Church Bulletin: April 30, 2023
Fr. Ignatius Valentine
Newest Announcements .
Bishop Anthony Visit April 29-30
His Grace Bishop Anthony will join us for the weekend of April 29-30. Please make every effort to be present at least for Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on April 30. He will be meeting with the parish council, Sunday School student and OCF at various times on April 29.
Parish-wide Potluck April 30
April 30 is the fifth Sunday of the month and as we do not have a specific food team assigned, all are encouraged to bring food to share.
Book Group News
We finished up our last book and are now taking off a few weeks for Holy Week and Pascha. Our next title is "On Social Justice" by St. Basil the Great. Hard copies are available for purchase for $18. E-book versions are available to purchase online. We will start on May 4 and spend six weeks discussing.
Next Catholic Worker House Meal is May 13
We are looking for volunteers to provide menu items which will be served at the Catholic Worker House of Iowa City on May 13. Our menu will be: ham (already provided), mashed potatoes, coleslaw, dinner rolls, portable fruit, dessert, milk and other beverages. Look for a sign-up sheet to be posted and/or passed around on Sunday.
"Understanding Secularism" Talk by Lori Branch
As part of the 2023 International Orthodox Theological Association's (IOTA) conference in Greece earlier this year, our own Dr. Lori Branch gave a brief talk titled "Understanding Secularism" which can be watched at this link: https://youtu.be/Cvl8D50x2h4
Update!- Feed Christ’s Sheep: Campaign to Build a Kitchen at St. Raphael
We now have $44,308.74 pledged to this project. That's almost 84% of our total! We are so excited to be taking the next step in fulfilling our mission to serve those in need and connect in fellowship by building our kitchen so we can feed Christ’s sheep, and we invite you to be a part of it! Construction is slated to begin in summer 2023, and we need to raise $53,000 by April 30, 2023 to make this happen.
Please help us get the rest of the way! Learn more about our post-kitchen goals (including free cooking classes, more free hot meals, enhanced Sunday fellowship, and more) and donate online at raphaelchurch.org/kitchen. Clearly designated donations and pledge forms (available in the narthex) can be dropped in a donation box. You will have until March 4, 2024 to fulfill any pledges.
Parish Council Meeting Minutes
The approved minutes for the March Parish Council meeting are attached.
Recurring Announcements
No Fasting During Paschal Season
According to Antiochian custom, there is no fasting during the entire Paschal season which concludes with the Feast of the Lord's Ascension on May 25.
