children were going to receive one big toy and a couple of small ones.

Transcription

1 January 2014 A Monthly Publication Volume 15 Issue 1 FOCUS CHRISTMAS Each year during the Christmas season there seems to be a Christmas miracle that renews our faith and hope. I would like to thank Christina Brandt for sharing such a story- Fr. Tom I have seen some amazing things in the time I have spent at Focus, but none like December 23. December 23 was the day that Focus sponsored several families, meaning that the parents come in and pick out toys and clothes. Vera usually saves the clothes with the tags still on them for Christmas. Earlier that morning, Focus distributed baskets with turkeys and all the fixings. There were 54 packages and due to some people not coming in during their scheduled time, there were several turkeys left over. we put a sign outside saying that there were free turkeys inside, and as we were sitting waiting for people to come in, Vera was concerned that there were not enough toys for the families that were coming in that evening. At that point I asked Mary and Tom Rudquist if there were any toys left over from the St. George Christmas party. There were, so I went to pick up quite a few toys and gifts from St. George. When I got back to Focus, another couple had bought some wonderful games for older kids. It was looking like all the inside... children were going to receive one big toy and a couple of small ones. One hour before we were to open the doors to these families, a man walked in the front door. One of us asked him if he came for the free turkey... why else would he be there? The next words that came out of his mouth were ones I won't forget, "Do you need toys?" We were very confused because no one really knows that much about Focus and the building is shared with the Salvation Army, so we asked him if he was looking for the Salvation Army. He said, "No, I am looking for you." He then told us that he had a literal truckload of toys outside and a carload was also on the way. We were stunned. The man told us that he was from the Edina Wells Fargo Bank and had tried to drop all the toys at Toys for Tots and they were closed. Those two men proceeded to bring in toys for every age group big and small, and then they thanked us for taking the toys and left. When the parents came in to Focus, some of them had as many as four children and they were able to load up with bags upon bags of toys and clothes for their kids. To see the looks on the faces of those parents when they would say things like, "You mean I can have more?" It was truly a blessing to experience because it was an amazing display of God's grace and love. Every one of those children had an awesome Christmas, maybe one they will never forget. When Vera was told about this, she didn't even seem that surprised. Things like this happen at Focus. I for one have never seen anything like it, and I feel like a better person for being allowed to experience such a beautiful blessing. Best Christmas ever!!!!! LAST MINUTE ITEM FOR THE NEWSLETTER? to: FtBegley@Aol.com By 1/23/2014 Church School Page 3 Christmas Program Page 8 Our Holy Father Paul Page 9

2 Birthday in January Birthday in January 1 - Yasmin Kakish 1 - Kidan Mesin 1 - Briktei Haile 3 - Hunter Golden 3 - Jackson Golden 3 - Antonio Khoury 4 - Muzitt Tzegay 5 - Gideon Biniam 5 - George Abrass 5 - Denise Patton 6 - David Burnham 6 - Jakob Kakish 7 - Alexandra Sicora 7 - Michael Begley 8 - Raed Kakish 8 - Jerome L. Joseph 8 - Chris Menke 9 - Richard Hafiz 11 - Girmay Haile 12 - Allen Golden 12 - Ted Goll 13 - Karen Tennis 15 - Myranda R. Bregel 16 Katherine Buddensiek 18 - Aurelia Peterson 18 - Lisa Hartwig (Mrs. Mike) 18 - Hind Kojack 20 - Francine Perry 21 - Lorraine Hartwig 22 - Austin Phelps 22 - John Begley 23 - Michael Menke 23 - George Toby 24 - Anna Kojack 24 - Nicholas Ablan 25 - Eva Damian 26 - Amelia Jiryis 27 Jordyn Brynjulfson 28 - Walter Awada 28 - Jason Kojack 30 - Joseph Patton 30 - Ally Droubie 30 - Michael Sicora Jr. 31 Selam Teklu Birthdays & Anniversaries Anniversary in January 1 - Berhane Haliemichael & Mesin Kidan 2 - Mike & Lisa Hartwig 4 - James & Jennifer Joseph 13 - Archdeacon. Russell & Phyllis Hodge 18 - Joseph & Beverly Zaine 29 - Fred & Lamese McDowell 30 - Joseph & Carol Haddad CHURCH CALENDARS We are grateful for the donation of church calendars again this year by Debbie Korluka and Icon Art Studios, Inc. Please pick up a calendar if you have not done so. There are still a few calendars left. VISIT THOSE PARISHION- ERS WHO ARE UNABLE TO GET OUT Thank you to Joannie Alevizos and Aurelia Peterson for volunteering to set up visits for our shut-ins throughout the year. If you would like to make a visit please call Joannie or Aurelia! The Parish of St. George joins in wishing each of the celebrants congratulations and best wishes for a joyful, peaceful, healthful year. (Updated 2/2012) Each month we endeavor to provide a complete list of Birthdays and Anniversaries so that we will know who to commemorate in our prayers and to greet on their special day. If we have inadvertently omitted someone, please let Father Tom know so that we can include you. The purpose of the list is to be inclusive rather than exclusive. Please help us keep the list updated. Thank you and all our prayers on your special day! SUNSHINE LADY ROSA NEIMY would appreciate being called at if you know of anyone to whom a card should be sent. BIBLE STUDY John Windsor will be leading a Bible Study on the letter to the Galatians. We will hold classes every Tuesday evening at 7:00 P.M., starting on January 21, Please join us!

3 ST. GEORGE ANTIOCHIAN CHURCH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER January 2014 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, with all your mind; and your Neighbor as yourself. Luke 10:27 Thank You s *Thank you to everyone who participated in or helped with this year s Christmas program and to Santa and his helpers for the gifts given to the children. The children had a fun time dressing up and getting their moment in the spotlight. Everyone did a wonderful job! Thank you also to Santa and all his helpers for the Christmas gifts for all the children. *Thank you to all those who donated food to either of the two food shelves we were collecting for; both Neighbors Inc. and Focus MN have passed on thank you s to our parishioners. As the food shelves are bare this time of year, we ask your continued support; please continue to remember the poor when you shop for your families. Breaking Down the Creative Arts Festival Theme-Parts 4 and 5 *This year s creative arts festival theme states that you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, with all your mind; and your Neighbor as yourself. This month we look at the words mind and neighbor. The mind is the seat of consciousness, in which thinking and feeling take place. When you let your mind wander or daydream, what do you daydream about? What images come into your head? Who are you allowing in, angels or demons? If you find yourself thinking sinful things, try to say a short prayer. If you wear a cross, this can also remind you to think and behave in a Christ-like manner, You may want to hold your cross and say a brief prayer when you re tempted to do something wrong. The last word we need to analyze is neighbor. When Jesus tells us to love our neighbor as ourselves He means to love others as ourselves. A neighbor is not just a person who lives close by or a friend; it is anyone we interact with. We should treat others with love and respect in the same way we would like to be treated. Soon the topic will be introduced to the students and ALL students are asked to participate in at least one category. The four categories are Art, Poetry, Writing and Photography. Christmas Program Next year we have had a volunteer step forward to lead the program but I am sure she would take any help offered so please let Lisa Mikhail know if this is something that would interest you. Spotlight on our Kids Congratulations to Nicholas Windsor, grade 6, on recently earning a black belt in karate.

4 THANKSGIVING DINNER MEN S CLUB SERVES THANKSGIVING DINNER The St. George Men s Club once again took time out of their Thanksgiving Day to serve the poor in our community. The meal was served at the Cherokee Restaurant. The family who owns the restaurant and donates the meal, always is glad to see our members participate. They compliment us each year on our experience and hard work. Our thanks to all those who came and helped from St. George!

5 ANNOUNCEMENTS COUNCIL CORNER At the Council meeting December 17, 2013: The Treasurer presented a First Quarter Revenue against Budget report which indicated Stewardship donations are down against budget 20%; expense items are in line with budget. The present mortgage balance is $94,920,87; the escrow account has a balance of $15,000; the checking account balance is $22, The Financial Secretary reported $955 is on deposit, dedicated to the Building Fund. Father reported that: Amy Hodge continues to improve. Jacob Kakish is at home but needs to visit the hospital every day. His Fundraiser on December 14 was nicely done and donations are still coming in, the priest reported on the condition of Pamela Eftikides, Roseanne Athey underwent gallbladder surgery which went well. Fr. Dahdal will conduct the Blessing of Water at the Arabic Liturgy on January 3, George Khoury reported on the various activities the Men s Club has participated in this year, including the Hodge and Kakish Fundraisers and serving Thanksgiving dinners at the Cherokee Sirloin Room. They also are working on the New Years Eve party. Permission was granted to the Antiochian Women s organization to make the national women s project parish-wide in our church to increase revenue for this project. PARISH COUNCIL The Parish Council will meet Tuesday, January 14, at 6:30 P.M. MEOCCA CATECHISM Introduction to Orthodox Christianity- Cooperative Catechism classes are being offered again on Monday evenings, 7-PM, at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in St. Paul, beginning January 13th and running for twelve weeks. Register online at Schedules will be placed on the usher s table. Saint Valentine's Day Gala Event to be held at St. George St. George Church of West St. Paul, MN will host a Valentine's Day Gala: Dinner-Dancing-Hafli When: Saturday February 15, 2014 Where: St. George Church; 1250 Oakdale Ave; West St. Paul, MN Details: Look for more details to follow in the Sunday bulletin and the St. George Website FAMILY SUPER BOWL PARTY!!! Come and experience Super Bowl 48 on the ST. GEORGE MEGA SCREEN! The St. George Men's Club is happy to announce the 2014 Family Super Bowl Party. Admission is free. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Please bring a dish of your favorite football food to share. Donations are welcome to help offset the cost of the event. There will be a special surprise for the children that is sure to provide hours of fun! Open to St. George Parishioners and all friends of St. George. When: Sunday February 2, 2014 Time: 4:30 pm (Kickoff is 5:30 p.m. Central Time)

6 CHRISTMAS PROGRAM CHRISTMAS PROGRAM Our church Christmas program was held Sunday, December 8th. The Lenten potluck was served for the coffee hour. We all enjoyed seeing the children perform their parts in the program. We also had a special visit from Santa Claus to the joy of all the children. Santa had a gift for every child present!

7 PROJECT ROOTS Project Roots for Lebanon: Register your Marriage and Child Birth, Free of Charge. Project Roots is an endeavor of the Christian Lebanese Foundation in the World (CLFW), the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, and all the other Lebanese churches in the US. The percentage of Christians in Lebanon is falling precipitously. Despite the fact that most Lebanese who emigrated from Lebanon are Christian, most of the people of Lebanese descent abroad, especially in the US, who register in Lebanon, are usually non-christian! The Lebanese Christians abroad have failed in this regard. We urgently need to do something about this, otherwise we risk becoming a mere 10% of the overall population! Register and spread the word about registration. Your registration will in no way jeopardize your American citizenship or reduce your commitment to the United States. It will, however, help Lebanon maintain the demographic and political power-sharing balance there so that it remains a source of pride for us all. Contact one of Project Roots representatives today and start the process. You can even use the website ( to register online and get a chance to win free tickets to Lebanon. In case you have already tried to register without success, click on the following link to sign the Lebanese Citizenship Petition: Together, we can effect change! Join us on January 21 st at 1:30 (EST) for our inaugural webinar Topic: Online Safety & Digital Citizenship! How can you keep your kids and your family safe in an everchanging digital world? The explosion of social media and mobile technologies has made safety and privacy issues even more complicated. Quite often, parents feel completely overwhelmed. Noted Internet and mobile safety expert Theo Nicolakis will be with us to help busy parents like you see where technology is taking us, understand the issues and potential dangers kids are facing, and equip you with the tools and knowledge you ll need to help keep your family safe. Theo Nicolakis oversees the technology, digital communications, and digital ministry for the Greek Orthodox Church in the United States. As one of the chief visionaries behind the Faith and Safety initiative, Theo has helped the Catholic and Orthodox Christian Churches educate families on safety and privacy issues in an ever-changing digital world. The initiative has included the launch of and several strategic partnerships with tech companies and family media advocacy groups. Theo has met with both Facebook and Google on issues of safety and digital citizenship. Additionally, he represents the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese on a number of boards and organizations including the Religious Alliance Against Pornography. He holds graduate degrees from both New York University and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. To register visit: onlinesafetywebinar. We hope to have you join us!

8 NEW YEAR S EVE CELEBRATION DISCOVERING ORTHODOX CHRISTIANITY The Greek Archdiocese has just launched a major series of informational videos about the Orthodox Church. Entitled Discovering Orthodox Christianity, the resource is a series of talks, shows, and presentations designed to introduce and explain the basic teaching of Orthodox Christianity. The project was sponsored by the Leadership 100 Endowment Fund and covers a wide range of topics with the goal of educating viewers in simple, easy to understand terms. Each video is on YouTube and is about minutes long. Here is the link to all the videos: faith/ discovering St. George Family New Year's Eve Celebration St. George Church was very pleased to host so many friends and family at our New Year's Eve Gala. The tickets were sold out, the hall was packed and all of us enjoyed a magnificent celebration. Thank you for ringing in the new year with us at St. George! We wish you a happy and healthy See you next December 31st! JACOB KAKISH BENEFIT A special benefit dinner for Jacob Kakish was held Saturday, December 14, at St. George Orthodox Church. Cocktail hour was held from 5:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. Dinner was served at 6:00 P.M. We had plenty of food and entertainment. There was a raffle and a silent auction. I want to thank all of you who participated and contributed to this worthy cause! Please continue to remember Jacob and his family in your prayers! Fr. Tom

9 OUR HOLY FATHER PAUL OF THEBES Jan. 15 Born of wealthy parents in the Lower Thebes in Egypt in the reign of the Emperor Decius, he and a sister of his inherited all their parents property. But his brother-in-law, an idolworshipper, plotted to seize Paul s half of the inheritance. He therefore threatened Paul that he would betray him to the authorities as a Christian if he did not hand over his share of the property. This misfortune, coupled with the examples of self-sacrifice by the Christian martyrs that Paul saw with his won eyes, induced him to give his half of the property to his sister and go off into the desert, where he lived in asceticism until his death. The spiritual heights attained by this giant of a monk are testified to by no less a person than St. Antony the Great, who once visited Paul and saw how the wild animals and birds of the air ministered to him. Returning from this visit, Antony said to his monks: Woe is me, my children, a sinful and false monk, who am a monk in name only. I have seen Elias, I have seen John in the desert, and I have seen Paul in Paradise! St. Paul lived 113 years, and entered peacefully into rest in the lord in the year taken from The Prologue from Ochrid, Vol. 1, p.61 OUR HOLY FATHER PAUL SOYO The past month our teen SOYO has been busy with writing letters to the shut-ins at our church as well as shopping for a family which we adopted. We bought great presents for a family with a mom, dad and two daughters. We had fun with these activities and enjoy being able to give back! We also baby sat for the ladies luncheon! We had fun with the kids and parents enjoyed the free baby sitting. We hope you all had a wonderful holiday and God bless you in the new year! St. George Teen SOYO HOUSE BLESSINGS It is the tradition in Orthodox churches for the priest to come to the house of his parishioners after the Feast of Theophany (January 6), and bring with him the blessed Jordan Water. The family should invite the priest to their home to perform this blessing. Every family member should be present. The service should begin at the family icon corner, or on a small table facing the East. The table should be covered with a white cloth and should have one or more icons set upon it and a candle on a candle stand and a small bowl for the water. If the family has a small hand censor it may also be placed on the table. Also, placed on the table should be a printed list of all the baptized names of the members of the household. When the priest approaches the table to begin the service, one of the family members should light the candle. All televisions, radios, etc., in the home should be turned off. Any dogs should be put out of the way so as not to disrupt the service. The lights should be turned on in all the rooms to be blessed. When it is time to bless the home, the head of the family takes up the candle and leads the priest through the house. The other members of the household should walk behind the priest and the procession through the house will end back in front of the icon corner or table. The priest will conclude by blessing each family member and will sing Many Years. Please find time in your schedules to invite the priest to your home for this blessing to begin the New Year! - Fr. Tom PILGRIMAGE TO MT ATHOS Tom Rudquist presented a slide show about the 2013 visit by 7 Twin City Pilgrims to the Holy Mountain. It was a beautiful and informative presentation. We all learned something new about the Holy Mountain! Thank you, Tom!

10 ANTIOCHIAN WOMEN NEWS Thanks to those who participated in the Annual AW Holiday Cookie Exchange. The cookies were delicious! We had extra cookies to package and deliver to those who do not get out often, especially during the cold winter months. Thanks, everyone, for your help. Jan 11th, 2014 at 10:30AM, is the Holiday Luncheon at Beirut Restaurant in West, St. Paul. Thanks to Cindy and Vicky for Coordinating. A bake date will be scheduled for those who would like to come, enjoy the day together and bake. It is nice to have food items on hand to visit those who do not get out as often, especially during these winter months. Patty Burbank is organizing the bake dates. Dates will be posted in the bulletin. The Bible Movie Series, producer Roma Downey, DVD is excellent. Scripture's greatest stories and most compelling characters come to life in this movie. Movie night date will be posted in the bulletin for anyone who would like to come. All families are welcome. The Antiochian Women invite the Parishioners to participate in the NAB Humanitarian Project - Help the Orphans of War in Syria. We will make Emergency Kits of either Hygiene Kits, Baby Kits, School Kits, and /or Clean Up Kits. With your help, we will put the kits together in the Social Hall ANTIOCHIAN WOMEN like an assembly line and send to IOCC to ship to Syria. If you want to donate to this worthy Humanitarian Project supplies or money to buy supplies, please make a check to Antiochian Women and mark it: Humanitarian Project. More details to follow when we have the supplies to put kits together. Please review poster board to Help the Orphans of War in Syria in the Social Hall. Next Meeting February 6, Dinner will be served at 6:00 P.M. and the meeting will begin at 6:30 P.M. A LETTER FROM JOE ZA- INE Being a member for over 85 years, I have come in contact with many parishioners who have worked hard for St. George. I think it is time to recognize one of them for her contribution. This person is very generous with her time and does so many things to help people. However, there is one thing she does that is a significant money - saver for our church. For over ten years this person has successfully gathered information and preparation for the mailing of our monthly newsletter. Each month she contacts loyal parishioners and instructs them in sorting, addressing, and labeling in order to save monies in postage for bulk mailing. In doing so we pay a rate of about 16 cents rather than 46 cents a piece for a huge savings over the past years. She then delivers these to the post office in Eagan. She also organizes and mails weekly Prisoner Ministry letters (our teens take care of this). A busy lady, for she is in charge of getting someone to make the Holy bread each Sunday, she recently stepped down from her work with Focus and she also maintains address changes for our Church directory. I often thought she would make a good Sergeant in the Army due to her very focused approach to getting things done. One of the reasons for this is that she expects and instructs her help to follow the correct postal procedures. She is very efficient and dedicated in helping St. George. I am sure Father Tom and Father Duane would agree. By now you must know this person is Joan Alevizos. Nice work, Joannie. Joe Zaine

11 If you would like to host a coffee hour by yourself or with someone, sign up on the sign-up sheets located in the rear of the church hall to reserve a date. All that is asked is that hosts strictly follow the Fasting traditions of our Holy Orthodox Church. And as always everyone is invited for this period of fellowship. HOLY BREAD SCHEDULE Joannie Alevizos If you would like to offer the Holy Bread in memory of loved ones or for the health of your family, etc., call Joannie Alevizos to secure a date in advance. The same is true for the Memorial Wheat. NOTE: STAMP FOR HOLY BREAD NOW RESIDES IN THE CHURCH KITCHEN. GENERAL INFORMATION IN CASE OF ILLNESS OR NEED, please be sure our Priest and the Sunshine Lady are aware. Only then can they carry out their duties! Also, if you would like to have your home blessed, call the Priest to make arrangements. MOVING?? OR HAVE YOU MOVED? Don t forget to tell your church about your new address. Please contact Joannie Alevizos so she can update our mailing list. THE WORD MAGAZINE Anyone interested in receiving the WORD Magazine please contact Fr. Tom. Any member of St. George may receive the WORD free. Coming Events... WEBSITE Please check out the St. George Website: We have now updated the calendar, bulletins and newsletters. If you think there is something missing on the church calendar or if you would like to see something new on the website, please give Fr. Tom a call to add to the calendar or for suggestions. An updated website is important if it is to be viewed by friends and parishioners Middle Eastern Festival Corner With the start of the New Year, it s time once again to start our work on this year s festival. Please hold the dates of July 18, 19 and 20 on your calendar. We will need your support more than ever as we are planning our biggest festival yet. Many of the enhancements we made in food preparation and serving made for an easier time for all of us last year. And, we served more customers than ever before! This year, we are planning a few more enhancements which will further streamline our food preparation and serving. Our festival is growing into an event that will sustain us for years to come. But, as ever, it can't work without your help. Again, please save these dates and plan on being with us all three days! ORTHODOX GAME LEAGUE This league is for adults (age 18yr+) to enjoy time with each other and play games. We will meet 4 times a year at different churches. Host parish will provide space, beverages, and games. Please bring a munchies/snack/ dessert to share. Bring a game if you d like! Want to learn a new game? Want to play a classic? Then this is for you! Questions? Contact Nikki Beauchamp or Dan Simon NEXT GAME NIGHT Sat., Feb 15-7:30 pm St. Mary s GOC ( 3450 Irving Avenue S ) Old Youth Room (south door of south parking lot by flagpole then down the stairs) Want to learn a new game? Want to play a classic? Then this is for you! Questions? Contact Nikki Beauchamp or Dan Simon Fr. Announcing Tom : St. George Church Arabic Divine Liturgy is currently scheduled for February 7, 2014, at 6:30 P.M., Fr. Nicholas will be with us again. Let s do our best to have a good attendance!

12 St. George Antiochian Church 1250 Oakdale Ave. West St. Paul, MN ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. Postage PAID Twin Cities, MN Permit No inside... St. George Newsletter 1/14 * Announcements * Men s and Women's Report * Council Corner