Weekday Services Friday, January 1, 2009
Circumcsion of Our Lord
Feast of Saint Basil the Great
New Years Day
Orthros: 8:30 a.m.
Divine Liturgy: 9:30 a.m.

In Memoriam 1 Year: Ariadne Wallach, Right, Rows 1-2

Fellowship Today's fellowship is sponsored by the "Panagia Community. Everyone is invited to join us in Plato Hall for fellowship.

Conversion To Orthodoxy Classes To Be Held Starting January 2010: Please be informed that Father Timothy will be conducting classes beginning in January, 2010, for all those individuals interested in converting to the Eastern Orthodox Faith. All those interested are asked to please contact Father Timothy directly either during the Coffee Fellowship Hour, or call the Church Office at 773.626.3114 and ask to speak to him.

New Year’s Resolutions: Once again, we are in the midst of the Christmas Holidays. And we often hear ourselves say, “I don`t know how it happened that they came so quickly this year, for it seems like the year 2009 just began. And now it`s nearly over”.
For some - maybe even you - this realization can cause feelings of disappointment or hope. Disappointment if you haven`t achieved the changes in your life that you set out to do as part of your 2009 New Years Resolutions. And hope that the year 2010 can be different, and that you can achieve the change that you want to make in your life. Below is an article that I came across that might help in some small way to get us on track as we approach the New Year 2010 in just a few short days.
If, by chance, you are disappointed because you haven`t achieved your goals this year, let me encourage you to get started today! There`s still time. You might not be able to achieve all that you set out to do in January, but you can still take steps right now to achieve (or at least make serious progress on) at least one of your 2009 resolutions. I`ll tell you how in a moment.
If you hope that 2010 can be different, let me encourage you to get a head start right now. No one says you have to wait until January 1. I give you permission to start today!


What New Year`s Resolutions Are Right for You? Here`s an easy way to determine your New Year`s Resolutions. First, start thinking of some of the things in your life that you already know you want to change, or that have troubled you for a while. Second, ask those who are close to you - your spouse, friends, co-workers, maybe even your boss - if they have any suggestions for you. If they`re honest, I`ll bet they`ll have a suggestion or two for you.
Chances are, one or more of these goals will probably end up on your list:
1. Get organized
2. Get out of debt
3. Lose weight
4. Quit smoking
5. Quit drinking
6. More time with friends and family
7. Enjoy life more
8. Learn a new skill
9. Get a better job (or maybe just any job)
10. Put God more into my life


Why Do Only a Few People Succeed in Making Change in Their Lives - And How Can You Be One of Them? I think the difference between success and failure in achieving New Year`s Resolutions is the difference between goals and wishes. A wish is something you hope for. A goal is something you plan for.
In my estimation, the vast majority of people are really just making wishes, not goals. And deep down, they expect to fail. Why else would so many people joke about not keeping their resolutions?
To be successful in achieving New Year`s Resolutions, or change in any area of life, we need to set realistic goals, make step-by-step plans, and take action.
Again, many people fail because this process is foreign to them – it’s not a part of most people`s life experience. Too many of us are content to largely just let life happen to us. We respond to what comes our way, but we don`t knock ourselves out to try to make things better or be different.


Eight Additional Ways to Increase Your Chance of Success: 1. Identify resources or tools that can help.
2. Enlist the support of a mentor or accountability partner.
3. Set aside a specific time each day or week to work on your goal.
4. Virtualize your success - imagine what your life would be like, in vivid detail, when this goal is achieved. Begin to act now like you`ve already achieved it.
5. Be specific in setting your goal. Write it down.
6. Be realistic in your expectations and deadlines.
7. Keep track of your time invested and progress made. You must inspect what you expect.
8. Plan to reward yourself when the goal is accomplished. It doesn`t have to be expensive or a big deal, but plan to reward yourself when you accomplish your goal.
9. And perhaps most important – set aside time to pray, time to worship in private as well as a family in Church AND in the home, allowing the power of Christ into your life and being.
A little thought and planning right now will help to propel you forward toward the successful achievement of your 2010 New Year`s Resolutions. Why not get started in changing your life today?
--- Borrowed


Save The Date: The Ladies Philoptochos Society has announced that the Annual Apokreatiko Glendi will be held at the Diplomat West Banquets in Elmurst on Sunday, January 31st, 2010. The Theme this year will be “Super Bowl Blast”. More information will follow in the coming weeks. Due to Pascha (Easter) being much earlier next year (April 4th), the Triodion and Great Lent will be starting much earlier, thus making Pascha fall on April 4th next year.

WEEKLY TRAY DONATIONS: Please be advised that the Parish Council has decided that effective January 2010, only one tray will be passed at the conclusion of the weekly Divine Liturgy. As you can appreciate and understand, the collection from the second tray does bring in a significant amount of revenue. Therefore it is hoped and anticipated that you will continue your support and generosity to our blessed Parish of Panagia with your gift in the one tray that will be passed each Sunday.

Saint Catherine’s Renovation Project: We are grateful to the individuals, families, and organizations who have responded to the appeal calling for the renovation of our beloved Saint Catherine’s Chapel. Several items have already been claimed, and we invite those who have not as yet, offered their support to this most worthy project, to please consider doing so. Enclosed in this weekly bulletin you will find the wish list. If you are interested in donating towards one of those items, or wish to contribute towards the overall project, please call the Church Office or make your donation payable to The Assumption Church”.

Website News www.AssumptionChicago.org There have been many exciting changes to our web site, check out the photo album with its many new pictures which now include Junior Olympics, Mini-Golf, Harvest Day and many more events. Keep an eye on our site for more changes to come. If you would like to be added to the list, please contact the church office and give them your address.

Please Note The Sacraments of the Orthodox Church, including the reception of Holy Communion, are reserved for those of the Orthodox Faith only, and who are also in Good Standing Ecclesiastically with the Church. If you are a visitor from another Denomination/Faith, we welcome you as an observer and guest.

Ushers George Arvanites, Diane Berbas, Jack Woods, John Vassiliades and Tom Collis.