MEMORIAL(S) – Today, we observe the following memorials:
A 40 day memorial for Stratty Matthews, beloved husband of Bessie, father of Sam and his wife Martha, Spero and his wife Toni, George and his wife Lena. Grandfather of Stratton, Vikkie, Stratton, Valerie, Marina, Nicholas, Rachel and Jonathan. Beloved brother and uncle to many dear family members.
A Trisagion for Stacy Manos, beloved friend of Claire Melissas and Katherine Mandas.
Eternal be their memory, eternal be their rest.
Coffee hour is sponsored by the Matthews family.

CLERGY-LAITY CONGRESS – The Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress begins today in Washington DC. The Congress is the highest legislative authority in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and determines the policies and guidelines of Church administration for all our Parishes. Fr. Jim and Stephen Bojekian, our parish council president will be representing St. Nicholas at this gathering. Keep our national Church in your prayers.

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

FLEA 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 have 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.


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 20th 4:00pm, 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.

SUMMER HOURS – Our summer hours of worship are Orthros 8:45am, Divine Liturgy 9:30am. This schedule will be observed until the end of September.

HOW TO BUILD A GREAT CHURCH
It takes skillful planning and diligent work to build. It is easy to kill a Church, but it takes good thinking and persistence to build a great Church. The great Churches of our land did not just happen. They have been built thru persistent effort. Here are a few suggestions for building a great Church:

1. Never allow a day to pass without taking time to pray for your Church and its ministry.
2. Never speak to anyone without praising your Church and priest. The criticism will be spoken loud and often. See that the praise is louder.
3. Never fail to be friendly to anyone in all Church Services, especially to newcomers and absentees. Nothing in the world can substitute for old-fashioned friendliness.
4. Never make your Church less important than social engagements, secular meetings, or anything else. There is no greater power for a Church than that of members who quietly but emphatically put it first.
5. Never refuse an opportunity to serve. Be willing to serve anywhere you are asked. All service ranks the same with God.
6. Attend Church every Sunday.