our thanksgiving to Him who created us, sustains us and who seeks to embrace us. As we begin to consider how generously we will support our parish of St. George Greek Orthodox Church, let us keep several things in mind. 1) Everything belongs to Godwe possess/own nothing in this life. To be a steward is to "take care of" that which God has entrusted to us. (Leviticus 25:23; Deuteronomy 2:5-9; 10:12-14; 1Chronicles 29:11; Psalm 24:1; 50:10-12; 104:24) 2) The Church is the Body of Christ- when we give to the Church, we are giving to God and the special group of people He has called out to continue His ministry in the world. (Romans 7:4; 1Corinthians 10:16; 12:27; Ephesians 4:12) 3) Give a Tithe- God instructs us to give ten percent of our material wealth, possessions and income back to Him each year. This was done through the synagogue/ temple in ancient Israel and through the Christian Church since the time of Christ. Ten percent is not much when God could rightly require much more of us. (Genesis 14:17-20; Leviticus 27:30-32; Malachi 3:10) 4) Give to God First- Often times we give to the Church whatever is leftover after we pay the rent/mortgage, taxes, vacations, car loans, etc. However, we should budget our tithe as the highest priority and organize our other expenses after that. (Exodus 23:19; Proverbs 3:9; 1Corinthians 16:1-2) 5) Give with Thanksgivingwe should appreciate the opportunity to give as a way to help God's ministry to others and as an antidote to greed and avarice. (Psalm 56:12-13; Philippians 4:17) 6) Give Cheerfully- we should rejoice in giving knowing that what we sow, we reap (Psalm 11:24; 2Corinthians 9:6-11). We must overcome our reluctance to give so we may experience the true joy of giving and not just fulfill a rule or an obligation. 7) Give Your Whole Life to God- In the Divine Liturgy and other services we pray, "let us commit our whole lives to Christ our God." Giving is a sacrament that includes our Time, Talents and Treasures. Every part of our life should involve giving to God and others through the life of the Church. 8) Spread the Good News of Giving- we must share our experiences of sacrificial and generous giving and the great joy it brings us. Be an example of giving to your children. Know and share the mission of the Church and our parish's positive performance toward that end. Ask your close friends and relatives to give sacrificially and tell them how it has made you more joyful. If each parishioner and family of our community follows these simple guidelines for giving to God and generously supports the Church, the transformation of our parish will be incredible. We will become more joyful and unified under the wings of the Lord. More importantly, we will be better equipped to carry out the ministry of Jesus Christ in the world. This requires faith. Some of you may think it is impossible to tithe or to give more than last year. Christ said "what is impossible with men, is possible with God." (Luke 18:27) In other words, you cannot do it with out God's help. First, you must desire His assistance, then you must ask, then you must believe that He can and trust that He will. If you're worried about providing for your material needs, remember "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things (food, clothing, housing) will be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33) Help us fulfill our goals and needs for this year 2005 and help us make 2006 our best Stewardship year ever! Special articles: Trinity Missions- page 5 and Stewardship Misconceptions- page 6

2 Glad Tidings Page 2 TEN COMMANDMENTS - 5th in a Series Please review the questions associated with each commandment of the Lord our God. This exercise should lead us to a three part confession. 1. Daily confession in prayer to God 2. Confession to persons we have sinned against 3. Regular Sacramental confession with parish priest Confession is essentially expressing contrition for our sins and asking for forgiveness and is an essential part of our spiritual growth. Fasting periods are very appropriate times for sacramental confession. Please call Fr. Rick to make an appointment. Fifth Commandment-Honor thy father and thy mother, as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee (Deuteronomy 5:16). Have I been disrespectful to my parents or inattentive to their advice and concern for me? Have I been lacking in love for them? Have I withheld love for them? Have I disobeyed them? Have I neglected them or failed to help them? Have I cared for my parents in their illnesses or old age? Have I deceived my parents or caused them pain by my words or actions? Have I prayed for my parents and other relatives? Have I prayed for the repose of my parents and other relatives who are departed? Have I done my duty toward my family? Husbands: Have I sacrificed my life for my wife? Wives: Have I been obedient to my husband? Have I encouraged peace and mutual respect among the members of my family? Have I been responsible toward my spouse, children and others who depend on me for help, counsel, guidance or support? Have I been wanting in love for my spouse or harmed her/him in any way? Have I set a good example for my children? Have I tried to rear my children in godliness? Have I disciplined them with patience? or in anger? Have I been overindulgent with my children? Have I been stingy with any members of my family or with others? Have I neglected my godparents or failed to honor them? Have I neglected my godchildren or failed to instruct, guide or encourage them in the Orthodox Faith? Have I worked for my employer honestly and diligently? Have I treated fairly and respectfully all who worked with me or who are under my supervision? Have I respected and prayed for the civil authorities? Have I honored those who are older than I? Have I shown respect for all others? Have I mocked anyone or made fun of him? Have I respected the clergy of the Church and prayed for them? Have I criticized them or mocked them? Have I been embittered against them, especially when they chastised or corrected me? Have I honored God as my Father, the Church as my Mother, and other human beings as my fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters?

3 Page 3 PARISH ANNOUNCEMENTS Learn to Chant! A series of chanting workshops is being offered this fall on Saturdays at 4 pm, starting October 22. These classes are designed for beginners and intermediate level chanters and will cover the eight tones of Byzantine chant in the context of Saturday Vespers plan to stay for the service to put what you learned to use! Contact Steve or Minda Arsenault, or arsen003@umn.edu. Say Cheese! Olan Mills will be taking photos for our Parish Pictorial Directory Thursday-Friday, November 10-11, 2-8:30 pm, Saturday, November 12, 10 am -5 pm. On Sundays during the coffee hour you can sign up for a specific time slot, or you may do so by contacting Eleni Hoffhines at The Fall Pie Sale The dates will be Nov 21, 22, 23. Volunteers are needed. This year all the pies will be made by MRS. SMITHS PIES INC. These pies are superior to last year s and will be priced the same at $6.95 each, and 3 for $ Thank you. The PIE COMMITTEE Sympathies and Prayers To Ann Woods, whose father, Robert Woods, fell asleep in the Lord September 23. May his memory be eternal! Art Auction Thank You Our annual Art Auction was a great success. There were over 85 people in attendance for the October 8 th event. Thanks to everyone who supported this important fundraiser for our youth programs! Hurricane Katrina Relief The council voted to donate 20% of the net proceeds from this year s Greek Festival to the Archdiocese Hurricane Relief Fund. This is an unprecedented gift of benevolence from our community to people in dire need. It was made after considering God s manifold blessings to our parish, including excellent weather during the Festival, and considering the extreme suffering of Gulf Coast residents due to bad weather. This is a good, noble and honorable decision, and we are grateful to God for the opportunity to help others. Individual donations can still be made at: Pray for the Health of our Parish Family John Antoniou is recovering after a recent surgery. Ann Ballas is in rehabilitation at Bethesda in St. Paul. Nick Leaskas is recovering at home. Philoptochos Bake Sale Saturday, Nov. 19th 9 am - 4 pm Sunday, Nov. 20th 11:30 am - 3 pm Shop for Thanksgiving and the holidays. Traditional Greek pastries, holiday breads, tiropita, and spanakopita. Stay for a cup of Greek coffee and shop our Grecian Boutique for lovely Greek imports. Call Becka Dokos (651) or Stella Treiber (651) to volunteer to work and for donations of baked goods. Church Music Sunday Celebrated October 9th Our parish celebrated National Church Music Sunday on October 9th. All our chanters and choir members were recognized for their service to the liturgical worship services. Our choir director, Barbara Bauman, was honored by the Archdiocese for her 25 years of service. Glory to God! Treasurer's Financial Report September Income September Expenses Monthly Balance YTD* Income YTD* Expenses YTD* Balance $ 11, $ 16, $ (5,488.50) $ 184, $ 172, $ 11, Stewardship Report September September Pledge Income Pledge Goal Balance YTD* Pledge Income Year Pledge Goal Balance* $ 6, $ 15, $ (9,180.67) $ 137, $ 143, $ (5,491.43) *All year-to-date figures are as of September 30, 2005.

4 Glad Tidings Page 4 Church Staff and Office Hours Church Office Hours Mondays 10:00AM-12:30PM, 1:30PM-4:30PM Tue. Thurs. 8:00AM-12:30PM, 1:30 PM-4:30 PM September Registry 40 Day Churchings September 25 Amalia Vlachos and her son, Panayiotis Rev. Fr. Richard Demetrius Andrews, Presbyter (651) FatherRick@usa.com Fiona Eustathiades, Administrative Assistant Memorials September 18 September 25 Stamatia Laganis (1 year), Alkiviades & Eleftheria Morellas (3 year). Alex George (33 years) & Despina George (40 days) (651) Jason and Kelly Barbes, Youth Ministers (612) barbes11@msn.com. Festal Icons Needed Please donate a Festal Icon (11" x 14") in memory of a loved one. The cost is $50.00 per icon. The icons are displayed in the church nave and are put out for veneration on the Feast Day of the Saint or event they represent. Circle your choice below and return to church. Paul Loudas, Parish Council President (651) usppl@comcast.net St. Phillip the Apostle November 14 Forefathers of Christ Sunday before the Nativity Sunday of Genealogy of Christ Sunday before the Nativity Reva Adkins, Philoptochos President (651) rradkins@comcast.net Andrea Faches, Sunday School Director (507) afaches@hickorytech.net Name In Memory of Barbara Bauman, Choir Director (651) Anna Christoforides, Greek School Director (651) Diane Anastos & Ann Woods, Glad Tidings Co- Editors November 6 Mary Dimitropoulos - Memorial 13 American Legion Hellenic Post Philoptochos Bake Sale 27 OPEN

5 Page 5 YOUTH NEWS Trinity Mission The basic objective of Trinity Mission is to bring grocery assistance to hungry people in a dignified manner through our food shelf. This work is a labor of love, and as such is treated with the highest Christian reverence. That is to say each guest client is due the greatest degree of dignity, respect and compassion possible. The Mission spends what contributions come in on a regular basis procuring groceries, and other goods. One hundred percent of all money and goods donated go directly to assist the poor. There are no administrative costs or salaries. All members of the Mission s board of directors and all volunteers serve free as a gift to the community. Our youth are now collecting groceries for Trinity Mission! They will be delivering all groceries and preparing them for the families on November 13 th. As a parish we should challenge ourselves to try and donate more than we did the previous year to the Mission s worthy cause. Below are is a suggested shopping list for Trinity Mission client families. Thanks for all your help! Suggested Shopping List laundry soap boxed hamburger helpers peanut butter & jelly bar soap boxed macaroni & cheese powdered milk canned soup baked beans toilet paper tomato sauce breakfast cereal dry beans, peas, rice soda crackers canned meats boxed potato products canned tuna any personal care item tin foil, plastic wrap pasta spaghetti sauce gift certificates to Cub, Target, etc. Sunday School Andrea Faches, Director afaches@hickorytech.net, Church school has completed it's first full month and by the time you read this will be well into it's third month. The staff is doing a fantastic job, and I hope that you're polling your kids and getting the same positive feedback that I've gotten so far. I'm really excited about the staff, as well as the support we've gotten from substitutes. We are organizing to make youth worker meetings more accessible for everyone who's interested, please watch the Sunday bulletins and the future Glad Tidings for dates and times if you'd like to learn and be heard. The Sunday School is still collecting items for the IOCC "Gift of Heart" health kits, so please bring your donations of new hand towels, washcloths, combs, metal nail files or nail clippers, bath sized bars of soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste (4-7 ounces) and Band-Aids to the Sunday school office, as soon as possible. We'll be putting these items together a very soon. Also, it's time to begin thinking about the Christmas program. I'd appreciate any adults who'd like to volunteer their time and organizational skills. Please contact me, Andrea Faches, either at or afaches@hickorytech.net. UPCOMING YOUTH EVENTS Friday, November 4 th Youth Night for 6 th -8 th Graders We re meeting for pizza, a scavenger hunt at MOA and to watch My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Sunday, November 6 th First basketball practice! We re heading to Rochester right after liturgy to practice with their teams. Dust off your basketball shoes now! Tues., November 8, 7 pm Learn the Scriptures Join us for a monthly Bible Study. We meet at Fr. Rick s home to study the gospel reading for the next Sunday. Treats to follow! Talk to Jason or Kelly for more information or to arrange a ride. Parents welcome! Sunday, November 13 th Visit to Trinity Missions All month we ll be gathering donations from our parish. So be sure to ask all those you know to donate for the families in need of groceries. This year we ll deliver the donated groceries and help prepare them for the families. The Rochester youth will join us at the Mission and then stay for Basketball practice with our youth! Family Camp Thanks to the Andrews, Katsiyiannis and Chadwick families for attending this year's Family Camp in Grantsburg, WI. We all had fun while learning about our own holiness, playing games and doing crafts. We can't wait for next year!

6 Glad Tidings Page 6 BOOK STORE Supporting the House of God Book: Elder Barsanuphius of Optina Monastery, reviewed by Nick Criticos From the Journal of the later Elder Nikon we read the following entry, under May 28, 1908: My mother donated a little money, payment for us (him and his brother Ivan) for two months, and another ten rubles for commemorations at the reading of the Psalter. When I gave it to the Elder he thanked me and said: You ve really given all this to St. John the Baptist (One of the protectors of Saint of Optina or the Skete). There is nothing of man here. You are not paying any sort of rent. This is your voluntary sacrifice--it is a Divine thing alone. For this you will receive a reward both in this life and in the future life. Who knows--perhaps in the world, some kind of illness would have awaited you, on which you would have expended all your money. But here every ruble goes to God. p This interpretation by Elder Barsanuphius is based on the Holy Scriptures. We read in Deuteronomy 8:17-18 And beware that you do not say in your mind and heart: My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth. But you shall earnestly remember the Lord your God, for it is He, Who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant In Deuteronomy 12:5-8 we read: You shall seek the Lord s dwelling place and there you shall bring your burnt offerings, your sacrifices, your tithes, the offering of your hands, your vows, your free-will offerings and the firstlings of your herd and your flock and there you shall eat before the Lord your God and shall rejoice in all which the Lord your God has blessed you. In Malachi 3:8-11 the Lord says You are robbing Me for you have withheld your tithes and offerings and as a result you are cursed. Bring the tithes into My storehouse and prove Me if I do not pour a huge blessing and I will rebuke the devourer (the devil) for your sake and He shall not destroy your efforts. Note of the reviewer: As the Lord is our sole protection against the onslaught of the devil, and since all sickness is demonic, the Lord is our healer. Some Common Stewardship Misconceptions Worth Revisiting Submitted by the Stewardship Committee 1. Stewardship is only money talk. It s much more; it s about our entire lives. This, of course, includes money. 2. It s for tithers only. Stewardship has implications for every Christian and every congregation. All members of the church are involved. 3. It s simply technique. Stewardship is not simply technique or gimmickry. Rather, it focuses on the under girding biblical and theological values and beliefs that shape practices. 4. Once a year is fine. Stewardship is not simply the annual program. There are needs to be a vigilant education and awareness, motivation, and exhortation for 12 months of the year and for all ages. 5. If you talk about money, people will leave. Christian leadership holds out for us a vision of faith, and of the church. A course of action is set before us. Concrete ways to show faith active in love are demonstrated. 6. It s a private matter. Our pastor and stewardship leaders are our soul friends; they have concern for the whole personal. What we give and share expresses the heart of who we are and what we believe. 7. It s nobody business but mine. We live in community! Private beliefs have public consequences. Others count on us to be responsible in using our car, or citizenship, our money, or our health, the earth s resources. It is not only money and time and talents of which we are stewards now. It is not only nature and human resources and the other creatures either. It is more inclusive than all these things. It is life itself. We are called and commanded to be stewards of life and this environment is more hostile to such a calling and more of it, than ever before in history. Hall, Douglas John, Christian Mission: Stewardship of Life in the Kingdom of Death

7 Page 7 AROUND TOWN Want to Learn More about your Faith? The MEOCCA Cooperative Catechism program began September 20, and runs every week until mid-december. This is a great learning opportunity for all Orthodox Christians and is required for those preparing to convert through baptism and/or chrismation. See schedule posted around the church building. The Fate of Orthodox Art in the Soviet Era The 11th Annual James W. Cunningham Memorial Lecture on Eastern Orthodox History and Culture will be presented by Professor Wendy R. Salmond who teaches Art History at Chapman University. The lecture will take place on Friday, November 11, 7:30 pm, 125 Willey Hall at the University of MN, th Ave. So., Minneapolis. A Reception will follow the presentation. Space is limited so please: RSVP by October 31: or mgsp@umn.edu. Radio Committee says Thank You The Twin Cities Orthodox Christian Radio Ministry Committee would like to express its appreciation and thanks to those who attended and contributed to the Support Dinner at St. Mary s Greek Orthodox Church on September 29. St. George was well represented with 58 parishioners in attendance. Of all of the support dinners held, the dinner held at St. Mary s was the largest! Enough money was raised to continue broadcasting for another year. We also extend our thanks to all of you who through your generous support have made this broadcasting possible for the last 28 months. Russian Iconography The Museum of Russian Art, 5500 Stevens Avenue S, Minneapolis, is hosting an exhibition of approximately 50 examples of Russian iconography October 13, January 14, The exhibition presents a chronology of more than five centuries of Russian religious art. Hours are M - F 10-5, Sat 10-4, admission $5. METROPOLIS & ARCHDIOCESAN NEWS Orthodox Church in New Orleans holds first Liturgy Following Hurricane New York, NY - His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America, spiritual leader of 1.5 million Greek Orthodox faithful, joyfully announced that the first posthurricane Divine Liturgy was celebrated September 18th, at the historic Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in New Orleans. Fr. Milton Gianulis, a Greek-Orthodox U.S. Navy Chaplain presided. The Cathedral parish, which is the oldest Greek Orthodox community in the United States (established in 1896), suffered extensive damage from the hurricane. Hurricane Katrina Relief Continues Donations are still being accepted for Hurricane Katrina through both the Archdiocese, and the IOCC, The IOCC is also working with its relief partners to help in the devastated regions of Pakistan. To read more about this work and how you can help visit IOCC web site listed above. 38th Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress to Convene in 2006 Thirty-Eighth Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress, National Philoptochos Convention, and Young Adult Conference of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America will convene next year in Nashville, Tennessee, July The Congress, will be hosted by the Metropolis of Detroit. The theme will be Sharing the Truth of the Gospel and the Love of Christ. This theme will guide participants in affirming the significance of our relationships, calling, and witness as Orthodox Christians. The Congress will also feature a special Family Life Program, offering Orthodox families a time of retreat, spiritual growth, and recreation. In addition, the Congress will offer an extensive educational program to our Orthodox parishes.

8 ST. GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 1111 Summit Avenue St. Paul, Minnesota Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 177 Phone: Fax: Web Site: Weekday Worship Schedule REGULAR WEEKLY SERVICES Wednesday, November 9, St. Nectarios, Liturgy 9 am Thursday, November 10, Paraklesis, 6 pm Wednesday, November 16, St. Matthew, Liturgy 9 am Saturday, November 19, Divine Liturgy, 9 am, Eau Claire Monday, November 21, Entrance of the Theotokos, Liturgy 9 am Wednesday, November 23, Thanksgiving, Pan-Orthodox Liturgy 6:00 pm Holy Confession: By Appointment Vespers: Saturday 5 pm (October May) Orthros: Sunday 8:30 am Divine Liturgy: Sunday 9:45 am Sunday School: (September through May) starts after administration of Holy Communion Wednesday, November 30, St. Andrew, Liturgy 9 am