Church Bulletin: May 28, 2023

[Fr. Ignatius Valentine]

Sunday May 28, 2023- Sunday of the Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council

Upcoming Services and Events

May 28, Sunday of the Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council

        + Matins, 8:45am

        + Sunday School, 9:15am

        + Divine Liturgy, 10:00am, followed by Coffee Hour

May 31, Wednesday

        + Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm

        + 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm

        + Akathist, 7:00pm

June 1, Thursday

        + Office Hours, 11:00am-2:00pm

        + 6th Hour Prayers, 12:00pm 

        + "On Social Justice" book discussion on Zoom, 7:00pm https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122

June 2, Friday

        + 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00am

        + Office Hours, 9:15am-12:00pm

June 3, Saturday

        + Great Vespers, 5:00pm

June 4, Sunday, Pentecost Sunday

        + Matins, 8:45am

        + Divine Liturgy, 10:00am, followed by Coffee Hour

        + Kneeling Vespers, 5:00pm

      

Newest Announcements  . 

New!- Parking Spots on Driveway

        Parking is always a bit of a challenge at the church, especially during the school year.  Recently, lines were painted on our driveway to remind all those who may park there to maximize the space so that as many as possible can use it.  There are now four parking spaces delineated on our driveway, and, closest to the street, a loading zone for temporary parking only.  If you need to use the driveway to park at church, please pull all the way forward so that others can park behind you.  Thank you!

Theological Discussion Group

        John Michalski will be leading us in part two of the discussion of ancient Syriac Christianity on Saturday, May 27 at 3pm.  This part of the presentation will be focusing on:

1. The Syriac theology of baptism, focused on the Theophany rather than the Pauline emphasis on Death/Resurrection 

2. The Sons and Daughters of the Covenant - the unique form of ascetic life in their tradition, and

3. The symbol-based nature of Syriac theology

Updated Kitchen Campaign Total!- We Made It!

       From Treasurer Becky Morey- WooHoo!  Thanks to your generous donations, pledges, and a matching grant we have officially raised $53,000 for the kitchen capital campaign.  Each and every gift, no matter how small or large, is appreciated and has been set aside in a special fund to be used towards these expenses.

Any excess donations will be earmarked for cooking classes, incidental needs of the kitchen (like crockpots that remain at church!), and any needs of the kitchen that may arise in the future.  If you didn't participate but wish to in the future, you may always earmark your donation.

On behalf of the capital campaign committee and the council, a sincere thanks for your generosity towards the vision of our church - reaching out to serve those in need by feeding Christ's sheep!

No Office Hours on May 29

        Due to the Memorial Day holiday, Fr. Ignatius will not be holding office hours on Monday, May 29.

Congratulations and Many Years!

        Demitri Likomitros and Lizzy Valentine were united in the sacrament of marriage on May 20.  May God grant them many years!

        

A Practical Guide to Almsgiving: An Interview with Fr. Evan Armatas
Part 1: https://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/secondliturgy/a_practical_guide_to_almsgiving
Part 2: https://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/secondliturgy/almsgiving_as_a_community 

Seeking Olive Oil Donations

        Our olive oil inventory is low and we are seeking donations of oil to use in the oil lamps that burn on the altar and before the icons.  Regular grade (non extra-virgin) burns best.  

Kneeling Vespers of Pentecost

        During the 50 days between Pascha and Pentecost, we have not knelt in prayer because Christ is risen.  With the coming of Pentecost on June 4, we will assume the posture of kneeling during prayers at vespers on Sunday evening at 5pm.  

Next Sunday's Gospel Reading

        On Sunday June 4, we will hear Jesus say, "If any one thirst, let him come to me and drink," and the ensuing controversy this creates among the Jewish religious leaders. https://www.antiochian.org/epistleliturgicday/3478 John 7:37-52, 8:12

Food for Thought

         The Lord ascended to the heavens to send the Comforter into the world. Wherefore, the heavens made ready His throne, and the clouds His mount. The angels wonder as they see a man more exalted than they. The Father receiveth into His bosom Him Who is eternally with Him. The Holy Spirit commandeth all the angels: Lift your heads, O princes, and all ye nations, clap your hands; for Christ hath ascended whither He was before.

- Stichera at "O Lord I have Cried..." for Vespers of the Sunday of the After-Feast of the Ascension

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Recurring Announcements

"On Social Justice" Book Discussion Remaining Schedule

https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122

June 1- "Against Those Who Lend at Interest" pp. 89-99

June 8- "On Mercy and Justice" pp. 101-108

Updated Food Pantry Needs

         Attached, you will find a list of items that we are in need of in our food pantry.  Monetary donations are also welcome.  We have exceptional buying power through the HACAP food reservoir, so your dollars are able to purchase more this way, than you can at the grocery store.  Also, please check expiration dates before donating food items.  We can't put expired food on our shelves.  

2023 Midwest Diocese Parish Life Conference, June 28-July 2

        Clergy and laity from our Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest gather annually at the Parish Life Conference.  This year, St. Mary Church in Palos Heights, IL is hosting the conference which will be held at the Doubletree by Hilton, in Oak Brook, IL on June 28- July 2.  Speakers include Fr. Jeremy Davis, Molly Sabourin, Mother Gabriella and others.  More information, and registration, can be found at: https://www.antiochianevents.org/events/diocese-of-toledo-and-the-midwest-2/

 

Link to Church's Google Calendar

        https://www.raphaelchurch.org/calendar.html

Information on Prayers for the Departed, Flowers for the Departed and St. Raphael Prayer Chain

       https://www.raphaelchurch.org/recurring-announcements.html 

Pray for our Catechumens

        Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Madison Frei, Derek Ward, James Stockdale and Merrick Dodge in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.