Parish Council President's Letter

April 12, 2008

Dear Friends,

Let me offer my best wishes and prayers that you are enjoying a blessed and full Lenten journey that will bring you closer to Him. May God bles each of you and your families.

I would like to thank the many parishioners whose work and efforts resulted in an outstanding weekend welcoming Fr. John Peck to Assumption. It was a blessed weekend, and everyone worked very hard. We could say it is unfortunate that Fr. John accepted an assignment at a different parish, (Arizona) however all things are according to God's will therefore let us all recognize it not as a disappointment but as a blessing. The Metropolitan continues to seek a permanent priest, and we hope t have news sometime in May. Let us pray!

I am pleased to announce that Fr. Constantine Zozos will celebrate Holy Week with us. Fr. Zozos is a priest of 33 years, and served as Proistamanos at St. Sophias in Los Angeles and at Saint Barbaras in Santa Barbara. You will note that the schedule for Holy Week is very full, and for the first time in several years we will have the blessing of celebrating ALL of the services of Holy Week. Please help us to have good attendance at all services.

Upon a vote by the Parish Council, it has been decided that we will not have a Greek Food Festival in 2008, just as we did not in 2006. We must not rely on the Festival to fund our operating expenses. Operating His Church is our responsibility as Orthodox Christians. Our responsibility is fulfilled through stewardship, as we are the recipients of God's gifts and are expected to support the work of His salvation. Please prayerfully consider your offering for 2008 and PLEASE complete the pledge card.

Last, I would like to extend a very BIG THANK YOU to those who have been volunteering their time and resources to completely renovate the parish house. It will be completed soon, and we will plan a special event to enjoy and celebrate the new space. Please take a moment to read about the renovations as explained in this bulletin and let those listed know that as a Church Family we do appreciate their efforts! May God continue to bless the parish house and the work that will be undertaken there for the growth and good health of Assumption.

Danny H. Thiros
Parish Council

Stewardship Program Update

April 12, 2008

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As we approach lent and Pascha, it is a time to give thanks for all that we have received. It is a time to rejoice in the glorious resurrection of our Lord and Savior! It is a time to praise God and embrace our Orthodox Faith, giving thanks that through Him and through His Church we may joyfully receive His heavenly and life giving gifts!

Each of us experience our own personal spiritual journeys. We have the free will to make choices, live our Orthodox Faith, raise our children, and carry on our work in His vineyard. All this, and all that it yields, are blessings sent from above. All that we are, all that we have, all that gives joy and comfort and sustenance are through and because of Him. We rejoice in Him for our triumphs, we thank Him for our blessings, and seek His grace, mercy and guidance in times of trial or sorrow. The certainty of our faith is His holy will and the promise of eternal life. How joyous, how miraculous, how truly blessed are we to have such gifts!

Together as a Parish, our mission is to perpetuate our Orthodox Faith, to grow in Him through worship, to enjoy Christian fellowship and to serve others through the many and vibrant ministries of the Church. At Assumption, we are making a journey towards sharing and carrying out these ministries more fully. Our charge as a parish and as individuals who have richly benefited from His gifts, is to perpetuate God’s work and His truth. It is through stewardship that we support Christ’s work, not as a duty but as a privilege.

Join us and make a commitment to increase your stewardship to His Church in 2008. Celebrate His gifts, and commit yourself to His work and His truth. Make a generous stewardship offering that will bring you joy, fulfillment and spiritual growth. Give because you desire to give, because you love the Lord, and because your offering is so very important and appreciated.

Take joy in your offering, and be generous as God has been generous to you.

In His service,

Pauline Thiros
Stewardship Committee

Nick Gdontakis
Stewardship Committee