The Messenger November 2020 _______________________________________________________________________
St. Thomas Orthodox Church 1100 Jones St. - PO Box 1042 – Sioux City, Iowa 51102 (712) 258-7166 – info@stthomassiouxcity.org www.stthomassiouxcity.org
Scan this code with your smartphone to access your own personalized church Web page!
________________________________________________________________________________
Our Mission St. Thomas Orthodox Church is a community of Christians who proclaim the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as handed down by the Apostles. We are committed to bringing the Light of Christ to all of Siouxland in thought, word, and deed. At St. Thomas Orthodox Church, you will find Holy Orthodoxy—ancient and alive. ___________________________________________________________________________________ Weekly Schedule Orthros and Divine Liturgy Sundays at 9:00 a.m. Vespers Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. Great Vespers Saturdays at 6:00 p.m. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Birthdays November 29 Frank Brienzo
2
What is So Orthodox at Thanksgiving? There is no “feast” that seems more “American” than Thanksgiving. Many of us Orthodox also recognize this holiday in some sort of way. Usually we say that it is a day in which “they” remember that the Pilgrims landed in this country. Of course, the “they” that we use in such a sentence refers to any of the non-Orthodox Americans that we live with. And yet, this is real chance for us—it may be one of the few “American” things that we can truly make Orthodox. We will never be able to totally interpret the secular things of America in an Orthodox way—such as hot dogs and beer, or Rock and Roll Masses. But here on Thanksgiving Day is exactly where it should be done. This is so because if you think about and are especially aware of the words and feeling of our Divine Liturgy, there is nothing more Orthodox than giving thanks or “thanksgiving." It is, therefore, on Thanksgiving Day that we have a chance to help America look deeper into itself—by looking at this “typical” American holiday of Thanksgiving from an Orthodox point of view. We know that to be Orthodox, if we really know about Orthodoxy, implies that “deeper look.” But what is meant by looking deeper? To begin with, if we as Americans, both Orthodox and non-Orthodox, fail to see the greater lesson of what “Thanksgiving” means, if it is just the remembering of an historical event, it will remain only a memory and not something that we call a Holiday, or better yet, a Holy Day. This is so because just the memory is not enough. Memory may be helpful, but it does not guarantee holiness. Why do we say Holy Day? When we answer this question, we will have taken that “deeper look." Surely those that landed in America understood why the day was “holy.” They were not only celebrating their historic landing as holy, as we do today in this shallow way; they looked deeper and when they did, they gave thanks together in a real communion with each other and with God for all the bountiful gifts with which they were blessed. Perhaps they understood, even better than we do, what it means when we sing in our Liturgy: “for the abundance of the fruits of the earth and for peaceful times….” That's it! That's the deeper look; men standing together before God in thankfulness. Men bound by common problems. Men bound by common goals. Orthodoxy, therefore, has the great opportunity to be able to dissect the word “Thanksgiving,” to show this fullness. In fact, we are constantly showing what it really means at every Liturgy, for it is here that thanksgiving is not only a memory, not only a day; it is a “state” or a “position” that we are in. What is that “state” which is holy? It is a standing together—no, it begins earlier—it begins with the procession of each of us from the bed of our homes to the place where we will stand, to be together, even as those pilgrims were, to give thanks. The height of this thanksgiving is when we offer up the gifts of bread and wine—“Thine own of Thine own, we offer unto thee, in behalf of all and for all”—while we are offered life in return from God. Can we take America back to that original meaning, to that deeper look? The pilgrims had it, but we have preserved it! Perhaps now we can say “we” instead of “they” to show that Thanksgiving is not only for non- Orthodox. Certainly, it is at the Divine Liturgy where “we” should begin this Day of Thanksgiving. Is there less that we can do? What's so Orthodox about Thanksgiving? Orthodoxy. The Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Allen, ThD, longtime pastor of St. Anthony’s, Bergenfield, NJ, reposed in the Lord on 7 August 2020.
3
St. Thomas on the Internet Until now, the main presence of the parish on the Internet has been our Web site at https://stthomassiouxcity.org but, over the next few weeks, you’ll see some major changes happening there as we overhaul the site. While it’s being renovated, you can still stay updated by visiting our various social media pages: Facebook page: Siouxland Orthodox Group: Instagram: SoundCloud: Twitter: YouTube:
https://www.facebook.com/St.ThomasOrthodoxChurchSC/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/689850188457371/ https://www.instagram.com/sathorch/ https://soundcloud.com/sathorch https://twitter.com/sathorch https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIkvjWIH3zMELHkelZ36kRA
Your personalized parish Web site can be found at https://stthomassiouxcity.churchtrac.com/
Let Us Attend! The following are the current guidelines under which we have permission from Bp. BASIL to gather for in-person worship: •
No more than ⅓ capacity at any service: for us, this is 75 individuals.
•
Social distancing (6 feet) must be maintained between family units (defined as anyone living in your household).
•
Social distancing must be maintained when entering and exiting the building and when lining up to receive Communion.
•
Please be sure to wear your mask when entering and leaving the church, entering and leaving your pew, and approaching and returning from receiving Communion. Hand sanitizer is available in the narthex.
•
If you’re ill, do not attend. If you are in a high-risk group, please consider carefully whether you should attend.
We want everyone who can to attend services but we also do not want anyone to feel pressured to return before they’re comfortable doing so. Thank you for your cooperation!
4
Sunday School We started class on October 11. There is only a High school/Middle school class as there are no students for an elementary class. We started a new curriculum called “The Relationship Project.” It combines reading in the workbooks, videos, and time for self-reflection, journaling, and ends with a group discussion. This is unlike anything we’ve done in the past, and so far it’s going really well. Since each lesson builds on the previous one, weekly attendance is important, but we can always catch someone up if they happen to miss! “By exploring questions like What is our true identity?, What does it mean to be a child of God?, What is the true meaning of intimacy?, and What does the Church say about good mental health? this compelling group study allows you to lead your youth in discovering who they are in Christ. This program provides extensive support as you create a safe space for your teens to wrestle with the possible differences between what the world may suggest, versus what the Church teaches as truth.” faithtree.org ___________________________________________________________________________________
SOYO Mark your calendars for Sunday, November 29th, at 2:00 PM! It’s time to get creative at The Pickled Palette. More information will be sent to teens/families within the next couple of weeks. ___________________________________________________________________________________
Ladies Club We have not been able to have a formal meeting, but we are getting closer. You can go to the Antiochian Women of North America website to see what is going on in other areas and when they will be having talks or discussions. We pray God puts a healing arm over this country. God bless and keep us safe. Keep reading your Bible and helping one another. We all need to pray for one another during this time. ___________________________________________________________________________________
We Need Your Help!!! Yes, YOU! As you may have heard, St. Thomas has some big projects coming up in the next couple of months. One of these is the stabilization of the “new addition”. In order for the contractors to do their work, we have to clear out some of the appliances in the kitchen. In an effort to spend some time together (ok, to save money, but it will be a fun time together, right?) we are going to need volunteers for this to happen. There will be something for everyone to do! Exact dates and times will be forthcoming, so please watch your email for more information. 5
In Memoriam Remembering those who reposed during the month of November (baby) Stevens, Josephine Lemane, Philip Abdouch, Anna M. Jacobs, Isaac Abdullah, Theresa Ann Skaff, George E. Skaff, Rosa Leah Gill, Kelly Ellis, John Gary Haggar, Paul Jakes, Anna Nassif, George E. Bashara, Mabel Risk, Tillie Ellis, Julia Love, Arthur D.P. Nimmer, Ferris Skaff, Thomas Haddad, Alex Malenosky, Oscar J. Nassif, John E. David Sr., Elsie M. Smith, Sophie Weaver, Sadie Johnson, Amelia Bashara, Thomas G. Bashara, Jason Philip Stevens, Mazie David, Edwin F. Swanson, Arthur G. Ellis, Selma Corey, Floyd Counter, Patricia Ann Gebran Thibodeau, Blanche A. Corey, Jacqueline Larsen, Ethel Agerson. ___________________________________________________________________________________
Parish Council Following is a list of maintenance items either finished or in process: The ramp and railing have been repaired. Pushbars were installed on basement doors to bring them up to code. The front door has been refinished (thanks to Frank Brienzo). The pews will be re-covered as soon as the fabric arrives which should be soon. (Thanks to Esther McDaniel memorials and bequest). The Bell Tower is in the process of being repaired. Stabilization of the new addition is on the schedule for this winter. The water pipe leak has been fixed. Quotes are being received for the parking lot. Quotes are being received for the front steps and sidewalk. Shrubbery and other landscaping is scheduled. 6
Meditation Thursday: Luke 4:16-22 In every heart, there lives the dream that all will be made right, that justice and righteousness will prevail for all people. It’s a blessed hope but also terrifying. Why? In our Gospel reading, we learn that a day is coming when all injustices will be corrected, all hurts will be healed, all lies exposed, and all wounds will be addressed and healed. However, this also means that every person I’ve mistreated, hurt, lied about, or selfishly taken advantage of will be avenged as well. On that day, I too will be standing in the light of the righteous judgment of my own faults and my own mistreatment of others. It puts a different spin on things, doesn’t it? The spiritually mature person realizes that he or she must work diligently now to repent and ask forgiveness, thus opening the way for the grace of God to transform our actions toward others into righteous and peaceful love. No wonder the Church teaches us to pray for “a Christian end to our lives, peaceful, without shame and suffering, and for a good account of ourselves before the awesome judgment seat of Christ.” TODAY: Let’s ask God for the grace to search our own hearts for our own faults, not even noticing the faults of others. Let us become so gracious in our words, actions, and choices that when the Last Day comes, we will welcome the Lord’s righteous judgments. Those who have already become practiced in humble forgiveness and repentance will naturally and quickly lay their burdens and expectations at the feet of Christ and cry out, “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” Fr. Barnabas Powell
7
The Order of St. Ignatius Supports College Conference SOYO Leadership Training Camping Scholarship Program
Understanding what your gifts fund through The Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch is important but the better question is why we do it. Be a part of the why.
What
Why
Clergy Retired Clergy Housing Allowance Married Seminarian Assistance Clergy Symposium & Convention Assistance
$315,155 $270,000 $4,500 $40,655
Archdiocese Youth Summer Camp Scholarships Youth Ministry SOYO Special Olympics SOYO Leadership & Youth Worker Training Christian Education College Conference
$391,970 $190,000 $120,000 $8,000 $18,974 $39,996 $15,000
Archdiocese Development & Growth Missions & Evangelism
$254,988 $129,996
Parish Development / Mission Grants Internet Ministry
$24,996 $99,996
Other Grants Balamand Theological Academy
$85,000 $10,000
Syrian Relief
$55,000
So our children can pray, sing, laugh and even cry with one another as they grow stronger in their Orthodox Faith and closer to our Lord … together. - Summer Camp Scholarships
To help build the foundation and provide the essential tools of knowledge, relationships and memories that help our children remain steadfast in their Orthodox faith. - SOYO Leadership & Youth Worker Training & Youth Ministry
To make sure orphaned children feel loved and safe, and promise them that everything is going to be alright and that they are not alone. - Project Mexico
To provide guidance, reassurance and compassion, to unwed mothers who choose life rather than abortion. - Treehouse Ministries
To help give comfort and financial assurance to our retired clergy and their families. But even more, express our gratitude to our spiritual leader and friend who’s been with us during all of our times of joy and sorrow. Retired Clergy Housing Allowance
To help plant the seeds of Orthodoxy throughout North America revealing the “True Faith” and ensuring the Church’s growth for generations - Department of Missions & Evangelism
Figures represent part of the actual expenses for Fiscal Year 2018
The Order Of St. Ignatius Of Antioch
P.O. Box 5238 Englewood, NJ
07631-5238
Email: theorder@antiochian.org
Parish Council Minutes September 8, 2020 In Attendance- Fr. Peter Cox, George Stickney Jr, Mike Jacobs, Pete Streggerda, Erica Ameen Called to order with a prayer at 7:03 PM Review of minutes from August meeting. Mike motioned to approve, Fr seconded the motion. Minutes approved. Pastoral Report● There is one case of Covid in the parish. Person went to the dr because of some pain, and tested positive for Covid. Person is feeling better now. ● Funeral for Tom Mozaris- he had no living relatives and no burial plot. He was going to be buried in a potters field, but Dorwin Tompkins offered the use of his extra plot. Fr is going to speak with Pat Corey to find out if there are other extra plots that are already paid for. Another reminder all need to have end of life affairs in order. ● We need to spread the word that all sacraments (wedding,baptisms,etc.) are community events to be celebrated parish wide. ● Is there a fee structure for use of the church/hall? Erica will email Nick Corey to see if he has something that was previously used. Treasurer Report● We have spent 56% of our annual budget. Giving seems low, but a lot of money was frontloaded at the beginning of the year. ● Pete was promised a call soon from the CFO of the Archdiocese regarding the endowment. ● Fr moved to approve the report, Pete seconded the motion. All agreed and report was approved. Maintenance Report● There has been some activity at the parish, but nothing “concrete”(pun intended). ● Received Steve’s photos and the have been passed along for bids on the bell tower. ● Certified Testing- they made it very clear the bid from Thrasher is more than we need. They recommend Concrete Raising and Steve says they are a good company. ● Certified Testing sent the estimate for the front landing. They do not think we need to tear out the stairs. Steve says we should expect to to do some patch work every few years from normal wear. ● There is still concern about what’s behind the retaining wall and why it’s fallen. Thinking when that part of the building was built the ground wasn’t packed. ● The shrubbery is out of control, it can start to cause damage. Mike will make some calls for bids. Dinner Committee● Dinner has been postponed until May. Due to all of the necessary extra that has to be done due to Covid, we don’t have time for permits to reroute traffic. SOYO -Mini Retreat on October 3 Sunday School- will resume in person October 11, 9:15 AM Sound System ● Still no sound coming through speakers in the cry room ● George is going to move around the speakers in the altar and try to see what is going on. Next meeting will be October 14,2020 at 7:00 PM Father motioned to adjourn, George seconded the motion. All approved and meeting was adjourned with a prayer at 7:50 PM Respectfully submitted, Erica Ameen 9
St. Thomas Antiochian Orthodox Church PROFIT AND LOSS September 2020
TOTAL
Income 301 Tithes & Offerings
5,058.40
303 Loose Offering
35.25
305 Candles and Flowers
165.27
Total Income
$5,258.92
GROSS PROFIT
$5,258.92
Expenses 408 Church Utilities
1,084.12
409 General Supplies
104.00
410 Office Expense
466.27
411 In and Out
107.00
413 Benevolence
960.00
431 Priest Base Salary
3,000.00
432 Priest Cell Phone
50.00
433 Priest Health Insurance
800.00
434 Priest Life Insurance
135.00
439 Priest Allowance and Auto Insurance
285.00
442 Priest IRA
200.00
451 Diocese
900.00
462 Archdiocese Assessment
802.16
Total Expenses
$8,893.55
NET OPERATING INCOME
$ -3,634.63
NET INCOME
$ -3,634.63
Accrual Basis Friday, October 2, 2020 12:37 PM GMT-05:00
1/1