nativity of the theotokos sunday before holy cross
TRANSCRIPT
Sts. Raphael, Nicholas and Irene
Greek Orthodox Church
Rev. Fr. Barnabas Powell, Proistamenos
Jimmy Smith, Psaltis
3074 Bethelview Road † Cumming GA 30040
(770) 781-5250 cell (770) 861-3544 www.stsrni.org
We are an intentional Orthodox Christian Community for North Georgia!
NATIVITY OF THE THEOTOKOS
SUNDAY BEFORE HOLY CROSS
SEPTEMBER 8TH, 2013
WORSHIP
Festal - Eleventh Eothinon/Tone Second
We are so very glad you have joined us today, and we pray you will be inspired
and encouraged by your time with us.
The Orthodox worship service is an ancient and timeless expression of how
people have loved, served and worshipped God for many centuries, but it may be a bit of
a different experience for you. Please feel free to use a service book or not and simply
allow the words of the service to wash over you.
The central act of our worship culminates in people receiving communion.
This is a very special time for us all and we have some specific beliefs about our com-
munion together. This is why we never impose this service on those who are not pre-
pared or are not baptized Orthodox. This service may raise questions in your mind.
Please feel free to ask Fr. Barnabas or Fr. Paul anything you wish after the service.
At the end of the service EVERYONE is invited to come forward and receive a
portion of the “blessed bread” from Fr. Barnabas. No one should leave church
“hungry!”
Know you are welcome and we are glad you are here.
May God bless you and your family.
Apolytikion in honor of Sts. Raphael, Nicholas & Irene
Having contended on Lesvos for the sake of Christ God, you have sanctified the island
since the discovery of your sacred relics, O blessed ones; wherefore we honor you, O
Godbearing Raphael, together with Nicholas and virgin Irene, as our divine protectors
and intercessors with the Lord.
Schedule for the Week
September 11th, Wednesday - 6:30 p.m. Vespers
September 14th, Saturday - 5 p.m. Great Vespers
Parish Council On Duty Today - Harald Hagen & Kosta Bozzuto
Ushering Ministry - GOYA
Welcoming Ministry - Sharon Tyre
Fellowship Ministry - Parish Council
ACOLYTES
Jacob Atkins, Zachery Bethune, Mike & Peter Jordanopolos, Thomas Miller, Evan & Mitchell
Roussey, Mike Trainor, Alex & Niko Tzevelekos and Christos Zourzoukis
SENIOR ACOLYTES
Mike Manos, Dean Pryles
WELCOME TO BACK TO CHURCH SUNDAY
LEN VANERSTROM WILL BE RECEIVED
AS A CATECHUMEN TODAY.
TODAY WE REMEMBER
The Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady
the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary
Reading: According to the ancient tradition of the Church, the Theotokos was born of barren and aged parents, Joachim and Anna, about the year 16 or 17 before the birth of Christ. Joachim was descended from the royal line of David, of the tribe of Judah. Anna was of the priestly tribe of Levi, a daughter of the priest Matthan and Mary, his wife. Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone: Your birth, O Theotokos, brought joy to the whole world, for from you dawned the sun of righteousness, Christ our God. Freeing us from the curse, He gave us His blessings. Abolishing death, He granted us eternal life. Kontakion in the Fourth Tone: In your holy birth, Immaculate One, Joa-chim and Anna were rid of the shame of childlessness; Adam and Eve of the corruption of death. And so your people, free of the guilt of their sins, cele-brate crying: "The barren one gives birth to the Theotokos, who nourishes our life."
Sunday before Holy Cross Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Second Tone: When Thou didst de-scend unto death, O Life Immortal, then didst Thou slay Hades with the light-ning of Thy Divinity. And when Thou didst also raise the dead out of the nethermost depths, all the powers in the Heavens cried out: O Life-giver, Christ our God, glory be to Thee. Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Tone: In your holy birth, Immaculate One, Joachim and Anna were rid of the shame of childlessness; Adam and Eve of the corruption of death. And so your people, free of the guilt of their sins, celebrate crying: "The barren one gives birth to the Theotokos, who nourishes our life."
We Also Remember
Sophronios of Iberia
Please pray for those faithful who are currently in need of our most fervent intercessions: Andrew, Angie, Bill,
Bill, Carrie, Demetra, Diane, Dina, Donna, Elaine, Elizabeth, Christina, George, Gus, Heidi, Igli, James,
Jerry, Joe, Maria, Michael, Oni, Patsy, Paul, Peter, Staikoula, Taki, Tara, Violeta,
John & Sheila Consos, Archie & Florence Lytle, Katherine & Sam Yalanzon
EPISTLE Reading
The Reading is from St. Paul’s
Letter to the Galatians 6:11-18
Prokeimenon. Mode Plagal 2. Psalm 27.9,1
O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance. Verse: To you, O Lord, I have cried, O my God.
BRETHREN, see with what large letters I am writing to you with my
own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that
would compel you to be circumcised, and not only in order that they
may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who re-
ceive circumcision do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to
have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh. But far be it
from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which
the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither cir-
cumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.
Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of
God. Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the
marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit,
brethren. Amen.
ΑΩ
Ἀδελφοί, ἴδετε πηλίκοις ὑμῖν γράμμασιν ἔγραψα τῇ ἐμῇ χειρί. Ὅσοι
θέλουσιν εὐπροσωπῆσαι ἐν σαρκί, οὗτοι ἀναγκάζουσιν ὑμᾶς
περιτέμνεσθαι, μόνον ἵνα μὴ τῷ σταυρῷ τοῦ Χριστοῦ διώκωνται. Οὐδὲ γὰρ οἱ περιτετμημένοι αὐτοὶ νόμον φυλάσσουσιν, ἀλλὰ θέλουσιν ὑμᾶς
περιτέμνεσθαι, ἵνα ἐν τῇ ὑμετέρᾳ σαρκὶ καυχήσωνται. Ἐμοὶ δὲ μὴ
γένοιτο καυχᾶσθαι εἰ μὴ ἐν τῷ σταυρῷ τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ·
διʼ οὗ ἐμοὶ κόσμος ἐσταύρωται, κἀγὼ τῷ κόσμῳ. Ἐν γὰρ Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ
οὔτε περιτομή τι ἰσχύει, οὔτε ἀκροβυστία, ἀλλὰ καινὴ κτίσις. Καὶ ὅσοι
τῷ κανόνι τούτῳ στοιχήσουσιν, εἰρήνη ἐπʼ αὐτούς, καὶ ἔλεος, καὶ ἐπὶ τὸν
Ἰσραὴλ τοῦ θεοῦ. Τοῦ λοιποῦ, κόπους μοι μηδεὶς παρεχέτω· ἐγὼ γὰρ τὰ
στίγματα τοῦ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ ἐν τῷ σώματί μου βαστάζω. Ἡ χάρις τοῦ
κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ μετὰ τοῦ πνεύματος ὑμῶν, ἀδελφοί. Ἀμήν.
GOSPEL READING
The Reading is from John 3:13-17
The Lord said, "No one has ascended into heaven but he who de-
scended from heaven, the Son of man. And as Moses lifted up the
serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that
whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever
believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent
the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world
might be saved through him."
Α Ω
Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος· καὶ οὐδεὶς ἀναβέβηκεν εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν εἰ μὴ ὁ ἐκ τοῦ
οὐρανοῦ καταβάς, ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ὁ ὤν ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ. καὶ καθὼς Μωϋσῆς ὕψωσε τὸν ὄφιν ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ, οὕτως ὑψωθῆναι δεῖ τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, ἵνα πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων εἰς αὐτὸν μὴ ἀπόληται
ἀλλ' ἔχῃ ζωὴν αἰώνιον. Οὕτω γὰρ ἠγάπησεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸν κόσμον, ὥστε
τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ τὸν μονογενῆ ἔδωκεν, ἵνα πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων εἰς αὐτὸν
μὴ ἀπόληται ἀλλ' ἔχῃ ζωὴν αἰώνιον. οὐ γὰρ ἀπέστειλεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸν
υἱὸν αὐτοῦ εἰς τὸν κόσμον ἵνα κρίνῃ τὸν κόσμον, ἀλλ' ἵνα σωθῇ ὁ
κόσμος δι' αὐτοῦ
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Father Barnabas is available to hear confession every Wednesday either
before or after Vespers and by appointment. Please call or email the
church office to request a time to meet with Father and avail yourself to
this healing divine mystery of the Church.
Please call the Church office for more information (770) 781-5250.
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Sts. RNI Choir Practice
Immediately following Divine Liturgy
in the Chapel
Contact Marie Chapman for more information.
770-205-7220 or [email protected]
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Sts. RNI Bookstore News
Your purchases through Amazon helps us raise money! We have a new e-store on Amazon for the Sts. RNI Bookstore. This is an
Amazon webstore that we put items into categories like books, cds, jewelry, food, etc. and we get paid 10% on all sales through our store. If someone from the church wants to buy something on Amazon, they need to click
through our link for us to get credit. Also, if anyone wants a book, cd, etc., not on our list, they need to let us know & we can add it to the site.
Use the link: http://astore.amazon.com/stsrapnicireo-20
For more information or to add items, contact Aftan Romanczak at [email protected]
ANNOUNCEMENTS
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION MEETING
Monday, September 16th, 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Church Sanctuary
This meeting is for the residents in the surrounding
community to meet with the project team to discuss the Fellowship Hall (white house) Project.
Parishioners are welcome to attend as well.
For more information, contact the church office at
officeadmin.org or speak with Rusty Waldron (c. 404-304-6029) who is
the Project Manager
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Prosforo Baking
Prosforo will be made on Tuesday, September 24th, and Tuesday, October 29th, at the Blue House beginning at 9 a.m.
All who would like to come and help are welcome. Contact Stamatia Hagen at [email protected]
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Visitors Welcome
Dina Sarandis resides at The Oaks on Post Road and welcomes visits from fellow
parishioners.
Dina says “THANK YOU” to those who have visited her and wants you to know
that she has really enjoyed the company. She looks forward to more visitors.
John & Sheila Consos are now residing in Dunwoody—4355 Georgetown Sq., Unit
442—and would enjoy phone calls (770/232-5147) &/or visits.
If you know of someone who would like a visit, please contact Helen McCart
at 678-947-4771 or the Church Office.
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CHILDREN & YOUTH EDUCATION
Sunday School
September 8th THROUGH May 18, 2014 A focus on Sacraments and Feasts; Scripture and Bible Stories; Saints
and Orthodox Spirituality in communion with our teachers and our children.
Septemer 8th—Church School begins! Registration forms are in the Narthex.
Pre-K through High School Students need to sign up.
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ATTENTION ALL PARENTS OF CHURCH SCHOOL CHILDREN & TEENS
There will be a Parent Meeting on Sunday, Sept. 15th, after the Divine Liturgy. Please grab a cup of coffee/snack and join us in the Sanctuary for 30 minutes.
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Church School Teachers are needed in 3-5 grade as well as High School If interested, please contact Quay Farr ([email protected]) or Donna
Smith ([email protected])
Children & Youth Choir Practice - will meet in the Youth Room after receiving the Holy Eucharist.
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REGISTER FOR GREEK SCHOOL
Contact Smara Wolff for information on Greek School registration
for Fall 2013 - [email protected] or 770-889-5419
Classes begin week of September 8th. Registration forms in Narthex
or from Smara Wolff.
November 16th, Saturday - Greek School Koulourakia Baking - $2/child
Sundays - Oct. 27, Nov. 24, Dec. 29 - 4 p.m.
Greek Moving Gathering
ADULT EDUCATION
2013-14 Sts. RNI Scripture Study Program
Wednesday Mornings 9:30 to 10:45 a.m.
Thursday Evenings 6:45 to 8:00 p.m.
The Epistle to the Hebrews
September 4-October 9; January 8-22; April 30-May 21
Suggested Donation: $10
Walking Through the Nativity
November 6-December 25
Suggested Donation: $15
Walking Through Holy Week
February 5-April 10
Suggested Donation: $20
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SATURDAY NIGHT BOOK CLUB
5 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Church & Blue House)
September 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2013
Book: God and You: Person to Person
October 5, 12 & 26, 2013
Book: Beginning to Pray
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THE WAY—DVD Series 6:30-8 p.m. - Youth Room
Thursday, September 26 - “Why did Jesus Come to Us?” Thursday, October 24th - “Salvation in Christ”
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LIFE & FAMILY EDUCATION
Wednesday Evening, September 18th, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Sts. RNI Family Spaghetti Dinner, Vespers & Education
PHILOPTOCHOS
2013 Membership Drive is underway. ALL are welcome to join.
Philoptochos is not just a ladies organization anymore!
GENERAL MEETING - Thursday, September 19th, 6:30 p.m.
Covered Dish Supper/General Meeting
At the home of Ginny Kostulakos—7030 Summit Ridge Chase, Cumming
30041
RSVP to Ginny at 678-807-7167 or [email protected]
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PHILOPTOCHOS COOKBOOK PROJECT The Sts. RNI Philoptochos is assembling a Greek Recipe Cookbook that it plans to publish & sell as a fund raiser. We would appreciate if you would share with us your favorite Greek recipes - regular or nistisimo (fasting). Please submit your recipes by September 1st to: Ginny Kostulakos ([email protected]) or to Helen McCart ([email protected]). If you have any background for the recipe such as who originated it (your mom, yiayia, papou, best friend); special details as to how you prepare it (special pan size, measuring technique, etc.), what part of Greece it comes from or is popular in, please share that with us as well. We want ours to come out as good as yours! Handwritten/typed recipes are also welcome. Don’t forget to put your name with the recipe (& a contact number for the committee if we have questions) so you get credit for your contribution.
RECIPES ARE STILL BEING ACCEPTED. THANKS TO ALL WHO HAVE ALREADY SUBMITTED.
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PHILOPTOCHOS
Philoptochos Raffle Fundraiser
Philoptochos is looking for prizes for their Festival Raffle Project. This year
80% of profit will go to Philoptochos Charities & Commitments and 20% to
the renovation of our new White House.
We are looking for gift cards to restaurant, spa, movies or retail stores; Atlan-
ta Symphoney/Fox Theater show tickets; sporting event tickets; gift baskets
from hair salon/spa or nail salon; new home décor items. Also, VISA or
AMEX gift cards. If you have a credit card that earns reward points, the
points can be redeemed for gift cards starting as low as $25. This would not
be any actual COST to you.
Donations from businesses will be acknowledged on the tickets & signage.
To donate contact Anne Trainor (770-356-5616 or annetrai-
[email protected]) or Julie Chokos (404-557-3925 or [email protected])
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INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY PROJECT
International Literacy Day, which is observed worldwide on September 8th, is
sponsored by the International Reading Association and the United Nations.
In observance of this day and as part of our Community Outreach,
the Sts. RNI Philoptochos will be collecting new and gently used
children’s books, which will then be donated to the Media Center at the Saw-
nee Elementary School.
We encourage all our parishioners to participate in this worthy project.
A collection box will be in the Narthex & on the Philoptochos table on
Back-to-Church Sunday.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
AN INVITATION from MARIETTA PRIME TIMERS
The Prime Timers (Senior Organization) of Holy Transfiguration
Greek Orthodox Church, Marietta, have extended an invitation to
the parishioners of Sts. RNI to join them on a bus trip to the
Biltmore Estate on November 12-13, 2013. Lodging will be at the
Hampton Inn. Cost of $150/person includes lodging, double occu-
pancy, transportation and all meals except for lunch on Nov. 13th.
(A flyer is on a table in the Narthex.)
For more information contact Connie Stratigos (770-992-9707 or
[email protected] or Renee Hammond (770-924-5144)
Reservations (with check) go to Dorothy Botni—3019 Walker Dr.,
Marietta 30068
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FELLOWSHIP MINISTRY
Our 2013-2014 Fellowship Hour Donation Campaign has begun.
A suggested donation of $25/family helps cover the cost of the weekly
Fellowship Hour. Checks should be made payable to Sts. RNI G.O. Church with
“Fellowship” on the memo line.
We hope you have enjoyed the refreshments provided over the past year and will
continue to support the Fellowship Committee’s efforts to serve you each Sunday.
Thank you for your support of this Ministry.
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GREEK DANCING
Andrea Mancil has volunteered to be the instructor for Greek dance again
this year. There will be four groups: 3-6 yrs; 7-11 yrs; 12-20 yrs; and 21+.
There are 8 Sundays til Festival.
Practices will be on Sunday directly after church. There will also be a
practice one evening during the week.
Please contact Andrea (678-873-3499 or [email protected]) to sign up
or for more information.
Dancing is fun & good exercise. It also gives us a chance to share with our
community at the festival the music & dance of our Greek heritage.
COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER
KROGER COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAM
Kroger is now offering a Community Rewards Program in our area to help
bring funds to organizations simply by their membership registering their
Kroger Plus card online and then shopping. Each time you use your Krog-
er Plus card a donation is made to our Church and the Church will receive
a reward check on a quarterly basis.
Register your Kroger Plus Card online at
Krogercommunityrewards.com
Be sure to have your Kroger Plus card handy and register your card with:
Eastern Orthodox Community of Northern GA, Inc. 72097
as your organization of choice.
That’s all there is to it! The more you shop at Kroger using your Kroger
Plus Card the more donations Kroger will make to our Church account.
Don’t have a Kroger Plus card? They are available at Kroger Customer
Service Counter.
If you use your phone number when you are checking out instead of having
the Kroger Plus card scanned, call 800-576-4377, select option 4 to get
your Kroger Plus card number and then proceed to register your card
number at the above website.
If you have any questions about this new fundraiser, please contact Ginny
Kostulakos at 678-807-7167 or [email protected]
P.S. Sts. RNI is officially registered as a 501(C)(3) under the name of
Eastern Orthodox Community of Northern GA, Inc.
GREEK FEST 2013
SAVE THE DATES
Friday, October 18th—3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday, October 19th—11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday, October 20th—11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
We also need help:
Thursday, October 17th—Set Up
Monday, October 18th—Clean Up
We would like to add a Box Lunch on Friday from Noon to 3 p.m.
Chairperson Needed
Ask how you can become a steward of this wonderful event.
Questions, concerns and to volunteer to help plan the Festival should
be directed to Johnny Melts
770-843-7713 or [email protected]
OR see him in person after Church services.
NEW FESTIVAL EVENT
Sts. Raphael, Nicholas, and Irene Inaugural Toga Trot 5K
Grab your Toga and your running shoes and come out to a great morning. October 19, 2013 at 9:00am
Register now for $25 and you are guaranteed a long-sleeved shirt in your size. Race day registration will be $30. Packet pickup will be available the morning of the
race and Friday night at the Greek Festival.
Scan the QR code above to register!
For more information: http://www.fivestarntp.com/Toga_Trot.html
Or speak with Liz & Chris Foxhall
GREEK FEST 2013
BAKING
Beginning Friday, September 13th, we will be baking at
The Blue House beginning at 9 a.m.
Friday, October 4th South Forsyth High School
Galatoboureko
Monday, October 7th South Forsyth High School (Product to be Announced)
More dates will be announced as they are set up.
Thanks for your help!
Donations of ingredients for baklava, galatoboureko, koulourakia, kourimbiedas, pastichio, kefteda, etc. are welcome or monetary donations to help defray festival
expenses.
See Johnny Melts or Sophia Bethune
Nicholas & Varvara Alexiou
Jim & Angie Andropoulos
Sarante & Julie Athenson
Richard & Sophia Bethune
Anthony & Mary Birozes
Renee Birozes
Katherine Blanos
James & Jennifer Bochis
Joseph & Barbara Bonelli-Selwa
Jordan & Lisa Boston
Helen Bouboulis
Kosta & Carolyn Bozzuto
Sean & Maria Carney
David & Marie Chapman
Grace Chihlas
Julie Chokos
Connie Condos
John & Sheila Consos
Giles & Emily Christie
Dan & Alyssa Douglas
John & Beth Doulgerakis
Quay & Trissie Farr
Chris & Liz Foxhall
Valerie Galanis
Robert & Carey Gilbert
Robert & Jennifer Guano
Harald & Stamatia Hagen
Christine Hatcher
Harriet Howell
Alan & Julia Jenkins
Mark & Jennie Johnson
Eleni Jordan
Panagiotis & Elizabeth Jordanopoulos
Vasilios & Mary Kaloudis
James Kanellos
Maria Kardomateas
Theodoros & Aphrodite Kazazakis-
Levendakis
Dennis & Ginny Kostulakos
Alex & Melpo Levantis
Earnest & Elizabeth Livaditis
Leon & Francis Lopez
Archie & Florence Lytle
Connie Machoudy
Harry & Tina Maheras
Bill & Margaret Manos
Emanuel Manos
Bill & Audrey Marianes
John Martin
George Matthews
Al & Helen McCart
John & Becky Melts
Bill & Mary Milam
Matt & Athena Miller
Nikolaos Moissiadis
Patricia Morris
Peter & Jamie Nunn
Nicolas & Teddie Panos
Constantinos & Evelyn Pantazopoulos
Lazaros & Christina Papadopoulos
Gregory Pappas
Gus Pappas
John & Evon Patrick
Sts. RNI Philoptochos
Gus Plakiotis
Ioanna Plakiotis
Mihai & Heidi Popa
Father & Presvytera Powell
Pam Powers
Katherine Prattes
Vic & Suzi Pryles
Paul & Gigi Ray
Marina Raymond
David & Mary Roberts
Athan & Cheri Romanczak
Jimmy & Pat Roney
Andrew & Lorez Roussey
Dina Sarandis
Taka & Kathy Shoji
Eric & Donna Smith
Eugenia Smith
Estelle Sofikitis
George & Anna Sofikitis
Dennis & Laura Sparks
James Stockdill
Koko & Carol Tadros
Steven & Thalia Thompson
Ed & Anne Trainor
Brian & Jennifer Tubbs
Sharon Tyre
Greg Tzevelekos
George Tzortzinakis
Plutarch & Tina Vamvakias
Rusty & Christine Waldron
Tim & Diane Walters
Steve & Smara Wolff
Sam & Katherine Yalanzon
George & Thalia Zazanis-Bruno
John & Mildred Zourzoukis
To date the 98 families below have returned
Stewardship Commitment Cards for 2013.