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PEACE AND GRACE!
St. Barnabas the Apostle, commemorated on 21 Kiahk/30 December
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"It is necessary most of all for one who is fasting to curb anger, to accustom himself to meekness and condescension, to have a contrite heart, to repulse impure thoughts and desires, to examine his conscience, to put his mind to the test and to verify what good has been done by us in this or any other week, and which deficiency we have corrected in ourselves in the present week. This is true fasting."
-St. John Chrysostom
FOR YOUR EDIFICATION
"The Most Wonderful Time of the Year?" by Fr. Anthony Messeh
SERVICES & EVENTS THIS WEEK
Wednesday: FOCUS: 3:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (come anytime!)
Saturday: Children's Hymns Class (5 years old - Jr. High): 5:15 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Vespers & Midnight Praise: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sunday: Divine Liturgy: 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Vespers and Kiahk Praises: 8:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Divine Liturgy: 12:00 a.m. (if you plan to receive Communion, please fast from 5 p.m. onward)
LAST CHANCE FOR RETREAT REGISTRATION
Our second annual family retreat is officially scheduled for January 12th through 14th, and this is the LAST CHANCE to register! It will be at the Pala Mesa Resort in Fallbrook, CA. If you missed it last year, don't make the mistake again! Sign up here! FAQ here
HELP WITH CHURCH CONSTRUCTION
Construction on the parish has begun! People helped haul nearly 5 tons of material, but there's still lots to be done! As clean up begins this week, please consider helping out. Contact Taunt Nadra to help with clean up this week. To offer other construction help, and to receive email updates on construction needs, please email Bishoy Said.
FATHER DANIEL HABIB VISIT
Father Daniel Habib will be visiting our church and staying in San Diego December 23rd through January 1st. To schedule time for a visitation or to speak with him, please email him.
NATIVITY FAST
November 25th marked the first day of the "Little Fast," also known as the Nativity Fast. Fasting is not just about changing ingredients; it should be a real spiritual discipline with goals. I encourage each of you to take the discipline seriously and to consult with your spiritual father for an appropriate prescription for your fasting period, as well as what spiritual disciplines to partake of during this blessed time. May the Lord bless this fast for all of us and let it be a source of fruit to all of us. -Abouna Antony
SERVING ORPHANS AND WIDOWS MINISTRY
We are planning a trip on January 20th to Tijuana, Mexico, to serve at an orphanage with a Christian organization called Serving Orphans and Widows. Transportation will cost between $20-40, and you must have a valid passport to join. The deadline for joining is January 5th. Monetary donations or a donation of clothing, toys, or household supplies are very appreciated! Please contact Sarah Michael with any questions.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, VISITATIONS & CONFESSIONS
Please let us know if you have any upcoming important events for us to share with our fellow congregants. Special events are best shared amongst our family, and we encourage you to share your special news with us. In addition, if you would like to schedule a time for a visit or confession with Father Antony Paul, please email him or approach him after the Liturgy on Sunday.
FOOD & CLEAN-UP
To sign up to bring food for the agape meal on Sundays, please fill in the weekly spreadsheet available HERE. We need as many volunteers as possible to keep the church clean on Sundays after the Divine Liturgy. Please consider this important expression of stewardship.