1. Art and Diseño

N
A
T
I
V
I
T
Y
O
F
C
H
R
I
S
T
The Word
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth.”
~John 1:14
A Monthly Newsletter
Notes From the Parish
Council
Learn where Nativity
parish council members
will be leading and
representing the many
areas of life at the
Nativity of Christ
Greek Orthodox
Church.
Page 3
February 2015
Religious Education
The Saint john
Chrysostom
Oratorical Festival
is just around the
corner… see how
you can be a part of
this incredible
ministry.
Page 4
Philoptochos
January was
membership month, but
you still have time to
join yourself to this
vibrant ministry.
Page 6
FDF 2015
FDF takes place this
month, and Nativity’s
Minoans will participate
once again. Learn about
the true spirit of FDF.
Page 7
Stewardship of Talent
Time, Talent & Treasure!
Read about the stewardship
of talent, as you are called
to continually contemplate
how you will offer back to
God from all that He has
already given to you.
Page 12
not ever end — Christians find meaning in
Jesus Christ!
A Life With
Meaning
by Father Luke
“We waited, and at last our expectations were
fulfilled. When the Patriarch sang, ‘Christ is
Risen,’ a heavy burden fell from our souls. We felt
as if we also had been raised from the dead. All at
once, from all around, the same cry resounded like
noise of many waters. ‘Christ is risen’ sang by the
Greeks, the Russians, the Arabs, the Serbs, the
Copts, the Armenians, the Ethiopians — one after
another, each in his own tongue, in his own
melody… Coming out from the service at dawn, we
began to regard everything in the light of the glory
of Christ’s Resurrection, and all appeared different
from what it had yesterday; everything seemed
better, more expressive, more glorious. Only in the
light of the Resurrection does life receive
meaning.”
~ taken from the missionary letters of Saint Nikolai
Velimirovich
The perception of validation is often had once
completion of a journey has produced a
desired result. Seldom do we find meaning or
worth until the desired result is at hand —
The Word 2.0
Sunday of Orthodoxy
Pray together with
your greater Orthodox
family at Saint
Seraphim Orthodox
Church this year!
Page 14
until that moment which comes after days,
months and years of planning, hard work, and
sacrifice.
The Olympian is rarely celebrated as a
champion until they step foot upon the medal
platform. Recognition for a moment after a
lifetime of dedication. Can it be that we only
find meaning in our lives when we stand
upon the platforms of recognition, validation
and achievement?
If we are intent only to find meaning in this
life — in things that will end — then the
answer is yes. The plaques, trophies and pats
on the back have provided response to the
search, and a life may or may not have had
meaning to a group of our peers.
Christians base faith upon the hope and
reality that we find meaning in something
beyond this life — it is in something that will
Recognition is not a goal of Christians until
we are in a position to be eternally recognized
by our Father in Heaven. For those who seek
recognition in this life, from peers and the
greater society, a reward can be received, yet it
is temporary. Jesus Christ warned against this
motivation, as articulated in the Evangelist
Matthew’s Gospel Account, “Beware of
practicing your piety before men in order to be seen
by them; for then you will have no reward from
your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 6:1).
Jesus continues in stating that the same
process applies to how we give financially,
how we pray and even how we fast (Matthew
6:1-18). A Christian, although he may be
recognized by peers, is not motivated to act by
those adulations of praise, but rather by the
assurance that when a life is lived well, God
the Father will provide recognition through
provided entrance into His eternal Kingdom
(Matthew 6:4,6,15,18). Furthermore,
Christians are assured not to be anxious about
the process because God will validate all
things through His generosity and grace
(Matthew 6:25-34).
This is a large leap of faith! Could you
imagine the athlete at peace when he runs his
first practice mile, with no assurance of ever
stepping foot on the medal platform?
* continued on page 2
"1
F
R
O
M
F
A
T
H
E
R
L
U
K
E
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean
not on your own understanding; in all your
ways submit to Him, and He will make your
paths straight.”
~ Proverbs 3:5,6
This is the ultimate beauty of the Christian
pilgrimage — the reward has already been
given! There is no competition, or confusion
as to whether or not reward will be received,
because It has already been offered! It is just
waiting for us to choose to receive It! A place
on the ‘heavenly medal platform’ has already
been reserved for each and every individual
on the face of the earth — waiting for every
individual to choose a lifestyle that will bring
them to that place of recognition, validation
and reward.
The reward is eternal life. It has already been
given to us through the Crucifixion and
Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ. Through His Resurrection all of
mankind has the gift of eternal life awaiting.
Unlike any other experience, the process of
salvation is built upon the promise that the
desired result is already actualized and
available — there is no doubt for a believer
that the Benevolent Lord recognizes all things,
validates and rewards all those who faithfully
live life with the trust that Our Heavenly
Father loves them.
Trust in the Love of God is necessary to
dedicate one’s life to things that are eternal.
That trust must be profound in order to fend
off the temptation to live seeking the
recognition and praise of men, which can be
" 2
easily had and can provide immediate
gratification. It is not a bad thing to
experience or even enjoy the accolades of
others, yet those rewards must not serve as the
motivations by which we make choices in our
lives. If we begin that experience, it is far too
easy to become addicted to that attention and
seek it even through pathways and lifestyle
choices that are unhealthy for our soul and
unpleasing to God.
Trust that every moment, every thought, every
action is recognized by God, and when those
experiences are virtuous in response to the
teachings of Christ, our Father will reward us
accordingly with the gift that He has already
extended to us — the Resurrection of His Son!
The experience of Great Lent provides a
tremendous opportunity to choose what
motivates us. Are you motivated by the
recognition and reward of others — things
that are temporary and may or may not come?
Or are you motivated by the recognition and
reward of the Lord — which has already been
given and is eternal?
The sixth chapter of the Gospel Account of
Saint Matthew is a tremendous teaching from
God Himself, intended to guide all people
toward a healthy response to the questions
posed above. All Christians and inquirers
alike are encouraged to ready Matthew 6 as
we enter the liturgical seasons of Triodion and
Great Lent. In these seasons the Church
shepherds us through the experience
described by Saint Nikolai, “We waited, and at
last our expectations were fulfilled.” All
expectations of the faithful are fulfilled in the
celebration of the Lord’s Resurrection at Great
and Holy Pascha, yet we too must wait
through a process of preparation to
adequately experience the reward given to us
by God. Our waiting takes place through our
commitment to the Church’s shepherding
during these sacred times.
As we navigate these periods of waiting over
the next several weeks, do not be anxious —
our Father in Heaven sees everything! If we
live, give, fast and pray in ways that are
pleasing to Him (as the Church guides us to
do), He will reward us! Rest assured, the Gift
is real, It is present and It is good!
Want meaning in your life? Trust and seek the
Lord!
A blessed Triodion and Great Lent to all the
faithful, and may we always be motivated by
the reality that the great gift of salvation is
near!
The Word 2.0
P
A
R
I
S
H
C
O
U
N
C
I
L
Notes from the Parish Council
Change - the Most Constant Occurrence in
Life
While it does make many people anxious,
change is a natural part of everyday life, as
well as parish council life. This year the
parish council is gaining six new members,
some with prior service (Ed Keller and George
Tacticos) and some fresh faces (Leo
Haginicols, Tiffany Haginicols, Patricia
Kamages, and Cathy Selmi). It feels like just
the right mix.
As in prior years, each parish council member
will have an adjunct area(s) of responsibility
in addition to the common duties required of
all members. Reflecting changes needed for
the administration of our community and
concerns expressed in our November survey,
parish council assignments have been
adjusted.
John Stockton (President)
Community Plan & Communications
George Georgeson (Vice President)
Operations / Facility Usage & Rentals
Kimon Daifotis (Treasurer)
Budget & Finance
Rose Hunter (Secretary)
Calendar, Events & Communications
George Kokalis
Buildings & Grounds
Ed Keller
Buildings & Grounds / Marin Festival
Patricia Kamages
Fundraising
George Tacticos
Missions, Evangelism & Philanthropy
Tiffany Haginicols
Religious Education
Leo Haginicols
Youth Ministries
Tony Kosmas
Stewardship
Cathy Selmi
Technology
other funding source to fall back on except
ourselves. Since the Parish Assembly in early
November, more parishioners than usual
stepped forward to either fulfill their pledge
commitment or increase their commitment.
As the 2014 financials are closing out, our
community will not incur as significant a level
of deficit spending as it was trending to reach.
However, any level of deficit spending must
be offset by program reductions. As a
community, we must face the following
pressing fiscal issues:
• In order to open our facility for a year
of sacramental celebration, a base cost
of operation of approximately
$350,000 must be met. This does not
include the cost of any ministry or
special activity.
• 27% of the 200+ families or
individuals who made a pledge of
fiscal support gave at a level of $200
or less for 2014.
• The cost to maintain our charter at
the national and Metropolis level is
over $40,000 a year, which equates to
approximately $200 per donor during
2014.
While your financial pledge is a subset of a
complete stewardship commitment, it remains
a key element in the funding of the
sacramental component of your life at the
Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church.
An increase in the number of pledges and the
dollar amount received is essential for the
development of a truly vibrant community.
Formulating the Future isn’t that Easy on
Facebook
While social media has some benefits for
resolving a few of the demands of a fast-paced
life style, it does not provide a platform for the
depth of dialogue needed for establishing a
community plan. The parish council is highly
appreciative to the parishioners who were
present at the first two planning sessions. In
February, we hope to solidify a concise slate of
short-term goals and begin the
implementation of action plans to promote
their fulfillment.
Should you have a comment or concern
regarding a specific adjunct duty area, all
parish council members contact information is
listed in the community directory.
Please be a part of the process. Ownership of
our desired goals will go a long way towards
their achievement.
No, This isn’t PBS!
Not the Publishers’ Clearing House, It’s the
Calendar Clearing House
While we do request monetary pledges of
support like public broadcasting, we have no
The Word 2.0
One of the projects being undertaken by the
parish council is the establishment of a
community calendar that can be easily
updated and readily available to members
wishing to make plans for future events. Rose
Hunter is in charge of our calendar and is
available at
[email protected]. If you feel
more comfortable dealing with a voice, please
leave a message at the church office
(415-883-1998) and Rose will get in touch with
you.
The Real World Requires Many Eyes
Although the pastoral setting of our campus
provides us a tranquil feeling, we must face
the fact that there are a few people with less
than honorable social intentions. Recently, six
of our deck picnic tables were tossed over the
hillside, with a seventh one left hanging on
the deck railing.
Fortunately, our railing is quite stable and
withstood the weight of the suspended table.
The two parish council members of senior
status did not find the weight of tables to be
so easy to withstand as they were carried up
the hillside in sections and repaired.
Additionally, several alcoholic beverage
bottles and cans have recently been tossed
about our campus. Some people have chosen
to use our hillside as a dumping ground for
their trash.
Within the next few weeks, several actions
will be taken to secure our facility. Security
equipment will be mounted and our sanctuary
will be monitored to protect our irreplaceable
sacramental space. Also, renters and workers
who frequent our campus will receive clear
instructions regarding the need to secure our
campus prior to their departure.
While these changes are necessary for
securing our beloved campus, we should not
let them impact our positive outlook for the
future of our community. These are
enhancements designed to insure our
beautiful sacred grounds.
We are blessed that a parishioner, who wishes
to remain anonymous, recently made a
substantial donation directed to the
maintenance and improvement of our
campus. Generosity such as this will be used
to repair and improve the religious and social
experiences on our campus.
"3
R
E
L
I
ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM
ORATORICAL FESTIVAL
Nativity’s Local Festival:
Sunday, March 29, 2015
The Saint John Chrysostom
Oratorical Festival, started by the
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese
Department of Religious
Education in 1983, is an incredible
opportunity for our Greek
Orthodox children and teenagers
to think about, research, write and
speak publicly about their faith.
Through this Festival, the Church
provides a supportive and
nurturing environment for our
young people to become confident
public speakers, and
simultaneously be given the
opportunity to learn about their
faith! This year, the Festival will
offer poetry and essay divisions.
This means that Junior and Senior
Division participants will be able to
prepare a poem or write an essay
on one of the topics.
If you are a student in Grades 7-12,
you have a wonderful opportunity
to participate in this year’s
Oratorical Festival. Our Parish
Festival will take place on March
29, 2015 . We encourage all
students to participate. Please let
your teacher know by Sunday,
February 8, if you are interested.
Visit the following link for 2015
info:
http://www.goarch.org/
archdiocese/ departments/
religioused/sjcof
G
I
O
U
S
E
D
U
C
A
Bible Study: A Way to
Prepare for Sunday’s
Divine Liturgy
Each Tuesday morning (10am) Bible Study is
taught to all Nativity Stewards & friends who
wish to grow in their understanding of God’s
Word and the Orthodox Church. Visitors are
always welcomed!
In the Divine Liturgy, two
distinct New Testament
Scriptural Readings are read
aloud to the congregation.
These readings are not chosen at
random; they have been
prayerfully and purposefully prescribed by
the Church for all Orthodox faithful to hear
on that specific Sunday! Did you ever stop
to think… why those readings?
Beginning this January, through the Bible
Study we will examine the Epistle & Gospel
readings prescribed by the Church for the
upcoming Sunday. Not only will this
exercise help participants grow in their
knowledge of God’s Word, but it will
provide insight into the wisdom of the
Church, and prepare those involved for a
more in-depth participation in Sunday’s
Divine Liturgy.
All are welcome to join us Tuesday
mornings! Feel free to bring a snack, bring
a friend, and bring your Bible!
Adult Education: A
New Series for the
Faithful
Nativity Adult Education classes take place each
Wednesday evening (6pm), preceded by a short
prayer service, Akathist to the Nativity of Christ
(5:30pm).
It is not too late! If you have missed
January’s classes, feel free to join the adult
education class this February as we offer a
7-week introductory series on the Orthodox
Church. Classes will focus on the
following:
January 7:
T
I
O
N
January 21: Biblical Foundations of
Orthodoxy
January 28: Prayer: Individual & Communal
February 4: Ecclesiastical Roles
February 11: Ecclesiastical Structures
February 18: What’s Modern About Church?
This 7-week series continues to run up to
the beginning of Great Lent.
Please join your brothers and sisters in
Christ to learn more about the Church, and
in turn, your relationship with God.
All are invited to participate in the Adult
Education experience at Nativity — bring
questions, bring a snack, bring a friend!
Interested in a Book
Club at Nativity?
Book clubs are popular forums to grow in
knowledge while growing the experience of
fellowship. What greater arena to grow in
knowledge than Spirituality, and what
better group to grow fellowship than with
your brothers and sisters in Christ?
If you are interested in participating in a
book club at Nativity, please contact Cathy
Selmi who is exploring this experience for
our Nativity family.
Orthodoxy IQ Quiz
1.
What is the time period called that takes
place immediately before Great Lent?
2. How many Saturday of Souls Liturgies
are traditionally celebrated as we
approach and enter Great Lent?
3. What is the main ingredient in koliva?
4. Whenever possible, Orthodox Churches
are supposed to face which direction?
5. What date is Pascha this year?
* answers on page 13
Who is God?
January 14: What is Church?
" 4
The Word 2.0
P
Coffee Hour
Thanks to all who brought in items in
Jan. to share it is greatly appreciated by
all. February 15th is available for you to
host a coffee hour if you have some
special occasion to celebrate: a birthday,
name day, memorial or just to be
supportive. If you are unable to host a
coffee hour then please bring something
to share!
• Coffee will be made for you, the table
set and juices for the children provided
• It doesn’t need to be elaborate; in fact
we prefer to keep it simple
• So make 2015 the year you help your
parish Philoptochos by hosting a coffee
hour.
• Contact Debbie Kokalis at 415-367-5252
February 1st Go Red Sunday
H
I
L
O
P
T
O
C
H
O
S
Becoming a member of Philoptochos is
an excellent opportunity to become
involved with our community.
With the coffee hour proceeds and
Vasilopeta sales, $1200 will be sent to
benefit St. Basil Academy.
February General
Meeting
Our first General meeting of 2015 will be
on TUESDAY, Feb. 3rd, in our small hall
at 6:30. We invite all members of
Philoptochos, new for 2015 and existing
from 2014, to come and help us plan an
exciting 2015! The meeting will be
finished by 7:30. We look forward to
seeing you !
Cheese Fare Sunday
In anticipation of the beginning of Lent,
Philoptochos will host Cheese Fare
Sunday serving Tiropita on Feb. 22nd
immediately following Divine Liturgy
and prayer.
Every year heart disease claims the lives
of 460,000 women in our country; one of
those women could be sitting in the pew
beside you. In fact, it’s the No. 1 killer of
American women, and that means that
someone’s mom, aunt, sister or dear
friend will lose her life this year. Dates to Remember
February 1
February 3
February 22
Go Red Sunday
General Meeting
Cheese Fare Sunday
Happy Birthday!!!
Stacey Weeks
Rose Giannis
Bruce Corcoran
Fran Corcoran
Katina Pantazes
Sharon Perivolaris
Marilyn Hendrickson
Elaine Passaris
2/1
2/9
2/10
2/11
2/12
2/13
2/21
2/23
Fun Times
Philoptochos
Membership
Our membership drive began on January
4, 2015 and will continue throughout the
month of January. It isn’t just about
meetings, fundraising and writing checks
to charities, it’s about using your Godgiven talents to enrich the lives of those
less fortunate.
The Word 2.0
In January we enjoyed each other’s
company over brunch. In February an
outing to see the play The Bat, a murder
mystery on Feb. 22nd at 2:00. More
information will follow. We hope you can
join us!.
Vasilopita Service
This year’s Vasilopita Service took place
January 5th. Congratulations go out to
Susan Stockton, Vickie Gikkas, Soteria
Mestakidis, Debbie Kokalis, Floretta
Burrows, Dina Camamis and Irene
Meehan for making 50 loaves...a job well
done.
Saints Cosmas & Damian
Patron Saints of Philoptochos
"5
" 6
CC
HH
OD
SI
O
C
E
S
My 2015 Stewardship offering is $______
OR
Special gifts and interests to share (i.e., event planning, fundraising, publicity, baking/cooking,
decorating, visitations, leadership skills):
__________________________________________________________________________
A
T
Telephone: ___________________________ Email: ______________________________
P
__________________________________________________________________________
OE
Address: __________________________________________________________________
LH
Name: _____________________________________________Birthday(Mo/day) ________
IT
______ Gift Membership
Please complete a Gift Card.
H
______ Associate Member
Non-Orthodox Christian man or woman, married to an Orthodox Christian spouse, or
an Orthodox Christian man. An Associate Member enjoys all privileges of
membership except the right to vote or hold office.
PD
______ Full Member
Women of the Orthodox Christian Faith, at least 18 years of age. Although we
welcome all to the General Meetings, attendance is not required for Membership.
N
Membership Form
U
In addition to our philanthropic endeavors, we are committed to the preservation of the
sacredness of the Orthodox Family and promotion of the Orthodox Christian Faith.
O
The Philoptochos Society is the only official philanthropic organization of the Greek Orthodox
Church in America. We are also the largest women’s Christian Philanthropic Organization in
America. The name Philoptochos literally means friend of the poor. We help those who are
poor in financial and material resources, in spirit, in health, in companionship, in emotional
stability, and in whatever is needed to lead a fulfilling life.
R
“Freely you have received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:8)
Philoptochos supports many charities while spiritually enriching its members through their
participation in its work.
Philoptochos Stewardship Form
PARTNERSHIP FOR SUCCESS
A
E
Yes, the membership drive for
Nativity’s Philoptochos was in
January…
But you are not too late!
Complete the form below and return
it to a Nativity Philoptochos
member or the church office to
become a part of this beautiful
ministry in the Lord’s Vineyard!
The Word 2.0
C
U
L
T
U
R
A
L
& N
A F T E I L V L I O T WY
S
HN
IE
PW
S M
I
N
I
S
T
R
I
E
S
NATIVITY’S
MINOANS
Faith + Dance +
Fellowship
Vision
Minoan Dancers FDF Preview
Afternoon and Dinner
Please join the Minoan
Dancers and their families
on Sunday February 8th,
after church, to preview the
dances they will be
presenting at the upcoming
Greek Orthodox Folk Dance
Festival Feb.12-16 in
Anaheim. You will see
dances and costumes and
hear the music of Thrace
and Crete. Early dinner will
be provided. Please contact
Effie at [email protected] for
more information.
The Greek Orthodox Folk Dance &
Choral Festival Ministry is dedicated,
through Orthodox Christian
Fellowship and committed leadership,
to promoting, encouraging and
perpetuating the Orthodox faith,
Greek heritage and culture among
individuals, families and communities
by expressing it through folk dance,
folk art, music and language.
Goals
To bring people together in Orthodox
Christian Fellowship and love,
creating greater communion and
stronger ties through interaction with
fellow Orthodox Christians.
Provide leadership skills to perpetuate
the Ministry through the practice of
acquired leadership skills in the
administration of this organization.
Promote ethical and moral standards
befitting the life of an Orthodox
Christian.
Promote, encourage and perpetuate
Greek heritage and culture through
outreach activities that inform others
of the Ministry's events, opportunities
and commitment to its purposes and
goals.
Establish and maintain an
administrative body to achieve the
purposes outlined in the mission
statement.
It's Not About Us, It's About
You!
It’s about you, the dancers who
practice feverishly to make sure that
every dance step is in sync.
It’s about you, the directors who
volunteer their time to make sure
their
young dancers understand the
balance of friendly competition and
importance of their faith.
It’s about you, the singers and choral
directors who express our
Greek heritage and faith through
beautiful song.
It’s about you, the young and
seasoned volunteers who have
passion for the Orthodox faith and
passion for their Greek heritage.
But there is one instance where it is
“about us”; when we join together to
create and sustain the most vibrant
Greek Orthodox Youth Program in the
country.
Everyone Takes Gold
Even though FDF contains an element
of competition, it should never be the
highlight or become the sole purpose
for coming together to participate.
Medals and awards should always be
viewed and used as an expression of
appreciation from one dancer to
another in honor of the recipient's
determination, dedication and
accomplishment.
The Real Prize
The ultimate achievement to be
gained is the element of sharing,
teaching and love. At FDF, we never
promote the idea or thought that
one's good fortune is another's
misfortune, but strive to see that all
of us grow together in spirit and
strength. Always seek to bring out the
best of each Participant in terms of
ethics, morality and character,
holding high the banner of
Christianity.
* taken from www.yourfdf.org
The Word 2.0
"7
F
R
O
M
N
A
T
T
H
I
E
V
I
A
T
R
Y
C
N
H
E
D
I
W
O
S
C
E
S
E
“Lord, Lord look
down from
heaven, and see
what Your Right
Hand has
planted!”
" 8
The Word 2.0
N
The Word 2.0
S
A
E
T
Q
I
U
V
O
I
I
T
A
Y
C
N
L
E
U
W
B
S
"9
S
T
ES
E
W
QA
UR
OD
Will you answer God’s
IS
AH
I
CP
L
U2
B0
1
5
The Magi were deemed wise by God
because they recognized the star as
their guide to God, they committed to
following the star, and they made
offering to God when they arrived!
call to follow the Star
and walk in the
Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox
Church is our star!
footsteps of the Magi?
Be Wise As Magi
Begin or continue your Christian
journey to the experience of Jesus
Christ!
Complete the Magi Commitment Card
below, and return it to the church
office as soon as possible to walk in
the footsteps of the Magi, and move
that much closer to salvation!
Be Wise as Magi
God’s House to your house
In the tradition of the Magi, who faithfully made offerings to the infant Lord,
I/we pledge faithful pilgrimage to God as a parishioner of the Nativity of Christ
Greek Orthodox Christian Church, through the offering of...
" 10
Time and Talents
Treasure
Talents that I pledge to
offer to Nativity life…
Total annual financial offering that I pledge
to Nativity for the year 2015
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
Please write in specific
talents that you are willing
to offer in support of Nativity
community life
$ _____________________
I am interested in including Nativity of Christ
in my estate planning. Check box if interested.
Names:____________________________________
__________________________________________
Address:___________________________________
__________________________________________
E-mail:_____________________________________
Phone:________________Cell:__________________
Signature:________________________Date:_____________
The Word 2.0
S
Nativity of Christ Greek
Orthodox Church
T
E S W T A E RW D A S R H D I S P H
Kalabokes, Chris & Vicki
Kalabokes, Matthew
Kamages, Christ & Pat
2015 List of Stewards as of January 23rd Kanas, Nick & Carolynn
Kavantjas, Diane
Palumbis, Fr Luke & Pres Eleni
Kokalis, George & Debbie
Efstathiou, Fr Constantine & Pres Kay Kozas, Anna
Anderson, Frances
Kuvelis, Dean & Denise
Angelonides, Peter & Arlene
Lagios, Michael & Sheila
Arango, Pat
Manesis, Alexandra
Argyres, Andreas & Joanne
Mardakis, John & Helen
Balopoulos, Michael & Anna
Marsala, Joan
Banks, Charles & Cathy
Marshall, Phil & Kathy
Bechaka, Sonia
Martin, Jason & Mia
Bekris Fr. Niko & Presb. Stella
Mavrantonis, Antoni
Booras, Pauline
Medan, Dushan & Gigi
Boosalis, Gus & Kari
Meehan, Tom & Irene
Burrows, Bill & Floretta
Niemcewicz, Roland & Bess
Camamis, Constantine
Orologas, Alexandra
Camamis, Dina
Orologas, Katerina
Capetanos, John & Aglaia
Panagotacos, Dr. James & Diane
Corcoran, Bruce & Fran
Pantazes, Katherine
Cordellos, Dennis & Anna
Papadopoulos, John & Stella
Degaitis, Julia
Papanikolaou, George & Soula
Delis, Nicholas & Stephanie
Papanikolaou, Marina
Della Cella, Joseph & Kathryn
Pappas, Angelo & Meria
Demiris, George & Ray Ann
Pappas, Art
Destein, Pat
Passaris, Michael & Meredith
Diamantopoulos, George & Anna
Passaris, Theodore & Elaine
Economy, Carol
Patrinellis, Antiopi
Edrich, Alexandra
Petrakis, Steve & Martha
Ferber, John & Pamela
Rehn, Diane & Allen Williams
Foster, Margarete
Rey, Patricia
Fotinos, Vivian
Rouman, Steve & Liz
Fourakis, Andreas & Argyro
Roland, George & Doris
Fourakis, Vasilis & Effie
Russell, Chuck & Daphne
Frudakis, George & Darlene
Sarantakis, George & Susan
Gagas, Charles & Claire
Scanagatta, Roman & Eleni
Garofalos, John
Selmi, Cathy
Garton, Elena
Sideris, Milton & Stassie
George, Pete & Ann
Sklavos, Vasiliki
Giannis, Demetrios & Rose
Slenkin, Alex & Nancy
Gigounas, Ann
Smernes, Kalliope
Gikkas, Peter & Vickie
Smith, Robert & Evi
Giusti, Bob & Nonie
Soter, Sam & Stella
Grey, Richard & Connie
Sotiras, Maria
Haginicols, Charles & Amalia
Spyridis, Maryanne
Hajopoulos, Kathy
Stathis, Gus & Sophia
Hanis, Stella
Stenros, Stuart & Stella
Hundley, Courtney & Marilyn
Stockton, John & Susan
Hunter, John & Rose
Stratigos, George
Iannios, Demetrios & Manulani
Stratigos, Spiro & Mary Kay
Jacoby, Nick & Eileen
Tacticos, George
The Word 2.0
I 2 P 0
1
5
Taft, Kiki
Thomatos, Dennis & Christina
Touras, Antonios & Antonia
Trapalis, Arthur & Niovi
Triantafyllos, John & Laura
Trimble, Paul
Tzafopoulos, John & Erica
Tzafopoulos, Nick & Vasiliki
Vallis, James & Judith
Vassiliou, Maggie
Wildermuth, Anna
Yiakis, Joe
Zaferiou, Paul & Phyllis
113 Participating
Stewards
$105,986 Pledged
11
S
T
E
W
A
SR
T D E S WH
AI
RP
D
OS
FH
I
TP
A
L
E
N
T
STEWARDSHIP OF TALENT
OUR RESPONSE TO GOD’S GENEROSITY
Christian Stewardship is a way of life based on the understanding that everything we are and everything we
have belongs to God – we are stewards not owners of God’s bounty – and we will be held accountable for
how we used the many gifts entrusted to our care. We respond to God’s generosity with love and gratitude by
developing our gifts to their full potential, sharing them generously with others and using them wisely to
serve one another.
STEWARDING THE GIFT OF TALENT
A “talent” is not necessarily something at which we are very skilled. Being a good steward of our talents
means using whatever God gave us to the best of our ability to build up His kingdom. When we name our
talents we are not bragging because we know that each trait is a gift from God. And we needn’t feel that we
don’t have enough talents to make a difference. God will make whatever he gave us “enough” to fulfill His
plan if we generously share the gifts we do have with others.
What are my Talents?
God made each of us in His own image and likeness, and yet unique in all the world! We each have a special
combination of aptitudes and abilities, interests and passions, skills and experiences that make us who we are
and equip us to do what God needs us to do. Whether you are a good listener, a computer programmer, a
good cook, a concert pianist, a warm hugger or a motivational speaker – God gave you a valuable talent to be
cultivated and shared.
How do I/can I use my Talents?
Opportunities arise in our day-to-day lives to use our talents to serve others. We use them to take care of our
families, help our friends and neighbors, contribute to society through our work and civic activities, assist at
the school, participate in parish life and do community service.
Monthly Reflection
Take this opportunity to identify the particular gifts with which God has blessed you. If you do this with your
family or friends, you can share your insights and also identify some of the gifts you see in them that they
may not notice in themselves – and they in you!
Monthly Plan
As a good steward of your gifts, make a conscious decision to develop one of your gifts (take a class?) and to
purposefully use some of your gifts to serve others. If you are already involved in a parish ministry, this may
be the time to try a new ministry – to use some of your other gifts and give others the opportunity to develop
theirs. Your stewardship plan may include not only one or two ministries in the parish, but also giving your
time and using your talents in the school, neighborhood, a civic group or local charity.
“There are different gifts but the same Spirit,
there are different ministries but the same Lord,
there are different works but the same God who accomplished all of them in everyone.”
- 1Cor 12:4-5
" 12
The Word 2.0
NS AE T Q I UV OI
I T AY
CN L E U W B S
Nativity Altar Fund
Ecclesiastical items are sacred tools that assist us in our journey to experience God through the Liturgical Services of the Church.
The Chalice houses the Body & Blood of Jesus Christ!
The icons teach and serve as windows into heaven!
The incense brings us to an experience of veneration and reminds us that our prayers do go to heaven!
Through your donations to the Nativity Altar Fund, maintenance and enhancements are able to be made to the ecclesiastical items at
Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church! Thank you to those who have donated, and to those who are prayerfully considering supporting
this most blessed experience at Nativity.
Sacraments & Blessing
Services
40-day Blessing
January 4
Zoe Efthimia
daughter of Michael & Meredith
Passaris
Memorials
November 30
December 28
January 4
Emmanuel Mike Orologas
George Pantazes
Peri Sarganis
May their memories be eternal!
Orthodoxy IQ Answers
1. Triodion
4. East
2. Three
5. April 12th
Nativity Crab Feed
Many thanks to our Pan-Cretan Association, and all
those who worked at or supported this year’s
Community Crab Feed!
Due to your support, we may continue to enhance
the ecclesiastical items within the church, and
scholarships will continue to be offered to our youth!
Well done good & faithful servants!
3. Boiled Wheat
February Liturgical Services & Readings
Date/Time
Feb 1 9:30 am
Feb 2 9:30 am
Feb 7 9:30 am
Feb 8 9:30 am
Feb 14 9:30 am
Feb 15 9:30 am
Feb 21 9:30 am
Feb 22 9:30 am
Feb 28 9:30 am
The Word 2.0
Service
16th Sunday of Luke
Presentation of the Lord
St Luke the Righteous
17th Sunday of Luke
1st Saturday of Souls
Judgement Sunday
2nd Saturday of Souls
Forgiveness Sunday
3rd Saturday of Souls
Epistle
Romans 8:28-39
Hebrews 7:7-17
1Timothy 6:11-16
1Corinthians 6:12-20
1Thessalonians 4:13-17
1Corinthians8:8-9:2
Galatians 5:22-6:2
Romans 13:11-14:4
2Timothy 2:1-10
Gospel
Luke 18:10-14
Luke 2:22-40
Luke 20:46-21:4
Luke 15:11-32
Luke 21:8-9,25-27,33-36
Matthew 25:31-46
Matthew 6:1-13
Matthew 6:14-21
Mark 2:23-3:5
"13
F
" 14
R
O
M
A
R
A
O
R
U
O
N
U
D
N
D
T
H
T
E
H
E
N
O
A
R
R
T
C
H
H
D
B
I
A
O
Y
C
E
S
E
The Word 2.0
The Word 2.0
"15
MONDAY
Orthodoxy Vespers
St. Seraphim Santa Rosa
•6:00 pm Sunday of
Sunday School follows
Divine Liturgy
9:30 am
Sunday of Orthodoxy
March 1
Tyropita Luncheon
Great Compline
6:00 pm
•Greek School 4:15-5:45
•Akathist Hymn to the
4
WEDNESDAY
5
•Akathist Hymn to the
•Greek School 4:15-5:45
11
12
•Bible Study 10:00 a.m.
17
19
25
Presanctified
Liturgy 6:00 pm
Potluck Following
•Adult Ed:What’s Modern about Church? 6:00
pm
26
Nativity of Christ 5:30 pm
•Akathist Hymn to the
18
Nativity of Christ 5:30 pm
•Parish Council Meeting •Adult Ed: Ecclesiastical
7:00 pm
Structures 6:00 pm
•No Bible Study
10
•Philoptochos General Nativity of Christ 5:30 pm
Meeting
•Adult Ed:Ecclesiastical
6:30 p.m.
Roles 6:00 pm
Forgiveness23 Great Lent Begins 24
Sunday
Clean Monday
•Bible Study 10:00 a.m.
Cheesefare
Divine Liturgy 9:30 am
Sunday School follows
22
Annual Folk Dance & Choral Festival
February 12-16, 2015 Anaheim, CA
Divine Liturgy
9:30 am
Sunday School follows
Meatfare
Divine Liturgy
9:30 am
Lord in the Temple •Bible Study 10:00 a.m.
15 Judgement Sunday16
Sunday School follows
Minoans FDF
Preview
Divine Liturgy
9:30 am
Prodigal Son
8 17th Sunday of Luke 9
Divine Liturgy 9:30 am
Sunday School follows
Go Red Sunday Coffee Hour
Sunday of the
Publican &
Pharisee
TUESDAY
C A L E N D A R
1 16th Sunday of Luke 2 Presentation of Our 3
SUNDAY
C H U R C H
NATIVITY OF CHRIST
THURSDAY
1st Saturday of
Souls
Divine Liturgy 9:30 am
14
V
2nd Saturday of
Souls
•Baptism 11:30 a.m.
Divine Liturgy 9:30 am
3rd Saturday of
Souls
•Baptism 1:30 p.m.
•Baptism 11:30 a.m.
Divine Liturgy 9:30 am
21
Presanctified 28
Liturgy 9:30 am
1st Salutations to the
Theotokos 6:00 pm
27
20
St. Luke, the
Righteous
5
Divine Liturgy 9:30 am
7
1
SATURDAY
0
Annual Folk Dance & Choral Festival
February 12-16, 2015
Anaheim, CA
13
6
FRIDAY
2
FEBRUARY
N
A
T
I
V
I
T
Y
O
F
C
H
R
I
S
T
Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church
1110 Highland Drive
Novato, California 94949
www.nativityofchrist.org
Change Service Requested
The Word 2.0
February 2015