Update for the week Friday, August 17, through Thursday, August 23, 2012
Update for the week Friday, August 17, through Thursday, August 23, 2012
THIS WEEK
VESPERS – There will be Great Vespers this Saturday, August 11, at 5:00 pm.
SUMMER HOURS– Every Sunday during July and August, Orthros begins at 8:15 am, and Divine Liturgy at 9:30 am.
HALL RENOVATION – The Church Social Hall is being renovated this month. There will be no coffee hour this Sunday, August 19, or next Sunday, August 26. And there will be no access to the Hall at all on the 26th.
PROJECT MEXICO - Members of the Smith, Porr, Nahass and Dalton families will be representing St. Mary's at “Project Mexico.” The team left Tuesday, July 31, for Rosarito, Mexico, to build a house for a poor Mexican family. Team members are Natasha, Jeff, Theo and Gabe Smith, Esther Porr, Jennifer, Paul, Sophia, and Lucas Nahass, Bill, Tatiana, Andrew and Alex Dalton and team leader Kera Dalton. Please pray for their safe travels and a successful mission. They expect to be back on Monday, August 20.
VACATION CHURCH SCHOOL 2012 – St. George Church, West Roxbury will offer Vacation Church School, Tuesday through Friday, August 21 – 24, for Pre-School (at least 3 yrs. old AND potty trained) through 4th Grade. Theme: Heroes of the Bible. There will be lessons, crafts, playtime, singing and fun! Snack provided each morning. Registration Donation: $15/1 child; $20/2 children; $25/3 children. Volunteers are needed. Contact Elisabeth: Elisabeth@stgeorgeofboston.org or call 617-323-0323.
NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS
INTER-ORTHODOX YOUNG ADULT RETREAT – The Archdiocese Fellowship of St. John the Divine, in conjunction with Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, Hellenic College Holy Cross, the Theophany School, and the parish of St. George, invite you to their 2012 Inter-Orthodox Young Adult Retreat, Friday – Sunday September 14-16, at St. George Church, West Roxbury. Keynote Speaker will be His Grace Bishop Anthony, of the Antiochian Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest. For information and registration see http://www.worcesterdiocese.net/organizations/fellowship/retreat or contact Brendan Ferguson at brendanferguson76@gmail.com. Brendan is the newly elected President of the FSJD of our Diocese.
SONIA’S RUN - The fourth annual 5k road race to benefit the Theophany School, in honor of beloved friend Sonia Belcher, will be held on Saturday, September 15. This family fun day includes a kids' 50m fun run at 8:30am with medals for all participants, bouncy house, cotton candy, balloon animals, cookout, raffles, and Prizes: cash prizes for top three male and female finishers overall, and medals for top three in each age category. See www.soniasrun.org for registration form and more information.
“WELCOME BACK COLLEGE STUDENTS" BREAKFAST – After Liturgy on Sunday, September 16, the Fellowship of St. John the Divine (FSJD) will host a special breakfast to welcome college students back to St. Mary, their "Church home away from home." Please join us in welcoming and supporting students who strive to remain connected to the Church while away from their families. All are welcome! A suggested minimum donation of $5 will be gratefully accepted from non-students.
DANCING WITH THE AABA STARS – The American Arabic Benevolent Association invites you to “Dancing With the AABA Stars” on Friday, October 5 at Moseley’s-on-the-Charles, Dedham, MA at 7:30 pm. Individual Ticket: $50 per person includes Appetizer Buffet, Munchies at Tables, Coffee & Dessert. Reservations ONLY – No tickets sold at door. For tickets, tables reservations and Sponsor Tables, contact Shirley Bezreh 781-648-0685.
REMINDERS
SUMMER GREETERS NEEDED – Volunteers are needed for most Sundays in August, plus September 2 (Labor Day Weekend). Please contact Buddy Mabardy at 781-729-6303 or e-mail: buddy@cjmabardy.com. Summer Hours: Orthros: 8:15 am & Liturgy: 9:30 am. Summer might be a GREAT time for you to start participating in this Ministry!
STUDENTS STARTING COLLEGE – The Orthodox Christian Fellowship wants to identify all Orthodox students who will be beginning college this fall, in order to reach out to them and give them information regarding the OCF chapter on campus and nearby Orthodox parishes. To give your student’s information, please go to www.ocf.net/wikis/resources/new-student-contact-form.aspx download the New Student Contact Form and once you’ve filled it out, please e-mail to contacts@ocf.net OR call the Church Office 617-547-1234 for assistance. NOTE: All information remains confidential.
ORTHODOX STUDY BIBLES FOR SALE - There are seven ORTHODOX STUDY BIBLES (Old and New Testaments) available for purchase at our cost of $25.00 (usually $50.00). Anyone interested in purchasing one should speak to Marilyn Robbat in the Church Office to reserve a copy. Checks should be made payable to St. Mary Orthodox Church.
ROOM OR ROOMMATE NEEDED – A parishoner of Holy Cross Antiochian Orthodox Church in the Baltimore, Maryland area is looking for a room to rent, ideally in the home of Orthodox Christians or with Orthodox Christian roommate(s). She has been a working professional for several years and is now becoming a graduate student at Holy Cross in September. She is looking to be near a bus line (though is bringing an older model Honda Accord). She needs a place to call home away from home starting Thursday, August 30. If you have a room to rent or know someone looking to rent a room or for a roommate, contact Katherine Mowers at katherine000@gmail.com.
ST. THEKLA PILGRIMAGE – The annual pilgrimage to St. Thekla Convent at Antiochian Village will be held Friday through Sunday, September 21-23. Check the church bulletin board for registration forms – registration deadline: September 1.
CHURCH SCHOOL – Registration for Church School for 2012-2013 will be Sunday, September 9. Church School classes will begin Sunday, September 16.
SONIA’S RUN - The fourth annual 5k road race to benefit the Theophany School, in honor of beloved friend Sonia Belcher, will be held on Saturday, September 17. This family fun day includes Kids' 50m fun run at 8:30am with medals for all participants, bouncy house, cotton candy, balloon animals, cookout, raffles, and Prizes: cash prizes for top three male and female finishers overall, and medals for top three in each age category. See www.soniasrun.org for more information.
LITURGICAL MUSIC CONCERT - The Choir of St. Romanos the
Melodist of the Archdiocese of Beirut will be performing a concert of
Syro-Byzantine Liturgical Music on their Fall 2012 Tour of the USA from
September 10 – 24. The choir is led by the Priest Romanos Joubran, Dean
of St. George Cathedral in Beirut and instructor of Byzantine music and
has produced several professional recordings and performed throughout
Lebanon and Europe.
The first concert will be Wednesday, September 19 at St. George Cathedral, Worcester at 7:00 pm. Limited Tickets are available. Contact Cathedral Office (508) 752-9150
& reservations are not confirmed until payment is received. Cost:
$20/Adult; $10/College Students with a valid school ID; Children 12 and
under: Free. Refreshments to follow.
The second concert will be Friday, September 21 at St. George Church, West Roxbury at 7:30 pm. Admission: $10.00 at the door. Reception following.
This tour has been funded through the generosity of the Order of St.
Ignatius of Antioch, the charitable arm of the Antiochian Archdiocese of
North America.
ENQUIRERS' CLASS - The St. Ignatius Catechetical Group - Enquirers’ Class will begin meeting on Sunday, September 23 at 9:00 am in the library (next door to Fr. Antony’s office). The group is for non-Orthodox adults who are interested in exploring the Christian Faith as it has been – and continues to be – understood, preached, and lived by members of the Holy Orthodox Church who descend from the early Christian community of Antioch where “the disciples were for the first time called Christians” (Acts 11:26). Bob Kowalik will be teaching the group using materials developed and piloted by St. Mary catechist emeritus David Vermette. If you would like to participate, please talk to Bob during coffee hour; or get in touch by phone at 617-889-3436 or e-mail r.kowalik@comcast.net. Brochures are available on the Rack behind Bengarri. For those seeking to be received into the Orthodox Church, participation in the group and Fr. Antony’s blessing are required.
PASTORAL VISIT – Join us for the Pastoral Visit of His Grace, Bishop JOHN on Saturday and Sunday, September 29 & 30, 2012.
Saturday, September 29: Great Vespers at 5:00 pm, followed by Dinner with Bishop JOHN
in the Church Hall (a fund raiser to send our children to Antiochian
Village in July, 2013). Tickets for Adults: $45.00 per person includes
Dinner, Beer, Wine & entertainment by Fouad Hajjar. Children Under
18: $35 per person. NO TICKETS SOLD AT DOOR.
Sunday, September 30: Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am, followed by a Celebratory Coffee Hour.
For reservations contact Mary Winstanley O’Connor at 617-523-1010 moconnor@koilaw.com, or Diane Mabardi at 617-720-6100 diane@ggatravel.com Tables of 8 may be reserved in advance.
SEMINARIANS RECEPTION – The Antiochian Women of our Diocese invite you to a Reception honoring our Seminarians on Sunday, September 30, at St. George West Roxbury. Vespers will be at 4:00 pm, followed by the reception in the Church Hall. Hot & cold hors d’ouevres and dessert will be served. All are welcome.
MARRIAGE SEMINAR - The Deanery of Worcester & New England will offer a Seminar for Couples on Thursday (note change) and Saturday, October 4 & 6, at St. John of Damascus Church, 300 West St., Dedham, MA. The seminar is for those preparing for marriage and all those interested, and guest speaker will be His Grace, Bishop JOHN. Registration forms are available on the St. Mary church bulletin board; cost is $30/couple. Talks and sessions will include A Vision of Marriage; Betrothal – Commitment and Grace; Crown Them With Honor; For This Cause Shall a Man Leave Father & Mother – Family Dynamics; and You Just Don’t Understand – Man/Woman Communication and Culture
REGULAR REMINDERS
COFFEE HOUR SIGNUP – A signup sheet for coffee hours is posted on the bulletin board outside the coat room. There are plenty of dates to choose from – sign up now for the date you will sponsor the coffee hour!
DONATE VIA eGIVE– Did you know that you can make your donations to St. Mary through eGive, and have no more envelopes or checks to worry about? If you have not yet set up an account, you can do it at www.egive-usa.com, or contact Charlie Marge (marge@alum.mit.edu) for help. The Recipient Organization is “St. Mary’s Orthodox Church.”
STREAMING VIDEO – St. Mary’s Church services are broadcast live each week through an internet video stream. If you can't attend a service in person or want to share this ministry with a friend or loved one, the live stream can be viewed at www.stmaryorthodoxchurch.org/live during regularly scheduled service times (see the schedule of services below or online). If you have questions or comments about this ministry please contact us at live@stmaryorthodoxchurch.org.
VIDEO STREAMING FOR EVENTS – Now you can video stream your wedding or baptism live from St. Mary’s to friends and family who can't attend your event in person. The cost for Event Video Streaming is $150 for members, $300 for non-members, and includes a password- protected viewing page and setup and breakdown of the streaming service for your event by a trained staff member. You can also get a copy of your streamed event on CD: $50 for members, $100 for non-members. Fees are payable to the church. Streaming is subject to staff availability. For general questions on the video streaming ministry or event streaming, please contact live@stmaryorthodoxchurch.org. To schedule your event and/or request Event Video Streaming, please contact the Church Office.
PROTECT YOUR VALUABLES – Please do not leave valuables unattended in the Church Hall or Coat Room.
FIRST IN, LAST OUT – Please do not park in the small lot behind the church unless you intend to stay through the end of coffee hour. The only way out is the single lane driveway. Please pull all the way in to the parking space, and please do not block the driveway – if the lot is full, you can park on the street.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR SERVICE
There are a number of ways you can help the Church, your fellow worshippers and those in need. Consider serving in one of these ways:
BE A GREETER - The Parish Council is continuing the Greeter Program, similar to other churches, to greet and aid parishioners, guests and visitors into the Church each Sunday. As a Greeter, you will welcome people into the Church and help to direct visitors upstairs to the Liturgy, as well as keeping an eye on the Vestibule, hallways and entrance ways during church, arriving at Church at 9:45 am. Greeting time ends when Communion starts. We need volunteers. If you would like to be a Greeter, a Sign-Up Sheet is posted on the Church Bulletin Board. If you have any questions, please contact Buddy by e-mail buddy@cjmabardy.comor call him at 781-729-6303. “I was a stranger, and you invited me in………” (Matthew 25:35)
LITURGICAL SERVICE - Each Sunday, members of the congregation are needed to read the Epistle and assist during Communion by holding the Communion Cloths and Holy Bread Baskets. All Orthodox Christians in the Parish are welcome and encouraged to participate. We usually need one Epistle and six people to hold cloths and baskets. If you would like to read the Epistle or assist during Communion, please contact Jeff Wasilko, 781-820-0882, jeffw@smoe.org.
COFFEE HOUR – People are needed every week to provide coffee, juice and cookies, or more if desired, and set it up Sunday morning. To sign up for an available Sunday, please put your name on the new signup sheet on the bulletin board outside the Hall or call Marilyn Robbat in the Parish Office and she will write your name in. If you need any help with figuring out what to bring or do, check the list below the signup sheet (also printed in the Bulletin), or ask Marilyn at secretary@stmaryorthodoxchurch.org or 617-547-1234.
PRISON MINISTRY – If you would like to find out more about Prison Ministry at St. Mary’s Church, please subscribe to our mailing list at http://groups.google.com/group/ocpm-concord
"As you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me," says our Lord.
THIS SUNDAY'S VOLUNTEERS
GREETER: If you would like to be a Greeter please contact Buddy by e-mail buddy@cjmabardy.com or call him at 781-729-6303.
LITURGICAL SERVICE: If you would like to read the Epistle or assist during Communion, please contact Jeff Wasilko, 781-820-0882, jeffw@smoe.org.
COFFEE HOUR: No coffee hour
LITURGICAL SCHEDULE FOR THIS WEEK
Saturday, August 18: Great Vespers 5:00 pm
Sunday, August 19: Orthros 8:15 am, Divine Liturgy 9:30 am (Summer Hours)
SCRIPTURE READINGS for Sunday, August 12:
Epistle: St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 9:2-12
Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard
without eating any of its fruit? Who tends a flock without getting some
of the milk? Do I say this on human authority? Does not the law say the
same? For it is written in the law of Moses, "You shall not muzzle an ox
when it is treading out the grain."
Gospel: Matthew 18:23-35
… Then his lord summoned [the unmerciful servant] and said to him, 'You
wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you besought me; and
should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on
you?' And in anger his lord delivered him to the jailors, till he
should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one
of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart."
LOOKING AHEAD
Saturday, August 25: Great Vespers 5:00 pm
Sunday, August 26: Orthros 8:15 am, Divine Liturgy 9:30 am - Last day of summer hours
Sunday, September 2: Regular hours begin: Orthros 8:45 am; Divine Liturgy 10:00 am
Friday, September 7: Evening Liturgy for Feast of Nativity of the Holy Theotokos
6:30 p.m
Sunday, September 9: Church School registration
Sunday, September 16: Church School classes begin
Saturday, September 29: Great Vespers 5:00 pm, followed by Dinner with Bishop JOHN
Sunday, September 30: Orthros 8:45 am; Hierarchical Divine Liturgy 10:00 am, followed by a Celebratory Coffee Hour.
INSIGHT
Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.
- Mark Twain
The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.
- Mohandas Gandhi
Forgiveness is the final form of love.
- Reinhold Niebuhr
The glory of Christianity is to conquer by forgiveness.
- William Blake
When we forgive evil we do not excuse it, we do not tolerate it, we do
not smother it. We look the evil full in the face, call it what it is,
let its horror shock and stun and enrage us, and only then do we forgive
it.
- Lewis B. Smedes
Imagine the vanity of thinking that your enemy can do you more damage than your enmity.
- St. Augustine
Some, for the sake of forgiveness, give themselves up to labor and
struggles, but a man who is forgetful of wrongs excels them. If you
forgive quickly, then you will be generously forgiven.
- St. John Climacus, The Ladder of Divine Ascent