GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 435 KEATING DRIVE WINSTON-SALEM, NC 27104 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Non-Profit Organiz. U.S. Postage Winston-Salem, NC Permit # 168 DECEMBER 2017 TIME SENSITIVE MATERIAL PLEASE EXPEDITE We Have to Take the Same Journey Christ is born! Glorify Him! One of the many titles given to Jesus Christ is “the second Adam.” Christ comes and ful- fills what the first Adam could not do. The first Adam lived in Paradise. By “restoring” the fallen image of Adam, Christ shows us the gateway back to the Paradise enjoyed by Adam. In His earthly ministry, Christ retraced all the steps of the Old Testament. Not only did he fulfill the prophecies of the Old Testament, but He took the journey of the Israelites to Egypt and then back out of Egypt. For those who don’t remember, the Israelites went to Egypt to escape a famine in their land that would have brought certain death. After staying as sojourners in a strange land, where they eventually became enslaved, they were liberated and once again went back to the land of Canaan, their original homeland. Christ follows the same journey—under the threat of death by King Herod, He escaped to Egypt, where he remained, a stranger in a strange land, until Herod had died and it was safe to re- turn to His homeland. Trusting God in our life journeys is again a theme today. First, the Magi, who had trusted in a star that they followed for two years, believing it would lead to the Christ, again had to trust in God. And Mary and Joseph had to take another leap of faith when they were told by the Angel to go to Egypt until further notice. For their journey to Bethlehem, they only had the possessions they could carry with them. Joseph most likely thought he’d return to Nazareth, to his home and his business, after the quick trip to Bethlehem for the census. Now, there was no opportunity for him to go home, his meager belongings would have to suffice for this journey. How would he provide an income? What would happen to his carpentry business after a long absence from home? And yet Joseph and Mary took the journey to Egypt, strangers again in a strange land, and God provided for them because they trusted Him. We are not told how, only that they safely made it to Egypt, safely lived there, and eventually safely returned to Nazareth. Our life journeys also have strange and unforeseen twists and turns in them.. Many times God asks us to take a detour, and sometimes another detour on that. Many times we have to really dig deep to trust in God, for sometimes what he asks of us is daunting. Some of life’s journeys can be downright scary. I’m sure if you think about it, we’ve all had the experience of the flight to Egypt, being strangers in a strange land—that might be when we went to college, or relocated to a new town, or started a new job. We all have to take some leap of faith. When we do it with God, and more im- portant, when we do it for God, we always arrive at a “safe” ending, even though the passage itself might be filled with danger. And most important, even though the ending not be a place where we thought He would lead us. This is very important—sometimes the end of the journey is not where we would have wanted it to be. But if we stay faithful to God, and follow the journey to where HE wants it to end, we will find ultimate safety with Him. Christ took the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land. We too must pass through our own “Egypt” on our way to the Promised Land. Borrowed from “LET ALL CREATION REJOICE: REFLECTIONS FOR ADVENT, THE NATIVITY AND EPIPHANY BY FR. STAVROS N. AKROTIRIANAKIS (available in our bookstore)
Transcript
GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
435 KEATING DRIVE
WINSTON-SALEM, NC 27104
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Non-Profit Organiz.
U.S. Postage
Winston-Salem, NC
Permit # 168
DECEMBER 2017
TIME SENSITIVE MATERIAL PLEASE EXPEDITE
We Have to Take the Same Journey
Christ is born! Glorify Him!
One of the many titles given to Jesus Christ is “the second Adam.” Christ comes and ful-
fills what the first Adam could not do. The first Adam lived in Paradise. By “restoring” the fallen
image of Adam, Christ shows us the gateway back to the Paradise enjoyed by Adam. In His earthly
ministry, Christ retraced all the steps of the Old Testament. Not only did he fulfill the prophecies
of the Old Testament, but He took the journey of the Israelites to Egypt and then back out of Egypt.
For those who don’t remember, the Israelites went to Egypt to escape a famine in their land
that would have brought certain death. After staying as sojourners in a strange land, where they
eventually became enslaved, they were liberated and once again went back to the land of Canaan,
their original homeland.
Christ follows the same journey—under the threat of death by King Herod, He escaped to
Egypt, where he remained, a stranger in a strange land, until Herod had died and it was safe to re-
turn to His homeland.
Trusting God in our life journeys is again a theme today. First, the Magi, who had trusted
in a star that they followed for two years, believing it would lead to the Christ, again had to trust in
God.
And Mary and Joseph had to take another leap of faith when they were told by the Angel to
go to Egypt until further notice. For their journey to Bethlehem, they only had the possessions they
could carry with them. Joseph most likely thought he’d return to Nazareth, to his home and his
business, after the quick trip to Bethlehem for the census. Now, there was no opportunity for him
to go home, his meager belongings would have to suffice for this journey. How would he provide
an income? What would happen to his carpentry business after a long absence from home? And
yet Joseph and Mary took the journey to Egypt, strangers again in a strange land, and God provided
for them because they trusted Him. We are not told how, only that they safely made it to Egypt,
safely lived there, and eventually safely returned to Nazareth.
Our life journeys also have strange and unforeseen twists and turns in them.. Many times
God asks us to take a detour, and sometimes another detour on that. Many times we have to really
dig deep to trust in God, for sometimes what he asks of us is daunting. Some of life’s journeys can
be downright scary.
I’m sure if you think about it, we’ve all had the experience of the flight to Egypt, being
strangers in a strange land—that might be when we went to college, or relocated to a new town, or
started a new job. We all have to take some leap of faith. When we do it with God, and more im-
portant, when we do it for God, we always arrive at a “safe” ending, even though the passage itself
might be filled with danger. And most important, even though the ending not be a place where we
thought He would lead us. This is very important—sometimes the end of the journey is not where
we would have wanted it to be. But if we stay faithful to God, and follow the journey to where HE
wants it to end, we will find ultimate safety with Him.
Christ took the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land. We too must
pass through our own “Egypt” on our way to the Promised Land.
Borrowed from “LET ALL CREATION REJOICE: REFLECTIONS FOR ADVENT, THE NATIVITY AND EPIPHANY
BY FR. STAVROS N. AKROTIRIANAKIS (available in our bookstore)
Sat Dec 2 The Daughters of Evrytania Silver Tea Breast Cancer Benefit at Fellowship Hall 4:00pm HOLIDAY MUSIC, CHRISTMAS CAROLS, SILVER TEA BUFFET, GREEK PASTRIES, CHRISTMAS SHOPPING, WINE TASTING AND 5:30PM FASHION SHOW BY NITSA’S APPAREL & LIME LOLLIES
Donation: $30 Adults, $20 Students, $10 Children under 12 For tickets and information call: Helen Gallins 336-577-9029; Zoe Michael 336-848- 7203; Stacey Karagiorgis 336-575-6904; Christina Prentzas 336-471-5147
Sun Dec 3 Regular Schedule Adult Sunday School 9:30am. Topic: Study of the Divine Liturgy with special emphasis on the prayers said in “a low voice”.
Special Tray will be passed by Philoptochos for Clergy Education
Fellowship Hour is offered by Effie & Nick Kontos, Angela & Jerry Kontos, Olga Kontos, Kelli & Johnny Kontos, Soula & Gus Kontos, Lisa & Steve Kontos and Bessie & John Stabolitis in honor of family namedays.
St. Barbara Vespers - Durham, NC 6:30pm
Mon Dec 4 St Barbara Matins/Divine Liturgy 9:30am ***
Philoptochos Senior Citizens Christmas Luncheon 11:00am in the Breezeway. A Fasting meal will be provided.
Tue Dec 5 Men’s Discussion Group Meeting 6:30am
Adult Discussion 9:30 am
Philoptochos Board Meeting 6:00pm
Wed Dec 6 St. Nicholas Matins/Divine Liturgy 9:30am
GOYA Meeting/Discussion 7:00pm-8:15pm. Topic:
Sun Dec 10 Regular Schedule STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY Adult Sunday School 9:30am. Topic: Study of the Divine Liturgy with special emphasis on the prayers said in “a low voice”. Regular Sunday School for 3’s, 4’s and grades 7-12. K-6th grades go to Choir Room for Practice
Stewardship Luncheon—The Stewardship Committee cordially invites the community to the Stewardship Appreciation Luncheon in the Hellenic Center. The Luncheon is in appreciation of your Stewardship support. A brief Christmas Musical Program will be offered by the Angel Choir and Greek School.
Parish Council Elections will take place in the hall at the conclusion of services and will last till 2:30pm.
Mon Dec 11 Parish Council Meeting 6:00pm
Tue Dec 12 Men’s Discussion Group Meeting 6:30am
St. Spyridon Matins/Divine Liturgy 8:45am
Wed Dec 13 GOYA Bible Study/Bible Bowl 7:00pm - 8:15pm
Thu Dec 14 Philoptochos Gen.Mtg. and Christmas Social 7pm at the Home of Effie Davis For ladies only. Please bring your favorite appetizer to share. Please bring a wrapped gift (marked for either a male or female) for the mentally handicapped.
μοιραστείτε. Για κυρίες μόνο τις 7:00 μ.μ. Προσφέρετε ένα δώρο τυλιγμένο
(που έχει επισημανθεί είτε για άνδρες είτε για γυναίκες) για άτομα με ειδικές ανάγκες.
Παρ 15 Δεκ Αγίου Ελευθέριου Όρθρος / Θεία Λειτουργία 8:45 π.μ.
Πεμ 14 Δεκ Γενική Συνέλευση Φιλόπτωχου και Χριστουγεννιάτικη
συγκέντρωση Effie Davis home.
Παρακαλούμε να φέρετε το αγαπημένο σας ορεκτικό για να το
Fri Dec 15 St. Eleutherios Matins/Divine Liturgy 8:45am
Annunciation Christian Academy Christmas Program 10:45am
Sun Dec 17 Regular Schedule Adult Sunday School 9:30am. Topic: Study of the Divine Liturgy with special emphasis on the prayers said in “a low voice”.
Blessing of Loaves (Artoklasia) and Fellowship Hour will be offered by Roxanne & Terry Gianopoulos, Anna & Tom Giannopoulos, Maria & Nick Mathes and Voula & Chris Vlahos for the health of their families and in honor of family namedays.
GOYA Christmas Social
Mon Dec 18 HOPE & JOY Christmas Party 6:00pm-7:15pm
Tue Dec 19 Men’s Discussion Group Meeting 6:30am
Adult Discussion 9:30 am
Wed Dec 20 GOYA Bible Study/Bible Bowl 7:00pm - 8:15pm
Thu Dec 21 - Jan 2 Annunciation Christian Academy closed for Christmas vacation.
Fri Dec 23 - Jan 5 Greek School closed for Christmas vacation.
Sun Dec 24 **Regular Schedule Matins 8:45am Divine Liturgy 10:00am** No Sunday School
Fellowship Hour - Open
Sun Dec 24 **CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE Matins 6:00pm Divine Liturgy 7:00pm A selection of Christmas Carols will be sung at the conclusion of services
Mon Dec 25 CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICE Matins 8:45am Divine Liturgy 10:00am
WISHING OUR COMMUNITY A BLESSED CHRISTMAS
Wed Dec 27– Fri Dec 30 St. Basil’s Winter Youth Rally in Atlanta
Sun Dec 31 Regular Schedule No Sunday School
Fellowship Hour is offered in loving memory of Konstandinos Bobotsiares by his brother Stavro Bobotsiares & family.
NEW YEAR’S EVE SERVICE St. Basil’s Liturgy Matins 8:30pm Divine Liturgy 9:30pm
NEW YEAR’S DANCE IN SUPPORT OF YOUTH MINISTRIES
Mon Jan 1 The GOYA youth will visit as many parishioners homes as possible, to wish them a blessed, healthy and happy New Year while singing the traditional New Year’s carols (Kalanda). If this is inconvenient, please call the office requesting to be taken off the list. Happy New Year!
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3 USHERS – Ody Chamis, Maria Tsigas, Nick Karagiorgis, Ilias Vlachos CHURCH SERV COMM Team 4 - Brian McFarlin, Chad Davis, Renee Kortesis, Kim Karahalios MAIDENS FOR CHRIST Team 1 – Gabriella Ballas, Athena Grisette READER - Ron Sheppard ALTAR BOYS Team 3 - Costa Kortesis, Alexander Marshall, Yanni Petropoulos, Mikie Ioannou, Nicholas Woody, Stavros Karagiorgis, Panagiotis Vgenopoulos, Parker Moye, Angelo Petropoulos, Evangelos Kortesis, Christos Katsoudas, John Spinosa NURSERY – Helen Vlasis, Jenny Morris
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10 USHERS – Jim Paloumbas, Sammy Gianopoulos, Helen Bambalis, Stan Carroll CHURCH SERV COMM Team 1 - Tom Giannopoulos, Tony Franzese, Presv. Stacy Shepherd, Paul Anthony MAIDENS FOR CHRIST Team 2 - Maria Anthony, Zoe Spanos READER - George Kalamaras ALTAR BOYS Team 4 - Vasileios Karagiannis, Stevie Raptis, Max Rogatsios, Dimitrios Mitropoulos, William Nolan, Niko Vlahos, Nektarios Vgenopoulos, Pavlos Anson, Vasili Johnson, Andreas Kazakos NURSERY – Corie Ebert, Paula Manser, Katie Kroustalis
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17 USHERS – Jimmy Chrysson, Pete Bobotsiares, George Bambalis, Paula Christakos
CHURCH SERV COMM Team 2 - Chris Gallos, Teddy J. Tsiolkas, Angelic Carroll, Tony Vlasis MAIDENS FOR CHRIST Team 3 - Ritsa Liaskonis, Maria Shepherd READER - Anthony Whitley ALTAR BOYS Team 5 - Ralph Shepherd, George Raptis, Marcus Neacsu, Michael Ioannou, Matthew Moutos, John Kroustalis, Sebastian Neacsu, Harper Satterfield, Harrison Satterfield, Evangelos Paparoupas NURSERY – Mary Paloumbas, Helen Sialmas, Stella Tsiaras
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24 - Morning USHERS – Ody Chamis, Maria Tsigas, George Bambalis, Stan Carroll, Sammy Giannopoulos, Jim Paloumbas CHURCH SERV COMM Team 3 – George Kalamaras, Virginia Moutos, Chris Spinosa, Vic Pappas MAIDENS FOR CHRIST Team 4 – Mara Kessler, Jackie Nikas, Corina Hellmer READER - Will Moye ALTAR BOYS Team 1 - Vaios Demopoulos, Alexandros Kalogeromitros, Yiannis Alexiou, Luke Vlahos, Vasili-os Ziogas, Christos Demopoulos, Demetrios Liaskonis, John Stabolitis, John Petropoulos, William Pierce, Alex Zades NURSERY – Lauren Kazakos, Kelly Kontos, Angela Tsolis
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24 - Christmas Eve USHERS - George Bambalis, Stan Carroll, Jim Paloumbas (Open to all) NO CHURCH SERVICES COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS ALTAR BOYS - All Teams NURSERY - Open but not staffed
MONDAY, DECEMBER 25 - Christmas Day USHERS - George Bambalis, Stan Carroll (Open to all) CHURCH SERVICES - Open to all ALTAR BOYS - Open NURSERY - Open but not staffed
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31 USHERS – Jim Paloumbas, Sammy Gianopoulos, Helen Bambalis, Stan Carroll CHURCH SERV COMM Team 4 - Brian McFarlin, Chad Davis, Renee Kortesis, Kim Karahalios MAIDENS FOR CHRIST Team 5 – Alexandra Augoustides, Jasmine Marshall READER – Chris Lohr ALTAR BOYS Team 2 - Demetri Hodges, Nicholas Rizos, Chris G. Moutos, Terry Rizos, Danny Gallos, Deme-tri Kortesis, Spero Moutos, George Sechrest, Christian Gallos, Jack Nolan NURSERY - Open but not staffed
Prayer List
As members of an Orthodox Christian family, we are called upon to pray for each other in time of need. Please pray for: Marina, Virginia, Frankie, Stuart, Thespi-na, Paul, Maria, Pete, Spiro, Demetri and the extended family.
If you would like us to remember you or your loved one in our prayers, please con-tact our Church office at 765-7145. We will begin with a fresh list of names every month.
The Good Samaritan helpers visited or sent cards to the following members of the church: Tom, Emily, Litsa and Virginia. Members to call, if you need a ride to doctors appointments or anything else are: Mary Wnentowski 336-749-5391; Persephone Cor-tessis 336-765-2473; Martha Dentiste 336-768-1077; Emily Kafant 336-766-0604.
PHILOPTOCHOS Meeting & CHRISTMAS SOCIAL
For Ladies Only
December 14th
7:00pm
Home of Effie Davis 215 Pennsylvania Ave W-S
Please bring your favorite appetizer to share!
Please bring a wrapped gift (marked for either a male or female)
POINSETTIAS ***Deadline*** SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17 - $15.00 Donation
In loving memory of __________________________________________
by ________________________________________________
OR
In honor of __________________________________________________ by ________________________________________________
OR
Other _______________________________________________________
PARISH COUNCIL MEETING UPDATE
The following items of note resulted from business discussed at the
November 13, 2017 Parish Council meeting:
Nominating Committee presented a slate of 9 names for elections on Dec 10
Updated stainless steel cabinets have been installed in the kitchen thanks to Stavros & Georgia
Bobotsiares and Harry & Marsha Gallins.
Long range planning committee & Greek Festival committees have met over new driveway to be poured
between the new homes on Kinnamon Road.
Vicar's Meeting November 9. Fr. Demetri reported about the financial deficits with the Archdi-
ocese. Updates from investigations will be shared in the next few months.
Stewardship Sunday will be Dec 10.
Recent tree fallings on our property beside the church by the lower lot. Quote was presented from Mike
Vlasis. Fr. Demetri is checking with insurance.
Christmas services will be: Sunday morning 10 am Divine Liturgy; Sunday Evening Christmas Eve
Service 7pm Divine Liturgy; Christmas Day Service Monday 10 am.
New Year's Dance: Jimmy Paloumbas will coordinate this as was done last year. Ticket prices
$15 & $30.
Parish Council Seminar will be held for those running for upcoming elections: Monday Dec 4 at 7 pm.
Security of church was discussed. More planning is needed at this time. Key for all is awareness.
Elections for Parish Council will be held on Sunday, December 10th after services until 2:30 in the Hall. The following members of our Church have expressed a desire to serve on the Parish Council. We thank them for their willingness to serve. (listed as they were picked out of a hat)
Join us as we ring in the New Year!
NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY
Featuring Tasios Christou & Band
from Washington, DC
December 31st 10:00 pm
THE HELLENIC CENTER
PRESALE $30 Adults / $15 Students
12 & Under FREE
(Tickets at the door will be an additional $5)
Join us for a night of greek & American music,
delicious food, and a lot of fun!
Champagne toast at midnight
Featuring a breakfast buffet
Tickets will be sold after church every Sunday
for more info call
Church office 765-7145 or Jimmy 399-2153
All proceeds benefit youth ministries!
Sammy John Ballas
Johnny Kortesis
Pete Chris Strates
Stephen Karagiorgis
Ted Gus Kazakos
Gina Nikitas
Greg Karagiorgis
Sammy Gianopoulos
Vicky Russell
STEWARDSHIP CORNER
STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY - December 10
With 2017 coming to an end, we are thankful to all of you, our stew-
ards for your steadfast support and for your love of Annunciation, our
Spiritual home.
We thank all who have offered their TIME, TALENT and TREASURE in support of
many Ministries of Annunciation as well as Ministries of the National Church.
Our Stewardship Theme for 2018 is doing things “with all our heart”. How meaning-
ful it is when we offer ourselves and what we do “whole heartedly.”
This year we will again be asking ALL to offer their Stewardship Cards on Sunday,
December 10, 17 & 24, depositing them in special trays by the Solea, in order to
“Visibly Show” that STEWARDSHIP support is A CHOICE, A DECISION, A POSI-
TIVE AND A HOLY TASK.
As always, the community is invited to a STEWARDSHIP LUNCHEON and program
on Sunday, December 10th after services. A special guest will make his annual visit.
2017 STEWARDSHIP CΟΜΜΙΤΜΕΝΤ PROGRAM
As the Father has sent me, so I send you John 20:21
We would like to thank the following Stewards for their support of Annunciation Minis-tries. The Stewardship list is updated on the 15th of every month. We are still a little short of our goal. Please help us reach it.
Skordas, Jimmy & Maria Strates, Helen Tsigas, Christos Wnentowski, Mary
2017 STEWARDSHIP REPORT
To date we have received 386 pledge cards
OUR GOAL IS 410 PLEDGES
Kazakos, Ted & Maria Nikitas, Panayiotis & Gina Papathanasiou, Louis Skordas, Apostolos
Baker, Chris Futris, Rebeka Karagiorgis, Nick & Stacey Kazakos, John & Nia
Our 2018 Stewardship Theme is:
“Whatever you do, work at it with
all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” Colossians 3:23
What a blessing it is to have so many ladies in our community who we can count on, time after time. Thank
you, ladies, for another successful Bake Sale, and a special thank you goes out to Angelic Carroll for chairing
it again this year. You should all feel good knowing your labor of love will help those in need along with the
many organizations who depend on us for financial support.
In addition, please join me in thanking Rita Georgoulias and Virginia Moutos for once again chairing the
Christmas decorations of our church, Presbytera Olga for handling the Christmas gift buying for a needy fam-
ily, Virginia Moutos and Bessie Strates for translating the Monthly Bulletins into Greek each month and
Kathy Cox for chairing another Senior Citizens Luncheon, on Monday, December 4th. Their willingness to
step up to the plate and tackle whatever needs to be handled makes my job a lot easier and I hope each of you
appreciates them as much as I do.
Our December General Meeting will once again be combined with our Christmas Social at Effie Davis’ home
(215 Pennsylvania Ave, W-S) on Thursday at 7 PM, December 14th. If able, please bring a wrapped gift, la-
beled for a male or female, for the mentally handicapped, and an appetizer to share. The wine will be provid-
ed by the Board Members.
I look forward to seeing you at our next event and wish you and your families the happiest of times this Holi-
day Season. For with God, all things are possible. LUKE 1:37
In Christ's Love,
Kiki Gonzales
Τι ευλογία είναι να έχουμε τόσες πολλές κυρίες στην κοινότητά μας, στις οποίες μπορούμε να βασιστούμε , ανά πάσα στιγμή. Σας ευχαριστούμε , κυρίες, για μια ακόμη φορά για την βοήθεια σας στο Bake Sale! Ιδιαίτερα ευχαριστούμε την Angelic Carroll για την προεδρία της για μια ακόμη χρονιά.
Θα πρέπει όλοι να παίρνουμε ιδιαίτερη ικανοποίηση γνωρίζοντας πως αυτή η εργασία αγάπης θα βοηθήσει όλους εκείνους που έχουν ανάγκη. Και μαζί μ’αυτους και τις πολλές οργανώσεις που εξαρτώνται από εμάς για οικονομική υποστήριξη.
Επιπλέον, ευχαριστούμε την Ρίτα Γεωργούλας και την Βιργινία Μούτος που έχουν αναλάβει την ευθύνη για την διακόσμηση της εκκλησίας για τα Χριστούγεννα, την πρεσβυτέρα Όλγα που έχει αναλάβει τα δώρα για τις οικογένειες που έχουν ανάγκη, την Βιργινία Μούτος και τη Μπέσυ Στράτες για τη μετάφραση του μηνιαίου ανακοινωθέντος στα ελληνικά, και την Kathy Cox για την οργάνωση ενός άλλου γεύματος για τους ηλικιωμένους, τη Δευτέρα, 4 Δεκεμβρίου.
Η προθυμία τους και ο ζήλος τους να αντιμετωπίσουν ό,τι χρειαστεί ,κάνει τη δουλειά μου πιο εύκολη και ελπίζω ότι ο καθένας από εσάς να τις εκτιμά τόσο όσο και εγώ.
Η γενική συνέλευσή μας το Δεκέμβριο θα συνδυαστεί για άλλη μια φορά με το Χριστουγεννιάτική Γιορτή στο σπίτι της Effie Davis (215 Pennsylvania Ave, W-S) την Πέμπτη στις 7 μμ., στις 14 Δεκεμβρίου.
Προσερχόμενοι στη γιορτή, παρακαλείστε να φέρετε μαζί σας ένα τυλιγμένο δώρο, το οποίο να αναγράφει στη ετικέτα εαν προορίζεται είτε για άνδρα είτε για γυναικά με νοητική υστέρηση.Φέρετε επίσης ένα ορεκτικό ενώ το ποτό θα το προσφέρουν τα μέλη του Διοικητικού Συμβουλίου.
Ανυπομονώ να σας δω στην επόμενη εκδήλωση και να ευχηθώ απο καρδιάς σε εσάς και τις οικογένειές σας ευτυχισμένες γιορτές.
Εν Χριστώ αγάπη,
Κική Γκονζάλες
Annunciation Christian Academy
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
As we find ourselves in the middle of the Nativity Fast, I want to take this opportunity to thank our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and each of you for the holy privilege of serving His Church as a member and president of our Annunciation Parish Council. I thank Father Demetri and our two Father Costas for guiding and assisting me throughout my tenure. Thank you, the parish, for your love, support and prayers over the years. It truly has been a humbling experience to observe our parish’s Christ-centered desire to serve not only our church and its members but also Winston-Salem and the greater community as a whole.
My prayer for all of us is that God will continue to give us the opportunities to reflect His love in everything we do. Continue to visit the sick and suffering; help those in need; encourage those in despair; pray for God’s will to be revealed to us; forgive each other; go to Holy Confession; receive Holy Communion and work together for the peace and unity of our Church, our nation and the world. As the book of Ephesians instructs, we must continue to use the gifts that Christ has given us to build up His Church (the body of Christ) and to speak the truth in love to reach full maturity in the body of Christ.
CHRIST IS BORN, GLORIFY HIM!
With faith, hope and love, I remain yours in Christ, George Bambalis
Thank You For the world so sweet.
Thank You For the food we eat.
Thank You For the birds that sing.
Thank You GOD For everything.
----Amen
Sunday School News from Annunciation Sermonette Theme: “Words of Life and Faith”
We hope everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving Holiday. It is a day to count
our blessings and all things that we are grateful for.
Thank you to all who participated in the Charity Food Drive. Your donations were deliv-
ered to the local food pantry to help individuals in need. We appreciate your generosity!
Additionally, Orthodox Study Bibles were gifted to 6th and 7th graders. If you have not
received one, please let one of the Sunday School Coordinators know.
Finally, on December 10th, will be having our Stewardship Sunday and Christmas Pro-
gram. All students in Kindergarten through 6th Grade will meet in the choir room to begin
practicing for the program that will take place after church in the fellowship hall. Students
will sit with their parents for the meal before the program begins. There is regular Sunday
School for 3 and 4-year-olds and grades 7th through 12th.
****If you aren’t following us on Instagram yet, you can follow
@wsgoc_sunday_school to get reminders about our Calendar and events.****
December Calendar:
12/3/17 Regular Schedule
12/10/17 Stewardship Sunday & Christmas Program
12/17/17 Regular Schedule
12/24/17 Christmas Day - No Sunday School
12/31/17 No Sunday School
With Service in Christ,
Fr. Demetri, Fr. Costa
& Sunday School Coordinators; Zoe Bobotsiares, Helen Karagiorgis, and Heather Vlachos
Greetings Greek School Families,
As 2017 comes to a close we are reminded of our blessings.Our Greek School stu-dents have blessed us with their talents and eagerness to learn about their Greek her-itage. We look forward to their final performance of 2017, singing the Kalanda at the Stewardship Luncheon.
The GPTO will be hosting the Greek School Christmas party. Information will be coming soon. Lastly please consider ringing in the New Year at the New Years Eve Party Hosted by the Parish Council. It is great fun and all proceeds benefit the youth ministries within the church including the Greek School. On Behalf of the GPTO we wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.
