ICONOGRAPHY RESTORATION As the iconography restoration and the addition of new iconography continue, there are a few more opportunities available. We are looking to add 3 more full body icons of saints. Each icon is $3000. Also, we would like to purchase the icon stand that we have been borrowing for funerals, baptisms, etc and the cost of that stand is also $3000. If you are interested in more information please speak with Father Chris or call the church office.


1ST GRADE CHURCH SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE There will be an open house held today, November 22nd in grade 1 at 10:30. Parents are encouraged to join their children in the classroom for today’s lesson.


JUNIOR GOYA NEWS ATTENTION JUNIOR GOYANS :  We will be going ice skating next Sunday November 29 at the McVann Skating rink in Peabody.   We plan to meet at 1:30 outside of the Educational Center and will return by 5 PM.  Any questions, please call Greg Spyropoulos at 978-815-9003.  Come join us and see what we are all about!!


Philoptochos Annual Christmas Party ;Thursday, December 3, 2009. Ho,Ho,Ho - Start your holiday season in a festive mood with the Philoptochos Christmas Party at the Educational Center. Come and enjoy good company, good food and be waited on! Background music will be available for your listening and dancing pleasure.
All Philoptochos members, their lady friends and relatives are invited. Cost is $30/person and reservations may be made for tables of 8 or 10. Please use the form bellow and mail it with your check to Soula Nikola,
by November 23, 2009 to: 399 Lowell Street, Peabody, 01960.

Notice of General Assembly; Monday, November 30, 2009 The Fall General Assembly Meeting will take place on Monday, November 30, 2009 at 7 p.m. in the Educational Center. All members in good standing are invited to attend & vote. The agenda will be as follows:
Call to Order
Opening Prayer
Selection of Moderator of General Assembly
Approval of Minutes of Previous General Assembly -August 4, 2009
President’s Report
Priest’s Report
Financial Report
Christian Stewardship Update
Old Business
New Business
Approval of 2010 Parish Budget
Ratification of Election Slate for December 13th Parish Elections
2008 Audited Financial Statement
Appointment of Auditing Committee for 2009
Adjournment
All meeting handouts are posted at www.stvasilios.org and are available at the church office.

If quorum is not met (25 members in good standing) the meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 1, at 7 p.m., with a quorum constituting of only 10 members in good standing.

Please note that Parish Council Elections will take place on Sunday December 13, 2009 from 10:30 to 12 noon.

Respectfully submitted,
Nick Collins Speros C. Venios Rev. Christopher P. Foustoukos
Secretary President Proistamenos


Proposed PARISH BUDGET 2010 ONLINE As requested by parishioners in the past, our Parish Council has made a great effort to post the agenda, past minutes, and the proposed 2010 parish budget on our web site ahead of the upcoming Parish General Assembly on Monday, Nov 30th at 7:00 p.m. Please take the time to study it, so that you are familiar with the different aspects our our budget both income and expenses.

A CALL FOR PARISH COUNCIL MEMBERS As we prepare for 2010, we have many challenges ahead of us. First, we need to create a balanced and adequate budget for the needs of the church. Secondly, our church family needs to create a master plan to determine the direction of our parish for the decades to follow.
To this end, our St. Vasilios Church needs dedicated men and women who place their love for Christ and the needs of the parish as key priorities in their lives. Moreover, this prescription of a healthy spiritual life should be the norm not just of Council Members, but of all Orthodox Christians. If you share these priorities, it is my hope and prayer that you would submit your name to the Church Office as a candidate for the Parish Council no later than Friday, November 27, 2009. Additional nominations will be accepted on Monday, November 30, 2009 at the conclusion of General Assembly. Elections will be held on December 13, 2009. This year, we will be electing 11 members to a two year term beginning on January 1, 2010.
By fully realizing the importance of the service offered to the Church by members of the Parish Council, a person assumes a spiritual position that demands love, fidelity and dedication to the Holy Orthodox Church. As an official representative of the Church, Council Members will make every effort to exemplify its sacred character and spirit.
If you are such a person and are willing to be a candidate for election to the Parish Council, your participation in one of The District Parish Council Seminars is required. Ongoing Parish Council members are welcome to attend as well. This year the seminar will be held at St. George Orthodox Church in Lynn on November 30, 2009 at 6:30 pm.
For more information regarding the Parish Council, please
contact Dr. Nicholas Marinakis Chairperson of Election Committee at 781-248-6747, Fr. Chris at 978-531-0777 or Parish Council President Speros Venios at 978-531-0476.


PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS Again this year the Philoptochos will conduct a “Blanket Drive” to donate blankets to area shelters and the homeless; so please drop off any new or “gently used” blankets outside the church office by December 16. Last year’s drive earned our Philoptochos chapter a commendation from the National Philoptochos. Please support this worthy cause.


RELIGIOUS RESOURCE CENTER ANNOUNCEMENT: Something new!   In the two religious display cases in the foyer of the Educational Center there are many new religious items featured from Jerusalem and the Holy Land.   These items are for House Blessings,  Baptisms, Weddings,  Feast Days ---  also candles from Jerusalem, Holy Water and Holy Unction sets, an olive wood  nativity set and much more.
This much needed additional service for our parish is provided by the Sacramental Blessings Store together with the Resource Center.  At the end of the Divine Liturgy on your way to the Coffee Hour, we ask that you take a few moments to visit the “new” exquisite display. Please support this important outreach ministry of our church!   We will be there to answer any questions you may have and invite you to share your comments with us.   



GIVING TREE The Church School shall sponsor a Giving Tree this Christmas season in support of Operation Troop Support, Mission Montana, and The Inn Between.  More details to come in future bulletins and in the lobby of the Educational Center.
Thank you for your support

CHRISTMAS DONATIONS While Fall has just begun, we are beginning our planning for the decorating of our beautiful church and grounds for the Christmas Season. If you are interested in donating any of the following in memory of or for the health of a loved one, please contact Fr. Chris:
5 Christmas Wreathes - $100 each
Outdoor Arrangement - $100
Lights for Tree - $50


PTA NEWS FAMILY CHRISTMAS PARTY SATURDAY DECEMBER 5TH
The PTA will be having our Family Christmas Party on December 5th from 6pm to 9pm. Save this date, tickets will go on sale soon during coffee hour. More information to come.


2009 COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CARD For many years we have used our Community Christmas Card as a way to send greetings to our relatives and friends. As the expense of mailing individual cards has increased over the years, and as busy lives leave little time for addressing stacks of envelopes, our community Christmas card has become more popular. The proceeds of the card are used exclusively to strengthen the parish’s ministry of benevolence and help for the poor. In these difficult economic times, the exhausted resources of the Altar Fund need your generous response. We invite all who wish to make a free-will offering in whatever amount they consider appropriate. Please join us in sharing the blessings of the Christmas season. Fill in the following application and mail or bring it to the church office by the deadline of NOVEMBER 30, 2009. NO EXCEPTIONS! Once the card goes to the printer, names cannot be added! )

PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY

Name(s): __________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

Tel. No.: ___________________________

Donation Amount:_________________

Mail or bring to St. Vasilios Church Office by NOVEMBER 30, 2009


PILGRIMAGE TRIP TO THE MONASTERY OF AGIA SKEPI A  Pilgrimage Trip to the Monastery of Agia (Saint) Skepi Holy Protection White Haven PA.   Plans are to depart from church Dec 8th @ 6:30 AM and return Wed Dec 9th 6PM  seating limited to 15 people cost and details to follow for more info please call Deb Pantazelos 978-774-9410 or e-mail deba357@aol.com


EXPLORING ORTHODOX WORSHIP Through Scripture, Music, and Iconography
Fr. Peter will offer a series on Orthodox Worship that will focus on the revelation of God’s Word, the prayers that His faithful raise in song, and the beauty of His house.
The session meets Mondays, from 10:00 to 11:30 A.M. in the Parlor Room. For more information, call the Church office, at 978-531-0777, or email Fr. Peter at frpeter@stvasilios.org.


THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE The Sisterhood of Saint Makrina study group is coordinating a food drive for the local food pantry, Haven from Hunger. Food collection bags will be available in the Narthex on Sundays in November. Your prayers and generosity to our brothers and sisters in need is greatly appreciated. Please return donations by Sunday, November 22nd, 2009.
Thanks and Blessings to you!


ST. VASILIOS’ CHRISTMAS CONCERT The 2nd. Annual St. Vasilios Christmas Concert will be held on Sunday, December 6th., at 6 PM. Any child or adult or family who is not already a choir member, and who would like to participate, please fill out the section at the bottom of this notice and return it to a Church school teacher or to the Church office before November 5th. There will be 3 rehearsals held in the choir loft on the following Thursday evenings from 7 to 8 PM; Nov. 5th, Nov. 19th, and Dec. 3rd. Please direct any questions to Tony Vatousios,
Jr. Choir Director, Tel # 978-750-9761
or e-mail vatousios@comcast.net


THANKSGIVING DINNER This year Tavern in the Square in Salem 189 Washington St. will host its 1st Annual Free Thanksgiving Dinner. On November 26^th .The dinner is open to all, focusing on the elderly, those whom are homeless and, families that may be struggling in these difficult times.*Doors open at 11 a.m. and, dinner will be served from,* 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.*
Please help us to help those who could use a helping hand this Holiday season. If you would be interested in volunteering for the day please call 978 740 2337 for information and ask for a manager.
Thank you and, have a peaceful holiday.
Tavern in the Square


ST. MAKRINA STUDY GROUP This is a ladies study group led by Presvytera Claire. This group meets each Fall and Spring for about a 9 week period meeting each Wednesday from 9:30-11:00 a.m. The group spends time in a relaxed atmosphere reading and discussing various Orthodox books of interest in order to deepen participants spirituality

NO PARKING DO NOT PARK WHERE IT IS LEGALLY MARKED: NO PARKING". You will receive a ticket from Peabody Police Dept. reserved spots for New England Market when you attend our services. Violators will be towed. They are great neighbors and we don't want to offend them!