September 1 marks the beginning of the Ecclesiastical or Church New Year—a time of renewal and reflection. It is also a day of prayer for the environment, reminding us of our sacred responsibility to be good stewards of God’s creation.
This month also brings the start of a new academic year. Sunday School and Adult Education classes resume, helping us grow together in faith and knowledge.
We are especially grateful to Angel Mindala and her dedicated teaching staff as we kick off the new Sunday School year! Classes will begin after Divine Liturgy on Sunday, September 13.
While I may serve as Council President, it is not I alone who sustain this parish. It is all of you—your ideas, your passion, your service, and your ongoing commitment to the growth and vitality of our community.
As we begin this New Year, I invite you to reflect:
What will your ministry be?
How will you serve our parish?
How will you use your gifts in the Church and through the Church?
When we reflect on our progress since last September, we can see what is possible when we work together. We created a Charities Team, led by Monica Visocky. Veronica Kormos is leading our parish in a development program designed to increase our understanding of the financial operations of our parish and provide a call to action for our community. Through your generosity and commitment, we have already addressed more than half of the budget deficit projected for this year.
Nick Rollin stepped forward to fill our open Recording Secretary position. Baba’s Kitchen successfully launched last November, and we look forward to bringing this event back on November 14. These are just a few examples of what can happen when members of our parish share their time, talents, and gifts.
We have made significant progress because we have worked together as a community.
Let us begin this Church New Year with renewed purpose and shared service, united in faith and love for our parish community. May each of us prayerfully consider the gifts God has given us and how we can use those gifts to strengthen the life and ministry of our parish.
What will your ministry be?
In Christ,
Darlene
