Church Bulletin: June 11, 2023
Fr. Ignatius Valentine
Newest Announcements .
What Is an Antimension?
This word, which literally means "instead of the table" refers to the special cloth, signed by the Metropolitan and containing a relic of a saint, which sits on the altar of every Orthodox Church. Without this cloth, a Divine Liturgy cannot be performed and a local church can't even be considered Orthodox. With this cloth, any table it sits upon can be used as an altar. It is the physical evidence of the permission the Metropolitan Archbishop gives in order for services to take place under his authority. Because we have a new Metropolitan, we will be receiving a new antimension with his signature on it sometime soon. To learn more, read the informative article with photos, which is attached.
Many Years!
Derek Ward was united to the Orthodox Church through the sacrament of chrismation last Sunday. His patron saint is St. Alexander of Munich and his godfather is Robert Peterson. May God grant Derek many years!
Apostles Fast Begins June 12
Beginning June 12, we enter into the fasting season known as the Apostles' Fast. This season lasts through June 28, the eve of the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul. We abstain from meat, dairy and eggs. Fish, oil and wine are allowed except on Wednesdays and Fridays.
New Summertime Book Group!
From June 15 through the end of August, we will discuss Modern Orthodox Thinkers: From the Philokalia to the Present, by Fr. Andrew Louth. This a great chance to educate and edify ourselves by learning about Orthodox women and men who have responded to modernity with vigorous Christian thinking and action. Standalone chapters will make it easy to pop into book group as summer travels allow. All are welcome!
Copies are available in the church bookstore and on Amazon/Kindle. Discussions will be led by Fr. Lev Smith and Dr. Lori Peterson Branch. On June 15, we will discuss chapters 1 and 21, on the Philokalia and Met. Kallistos Ware. Meetings take place Thursdays from 7-8:15pm on Zoom (https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/4320014122 or Meeting ID 432 001 4122).
St. Maria Food Pantry Dedication Service
On Sunday, June 18, following liturgy, we will have a brief dedication prayer and icon-hanging ceremony to dedicate our recently improved Food Pantry space. St. Maria of Paris will be dedicated as the patroness of our pantry.
Parish Council Meeting Agenda
Saturday, June 10, 2023, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm by Zoom https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/6506866751
Call to order and opening prayer
Reading from Father
Filling vacant Council seat
Kitchen updates
Permit needs?
Advice from Becky’s contractor friend
Building maintenance: gutter cleaning needed (water in the basement after rain)
Send-off plans for Fr. Ignatius and Kh. Maria - we need a coordinator
Banquet dinner (adults only, pay your own way)
Parting gift
Big potluck coffee hour on July 30
Welcome plans for Fr. Symeon and Kh. Jing - we need a coordinator
Send a letter to ALL clergy in Iowa City
Press release
Big potluck coffee hour on Aug 6
Ice cream after Vespers on Aug 12 (OR, tie this into Sunday School kickoff?)
Sign up sheet for parishioners to host meals in their homes with Fr. Symeon’s family and one other parish family. Once every three weeks, with the goal that Fr. Symeon meets everyone in the parish in an in-home setting
Treasurer’s report
Charitable giving - list of organizations
Ministry Reports
Food Pantry
Stewardship committee (Austin)
Update on annual giving campaign
Old business
Reaching out to city about tree in easement
Review of action items and assignees
Gratitude and “good of the parish” comments
Adjourn
Next meeting will be July 22, 2023, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm via Zoom
Recurring Announcements
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!
St. Raphael Lending Library
Did you know we have a lending library of several hundred books? It was recently moved out of Father's office and into our fellowship hall so as to be more accessible. There is not currently a formal system for checking a book out. If you see a book that you are interested in, take it on the honors system, and return it when you are done. Thank you to Alli, Austin, Evren and Taras for helping with the move.
