Brothers and Sisters,
Greetings in the Name of the Lord.
This coming Sunday, September 29, will be the fifth Sunday in the month, and, whenever there is a fifth Sunday, we do two things: We have a potluck during Fellowship Hour, and we enjoy live music. Of course, potlucks always work better when we all actually bring food, so please plan on bringing enough for your family and some to share, and that way, we should be sure and have plenty. And, speaking of planning ahead, that Maven of All Things Musical, Rigel T., has put together a great lineup for our enjoyment. Here are the folks who will be playing on that Sunday (and, if you’d like to get into the mix, just get in touch with Rigel):
St. Kassiani String Quartet (Sara H. and friends)
Cameron C.
Anna D.
Unofficial St. John's Jam Band
Our Calendar
Fasting Days
Wednesday, September 25 and Friday, September 27
Daily Services
Monday, September 23--Friday, September 27, Orthros 5am and Vespers, 5pm (but there will not be daily vespers on Monday, Sept 23; also, if you wish to attend the daily services, it’s always a good idea to check the day before to make sure the services will be offered).
Fr. Andrew, Seth Hart, and Matthew Groh and many other folks continue to broadcast daily readings from spiritual books online. They are now back to reading “The Ethics of Beauty” by Dr Timothy Patitsas. The schedule is as follows: M-F at 12pm.
Also, our online team will now be reading the Daily Synaxarion on Discord. Just look for this channel: #synaxarion
Tuesday, September 24
Orthodoxy 101 7pm; you can also access the group on Discord
The Parish Council 7pm
Wednesday, September 25
Fall Theological Seminar 7pm; you can also access the group on Discord
Thursday, September 26
The Bible Study, New Testament Edition 7pm; you can access this group on Discord
Saturday, September 28
St Thomas School 4pm
Great Vespers 6pm
Sunday, September 29
Second Sunday of St Luke
Orthros 8am
Divine Liturgy 10am
Fellowship Hour Potluck Noon
Tuesday, October 1
Orthodoxy 101 7pm; you can also access the group on Discord
Wednesday, October 2
Fall Theological Seminar 7pm; you can also access the group on Discord
Thursday, October 3
The Bible Study, New Testament Edition 7pm; you can access this group on Discord
St Thomas School
On Saturday, September 28, Benedict Henderson will be leading the discussion of chapter one of Volume I entitled, “Early Christianity”. Online access is available on Discord; like to participate online, you still need to sign-up ahead of time. Just send an email to remote.meetings@theforerunner.org by Thursday, September 26, to reserve your spot.
Our Fall Theological Seminar
Our Fall Theological Seminar is going very well. We’re reading a book by a Protestant pastor; the book is called Stability, and it’s available in the bookstore. But we’re not only going to be talking about the spiritual advantages—and challenges—of sticking it out in a particular community, we’re also going to be talking with folks in our parish who have done just that. Below is the schedule for the readings and the interviews, but plan now to join us in the parish house at 7pm each Wednesday evening through the start of Nativity Lent--and, while we will have an online option available for those folks who live at a distance, let’s not forget that the conversation is always richer and more meaningful if you are actually present.
Sept 25 Reading Assignment: Chapter 2. Stability and Self. Guests: Matt and Valerie G.
Oct 2 Reading Assignment: Chapter 3. Stability and Relationships Guest: Rick K.
Oct 9 Reading Assignment: Chapter 4. Stability and Place. Guests: Jerry and Maggie B.
Oct 16 Reading Assignment: Chapter 5. Stability and Change. Guests: Chris and Sarah S.
Oct 23 Reading Assignment: Chapter 6. Practices of Stability. Guest: Baker G.
Oct 30 Reading Assignment: Chapter 7. Where Do We Stay From Here? p 125-134. Guest: Mary K.
Nov 6 Reading Assignment: Chapter 7. Where Do We Stay From Here? p 134-148. Guests: John and Lindsey B.
Nov 13 Conclusion: The Final Stability
Coming Up
The Burial Society will be having a picnic at the memorial garden in front of the Long Hall during this coming Sunday’s Fellowship Hour. Come and eat with the group while they pray together and remember our departed loved ones. Learn who is eligible for a stone in the memorial garden, and, if you are remembering a loved one, we’d love it if you’d share their story with us!
On Saturday, October 12th, The Burial Society would also like to invite everyone to join them in honoring the memory of Schema Nun Elizabeth, who was known as Catherine MacLaughlin when she was a member of our parish. We will gather at the Nativity of Our Lord Orthodox Monastery in Kemp, Texas, at 11:00 AM, with the memorial service beginning at 11:30 AM. Following the service, we'll enjoy a time of fellowship over lunch with Mother Barbara and the resident nuns. Please remember to bring your own meal.
Our Moment of Grace and Courtesy
Please remember to silence your phones and other electronic devices when you attend the divine services. These sorts of disruptions are distracting and completely unnecessary.
Capital Campaign Countdown Column
Whatever is obtained as a result of long and persistent prayer will remain.
-St John Climacus
We are now well into the three year pledge portion of our capital campaign, so please go ahead and record your commitment on REALM. If you questions about how to do that, just contact Arun J. or Father Andrew Wilson. If you have questions about the project itself, please read through the FAQ that is attached to this newsletter, but, to help us get the most out of this historic effort, this week’s Countdown Column is by parish council member Christine Y.:
Constructing a new Temple for our growing parish is not just an architectural endeavor; it is a profound act of faith and love for the Most Holy Trinity, our community, and our posterity.
An Act of Faith
We will build our faith as we participate in the capital campaign, especially if we pledge to give generously. What is perhaps even more important, faith will abound as we pray for provision for the creation of this physical space where Divine Grace can descend, a place where heaven meets earth, and where we, the faithful of St. John the Forerunner, can commune with God.
An Act of Love
Giving of ourselves, in any way, requires sacrifice. By contributing our time, skills, resources, and prayers towards this holy project, we embody the unity and sacrificial love that Christ envisioned for His Church. Our new Temple will stand not just as a building, but as a testament to our love for Him, a beacon of light to the lost, and a spiritual home for all who seek solace, guidance, and Divine presence.
Let us all embrace this sacred task in faith, with love and joyful hearts, so we may take part in ensuring that our godchildren, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will have a Holy place to encounter the Living God and grow in faith, love, and devotion.
Humbly,
Christine
an unworthy priest
aidan