Assumption. Greek Orthodox Church. Agape news

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1 Assumption Greek Orthodox Church Agape news November 2012

2 PARISH LIFE ST. DEMETRIOS DINNER Honoring our Church Musicians Golden Circle to Davenport Family Restaurant The evening of Tuesday, October 23 rd, His Eminence was honored for his nameday at a Banquet by the parishes of the Metropolis and hosted by the Chicago Clergy Syndesmos. The proceeds of the banquet will benefit the Metropolis Retreat Center and Camp. Είς Πολλά Έτη Δέσποτα!!!

3 PASTORAL MESSAGE Dear Parishioners of our Beloved Assumption, For most of us, the month of November is defined by the holiday of Thanksgiving - it is a day that we think about all that the Lord has given us. Before Thanksgiving, we have our routines of work and school, but after Thanksgiving, our attention turns to preparations for Christmas. This year, as we enter this blessed season, let us not only thank God for all that He has given us as individuals, but also for what He has given us as His people. The obvious is His greatest gift - His Son. We look forward to Christmas, let us also look forward to the Nativity of the Lord. This may appear to be only a difference of words, but is it truly a difference of orientation - Christmas is most often looked at as a season, whereas the Nativity of the Lord is an event. In one case we prepare with decorations, presents and feasts - the other takes preparation of prayer, presence (at the Divine Services) and fasting. It is truly possible to do both, but for most, the event gets lost in the season. Some have even told me that they don t attend Church around Christmas because they are too busy preparing for Christmas - is this not completely backwards? Our Father in Heaven, showed us His commitment to us by giving His Son for our salvation; for this, we show thanksgiving. Let us also make a change in each of our lives by showing our commitment to Him, through heightened participation and our complete obedience. Thanking the Lord for His Blessings on us, I remain in His Service, Rev. Father Jon Boukis PROISTAMENOS

4 SUNDAY SCHOOL Cereal Club Each month our Sunday School children of the level 2 class will each bring in a box of cereal to aid in the fight against hunger in the Quad Cities. The cereal will be delivered to different food pantries and charities throughout the year. All children with cumulative attendance of 80% or better have hit the mark and will be listed monthly in the Agape News. Congratulations to: Vasilia Boukis Daniel Dounoulis Evan Dounoulis Lydia Dounoulis ORTHODOX BIBLE STUDY Bible Study is an opportunity for us to apply the Scriptures to our everyday lives. The Bible is the Good News that enriches our faith and deepens our understanding of every issue that we face. This can only be done through obtaining the mind of the Holy Fathers. Let the scripture come alive in your life today!!! Anthony Gorman Naina Ninan Naveen Ninan Peter Stopoulos The Orthodox Bible Study will meet on Wednesday Evenings from 6:00pm-7:00pm and on Thursday Mornings from 9:30am-11:00am to study the Book of Acts. Make a commitment to learning His Word!

5 FELLOWSHIP EVENTS His Eminence Metropolitan IAKOVOS has extended to his Parishes an invitation to the Annual Christmas Open-House on Sunday, December 16th at the Metropolis. Let us take this opportunity to extend our love to our Spiritual Father. Tentative Itinerary Depart Church on a Luxury Bus at 12 Noon. Mezathakia at the Greek Islands Restaurant in Greek Town (Chicago) and then to the Metropolis, where His Eminence offers a wonderful display of hospitality and desserts returning around 9:00pm. Estimated Cost of $30/person - please RSVP to the Church office ASAP so that we may book the bus and make our reservation. NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS 1 st Lupe Olvera 1 st Dave Ray 1 st Bill Theofilis 2 nd Deno Kandis 5 th Penny Constantinou 6 th Michael Monn 6 th Arthur Scudder 8 th Kristel Stopoulos 8 th Christ Theofilis 9 th Stan Coin 19 th Deno Kouris 19 th Maria Krakos Thompson 1 st Cosmas & Damian 8 th Michael 9 th Nektarios 11 th Victor 14 th Philip 16 th Matthew 20 th Roger Lubbers 20 th Alex Papanikolaou 21 st Alex Lamacki 22 nd Peter Stopoulos 24 th Eleni Gorman 26 th Chris Mihalopoulos 27 th Emilie Bagatelas 27 th Nancy Coin 29 th Frank Spurgetis 29 th Kayla Theofilis 29 th Fr. Jon Boukis 30 th Daphne Olvera Just a few Saints (Namedays) commemorated in November th Catherine 26 rd Stylianos 30 th Andrew

6 GREEK WINE TASTING PARISH CHRISTMAS CARD ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CARD Wish a Blessed Christmas to the entire Parish of the Assumption by filling out the form below and giving it to a Parish Council member at the Coffee Hour after the Divine Liturgy. Your investment is only $20 to send your greetings to the entire Parish!!! Deadline is December 9 th. ASSUMPTION CHURCH CHRISTMAS CARD APPLICATION Please include my name (family) on the Christmas Card as follows: (Please Print) Twenty Dollars ($20) must accompany this form.

7 PHILOPTOCHOS BAKE SALE

8 ORDINATION TO THE DEACONATE By the Grace of God and through The Laying of Hands by His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago The Servant of God Paul Scott Speed Will be Ordained to the Holy Diaconate on Sunday, December 2 nd, 2012 At Saint George Greek Orthodox Church st Ave. Rock Island, Illinois Hierarchical Divine Liturgy Orthros 8:30 a.m. Liturgy Following Ordination Luncheon Immediately Following in The Gold Room

9 HOSPITAL VISITATION Hospital Visitation is a ministry that we as Orthodox take very seriously, because it is at times when our fallen humanity is failing that we often times also experience spiritual weakness. Just a reminder, hospital visitations and visitation to our homebound parishioners are of utmost importance, but will only occur when the request comes from the family directly. Please respect this policy and also the Church and the Clergy. With pastoral love, Rev. Father Jon S. Boukis PROISTAMENOS Fr. Jon s Contact Numbers Church: (309) Home: (309) FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITY The Assumption can now benefit from YOU shopping at Up to 5% of your monthly spending will be automatically transferred to the Church. Worried about the cost of gas - Schnucks is at the Locust St. exit (2nd exit off I-74 in Iowa) - less than 4 miles away!!! Iowa has no tax on food - it s a wash!!! Call Fr. Jon and get signed up for an escrip card and begin shopping at Schnucks today!

10 SAINT CATHERINE Commemorated November 25 The Holy Great Martyr Catherine was the daughter of Constus, the governor of Alexandrian Egypt during the reign of the emperor Maximian ( ). Living in the capital, the center of Hellenistic knowledge, and possessed of a rare beauty and intellect, Catherine received an excellent education, studying the works of the greatest philosophers and teachers of antiquity. Young men from the most worthy families of the empire sought her hand, but she was not interested in any of them. She told her parents that she would marry only someone who surpassed her in nobility, wealth, comeliness and wisdom. Catherine's mother, a secret Christian, sent her to her own spiritual Father, a saintly Elder living in a cave outside the city, for advice. After listening to Catherine, the Elder said that he knew of a Youth who surpassed her in everything. "His countenance is more radiant than the shining of the sun, and all of creation is governed by His wisdom. His riches are given to all the nations of the world, yet they never diminish. His compassion is unequaled." This description of the Heavenly Bridegroom produced in the soul of the holy maiden an ardent desire to see Him. "If you do as I tell you," said the monk, "you will gaze upon the countenance of this illustrious man." In parting, the Elder handed Catherine an icon of the Theotokos with the divine Child Jesus on Her arm and told her to pray with faith to the Queen of Heaven, the Mother of the Heavenly Bridegroom, and She would hear Catherine and grant her heart's desire. Catherine prayed all night and was permitted to see the Most Holy Virgin, Who said Her Divine Son, "Behold Thy handmaiden Catherine, how fair and virtuous she is." But the Child turned His face away from her saying, "No, she is ugly and unbelieving. She is a foolish pauper, and I cannot bear to look at her until she forsakes her impiety." Catherine returned again to the Elder deeply saddened, and told him what she had seen in the dream. He lovingly received her, instructed her in the faith of Christ, admonished her to preserve her purity and integrity and to pray unceasingly. She then received the Mystery of holy Baptism from him. Again St Catherine had a vision of the Most Holy Theotokos with Her Child. Now the Lord looked tenderly at her and gave her a beautiful ring, showing her betrothal to the Heavenly Bridegroom (This ring is still on her hand).

11 THE GREAT MARTYR At that time the emperor Maximian was in Alexandria for a pagan festival. The cries of the sacrificial animals, the smoke and the smell of the sacrifices, the endless blazing of fires, and the bustling crowds at the arenas defiled the city of Alexandria. Human victims were brought, the confessors of Christ, who would not deny Him under torture, were condemned to death in the fire. The saint's love for the Christian martyrs and her desire to ease their sufferings compelled Catherine to speak to the pagan priest and the emperor Maximian. Introducing herself, the saint confessed her faith in the One True God and with wisdom exposed the errors of the pagans. The beauty of the maiden captivated the emperor. In order to convince her and to show the superiority of pagan wisdom, the emperor ordered fifty of the most learned philosophers and rhetoricians of the Empire to dispute with her, but the saint got the better of the wise men, so that they came to believe in Christ themselves. St Catherine made the Sign of the Cross over the martyrs, and they bravely accepted death for Christ and were burned alive by order of the emperor. Maximian, no longer hoping to convince the saint, tried to entice her with the promise of riches and fame. Receiving an angry refusal, the emperor gave orders to subject the saint to terrible tortures and then throw her in prison. The Empress Augusta, who had heard much about the saint, wanted to see her. She prevailed upon the military commander Porphyrius to accompany her to the prison with a detachment of soldiers. The empress was impressed by the strong spirit of St Catherine, whose face was radiant with divine grace. Catherine explained the Christian teaching to them, and they were converted. On the following day they again brought the martyr to the judgment court where, under the threat of being broken on the wheel, they urged that she renounce the Christian Faith and offer sacrifice to the gods. The saint steadfastly confessed Christ and she herself approached the wheels; but an angel smashed the instruments of execution, which shattered into pieces. Having beheld this wonder, the Empress Augusta and the imperial courtier Porphyrius with 200 soldiers confessed their faith in Christ in front of everyone, and they were beheaded. St Catherine firmly confessed her fidelity to the heavenly Bridegroom Christ, and with a prayer to Him she herself lay her head on the block beneath the executioner's sword. The relics of St Catherine were taken by the angels to Mount Sinai. In the sixth century, the venerable head and left hand of the holy martyr were found through a revelation and transferred with honor to a newly-constructed church of the Sinai monastery, built by the holy Emperor Justinian (November 14). St Catherine is called upon for relief of difficult childbirth. At her monastery on Mt Sinai, pilgrims are given souvenir rings as a remembrance of their visit.

12 CHURCH. N O V E M B E R Sunday Monday Tuesday 5th Sunday of Luke Orthros 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Sunday School Fall General Assembly Coffee Hour All-English Sunday 8th Sunday of Luke Orthros 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Sunday School Coffee Hour 9th Sunday of Luke Orthros 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Sunday School Coffee Hour All-English Sunday Feast of St. Katherine the Great Martyr Orthros 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Philoptochos Meeting Family Worship Coffee Hour

13 . CALENDAR Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 9:30am-11:00am Orthodox Bible Study :00pm-7:30pm Orthodox Bible Study 14 8 Synaxis of Archangel Michael Divine Liturgy 10:00am No Bible Study 15 9 Feast of St. Nektarios the Wonderworker Divine Liturgy 10:00am 10 Greek Cultural Festival Wine Tasting 6:00pm - 8:00pm :30am-11:00am Orthodox Bible Study 6:00pm-7:30pm Orthodox Bible Study 6:30pm - Parish Council Meeting 21 Entrance of the Theotokos Divine Liturgy 10:00am 22 THANKSGIVING DAY Church Office Closed No Bible Study 28 6:00pm-7:30pm Orthodox Bible Study 29 9:30am-11:00am Orthodox Bible Study 30 Feast of St. Andrew the First Called Divine Liturgy 10:00am Fasting Symbols Strict Fast Wine and Oil Allowed Fish Allowed Fast Free

14 SERVICE SCHEDULE November 4 Sunday 5 th Sunday of Luke 9:00 a.m. Orthros 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy November 8 Thursday Synaxis of the Archangels 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy November 9 Friday Feast of St. Nektarios the Wonderworker 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy November 11 Sunday 8 th Sunday of Luke 9:00 a.m. Orthros 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy November 18 Sunday 9 th Sunday of Luke 9:00 a.m. Orthros 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy November 21 Wednesday Great Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy November 25 Sunday Feast of St. Katherine the Great Martyr 9:00 a.m. Orthros 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy November 30 Friday Feast of St. Andrew the First Called 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy Πρόγραμμα Ιερών Ακολουθίων 4 Νοεβρίου Κυριακή Κυριακή Ε του Λουκά 9:00 π.μ. Όρθρος 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 8 Νοεβρίου Πέμπτη Σύναξις Ταξιαρχών Μιχαήλ και Γαβριήλ 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 9 Νοεβρίου Παρασκευή Άγιος Νεκτάριος ο Θαυματουργός 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 11 Νοεβρίου Κυριακή Κυριακή Η του Λουκά 9:00 π.μ. Όρθρος 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 18 Νοεβρίου Κυριακή Κυριακή Θ του Λουκά 9:00 π.μ. Όρθρος 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 21 Νοεβρίου Τετάρτη Είσοδος της Υπεραγίας Θεοτόκου 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 25 Νοεβρίου Κυριακή Αγία Αικατερίνη Μεγαλομάρτυς 9:00 π.μ. Όρθρος 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 30 Νοεβρίου Παρασκευή Άγιος Ανδρέας ο Πρωτόκλητος 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία

15 DIAKONIA Prosforo Schedule November 4 Maria Kotrogiannis November 11 Ludmilla Cherevko November 18 Georgia Kouris November 25 Helen Petaros Coffee Hour November 4 Collier, Lovejoy & Mekus Family November 11 Ludmilla Cherevko November 18 John and MaryBeth Stopoulos November 25 Ardita Grunwald Sunday Gospel and Epistle Readings October 7 Gospel Luke 7:11-16 Epistle II Corinthians 9:6-11 October 14 Gospel Luke 8:5-15 Epistle Titus 3:8-15 October 21 Gospel Luke 8:26-39 Epistle Galatians 1:11-19 October 28 Gospel Luke 8:41-56 Epistle Galatians 2:16-20 Parish Council Ushering Schedule November December January 4 th - Orest Akulow 11 th - Cathy Diakogeorgiou 18 th - Liz Gorman 25 th - Paris Fotos 2 nd - Church at St. George 9 th - Denny Mekus 16 th - Kosta Dounoulis 23 rd - John Stopoulos 30 th - Orest Akulow 6 th - Cathy Diakogeorgiou 13 th - Liz Gorman 20 th - Paris Fotos 27 th - Mike Haney For each Sunday, the council member listed is to be present at 9:00 a.m. The council member listed for the week following will be assigned to help during the Divine Liturgy beginning at 9:50 a.m. through the processing of the collection.

16 Σύναξη Αρχάγγελων Σύναξη Αρχάγγελων ΜΙΧΑΗΛ και ΓΑΒΡΙΗΛ και τών λοιπών Ασωμάτων και ουρανίων ταγμάτων 8 Νοεμβρίου Κατά την Αγία Γραφή οι άγγελοι στέλνονται από το Θεό με μορφή ορατή (οι άγγελοι είναι αόρατα αγαθά πνεύματα κοντά στο Θεό) σε σπουδαίες ιστορικές περιστάσεις, που πρόκειται να εκδηλωθεί ή να εκτελεσθεί κάποια μεγάλη θεία θέληση. Τη σχέση, τώρα, που έχουν οι άγγελοι με το Θεό και τους ανθρώπους, καθώς και την αποστολή τους, βλέπουμε επίσης μέσα στην Αγία Γραφή. Και ιδιαίτερα, αγαπητέ αναγνώστη, άν διαβάσεις τους Ψαλμούς 33, στίχ. 8 και 90, στίχ , στη δε Καινή Διαθήκη, Ματθ. ιη στίχ. 10, καθώς επίσης και στην προς Εβραίους επιστολή, κεγ. α στίχ. 14, όπου ο συγγραφέας αναφωνεί: "ουχί πάντες εισί λειτουργικά πνεύματα εις διακονίαν αποστελόμενα δια τους μέλλοντας κληρονομείν σωτηρίαν;". Δηλαδή, δεν είναι όλοι οι άγγελοι πνεύματα υπηρετικά, τα οποία ενεργούν όχι από δική τους πρωτοβουλία, αλλ αποστέλλονται απο το Θεό για να υπηρετήσουν εκείνους που μέλλουν να κληρονομήσουν την αιώνια ζωή; Επικεφαλής δε τών αγγελικών δυνάμεων είναι οι αρχάγγελοι Μιχαήλ και Γαβριήλ. Τον Μιχαήλ συναντάμε στην Παλαιά Διαθήκη. Π.χ. όταν ο Αβραάμ μέλλει να θυσιάσει τον Ισαάκ, στον Ιησού του Ναυή, στον Ηλία και αλλού. Τον Γαβριήλ συναντάμε στην Καινή Διαθήκη, όπως στον Ευαγγελισμό της Θεοτόκου και αλλού. Στη μνήμη, λοιπόν, τών αποστολών και του έργου που επιτελούν οι άγγελοι, η Εκκλησία μας όρισε τη γιορτή της 8ης Νοεμβρίου.

17 Άγιος Ανδρέας Ο Απόστολος ΑΝΔΡΕΑΣ ο Πρωτόκλητος 30 Νοεμβρίου Ο Ανδρέας, ψαράς στο επάγγελμα και αδελφός του Αποστόλου Πέτρου, ήταν από τη Βηθσαϊδά της Γαλιλαίας. Επειδή κλήθηκε απο τον Κύριο πρώτος στην ομάδα των μαθητών, ονομάστηκε πρωτόκλητος. Η ιστορία της ζωής του Ανδρέα μέχρι τη Σταύρωση, την Ανάσταση και την Ανάληψη του Κυρίου, υπήρξε σχεδόν ίδια με εκείνη των άλλων μαθητών. Μετά το σχηματισμό της πρώτης Εκκλησίας, ο Ανδρέας κήρυξε στη Βιθυνία, Εύξεινο Πόντο, Θράκη, Μακεδονία και Ήπειρο. Τελικά, κατέληξε στην Αχαϊα. Εκεί η διδασκαλία του καρποφόρησε και με τις προσευχές του θεράπευσε θαυματουργικά πολλούς ασθενείς. Έτσι, η χριστιανική αλήθεια είχε μεγάλες κατακτήσεις στο λαό της Πάτρας. Ακόμα και η Μαξιμίλλα, σύζυγος του ανθυπάτου Αχαϊας Αιγεάτου, αφού τη θεράπευσε ο Απόστολος απο τη βαρειά αρρώστια που είχε, πίστεψε στο Χριστό. Το γεγονός εκνεύρισε τον ανθύπατο, και με την παρότρυνση των ειδωλολατρών ιερών συνέλαβε τον Ανδρέα και τον σταύρωσε σε σχήμα Χ. Έτσι, ο Απόστολος Ανδρέας παρέστησε τον εαυτό του στο Θεό "δόκιμον εργάτην". Δηλαδή δοκιμασμένο και τέλειο εργάτη του Ευαγγελίου. Το λείψανό του έθαψε με ευλάβεια ο πρώτος επίσκοπος Πατρών Στρατοκλής.

18 FALL GENERAL ASSEMBLY NOTICE OF PARISH ASSEMBLY TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 4, 2012 An assembly of all the stewards* of the parish will occur on Sunday, November 4, following the DIVINE LITURGY. The agenda will be as follows: 1. Opening Prayer / Attendance 2. Determination of Quorum* requirement of parishioners** 3. Election of Assembly Chairperson 4. Minutes of Previous Assembly 5. Reports (President s Report, Treasurer s Report) 6. Proposal of 2013 Parish Budget 7. Parish Bylaws 8. Nomination of Candidates for Parish Council, Election / Auditing Committees Greek Cultural Festival 10. Property Renovations/Improvements (HVAC, roof, patio/pavilion) 11. Unfinished and New Business affecting the life of the Parish 12. Adjournment / Closing Prayer *Quorum The presence of not less than twenty-five percent (25%) of the Parishioners in good standing shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business. If a quorum cannot be achieved, no vote can be taken. Within twenty-one (21) days, a Parish Assembly shall be called a second time. At such time, decisions may be taken by the number of parishioners in good standing present, with the exception of matters pertaining to the purchase, sale or encumbering of Parish property which shall require a quorum. **Parishioners Any person, eighteen years of age or over, who was baptized according to the rites of the Church, or was received into the Church through Chrismation, who lives according to the Faith and canons of the Church, abides by the Uniform Parish Regulations and these appended by laws, and fulfills his or her financial obligation to the Parish, and cooperates in every way towards the well-being of the Parish is a member in good standing of the Parish. The definition of fulfilling one s financial obligation to the Parish is by necessity flexible. Generally, for purposes of participating in Parish Assemblies and elections, one is considered to have fulfilled his or her financial obligation to the Parish if he or she has pledged and paid an amount certain for the year

19 FALL GENERAL ASSEMBLY prior to the current year and has no outstanding pledge balances for any year prior. However, in the event an individual neglects to pledge a specific amount for the prior year, but has committed spiritually, morally and financially (at a minimum of 50% of the parish s prior year average pledge) to the Greek Orthodox Faith and the parish and the records of the parish so reflect the financial commitment, he or she will be considered to have fulfilled his or her financial obligation and be eligible to vote. (Stewardship is recommended to be ten percent (10%) of one s annual income as stated in Holy Scripture to help meet the financial obligations of the Parish, the Metropolis and the Archdiocese.) For new members, as stated in the UPR (Article 25, Section 5): A new parishioner of the parish may vote in the election if he/she has become a member in good standing at least three (3) months prior thereto. In instances of financial hardship or of dependent students and/or parents, the Parish Priest may waive or modify the above requirements. Qualifications to serve on the Parish Council A parishioner must be a member in good standing in terms of sacramental life, canonical standing, and stewardship obligations. 1. Sacramental Life must attend church services regularly and participate in the sacraments; uphold the teachings and traditions of the Orthodox Church. 2. Canonical Standing if married, marriage must be blessed by the Church; if divorced, must have an ecclesiastical divorce; may not be living together outside of marriage or in any other relationship contrary to the teachings of the faith. 3. Stewardship must be a steward of the Assumption Parish for at least one year prior to the date of election as define by the Assumption Parish Bylaws Self-Nomination I wish to place my name in nomination for election to the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church Parish Council. As required by the Uniform Parish Regulations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, I hereby declare that I have read and understand the qualifications expected of a member of the Parish Council listed above. Name (please print) Signature (Please return to the church office no later than Sunday, November 18 th.)

20 PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES Parish Council Meeting Minutes September 20, 2012 Call to Order at 6:38pm with an opening prayer from Fr. Jon Roll Call: Present: Orest Akulow, Liz Gorman, John Stopoulos, Tom Kouris, Deno Kandis, Paris Fotos, Cathy Diakogeorgiou, Denny Mekus Excused: Mike Haney, Biju Ninan President s Report: None Priest s Report: By-laws have been ratified by the Metropolis, so now we need to activate them at the next General Assembly meeting on November 4 th YAL event at Doc s Inn Sept. 29 th Michael s Fun World Sept. 30 th Buffalo Pumpkin Patch Oct. 13 th Bible Study Thursday mornings and twice per month on Thursday evenings Metropolis Assembly Dec. 8 th (need 4 delegates) Committees We need standing leaders and others to help join Building, Athletics, Coffee Hour, Ushering, Sunday School, Epistles, YAL, GOYA, JOY, Garden Club, It s Greek to Me, Prosforo, Kitchen, Evangelism, Finance, Advertising Evangelism Program we need to decide how to go about creating and focusing on this for our future. Create a committee: Costas, John, and Fr. Jon to get it started and get a few others to join also. Minutes: no changes Treasurer s Report: $3,813 is the current balance. Old Business: Furnaces have been ordered.

21 New Business: St. Demetrios Dinner October 27 th ; 5-10pm; Dinner 5-8pm; $10 chicken, salad, potato, and bread; Bar; DJ; Advertising; Clown Entertainment for kids; gift bag for kids (John and Cathy to co-chair) PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES Wine Tasting November 10 th Greek Cultural Festival: Tom motions to have the festival; Denny 2 nd the motion; motioned carried Fellowship Patio and Pavilion discussion; Costas motioned to get bids, Cathy 2 nd ; motion passed with majority Motion to adjourn by: Cathy motioned, 2 nd by: Deno. Meeting adjourned at: 9:30pm with closing prayer. STEWARDSHIP 2012 Stewardship Update 100 Pledges received for a total of: $140,700 These same 100 stewards pledged $116,121 in a $24,579 increase for these stewards alone - that s a 17.47% increase and an average of $1,502 per Assumption family!!! Are you 1 of the 7 stewards of 2011 that hasn t pledged yet for 2012? FINANCIAL POSITION 2012 Budgeted General Fund Expenses $199,400 Total General Fund Expenses through October 17 th $161, Total Stewardship through October 17 th $100, YTD 2012 Shortfall of Expenses to Stewardship $61, Other General Fund Income (Candles, Events, Etc.) $33, Year-To-Date 2012 Shortfall $27,330.32

22 Agape News SPONSORS The Agape News is made possible by the generous support of the following parishioners: Fr. Jon, Presbytera Doreece and Vasilia Boukis In Memory of Harry and Alfreda Arvanis Michael and Nancy Avgenackis In Memory of George Bagatelas Paul and Christine Bagatelas Family Theodore and Karen Bagatelas Paula Baker In Memory of Sadie (Elias) Bakeris Kleo Caras Victor and Judy Cherevko Dennis and Pam Collier Miltos and Cathy Diakogeorgiou Dounoulis Family Litsa Gregory Tom P. Gregory Pete and Arlene Gust Mike and Helen Haney James Jannes Mike and Terri Kandis George and Helen Kontos Joyce Coughlin and JoAnn Kontos Anastasios and Dimitra Korovilas Ninan Family In Memory of Christ T. Panousis Fr. Basil and Christina Papanikolaou Spiro and Carol Pappaspiros Christ and Helen Petaros Ann Polillo Steve and Nancy Pyevich In Memory of Nickolaus, Halina, Andrei and Nickolaus Anthony and Joan Stopoulos Jim and Kristel Stopoulos Rick and Maria Krakos Thompson John and Mary Velon In Memory of George and Grace Vretis Sponsors offer $20 for the Ecclesiastical Year (beginning and ending Sept. 1 st ) Do you enjoy the Agape News? Then become a supporter!!! Here is my support of $20. Please list my sponsorship as follows:

23 The Windmill FAMILY RESTAURANT Reserve our banquet room today for your next celebration. Let us help create a special memory for you with our award-winning dishes. ADVERTISEMENTS Avenue of the Cities East Moline, IL (309) Miltos Diakogeorgiou, Parishioner Jose Zepeda, Chef Owners Owned by Chris & Kathy Panouses Presenting Sponsor of the 2012 Greek Cultural Festival Annual Golf Tournament 3629 Avenue of the Cities Moline, IL LCV Greek & Mediterranean Food Store Now selling a nice selection of Greek & Middle Eastern Products to the public Noon-5pm Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 9am-Noon Saturday and by appointment th Ave. East Moline, IL Olympic Gyros Open 7 Days a Week 207 W. 53rd St. Davenport, IA Advantage Pest Control Servicing Assumption for 5 years Call Steve Today! 985 Ave. of the Cities Silvis, Illinois Owned by Parishioners John & MaryBeth Stopoulos Gulliver's Travel Southpark Mall Northpark Mall Duck Creek Plaza Todd Bagatelas, President

24 Assumption Greek Orthodox Church 4900 Kennedy Drive East Moline, Illinois Return Service Requested Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID E. Moline, IL. Permit No. 153