3022 F Street / Sacramento, CA / (916)

Transcription

1 Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation 3022 F Street / Sacramento, CA / (916) Our mission is to bring all people to full maturity in Christ through Worship (Liturgia), Service (Diakonia), Education (Paideia), Witness (Martyria) and Fellowship (Koinonia), guided and united in all things by the One Holy Spirit Are You An Over-Achiever? A year ago, I asked the following: So what is it about FDF (Faith, Dance and Fellowship) that attracts so much attention and has resulted in it becoming the flagship youth event of the Metropolis of San Francisco, if not all of America? The answer is simple. Our youth, along with parents and extended family simply love to be together. They love sharing a common faith and culture. They love to dance, to sing and to break bread together. Obviously, this speaks to a very powerful cultural reality, with deep roots and historical significance. However, as Greek Orthodox Christians, we also must be careful never to be limited by a given culture. The Orthodox Faith is the most powerful expression of the universal message of the Gospel, a message confined only by our inadequacies. The 20th c. theologian Richard Niebuhr probes the question of culture and faith and elaborates using a model that looks at: 1. Christ against culture 2. Christ of culture 3. Christ above culture 4. Christ transforms culture. Our challenge in the world is a constant balancing act between number 2 and 3, with the ultimate goal to allow Christ transform our culture and all creation. Last month, Father Timothy reminded us we can only know God in the present and to live more in the present. He suggested some powerful challenges to keep us moving in the direction of transforming ourselves (our culture) for Jesus. They are worth repeating: 1. Today I will not strike back. 2. Today I will ask God to bless my enemy. 3. I will be careful about what I say. 4. I will go the extra mile. 5. I will forgive. 6. I will do something kind for someone in secret. 7. I will treat others the way I wish to be treated. 8. I will raise the spirits of someone. 9. I will nurture my body. 10. I will nurture my spiritual life. 1 (Continued on Page 2)

2 GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF THE ANNUNCIATION 3022 F Street Sacramento, CA Published Monthly Except for July CLERGY Presiding Priest, Father James Retelas frjames@annunciationsac.org Associate Priest, Fr. Timothy Robinson frtimothy@annunciationsac.org PARISH COUNCIL PRESIDENT Nick Voresis Voresis@sbcglobal.net PARISH MINISTRY Annunciation Senior League Dena Kuchulis, President cwdkuch@yahoo.com Bookstore Lou Demas, Manager (916) Greek Education Becky Yerocostas, Director beckyyerocostas@yahoo.com Music and Worship Bill Bobolis, Choir Director williambobolis@comcast.net From page 1 You the faithful of Annunciation right here in Sacramento can apply these tools needed to transform our culture, starting with our own parish life. These tools are the gifts of the Holy Spirit and don t underestimate your potential to manifest them. We the faithful of Annunciation are here to save and change lives. Niebuhr states this same basic truth differently: We make our decisions in view of the fact that Christ is risen from the dead, and is not only the head of the Church but the Redeemer of the world. It is to make them (our decisions) in view of the fact that the world of culture man s achievement exists within the world of grace God s Kingdom. Yes, we Christians are called to be over-achievers. We as Orthodox Christians have received a wonderfully rich and diverse culture. Let us rejoice in it. Let us share it. With love in Christ,! Philoptochos Society Elaine Wright, President joelainewright@hotmail.com Sunday School Patrick Fuss, Principal youtheducation@annunciationsac.org STAFF Parish Administrator E!e Theodor etheodor@annunciationsac.org Admin. Asst./Finances/Communications Maria Mavroforakis mmavroforakis@annunciationsac.org Financial Administrator Norine Geissler norine@annunciationsac.org!""#$%!&!'() Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 2

3 FROM THE PARISH COUNCIL PRESIDENT Dear Parishioners, Have you ever pictured your life without our Church? Forty days after we are born, our parents take us to church to be blessed. Months later, we are baptized and begin receiving communion. We start Sunday School, participate in youth programs and dance groups, and socialize with others in the community. When we get married, we return to the church for our weddings and then we have children and the cycle begins again. Because our Church and Greek community are undivided, the Church is not only a place for religion but also a place for our culture and friends. When we need a place to go, Church is there. How would you feel if you drove to Church one day and there was an Out of Business sign on the front door? Please ask yourself, am I doing my part to keep our Church alive? On behalf of the Parish Council, I wish you a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year. We welcome your comments and are always here for you and our Church. It is my honor to serve our Parish. God bless. Nick Voresis Parish Council President!"#$%&'( )*'+(&),, -.)&) $'&/ 0#*&#1&)( &%* 234 µ#,.3+(, &%* )556%1(# µ#,; 7#+8*&# µ/+), µ)&8 &%* "/**%14 µ#, '9 "'*)(, µ#, µ#, $8*) 1&%* :556%1(# "98 &%* $+;&% )<6'"(#. =4*), #+">&)+# $8µ) 1&%* )556%1(# "9# *#?#$&91&'@µ) 5#9 #$> )5)( #+.(2'<µ) *# $#(+*'<µ) &%* #"(# 5'9*3*(#, *# $%"#(*'<µ) 1&' 5#&%.%&95> 1.'6)(', 1&'<, )66%*95'@,.'+'@, 5#9 1&' )66%*95> 1.'6)('. :5)( "*3+92>µ#1&) 5#9 58*'<µ) $#+/# µ) 866# $#9A98 &%, )*'+(#,. B&#* $#*&+)<>µ#1&) "<+*8µ) $869 1&%* )556%1(# "9# &'* "8µ' µ#, 5#9 >&#* #$'5&41'<µ) $#9A98 ' 5@56', C#*#+.(2)9 #$> &%* #+.4. -*#, #5>µ# 6>"', $'< % )556%1(# µ#, )(*#9 $'6@ 1%µ#*&954 "9# µ#, &'<, -66%*),, )(*#9 >&9 )5)9?+(15'<µ) 5#9 1<*#*&8µ) 0(6'<, 5#9 $#&+9;&),. D3, E# #91E#*>1'<* )8* $#, 1&%* )556%1(# µ(# µ/+# 5#9?+)9, µ(# $9*#5(A# *# 6/)9 >&9 % )556%1(# /56)91) "98 $8*&#; D#+#5#6; #, +3&41)9 ' 5#E/*#, &'* )#<&> &'< «58*3 #<&> $'< µ$'+; "9# *# 5+#&413 &%* )556%1(# 23*&#*4;». :5 µ/+'<, &'< 7<µ?'<6('<, 1#, )@.'µ#9 )<&<.91µ/*', ' 5#9*'@+9',.+>*', µ) <")(# 5#9.#+8. F' 7<µ?'@69' $8*&# A/.)&#9 &9, #$>G)9, 1#,. :(µ#1&) $8*&# )A; "98 )18, 5#9 &%* :556%1(#. :(*#9 &9µ4 µ'< *# <$%+)&; &' 7<µ?'@69'. 7#, )<.#+91&;, H(5', I'++(1%, D+>)A+', &'< 7<µ?'<6('< Officers Nick Voresis, President George Dariotis, 1st Vice President Jerry Wright, 2nd Vice President Michael Dariotis, Treasurer Demetri Romas, Secretary 2011 Parish Council Members Members Denny Boom Nitsa Dariotis Tim Delis Peter Fotopoulos Joann Georgallis Judy Verrios Andreas Yerocostas 3

4 ANNUNCIATION SENIOR LEAGUE Our next meeting date is February 1, We will be traveling to Holy Cross Church in Belmont. The bus will depart from the church parking lot at 8:00 a.m. Our first luncheon/meeting of the New Year (2011) was a gratifying success with the attendance of our newly elected Parish Council President, Nick Voresis. Nick introduced himself to the senior league and spoke of his background history. He touched on what our forefathers had accomplished in building the Annunciation Church so many years ago. He gave us his plans and goals for our parish s future so that we can go onward and upward from here. Our many thanks to Annette Christopulos (John), Mary Kyriakides (John), and Helen Rotas (Bill) for the delicious strawberry cheesecake dessert at the January meeting in celebration of their husbands birthdays and name days. Congratulations and Hronia Polla! Thanks also to Teresa Sacco for donating the social hour treats. After eating our wonderful lunch Jill Angel, fitness director from the Del Paso Country Club, led us all in some exercises. I can t believe that doing exercises could be fun, but Jill certainly made it happen. I m sure we lost all the weight we gained eating that lunch! We have such wonderful helpers to help prepare for all these meetings/luncheons. The kitchen crew comes early in the morning to get the meal started, the decoration girls set up the room so beautifully and get the treat table ready. We also have the best welcoming group at the door to great everyone. We couldn t do this without all of their gracious help. At the January meeting the 2011 handout cards were passed out. If you didn t pick up your copy remember to pick it up at the March 1 st meeting. Don t forget that the senior group, Club 55 of Ascension Cathedral from Oakland, will be joining us for lunch on March 1 st. Come and introduce yourselves to this fellow senior group. Mary/Maurice Silva and Mary/ Richard Lydon will sponsor the luncheon. Kay Buttacavolli will make a donation toward the dessert in honor of her 80 th birthday. We offer our love and condolences to our senior members departed loved ones: Annette and John Christopulos brother-in-law (Jim Ambus) from Salt Lake City, Louis Demas brother (Peter Demas), and Helen Psihopaidas brother (Gabriel Sady). May their memory be eternal. During the Christmas holiday, the ASL visited our senior members who are home bound. They were presented with a beautiful poinsettia plant and Christmas card with wishes for a blessed Christmas season. Respectfully, Annette Christopulos 4

5 PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS Philoptochos started the year with a very successful Vasilopita luncheon. We thank everyone who supported the lunch this year. We will be sending over $4000 to the St. Basil Academy fund. All the proceeds from the lunch, from the Vasilopita auction, and from the Vasilopita the church offers to the various church groups, go directly to the fund. A special thank you to Helen Grammatikakis for preparing the lunch, to Toula Hatzopoulos for preparing the large Vasilopita for the church and one for auction, Faye Vallas for the two large Vasilopita that were auctioned, and Despina Demas who donated all the Vasilopita for the tables. Thank you to all our Philoptochos ladies for helping to set up and clean. It was a very nice day to share with our fellow parishioners. February is our Kids'n'Cancer month. We are selling tickets every Sunday for the fabulous cake raffle that will be held on Sunday, February 27th. We hope to receive many cakes on decorative plates to be raffled again. Sunday, February 13 will be our annual pancake breakfast. Please come and help support our Kids'n'Cancer program. This year we hope to send children with cancer and their families to summer camp for 5 days. This is a program that the Metropolis Philoptochos has had for many years, and this year we hope to open the sixth summer camp in the Northern area. Philoptochos would like you to be our guest at the Membership and Appreciation luncheon on Saturday, February 26. Please save this date and join us for this nice luncheon. We will talk about some of the programs we support. It is a nice time to have some fellowship with our friends and bring in new members. Philoptochos is one woman asking another woman to care. Come and see. The break down of the money Philoptochos received from our membership is as follows: $15.00 goes to The National Philoptochos, $10.00 The Metropolis Philoptochos and balance stays with our chapter. The money we raise during the year from various fund raisers goes to meet our National Philoptochos and Metropolis Philoptochos charitable commitments for the year as will as to the local charities we support. Other dates to please save are the annual Philoptochos Retreat that will be held on Saturday, April 9. The retreat is always a very spiritual experience. This year we will have a guest speaker. Look for more information in next month's Observer. Palm Sunday luncheon, April 17. If you would like to sponsor a coffee hour please contact Faye Vallas or me to set a date. Our next Philoptochos meeting is Tuesday, February 8, 6:30 pm in the lower fellowship room. Please join us. Your loving sister in Christ, Elaine Wright SEWING CIRCLE NEWS Most of you know, but if you are new, Annunciation Sewing Circle meets on Tuesday mornings in the Annunciation Bookstore at 10:30 a.m. making/ constructing blankets for Project Linus. Project Linus is a national philanthropic group that provides love through making blankets for traumatized children infants through teens on a local level, who need to know they are not alone and that they are loved; someone out there cared enough to make them a handmade blanket. Many of our members work on their projects at home and drop them off at the Bookstore when they finish them. We do have a limited amount of donated supplies to get you started if you just don t know where or how to begin. Project Linus accepts all kinds of blankets, knitted, crocheted, quilted, and fleece. That said, the group will no longer accept blankets that are less than 30 wide. Even the infant blankets should! be 30 x 30.! So please, keep in mind what size child will get the blanket you re currently making and size it appropriately. Some people prefer to make fleece blankets. They are fast to make and are adorable so what s not to like? Well, I understand that some of the fleece ordered in bulk online smells awful! If that is the case (and you ll definitely know it!), please wash the fleece with baby shampoo preferably before you make the blankets. There s no way we can deliver blankets with that smell to any group, much less homeless kids! Otherwise, you do NOT have to wash your blankets before they come to the Bookstore, unless there s a smoker in your house or there is pet hair on it. Dollar tree has generic baby shampoo. One last fun item, as they have for the last three years, Project Linus just delivered 170 blankets to the Sleep Train on Greenback Lane (near Sunrise) for their Sleep Train Foster Kids Pajama Drive. I pass along to you Thanks to all of you for your generosity and hard work! 5

6 !"#$%&'$%("&$ Liturgical Schedule February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reat Vespers every Saturday at 5:30 pm Tuesday, February 2 The Meeting of the Lord in the Temple Thursday, February 10 Hieromartyr Saturday, February 26 BOOK CLUB NEWS St. Haralambos the Saturday of Souls Unless otherwise noted, all services begin with Matins at 8:30 am, followed by the Divine Liturgy. Annunciation Book Club did not meet in January due to a combination of inclement weather and illness. Our next meeting date is Tuesday, February 15th, We are continuing to read Francine River s, Son s of Encouragement. This book is a companion of River s last book, Lineage of Grace and is another series of five novellas. While Lineage of Grace discusses five notable women of the Bible, Son s of Encouragement discusses five notable men of the Old Testament. It is historical fiction but based very close on factual references from the Bible. If you are new to our church or just would like to join us, we would love to have you. Annunciation Book Club meets on the third Tuesday of the month! at 10:30 a.m. in the Annunciation Bookstore, 616 Alhambra Blvd., next to the Church hall.! 6

7 BOOKNOTES: It is February already! Valentines Day! Not to worry, I am not going to get sentimental. But, a number of people have been reading Aidan s Song, by Father Aidan Wilcoxen, myself included. Fr. Aidan, suggests that people keep a journal. His journal, Aidan s Song is basically the journal of an Orthodox parish priest. Now if that doesn t excite you, well, it didn t excite me either. Although others were buying it, the book sat on the shelf and stared at me for quite some time before I picked it up and decided to read it. Fr. Aidan does not take himself seriously which makes parts of the book extremely funny. It is also sweet, touching, sometimes gut wrenching, and instructive in a non cerebral way. Obviously I love the book. But... as I began to write this article Aidan s Song got me to thinking. Woven all through the book is a sweet golden thread of reality and of Fr. Aidan s love for his wife and children. I told you this article is not going to be sentimental and it is not. Fr. Aidan s journal made me think of how many couples here at Annunciation are married fifty or more years. We re not perfect people. Actually, it makes me laugh when people ask, How did you [or so and so] stay married that long? I really never knew how to answer that question. With all the pressures of balancing life and careers marriage can be like walking a mine field for any couple. Fr. Aidan and his Cynthia were not/are not immune to those same pressures and then some. Well, if you want a great non sanctimonious explanation of the longevity of marriage read, Aidan s Song. The Bookstore also has an abundance of other books on Marriage in the Orthodox Church. In February we also begin thinking about Great Lent. The Triodion, the three Sunday s prior to the beginning of Great Lent, starts on February 13th. Clean Monday, marking the true start of Great Lent, occurs on Monday March 7th. As Great Lent is preparation for Pascha, the Triodion period is preparation for Great Lent. The Bookstore has many books on prayer and books specifically about and relating to Lent. Additionally we have! Icons, liturgical and prayerful CD s, Bibles, Comboscini s and other Spiritual aids to assist Orthodox Christians during these periods of deep introspection, prayer and contemplation. In March we will have more specific recommendations for Lenten reading but if you have not read The Lenten Spring, by Fr. Thomas Hopko, it is still one of the best resources for reading during the Triodion period along with prayer books and books on, or about, praying the Jesus Prayer. Love in Christ, Marilyn Demas DSG NEWS Dear Dancers, Parents and Fellow Parishioners, As you know, the annual Folk Dance and Choral Festival is just around the corner and our groups and directors have been working hard to present this year again in Ontario. Most importantly we look forward to sharing our faith and fellowship through dance and song.! FDF Previews will be taking place on Saturday, February 5th at 1:00 pm in the Hellenic Center. Please come and enjoy the afternoon as ourdancers perform what they have learned this season and in preparing for FDF.!There will be a light snack bar, along with sales of this year's Parish T-Shirt. Up coming events for this year are to include a Glendi in May.!Stay Tuned!!Also, please plan on attending our General Assembly in April. Your ideas and input are always requested. Also, if you are interested in being a part of the DSG Board, please be sure to attend. If you know of any groups or organizations who might be interested in having one of our groups perform at a function, please allow us three weeks for scheduling prior to the event.! Thank you once again to all who work hard in making our program a success! May we all have a Blessed New Year! Maria Gassoumis DSG President 7

8 !!!!"##$#%&'(&)#!*+,-./-.!!!!!! 0-+.$'.1!233!4!5)67!89:!;,,$-!8 ORTHODOXY 101 CHOIR NEWS Most of the questions for Orthodoxy 101 for this month are taken from More Challenge Questions on Orthodoxy 101 by Gayle E. Woloschak. The Choir's Christmas concert is available on CD by calling the church office.!!! 1. The Triodion in the Orthodox Church refers to what? a. The Triodion Period is the time in the Orthodox Liturgical year that includes three segments of time, the Pre-Lenten cycle, Great Lent itself, and Holy Week. b. Triodion literally means 3 odes referring to a series of hymns that are sung, but also applying to the 3 segments of time and the associated observances in each of these time segments. c. The Triodion Period begins on the 4th Sunday before Great Lent, usually in February beginning with the Feast of the Publican and the Pharisee. d. The Triodion is a Book of special hymns used during the pre Lenten period up through Holy week, up to Holy Saturday Night. e. All of the above 2. The Saturday of Souls: a. Takes place the night before Halloween b. Is a special service in which we commemorate and remember our departed relatives. c. Is held one Saturday a year. d. Two of these services are held during the PreLenten Period, and one is celebrated on the First Saturday of Lent. For just $12, you can have the Christmas Concert with you all year long.!the Choir appreciates your support for the many hours of rehearsal and participation in our Liturgical services. It's almost choir crab feed time.! (note the back page of the Observer)...Bess Pothos is coordinating the ticket sales, so give her a call, , Bessie Papailias at ! Although tables have been assigned to various choir members, your request for seating can be accomodated.! Lener Gousetis and his band are scheduled to provide song and dance for a fun evening.! Your support for this annual event is greatly appreciated. 3. The Gospel of the Prodigal Son is read during which time of year? a. During the Nativity fast b. During the pre Lenten period c. At the Sunday of the Elevation of the Holy Cross d. On the Sunday just prior to Pentecost 4. Cheesefare or Cheese Fast Sunday is also called: a. The Sunday of the Publican & the Pharisee b. The Sunday of the Prodigal Son c. Forgiveness Sunday d. Sunday of the Last Judgment The!San Francisco Metropolis of San Francisco Church Music Federation Winter Meeting will be held in San Jose, the weekend of January 29th.! In conjunction with this gathering, Tikey Zes will be honored for his 40 years as director of the St. Nicholas Choir.! RSVPs should be directed!to the St. Nicholas Church Office. 5. Which Old Testament books do we read from during the first week of Lent? a. Genesis, Exodus & Leviticus b. Genesis, Isaiah, Proverbs c. Exodus, Job & Ruth d. Genesis, Isaiah & Job e. none of the above New choir members are welcome.! Rehearsals are Thursday evenings, 7:00 p.m.! Please Join Us! Answers for Orthodoxy on page 10 8

9 THE ANNUNCIATION PARISH MILESTONES JANUARY WEDDINGS - Congratulations! January 15 Alexandra Masouris & Matthew Derania!!. JANUARY MEMORIALS May Their Memory Be Eternal! Memorials January 9 Sister & Relatives of Shirley Mihalakos: Demetra Mihalakos Five Years Anthoula Paporakis EIght Years Leonidas Skalkos Six Months Family of Julie Mamalis & Helen Paraskevas: Frank George - 33 years Hope George - 5 years John Smyrni - 47 years Julie Smyrni - 35 years Tacia Mamalis - 13 years Peter Mamalis - 48 years Demetrios Paraskevas - 44 years Despina Paraskevas - 30 years Anastasia Paraskevas Larobina - 23 years January 16 Steve Vathis - 6 months Ekaterine Kostakis (40 days) January 30 - Family of Georgia Langley Mary Scourkes - 5 years Steve Scourkes - 21years!"#$%&$'$()$%*+$%,-.%!"#$%&'%()*%+,-./0'%#1$%()*%2#-"34%(56%-""/3%7""89'%.1%:"$1"3$#'%";"1,1<%=).-%>?@A% /.%B%CD*%%C9"#3"%1./"%/0#/%/0"%-.)1,1<%3"33,.1%.=%(56%0#3%&""1%E#1E"9"$%F1/,9%=F)/0")% 1./,E"*%%C9"#3"%#93.%1./"%/0#/%#3%.=%("&)F#)'%G>4%/0"%";"1,1<%3"33,.1%7,99%30,=/%/.%+0F)3H $#'%1,<0/3%/.%#EE.--.$#/"%/0"%E0#1<,1<%3E0"$F9"%.=%I)"#/%!"1/* 9

10 SAINT OF THE MONTH Haralambos the Holy Martyr Celebrated on February 22 Reading: This Saint was a priest of the Christians in Magnesia, the foremost city of Thessaly, in the diocese having the same name. He contested during the reign of Alexander Severus ( ), when Lucian was Proconsul of Magnesia. At the time of his martyrdom the Saint was 103 years of age. St. Haralambos is commemorated on February 10th, with the exception when this date falls on the Saturday of the Souls preceeding Lent or on Clean Monday (the first day of Lent), in which case the feast is celebrated on February 9th. J!+JK%ILM!N +0"%=.99.7,1<%-"-&")3%7,99%&"%$"E.)#/,1<% /0"%,E.13%=.)%/0"%-.1/0%.=%,$/01203 O/0%+.F9#%P9F&&% G@/0%P0),3/,1"%N#),./,3 QA/0%D#),9'1%N"-#3 Q>/0%!,R%N.8,-.3%S%T#/0'%N.9" +0"% UF)U.3"%.=% /0,3% <F,9$%,3% /.% $"E.)#/"% /0"%,E.13%F3"$%$F),1<%/0"%6F1$#'%9,/F)<,"3% #1$%3U"E,#9%V.9'%N#'3* M=%'.F%7.F9$%9,8"%/.%$.1#/"%-.1"'%/.7#)$% W9.7")3%,1%0.1.)%.)%,1%-"-.)'%.=%#%9.;"$%.1"4% U9"#3"% E.1/#E/%.F)% P0F)E0%.=W,E"% #/% BGOHXX@HQA@@* Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone O wise Haralambos, you were proven an unshakable pillar of the Church of Christ; an evershining lamp of the universe. You shone in the world by your martyrdom. You delivered us from the moonless night of idolatry O blessed one. Wherefore, boldly intercede to Christ that we may be saved. Kontakion in the Fourth Tone O Priest-martyr, athlete, champion Haralambos, your relics are a priceless treasure of the Church. Wherefore she rejoices, glorifying the Creator ADVERTISING RATES FOR THE OBSERVER SIZE MONTHLY ANNUALLY Full Page $150 $1,250 Half-Page $80 $720 Quarter Page $45 $375 Business Card $25 $240 Back Page $95 Not Available Answers to Orthodoxy 101 from page 8 1,e; 2, b & d; 3,b; 4, c; 5, b 10

11 STEWARDSHIP MESSAGE OPERATING FUND All We Can Spare Now that we are already a month into the new year, how are your New Year s resolutions coming? Resolutions can provide great inspiration and concrete goals to pursue. They can also be like a heavy burden and a constant reminder of how we are not measuring up, if we aren t following through. Setting goals is good; resolving to do better or feel better or even look better can trigger positive lifestyle changes. But what happens when goals are not met and one s resolve goes unfulfilled? Setting giving goals is certainly a good thing. Deciding to give a certain percentage, say 5% or increase our giving can be a positive for many reasons. But giving back to God is more than a number or a goal or even a resolve. C. S. Lewis once said this about giving : I do not believe we can settle how much we ought to give. I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare. When we think in terms of what we ought to give, we can actually limit ourselves to thinking it is enough. But when we think of giving more than we can spare, we begin to get at the heart of true Christian giving. Remember this often used passage, Jesus says, For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also Matthew (6:21). What if each of us resolved to give more than we can spare in 2011? What might the possibilities be? God Bless you, George Dariotis Stewardship Chairman Income Year to Date 12/31/ Budget YTD Pledges $402,840 $618,000 All Other Revenue $315,647 $98,000 Total Revenue $718,487 $716,000 Expenses Total Staff Exp. $358,724 $365,235 Program Services $25,852 $31,500 Other Oper. Exp. $239,446 $239,600 Archdiocese Fair Share $82,000 $80,000 Total Expense $705,022 $716,335 Balance as of 12/31/10 $13, Pledges as of December 31, 2010 Stewardship Budget $618,000 Pledged to Date $383,480! Total Amount Received to Date $402,840 Total Members Pledged

12 2011 Vasilopita Luncheon 2011 Parish Council Sunday :& Greek School Christmas Program Choir Christmas Concert 12

13 2011 Dive for the Cross at the Anatolia Clubhouse The venue was beautiful, the water was warm (thanks to Demetri Romas, Nick Voresis & Tony Zogopoulos for paying to heat the pool just for our event) and most outstanding of all were the 21 participants who braved the cold weather, donned their swimsuits and dove into the waters seeking the honor of retrieving the cross. Participants were: Evangelia Romas (Age 5); Alexa Watts (Age 5); Nasia Delis (Age 6); Alexa Evrigenis (Age 6); Audrey Kane (Age 6); Alexander Maguire (Age 7); Eleanna Sinadinos (Age 7); George Sinadinos (Age 7); John Evrigenis (Age 8); Jack Maguire (Age 8); Ritchie Watts (Age 8); Sophia Delis (Age 9); Kathryn Kane (Age 9); Alexander Vryonis (Age 9); Sophia Vryonis (Age 9); Sotiris Romas (Age 10); Constantine Yerocostas (Age 10); Apostolis Delis (Age 11); Nikko Higdon (Age 14); Steven Romas (Age 14); Vasilis Voresis (Age 16). Dive for the Cross Winners for 2011 were: Audrey Kane (Age 6) Kathryn Kane (Age 9) Alexander Vryonis (Age 9) Apostolis Delis (Age 11) Nikko Higdon (Age 14) Maybe next year we can have an adult division 13

14 !""#$%&' ()*"+,*/Greek School Our Greek school article for this month has been submitted by one of our adult students, Ms. Stephanie Hayes. I think of the Greek language classes at the Church of the Annunciation as a kind of community service, mainly for the kids who get the chance to go to Greek School, but also for the adults who come there. The class offers something not widely available at junior colleges or other adult education facilities, or would be out of reach for many of us because of academic requirements or scheduling conflicts. Aside from merely teaching a language, the classes help to preserve and educate about the culture, its traditions, and about the Church itself. In a quiet but powerful way this knowledge is spread among church members and to the surrounding community. Although I am not a member of the Church (or even of Greek descent) I feel like I have been welcomed and encouraged, which in itself is a strong message. Another great thing about this class is being reminded how good it is to learn something new, especially something challenging (and often humbling). In college I remember being envious of older students because they seemed so enthusiastic, motivated, and engaged. I may not be able to return to school full time, but I can still experience that exhilaration. Learning something outside the scope of your everyday life is good for your brain, and it really gives you a new outlook, reminding you of the possibilities life has to offer. Of our class, one third is getting ready to leave for Greece; one third is actively planning to go. The remaining third has already been. I think this is a real credit to our teacher and to the program. No doubt our experiences will be richer for having learned something of the language and we will probably be better representatives of our country as well. The Greek language itself has been a revelation. So much of English is rooted in Greek it would probably be a good idea for all English speakers to study it. Aside from that it s a beautiful language, both to listen to and read. I m beginning to see how good it could be for expressing feelings and ideas because of its flexibility and somewhat freewheeling syntax. At the same time the rigorous demands of its grammar force you to exercise a certain amount of self-discipline. It s a nice balance. When I decided to try to learn Greek about a year ago, I thought it was because I wanted to understand the!"#$% &'(). That was true, but I was also looking for a distraction in the middle of a difficult period (friends dying, parents getting sick, economy tanking, etc.) I found that nothing clears your head quite like a Greek verb, or noun, or adjective, or adverb. If you really want to understand what s going on, you literally cannot think about anything else. It may be an unorthodox coping mechanism, but it s effective and the side effects are minimal. Being able to attend this class increased the therapeutic value of Greek at least tenfold. Studying this language became a kind of refuge for me, and for that I am truly grateful. *+, -./+0#'(1! 14

15 2011 STEWARDSHIP PLEDGES PLEASE NOTE: These are pledges received only thru January 22, 2011 Nick & Shari Alexander Andrianos & Kathy Argyropoulos Helen K. Beaudry Susan Bitar Bill & Evelyn Bobolis Denny Boom Marie Bravou Anna Brusco Katherine Buttacavoli Donald & Mary Cannon Peter & Fotine Casheros Jack & Bessie Chesson John & Annette Christopulos James & Despina Chuchas Anthony & Katerina Commandatore Dennis & Jeanlaurie Corelis Berle & Carol Crisp George & Christine Dariotis Georgia Dariotis John & Nitsa Dariotis Michael Dariotis Louis & Marilyn Demas Alexandra Derania Dorothy Diamond Jack & Bessie Dietz Angelo & Adel Dimitropoulos Constantine & Ruth Docous Nicholas & Laura Docous Ernest & Kathy Dokimos Katherine Dole Elaine Donovan Demos & Bessie Dulger Sheikin James & Patricia Duvaras Georgia Econome Dan & Maria Fotos Demetre & Christine Fotos Ruseta Fotos Robert & Christina Freeworth Patrick & Susan Fuss Gus & Stelene Galaxidas Andrew Ganetsos Alan & Diana Garrett Andrew & Teresa Gates Joann Georgallis Perry Georgallis Helen Gianakakis Angela Gianopulos Donald & Elaine Glum Paul Grellas Louis & Georgette Grivetti Elsie Gust George & Eleni Hagios Alissa & Morgan Holt Gire Spero & Kiki Jouganatos Chris & Fotine Jovalis James & Robin Kafouros Phyllis Marie Kafouros Dennis & Robin Kamilos tanisandrew Kantargis Terry & Penny Kastanis Stella Kastoras James Katsilometes Niko & Emorfia Katsimbras Andreas & Evelyn Kazanis Theodore & Andromachi Kennedy Anthony & Gail Kentroti James & Effie Kentroti Bess A. Kerhoulas Peter & Jennie Kleary Pete & Maria Kokkinis Gus Kokotis Nick & Bernadette Kontos George & Rula Kouretas Constantino & Dena Kuchulis Ellie Lane Georgia Larson George & Iva Lionakis Marie Loris Anastasia Lovett Chris & Christine Lovett Alice Lyons Elaina & Gary Magana Kristen Magers Jim & Julie Mamalis Exaveria (Rula) Manikas Sam & Kerry Manolakas Timothy & Annette Manolis Athanasios & Stella Manolopoulos Theodore & Katherine Marefos Steve & Katherine Margaris Nellie Margarite Vaso Mayer John & Vicki Meers Norman & Ellen Newman Fred & Vera Pagel Peter & Marie Pantages Theodore Pantages Yianni & Kelly Pantis John & Margaret Papadakis Martha Papailias Mary A. Pappas Jerry & Catherine Pavlatos Constantine & Brigid Perakis Diane Petersen Gus & Lillian Petrakos Fotis & Tammy Petsalis Bessie Pothos George & Helen Poulos Lucky & Dina Poulos Genevieve Repp Father James & Barbara Retelas Nicholas & Carol Rotas Father Timothy & Pres. Marsha Robinson Diane Rogers John & Penny Romas Peter & Jodie Sakaris Catherine Schantz Mary & Maurice Silva Alex Sioukas Demetrios Spyridakis Stylianos & Klea Spyridakis Jan Stathis Merle Stathis Mary Leona Stathos Tony & Mary Stathos Art & Terre Terzakis Sophie Theodore Steven Tingus Jerry & Marian Trapp Drosoula Tsakopoulos Sofia Tsakopoulos Pauline Vathis Vasilis & Judy Verrios Nick & Cally Voresis Douglas & Donna Wagner Theodora Yazigi Andreas & Becky Yerocostas Athanasios Yiaslas ASL January Luncheon 15

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18 10:00 am Leadership Seminar - HC 18

19 UPCOMING EVENTS 13th 19

20 Address Service Requested 20 Sacramento, CA TIME DATED MATERIAL Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 700 Sacramento, CA 3022 F Street Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation