November 21, 2010

Feast of the Presentation of the Theotokos in the Temple

    The Presentation of the Holy Virgin into the Temple is found in the apocryphal gospels, which describe the three-year-old Mary being taken by her parents to the Temple, where she remained in a life of holiness and dedication.  Though the story be legend, as symbol it yields insight into spiritual truth.  The scriptures for vespers, matins, and the divine liturgy all speak to the relationship between man and God within the context of the Temple and emphasize two themes: holiness and the superiority of the living, eternal temple to that built of stone.  In Mary we see both.  Rather than being sanctified by the Temple, she sanctifies the Temple and all mankind by becoming herself the perfect temple in which dwelt the eternal Son.  Truly she was set apart, even as a child and consecrated to the most glorious work God granted humanity.  Truly she is the instrument by which we, too, become living temples in which God lives and which live eternal.  Truly we, the holy, catholic church, the living Temple of God, open our doors to her, most blessed of women, the Holy Mother of God.

Hebrews 9:11-14:  In our reading from Hebrews, we hear the Apostle tell us that when Christ entered the heavenly Holy of Holies through His own blood, He obtained for us eternal redemption for our sins.

 Luke 10:38-42, 11:27-28:  In these passages from Luke the focus is on devotion and obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ.  In the first part, Martha was distracted and troubled about many things in providing hospitality for Jesus.  But the one thing needed was for her to listen to Christ, to hear His words – a priority which certainly does not exclude serving Him.  In the second part, we read that God’s blessing falls not upon those who have prominent family connections, but upon those who hear the word of God and keep it.  Jesus is not denigrating His mother; she both heard God’s word and kept it, and thus be­came the most blessed of women.

Troparion of the Resurrection:  The stone being sealed by the Jews, and thy pure body being guarded by the soldiers, thou didst arise on the third day, O Saviour, granting life to the world.  Wherefore, the heavenly powers acclaimed thee, O Giver of life, crying, Glory to thy Resurrection, O Christ! Glory to thy kingdom! Glory to thy gracious providence, O only Lover of mankind.

Troparion of the Presentation of the Theotokos:  Today the Virgin is the foreshadowing of the pleasure of God, and the beginning of the preaching of the salvation of mankind.  You have appeared in the Temple of God openly and have gone before, preaching Christ to all.  Let us shout with one thrilling voice, saying, Rejoice, O you who are the fulfillment of the Creator’s dispensation.

Troparion of the Chains of St. Peter: O Holy Apostle, Peter, thou dost preside over the Apostles by the precious chains which thou didst bear.  We venerate them with faith and beseech thee that by thine intercessions we be granted the great mercy.

Kontakion of the Presentation of the Theotokos:  The all-pure temple of the Saviour, the most precious bridal-chamber and Virgin, the treasure-house of the glory of God, today enters the Temple of the Lord, bringing with her the grace which is in the divine Spirit; whom also the angels of God do celebrate in song; for she is the heavenly tabernacle.

CALENDAR

Sunday, November 21   (Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple)

            8:50 a.m.         — Orthros

            9:00 a.m.         — Christian Education

            10: a.m.           — Divine Liturgy

            12:00 p.m.       — Pot Luck Meal

            1:00 p.m.         — Young Adults

Monday, November 22    

            Office Closed  — Father John’s Day Off

Tuesday, November 23   

            6:00 a.m.         — Daily Orthros

Wednesday, November 24

            6:30 p.m.         — Paraklesis Service

Thursday, November 25    (Great-martyrs Catherine and Mercurios)

            NO  Daily Orthros

Friday, November 26  

            NO  Daily Orthros

Saturday, November 27  

NO Catechism Class

            5:45 p.m.         — Ninth Hour Prayers followed by Great Vespers

Sunday, November 28   (Twenty-seventh Sunday after Pentecost)

            8:50 a.m.         — Orthros

            9:00 a.m.         — Christian Education

            10: a.m.           — Divine Liturgy

            1:00 p.m.         — Young Adults

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Eucharist Bread …was offered by the Dn. Richard Roots for the Divine Liturgy today.

Please be very careful with the Blessed Bread when you take it after communion.  Because this bread has been blessed, we should take care not to let crumbs fall on the floor.  Parents, especially, please help your children to choose a small piece and treat it carefully.

Be sure to schedule a time for confession with your priest during the Fast of the Nativity.

Our prayers and condolences go to Deborah (Callaway) Finley, her father, Bobby, her sisters, Donna Sue and Tommy Lynn and the rest of their family on the falling asleep this week of Deborah’s mother, Sue Webb.

Please remember the following in your prayers:  Sandra Strain, Warren, Tiffany and Brandon; Mrs. Gouras, Ken, Anastasia and their family; the Longa and Dn. Sidney Elliott families from St. John’s in Memphis; Sh. Charlotte Algood,   Dn. Terry and their family; Fr. James and Kh. Linda Ellison; Bobby Webb (Deborah Finley’s father); Tom Skirtech, Amy and Brantley Oliver; Reader Basil’s family; Aidan Milnor, the Milnor family; Jared and Stacy Autrey and their daughter Olivia Kate  (St. Ignatius in Franklin).

Please continue to pray for the health of His Grace, bishop ANTOUN.        

Please pray for  David Turner’s mother, Mary Jeanne Turner, who has been seriously ill.

Eucharist Bread and Coffee Hour Schedule:

                                                      Eucharist Bread                     Coffee Hour

         November 21                        R. Roots                                   POT LUCK MEAL           

                                                                 (Set-up/Clean-up:  Danereaus, D. Roots, Meadows)

         November 28                        Hendersons                              Morrises

         December 5                          Algoods                                   Strains       

         December 6 (Mon. a.m.)       Katools                                    Meadows

                  (Feast of St. Nicholas the Wonder-worker)                 

         December 12                        Schelvers                                 Joneses                 

         December 19                        Morrises                                   Dn. R. Roots

         December 24 (Fri. p.m.)       Jones                                       Sh Charlote Algood/

                  (Feast of the Nativity of our Lord)                               Kh. Be’Be’ Schelver

         December 26                        Meadows                                 Woods      

         December 31 (Fri. p.m.)       Bakers (Artoklasia Bread)

                  (Feast of the Circumcision of our Lord and of St. Basil the Great)                      

Schedule for Epistle Readers – Page numbers refer to the Apostolos (book of the Epistles) located on the front pew.  Please be sure to use this book when you read.

                                    Reader                               Reading                              Page#

November 21              Kh. Be’Be’ Schelver           Heb. 9:1-7                               337

November 28              Brenda Baker                     Eph. 6:10-17                           223

December 5                 Tom Willingham                 Gal.5:22-6:2                            222

December 6 (a.m.)      Kh. Sharon Meadows         Heb. 13:17-21                         343

December 12               Tom Skirtech                      Eph. 5:8-19                             78

December 19               Walt Wood                         Heb.11:9-10; 17:23,32-40       348

December 24 (p.m.)    Warren Strain                     Gal. 4:4-7                                351

December 26               Sh. Charlotte Algood          Gal. 1:11-19                            188

The information for the Angel Tree is located on the table in the hallway outside the nave.  This year we are sponsoring ten children.  Please take  note that the items you purchase must be turned in no later than December 4^th .

During the upcoming Fast of the Nativity we will celebrate the Paraklesis service on Wednesday evenings instead of Daily Vespers.  These services are an important part of our preparation for the Feast of the Nativity.  Therefore, you should make every effort to attend them.

St. Nicholas Offering:  This year the money that we collect from our St. Nicholas offering on Sunday, December 5^th will be sent to the Little Lighthouse to help children with disabilities.

The Madison Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, December 4^th.  Anna Kathryn Stewart and Cliff Stewart will head this up once again.  We need volunteers to help with the float and also to ride it and to walk beside it during the parade.  If you can help with this, please contact Anna Kathryn or Cliff (SOON).

We will begin our celebration of the feast of the Nativity of our Lord with Orthros followed by the Divine Liturgy, beginning at 10:00 p.m. on Friday evening, December 24^th.  A sign-up sheet for food for the meal afterwards will be available soon.

Calendar Items:

·         The Men of the parish have begun meeting for lunch and fellowship on the first Thursday of the month. The next meeting will be held at the restaurant at the Agricultural Museum (Lakeland Drive) on Thursday, December 2^nd at ll:30 a.m.

·         Paraklesis Services will be held on Wednesday evenings in place of Daily Vespers during the fast of the Nativity.

·         Madison Christmas Parade takes place on Saturday, December 4^th.

·         The Feast of St. Nicholas will be celebrated with Divine Liturgy (only) Monday morning, December 6^th at 6:00 a.m.

·         We will hold a One Year Memorial for Sara Cooper on Sunday, December 19^th.

·         The Nativity services will begin at 10:00 p.m. on Friday evening, December 24^th .

·         We will celebrate the Feast of the Circumcision of our Lord and the feastday

of St. Basil the Great with Great Vespers with Litia and Artoclasia on Friday evening, December 31^st, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

·         The Lower MS Valley Deanery will hold its annual Youth Retreat the weekend of February 11-13 at Roosevelt State Park in Morton.  Information of registration, etc. will be available at a later date.

Fasting Discipline for November/December

Beginning on November 15^th, the first day of the Nativity Fast, the traditional fasting (no meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, wine and oil)  is observed each day of the week.  Note, however, that through December 19^th there is a katalysis on Tuesdays and Thursdays when wine and oil are permitted, and on Saturdays and Sundays when fish, wine and oil are permitted.  From December 20-24 the traditional fasting is observed on all days.  From December 25^th through January 4^th there is no abstinence of any sort and all types of food are permitted.

Major Commemorations During November/December

         November 23   St. Amphilochios of Iconium

         November 25   St. Catherine the Great-martyr

         November 30   Apostle Andrew, the First-called

         December 4     Great –martyr Barbara and Father John Damascene

         December 5     Sava the Sanctified

         December 6     Nicholas of Myra

         December 9     Conception of the Theotokos

         December 12   Spyridon the Wonder-worker

         December 15   Hieromartyr Eleutherios

         December 20   God-bearer Ignatius of Antioch

         December 25   Nativity of our Lord

         December 26   Synaxis of the Theotokos

                        Sunday after Nativity – Commemoration of Joseph the Betrothed, David

                         the Prophet and King, and James the Brother of the Lord

December 27   Protomartyr Stephen

If you are the last to leave the building, please make sure that the heating and cooling unit in the Fellowship Hall is set to the optimum temperature for the building when unoccupied.

Quotable:  “The saints of God live even after their death.  Thus, I often hear in church the Mother of God singing in her wonderful, heart-penetrating song which she said in the house of her cousin Elizabeth, after the Annunciation of the Archangel.  At times, I hear the song of Moses; the song of Zacharias—the father of the Forerunner; that of Hannah, the mother of the Prophet Samuel; that of the three children; and that of Miriam.  And how many holy singers of the New Testament delight until now the whole Church of God!  And the Divine service itself—the sacraments, the rites?  Whose spirit is there, moving and touching our hearts?  That of God and of His saints.  Here is a proof for you of the immortality of men’s souls.  How is it that all these men have died, and yet are governing our lives after their death—they are dead and they still speak, instruct and touch us?”

                                                Fr. John of Kronstadt  

Worship:         Sunday, November 28, 2010 (Twenty-seventh Sunday after Pentecost)

         Scripture:                         Ephesians 6:10-17; Luke 18:18-27

         Celebrant:                        Father John

         Epistle Reader:                 Brenda Baker

         Prosphora:                       Hendersons

         Coffee Hour:                    Morrises

November 14, 2010

Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost

Holy Apostle Philip

Acts 8:26-39:  In the passage from Acts, we read of the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch by Philip.  One of the main points of this passage is that one does not make oneself a Christian.  Baptism is a crucial act of entry into salvation – into the Church.  The apostolic pattern of conversion is: (1) hearing Christ preached, (2) acceptance of Christ by faith, and (3) baptism.

Luke 10:25-37:  From the Gospel reading we hear the parable of the Good Samaritan in which    the Lord teaches us that to love one’s neighbor requires giving of our time and money in addition to prayers and good words.

Troparion of the Resurrection:  O compassionate One, thou didst descend from the heights; thou didst submit to the three-day burial, that thou might deliver us from passion.  Thou art our Life and our Resurrection, O Lord, glory to thee.

Troparion of St. Philip:  O Holy Apostle Philip, intercede with our merciful God to grant our souls forgiveness of sins.

Troparion of the Chains of St. Peter: O Holy Apostle, Peter, thou dost preside over the Apostles by the precious chains which thou didst bear.  We venerate them with faith and beseech thee that by thine intercessions we be granted the great mercy.

Kontakion of the Presentation of the Theotokos:  The all-pure temple of the Saviour, the most precious bridal-chamber and Virgin, the treasure-house of the glory of God, today enters the Temple of the Lord, bringing with her the grace which is in the divine Spirit; whom also the angels of God do celebrate in song; for she is the heavenly tabernacle.

CALENDAR

Sunday, November 14   (Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost; Holy Apostle Philip)

            8:50 a.m.         — Orthros

            9:00 a.m.         — Christian Education

            10:00 a.m.       — Divine Liturgy

            12:00 p.m.       — Ladies of St. Peter

            5:30 p.m.         — Youth Group

Monday, November 15    FAST OF THE NATIVITY BEGINS

            Office Closed  — Father John’s Day Off

Tuesday, November 16   (Apostle Mathew) 

            6:00 a.m.         — Daily Orthros

Wednesday, November 17

            5:00 p.m.         — Catechism Class

            6:30 p.m.         — Paraklesis Service followed by Parish Council Meeting

            7:30 p.m.         — Choir Practice

Thursday, November 18   

            6:00 a.m.         — Daily Orthros

Friday, November 19  

            6:00 a.m.         — Daily Orthros

Saturday, November 20  

8:30 a.m.         — Workday at the Church

5:00 p.m.         — Catechism Class

            5:45 p.m.         — Ninth Hour Prayers followed by Great Vespers

Sunday, November 21   (Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple)

            8:50 a.m.         — Orthros

            9:00 a.m.         — Christian Education

            10:00 a.m.       — Divine Liturgy

            12:00 p.m.       — Pot Luck Meal

            1:00 p.m.         — Young Adults

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Eucharist Bread …was offered by the Woods for the Divine Liturgy today.

Please be very careful with the Blessed Bread when you take it after communion.  Because this bread has been blessed, we should take care not to let crumbs fall on the floor.  Parents, especially, please help your children to choose a small piece and treat it carefully.

Eucharist Bread and Coffee Hour Schedule:

                                                      Eucharist Bread                     Coffee Hour

         November 14                        Woods                                     Pigotts

         November 21                        R. Roots                                   POT LUCK MEAL           

                                                                 (Set-up/Clean-up:  Danereaus, D. Roots, Meadows)

         November 28                        Hendersons                              Morrises    

Schedule for Epistle Readers – Page numbers refer to the Apostolos (book of the Epistles) located on the front pew.  Please be sure to use this book when you read.

                                    Reader                               Reading                              Page#

November 14              Mildred Morris                   Acts 8:26-39                            42

November 21              Kh. Be’Be’ Schelver           Heb. 9:1-7                               337

November 28              Brenda Baker                     Eph. 6:10-17                           223

Please remember the following in your prayers:  Sandra Strain, Warren, Tiffany and Brandon; Mrs. Gouras, Ken, Anastasia and their family; the Longa and Dn. Sidney Elliott families from St. John’s in Memphis; Sh. Charlotte Algood,   Dn. Terry and their family; Fr. James and Kh. Linda Ellison; Bobby and Sue Webb (Deborah Finley’s parents); Tom Skirtech, Amy and Brantley Oliver; Reader Basil’s family; Aidan Milnor, the Milnor family; Jared and Stacy Autrey and their daughter Olivia Kate  (St. Ignatius in Franklin).

Please continue to pray for the health of His Grace, bishop ANTOUN.        

During the upcoming Fast of the Nativity we will celebrate the Paraklesis service on Wednesday evenings instead of Daily Vespers., beginning November 17^th.  These services are an important part of our preparation for the Feast of the Nativity.  Therefore, you should make every effort to attend them.

St. Nicholas Offering:  This year the money that we collect from our St. Nicholas offering on Sunday, December 5^th will be sent to the Little Lighthouse to help children with disabilities.

The Madison Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, December 4^th.  Anna Kathryn Stewart and Cliff Stewart will head this up once again.  We need volunteers to help with the float and also to ride it and to walk beside it during the parade.  If you can help with this, please contact Anna Kathryn or Cliff (SOON).

Calendar Items:

·         The Men of the parish have begun meeting for lunch and fellowship on the first Thursday of the month.  

·         The Fast of the Nativity begins TOMORROW.  Paraklesis Services will be held on Wednesday evenings in place of Daily Vespers during the fast.

·         Workday at the Church NEXT Saturday, beginning with breakfast at 8:30 a.m.

·         The Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple is November 21^st.  Since it falls on Sunday this year, we will celebrate with a Pot Luck Meal.

·         Madison Christmas Parade takes place on Saturday, December 4^th.

·         The Feast of St. Nicholas will be celebrated with Orthros followed by Divine Liturgy Monday morning, December 6^th at 6:00 a.m.

·         We will hold a One Year Memorial for Sara Cooper on Sunday, December 19^th.

Fasting Discipline for November

The traditional fasting (no meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, wine and oil) is observed on all Wednesdays and Fridays in the first half of the month.  Then beginning on November 15^th, the first day of the Nativity Fast, the traditional fasting is observed each day of the week.  Note, however, that through December 19^th there is a katalysis on Tuesdays and Thursdays when wine and oil are permitted, and on Saturdays and Sundays when fish, wine and oil are permitted.

Major Commemorations During November

         November 14   Apostle Philip

         November 16   Apostle and Evangelist Matthew

         November 21   Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple

         November 23   St. Amphilochios of Iconium

         November 25   St. Catherine the Great-martyr

         November 30   Apostle Andrew, the First-called

If you are the last to leave the building, please make sure that the heating and cooling unit in the Fellowship Hall is set to the optimum temperature for the building when unoccupied.

Quotable:  “To what end do fasting and penitence lead?  For what purpose is this trouble taken?  They lead to the cleansing of the soul from sins, to peace of heart, to union with God; they fill us with devotion and sonship, and give us boldness before God.”

                                                Fr. John of Kronstadt  

Worship:         Sunday, November 21, 2010 (Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple)

         Scripture:                     Hebrews 9:1-7; Luke 10:38 to end, 11:27-38

         Celebrant:                    Father John

         Epistle Reader:             Kh. Be’Be’ Schelver

         Prosphora:                   Dn. Richard Roots

         Coffee Hour:                POT LUCK MEAL  (Set-up/Clean-up:  Danereaus,

                                                                               D. Roots, Meadows)

November 7, 2010

Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost

Ephesians 2:14-19: In our reading from Ephesians, we are reminded that Christ not only brought us into union with Himself, but also into union with each other and the faithful saints who have gone before us to be with the Lord.

Luke 8:41-56:  From the Gospel of Luke we hear of Jesus healing a woman with a hemorrhage   and raising a young girl from death; showing His desire to heal suffering and to respond to the faith of those who come to Him.

Troparion of the Resurrection: Thou didst shatter death by thy Cross; thou didst open paradise to the thief; thou didst turn the mourning of the ointment-bearing women into joy, and didst bid thine Apostles proclaim warning that thou hast risen, O Christ, granting the world Great Mercy.

Troparion of the Martyrs:  Thy Martyrs, O Lord, in their courageous contest for Thee received as the prize the crowns of incorruption and life from Thee, our immortal God.  For since they possessed Thy strength, they cast down the tyrants and wholly destroyed the demons= strengthless presumption.  O Christ our God, by their prayers, save our souls, since Thou art merciful.

Troparion of the Chains of St. Peter: O Holy Apostle, Peter, thou dost preside over the Apostles by the precious chains which thou didst bear.  We venerate them with faith and beseech thee that by thine intercessions we be granted the great mercy.

Kontakion for Usual Sundays:  O undisputed intercessor of Christians, O mediatrix, who is unrejected by the Creator, turn not away from the voice of our petitions though we be sinners; come to us in time, who cry to thee in faith, for thou art good.  Hasten to us with intercessions, O Theotokos, who didst ever intercede for those who honor thee.

CALENDAR

Sunday, November 7   (Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost)

            8:50 a.m.         — Orthros

            9:00 a.m.         — Christian Education

            10: a.m.                       — Divine Liturgy

            1:00 p.m.         — Young Adults

Monday, November 8  (Archangels Michael and Gabriel)

            Office Closed  — Father John’s Day Off

Tuesday, November 9   (St. Nektarios) 

            6:00 a.m.         — Daily Orthros

Wednesday, November 10

            5:00 p.m.         — Catechism Class

            6:30 p.m.         — Daily Vespers

            7:30 p.m.         — Choir Practice

Thursday, November 11   

            6:00 a.m.         — Daily Orthros

Friday, November 12  

            6:00 a.m.         — Daily Orthros

Saturday, November 13   (Repose of St. John Chrysostom)   

5:00 p.m.         — Catechism Class

            5:45 p.m.         — Ninth Hour Prayers followed by Great Vespers

Sunday, November 14   (Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost; Holy Apostle Philip)

            8:50 a.m.         — Orthros

            9:00 a.m.         — Christian Education

            10: a.m.                       — Divine Liturgy

            12:00 p.m.       — Ladies of St. Peter

            1:00 p.m.         — Young Adults

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Eucharist Bread …was offered by the Fahmys for the feast of St. Raphael yesterday and by the Bakers for the Divine Liturgy today.

Please be very careful with the Blessed Bread when you take it after communion.  Because this bread has been blessed, we should take care not to let crumbs fall on the floor.  Parents, especially, please help your children to choose a small piece and treat it carefully.

Eucharist Bread and Coffee Hour Schedule:

                                                      Eucharist Bread                     Coffee Hour

         November 7                          Bakers                                     Fahmys

         November 14                        Woods                                     Pigotts

         November 21                        R. Roots                                   POT LUCK MEAL           

                                                                 (Set-up/Clean-up:  Danereaus, D. Roots, Meadows)

         November 28                        Hendersons                              Morrises    

Schedule for Epistle Readers – Page numbers refer to the Apostolos (book of the Epistles) located on the front pew.  Please be sure to use this book when you read.

                                    Reader                               Reading                             Page#

November 7                Warren Strain                     Eph. 2:14 to end                      207

November 14              Mildred Morris                   Acts 8:26-39                            42

November 21              Kh. Be’Be’ Schelver           Heb. 9:1-7                               337

November 28              Brenda Baker                     Eph. 6:10-17                           223

Please remember the following in your prayers:  Sandra Strain, Warren, Tiffany and Brandon; Mrs. Gouras, Ken, Anastasia and their family; the Longa and Dn. Sidney Elliott families from St. John’s in Memphis; Sh. Charlotte Algood,   Dn. Terry and their family; Fr. James and Kh. Linda Ellison; Bobby and Sue Webb (Deborah Finley’s parents); Tom Skirtech, Amy and Brantley Oliver; Reader Basil’s family; Aidan Milnor, the Milnor family; Jared and Stacy Autrey and their daughter Olivia Kate  (St. Ignatius in Franklin).

Please continue to pray for the health of His Grace, bishop ANTOUN.        

During the upcoming Fast of the Nativity we will celebrate the Paraklesis service on Wednesday evenings instead of Daily Vespers., beginning November 17^th.  These services are an important part of our preparation for the Feast of the Nativity.  Therefore, you should make every effort to attend them.

St. Nicholas Offering:  This year the money that we collect from our St. Nicholas offering on Sunday, December 5^th will be sent to the Little Lighthouse to help children with disabilities.

The Women of St. John Orthodox Church in Memphis will be holding their annual retreat on November 12-13^th.  Subdeacon Joshua Armitage will be speaking on Prayer, Imagination, and the Name of Jesus.  The cost is $35 (including meals) or $15 (without meals).  Flyers are available in the foyer.

The Madison Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, December 4^th.  Anna Kathryn Stewart and Cliff Stewart will head this up once again.  We need volunteers to help with the float and also to ride it and to walk beside it during the parade.  If you can help with this, please contact Anna Kathryn or Cliff (SOON).

Calendar Items:

·         The Men of the parish have begun meeting for lunch and fellowship on the first Thursday of the month.  

·         The Women of St. John’s annual retreat in Memphis is November 12-13^th.

·         The Fast of the Nativity begins on November 15^th.  Paraklesis Services will be held on Wednesday evenings in place of Daily Vespers during the fast.

·         The Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple is November 21^st.  Since it falls on Sunday this year, we will celebrate with a Pot Luck Meal.  (We will not have a meal on the first Sunday of the month.)

·         Madison Christmas Parade takes place on Saturday, December 4^th.

·         The Feast of St. Nicholas will be celebrated with Orthros followed by Divine Liturgy Monday morning, December 6^th at 6:00 a.m.

·         We will hold a One Year Memorial for Sara Cooper on Sunday, December 19^th.

Fasting Discipline for November

The traditional fasting (no meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, wine and oil) is observed on all Wednesdays and Fridays in the first half of the month.  Then beginning on November 15^th, the first day of the Nativity Fast, the traditional fasting is observed each day of the week.  Note, however, that through December 19^th there is a katalysis on Tuesdays and Thursdays when wine and oil are permitted, and on Saturdays and Sundays when fish, wine and oil are permitted.

Major Commemorations During November

         November 8     Archangels Gabriel and Michael

         November 9     St. Nektarios the Wonder-worker

         November 13   St. John Chrysostom (repose)

         November 14   Apostle Philip

         November 16   Apostle and Evangelist Matthew

         November 21   Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple

         November 23   St. Amphilochios of Iconium

         November 25   St. Catherine the Great-martyr

         November 30   Apostle Andrew, the First-called

Quotable:  “As you are aware, man in his words, does not die; he is immortal in them, and they will speak after his death.  I shall not die, but shall speak even after my death.  How many immortal words are in use amongst the living which were left by those who have died long ago, and which sometimes still live in the mouths of whole people!  How powerful is the word even of an ordinary man!  Still more so is the Word of God; it will live throughout all ages, and will always be living and acting.”

Fr. John of Kronstadt  

October 31, 2010

Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost

Ephesians 2:4-10:  St Paul, writing to the Ephesians, encourages us by reminding us that we who    were dead in our sins are now alive in our union with Christ because of  God’s mercy toward us and are now able to do the good works prepared for us.

Luke 16:19-31:  In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, our Lord teaches us that giving mercy to others, regardless of the form, is essential to holiness.

Troparion of the Resurrection:  When Mary stood at thy grave looking for thy sacred body, angelic powers shone above thy revered tomb, and the soldiers who were to keep guard became as dead men.  Thou led hades captive and wast not tempted thereby.  Thou didst meet the Virgin and didst give life to the world;  O thou who art risen from the dead!  O Lord, glory to thee.

Troparion of the Holy Apostles:  O Holy Apostles, intercede with our merciful God to grant our souls forgiveness of sins.

Troparion of the Chains of St. Peter: O Holy Apostle, Peter, thou dost preside over the Apostles by the precious chains which thou didst bear.  We venerate them with faith and beseech thee that by thine intercessions we be granted the great mercy.

Kontakion for Usual Sundays:  O undisputed intercessor of Christians, O mediatrix, who is unrejected by the Creator, turn not away from the voice of our petitions though we be sinners; come to us in time, who cry to thee in faith, for thou art good.  Hasten to us with intercessions, O Theotokos, who didst ever intercede for those who honor thee.

CALENDAR

Sunday, October 31   (Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost)

            NO Orthros

            NO Christian Education

            9:00 a.m.         — Divine Liturgy

11:00 a.m.       — Denis and Tatiana’s Wedding followed by a Reception in the

 Fellowship Hall

Monday, November 1  

            Office Closed  — Father John’s Day Off

Tuesday, November 2  

            NO Daily Orthros

Wednesday, November 3   (Dedication of the Church of St. George)  

            5:00 p.m.         — Catechism Class

            6:30 p.m.         — Daily Vespers

            7:30 p.m.         — Choir Practice

Thursday, November 4   

            6:00 a.m.         — Daily Orthros

            11:30 a.m.       — Men’s Luncheon at Keifer’s

Friday, November 5  

            6:00 a.m.         — Daily Orthros

Saturday, November 6   (St. Raphael of Brooklyn)   

9:00 a.m.         — Orthros followed by Divine Liturgy

5:00 p.m.         — Catechism Class

            5:45 p.m.         — Ninth Hour Prayers followed by Great Vespers

Sunday, November 7   (Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost)

            8:50 a.m.         — Orthros

            9:00 a.m.         — Christian Education

            10: a.m.                       — Divine Liturgy

            1:00 p.m.         — Young Adults

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Eucharist Bread …was offered by the Freundts for the Divine Liturgy today.

Please be very careful with the Blessed Bread when you take it after communion.  Because this bread has been blessed, we should take care not to let crumbs fall on the floor.  Parents, especially, please help your children to choose a small piece and treat it carefully.

Eucharist Bread and Coffee Hour Schedule:

                                                      Eucharist Bread                     Coffee Hour

         October 31                            Freundts                                   Schelvers

         November 6 (Sat. a.m.)         Fahmys                                    Karen Cooper

                  (St. Raphael of Brooklyn)

         November 7                          Bakers                                     Fahmys

         November 14                        Woods                                     Pigotts

         November 21                        R. Roots                                   POT LUCK MEAL           

                                                                 (Set-up/Clean-up:  Danereaus, D. Roots, Meadows)

         November 28                        Hendersons                              Morrises    

Schedule for Epistle Readers – Page numbers refer to the Apostolos (book of the Epistles) located on the front pew.  Please be sure to use this book when you read.

                                    Reader                               Reading                              Page#

October 31                  Sh. Charlotte Algood          Eph. 2:4-10                             202

November 6 (Sat. a.m.) Kh. Sharon Meadows       Heb. 7:26-8:3                          334

November 7                Warren Strain                     Eph. 2:14 to end                      207

November 14              Mildred Morris                   Acts 8:26-39                            42

November 21              Kh. Be’Be’ Schelver           Heb. 9:1-7                               337

November 28              Brenda Baker                     Eph. 6:10-17                           223

Denis and Tatiana’s Wedding!!  Denis Lavric and Tatiana Didic will be married this morning at 11:00 a.m. following the Divine Liturgy.  A reception will be held immediately afterward.  The entire church is invited to stay and help Denis and Tatiana celebrate this wonderful event!

Please remember the following in your prayers:  Mrs. Gouras, Ken, Anastasia and their family; the Longa and Dn. Sidney Elliott families from St. John’s in Memphis; Sh. Charlotte Algood,   Dn. Terry and their family; Fr. James and Kh. Linda Ellison; Bobby and Sue Webb (Deborah Finley’s parents); Tom Skirtech, Amy and Brantley Oliver; Reader Basil’s family; Aidan Milnor, the Milnor family; Jared and Stacy Autrey and their daughter Olivia Kate  (St. Ignatius in Franklin).

Please continue to pray for the health of His Grace, bishop ANTOUN.        

A special thanks to St. John Orthodox Church in Memphis for allowing us to borrow the wedding crowns for Denis and Tatiana’s wedding today.

During the upcoming Fast of the Nativity we will celebrate the Paraklesis service on Wednesday evenings instead of Daily Vespers., beginning November 17^th.  These services are an important part of our preparation for the Feast of the Nativity.  Therefore, you should make every effort to attend them.

The Women of St. John Orthodox Church in Memphis will be holding their annual retreat on November 12-13^th.  Subdeacon Joshua Armitage will be speaking on Prayer, Imagination, and the Name of Jesus.  The cost is $35 (including meals) or $15 (without meals).  Flyers are available in the foyer.

The Madison Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, December 4^th.  Anna Kathryn Stewart and Cliff Stewart will head this up once again.  We need volunteers to help with the float and also to ride it and to walk beside it during the parade.  If you can help with this, please contact Anna Kathryn or Cliff (SOON).

St. Nicholas Offering:  This year the money that we collect from our St. Nicholas offering on Sunday, December 5^th will be sent to the Little Lighthouse to help children with disabilities.

Calendar Items:

·         The Men of the parish have begun meeting for lunch and fellowship on the first Thursday of the month.  This month they will be meeting at Keifer’s at 11:30 a.m.

·         We will celebrate the Feast of St. Raphael of Brooklyn with Orthros followed by the Divine Liturgy NEXT Saturday morning, November 6^th, beginning at 9:00 a.m.

·         The Women of St. John’s annual retreat in Memphis is November 12-13^th.

·         The Fast of the Nativity begins on November 15^th.  Paraklesis Services will be held on Wednesday evenings in place of Daily Vespers during the fast.

·         The Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple is November 21^st.  Since it falls on Sunday this year, we will celebrate with a Pot Luck Meal.  (We will not have a meal on the first Sunday of the month.)

·         Madison Christmas Parade takes place on Saturday, November 4^th.

·         The Feast of St. Nicholas will be celebrated with Orthros followed by Divine Liturgy Monday morning, December 6^th  at 6:00 a.m.

·         We will hold a One Year Memorial for Sara Cooper on Sunday, December 19^th.

Fasting Discipline for November

The traditional fasting (no meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, wine and oil) is observed on all Wednesdays and Fridays in the first half of the month.  Then beginning on November 15^th, the first day of the Nativity Fast, the traditional fasting is observed each day of the week.  Note, however, that through December 19^th there is a katalysis on Tuesdays and Thursdays when wine and oil are permitted, and on Saturdays and Sundays when fish, wine and oil are permitted.

Major Commemorations During November

         November 1     Sts. Cosmos and Damian

         November 6     St. Raphael of Brooklyn

         November 8     Archangels Gabriel and Michael

         November 9     St. Nektarios the Wonder-worker

         November 13   St. John Chrysostom (repose)

         November 14   Apostle Philip

         November 16   Apostle and Evangelist Matthew

         November 21   Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple

         November 23   St. Amphilochios of Iconium

         November 25   St. Catherine the Great-martyr

         November 30   Apostle Andrew, the First-called

If you are the last to leave the building, please make sure that the heating and cooling unit in the Fellowship Hall is set to the optimum temperature for the building when unoccupied.

Quotable:  “Have you learned to see God and represent Him to yourself—as the omnipresent Wisdom, as the living, acting Word, as the vivifying Holy Spirit?  The Holy Scripture is the domain of Wisdom, Word and Spirit, of God in the Trinity; in it He clearly manifests Himself:  ‘The Words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life,’ said the Lord.  The writings of the Holy Fathers are again the expression of the Mind, Word and Spirit of the Holy Trinity, in which the spirit of the higher class (spiritually speaking) of mankind has largely participated; the writings of ordinary worldly men are the expression of the fallen spirit of men, with all their sinful attachments, habits and passions.  In the Holy Scriptures we see God face to face, and ourselves as we are.  Man, know thy self through them, and walk always as in the presence of God.”

                                                Fr. John of Kronstadt  

Worship:         Sunday, November 7, 2010 (Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost)

         Scripture:                    Ephesians 2:14 to the end; Luke 8:41-56

         Celebrant:                   Father John

         Epistle Reader:           Warren Strain

         Prosphora:                  Bakers

         Coffee Hour:               Fahmys