Letter from the Parish Council
July 7, 2008
Dear Friends,
Greetings to all and may God bless you and your families. On behalf of the Parish Council, I wish all a summer filled with recreation and rest.
The parish council has convened several times this summer, as things have been busy. Capital improvements, renovations, visiting priests and a number of pressing financial matters have required much consideration. For that reason I would like to update the community on Church business.
COST OF SERVICES: Under regular circumstances, the only financial obligation asked of a member for weddings, baptisms, etc. is generally that they complete a stewardship offering. Under current circumstances, however, the members are aware and it has been noted in bulletins that there is a significant cost associated with bringing a priest to Pocatello to perform weddings, baptisms, etc. – and that those costs are the responsibility of the members hosting the wedding or baptism. The stipend due to a priest for each service is $350. In addition, we are required to pay travel expenses, which at the Federal rate of .51 per mile is $173.40 and lodging varies between $65 and $100 depending upon the season or chosen hotel. For weddings and baptisms, these expenses have always been the responsibility of the family. Please take steps to cover these costs. At the end of July, the council will send reminders in cases where these costs have not been covered. The Sacraments are offered to us by His Holy Church, and in cases where members are unable to cover these costs they will not be denied. However, in cases where families are able to cover all or part of these costs, they certainly should not be ignored.
FESTIVAL: We have been blessed to have very successful Greek Food Festivals over the years. The council voted NOT to have a festival this year, as year after year the volunteer support required in the months preceding the festival has been very sparse. As we welcome a new priest, it will be necessary to resume these traditional events, and by spring of 2009 we hope everyone will be rested enough to participate at a high level for the collective benefit of His Church in Pocatello. With the return of the festival next year, proceeds will be reserved for capital improvements. Please remember that operating the Church is the responsibility of the members through stewardship.
PERMANENT PRIEST: As we welcome our second permanent priest candidate this summer, Fr. John Beal and family, we look forward to an imminent assignment. At this time our discussions with both Fr. George and Fr. John indicate that they are both eager to serve. Following Fr. John’s visit, His Eminence will take into consideration the needs of our parish and the candidates and prayerfully make an assignment.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS: If you have not passed the Church in the last week or so you many not have seen the new concrete work which has been completed. The crumbling front steps have been replaced and widened, and a handicap access ramp has been added. These ongoing improvements will continue within the budget for capital improvements which was approved at the last general assembly. Some of the cost has been covered by donations from members, and we extend special thanks to John Dudunake for his financial gift toward the concrete work and ramp.
STEWARDSHIP: With Fr. Elias’ assignment to the Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church in Salt Lake City stewardship has decreased considerably. This is understandable without the regular services and associated opportunity to make an offering in person. Please recognize the importance of your kind offerings to not only operate the Church, but to grow and expand the ministries we all desire. Soon we will begin to pay a full time priest, and it is imperative that we reach our goal for stewardship this year. If you have not yet made an offering, please attempt to complete at least one half of your annual offering July 20th to get on track to reach the goals of the parish to build the Body of Christ.
FEAST DAY: Assumption will celebrate the Dormition of the Holy Theotokos on August 15th, our Feast Day, and with it a special Divine Liturgy on August 17th. Fr. Constantine Zozos has been assigned to serve our parish those days. In addition, the Choir from Salt Lake City will join us in celebration. We are hopeful to have performances by our dancers (call Katie Swore 237-7740) and will also prepare a special luncheon or picnic. NEW IDEAS AND SUGGESTIONS ARE WELCOME!
Thank you all for your help and service to Assumption. If there is a need or suggestion, please don’t hesitate to contact a member of the council.
In Christ,
Danny Thiros and the Parish Council