2008 St. Spyridon Stewardship Drive Begins Nov. 4
Our St. Spyridon stewardship campaign begins this Sunday, Nov. 4, and culminates on Stewardship Sunday, which will take place Dec. 2.
As valued supporters of our parish, we ask that you prayerfully consider your 2008 Orthodox Christian Stewardship Commitment commensurate with your resources and your gratitude for the bounties and blessings our Lord has bestowed on you.
During 2007 we increased the amount pledged by 20 percent with an average pledge now at $1,150.00. With the commitment of your time, talents and treasures, St. Spyridon Church continues to become a vibrant and wonderful home for our families in Christ.
November Service Project Benefits Sierra Vista Health Care Center
To reach out to the community and help others, the parishioners of St. Spyridon will create Thanksgiving crafts and visit with the residents of Sierra Vista Health Care Center in Loveland this Sunday, Nov. 4.
Adults and children alike will deliver the projects to the center between 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. and visit with the residents for about a half an hour or longer, if possible. Please plan to participate in this service project; the residents are anxiously awaiting our visit.
The first service project, which took place in October, was a huge success. The community of St. Spyridon took just over 500 pounds of food to the House of Neighborly Service. Thanks to everyone for their generosity and time toward this endeavor. It is truly a testament to the kind hearts of our community.
Service projects, charitable work organized by St. Spyridon Friends of the Poor
St. Spyridon service projects are sponsored by our Friends of the Poor (Philoptochos) chapter, which organizes philanthropic and charitable work for those in need both locally and worldwide.
All parishioners are invited to be part of this vital ministry of our church. Contact Michelle Mantas (970) 988-9834 or Lauren Gonikishvili at (970) 324-3573 for more information.
A Friends of the Poor All Assembly Meeting will be held Wednesday, Nov. 7, at 7:15 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
Members Asked to Provide Church Bread, Coffee Hour
To help ensure that church bread (prosforo) and coffee hour are provided and available each Sunday, members of St. Spyridon will be asked to provide these gifts on an assignment basis. This will eliminate the need for last-minute phone calls or e-mails to fill in gaps.
This measure was approved during the spring General Assembly meeting, and the assignment roster will be distributed soon. Each family should only have to make prosforo or sponsor coffee hour once every three months. If you have questions, please contact Katerina Neuhauser at 416 -7311 or katerina.neuhauser@gmail.com
St. Spyridon education programs continue through the fall
Our St. Spyridon education programs, under the leadership of Father Evan, are continuing through the fall, offering something for every one of our parishioners.
Church School
November Church School lessons will focus on the prophecy of light and the prophecy of names. If you haven't done so, please register your child for Church School. Registration forms are still available in the Narthex.
Introduction to Christianity and the Orthodox Faith
Father Evan continues presenting "Introduction to Christianity and the Orthodox Faith, a 10-week seminar held Wednesday evenings throughout the fall. Each session begins with a short prayer service in our sanctuary at 5 p.m. followed by a free spaghetti dinner in the Fellowship Hall. There is a children's activity hour from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. guided by Presbytera Stacy while class is held in the sanctuary for adults. Join us each Wednesday evening as we gather and grow in our Orthodox faith.
Tuesdays with Father Evan
Bible Study classes and adult discussion sessions focusing on the Gospel of Saint Matthew are held every Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Everyone is welcome to attend any Bible Study class.
For more information on any of our St. Spyridon education programs, please call Father Evan at (970) 667-5778 or email him at frevan@stcatherinechurch.org
Celebration of the Feast of St. Spyridon is Dec. 9
A luncheon celebration of the Feast of Saint Spyridon, the Patron Saint of our Church, will take place Sunday, Dec. 9, following Hierarchal Divine Liturgy with His Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver. Please save the date. Additional details, including times, location and cost will be communicated soon.
Other News & Notes
2007 Stewardship: The year will be drawing to a close soon. If you haven`t submitted your 2007 stewardship pledge, please do so and become an active contributor to the exciting events taking place at St. Spyridon Church. Remember, your pledged contribution supports the ministries of this parish.
Women’s Retreat on Prayer: Friday, Nov. 2, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday Nov. 3, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Presented by St. Luke Orthodox Church, 1700 Stonehenge Drive in Lafayette, and lead by Mother Nektaria of St. Paul Skete, a women’s monastery in Tennessee. To register, contact Rita Rosson (303-651-3526 or ritarosson@msn.com). There is no fee, but an offering will be taken.
St. James Craft Fair: Saturday, Nov. 3, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sponsored by St. James Christian Church, 2610 SE Frontage Road in Fort Collins. Original craft items for sale as well as food and beverages and an Orthodox Shop.
St. Spyridon Parish Council Elections: Sunday, Nov. 11, following Divine Liturgy. Parishioners in good standing may vote for Parish Council members.
Metropolis Youth Basketball Tournament: Jan. 18-21, 2008. The annual basketball tournament will be held in Houston. For more information, including costs, registration materials, etc., please go to www.denver.goarch.org/youth/
Volunteer Opportunities
We are in need of volunteers to offer their time and talents in the following areas. Please reply to this email or speak with the contact person if you can help out with any of these areas.
Acolytes (Altar Boys)-- Boys ages 8+ are encouraged to assist the priest with Altar duties. No experience necessary; on the job training available! Please contact Fr. Evan or Dave Angelich to get fitted with a robe.
Bible Study Childcare Coordinator--Oversee the scheduling/rotation of volunteers to assist in childcare during Tuesday Bible Study sessions from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Ushering-Assist Parish Council Members in ushering duties during church services on a rotational basis.
If you are able to assist with any of these volunteer opportunities, please contact Kathy Chacho 9970) 377-1373 or KChacho@aol.com
Communications
Missed a Sunday and want to get caught up with Church happenings? Log on to www.stspyridon.co.goarch.org to find out the latest and greatest news going on at St. Spyridon. Special announcements will continue to be sent out monthly. We encourage everyone to submit their email addresses in order that you may receive the most updated monthly information regarding special church events/activities. Send your email address to stspyridoncol@mail.goarch.org to be included in the distributions.