Assumption Weekly Message
Week of November 15th, 2020
Hello Assumption Family,
1 – Advent Begins (11/15)
2 – This Sunday’s Feast
3 – Parish General Assembly Update (11/15)
4 – Coronavirus Protocols Reminder
5 – Feast of the Entry of the Theotokos (11/21)
6 – Weekly calendar with links to meeting and services
Advent begins tomorrow! As we begin our approach to the birth of Jesus we must remember this is a time for preparation and self-denial. We take out the unnecessary extras in our lives and replace them with good deeds and added prayer. Confession is available by appointment as always and is also encouraged during this season of the fast.
This Sunday is the 8th Sunday of Luke. On this Sunday we remember the parable of the ‘Good Samaritan’. The premise of this teaching is that to inherit eternal life we must also be able to love our neighbor as ourselves. This gospel is so important for our world today. In a society where we are in a constant state of disagreement with our neighbors, how can we possibly love them? It is time to rise above the “worldly” together! God’s love transcends our worldly ways, so too we must imitate the way He loves.
This Sunday we will have a “State of the Parish” address after service in lieu of a General assembly (postponed due to COVID-19). The plan for this meeting will be as follows: After Liturgy and before Holy Communion during the time I normally share announcements I will address the parish with updates on the following:
- Church Financials
- Stewardship
- Festival
- Coronavirus Protocol
- My departure and succession planning
As you are certainly aware by now, our community is currently experiencing an exceptionally high number of diagnosed COVID-19 cases. As of today we plan to continue offering services under the current guidelines attached as a friendly reminder. We must all do our part to keep each other safe and healthy. Remember to stay on the safe side:
- If you do not feel well or were exposed anytime in the last 14 days, please stay home.
- If you can, check your temperature every morning and again stay home if you have a fever.
- And as always keep your hands clean and your face covered.
- We have been hearing for months that the winter will be worse, stay vigilant.
This Saturday is the feast of Entrance of the Theotokos. Services will be held at Assumption 8:30am Orthros ~9:30am Liturgy. On this, one of the twelve great feasts of the Orthodox Church, we remember the day the Theotokos was brought to the temple as a toddler by her parents, and received by Zacharias the high priest.
Calendar for the week (and links to meetings and service files):
Watch services live even without an account at: facebook.com/assumptioneastmoline/live
Sunday, November 15th - 6th Sunday of Luke: 8:30am Orthros followed by Divine Liturgy (~9:30) and Church School via Zoom at 11:30am
Monday, November 16th – St. Matthew: 7pm Parish Council meeting via Zoom
Thursday, November 19th: 10am Bible Study via Zoom
Saturday, November 21st – Entrance of the Theotokos: 8:30am Orthros followed by Divine Liturgy
Sunday, November 22nd : 8:30am Orthros followed by Divine Liturgy (~9:30)
May God bless and keep us,
Fr. Thomas
Online Chapel
2nd Thursday of Lent
Saints and Feasts Commemorated
Hilarion the New; Herodion the Apostle of the 70; Stephen the Wonderworker
Visit the Online Chapel for more daily readings, hymns, a monthly calendar of saints and feasts, and more.