MEMORIAL(S) – Today, we observe the following memorial:
A-9 year and 17 year Trisagion for Nicholas and Demetra Digalakis, beloved parents of Connie Vogis.
Eternal be their memory, eternal be their rest.

A HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY – On the 4th of July, we celebrated the principles and ideals of independence and freedom in this great land, let us pause and reflect on the many blessings that our heavenly Father has bestowed upon each and every one of us. And may we each pause to rededicate in a special way our gifts and talents to God and Country, using them to insure that America and Americans are strong, courageous, faithful, patriotic God fearing people. GOD BLESS AMERICA. At the end of Divine Liturgy today, we would like all our faithful to stand and join in our 4th of July prayers.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2008 – Children from St. Nicholas are invited to join us this summer –
July 7-11, from 9:00am til noon for our annual summertime VBS. Each day children will take part in fun Bible learning at Bible Blast, team-building at Hyperspeed Games, Sonic Sing Bible songs,
Wacky Works Crafts, Cinema Science and Test Tube Treats at POWER LAB- DISCOVERING JESUS’ MIRACULOUS POWER. So complete your registration form and come join us. Children ages 5-12.
For more information, call Valerie Vittas at 973-839-4609. Registration forms can be found in the narthex.

ST. NICHOLAS AEGEAN FESTIVAL – Our 2008 Festival will be held this year on September 5th, 6th and 7th. Sign-ups for the Festival Volunteers has begun so please contact Melissa Gasparis (201) 934-7338; Michael Symeonides (973) 237-0306 or Jim Giokas (201) 664-7002 to volunteer to offer your assistance in any way you can during our Festival.

FLEE MARKET – Continue to bring in your clean items for our annual Flea Market. We have already begun to set up and sell items on Sunday in one of the classrooms and soon we will be setting up in the Parish Center. Small furniture is being accepted as well as glassware, dishes, books, toys, etc. As always, without your support the Flea Market would not exist! Clean out your basements, closets, garages and attics. Drop-off your treasures during the weekdays to the church classroom or on Sundays. If you small items, such as jewelry, kindly hand deliver to either, Irene Moreira 973-694-7422, Angela Hajiyerou 201-666-1175 or Raquel Christodoulou 201-694-0214. Feel free to contact us with any questions.

MISSION TRIP TO GUATEMALA – Do you believe in miracles? Witness and be a part of your faith in action. Mission trip to Guatemala City, Guatemala, Central America. Place: Hogar Rafael Ayau Orphanage. Dates: October 2 – October 9, 2008. Spiritual Leader Fr. Paul Pappas.
“We tell the missionaries who come to the Hogar, Home for Children, to let the children love them. This creates a little opening in their hearts. Because the missionaries are Orthodox like they are, the children see them as safe. The children need to be loved.” Madre Ines, Abbess
Your mission is to spend time with them, listen and laugh with them, pray with them, and feel the miracle of love.
For more information contact Georgia Lipane at 201-906-4622.


4TH OF JULY HUMOR – On Sunday morning, the pastor notices little Alex, standing in the foyer of the church, staring up at a large plaque. It was covered with names, with small American flags mounted on either side of it.

The seven year old had been staring at the plaque for some time, so the Pastor walked up, stood beside the little boy, and said quietly, “Good morning Alex.”

“Good morning pastor, what is this?” he asked the pastor.

The pastor said, “Well, son, it’s a memorial plaque to all the young men and women who died in the Service.”

Soberly, they just stood together, staring at the large plaque.

Finally, little Alex’s voice, barely audible and trembling with fear, asked, “Which service, the 8:30 or the 10:45.

CAMP GOOD SHEPHERD – Camp Good Shepherd is an Overnight Summer Camping Program sponsored by the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of NJ. We gather our young people (ages 8-18 as of July 2008) for one week of Orthodox Christian fun, faith and fellowship at the Linwood MacDonald Environmental Education and Conference Center in Branchville, NJ During this week we will learn about God and our Orthodox Faith while at the same time having a lot of fun in the sun. Activities will include: swimming, canoeing, hiking, archery, soccer, volleyball, basketball, wall climbing, capture the flag and dodge ball, as well as a ropes course and arts and crafts that will reinforce the religious discussions. Of course, no camp would be complete without a campfire and a skit night. We promise that it will be a week to remember and a chance to make new friends!
The dates are Sunday, July 6th, 4:00pm thru 12:00pm, Saturday, July 12th, for GOYA and from 4:00pm Sunday, July 20th, thru 12:00pm, Saturday, July 26th, for JOY.
The cost per camper is $375.00 ($50.00) Late Fee after June 15th). This price includes 3 meals/day, evening snacks, room and board, all materials and some surprises! The Linwood MacDonald Environmental Education and Conference Center is located at 1 Flatbrook Road, Branchville, NJ, 07826. The phone to the camp is 973-948-7090, the fax is 973-948-3272 and the email is cmarino@newarkymca.org or you may reach Fr. George’s cell at 732-232-1036. Directions can be downloaded at www.newarkymca.org/linwood. Contact Church office for registration forms.