Sunday December 30, 2018, Sunday after the Nativity of Christ
Christ is born! Glorify Him!
This Week's Services and Event
January 2, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM
January 3, Thursday
+ Free Lunch Volunteering, 11:30AM-1:00PM
+ Office Hours, 1:15PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
January 4, Friday
+ Royal Hours for Theophany, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 10:30AM-12:30PM
January 5, Saturday
+ Matins for Theophany Eve, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy for Theophany Eve, 10:00AM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
January 6, Sunday, Great Feast of the Theophany of our Lord
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy with Blessing of the Water, 10:00AM, followed by coffee hour
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Happy New Year!
May the Lord richly bless you during 2019.
Many Years!
John and Jennifer Michalski were received as catechumens today. May God grant them many years!
Feast of Theophany
The Feast of Theophany, which is a celebration of the baptism of the Lord and the realization that He has come to redeem His entire created world and not merely mankind, follows the same patterns of liturgical services as does the Feast of the Nativity of our Lord. Therefore, the first service related to the feast is Royal Hours, a quiet, prayerful service filled with lots of readings from the Holy Scripture, including much from the Old Testament. We will hold this service at 9AM on January 4. We also mark the day before the Feast of Theophany with special services. This year, we will have matins and Liturgy on the morning of January 5 (Theophany Eve), at 8:45AM and 10AM. We will also have our normal cycle of services on Saturday evening and Sunday morning. At the end of Liturgy on Sunday, we will do a blessing of the water service. This is the service at which holy water is blessed. If you have them, bring your bottles from home so that they can be filled with holy water.
Free Lunch Program Volunteering
Our monthly opportunity to volunteer at the Free Lunch Program is this Thursday, January 3, from 11:30AM-1:00PM. Fr. Ignatius will be there. If you can join him, let him know.
Feasting after Fasting
There is no fasting, including on Wednesdays and Fridays, until the eve of Theophany, January 5. Enjoy this season of the celebration of the Incarnation of our Lord with good food, drink, friends and family!
Sunday School Break
There will be no Sunday School on December 30 or January 6. We will resume on January 13.
Outdoor Blessing of the Water
Fr. Fred Shaheen and the faithful of St. George Church in Cedar Rapids invite us to join them in an Outdoor Blessing of the Water service on the 1st Avenue bridge in downtown Cedar Rapids at 4:00PM on Saturday, January 12. Following that brief service, all are invited to vespers at St. George Church (3650 Cottage Grove Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids) at 5:00PM.
Archdiocese Monthly Magazine, The Word
Did you know that our Archdiocese produces a monthly magazine? You can access this online each month at http://ww1.antiochian.org/theword
The Order of St. Ignatius
Do you know what "The Order" is? It is the philanthropic arm of our Archdiocese, funded by membership fees. The Order funds or partially finds whole departments in our archdiocese such as Missions and Evangelism, Youth Ministry and Internet Ministry. The Order also funds the Retired Clergy Housing Allowance, scholarships for our children to attend church summer camps, married seminarian housing, and grants for missions. We have benefited from the generosity of the Order many times, especially as they have helped fund Fr. Ignatius's required church-related travels when we haven't been able to budget for that, and also through summer camp scholarships for our children. To learn more about this opportunity to serve through giving, go to: http://ww1.antiochian.org/order
House Blessing Season is Approaching
Fr. Ignatius would like to bless the home of everyone associated with St. Raphael Church during the traditional house blessing season which lasts from the feast of Theophany until the beginning of Lent: this coming year, January 7- March 10. Contact him and set up a time for him to come! We bless our homes because we want God to be a part of every aspect of our lives. There is nothing in our lives, that is unimportant to Him. So, we invite Him to make our homes sacred places, through the house blessing prayers.
Father Alexander Men Lecture
To kick-off a several month long weekly book study on prayer, Lori Branch will be giving a lecture at the Iowa City Public Library (meeting Room A) at 7:00PM on Wednesday, January 23. The title is "Father Alexander Men: Scholar, Priest, Martyr- Russian Spiritual Wisdom for Modern Life." On following Wednesday evenings at St. Raphael Church, we will be meeting and discussing Fr. Alexander Men's book, "An Inner Step Toward God," a collection of his writings and talks on prayer. Copies of the book are available for purchase at the church bookstore for $16. If you can't pay the full price, pay whatever you can. A donor is willing to cover the rest. As the time to this event gets closer, we will rely on our members to help publicize it and to also provide refreshments to be served that evening. More information, and a full schedule of the entire discussion series can be found at: https://www.raphaelchurch.org/come--learn.html Share this link with your friends!
St. Raphael Pantry Volunteers Needed
Our church’s food pantry will be open during any service when there’s a person willing to assist visitors to the pantry. It will also be open during Father’s office hours whenever possible. If you're interested in assisting pantry visitors during services or want more information on our pantry, please email Amy Spencer at sroc.info@gmail.com or call her at 319-656-3916. Or go here on our website: https://www.raphaelchurch.org/our-food-pantry.html
Music on our Website
We now have a spot for listening to music on the first page of our website -- www.raphaelchurch.org. We'd like to change the music from time to time, so if you have a favorite Orthodox hymn that you'd like to share, send a good mp3 copy to Amy at sroc.info@gmail.com.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallmp.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallmp@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Save the Date, Bishop's Visit
Bishop Anthony will make his next archpastoral visit with us in the Spring of 2019, on April 13-14, the fifth Sunday of Lent. Please mark your calendars and plan to be with the bishop that weekend.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by Thee, and Thou dost come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now; for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus was baptized, He went up immediately from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and alighting on Him; and lo, a voice from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, with Whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:13-17)
Pray for Our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg and John and Jennifer Michalski in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
"Thus entered into the world He Whose coming was foretold by the prophets, and Who was born in the same manner in which it had been prophesied: of a Most-holy Virgin, in the town of Bethlehem, of the lineage of David according to the flesh, at the time when there was no king in Jerusalem of the lineage of Judah, but rather when a foreigner named Herod, who sought to kill the infant Messiah, was reigning. After many types and prefigurings, messengers and heralds, prophets and righteous men, wise men and kings, finally He appeared, the Lord of the world and King of kings, to perform the work of the salvation of mankind. Unto Him be glory unto ages of ages. Amen."
Verses from Matins of the Feast of the Nativity of Christ
This Week's Services and Event
January 2, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM
January 3, Thursday
+ Free Lunch Volunteering, 11:30AM-1:00PM
+ Office Hours, 1:15PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
January 4, Friday
+ Royal Hours for Theophany, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 10:30AM-12:30PM
January 5, Saturday
+ Matins for Theophany Eve, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy for Theophany Eve, 10:00AM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
January 6, Sunday, Great Feast of the Theophany of our Lord
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy with Blessing of the Water, 10:00AM, followed by coffee hour
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Happy New Year!
May the Lord richly bless you during 2019.
Many Years!
John and Jennifer Michalski were received as catechumens today. May God grant them many years!
Feast of Theophany
The Feast of Theophany, which is a celebration of the baptism of the Lord and the realization that He has come to redeem His entire created world and not merely mankind, follows the same patterns of liturgical services as does the Feast of the Nativity of our Lord. Therefore, the first service related to the feast is Royal Hours, a quiet, prayerful service filled with lots of readings from the Holy Scripture, including much from the Old Testament. We will hold this service at 9AM on January 4. We also mark the day before the Feast of Theophany with special services. This year, we will have matins and Liturgy on the morning of January 5 (Theophany Eve), at 8:45AM and 10AM. We will also have our normal cycle of services on Saturday evening and Sunday morning. At the end of Liturgy on Sunday, we will do a blessing of the water service. This is the service at which holy water is blessed. If you have them, bring your bottles from home so that they can be filled with holy water.
Free Lunch Program Volunteering
Our monthly opportunity to volunteer at the Free Lunch Program is this Thursday, January 3, from 11:30AM-1:00PM. Fr. Ignatius will be there. If you can join him, let him know.
Feasting after Fasting
There is no fasting, including on Wednesdays and Fridays, until the eve of Theophany, January 5. Enjoy this season of the celebration of the Incarnation of our Lord with good food, drink, friends and family!
Sunday School Break
There will be no Sunday School on December 30 or January 6. We will resume on January 13.
Outdoor Blessing of the Water
Fr. Fred Shaheen and the faithful of St. George Church in Cedar Rapids invite us to join them in an Outdoor Blessing of the Water service on the 1st Avenue bridge in downtown Cedar Rapids at 4:00PM on Saturday, January 12. Following that brief service, all are invited to vespers at St. George Church (3650 Cottage Grove Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids) at 5:00PM.
Archdiocese Monthly Magazine, The Word
Did you know that our Archdiocese produces a monthly magazine? You can access this online each month at http://ww1.antiochian.org/theword
The Order of St. Ignatius
Do you know what "The Order" is? It is the philanthropic arm of our Archdiocese, funded by membership fees. The Order funds or partially finds whole departments in our archdiocese such as Missions and Evangelism, Youth Ministry and Internet Ministry. The Order also funds the Retired Clergy Housing Allowance, scholarships for our children to attend church summer camps, married seminarian housing, and grants for missions. We have benefited from the generosity of the Order many times, especially as they have helped fund Fr. Ignatius's required church-related travels when we haven't been able to budget for that, and also through summer camp scholarships for our children. To learn more about this opportunity to serve through giving, go to: http://ww1.antiochian.org/order
House Blessing Season is Approaching
Fr. Ignatius would like to bless the home of everyone associated with St. Raphael Church during the traditional house blessing season which lasts from the feast of Theophany until the beginning of Lent: this coming year, January 7- March 10. Contact him and set up a time for him to come! We bless our homes because we want God to be a part of every aspect of our lives. There is nothing in our lives, that is unimportant to Him. So, we invite Him to make our homes sacred places, through the house blessing prayers.
Father Alexander Men Lecture
To kick-off a several month long weekly book study on prayer, Lori Branch will be giving a lecture at the Iowa City Public Library (meeting Room A) at 7:00PM on Wednesday, January 23. The title is "Father Alexander Men: Scholar, Priest, Martyr- Russian Spiritual Wisdom for Modern Life." On following Wednesday evenings at St. Raphael Church, we will be meeting and discussing Fr. Alexander Men's book, "An Inner Step Toward God," a collection of his writings and talks on prayer. Copies of the book are available for purchase at the church bookstore for $16. If you can't pay the full price, pay whatever you can. A donor is willing to cover the rest. As the time to this event gets closer, we will rely on our members to help publicize it and to also provide refreshments to be served that evening. More information, and a full schedule of the entire discussion series can be found at: https://www.raphaelchurch.org/come--learn.html Share this link with your friends!
St. Raphael Pantry Volunteers Needed
Our church’s food pantry will be open during any service when there’s a person willing to assist visitors to the pantry. It will also be open during Father’s office hours whenever possible. If you're interested in assisting pantry visitors during services or want more information on our pantry, please email Amy Spencer at sroc.info@gmail.com or call her at 319-656-3916. Or go here on our website: https://www.raphaelchurch.org/our-food-pantry.html
Music on our Website
We now have a spot for listening to music on the first page of our website -- www.raphaelchurch.org. We'd like to change the music from time to time, so if you have a favorite Orthodox hymn that you'd like to share, send a good mp3 copy to Amy at sroc.info@gmail.com.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallmp.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallmp@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Save the Date, Bishop's Visit
Bishop Anthony will make his next archpastoral visit with us in the Spring of 2019, on April 13-14, the fifth Sunday of Lent. Please mark your calendars and plan to be with the bishop that weekend.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by Thee, and Thou dost come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now; for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus was baptized, He went up immediately from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and alighting on Him; and lo, a voice from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, with Whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:13-17)
Pray for Our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr, Fabian Muller-Dahlberg and John and Jennifer Michalski in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
"Thus entered into the world He Whose coming was foretold by the prophets, and Who was born in the same manner in which it had been prophesied: of a Most-holy Virgin, in the town of Bethlehem, of the lineage of David according to the flesh, at the time when there was no king in Jerusalem of the lineage of Judah, but rather when a foreigner named Herod, who sought to kill the infant Messiah, was reigning. After many types and prefigurings, messengers and heralds, prophets and righteous men, wise men and kings, finally He appeared, the Lord of the world and King of kings, to perform the work of the salvation of mankind. Unto Him be glory unto ages of ages. Amen."
Verses from Matins of the Feast of the Nativity of Christ
Sunday December 23, 2018, Sunday before the Nativity of Christ
Christ is born! Glorify Him!
This Week's Services and Event
December 24, Monday, Eve of the Nativity of Christ
+ Royal Hours, 9:00AM
+ Vesperal Liturgy, 6:00PM, followed by singing Christmas Carols
December 25, Tuesday, The Nativity of Christ
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by singing Christmas Carols
December 29, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
December 30, Sunday, Sunday after the Nativity of Christ
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by coffee hour
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Nativity Services
We will celebrate the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in the flesh with the following services:
Monday, December 24, 9AM- Royal Hours; Vesperal Liturgy, 6PM
Tuesday, December 25, 8:30AM- Matins; 10AM Divine Liturgy
Feasting after Fasting
The Nativity (Advent) fast ends after December 24. There is no fasting, including on Wednesdays and Fridays, until the eve of Theophany, January 5. Enjoy this season of the celebration of the Incarnation of our Lord with good food, drink, friends and family!
Western Christmas Carols
Although we have a musical tradition for our divine services which does not include what many in the West consider traditional Christmas hymns and carols, many of us still value these songs. Would you like to sing some of them? Following liturgy on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, all who would like to can stay for a short time of singing some of these hymns together.
Fr. Ignatius is Traveling
There will be no office hours, 3rd or 9th Hour Prayers or Akathist during December 26-28 as Fr. Ignatius will be out of town.
Sunday School Break
There will be no Sunday School on December 30 or January 6. We will resume on January 13.
January/February Calendars Available
Printed calendars showing services, fasting days, and other events for the next two months are available in the narthex.
Archdiocese Monthly Magazine, The Word
Did you know that our Archdiocese produces a monthly magazine? You can access this online each month at http://ww1.antiochian.org/theword
The Order of St. Ignatius
Do you know what "The Order" is? It is the philanthropic arm of our Archdiocese, funded by membership fees. The Order funds or partially finds whole departments in our archdiocese such as Missions and Evangelism, Youth Ministry and Internet Ministry. The Order also funds the Retired Clergy Housing Allowance, scholarships for our children to attend church summer camps, married seminarian housing, and grants for missions. We have benefited from the generosity of the Order many times, especially as they have helped fund Fr. Ignatius's required church-related travels when we haven't been able to budget for that, and also through summer camp scholarships for our children. To learn more about this opportunity to serve through giving, go to: http://ww1.antiochian.org/order
House Blessing Season is Approaching
Fr. Ignatius would like to bless the home of everyone associated with St. Raphael Church during the traditional house blessing season which lasts from the feast of Theophany until the beginning of Lent: this coming year, January 7- March 10. Contact him and set up a time for him to come! We bless our homes because we want God to be a part of every aspect of our lives. There is nothing in our lives, that is unimportant to Him. So, we invite Him to make our homes sacred places, through the house blessing prayers.
Father Alexander Men Lecture
To kick-off a several month long weekly book study on prayer, Lori Branch will be giving a lecture at the Iowa City Public Library (meeting Room A) at 7:00PM on Wednesday, January 23. The title is "Father Alexander Men: Scholar, Priest, Martyr- Russian Spiritual Wisdom for Modern Life." On following Wednesday evenings at St. Raphael Church, we will be meeting and discussing Fr. Alexander Men's book, "An Inner Step Toward God," a collection of his writings and talks on prayer. Copies of the book are available for purchase at the church bookstore for $16. If you can't pay the full price, pay whatever you can. A donor is willing to cover the rest. As the time to this event gets closer, we will rely on our members to help publicize it and to also provide refreshments to be served that evening. More information, and a full schedule of the entire discussion series can be found at: https://www.raphaelchurch.org/come--learn.html Share this link with your friends!
St. Raphael Pantry Volunteers Needed
Our church’s food pantry will be open during any service when there’s a person willing to assist visitors to the pantry. It will also be open during Father’s office hours whenever possible. If you're interested in assisting pantry visitors during services or want more information on our pantry, please email Amy Spencer at sroc.info@gmail.com or call her at 319-656-3916. Or go here on our website: https://www.raphaelchurch.org/our-food-pantry.html
Music on our Website
We now have a spot for listening to music on the first page of our website -- www.raphaelchurch.org. We'd like to change the music from time to time, so if you have a favorite Orthodox hymn that you'd like to share, send a good mp3 copy to Amy at sroc.info@gmail.com.
Food for All Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallmp.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallmp@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Save the Date, Bishop's Visit
Bishop Anthony will make his next archpastoral visit with us in the Spring of 2019, on April 13-14, the fifth Sunday of Lent. Please mark your calendars and plan to be with the bishop that weekend.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
When the wise men had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the Child and His mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the Child, to destroy Him.” And he rose and took the Child and His mother by night, and departed to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt have I called My Son.”Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, was in a furious rage, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region, who were two years old or under, according to the time which he had ascertained from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: “A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they were no more.” But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Rise, take the Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the Child’s life are dead.” And he rose and took the Child and His mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus reigned over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. And he went and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled,“He shall be called a Nazarene.” (Matthew 2:13-23)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr and Fabian Muller-Dahlberg in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
"Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, hath given rise to the light of knowledge in the world; for they that worshipped the stars did learn there from to worship Thee, O Sun of justice, and to know that from the east of the Highest Thou didst come. O Lord, glory to Thee."
Apolytikion of the Nativity of Christ
This Week's Services and Event
December 24, Monday, Eve of the Nativity of Christ
+ Royal Hours, 9:00AM
+ Vesperal Liturgy, 6:00PM, followed by singing Christmas Carols
December 25, Tuesday, The Nativity of Christ
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by singing Christmas Carols
December 29, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
December 30, Sunday, Sunday after the Nativity of Christ
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by coffee hour
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Nativity Services
We will celebrate the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in the flesh with the following services:
Monday, December 24, 9AM- Royal Hours; Vesperal Liturgy, 6PM
Tuesday, December 25, 8:30AM- Matins; 10AM Divine Liturgy
Feasting after Fasting
The Nativity (Advent) fast ends after December 24. There is no fasting, including on Wednesdays and Fridays, until the eve of Theophany, January 5. Enjoy this season of the celebration of the Incarnation of our Lord with good food, drink, friends and family!
Western Christmas Carols
Although we have a musical tradition for our divine services which does not include what many in the West consider traditional Christmas hymns and carols, many of us still value these songs. Would you like to sing some of them? Following liturgy on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, all who would like to can stay for a short time of singing some of these hymns together.
Fr. Ignatius is Traveling
There will be no office hours, 3rd or 9th Hour Prayers or Akathist during December 26-28 as Fr. Ignatius will be out of town.
Sunday School Break
There will be no Sunday School on December 30 or January 6. We will resume on January 13.
January/February Calendars Available
Printed calendars showing services, fasting days, and other events for the next two months are available in the narthex.
Archdiocese Monthly Magazine, The Word
Did you know that our Archdiocese produces a monthly magazine? You can access this online each month at http://ww1.antiochian.org/theword
The Order of St. Ignatius
Do you know what "The Order" is? It is the philanthropic arm of our Archdiocese, funded by membership fees. The Order funds or partially finds whole departments in our archdiocese such as Missions and Evangelism, Youth Ministry and Internet Ministry. The Order also funds the Retired Clergy Housing Allowance, scholarships for our children to attend church summer camps, married seminarian housing, and grants for missions. We have benefited from the generosity of the Order many times, especially as they have helped fund Fr. Ignatius's required church-related travels when we haven't been able to budget for that, and also through summer camp scholarships for our children. To learn more about this opportunity to serve through giving, go to: http://ww1.antiochian.org/order
House Blessing Season is Approaching
Fr. Ignatius would like to bless the home of everyone associated with St. Raphael Church during the traditional house blessing season which lasts from the feast of Theophany until the beginning of Lent: this coming year, January 7- March 10. Contact him and set up a time for him to come! We bless our homes because we want God to be a part of every aspect of our lives. There is nothing in our lives, that is unimportant to Him. So, we invite Him to make our homes sacred places, through the house blessing prayers.
Father Alexander Men Lecture
To kick-off a several month long weekly book study on prayer, Lori Branch will be giving a lecture at the Iowa City Public Library (meeting Room A) at 7:00PM on Wednesday, January 23. The title is "Father Alexander Men: Scholar, Priest, Martyr- Russian Spiritual Wisdom for Modern Life." On following Wednesday evenings at St. Raphael Church, we will be meeting and discussing Fr. Alexander Men's book, "An Inner Step Toward God," a collection of his writings and talks on prayer. Copies of the book are available for purchase at the church bookstore for $16. If you can't pay the full price, pay whatever you can. A donor is willing to cover the rest. As the time to this event gets closer, we will rely on our members to help publicize it and to also provide refreshments to be served that evening. More information, and a full schedule of the entire discussion series can be found at: https://www.raphaelchurch.org/come--learn.html Share this link with your friends!
St. Raphael Pantry Volunteers Needed
Our church’s food pantry will be open during any service when there’s a person willing to assist visitors to the pantry. It will also be open during Father’s office hours whenever possible. If you're interested in assisting pantry visitors during services or want more information on our pantry, please email Amy Spencer at sroc.info@gmail.com or call her at 319-656-3916. Or go here on our website: https://www.raphaelchurch.org/our-food-pantry.html
Music on our Website
We now have a spot for listening to music on the first page of our website -- www.raphaelchurch.org. We'd like to change the music from time to time, so if you have a favorite Orthodox hymn that you'd like to share, send a good mp3 copy to Amy at sroc.info@gmail.com.
Food for All Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallmp.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallmp@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Save the Date, Bishop's Visit
Bishop Anthony will make his next archpastoral visit with us in the Spring of 2019, on April 13-14, the fifth Sunday of Lent. Please mark your calendars and plan to be with the bishop that weekend.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
When the wise men had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the Child and His mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the Child, to destroy Him.” And he rose and took the Child and His mother by night, and departed to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt have I called My Son.”Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, was in a furious rage, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region, who were two years old or under, according to the time which he had ascertained from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: “A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they were no more.” But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Rise, take the Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the Child’s life are dead.” And he rose and took the Child and His mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus reigned over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. And he went and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled,“He shall be called a Nazarene.” (Matthew 2:13-23)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr and Fabian Muller-Dahlberg in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
"Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, hath given rise to the light of knowledge in the world; for they that worshipped the stars did learn there from to worship Thee, O Sun of justice, and to know that from the east of the Highest Thou didst come. O Lord, glory to Thee."
Apolytikion of the Nativity of Christ
Sunday December 16, 2018, Sunday of the Forefathers of Christ
This Week's Services and Event
December 18, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Vespers in Kalona, 7:00PM
December 19, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 2:00PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Vesperal Liturgy for St. Ignatius, 6:00PM
December 20, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
December 21, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:30PM
December 22, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
December 23, Sunday, Sunday before the Nativity of Christ (Genealogy Sunday)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by coffee hour and Sunday School
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Mathea Ilia-Grigore who graduated from Kirkwood College and is about to start her new job as a licensed dental assistant. May God grant her many years!
Liturgy for St. Ignatius
We will commemorate St. Ignatius of Antioch with a Vesperal Liturgy at 6:00PM on December 19.
Nativity Services
We will celebrate the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in the flesh with the following services:
Monday, December 24, 9AM- Royal Hours; Vesperal Liturgy, 6PM
Tuesday, December 25, 8:30AM- Matins; 10AM Divine Liturgy
Feasting after Fasting
The Nativity (Advent) fast ends after December 24. There is no fasting, including on Wednesdays and Fridays, until the eve of Theophany, January 5. Enjoy this season of the celebration of the Incarnation of our Lord with good food, drink, friends and family!
Western Christmas Carols
Although we have a musical tradition for our divine services which does not include what many in the West consider traditional Christmas hymns and carols, many of us still value these songs. Would you like to sing some of them? Following liturgy on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, all who would like to can stay for a short time of singing some of these hymns together.
Nativity Fast, November 15 to December 24
In anticipation of and in preparation for the Great Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we are in the forty day Nativity Fast. We abstain from meat, dairy and eggs on all days during this fast and from wine and oil on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Fish is allowed on Saturdays and Sundays. For various resources on this important time of the church year, go to: http://ww1.antiochian.org/nativity/pre-feast
It Is Not Too Late To Return a Pledge for 2019
The Parish Council has distributed packets of information to everyone, regarding making a financial pledge to the church for 2019. If you desire to make a regular financial pledge, it is not too late to do so. Feel free to contact Becky by email (bmorey3156@gmail.com) to let her know what your pledge will be.
Annual Calendars Now Available
We now have 2019 calendars available for you to take home. These calendars show the Scripture readings, saints, liturgical feasts and fasting days and seasons. Take one or more home with you to help you stay connected to our faith.
Father Alexander Men Lecture
To kick-off a several month long weekly book study on prayer, Lori Branch will be giving a lecture at the Iowa City Public Library (meeting Room A) at 7:00PM on Wednesday, January 23. The title is "Father Alexander Men: Scholar, Priest, Martyr- Russian Spiritual Wisdom for Modern Life." On following Wednesday evenings at St. Raphael Church, we will be meeting and discussing Fr. Alexander Men's book, "An Inner Step Toward God," a collection of his writings and talks on prayer. Copies of the book are available for purchase at the church bookstore for $16. If you can't pay the full price, pay whatever you can. A donor is willing to cover the rest. As the time to this event gets closer, we will rely on our members to help publicize it and to also provide refreshments to be served that evening. More information, and a full schedule of the entire discussion series can be found at: https://www.raphaelchurch.org/come--learn.html Share this link with your friends!
St. Raphael Pantry Volunteers Needed
Our church’s food pantry will be open during any service when there’s a person willing to assist visitors to the pantry. It will also be open during Father’s office hours whenever possible. If you're interested in assisting pantry visitors during services or want more information on our pantry, please email Amy Spencer at sroc.info@gmail.com or call her at 319-656-3916. Or go here on our website: https://www.raphaelchurch.org/our-food-pantry.html
Music on our Website
We now have a spot for listening to music on the first page of our website -- www.raphaelchurch.org. We'd like to change the music from time to time, so if you have a favorite Orthodox hymn that you'd like to share, send a good mp3 copy to Amy at sroc.info@gmail.com.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallmp.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallmp@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Save the Date, Bishop's Visit
Bishop Anthony will make his next archpastoral visit with us in the Spring of 2019, on April 13-14, the fifth Sunday of Lent. Please mark your calendars and plan to be with the bishop that weekend.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading: Matthew 1:1-25
The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Aram, and Aram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David the king. And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah, and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asa, and Asa the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah, and Uzziah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, and Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, and Manasseh the father of Amon, and Amon the father of Josiah, and Josiah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon. And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor, and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud, and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, Who is called Christ. So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ were fourteen generations. Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; she will bear a son, and you shall call His Name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and His Name shall be called Emmanuel” (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him; he took his wife, but knew her not until she had borne a son; and he called His Name Jesus.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr and Fabian Muller-Dahlberg in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
The Virgin cometh today
To the cave to give birth
Ineffably to bring forth
the Word eternal.
Therefore, rejoice O earth
At the message
With the angels and shepherds give glory to Him
Who shall appear by His own will
As a young Child
He Who is from eternity, God!
Kontakion of the Preparation of the Nativity of Christ
December 18, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Vespers in Kalona, 7:00PM
December 19, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 2:00PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Vesperal Liturgy for St. Ignatius, 6:00PM
December 20, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
December 21, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:30PM
December 22, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
December 23, Sunday, Sunday before the Nativity of Christ (Genealogy Sunday)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by coffee hour and Sunday School
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Mathea Ilia-Grigore who graduated from Kirkwood College and is about to start her new job as a licensed dental assistant. May God grant her many years!
Liturgy for St. Ignatius
We will commemorate St. Ignatius of Antioch with a Vesperal Liturgy at 6:00PM on December 19.
Nativity Services
We will celebrate the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in the flesh with the following services:
Monday, December 24, 9AM- Royal Hours; Vesperal Liturgy, 6PM
Tuesday, December 25, 8:30AM- Matins; 10AM Divine Liturgy
Feasting after Fasting
The Nativity (Advent) fast ends after December 24. There is no fasting, including on Wednesdays and Fridays, until the eve of Theophany, January 5. Enjoy this season of the celebration of the Incarnation of our Lord with good food, drink, friends and family!
Western Christmas Carols
Although we have a musical tradition for our divine services which does not include what many in the West consider traditional Christmas hymns and carols, many of us still value these songs. Would you like to sing some of them? Following liturgy on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, all who would like to can stay for a short time of singing some of these hymns together.
Nativity Fast, November 15 to December 24
In anticipation of and in preparation for the Great Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we are in the forty day Nativity Fast. We abstain from meat, dairy and eggs on all days during this fast and from wine and oil on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Fish is allowed on Saturdays and Sundays. For various resources on this important time of the church year, go to: http://ww1.antiochian.org/nativity/pre-feast
It Is Not Too Late To Return a Pledge for 2019
The Parish Council has distributed packets of information to everyone, regarding making a financial pledge to the church for 2019. If you desire to make a regular financial pledge, it is not too late to do so. Feel free to contact Becky by email (bmorey3156@gmail.com) to let her know what your pledge will be.
Annual Calendars Now Available
We now have 2019 calendars available for you to take home. These calendars show the Scripture readings, saints, liturgical feasts and fasting days and seasons. Take one or more home with you to help you stay connected to our faith.
Father Alexander Men Lecture
To kick-off a several month long weekly book study on prayer, Lori Branch will be giving a lecture at the Iowa City Public Library (meeting Room A) at 7:00PM on Wednesday, January 23. The title is "Father Alexander Men: Scholar, Priest, Martyr- Russian Spiritual Wisdom for Modern Life." On following Wednesday evenings at St. Raphael Church, we will be meeting and discussing Fr. Alexander Men's book, "An Inner Step Toward God," a collection of his writings and talks on prayer. Copies of the book are available for purchase at the church bookstore for $16. If you can't pay the full price, pay whatever you can. A donor is willing to cover the rest. As the time to this event gets closer, we will rely on our members to help publicize it and to also provide refreshments to be served that evening. More information, and a full schedule of the entire discussion series can be found at: https://www.raphaelchurch.org/come--learn.html Share this link with your friends!
St. Raphael Pantry Volunteers Needed
Our church’s food pantry will be open during any service when there’s a person willing to assist visitors to the pantry. It will also be open during Father’s office hours whenever possible. If you're interested in assisting pantry visitors during services or want more information on our pantry, please email Amy Spencer at sroc.info@gmail.com or call her at 319-656-3916. Or go here on our website: https://www.raphaelchurch.org/our-food-pantry.html
Music on our Website
We now have a spot for listening to music on the first page of our website -- www.raphaelchurch.org. We'd like to change the music from time to time, so if you have a favorite Orthodox hymn that you'd like to share, send a good mp3 copy to Amy at sroc.info@gmail.com.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallmp.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallmp@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Save the Date, Bishop's Visit
Bishop Anthony will make his next archpastoral visit with us in the Spring of 2019, on April 13-14, the fifth Sunday of Lent. Please mark your calendars and plan to be with the bishop that weekend.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading: Matthew 1:1-25
The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Aram, and Aram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David the king. And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah, and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asa, and Asa the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah, and Uzziah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, and Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, and Manasseh the father of Amon, and Amon the father of Josiah, and Josiah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon. And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor, and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud, and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, Who is called Christ. So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ were fourteen generations. Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; she will bear a son, and you shall call His Name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and His Name shall be called Emmanuel” (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him; he took his wife, but knew her not until she had borne a son; and he called His Name Jesus.
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr and Fabian Muller-Dahlberg in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
The Virgin cometh today
To the cave to give birth
Ineffably to bring forth
the Word eternal.
Therefore, rejoice O earth
At the message
With the angels and shepherds give glory to Him
Who shall appear by His own will
As a young Child
He Who is from eternity, God!
Kontakion of the Preparation of the Nativity of Christ
Sunday December 9, 2018, Conception of the Theotokos by St. Anna
This Week's Services and Event
December 11, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
December 12, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 2:00PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Nativity Paraklesis, 6:30PM
+ Story of the Bible Discussion Fellowship Meal, 7:30PM
December 13, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
December 14, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:30PM
December 15, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
December 16, Sunday, Sunday of the Forefathers of Christ
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by coffee hour and Sunday School
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Choir Appreciation Sunday
Across our archdiocese today, churches are recognizing the value of their choirs and showing their appreciation for their brothers and sisters in Christ who are so dedicated to lifting up their voices in worshiping the Lord. We are grateful for our choir and especially want to thank our three co-leaders: Lori Branch, Kristi Abuissa and Matthew Arndt. Thank you, and may God grant you many years!
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Joshua Morey who graduated from Iowa Wesleyan University earlier this week with his bachelor's degree. May God grant him many years!
Decorating Church for Nativity
We are accepting donated poinsettias to make our church look festive during this holy season. If you desire to donate, please bring them on Sunday, December 16.
It Is Not Too Late To Return a Pledge for 2019
The Parish Council has distributed packets of information to everyone, regarding making a financial pledge to the church for 2019. If you desire to make a regular financial pledge, it is not too late to do so. Feel free to contact Becky by email (bmorey3156@gmail.com) to let her know what your pledge will be.
Liturgy for St. Ignatius
We will commemorate St. Ignatius of Antioch with a Vesperal Liturgy at 6:00PM on December 19.
Nativity Services
We will celebrate the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in the flesh with the following services:
Monday, December 24, 9AM- Royal Hours; Vesperal Liturgy, 6PM
Tuesday, December 25, 8:30AM- Matins; 10AM Divine Liturgy
Annual Calendars Now Available
We now have 2019 calendars available for you to take home. These calendars show the Scripture readings, saints, liturgical feasts and fasting days and seasons. Take one or more home with you to help you stay connected to our faith.
Nativity Fast, November 15-December 24
In anticipation of and in preparation for the Great Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we are in the forty day Nativity Fast. We abstain from meat, dairy and eggs on all days during this fast and from wine and oil on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Fish is allowed on Saturdays and Sundays. For various resources on this important time of the church year, go to: http://ww1.antiochian.org/nativity/pre-feast
Father Alexander Men Lecture
To kick-off a multi-month long weekly book study on prayer, Lori Branch will be giving a lecture at the Iowa City Public Library (meeting Room A) at 7PM on Wednesday, January 23. The title is "Father Alexander Men: Scholar, Priest, Martyr- Russian Spiritual Wisdom for Modern Life." On following Wednesday evenings at St. Raphael Church, we will be meeting and discussing Fr. Alexander Men's book, "An Inner Step Toward God," a collection of his writings and talks on prayer. Copies of the book are available for purchase at the church bookstore for $16. If you can't pay the full price, pay whatever you can. A donor is willing to cover the rest. As the time to this event gets closer, we will rely on our members to help publicize it and to also provide refreshments to be served that evening. More information, and a full schedule of the entire discussion series can be found at https://www.raphaelchurch.org/come--learn.html Share this link with your friends!
St. Raphael Pantry Volunteers Needed
Our church’s food pantry will be open during any service when there’s a person willing to assist visitors to the pantry. It will also be open during Father’s office hours whenever possible. If you're interested in assisting pantry visitors during services or want more information on our pantry, please email Amy Spencer at sroc.info@gmail.com or call her at 319-656-3916. Or go here on our website: https://www.raphaelchurch.org/our-food-pantry.html
Music on our Website
We now have a spot for listening to music on the first page of our website -- www.raphaelchurch.org. We'd like to change the music from time to time, so if you have a favorite Orthodox hymn that you'd like to share, send a good mp3 copy to Amy at sroc.info@gmail.com.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallmp.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallmp@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Save the Date, Bishop's Visit
Bishop Anthony will make his next archpastoral visit with us in the Spring of 2019, on April 13-14, the fifth Sunday of Lent. Please mark your calendars and plan to be with the bishop that weekend.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord spoke this parable: “A man once gave a great banquet, and invited many; and at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come; for all is now ready.’ But, one by one, they all began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it; I pray you, have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them; I pray you, have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ So the servant came and reported this to his master. Then the householder in anger said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and maimed and blind and lame.’ And the servant said, ‘Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.’ And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges, and compel people to come in, that my house maybe filled. For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.’ For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Luke 14:16-24)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr and Fabian Muller-Dahlberg in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
The following is an excerpt from The Winter Pascha, by Fr. Thomas Hopko
On the ninth of December the Orthodox Church celebrates the feast of the conception of the Virgin Mary by her parents Joachim and Anna. On this major festival which finds its place in the Church's preparation for Christmas, the faithful rejoice in the event by which Mary is conceived in fulfillment of her parents' prayers in order to be formed in the womb, born on the earth, dedicated to the Lord, and nurtured in holiness to become by God's grace the mother of His Son the Messiah.
The Orthodox Church, particularly in the present time, does not call the feast of Mary's beginning the "immaculate conception," although perhaps in ancient times this title would have been fully acceptable. This is not because the Orthodox consider Mary's conception to have been somehow "maculate" or "stained" (macula means "stain" in Latin). It simply means that the Orthodox do not want to support the conviction that God had somehow to intervene at the moment of Mary's conception with a special action to remove the "stain" of the original sin transmitted by the act of human reproduction because, simply put, the Orthodox do not hold that such a "stain" exists.
The Orthodox Church affirms original sin. Orthodox theology teaches that all human beings, including the Virgin Mary who is a "mere human" like the rest of us-- unlike her Son Jesus who is a "real human" but not a "mere human" because He is the incarnate Son and Word of God-- are born into a fallen, death-bound, demon-riddled world whose "form is passing away" (1 Cor 7:31). We are all born mortal and tending toward sin. But we are not born guilty of any personal sin, certainly not one allegedly committed "in Adam." Nor are we born stained because of the manner in which we are conceived by the sexual union of our parents. If sexual union in marriage is in any sense sinful, or the cause in itself of any sinfulness or stain, even in the conditions of the "fallen world," then, as even the rigorous Saint John Chrysostom has taught, God is the sinner because He made us this way, male and female, from the very beginning.
Mary is conceived by her parents as we are all conceived. But in her case it is a pure act of faith and love, in obedience to God's will, as an answer to prayer. In this sense her conception is truly "immaculate." And its fruit is woman who remains forever the most pure Virgin and Mother of God.
Come, let us dance in the spirit!
Let us sing worthy praises to Christ!
Let us celebrate the joy of Joachim and Anna,
The conception of the Mother of our God,
For she is the fruit of the grace of God.
[1] The feast is officially called The Conception of the Theotokos. Mary's nativity is celebrated on September 8. A popular tradition among the Orthodox says that the nine-month period is purposely off by one day to illustrate the "mere humanity" of Mary, unlike the "divine humanity" of her Son, whose conception on the feast of the Annunciation is celebrated on March 25, exactly nine months before His Nativity.
[2] See John Chrysostom, On Titus, homily 2.
December 11, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
December 12, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 2:00PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Nativity Paraklesis, 6:30PM
+ Story of the Bible Discussion Fellowship Meal, 7:30PM
December 13, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
December 14, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:30PM
December 15, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
December 16, Sunday, Sunday of the Forefathers of Christ
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by coffee hour and Sunday School
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Choir Appreciation Sunday
Across our archdiocese today, churches are recognizing the value of their choirs and showing their appreciation for their brothers and sisters in Christ who are so dedicated to lifting up their voices in worshiping the Lord. We are grateful for our choir and especially want to thank our three co-leaders: Lori Branch, Kristi Abuissa and Matthew Arndt. Thank you, and may God grant you many years!
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Joshua Morey who graduated from Iowa Wesleyan University earlier this week with his bachelor's degree. May God grant him many years!
Decorating Church for Nativity
We are accepting donated poinsettias to make our church look festive during this holy season. If you desire to donate, please bring them on Sunday, December 16.
It Is Not Too Late To Return a Pledge for 2019
The Parish Council has distributed packets of information to everyone, regarding making a financial pledge to the church for 2019. If you desire to make a regular financial pledge, it is not too late to do so. Feel free to contact Becky by email (bmorey3156@gmail.com) to let her know what your pledge will be.
Liturgy for St. Ignatius
We will commemorate St. Ignatius of Antioch with a Vesperal Liturgy at 6:00PM on December 19.
Nativity Services
We will celebrate the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in the flesh with the following services:
Monday, December 24, 9AM- Royal Hours; Vesperal Liturgy, 6PM
Tuesday, December 25, 8:30AM- Matins; 10AM Divine Liturgy
Annual Calendars Now Available
We now have 2019 calendars available for you to take home. These calendars show the Scripture readings, saints, liturgical feasts and fasting days and seasons. Take one or more home with you to help you stay connected to our faith.
Nativity Fast, November 15-December 24
In anticipation of and in preparation for the Great Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we are in the forty day Nativity Fast. We abstain from meat, dairy and eggs on all days during this fast and from wine and oil on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Fish is allowed on Saturdays and Sundays. For various resources on this important time of the church year, go to: http://ww1.antiochian.org/nativity/pre-feast
Father Alexander Men Lecture
To kick-off a multi-month long weekly book study on prayer, Lori Branch will be giving a lecture at the Iowa City Public Library (meeting Room A) at 7PM on Wednesday, January 23. The title is "Father Alexander Men: Scholar, Priest, Martyr- Russian Spiritual Wisdom for Modern Life." On following Wednesday evenings at St. Raphael Church, we will be meeting and discussing Fr. Alexander Men's book, "An Inner Step Toward God," a collection of his writings and talks on prayer. Copies of the book are available for purchase at the church bookstore for $16. If you can't pay the full price, pay whatever you can. A donor is willing to cover the rest. As the time to this event gets closer, we will rely on our members to help publicize it and to also provide refreshments to be served that evening. More information, and a full schedule of the entire discussion series can be found at https://www.raphaelchurch.org/come--learn.html Share this link with your friends!
St. Raphael Pantry Volunteers Needed
Our church’s food pantry will be open during any service when there’s a person willing to assist visitors to the pantry. It will also be open during Father’s office hours whenever possible. If you're interested in assisting pantry visitors during services or want more information on our pantry, please email Amy Spencer at sroc.info@gmail.com or call her at 319-656-3916. Or go here on our website: https://www.raphaelchurch.org/our-food-pantry.html
Music on our Website
We now have a spot for listening to music on the first page of our website -- www.raphaelchurch.org. We'd like to change the music from time to time, so if you have a favorite Orthodox hymn that you'd like to share, send a good mp3 copy to Amy at sroc.info@gmail.com.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallmp.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallmp@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Save the Date, Bishop's Visit
Bishop Anthony will make his next archpastoral visit with us in the Spring of 2019, on April 13-14, the fifth Sunday of Lent. Please mark your calendars and plan to be with the bishop that weekend.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord spoke this parable: “A man once gave a great banquet, and invited many; and at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come; for all is now ready.’ But, one by one, they all began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it; I pray you, have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them; I pray you, have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ So the servant came and reported this to his master. Then the householder in anger said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and maimed and blind and lame.’ And the servant said, ‘Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.’ And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges, and compel people to come in, that my house maybe filled. For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.’ For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Luke 14:16-24)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr and Fabian Muller-Dahlberg in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
The following is an excerpt from The Winter Pascha, by Fr. Thomas Hopko
On the ninth of December the Orthodox Church celebrates the feast of the conception of the Virgin Mary by her parents Joachim and Anna. On this major festival which finds its place in the Church's preparation for Christmas, the faithful rejoice in the event by which Mary is conceived in fulfillment of her parents' prayers in order to be formed in the womb, born on the earth, dedicated to the Lord, and nurtured in holiness to become by God's grace the mother of His Son the Messiah.
The Orthodox Church, particularly in the present time, does not call the feast of Mary's beginning the "immaculate conception," although perhaps in ancient times this title would have been fully acceptable. This is not because the Orthodox consider Mary's conception to have been somehow "maculate" or "stained" (macula means "stain" in Latin). It simply means that the Orthodox do not want to support the conviction that God had somehow to intervene at the moment of Mary's conception with a special action to remove the "stain" of the original sin transmitted by the act of human reproduction because, simply put, the Orthodox do not hold that such a "stain" exists.
The Orthodox Church affirms original sin. Orthodox theology teaches that all human beings, including the Virgin Mary who is a "mere human" like the rest of us-- unlike her Son Jesus who is a "real human" but not a "mere human" because He is the incarnate Son and Word of God-- are born into a fallen, death-bound, demon-riddled world whose "form is passing away" (1 Cor 7:31). We are all born mortal and tending toward sin. But we are not born guilty of any personal sin, certainly not one allegedly committed "in Adam." Nor are we born stained because of the manner in which we are conceived by the sexual union of our parents. If sexual union in marriage is in any sense sinful, or the cause in itself of any sinfulness or stain, even in the conditions of the "fallen world," then, as even the rigorous Saint John Chrysostom has taught, God is the sinner because He made us this way, male and female, from the very beginning.
Mary is conceived by her parents as we are all conceived. But in her case it is a pure act of faith and love, in obedience to God's will, as an answer to prayer. In this sense her conception is truly "immaculate." And its fruit is woman who remains forever the most pure Virgin and Mother of God.
Come, let us dance in the spirit!
Let us sing worthy praises to Christ!
Let us celebrate the joy of Joachim and Anna,
The conception of the Mother of our God,
For she is the fruit of the grace of God.
[1] The feast is officially called The Conception of the Theotokos. Mary's nativity is celebrated on September 8. A popular tradition among the Orthodox says that the nine-month period is purposely off by one day to illustrate the "mere humanity" of Mary, unlike the "divine humanity" of her Son, whose conception on the feast of the Annunciation is celebrated on March 25, exactly nine months before His Nativity.
[2] See John Chrysostom, On Titus, homily 2.
Sunday December 2, 2018, 27th Sunday after Pentecost
This Week's Services and Event
December 4, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
December 5, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 2:00PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Vespers for St. Nicholas, 6:30PM
+ Story of the Bible Discussion, “Last Things", I Corinthians 15, I Thessalonians 4-5, Revelation 20-22, 7:30PM
December 6, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ OCF Dinner, 7:00PM at Abuissas
December 7, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:30PM
December 8, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
December 9, Sunday, Conception of the Theotokos by St. Anna
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by coffee hour, Sunday School and Annual Voters' Meeting
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Annual Voters' Meeting Results
We elected both Brian Horak and Karen Kuntz to three year terms on the council. We unanimously approved our budget. Thank you to all who stayed and participated.
Thank You
Thank you to Becky Morey for several faithful years serving on our parish council and especially for her work in the important and time-consuming role as treasurer.
It Is Not Too Late To Return a Pledge for 2019
The Parish Council has distributed packets of information to everyone, regarding making a financial pledge to the church for 2019. If you desire to make a regular financial pledge, it is not too late to do so. Feel free to contact Becky by email (bmorey3156@gmail.com) to let her know what your pledge will be.
Annual Calendars Now Available
We now have 2019 calendars available for you to take home. These calendars show the Scripture readings, saints, liturgical feasts and fasting days and seasons. Take one or more home with you to help you stay connected to our faith.
St. Nicholas Vespers December 5
Come and commemorate St. Nicholas the Wonderworker with vespers at 6:30PM on Wednesday, December 5, and stay for the Bible Discussion at 7:30!
St. Nicholas Day in Pella
Fr. Bartholomew Wojcik and the faithful of St. Nicholas Church in Pella, Iowa, invite you to join them in celebrating their patron saint with Divine Liturgy at 9:30AM on December 6. In the spirit of St. Nicholas, they ask that at least one non-perishable food item be brought for a donation to the Pella Food Shelf.
Nativity Services
We will celebrate the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in the flesh with the following services:
Monday, December 24, 9AM- Royal Hours; Vesperal Liturgy, 6PM
Tuesday, December 25, 8:30AM- Matins; 10AM Divine Liturgy
Decorating Church for Nativity
We are accepting donated poinsettias to make our church look festive during this holy season. If you desire to donate, please bring them on Sunday, December 16.
Accepting Donations of Olive Oil and for Communion Wine
From time to time, our supply of olive oil which keeps our many oil lamps burning before the icons of the church, gets low. Now is one of those times. The best olive oil for burning, we have found, is not extra virgin olive oil, but the lower grade, but still 100% pure olive oil. Please consider donating some olive oil to the church during this upcoming Nativity season. Also, we will need to be purchasing communion wine in the near future. A case of 12 bottles is about $120. If you would like to donate toward this purchase, please clearly mark that gift "communion wine" so that your donation can be properly used.
Wednesday Night Discussions, The Story of the Bible
We are hosting 11 successive discussions on the Bible at St. Raphael Church on Wednesday evenings from 7:30-8:15PM this Fall. Spread the word and join us! Here is the schedule of topics and the corresponding section of the Bible that participants will be asked to read beforehand and be prepared to discuss.
December 5: Last Things, I Corinthians 15, I Thessalonians 4-5, Revelation 20-22
December 12: Fellowship Meal
Nativity Fast, November 15-December 24
In anticipation of and in preparation for the Great Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we have entered into the forty day Nativity Fast. We abstain from meat, dairy and eggs on all days during this fast and from wine and oil on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Fish is allowed on Saturdays and Sundays. For various resources on this important time of the church year, go to: http://ww1.antiochian.org/nativity/pre-feast
St. Raphael Pantry Volunteers Needed
Our church’s food pantry will be open during any service when there’s a person willing to assist visitors to the pantry. It will also be open during Father’s office hours whenever possible. If you're interested in assisting pantry visitors during services or want more information on our pantry, please email Amy Spencer at sroc.info@gmail.com or call her at 319-656-3916. Or go here on our website: https://www.raphaelchurch.org/our-food-pantry.html
Music on our Website
We now have a spot for listening to music on the first page of our website -- www.raphaelchurch.org. We'd like to change the music from time to time, so if you have a favorite Orthodox hymn that you'd like to share, send a good mp3 copy to Amy at sroc.info@gmail.com.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallmp.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallmp@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Save the Date, Bishop's Visit
Bishop Anthony will make his next archpastoral visit with us in the Spring of 2019, on April 13-14, the fifth Sunday of Lent. Please mark your calendars and plan to be with the bishop that weekend.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. And there was a woman who had had a spirit of infirmity for eighteen years; she was bent over and could not fully straighten herself. And when Jesus saw her, He called her and said to her, “Woman, you are freed from your infirmity.” And He laid His hands upon her, and immediately she was made straight, and she praised God. But the ruler of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, said to the people, “There are six days on which work ought to be done; come on those days and be healed, and not on the Sabbath day.” Then the Lord answered him, “You hypocrite! Does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or his ass from the manger, and lead it away to water it? And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day?” As Jesus said this, all His adversaries were put to shame; and all the people rejoiced at all the glorious things that were done by Him. (Luke 13:10-17)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr and Fabian Muller-Dahlberg in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
The Christian today—not unlike Christians of other eras, but in ways that are continually “updated” as society carries on—is not told simply that he mustn’t fight the passions, that he mustn’t battle the devil: he is told that the passions are unreal, that the devil does not exist. He is told that ascesis is unnatural, that spiritual warfare is delusional. He is told that judgment is oppressive and the desire to become something defined by another (even God!) is psychologically unhealthy. He is told that to believe in the Church’s tradition is a simplistic, pietistic adherence to the past; that he had better “think for himself.”
-Bishop Irenei Steenberg, The Beginnings of a Life of Prayer, p. 20
December 4, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
December 5, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 2:00PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Vespers for St. Nicholas, 6:30PM
+ Story of the Bible Discussion, “Last Things", I Corinthians 15, I Thessalonians 4-5, Revelation 20-22, 7:30PM
December 6, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ OCF Dinner, 7:00PM at Abuissas
December 7, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:30PM
December 8, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
December 9, Sunday, Conception of the Theotokos by St. Anna
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by coffee hour, Sunday School and Annual Voters' Meeting
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Annual Voters' Meeting Results
We elected both Brian Horak and Karen Kuntz to three year terms on the council. We unanimously approved our budget. Thank you to all who stayed and participated.
Thank You
Thank you to Becky Morey for several faithful years serving on our parish council and especially for her work in the important and time-consuming role as treasurer.
It Is Not Too Late To Return a Pledge for 2019
The Parish Council has distributed packets of information to everyone, regarding making a financial pledge to the church for 2019. If you desire to make a regular financial pledge, it is not too late to do so. Feel free to contact Becky by email (bmorey3156@gmail.com) to let her know what your pledge will be.
Annual Calendars Now Available
We now have 2019 calendars available for you to take home. These calendars show the Scripture readings, saints, liturgical feasts and fasting days and seasons. Take one or more home with you to help you stay connected to our faith.
St. Nicholas Vespers December 5
Come and commemorate St. Nicholas the Wonderworker with vespers at 6:30PM on Wednesday, December 5, and stay for the Bible Discussion at 7:30!
St. Nicholas Day in Pella
Fr. Bartholomew Wojcik and the faithful of St. Nicholas Church in Pella, Iowa, invite you to join them in celebrating their patron saint with Divine Liturgy at 9:30AM on December 6. In the spirit of St. Nicholas, they ask that at least one non-perishable food item be brought for a donation to the Pella Food Shelf.
Nativity Services
We will celebrate the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in the flesh with the following services:
Monday, December 24, 9AM- Royal Hours; Vesperal Liturgy, 6PM
Tuesday, December 25, 8:30AM- Matins; 10AM Divine Liturgy
Decorating Church for Nativity
We are accepting donated poinsettias to make our church look festive during this holy season. If you desire to donate, please bring them on Sunday, December 16.
Accepting Donations of Olive Oil and for Communion Wine
From time to time, our supply of olive oil which keeps our many oil lamps burning before the icons of the church, gets low. Now is one of those times. The best olive oil for burning, we have found, is not extra virgin olive oil, but the lower grade, but still 100% pure olive oil. Please consider donating some olive oil to the church during this upcoming Nativity season. Also, we will need to be purchasing communion wine in the near future. A case of 12 bottles is about $120. If you would like to donate toward this purchase, please clearly mark that gift "communion wine" so that your donation can be properly used.
Wednesday Night Discussions, The Story of the Bible
We are hosting 11 successive discussions on the Bible at St. Raphael Church on Wednesday evenings from 7:30-8:15PM this Fall. Spread the word and join us! Here is the schedule of topics and the corresponding section of the Bible that participants will be asked to read beforehand and be prepared to discuss.
December 5: Last Things, I Corinthians 15, I Thessalonians 4-5, Revelation 20-22
December 12: Fellowship Meal
Nativity Fast, November 15-December 24
In anticipation of and in preparation for the Great Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we have entered into the forty day Nativity Fast. We abstain from meat, dairy and eggs on all days during this fast and from wine and oil on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Fish is allowed on Saturdays and Sundays. For various resources on this important time of the church year, go to: http://ww1.antiochian.org/nativity/pre-feast
St. Raphael Pantry Volunteers Needed
Our church’s food pantry will be open during any service when there’s a person willing to assist visitors to the pantry. It will also be open during Father’s office hours whenever possible. If you're interested in assisting pantry visitors during services or want more information on our pantry, please email Amy Spencer at sroc.info@gmail.com or call her at 319-656-3916. Or go here on our website: https://www.raphaelchurch.org/our-food-pantry.html
Music on our Website
We now have a spot for listening to music on the first page of our website -- www.raphaelchurch.org. We'd like to change the music from time to time, so if you have a favorite Orthodox hymn that you'd like to share, send a good mp3 copy to Amy at sroc.info@gmail.com.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallmp.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallmp@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Save the Date, Bishop's Visit
Bishop Anthony will make his next archpastoral visit with us in the Spring of 2019, on April 13-14, the fifth Sunday of Lent. Please mark your calendars and plan to be with the bishop that weekend.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. And there was a woman who had had a spirit of infirmity for eighteen years; she was bent over and could not fully straighten herself. And when Jesus saw her, He called her and said to her, “Woman, you are freed from your infirmity.” And He laid His hands upon her, and immediately she was made straight, and she praised God. But the ruler of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, said to the people, “There are six days on which work ought to be done; come on those days and be healed, and not on the Sabbath day.” Then the Lord answered him, “You hypocrite! Does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or his ass from the manger, and lead it away to water it? And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day?” As Jesus said this, all His adversaries were put to shame; and all the people rejoiced at all the glorious things that were done by Him. (Luke 13:10-17)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr and Fabian Muller-Dahlberg in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
The Christian today—not unlike Christians of other eras, but in ways that are continually “updated” as society carries on—is not told simply that he mustn’t fight the passions, that he mustn’t battle the devil: he is told that the passions are unreal, that the devil does not exist. He is told that ascesis is unnatural, that spiritual warfare is delusional. He is told that judgment is oppressive and the desire to become something defined by another (even God!) is psychologically unhealthy. He is told that to believe in the Church’s tradition is a simplistic, pietistic adherence to the past; that he had better “think for himself.”
-Bishop Irenei Steenberg, The Beginnings of a Life of Prayer, p. 20
Sunday November 25, 2018, Leavetaking of the Entrance of the Theotokos in the Temple
This Week's Services and Events
November 27, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
November 28, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 2:00PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist, 6:50PM
+ Story of the Bible discussion, “The Birth of the Church: Love, First and Last” Acts 1-3, Romans 12, I Corinthians 13, 7:30PM
November 29, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ OCF Compline and Discussion, 7:00PM at IMU
November 30, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:30PM
December 1, Saturday
+ Intro to Orthodoxy class, 3:00PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
December 2, Sunday, 27th Sunday after Pentecost
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by coffee hour, Sunday School and Annual Voters' Meeting
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Andrei Buchkin and Tania Buchkina who were both baptized yesterday. Their godparents are Irakli and Katie Tsilosani. May God grant them many years!
Memory Eternal
Memorial flowers were placed in the church today to mark the three year anniversary of Doina Johnson's dear departed husband Lauren. Memory eternal!
Annual Pledge Packets Need Be Returned ASAP!
The Parish Council has distributed packets of information to everyone, regarding making a financial pledge to the church for 2019. This is a very important process of being able to suggest, discuss and pass a responsible budget, which will happen at our annual meeting on December 2. Pledge paperwork needs to be returned to our treasurer ASAP. Please pray about what you are able to regularly give to the church, and help us by making that pledge. If you haven't received a packet and would like to, pick up a copy in the narthex at church, or speak with Fr. Ignatius or our treasurer Becky Morey. At this point, feel free to contact Becky by email (bmorey3156@gmail.com) to let her know what your pledge will be.
Annual Voters' Meeting December 2
All hands on deck! Please plan to stay after liturgy on December 2 to participate in our annual voters' meeting during which we will fill two parish council positions by election and also discuss and pass our annual budget.
Annual Calendars Now Available
We now have 2019 calendars available for you to take home. These calendars show the Scripture readings, saints, liturgical feasts and fasting days and seasons. Take one or more home with you to help you stay connected to our faith.
Nativity Fast, November 15-December 24
In anticipation of and in preparation for the Great Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we have entered into the forty day Nativity Fast. We abstain from meat, dairy and eggs on all days during this fast and from wine and oil on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Fish is allowed on Saturdays and Sundays. For various resources on this important time of the church year, go to: http://ww1.antiochian.org/nativity/pre-feast
St. Nicholas Vespers December 5
Come and commemorate St. Nicholas the Wonderowrker with vespers at 6:30PM on Wednesday, December 5, and stay for the Bible Discussion at 7:30!
Music on our Website
We now have a spot for listening to music on the first page of our website -- www.raphaelchurch.org. We'd like to change the music from time to time, so if you have a favorite Orthodox hymn that you'd like to share, send a good mp3 copy to Amy at sroc.info@gmail.com.
Accepting Donations of Olive Oil and for Communion Wine
From time to time, our supply of olive oil which keeps our many oil lamps burning before the icons of the church, gets low. Now is one of those times. The best olive oil for burning, we have found, is not extra virgin olive oil, but the lower grade, but still 100% pure olive oil. Please consider donating some olive oil to the church during this upcoming Nativity season. Also, we will need to be purchasing communion wine in the near future. A case of 12 bottles is about $120. If you would like to donate toward this purchase, please clearly mark that gift "communion wine" so that your donation can be properly used.
Wednesday Night Discussions, The Story of the Bible
We are hosting 11 successive discussions on the Bible at St. Raphael Church on Wednesday evenings from 7:30-8:15PM this Fall. Spread the word and join us! Here is the schedule of topics and the corresponding section of the Bible that participants will be asked to read beforehand and be prepared to discuss.
November 28: The Birth of the Church, Love First and Last, Acts 1-3, Romans 12, I Corinthians 13
December 5: Last Things, I Corinthians 15, I Thessalonians 4-5, Revelation 20-22
December 12: Fellowship Meal
St. Raphael Pantry Volunteers Needed
Our church’s food pantry will be open during any service when there’s a person willing to assist visitors to the pantry. It will also be open during Father’s office hours whenever possible. If you're interested in assisting pantry visitors during services or want more information on our pantry, please email Amy Spencer at sroc.info@gmail.com or call her at 319-656-3916. Or go here on our website: https://www.raphaelchurch.org/our-food-pantry.html
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallmp.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallmp@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Save the Date, Bishop's Visit
Bishop Anthony will make his next archpastoral visit with us in the Spring of 2019, on April 13-14, the fifth Sunday of Lent. Please mark your calendars and plan to be with the bishop that weekend.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, when Jesus drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging; and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, “Jesus ofNazareth is passing by.” And he cried, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And those whowere in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David,have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped, and commanded him to be brought to him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me receivemy sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God. (Luke 18:35-43)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr and Fabian Muller-Dahlberg in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
“When I am angry with my brother, or angry with circumstances (or angry even with God), if I will turn my gaze inward and ask myself, my conscience, why this might be happening, what truth is being revealed (and isn’t there always at least a grain of truth in whatever my brother is accusing me of?); and ask where is my sin in it (with certainty that it is there), and where am I to blame?—it actually removes the sting of my burning passion and pacifies the wound that I accused my brother of making. It’s the first step toward genuine peace.”
Abbess Michaila of St. Paisius Monastery, Safford, AZ
November 27, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
November 28, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 2:00PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist, 6:50PM
+ Story of the Bible discussion, “The Birth of the Church: Love, First and Last” Acts 1-3, Romans 12, I Corinthians 13, 7:30PM
November 29, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ OCF Compline and Discussion, 7:00PM at IMU
November 30, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:30PM
December 1, Saturday
+ Intro to Orthodoxy class, 3:00PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
December 2, Sunday, 27th Sunday after Pentecost
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by coffee hour, Sunday School and Annual Voters' Meeting
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Andrei Buchkin and Tania Buchkina who were both baptized yesterday. Their godparents are Irakli and Katie Tsilosani. May God grant them many years!
Memory Eternal
Memorial flowers were placed in the church today to mark the three year anniversary of Doina Johnson's dear departed husband Lauren. Memory eternal!
Annual Pledge Packets Need Be Returned ASAP!
The Parish Council has distributed packets of information to everyone, regarding making a financial pledge to the church for 2019. This is a very important process of being able to suggest, discuss and pass a responsible budget, which will happen at our annual meeting on December 2. Pledge paperwork needs to be returned to our treasurer ASAP. Please pray about what you are able to regularly give to the church, and help us by making that pledge. If you haven't received a packet and would like to, pick up a copy in the narthex at church, or speak with Fr. Ignatius or our treasurer Becky Morey. At this point, feel free to contact Becky by email (bmorey3156@gmail.com) to let her know what your pledge will be.
Annual Voters' Meeting December 2
All hands on deck! Please plan to stay after liturgy on December 2 to participate in our annual voters' meeting during which we will fill two parish council positions by election and also discuss and pass our annual budget.
Annual Calendars Now Available
We now have 2019 calendars available for you to take home. These calendars show the Scripture readings, saints, liturgical feasts and fasting days and seasons. Take one or more home with you to help you stay connected to our faith.
Nativity Fast, November 15-December 24
In anticipation of and in preparation for the Great Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we have entered into the forty day Nativity Fast. We abstain from meat, dairy and eggs on all days during this fast and from wine and oil on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Fish is allowed on Saturdays and Sundays. For various resources on this important time of the church year, go to: http://ww1.antiochian.org/nativity/pre-feast
St. Nicholas Vespers December 5
Come and commemorate St. Nicholas the Wonderowrker with vespers at 6:30PM on Wednesday, December 5, and stay for the Bible Discussion at 7:30!
Music on our Website
We now have a spot for listening to music on the first page of our website -- www.raphaelchurch.org. We'd like to change the music from time to time, so if you have a favorite Orthodox hymn that you'd like to share, send a good mp3 copy to Amy at sroc.info@gmail.com.
Accepting Donations of Olive Oil and for Communion Wine
From time to time, our supply of olive oil which keeps our many oil lamps burning before the icons of the church, gets low. Now is one of those times. The best olive oil for burning, we have found, is not extra virgin olive oil, but the lower grade, but still 100% pure olive oil. Please consider donating some olive oil to the church during this upcoming Nativity season. Also, we will need to be purchasing communion wine in the near future. A case of 12 bottles is about $120. If you would like to donate toward this purchase, please clearly mark that gift "communion wine" so that your donation can be properly used.
Wednesday Night Discussions, The Story of the Bible
We are hosting 11 successive discussions on the Bible at St. Raphael Church on Wednesday evenings from 7:30-8:15PM this Fall. Spread the word and join us! Here is the schedule of topics and the corresponding section of the Bible that participants will be asked to read beforehand and be prepared to discuss.
November 28: The Birth of the Church, Love First and Last, Acts 1-3, Romans 12, I Corinthians 13
December 5: Last Things, I Corinthians 15, I Thessalonians 4-5, Revelation 20-22
December 12: Fellowship Meal
St. Raphael Pantry Volunteers Needed
Our church’s food pantry will be open during any service when there’s a person willing to assist visitors to the pantry. It will also be open during Father’s office hours whenever possible. If you're interested in assisting pantry visitors during services or want more information on our pantry, please email Amy Spencer at sroc.info@gmail.com or call her at 319-656-3916. Or go here on our website: https://www.raphaelchurch.org/our-food-pantry.html
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallmp.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallmp@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Save the Date, Bishop's Visit
Bishop Anthony will make his next archpastoral visit with us in the Spring of 2019, on April 13-14, the fifth Sunday of Lent. Please mark your calendars and plan to be with the bishop that weekend.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, when Jesus drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging; and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, “Jesus ofNazareth is passing by.” And he cried, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And those whowere in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David,have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped, and commanded him to be brought to him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me receivemy sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God. (Luke 18:35-43)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr and Fabian Muller-Dahlberg in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
“When I am angry with my brother, or angry with circumstances (or angry even with God), if I will turn my gaze inward and ask myself, my conscience, why this might be happening, what truth is being revealed (and isn’t there always at least a grain of truth in whatever my brother is accusing me of?); and ask where is my sin in it (with certainty that it is there), and where am I to blame?—it actually removes the sting of my burning passion and pacifies the wound that I accused my brother of making. It’s the first step toward genuine peace.”
Abbess Michaila of St. Paisius Monastery, Safford, AZ
Sunday November 18, 2018, 25th Sunday after Pentecost
This Week's Services and Events
November 24, Saturday
+ Buchkin Baptisms, 10:30AM
+ Intro to Orthodoxy class, 3:00PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
November 25, Sunday, Leave-taking of the Entrance of the Theotokos in the Temple
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by coffee hour and Sunday School & Parish Council Meeting
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Memory Eternal!
We were saddened to learn of the recent repose of Fr. Stephen Rhudy, who served as pastor of St. Raphael Church from 2004-2006. May his memory be eternal! Memorial Prayers for the Departed were offered for him and his wife, Kh. Jedonne, at the end of liturgy this morning.
Advent Message from Metropolitan Joseph
See the attached document to read His Eminence Metropolitan Joseph's Advent message.
Annual Pledge Packets Need to Be Returned ASAP!
The Parish Council has distributed packets of information to everyone, regarding making a financial pledge to the church for 2019. This is a very important process of being able to suggest, discuss and pass a responsible budget, which will happen at our annual meeting on December 2. Pledge paperwork needs to be returned to our treasurer ASAP. Please pray about what you are able to regularly give to the church, and help us by making that pledge. If you haven't received a packet and would like to, pick up a copy in the narthex at church, or speak with Fr. Ignatius or our treasurer Becky Morey. At this point, feel free to contact Becky by email (bmorey3156@gmail.com) to let her know what your pledge will be.
Fr. Ignatius Is Traveling
Fr. Ignatius will be out of town from November 19-23. There will be no services or office hours during the week. He can be reached on his cell phone.
Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos to the Temple
On November 21, we celebrate the Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos to the Temple, one of the twelve major feasts of the liturgical year. Although we won't be holding services because Fr. Ignatius will be out of town, you can learn more about this feast and it's themes a this link: http://ww1.antiochian.org/feast-entrance-theotokos
Nativity Fast, November 15-December 24
In anticipation of and in preparation for the Great Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we have now entered into the forty day Nativity Fast. We abstain from meat, dairy and eggs on all days during this fast and from wine and oil on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Fish is allowed on Saturdays and Sundays. For various resources on this important time of the church year, go to: http://ww1.antiochian.org/nativity/pre-feast
Happy Thanksgiving !
O give thanks unto the Lord for He is good, for His mercy endures forever. - Psalm 135:1
Annual Voters' Meeting December 2
All hands on deck! Please plan to stay after liturgy on December 2 to participate in our annual voters' meeting during which we will fill two parish council positions by election and also discuss and pass our annual budget.
Music on our Website
We now have a spot for listening to music on the first page of our website. We'd like to change the music from time to time, so if you have a favorite Orthodox hymn that you'd like to share, send a good mp3 copy to Amy at sroc.info@gmail.com.
Accepting Donations of Olive Oil and for Communion Wine
From time to time, our supply of olive oil which keeps our many oil lamps burning before the icons of the church, gets low. Now is one of those times. The best olive oil for burning, we have found, is not extra virgin olive oil, but the lower grade, but still 100% pure olive oil. Please consider donating some olive oil to the church during this upcoming Nativity season. Also, we will need to be purchasing communion wine in the near future. A case of 12 bottles is about $120. If you would like to donate toward this purchase, please clearly mark that gift "communion wine" so that your donation can be properly used.
Wednesday Night Discussions, The Story of the Bible
We are hosting 11 successive discussions on the Bible at St. Raphael Church on Wednesday evenings from 7:30-8:15PM this Fall. Spread the word and join us! Here is the schedule of topics and the corresponding section of the Bible that participants will be asked to read beforehand and be prepared to discuss.
November 28: The Birth of the Church, Love First and Last, Acts 1-3, Romans 12, I Corinthians 13
December 5: Last Things, I Corinthians 15, I Thessalonians 4-5, Revelation 20-22
December 12: Fellowship Meal
St. Raphael Pantry Volunteers Needed
Our church’s food pantry will be open during any service when there’s a person willing to assist visitors to the pantry. It will also be open during Father’s office hours whenever possible. If you're interested in assisting pantry visitors during services or want more information on our pantry, please email Amy Spencer at sroc.info@gmail.com or call her at 319-656-3916. Or go here on our website: https://www.raphaelchurch.org/our-food-pantry.html
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallmp.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallmp@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Save the Date, Bishop's Visit
Bishop Anthony will make his next archpastoral visit with us in the Spring of 2019, on April 13-14, the fifth Sunday of Lent. Please mark your calendars and plan to be with the bishop that weekend.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, a man came testing Jesus and asking, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery. Do not kill. Do not steal. Do not bear false witness. Honor your father and mother.’” And the man said, “All these I have observed from my youth.” And when Jesus heard it, he said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But when the man heard this he became sad, for he was very rich. Jesus, seeing him sad, said, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” Those who heard it said, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus said, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.” (Luke 18:18-27)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr and Fabian Muller-Dahlberg in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
As the earth causes its flower to grow, and as a garden its seeds, so shall the Lord cause righteousness to rise up, and exceeding joy before all the Gentiles.
Isaiah 61:11
November 24, Saturday
+ Buchkin Baptisms, 10:30AM
+ Intro to Orthodoxy class, 3:00PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
November 25, Sunday, Leave-taking of the Entrance of the Theotokos in the Temple
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by coffee hour and Sunday School & Parish Council Meeting
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Memory Eternal!
We were saddened to learn of the recent repose of Fr. Stephen Rhudy, who served as pastor of St. Raphael Church from 2004-2006. May his memory be eternal! Memorial Prayers for the Departed were offered for him and his wife, Kh. Jedonne, at the end of liturgy this morning.
Advent Message from Metropolitan Joseph
See the attached document to read His Eminence Metropolitan Joseph's Advent message.
Annual Pledge Packets Need to Be Returned ASAP!
The Parish Council has distributed packets of information to everyone, regarding making a financial pledge to the church for 2019. This is a very important process of being able to suggest, discuss and pass a responsible budget, which will happen at our annual meeting on December 2. Pledge paperwork needs to be returned to our treasurer ASAP. Please pray about what you are able to regularly give to the church, and help us by making that pledge. If you haven't received a packet and would like to, pick up a copy in the narthex at church, or speak with Fr. Ignatius or our treasurer Becky Morey. At this point, feel free to contact Becky by email (bmorey3156@gmail.com) to let her know what your pledge will be.
Fr. Ignatius Is Traveling
Fr. Ignatius will be out of town from November 19-23. There will be no services or office hours during the week. He can be reached on his cell phone.
Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos to the Temple
On November 21, we celebrate the Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos to the Temple, one of the twelve major feasts of the liturgical year. Although we won't be holding services because Fr. Ignatius will be out of town, you can learn more about this feast and it's themes a this link: http://ww1.antiochian.org/feast-entrance-theotokos
Nativity Fast, November 15-December 24
In anticipation of and in preparation for the Great Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we have now entered into the forty day Nativity Fast. We abstain from meat, dairy and eggs on all days during this fast and from wine and oil on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Fish is allowed on Saturdays and Sundays. For various resources on this important time of the church year, go to: http://ww1.antiochian.org/nativity/pre-feast
Happy Thanksgiving !
O give thanks unto the Lord for He is good, for His mercy endures forever. - Psalm 135:1
Annual Voters' Meeting December 2
All hands on deck! Please plan to stay after liturgy on December 2 to participate in our annual voters' meeting during which we will fill two parish council positions by election and also discuss and pass our annual budget.
Music on our Website
We now have a spot for listening to music on the first page of our website. We'd like to change the music from time to time, so if you have a favorite Orthodox hymn that you'd like to share, send a good mp3 copy to Amy at sroc.info@gmail.com.
Accepting Donations of Olive Oil and for Communion Wine
From time to time, our supply of olive oil which keeps our many oil lamps burning before the icons of the church, gets low. Now is one of those times. The best olive oil for burning, we have found, is not extra virgin olive oil, but the lower grade, but still 100% pure olive oil. Please consider donating some olive oil to the church during this upcoming Nativity season. Also, we will need to be purchasing communion wine in the near future. A case of 12 bottles is about $120. If you would like to donate toward this purchase, please clearly mark that gift "communion wine" so that your donation can be properly used.
Wednesday Night Discussions, The Story of the Bible
We are hosting 11 successive discussions on the Bible at St. Raphael Church on Wednesday evenings from 7:30-8:15PM this Fall. Spread the word and join us! Here is the schedule of topics and the corresponding section of the Bible that participants will be asked to read beforehand and be prepared to discuss.
November 28: The Birth of the Church, Love First and Last, Acts 1-3, Romans 12, I Corinthians 13
December 5: Last Things, I Corinthians 15, I Thessalonians 4-5, Revelation 20-22
December 12: Fellowship Meal
St. Raphael Pantry Volunteers Needed
Our church’s food pantry will be open during any service when there’s a person willing to assist visitors to the pantry. It will also be open during Father’s office hours whenever possible. If you're interested in assisting pantry visitors during services or want more information on our pantry, please email Amy Spencer at sroc.info@gmail.com or call her at 319-656-3916. Or go here on our website: https://www.raphaelchurch.org/our-food-pantry.html
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallmp.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallmp@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Save the Date, Bishop's Visit
Bishop Anthony will make his next archpastoral visit with us in the Spring of 2019, on April 13-14, the fifth Sunday of Lent. Please mark your calendars and plan to be with the bishop that weekend.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, a man came testing Jesus and asking, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery. Do not kill. Do not steal. Do not bear false witness. Honor your father and mother.’” And the man said, “All these I have observed from my youth.” And when Jesus heard it, he said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But when the man heard this he became sad, for he was very rich. Jesus, seeing him sad, said, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” Those who heard it said, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus said, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.” (Luke 18:18-27)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr and Fabian Muller-Dahlberg in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
As the earth causes its flower to grow, and as a garden its seeds, so shall the Lord cause righteousness to rise up, and exceeding joy before all the Gentiles.
Isaiah 61:11
Sunday November 11, 2018, Martyr Menas of Egypt
This Week's Services and Events
November 13, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
November 14, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 2:00PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist 6:50PM
+ Bible Discussion: "The Heart of Jesus's Teachings (Matthew 5-7)," 7:30PM
November 15, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
November 16, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:30PM
November 17, Saturday
+ Intro to Orthodoxy class, 3:00PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
November 18, Sunday, 25th Sunday after Pentecost
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by coffee hour and Sunday School
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Annual Pledge Packets Need to Be Returned By Next Sunday!
The Parish Council has distributed packets of information to everyone, regarding making a financial pledge to the church for 2019. This is a very important process of being able to suggest, discuss and pass a responsible budget, which will happen at our annual meeting on December 2. Pledge paperwork needs to be returned to our treasurer no later than November 18. Please pray about what you are able to regularly give to the church, and help us by making that pledge. If you haven't received a packet and would like to, pick up a copy in the narthex at church, or speak with Fr. Ignatius or our treasurer Becky Morey.
New Icon Shrine By Choir Risers
Thanks to Christian Morey, we now have a beautiful walnut icon shrine to house an icon of the great hymnographer St. John of Damascus, near the choir risers at the back of the church.
Music on Our Website
We now have a spot for listening to music on the first page of our website -- www.raphaelchurch.org. We'd like to change the music from time to time, so if you have a favorite Orthodox hymn that you'd like to share, send a good mp3 copy to Amy at sroc.info@gmail.com.
Accepting Donations of Olive Oil and for Communion Wine
From time to time, our supply of olive oil which keeps our many oil lamps burning before the icons of the church, gets low. Now is one of those times. The best olive oil for burning, we have found, is not extra virgin olive oil, but the lower grade, but still 100% pure olive oil. Please consider donating some olive oil to the church during this upcoming Nativity season. Also, we will need to be purchasing communion wine in the near future. A case of 12 bottles is about $120. If you would like to donate toward this purchase, please clearly mark that gift "communion wine" so that your donation can be properly used.
Wednesday Night Discussions, The Story of the Bible
We are hosting 11 successive discussions on the Bible at St. Raphael Church on Wednesday evenings from 7:30-8:15PM this Fall. Spread the word and join us! Here is the schedule of topics and the corresponding section of the Bible that participants will be asked to read beforehand and be prepared to discuss.
November 14: The Heart of Jesus's Teachings, Matthew 5-7
November 28: The Birth of the Church, Love First and Last, Acts 1-3, Romans 12, I Corinthians 13
December 5: Last Things, I Corinthians 15, I Thessalonians 4-5, Revelation 20-22
December 12: Fellowship Meal
St. Raphael Pantry Volunteers Needed
Our church’s food pantry will be open during any service when there’s a person willing to assist visitors to the pantry. It will also be open during Father’s office hours whenever possible. If you're interested in assisting pantry visitors during services or want more information on our pantry, please email Amy Spencer at sroc.info@gmail.com or call her at 319-656-3916. Or go here on our website: https://www.raphaelchurch.org/our-food-pantry.html
Shelter House's Foodie Fundraiser
Foodies Fighting Homelessness will be held Wednesday, November 14, at 6 p.m. Prices start at $20 per person and include a 3-course meal with one wine or beer pairing. All proceeds will directly benefit Shelter House's mission to provide safe shelter and help people in Iowa City and surrounding areas improve the quality of their lives as they move beyond homelessness. For more information, go to bit.ly/shelterhousefoodies online.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at
foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Save the Date, Bishop's Visit
Bishop Anthony will make his next archpastoral visit with us in the Spring of 2019, on April 13-14, the fifth Sunday of Lent. Please mark your calendars and plan to be with the bishop that weekend.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord spoke this parable: “The land of a rich man brought forth plentifully; and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns, and build larger ones; and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you; and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” As He said this, Jesus called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Luke 12:16-21)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr and Fabian Muller-Dahlberg in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
I have lifted up my eyes to the mountain, whence my help will come.
My help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
Let not your foot waver, and He who guards you will not slumber.
Behold, He who guards Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord will protect you; the Lord will shield you with His right hand.
The sun will not scorch you by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord will defend you against every evil; the Lord will protect your soul.
The Lord will guard your coming and going, now and forevermore.
Psalm 120
November 13, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
November 14, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 2:00PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist 6:50PM
+ Bible Discussion: "The Heart of Jesus's Teachings (Matthew 5-7)," 7:30PM
November 15, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
November 16, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:30PM
November 17, Saturday
+ Intro to Orthodoxy class, 3:00PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
November 18, Sunday, 25th Sunday after Pentecost
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by coffee hour and Sunday School
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Annual Pledge Packets Need to Be Returned By Next Sunday!
The Parish Council has distributed packets of information to everyone, regarding making a financial pledge to the church for 2019. This is a very important process of being able to suggest, discuss and pass a responsible budget, which will happen at our annual meeting on December 2. Pledge paperwork needs to be returned to our treasurer no later than November 18. Please pray about what you are able to regularly give to the church, and help us by making that pledge. If you haven't received a packet and would like to, pick up a copy in the narthex at church, or speak with Fr. Ignatius or our treasurer Becky Morey.
New Icon Shrine By Choir Risers
Thanks to Christian Morey, we now have a beautiful walnut icon shrine to house an icon of the great hymnographer St. John of Damascus, near the choir risers at the back of the church.
Music on Our Website
We now have a spot for listening to music on the first page of our website -- www.raphaelchurch.org. We'd like to change the music from time to time, so if you have a favorite Orthodox hymn that you'd like to share, send a good mp3 copy to Amy at sroc.info@gmail.com.
Accepting Donations of Olive Oil and for Communion Wine
From time to time, our supply of olive oil which keeps our many oil lamps burning before the icons of the church, gets low. Now is one of those times. The best olive oil for burning, we have found, is not extra virgin olive oil, but the lower grade, but still 100% pure olive oil. Please consider donating some olive oil to the church during this upcoming Nativity season. Also, we will need to be purchasing communion wine in the near future. A case of 12 bottles is about $120. If you would like to donate toward this purchase, please clearly mark that gift "communion wine" so that your donation can be properly used.
Wednesday Night Discussions, The Story of the Bible
We are hosting 11 successive discussions on the Bible at St. Raphael Church on Wednesday evenings from 7:30-8:15PM this Fall. Spread the word and join us! Here is the schedule of topics and the corresponding section of the Bible that participants will be asked to read beforehand and be prepared to discuss.
November 14: The Heart of Jesus's Teachings, Matthew 5-7
November 28: The Birth of the Church, Love First and Last, Acts 1-3, Romans 12, I Corinthians 13
December 5: Last Things, I Corinthians 15, I Thessalonians 4-5, Revelation 20-22
December 12: Fellowship Meal
St. Raphael Pantry Volunteers Needed
Our church’s food pantry will be open during any service when there’s a person willing to assist visitors to the pantry. It will also be open during Father’s office hours whenever possible. If you're interested in assisting pantry visitors during services or want more information on our pantry, please email Amy Spencer at sroc.info@gmail.com or call her at 319-656-3916. Or go here on our website: https://www.raphaelchurch.org/our-food-pantry.html
Shelter House's Foodie Fundraiser
Foodies Fighting Homelessness will be held Wednesday, November 14, at 6 p.m. Prices start at $20 per person and include a 3-course meal with one wine or beer pairing. All proceeds will directly benefit Shelter House's mission to provide safe shelter and help people in Iowa City and surrounding areas improve the quality of their lives as they move beyond homelessness. For more information, go to bit.ly/shelterhousefoodies online.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at
foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Save the Date, Bishop's Visit
Bishop Anthony will make his next archpastoral visit with us in the Spring of 2019, on April 13-14, the fifth Sunday of Lent. Please mark your calendars and plan to be with the bishop that weekend.
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord spoke this parable: “The land of a rich man brought forth plentifully; and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns, and build larger ones; and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you; and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” As He said this, Jesus called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Luke 12:16-21)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr and Fabian Muller-Dahlberg in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
I have lifted up my eyes to the mountain, whence my help will come.
My help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
Let not your foot waver, and He who guards you will not slumber.
Behold, He who guards Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord will protect you; the Lord will shield you with His right hand.
The sun will not scorch you by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord will defend you against every evil; the Lord will protect your soul.
The Lord will guard your coming and going, now and forevermore.
Psalm 120
Sunday November 4, 2018, 23rd Sunday after Pentecost
This Week's Services and Events
November 6, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
November 7, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 2:00PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist 6:50PM
+ Bible Discussion- "He is Not Here, He is Arisen (Mark 9-16)", 7:30PM
November 8, Thursday
+ OCF Compline and Discussion, 7:00PM
November 10, Saturday
+ Intro to Orthodoxy class, 3:00PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
November 11, Sunday, Martyr Menas of Egypt
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by coffee hour and Sunday School
Upcoming Events and Announcements
November/December Calendars
The calendars showing the next two months of services and other events are printed and available for pick up in the narthex.
Annual Pledge Packets Are Available!
The Parish Council is distributing packets of information to everyone, regarding making a financial pledge to the church for 2019. This is a very important process of being able to suggest, discuss and pass a responsible budget, which will happen at our annual meeting on December 2. Pledge paperwork needs to be returned to our treasurer no later than November 18. Please pray about what you are able to regularly give to the church, and help us by making that pledge. If you haven't received a packet and would like to, pick up a copy in the narthex at church, or speak with Fr. Ignatius or our treasurer Becky Morey.
Stewardship Sermon Series
Fr. Ignatius recently began a sermon series focusing on aspects of Christian stewardship today. In this four week series, he is taking the appointed Scriptural texts and teach about what it means to be a good steward and how we can take steps to actualize this in our lives.
Music on our Website
We now have a spot for listening to music on the first page of our website -- www.raphaelchurch.org. We'd like to change the music from time to time, so if you have a favorite Orthodox hymn that you'd like to share, send a good mp3 copy to Amy at sroc.info@gmail.com.
Stewardship Retreat is Postponed
Due to some health challenges that our presenter Archdeacon Saed Rihani has been experiencing, we will not be having our retreat on Christian Stewardship on November 17. If he is feeling better, Archdeacon Saed would like to return in the Spring to give the retreat.
Wednesday Night Discussions, The Story of the Bible
We are hosting 11 successive discussions on the Bible at St. Raphael Church on Wednesday evenings from 7:30-8:15PM this Fall. Spread the word and join us! Here is the schedule of topics and the corresponding section of the Bible that participants will be asked to read beforehand and be prepared to discuss.
November 7: He Is Not Here, He Is Risen, Mark 9-16
November 14: The Heart of Jesus's Teachings, Matthew 5-7
November 28: The Birth of the Church, Love First and Last, Acts 1-3, Romans 12, I Corinthians 13
December 5: Last Things, I Corinthians 15, I Thessalonians 4-5, Revelation 20-22
December 12: Fellowship Meal
Save the Date, Bishop's Visit
Bishop Anthony will make his next archpastoral visit with us in the Spring of 2019, on April 13-14, the fifth Sunday of Lent. Please mark your calendars and plan to be with the bishop that weekend.
Food Pantry
An important part of our faith is serving others, and particularly those in need. Our food pantry is open during Father's office hours and during church services. All are welcome to receive food from it, including our church members. Please donate nonperishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entryway). See our Food Pantry Shopping List for more information and ideas. Monetary donations are welcome. Write "Food Pantry" in the subject line of your check, or use the blue donation form below and click on the designation "Food Pantry." Interested in helping hands-on? We're looking for a volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors. Contact Subdeacon Anthony (Bill Spencer) or Father Ignatius with questions.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, a lawyer stood up to put Jesus to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read?” And the lawyer answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” And Jesus said to him, “You have answered right; do this, and you will live.” But the lawyer, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion, and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” The lawyer said, “The one who showed mercy on him.” And Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:25-37)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr and Fabian Muller-Dahlberg in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
"O Lord, Who art in all creation, whither shall we sinners flee from Thee? To heaven? For Thou dwellest there; or to Hades? For there Thou art the Trampler over death, or to the depths of the sea? For there is Thy hand, O Master. In Thee, therefore, seek we refuge, and Thee do we worship beseechingly; O Thou who didst rise from the dead, have mercy upon us."
Troparion from "O Lord I have Cried," Tone 6
November 6, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
November 7, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 2:00PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist 6:50PM
+ Bible Discussion- "He is Not Here, He is Arisen (Mark 9-16)", 7:30PM
November 8, Thursday
+ OCF Compline and Discussion, 7:00PM
November 10, Saturday
+ Intro to Orthodoxy class, 3:00PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
November 11, Sunday, Martyr Menas of Egypt
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by coffee hour and Sunday School
Upcoming Events and Announcements
November/December Calendars
The calendars showing the next two months of services and other events are printed and available for pick up in the narthex.
Annual Pledge Packets Are Available!
The Parish Council is distributing packets of information to everyone, regarding making a financial pledge to the church for 2019. This is a very important process of being able to suggest, discuss and pass a responsible budget, which will happen at our annual meeting on December 2. Pledge paperwork needs to be returned to our treasurer no later than November 18. Please pray about what you are able to regularly give to the church, and help us by making that pledge. If you haven't received a packet and would like to, pick up a copy in the narthex at church, or speak with Fr. Ignatius or our treasurer Becky Morey.
Stewardship Sermon Series
Fr. Ignatius recently began a sermon series focusing on aspects of Christian stewardship today. In this four week series, he is taking the appointed Scriptural texts and teach about what it means to be a good steward and how we can take steps to actualize this in our lives.
Music on our Website
We now have a spot for listening to music on the first page of our website -- www.raphaelchurch.org. We'd like to change the music from time to time, so if you have a favorite Orthodox hymn that you'd like to share, send a good mp3 copy to Amy at sroc.info@gmail.com.
Stewardship Retreat is Postponed
Due to some health challenges that our presenter Archdeacon Saed Rihani has been experiencing, we will not be having our retreat on Christian Stewardship on November 17. If he is feeling better, Archdeacon Saed would like to return in the Spring to give the retreat.
Wednesday Night Discussions, The Story of the Bible
We are hosting 11 successive discussions on the Bible at St. Raphael Church on Wednesday evenings from 7:30-8:15PM this Fall. Spread the word and join us! Here is the schedule of topics and the corresponding section of the Bible that participants will be asked to read beforehand and be prepared to discuss.
November 7: He Is Not Here, He Is Risen, Mark 9-16
November 14: The Heart of Jesus's Teachings, Matthew 5-7
November 28: The Birth of the Church, Love First and Last, Acts 1-3, Romans 12, I Corinthians 13
December 5: Last Things, I Corinthians 15, I Thessalonians 4-5, Revelation 20-22
December 12: Fellowship Meal
Save the Date, Bishop's Visit
Bishop Anthony will make his next archpastoral visit with us in the Spring of 2019, on April 13-14, the fifth Sunday of Lent. Please mark your calendars and plan to be with the bishop that weekend.
Food Pantry
An important part of our faith is serving others, and particularly those in need. Our food pantry is open during Father's office hours and during church services. All are welcome to receive food from it, including our church members. Please donate nonperishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entryway). See our Food Pantry Shopping List for more information and ideas. Monetary donations are welcome. Write "Food Pantry" in the subject line of your check, or use the blue donation form below and click on the designation "Food Pantry." Interested in helping hands-on? We're looking for a volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors. Contact Subdeacon Anthony (Bill Spencer) or Father Ignatius with questions.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, a lawyer stood up to put Jesus to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read?” And the lawyer answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” And Jesus said to him, “You have answered right; do this, and you will live.” But the lawyer, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion, and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” The lawyer said, “The one who showed mercy on him.” And Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:25-37)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr and Fabian Muller-Dahlberg in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
"O Lord, Who art in all creation, whither shall we sinners flee from Thee? To heaven? For Thou dwellest there; or to Hades? For there Thou art the Trampler over death, or to the depths of the sea? For there is Thy hand, O Master. In Thee, therefore, seek we refuge, and Thee do we worship beseechingly; O Thou who didst rise from the dead, have mercy upon us."
Troparion from "O Lord I have Cried," Tone 6
Sunday October 28, 2018, 22nd Sunday after Pentecost
This Week's Services and Events
October 30, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
October 31, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 2:00PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist 6:50PM
November 1, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 1:15PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ OCF Dinner, 7:00PM
November 2, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:30PM
+ Great Vespers with Lita and Artoklasia, 7:00PM
November 3, Saturday
+ Matins, 8:30AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM
+ Intro to Orthodoxy class, 3:00PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
November 4, Sunday, 23rd Sunday after Pentecost
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by coffee hour and Sunday School
Upcoming Events and Announcements
November/December Calendars
The calendars showing the next two months of services and other events are printed and available for pick up in the narthex.
Annual Pledge Packets Are Available!
The Parish Council is distributing packets of information to everyone, regarding making a financial pledge to the church for 2019. This is a very important process of being able to suggest, discuss and pass a responsible budget, which will happen at our annual meeting on December 2. Pledge paperwork needs to be returned to our treasurer no later than November 18. Please pray about what you are able to regularly give to the church, and help us by making that pledge. If you haven't received a packet and would like to, pick up a copy in the narthex at church, or speak with Fr. Ignatius or our treasurer Becky Morey.
Stewardship Sermon Series
Fr. Ignatius began a sermon series focusing on aspects of Christian stewardship today. In this four week series, he will take the appointed Scriptural texts and teach about what it means to be a good steward and how we can take steps to actualize this in our lives.
St. Raphael Feast Day Services
We will celebrate our patron saint with Vespers (with Litia and Artoklasia) at 7:00PM on Friday, November 2 and matins and Divine Liturgy at 8:30AM and 10:00AM on Saturday, November 3. Come and give thanks to God for St. Raphael and his patronage for us!
Music on our Website
We now have a spot for listening to music on the first page of our website -- www.raphaelchurch.org. We'd like to change the music from time to time, so if you have a favorite Orthodox hymn that you'd like to share, send a good mp3 copy to Amy at sroc.info@gmail.com.
Daylight Savings Time
Daylight Savings Time ends early on the morning of Sunday, November 4. Remember to "fall back" so that you are not late to church!
Stewardship Retreat is Postponed
Due to some health challenges that our presenter Archdeacon Saed Rihani has been experiencing, we will not be having our retreat on Christian Stewardship on November 17. If he is feeling better, Archdeacon Saed would like to return in the Spring to give the retreat.
Wednesday Night Discussions, The Story of the Bible
We are hosting 11 successive discussions on the Bible at St. Raphael Church on Wednesday evenings from 7:30-8:15PM this Fall. Spread the word and join us! Here is the schedule of topics and the corresponding section of the Bible that participants will be asked to read beforehand and be prepared to discuss.
November 7: He Is Not Here, He Is Risen, Mark 9-16
November 14: The Heart of Jesus's Teachings, Matthew 5-7
November 28: The Birth of the Church, Love First and Last, Acts 1-3, Romans 12, I Corinthians 13
December 5: Last Things, I Corinthians 15, I Thessalonians 4-5, Revelation 20-22
December 12: Fellowship Meal
Save the Date, Bishop's Visit
Bishop Anthony will make his next archpastoral visit with us in the Spring of 2019, on April 13-14, the fifth Sunday of Lent. Please mark your calendars and plan to be with the bishop that weekend.
Food Pantry
An important part of our faith is serving others, and particularly those in need. Our food pantry is open during Father's office hours and during church services. All are welcome to receive food from it, including our church members. Please donate nonperishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entryway). See our Food Pantry Shopping List for more information and ideas. Monetary donations are welcome. Write "Food Pantry" in the subject line of your check, or use the blue donation form below and click on the designation "Food Pantry." Interested in helping hands-on? We're looking for a volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors. Contact Subdeacon Anthony (Bill Spencer) or Father Ignatius with questions.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord said, “There was a rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, full of sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table; moreover, the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried; and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes, and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus in his bosom. And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy upon me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’ And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’ But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’” (Luke 16:19-31)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr and Fabian Muller-Dahlberg in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
"Jesus has nowadays many followers desirous of consolation, but few of tribulation. All desire to rejoice with Him, few are willing to endure anything for Him. Many reverence His miracles, few follow the ignominy of His cross."
St. Sebastian (Dabovich), of Jackson and San Francisco
October 30, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
October 31, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 2:00PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist 6:50PM
November 1, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 1:15PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ OCF Dinner, 7:00PM
November 2, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:30PM
+ Great Vespers with Lita and Artoklasia, 7:00PM
November 3, Saturday
+ Matins, 8:30AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM
+ Intro to Orthodoxy class, 3:00PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
November 4, Sunday, 23rd Sunday after Pentecost
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by coffee hour and Sunday School
Upcoming Events and Announcements
November/December Calendars
The calendars showing the next two months of services and other events are printed and available for pick up in the narthex.
Annual Pledge Packets Are Available!
The Parish Council is distributing packets of information to everyone, regarding making a financial pledge to the church for 2019. This is a very important process of being able to suggest, discuss and pass a responsible budget, which will happen at our annual meeting on December 2. Pledge paperwork needs to be returned to our treasurer no later than November 18. Please pray about what you are able to regularly give to the church, and help us by making that pledge. If you haven't received a packet and would like to, pick up a copy in the narthex at church, or speak with Fr. Ignatius or our treasurer Becky Morey.
Stewardship Sermon Series
Fr. Ignatius began a sermon series focusing on aspects of Christian stewardship today. In this four week series, he will take the appointed Scriptural texts and teach about what it means to be a good steward and how we can take steps to actualize this in our lives.
St. Raphael Feast Day Services
We will celebrate our patron saint with Vespers (with Litia and Artoklasia) at 7:00PM on Friday, November 2 and matins and Divine Liturgy at 8:30AM and 10:00AM on Saturday, November 3. Come and give thanks to God for St. Raphael and his patronage for us!
Music on our Website
We now have a spot for listening to music on the first page of our website -- www.raphaelchurch.org. We'd like to change the music from time to time, so if you have a favorite Orthodox hymn that you'd like to share, send a good mp3 copy to Amy at sroc.info@gmail.com.
Daylight Savings Time
Daylight Savings Time ends early on the morning of Sunday, November 4. Remember to "fall back" so that you are not late to church!
Stewardship Retreat is Postponed
Due to some health challenges that our presenter Archdeacon Saed Rihani has been experiencing, we will not be having our retreat on Christian Stewardship on November 17. If he is feeling better, Archdeacon Saed would like to return in the Spring to give the retreat.
Wednesday Night Discussions, The Story of the Bible
We are hosting 11 successive discussions on the Bible at St. Raphael Church on Wednesday evenings from 7:30-8:15PM this Fall. Spread the word and join us! Here is the schedule of topics and the corresponding section of the Bible that participants will be asked to read beforehand and be prepared to discuss.
November 7: He Is Not Here, He Is Risen, Mark 9-16
November 14: The Heart of Jesus's Teachings, Matthew 5-7
November 28: The Birth of the Church, Love First and Last, Acts 1-3, Romans 12, I Corinthians 13
December 5: Last Things, I Corinthians 15, I Thessalonians 4-5, Revelation 20-22
December 12: Fellowship Meal
Save the Date, Bishop's Visit
Bishop Anthony will make his next archpastoral visit with us in the Spring of 2019, on April 13-14, the fifth Sunday of Lent. Please mark your calendars and plan to be with the bishop that weekend.
Food Pantry
An important part of our faith is serving others, and particularly those in need. Our food pantry is open during Father's office hours and during church services. All are welcome to receive food from it, including our church members. Please donate nonperishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entryway). See our Food Pantry Shopping List for more information and ideas. Monetary donations are welcome. Write "Food Pantry" in the subject line of your check, or use the blue donation form below and click on the designation "Food Pantry." Interested in helping hands-on? We're looking for a volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors. Contact Subdeacon Anthony (Bill Spencer) or Father Ignatius with questions.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord said, “There was a rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, full of sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table; moreover, the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried; and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes, and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus in his bosom. And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy upon me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’ And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’ But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’” (Luke 16:19-31)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr and Fabian Muller-Dahlberg in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
"Jesus has nowadays many followers desirous of consolation, but few of tribulation. All desire to rejoice with Him, few are willing to endure anything for Him. Many reverence His miracles, few follow the ignominy of His cross."
St. Sebastian (Dabovich), of Jackson and San Francisco
Sunday October 21, 2018, 21st Sunday after Pentecost
This Week's Services and Events
October 23, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
October 24, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 2:00PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist 6:50PM
+ The Story of the Bible discussion "Jesus: In the Beginning was the Word; Who do you say that I am? (John 1:1-14, Mark 1-8)" , 7:30PM
October 25, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 1:15PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
October 26, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:30PM
October 27, Saturday
+ Parish Clean-up Day, 12:00PM-4:00PM
+ Intro to Orthodoxy class, 3:00PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
October 28, Sunday, 22nd Sunday after Pentecost
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by coffee hour and Sunday School
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Semi-Annual Clean-up Day, October 27
It's time to do a more thorough cleaning of our lovely church building and grounds. Please come and lend a hand on Saturday, October 27 from 12:00PM-4:00PM. Chores needing to be done include metal polishing, vacuuming, leaf raking, and more!
Annual Pledge Packets Are Coming!
Next Sunday, October 28, the Parish Council intends to distribute packets of information for everyone regarding making a financial pledge to the church for 2019. This is a very important process in being able to suggest, discuss and pass a responsible budget, which will happen at our annual meeting on December 2. Pledge paperwork needs to be returned to our treasurer no later than November 18. Please pray about what you are able to regularly give to the church, and help us by making that pledge.
St. Raphael Feast Day Services
We will celebrate our patron saint with Vespers (with Litia and Artoklasia) at 7:00PM on Friday, November 2 and matins and Divine Liturgy at 8:30AM and 10:00AM on Saturday, November 3. Come and give thanks to God for St. Raphael and his patronage for us!
Stewardship Retreat Is Postponed
Due to some health challenges that our presenter Archdeacon Saed Rihani has been experiencing, we will not be having our retreat on Christian Stewardship on November 17. If he is feeling better, Archdeacon Saed would like to return in the Spring to give the retreat.
40 Days for Life Prayer Vigil
40 Days for Life is a peaceful, prayerful and effective pro-life campaign that has helped save 14,643 known lives from abortion, led to the conversion of 177 abortion workers and seen 96 abortion centers close, with 20 closed in Iowa!
WHERE: Emma Goldman Center (public sidewalk), 227 N. Dubuque St. Iowa City
WHEN: Sept. 26 - Nov. 4, 2018 , 1 hour shifts: 8am-8pm, everyday www.40daysforlife.com/iowacity Contact Gary Sieren (319) 330-0961
Wednesday Night Discussions, The Story of the Bible
We are hosting 11 successive discussions on the Bible at St. Raphael Church on Wednesday evenings from 7:30-8:15PM this Fall. Spread the word and join us! Here is the schedule of topics and the corresponding section of the Bible that participants will be asked to read beforehand and be prepared to discuss.
October 24: Jesus: In the Beginning Was the Word, Who Do You Say that I Am?, John 1:1-14 and Mark 1-8
November 7: He Is Not Here, He Is Risen, Mark 9-16
November 14: The Heart of Jesus's Teachings, Matthew 5-7
November 28: The Birth of the Church, Love First and Last, Acts 1-3, Romans 12, I Corinthians 13
December 5: Last Things, I Corinthians 15, I Thessalonians 4-5, Revelation 20-22
December 12: Fellowship Meal
Save the Date, Bishop's Visit
Bishop Anthony will make his next archpastoral visit with us in the Spring of 2019, on April 13-14, the fifth Sunday of Lent. Please mark your calendars and plan to be with the bishop that weekend.
Food Pantry
An important part of our faith is serving others, and particularly those in need. Our food pantry is open during Father's office hours and during church services. All are welcome to receive food from it, including our church members. Please donate nonperishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entryway). See our Food Pantry Shopping List for more information and ideas. Monetary donations are welcome. Write "Food Pantry" in the subject line of your check, or use the blue donation form below and click on the designation "Food Pantry." Interested in helping hands-on? We're looking for a volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors. Contact Subdeacon Anthony (Bill Spencer) or Father Ignatius with questions.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, there came to Jesus a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue; and falling at Jesus’ feet he besought Him to come to his house, for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying. As Jesus went, the people pressed round Him. And a woman, who had had a flow of blood for twelve years, and had spent all her living upon physicians, and could not be healed by anyone, came up behind Him, and touched the fringe of His garment; and immediately her flow of blood ceased. And Jesus said, “Who was it that touched Me?” When all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the multitudes surround Thee and press upon Thee! And Thou sayest, ‘Who touched Me?’” But Jesus said, “Someone touched Me; for I perceive that power has gone forth from Me.” And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling,and falling down before Him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched Him,and how she had been immediately healed. And Jesus said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.” While Jesus was still speaking, a man from the ruler’s house came andsaid, “Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more.” But Jesus on hearing this answered him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she shall be well.” And when Jesus came to the house, He permitted no one to enter with Him, except Peter and James and John, and the father and mother of the child. And all were weeping and bewailing her; but Jesus said, “Do not weep; for she is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But taking her by the hand Jesus called, saying, “Child, arise.” And her spirit returned, and she got up at once; and Jesus directed that something should be given her to eat. And her parents were amazed; but He charged them to tell no one what had happened. (Luke 8:41-56)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr and Fabian Muller-Dahlberg in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
"Thou didst demolish by Thy Death, O Lord, the gates of Hades; Thou didst dissolve the realm of death; and didst free the human race from corruption, granting the world life and incorruptibility and Great Mercy."
Stichera of the Resurrection (Tone 4) from "O Lord I Have Cried"
October 23, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
October 24, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 2:00PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist 6:50PM
+ The Story of the Bible discussion "Jesus: In the Beginning was the Word; Who do you say that I am? (John 1:1-14, Mark 1-8)" , 7:30PM
October 25, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 1:15PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
October 26, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:30PM
October 27, Saturday
+ Parish Clean-up Day, 12:00PM-4:00PM
+ Intro to Orthodoxy class, 3:00PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
October 28, Sunday, 22nd Sunday after Pentecost
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by coffee hour and Sunday School
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Semi-Annual Clean-up Day, October 27
It's time to do a more thorough cleaning of our lovely church building and grounds. Please come and lend a hand on Saturday, October 27 from 12:00PM-4:00PM. Chores needing to be done include metal polishing, vacuuming, leaf raking, and more!
Annual Pledge Packets Are Coming!
Next Sunday, October 28, the Parish Council intends to distribute packets of information for everyone regarding making a financial pledge to the church for 2019. This is a very important process in being able to suggest, discuss and pass a responsible budget, which will happen at our annual meeting on December 2. Pledge paperwork needs to be returned to our treasurer no later than November 18. Please pray about what you are able to regularly give to the church, and help us by making that pledge.
St. Raphael Feast Day Services
We will celebrate our patron saint with Vespers (with Litia and Artoklasia) at 7:00PM on Friday, November 2 and matins and Divine Liturgy at 8:30AM and 10:00AM on Saturday, November 3. Come and give thanks to God for St. Raphael and his patronage for us!
Stewardship Retreat Is Postponed
Due to some health challenges that our presenter Archdeacon Saed Rihani has been experiencing, we will not be having our retreat on Christian Stewardship on November 17. If he is feeling better, Archdeacon Saed would like to return in the Spring to give the retreat.
40 Days for Life Prayer Vigil
40 Days for Life is a peaceful, prayerful and effective pro-life campaign that has helped save 14,643 known lives from abortion, led to the conversion of 177 abortion workers and seen 96 abortion centers close, with 20 closed in Iowa!
WHERE: Emma Goldman Center (public sidewalk), 227 N. Dubuque St. Iowa City
WHEN: Sept. 26 - Nov. 4, 2018 , 1 hour shifts: 8am-8pm, everyday www.40daysforlife.com/iowacity Contact Gary Sieren (319) 330-0961
Wednesday Night Discussions, The Story of the Bible
We are hosting 11 successive discussions on the Bible at St. Raphael Church on Wednesday evenings from 7:30-8:15PM this Fall. Spread the word and join us! Here is the schedule of topics and the corresponding section of the Bible that participants will be asked to read beforehand and be prepared to discuss.
October 24: Jesus: In the Beginning Was the Word, Who Do You Say that I Am?, John 1:1-14 and Mark 1-8
November 7: He Is Not Here, He Is Risen, Mark 9-16
November 14: The Heart of Jesus's Teachings, Matthew 5-7
November 28: The Birth of the Church, Love First and Last, Acts 1-3, Romans 12, I Corinthians 13
December 5: Last Things, I Corinthians 15, I Thessalonians 4-5, Revelation 20-22
December 12: Fellowship Meal
Save the Date, Bishop's Visit
Bishop Anthony will make his next archpastoral visit with us in the Spring of 2019, on April 13-14, the fifth Sunday of Lent. Please mark your calendars and plan to be with the bishop that weekend.
Food Pantry
An important part of our faith is serving others, and particularly those in need. Our food pantry is open during Father's office hours and during church services. All are welcome to receive food from it, including our church members. Please donate nonperishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entryway). See our Food Pantry Shopping List for more information and ideas. Monetary donations are welcome. Write "Food Pantry" in the subject line of your check, or use the blue donation form below and click on the designation "Food Pantry." Interested in helping hands-on? We're looking for a volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors. Contact Subdeacon Anthony (Bill Spencer) or Father Ignatius with questions.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, there came to Jesus a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue; and falling at Jesus’ feet he besought Him to come to his house, for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying. As Jesus went, the people pressed round Him. And a woman, who had had a flow of blood for twelve years, and had spent all her living upon physicians, and could not be healed by anyone, came up behind Him, and touched the fringe of His garment; and immediately her flow of blood ceased. And Jesus said, “Who was it that touched Me?” When all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the multitudes surround Thee and press upon Thee! And Thou sayest, ‘Who touched Me?’” But Jesus said, “Someone touched Me; for I perceive that power has gone forth from Me.” And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling,and falling down before Him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched Him,and how she had been immediately healed. And Jesus said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.” While Jesus was still speaking, a man from the ruler’s house came andsaid, “Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more.” But Jesus on hearing this answered him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she shall be well.” And when Jesus came to the house, He permitted no one to enter with Him, except Peter and James and John, and the father and mother of the child. And all were weeping and bewailing her; but Jesus said, “Do not weep; for she is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But taking her by the hand Jesus called, saying, “Child, arise.” And her spirit returned, and she got up at once; and Jesus directed that something should be given her to eat. And her parents were amazed; but He charged them to tell no one what had happened. (Luke 8:41-56)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr and Fabian Muller-Dahlberg in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
"Thou didst demolish by Thy Death, O Lord, the gates of Hades; Thou didst dissolve the realm of death; and didst free the human race from corruption, granting the world life and incorruptibility and Great Mercy."
Stichera of the Resurrection (Tone 4) from "O Lord I Have Cried"
Sunday October 14, 2018, Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council
This Week's Services and Events
October 16, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Vespers in Kalona, 7:00PM
October 17, Wednesday
+ Akathist 6:50PM
+ The Story of the Bible discussion "Looking for the Salvation of Israel: Samples from the Psalms and Prophets,", 7:30PM
October 20, Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting, 2:30PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
October 21, Sunday, 21st Sunday after Pentecost
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by coffee hour and Sunday School
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Father is Traveling
Fr. Ignatius will be out of town October 17-19 attending a deanery meeting and a diocesan clergy retreat in Toledo, Ohio. He can be reached at 319-400-7522. There will be no office hours or 9th or 3rd hour Prayers on those days.
October 21 is Special Olympics Awareness Day
Each year, the youth of our Archdiocese spearhead a fundraising effort for the annual Special Olympics event that is hosted at the Antiochian Village in Pennsylvania. During announcements next week, we will hear an appeal for funds. Please be generous if you can to support this worthy effort. See attachment for more information.
Update on Front Steps
As many of you know, one set of our front steps has been in disrepair and unusable since last winter. Several months ago, we received two generous donations toward the repair and very recently, we have been awarded at grant (up to $5000) from the Iowa City Historic Preservation Fund, as our building is a designated by the city as a contributing building in the College Green Historic District. We are waiting for the contractor to come and do the repair and praying that it might be able to be done still before winter sets in.
Congratulations!
Congratulations to our own Matthew Arndt, who is one of six collaborative composers of Heaven and Earth, a new choral setting of Psalm 103, part of the ambitious Psalm 103 Project that was conceived of by parish friend Richard Barrett. The world premiere of this piece took place this weekend, with three concerts in the Pacific Northwest sung by the esteemed Cappella Romana vocal ensemble.
Semi-Annual Clean-up Day, October 27
It's time to do a more thorough cleaning of our lovely church building and grounds. Please come and lend a hand on Saturday, October 27 from 12:00PM-4:00PM. Chores needing to be done include metal polishing, vacuuming, leaf raking, and more!
St. Raphael Feast Day Services
We will celebrate our patron saint with Vespers (with Litia and Artoklasia) at 7:00PM on Friday, November 2 and matins and Divine Liturgy at 8:30AM and 10:00AM on Saturday, November 3. Come and give thanks to God for St. Raphael and his patronage for us!
Stewardship Retreat is Postponed
Due to some health challenges that our presenter Archdeacon Saed Rihani has been experiencing, we will not be having our retreat on Christian Stewardship on November 17. If he is feeling better, Archdeacon Saed would like to return in the Spring to give the retreat.
Informed Choice/Obria Medical Clinics Fundraiser Dinner
The local pro-life medical clinic, which offers real medical care and other help for women who are facing an unexpected pregnancy and may be contemplating abortion, is having their annual fundraiser dinner on October 29 at 7pm at the Coralvile Marriott Hotel and Conference Center. Dinner is free. Registration is required. For more information and to register, go to: http://www.informedchoiceia.org/youre-invited-to-an-evening-to-remember/
40 Days for Life Prayer Vigil
40 Days for Life is a peaceful, prayerful and effective pro-life campaign that has helped save 14,643 known lives from abortion, led to the conversion of 177 abortion workers and seen 96 abortion centers close, with 20 closed in Iowa!
WHERE: Emma Goldman Center (public sidewalk), 227 N. Dubuque St. Iowa City
WHEN: Sept. 26 - Nov. 4, 2018 , 1 hour shifts: 8am-8pm, everyday www.40daysforlife.com/iowacity Contact Gary Sieren (319) 330-0961
Wednesday Night Discussions, The Story of the Bible
We are hosting 11 successive discussions on the Bible at St. Raphael Church on Wednesday evenings from 7:30-8:15PM this Fall. Spread the word and join us! Here is the schedule of topics and the corresponding section of the Bible that participants will be asked to read beforehand and be prepared to discuss.
October 17: Looking for the Salvation of Israel, samples from the Psalms and Prophets
October 24: Jesus: In the Beginning Was the Word, Who Do You Say that I Am?, John 1:1-14 and Mark 1-8
November 7: He Is Not Here, He Is Risen, Mark 9-16
November 14: The Heart of Jesus's Teachings, Matthew 5-7
November 28: The Birth of the Church, Love First and Last, Acts 1-3, Romans 12, I Corinthians 13
December 5: Last Things, I Corinthians 15, I Thessalonians 4-5, Revelation 20-22
December 12: Fellowship Meal
Save the Date, Bishop's Visit
Bishop Anthony will make his next archpastoral visit with us in the Spring of 2019, on April 13-14, the fifth Sunday of Lent. Please mark your calendars and plan to be with the bishop that weekend.
Food Pantry
An important part of our faith is serving others, and particularly those in need. Our food pantry is open during Father's office hours and during church services. All are welcome to receive food from it, including our church members. Please donate nonperishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entryway). See our Food Pantry Shopping List for more information and ideas. Monetary donations are welcome. Write "Food Pantry" in the subject line of your check, or use the blue donation form below and click on the designation "Food Pantry." Interested in helping hands-on? We're looking for a volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors. Contact Subdeacon Anthony (Bill Spencer) or Father Ignatius with questions.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is opposite Galilee. And as He stepped out on land, there met Him a man from the city who had demons; for a long time he had worn no clothes, and he lived not in a house but among the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him, and said with a loud voice, “What hast Thou to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beseech Thee, do not torment me.” For Jesus had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. [For many a time it had seized him; he was kept under guard, and bound with chains and fetters, but he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into the desert.] Jesus then asked him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion”; for many demons had entered him. And they begged Jesus not to command them to depart into the abyss. Now a large herd of swine was feeding there on the hillside; and they begged Jesus to let them enter these. So He gave them leave. Then the demons came out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned. When the herdsmen saw what had happened, they fled, and told it in the city and in the country. Then people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. And those who had seen it told them how he who had been possessed with demons was healed. Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gadarenes asked Jesus to depart from them; for they were seized with great fear; so He got into the boat and returned. The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with Jesus; but Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return to your home, and declare all that God has done for you.” And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city all that Jesus had done for him. (Luke 8:26-39)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr and Fabian Muller-Dahlberg in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
"Take heed then, often to come together to give thanks to God, and show forth His praise. For when you assemble frequently together in the same place, the powers of Satan are destroyed, and the destruction at which he aims is prevented by the unity of your faith."
St. Ignatius of Antioch in his Epistle to the Ephesians
October 16, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Vespers in Kalona, 7:00PM
October 17, Wednesday
+ Akathist 6:50PM
+ The Story of the Bible discussion "Looking for the Salvation of Israel: Samples from the Psalms and Prophets,", 7:30PM
October 20, Saturday
+ Parish Council meeting, 2:30PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
October 21, Sunday, 21st Sunday after Pentecost
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by coffee hour and Sunday School
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Father is Traveling
Fr. Ignatius will be out of town October 17-19 attending a deanery meeting and a diocesan clergy retreat in Toledo, Ohio. He can be reached at 319-400-7522. There will be no office hours or 9th or 3rd hour Prayers on those days.
October 21 is Special Olympics Awareness Day
Each year, the youth of our Archdiocese spearhead a fundraising effort for the annual Special Olympics event that is hosted at the Antiochian Village in Pennsylvania. During announcements next week, we will hear an appeal for funds. Please be generous if you can to support this worthy effort. See attachment for more information.
Update on Front Steps
As many of you know, one set of our front steps has been in disrepair and unusable since last winter. Several months ago, we received two generous donations toward the repair and very recently, we have been awarded at grant (up to $5000) from the Iowa City Historic Preservation Fund, as our building is a designated by the city as a contributing building in the College Green Historic District. We are waiting for the contractor to come and do the repair and praying that it might be able to be done still before winter sets in.
Congratulations!
Congratulations to our own Matthew Arndt, who is one of six collaborative composers of Heaven and Earth, a new choral setting of Psalm 103, part of the ambitious Psalm 103 Project that was conceived of by parish friend Richard Barrett. The world premiere of this piece took place this weekend, with three concerts in the Pacific Northwest sung by the esteemed Cappella Romana vocal ensemble.
Semi-Annual Clean-up Day, October 27
It's time to do a more thorough cleaning of our lovely church building and grounds. Please come and lend a hand on Saturday, October 27 from 12:00PM-4:00PM. Chores needing to be done include metal polishing, vacuuming, leaf raking, and more!
St. Raphael Feast Day Services
We will celebrate our patron saint with Vespers (with Litia and Artoklasia) at 7:00PM on Friday, November 2 and matins and Divine Liturgy at 8:30AM and 10:00AM on Saturday, November 3. Come and give thanks to God for St. Raphael and his patronage for us!
Stewardship Retreat is Postponed
Due to some health challenges that our presenter Archdeacon Saed Rihani has been experiencing, we will not be having our retreat on Christian Stewardship on November 17. If he is feeling better, Archdeacon Saed would like to return in the Spring to give the retreat.
Informed Choice/Obria Medical Clinics Fundraiser Dinner
The local pro-life medical clinic, which offers real medical care and other help for women who are facing an unexpected pregnancy and may be contemplating abortion, is having their annual fundraiser dinner on October 29 at 7pm at the Coralvile Marriott Hotel and Conference Center. Dinner is free. Registration is required. For more information and to register, go to: http://www.informedchoiceia.org/youre-invited-to-an-evening-to-remember/
40 Days for Life Prayer Vigil
40 Days for Life is a peaceful, prayerful and effective pro-life campaign that has helped save 14,643 known lives from abortion, led to the conversion of 177 abortion workers and seen 96 abortion centers close, with 20 closed in Iowa!
WHERE: Emma Goldman Center (public sidewalk), 227 N. Dubuque St. Iowa City
WHEN: Sept. 26 - Nov. 4, 2018 , 1 hour shifts: 8am-8pm, everyday www.40daysforlife.com/iowacity Contact Gary Sieren (319) 330-0961
Wednesday Night Discussions, The Story of the Bible
We are hosting 11 successive discussions on the Bible at St. Raphael Church on Wednesday evenings from 7:30-8:15PM this Fall. Spread the word and join us! Here is the schedule of topics and the corresponding section of the Bible that participants will be asked to read beforehand and be prepared to discuss.
October 17: Looking for the Salvation of Israel, samples from the Psalms and Prophets
October 24: Jesus: In the Beginning Was the Word, Who Do You Say that I Am?, John 1:1-14 and Mark 1-8
November 7: He Is Not Here, He Is Risen, Mark 9-16
November 14: The Heart of Jesus's Teachings, Matthew 5-7
November 28: The Birth of the Church, Love First and Last, Acts 1-3, Romans 12, I Corinthians 13
December 5: Last Things, I Corinthians 15, I Thessalonians 4-5, Revelation 20-22
December 12: Fellowship Meal
Save the Date, Bishop's Visit
Bishop Anthony will make his next archpastoral visit with us in the Spring of 2019, on April 13-14, the fifth Sunday of Lent. Please mark your calendars and plan to be with the bishop that weekend.
Food Pantry
An important part of our faith is serving others, and particularly those in need. Our food pantry is open during Father's office hours and during church services. All are welcome to receive food from it, including our church members. Please donate nonperishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entryway). See our Food Pantry Shopping List for more information and ideas. Monetary donations are welcome. Write "Food Pantry" in the subject line of your check, or use the blue donation form below and click on the designation "Food Pantry." Interested in helping hands-on? We're looking for a volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors. Contact Subdeacon Anthony (Bill Spencer) or Father Ignatius with questions.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is opposite Galilee. And as He stepped out on land, there met Him a man from the city who had demons; for a long time he had worn no clothes, and he lived not in a house but among the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him, and said with a loud voice, “What hast Thou to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beseech Thee, do not torment me.” For Jesus had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. [For many a time it had seized him; he was kept under guard, and bound with chains and fetters, but he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into the desert.] Jesus then asked him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion”; for many demons had entered him. And they begged Jesus not to command them to depart into the abyss. Now a large herd of swine was feeding there on the hillside; and they begged Jesus to let them enter these. So He gave them leave. Then the demons came out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned. When the herdsmen saw what had happened, they fled, and told it in the city and in the country. Then people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. And those who had seen it told them how he who had been possessed with demons was healed. Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gadarenes asked Jesus to depart from them; for they were seized with great fear; so He got into the boat and returned. The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with Jesus; but Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return to your home, and declare all that God has done for you.” And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city all that Jesus had done for him. (Luke 8:26-39)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr and Fabian Muller-Dahlberg in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
"Take heed then, often to come together to give thanks to God, and show forth His praise. For when you assemble frequently together in the same place, the powers of Satan are destroyed, and the destruction at which he aims is prevented by the unity of your faith."
St. Ignatius of Antioch in his Epistle to the Ephesians
Sunday October 7, 2018, 19th Sunday after Pentecost
This Week's Services and Events
October 9, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
October 10, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 2:00PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist, 6:50PM
+ The Story of the Bible discussion: "Rescue from Death, Freedom from Bondage, Steadfast Love--Exodus chapters 1-40, 7:30PM
October 11, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 1:15PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
October 12, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:30PM
October 13, Saturday
+ Intro to Orthodoxy class, 3:00PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
October 14, Sunday, Fathers of the 7th Ecumenical Council
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by coffee hour and Sunday School
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Today Is College Student Sunday
One of the important ministries at St. Raphael Church is the University of Iowa Orthodox Christian Fellowship, our college student group. We have an obligation, as the Orthodox parish in a college town, to maintain our faith and to reach out to students, faculty and the entire university community with the light of Christ. Nationally, October 7 has been designated by the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops as "College Student Sunday." To read a letter from the hierarchical overseer of OCF, Bishop Gregory of Nyssa, see the attached document. To help out our local OCF group, consider hosting them for a Thursday evening meal in your home. Check with Lizzy Valentine for more information on that.
Annual Run for the Schools Race
Each year in October, there is a large race that runs right past our church on Sunday morning and this greatly affects parking and traffic in our neighborhood for that day. This year's Run for the Schools race is Sunday, October 14, next Sunday. College Street, along with the major north-south streets of Dodge, Governor and Gilbert will be shut down to vehicle traffic until 12:30PM. The best place to find a parking space will be at the Chauncey Swan Parking Garage three blocks west of the church. Be sure to enter on the Washington St. side as the College St. side will be closed.
Semi-Annual Clean-up Day, October 27
It's time to do a more thorough cleaning of our lovely church building and grounds. Please come and lend a hand on Saturday, October 27 from 12:00PM-4:00PM. Chores needing to be done include metal polishing, vacuuming, leaf raking, and more!
St. Raphael Feast Day Services
We will celebrate our patron saint with Vespers (with Litia and Artoklasia) at 7:00PM on Friday, November 2 and matins and Divine Liturgy at 8:30AM and 10:00AM on Saturday, November 3. Come and give thanks to God for St. Raphael and his patronage for us! We are looking for a volunteer to make the festal arts bread.
Message of the 9th Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America
Bishops from all the canonical Orthodox jurisdictions who are active in the United States have met annually for the past nine years to discuss common issues that relate to and affect all Orthodox Christians and our society at large. The Bishops just concluded their annual meeting in Cleveland this week. To read their message to the faithful, go to: http://www.assemblyofbishops.org/news/2018/message-ninth-assembly-of-canonical-orthodox-bishops
Statement from the Holy Synod of Antioch
The Synod of Antioch recently concluded their semi-annual meeting, and they issued a statement that addresses some of the concerning subjects that are manifesting themselves between the various patriarchates and other local churches of Orthodoxy, such as the ongoing dispute between the Patriarchates of Antioch and Jerusalem over Qatar, and the more recent dispute between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Patriarchate of Moscow over Ukraine. To read the statement, go to: http://www.antiochian.org/regulararticle/157
November 17 Retreat on Stewardship
Archdeacon Saed Rihani from St. Mary Church in Palos Heights Illinois will be leading us in a day long retreat focusing on the idea of Christian Stewardship titled "Our Pursuit of Holiness: Using our Time, Talent and Treasures" More information, including a schedule will be released in the coming weeks. Attached is a poster advertising the retreat.
Informed Choice/Obria Medical Clinics Fundraiser Dinner
The local pro-life medical clinic, which offers real medical care and other help for women who are facing an unexpected pregnancy and may be contemplating abortion, is having their annual fundraiser dinner on October 29 at 7pm at the Coralvile Marriott Hotel and Conference Center. Dinner is free. Registration is required. For more information and to register, go to: http://www.informedchoiceia.org/youre-invited-to-an-evening-to-remember/
40 Days for Life Prayer Vigil
40 Days for Life is a peaceful, prayerful and effective pro-life campaign that has helped save 14,643 known lives from abortion, led to the conversion of 177 abortion workers and seen 96 abortion centers close, with 20 closed in Iowa!
WHERE: Emma Goldman Center (public sidewalk), 227 N. Dubuque St. Iowa City
WHEN: Sept. 26 - Nov. 4, 2018 , 1 hour shifts: 8am-8pm, everyday www.40daysforlife.com/iowacity Contact Gary Sieren (319) 330-0961
Wednesday Night Discussions, The Story of the Bible
We are hosting 11 successive discussions on the Bible at St. Raphael Church on Wednesday evenings from 7:30-8:15PM this Fall. Spread the word and join us! Here is the schedule of topics and the corresponding section of the Bible that participants will be asked to read beforehand and be prepared to discuss.
October 10: Rescue from Death, Freedom from Bondage, Steadfast Love, Exodus 1-40
October 17: Looking for the Salvation of Israel, samples from the Psalms and Prophets
October 24: Jesus: In the Beginning Was the Word, Who Do You Say that I Am?, John 1:1-14 and Mark 1-8
November 7: He Is Not Here, He Is Risen, Mark 9-16
November 14: The Heart of Jesus's Teachings, Matthew 5-7
November 28: The Birth of the Church, Love First and Last, Acts 1-3, Romans 12, I Corinthians 13
December 5: Last Things, I Corinthians 15, I Thessalonians 4-5, Revelation 20-22
December 12: Fellowship Meal
Save the Date, Bishop's Visit
Bishop Anthony will make his next archpastoral visit with us in the Spring of 2019, on April 13-14, the fifth Sunday of Lent. Please mark your calendars and plan to be with the bishop that weekend.
Food Pantry
An important part of our faith is serving others, and particularly those in need. Our food pantry is open during Father's office hours and during church services. All are welcome to receive food from it, including our church members. Please donate nonperishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entryway). See our Food Pantry Shopping List for more information and ideas. Monetary donations are welcome. Write "Food Pantry" in the subject line of your check, or use the blue donation form below and click on the designation "Food Pantry." Interested in helping hands-on? We're looking for a volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors. Contact Subdeacon Anthony (Bill Spencer) or Father Ignatius with questions.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord spoke this parable: “A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell along the path, and was trodden under foot, and the birds of the air devoured it. And some fell on the rock; and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns grew with it and choked it. And some fell into good soil and grew, and yielded a hundredfold.” And when His Disciples asked Him what this parable meant, Jesus said,“To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God; but for others they are in parables, so that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand. Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts that they may not believe and be saved. And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy; but these have no root, they believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way, they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. And as for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bring forthfruit with patience.” As Jesus said this, He called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Luke 8:5-15)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr and Fabian Muller-Dahlberg in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
“Life is an undertaking of prayer. It exists for prayer. Man has no value unless he prays. Prayer is the value. In prayer, man becomes man. Prayer is to enshroud all of life. Thus the saying: pray without ceasing, pray and do not grow weary! This is for everyone, not only for ascetics. Just as breath is for all people, so too is prayer for all people.”
Archimandrite Touma Bitar
October 9, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
October 10, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 2:00PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist, 6:50PM
+ The Story of the Bible discussion: "Rescue from Death, Freedom from Bondage, Steadfast Love--Exodus chapters 1-40, 7:30PM
October 11, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 1:15PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
October 12, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:30PM
October 13, Saturday
+ Intro to Orthodoxy class, 3:00PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
October 14, Sunday, Fathers of the 7th Ecumenical Council
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by coffee hour and Sunday School
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Today Is College Student Sunday
One of the important ministries at St. Raphael Church is the University of Iowa Orthodox Christian Fellowship, our college student group. We have an obligation, as the Orthodox parish in a college town, to maintain our faith and to reach out to students, faculty and the entire university community with the light of Christ. Nationally, October 7 has been designated by the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops as "College Student Sunday." To read a letter from the hierarchical overseer of OCF, Bishop Gregory of Nyssa, see the attached document. To help out our local OCF group, consider hosting them for a Thursday evening meal in your home. Check with Lizzy Valentine for more information on that.
Annual Run for the Schools Race
Each year in October, there is a large race that runs right past our church on Sunday morning and this greatly affects parking and traffic in our neighborhood for that day. This year's Run for the Schools race is Sunday, October 14, next Sunday. College Street, along with the major north-south streets of Dodge, Governor and Gilbert will be shut down to vehicle traffic until 12:30PM. The best place to find a parking space will be at the Chauncey Swan Parking Garage three blocks west of the church. Be sure to enter on the Washington St. side as the College St. side will be closed.
Semi-Annual Clean-up Day, October 27
It's time to do a more thorough cleaning of our lovely church building and grounds. Please come and lend a hand on Saturday, October 27 from 12:00PM-4:00PM. Chores needing to be done include metal polishing, vacuuming, leaf raking, and more!
St. Raphael Feast Day Services
We will celebrate our patron saint with Vespers (with Litia and Artoklasia) at 7:00PM on Friday, November 2 and matins and Divine Liturgy at 8:30AM and 10:00AM on Saturday, November 3. Come and give thanks to God for St. Raphael and his patronage for us! We are looking for a volunteer to make the festal arts bread.
Message of the 9th Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America
Bishops from all the canonical Orthodox jurisdictions who are active in the United States have met annually for the past nine years to discuss common issues that relate to and affect all Orthodox Christians and our society at large. The Bishops just concluded their annual meeting in Cleveland this week. To read their message to the faithful, go to: http://www.assemblyofbishops.org/news/2018/message-ninth-assembly-of-canonical-orthodox-bishops
Statement from the Holy Synod of Antioch
The Synod of Antioch recently concluded their semi-annual meeting, and they issued a statement that addresses some of the concerning subjects that are manifesting themselves between the various patriarchates and other local churches of Orthodoxy, such as the ongoing dispute between the Patriarchates of Antioch and Jerusalem over Qatar, and the more recent dispute between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Patriarchate of Moscow over Ukraine. To read the statement, go to: http://www.antiochian.org/regulararticle/157
November 17 Retreat on Stewardship
Archdeacon Saed Rihani from St. Mary Church in Palos Heights Illinois will be leading us in a day long retreat focusing on the idea of Christian Stewardship titled "Our Pursuit of Holiness: Using our Time, Talent and Treasures" More information, including a schedule will be released in the coming weeks. Attached is a poster advertising the retreat.
Informed Choice/Obria Medical Clinics Fundraiser Dinner
The local pro-life medical clinic, which offers real medical care and other help for women who are facing an unexpected pregnancy and may be contemplating abortion, is having their annual fundraiser dinner on October 29 at 7pm at the Coralvile Marriott Hotel and Conference Center. Dinner is free. Registration is required. For more information and to register, go to: http://www.informedchoiceia.org/youre-invited-to-an-evening-to-remember/
40 Days for Life Prayer Vigil
40 Days for Life is a peaceful, prayerful and effective pro-life campaign that has helped save 14,643 known lives from abortion, led to the conversion of 177 abortion workers and seen 96 abortion centers close, with 20 closed in Iowa!
WHERE: Emma Goldman Center (public sidewalk), 227 N. Dubuque St. Iowa City
WHEN: Sept. 26 - Nov. 4, 2018 , 1 hour shifts: 8am-8pm, everyday www.40daysforlife.com/iowacity Contact Gary Sieren (319) 330-0961
Wednesday Night Discussions, The Story of the Bible
We are hosting 11 successive discussions on the Bible at St. Raphael Church on Wednesday evenings from 7:30-8:15PM this Fall. Spread the word and join us! Here is the schedule of topics and the corresponding section of the Bible that participants will be asked to read beforehand and be prepared to discuss.
October 10: Rescue from Death, Freedom from Bondage, Steadfast Love, Exodus 1-40
October 17: Looking for the Salvation of Israel, samples from the Psalms and Prophets
October 24: Jesus: In the Beginning Was the Word, Who Do You Say that I Am?, John 1:1-14 and Mark 1-8
November 7: He Is Not Here, He Is Risen, Mark 9-16
November 14: The Heart of Jesus's Teachings, Matthew 5-7
November 28: The Birth of the Church, Love First and Last, Acts 1-3, Romans 12, I Corinthians 13
December 5: Last Things, I Corinthians 15, I Thessalonians 4-5, Revelation 20-22
December 12: Fellowship Meal
Save the Date, Bishop's Visit
Bishop Anthony will make his next archpastoral visit with us in the Spring of 2019, on April 13-14, the fifth Sunday of Lent. Please mark your calendars and plan to be with the bishop that weekend.
Food Pantry
An important part of our faith is serving others, and particularly those in need. Our food pantry is open during Father's office hours and during church services. All are welcome to receive food from it, including our church members. Please donate nonperishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entryway). See our Food Pantry Shopping List for more information and ideas. Monetary donations are welcome. Write "Food Pantry" in the subject line of your check, or use the blue donation form below and click on the designation "Food Pantry." Interested in helping hands-on? We're looking for a volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors. Contact Subdeacon Anthony (Bill Spencer) or Father Ignatius with questions.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord spoke this parable: “A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell along the path, and was trodden under foot, and the birds of the air devoured it. And some fell on the rock; and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns grew with it and choked it. And some fell into good soil and grew, and yielded a hundredfold.” And when His Disciples asked Him what this parable meant, Jesus said,“To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God; but for others they are in parables, so that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand. Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts that they may not believe and be saved. And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy; but these have no root, they believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way, they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. And as for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bring forthfruit with patience.” As Jesus said this, He called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Luke 8:5-15)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr and Fabian Muller-Dahlberg in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
“Life is an undertaking of prayer. It exists for prayer. Man has no value unless he prays. Prayer is the value. In prayer, man becomes man. Prayer is to enshroud all of life. Thus the saying: pray without ceasing, pray and do not grow weary! This is for everyone, not only for ascetics. Just as breath is for all people, so too is prayer for all people.”
Archimandrite Touma Bitar
Sunday September 30, 2018, 18th Sunday after Pentecost
This Week's Services and Events
October 2, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
October 3, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 2:00PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist 6:50PM
+ The Story of the Bible discussion "Faith and the Journey Home, Genesis 11:27-chapter 50" , 7:30PM
October 4, Thursday
+Free Lunch Program Volunteering, 11:30AM-1:00PM
+ Office Hours, 1:15PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
October 5, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:30PM
October 6, Saturday
+ Intro to Orthodoxy class, 3:00PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
October 7, Sunday, 18th Sunday after Pentecost
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by coffee hour and Sunday School
Upcoming Events and Announcements
November 17 Retreat on Stewardship
Archdeacon Saed Rihani from St. Mary Church in Palos Heights Illinois will be leading us in a day long retreat focusing on the idea of Christian Stewardship titled "Our Pursuit of Holiness: Using our Time, Talent and Treasures" More information, including a schedule click here and scroll down to Latest News.
Informed Choice/Obria Medical Clinics Fundraiser Dinner
The local pro-life medical clinic, which offers real medical care and other help for women who are facing an unexpected pregnancy and may be contemplating abortion, is having their annual fundraiser dinner on October 29 at 7pm at the Coralville Marriott Hotel and Conference Center. Dinner is free. Registration is required. For more information and to register, go to: http://www.informedchoiceia.org/youre-invited-to-an-evening-to-remember/
40 Days for Life Prayer Vigil
40 Days for Life is a peaceful, prayerful and effective pro-life campaign that has helped save 14,643 known lives from abortion, led to the conversion of 177 abortion workers and seen 96 abortion centers close, with 20 closed in Iowa!
WHERE: Emma Goldman Center (public sidewalk), 227 N. Dubuque St., Iowa City
WHEN: Sept. 26 to Nov. 4, 2018 , 1 hour shifts: 8am-8pm, everyday www.40daysforlife.com/iowacity Contact Gary Sieren (319) 330-0961
Wednesday Night Discussions, The Story of the Bible
We are hosting 11 successive discussions on the Bible at St. Raphael Church on Wednesday evenings from 7:30-8:15PM this fall. Spread the word and join us! Here is the schedule of topics and the corresponding section of the Bible that participants will be asked to read beforehand and be prepared to discuss.
October 3: There and Back Again: Faith and the Journey Home, Genesis 11:27 to chapter 50
October 10: Rescue from Death, Freedom from Bondage, Steadfast Love, Exodus 1-40
October 17: Looking for the Salvation of Israel, samples from the Psalms and Prophets
October 24: Jesus: In the Beginning Was the Word, Who Do You Say that I Am?, John 1:1-14 and Mark 1-8
November 7: He Is Not Here, He Is Risen, Mark 9-16
November 14: The Heart of Jesus's Teachings, Matthew 5-7
November 28: The Birth of the Church, Love First and Last, Acts 1-3, Romans 12, I Corinthians 13
December 5: Last Things, I Corinthians 15, I Thessalonians 4-5, Revelation 20-22
December 12: Fellowship Meal
Save the Date, Bishop's Visit
Bishop Anthony will make his next archpastoral visit with us in the Spring of 2019, on April 13-14, the fifth Sunday of Lent. Please mark your calendars and plan to be with the bishop that weekend.
Food Pantry
An important part of our faith is serving others, and particularly those in need. Our food pantry is open during Father's office hours and during church services. All are welcome to receive food from it, including our church members. Please donate nonperishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entryway). See our Food Pantry Shopping List for more information and ideas. Monetary donations are welcome. Write "Food Pantry" in the subject line of your check, or use the blue donation form below and click on the designation "Food Pantry." Interested in helping hands-on? We're looking for a volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors. Contact Subdeacon Anthony (Bill Spencer) or Father Ignatius with questions.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus went to a city called Nain, and many of His disciples and a great crowd went with Him. As He drew near to the gate of the city, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow; and a large crowd from the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” And He came and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And Jesus said, “Young man, I say to you: arise.” And the dead man sat up, and began to speak. And Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all; and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and “God has visited His people!” (Luke 7:11-16)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr and Fabian Muller-Dahlberg in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
"Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you."
1 Peter 5:6-7
October 2, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
October 3, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 2:00PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist 6:50PM
+ The Story of the Bible discussion "Faith and the Journey Home, Genesis 11:27-chapter 50" , 7:30PM
October 4, Thursday
+Free Lunch Program Volunteering, 11:30AM-1:00PM
+ Office Hours, 1:15PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
October 5, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:30PM
October 6, Saturday
+ Intro to Orthodoxy class, 3:00PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
October 7, Sunday, 18th Sunday after Pentecost
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by coffee hour and Sunday School
Upcoming Events and Announcements
November 17 Retreat on Stewardship
Archdeacon Saed Rihani from St. Mary Church in Palos Heights Illinois will be leading us in a day long retreat focusing on the idea of Christian Stewardship titled "Our Pursuit of Holiness: Using our Time, Talent and Treasures" More information, including a schedule click here and scroll down to Latest News.
Informed Choice/Obria Medical Clinics Fundraiser Dinner
The local pro-life medical clinic, which offers real medical care and other help for women who are facing an unexpected pregnancy and may be contemplating abortion, is having their annual fundraiser dinner on October 29 at 7pm at the Coralville Marriott Hotel and Conference Center. Dinner is free. Registration is required. For more information and to register, go to: http://www.informedchoiceia.org/youre-invited-to-an-evening-to-remember/
40 Days for Life Prayer Vigil
40 Days for Life is a peaceful, prayerful and effective pro-life campaign that has helped save 14,643 known lives from abortion, led to the conversion of 177 abortion workers and seen 96 abortion centers close, with 20 closed in Iowa!
WHERE: Emma Goldman Center (public sidewalk), 227 N. Dubuque St., Iowa City
WHEN: Sept. 26 to Nov. 4, 2018 , 1 hour shifts: 8am-8pm, everyday www.40daysforlife.com/iowacity Contact Gary Sieren (319) 330-0961
Wednesday Night Discussions, The Story of the Bible
We are hosting 11 successive discussions on the Bible at St. Raphael Church on Wednesday evenings from 7:30-8:15PM this fall. Spread the word and join us! Here is the schedule of topics and the corresponding section of the Bible that participants will be asked to read beforehand and be prepared to discuss.
October 3: There and Back Again: Faith and the Journey Home, Genesis 11:27 to chapter 50
October 10: Rescue from Death, Freedom from Bondage, Steadfast Love, Exodus 1-40
October 17: Looking for the Salvation of Israel, samples from the Psalms and Prophets
October 24: Jesus: In the Beginning Was the Word, Who Do You Say that I Am?, John 1:1-14 and Mark 1-8
November 7: He Is Not Here, He Is Risen, Mark 9-16
November 14: The Heart of Jesus's Teachings, Matthew 5-7
November 28: The Birth of the Church, Love First and Last, Acts 1-3, Romans 12, I Corinthians 13
December 5: Last Things, I Corinthians 15, I Thessalonians 4-5, Revelation 20-22
December 12: Fellowship Meal
Save the Date, Bishop's Visit
Bishop Anthony will make his next archpastoral visit with us in the Spring of 2019, on April 13-14, the fifth Sunday of Lent. Please mark your calendars and plan to be with the bishop that weekend.
Food Pantry
An important part of our faith is serving others, and particularly those in need. Our food pantry is open during Father's office hours and during church services. All are welcome to receive food from it, including our church members. Please donate nonperishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entryway). See our Food Pantry Shopping List for more information and ideas. Monetary donations are welcome. Write "Food Pantry" in the subject line of your check, or use the blue donation form below and click on the designation "Food Pantry." Interested in helping hands-on? We're looking for a volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors. Contact Subdeacon Anthony (Bill Spencer) or Father Ignatius with questions.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus went to a city called Nain, and many of His disciples and a great crowd went with Him. As He drew near to the gate of the city, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow; and a large crowd from the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” And He came and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And Jesus said, “Young man, I say to you: arise.” And the dead man sat up, and began to speak. And Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all; and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and “God has visited His people!” (Luke 7:11-16)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr and Fabian Muller-Dahlberg in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
"Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you."
1 Peter 5:6-7
Sunday September 23, 2018, Conception of St. John the Forerunner
This Week's Services and Events
September 25, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
September 26, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 2:00PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist 6:50PM
+ The Story of the Bible discussion "Distrust and Deathless, and God's Response (Genesis 4-11:26)" , 7:30PM
September 27, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 1:15PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
September 28, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:30PM
September 29, Saturday
+ Intro to Orthodoxy class, 3:00PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
September 30, Sunday, 18th Sunday after Pentecost
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by coffee hour and Sunday School
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Parish-wide Potluck Next Sunday
Being the fifth Sunday of the month, on September 30, all are invited to bring food to share for coffee hour following liturgy.
November 17 Retreat on Stewardship
Archdeacon Saed Rihani from St. Mary Church in Palos Heights, Illinois, will be leading us in a day long retreat focusing on the idea of Christian Stewardship titled "Our Pursuit of Holiness: Using our Time, Talent and Treasures" More information, including a schedule will be released in the coming weeks.
Pro-life News
* Informed Choice of Iowa City/Obria Medical Clinics Fundraiser Dinner*
The local pro-life medical clinic, which offers real medical care and other help for women who are facing an unexpected pregnancy and may be contemplating abortion, is having their annual fundraiser dinner on October 29 at 7PM at the Coralville Marriott Hotel and Conference Center. Dinner is free. Registration is required. For more information and to register, go to: http://www.informedchoiceia.org/youre-invited-to-an-evening-to-remember/
* 40 Days for Life Prayer Vigil*
40 Days for Life is a peaceful, prayerful and effective pro-life campaign that has helped save 14,643 known lives from abortion, led to the conversion of 177 abortion workers and seen 96 abortion centers close, with 20 closed in Iowa.
WHERE: Emma Goldman Center (public sidewalk), 227 N. Dubuque St., Iowa City
WHEN: Sept. 26 - Nov. 4, 2018 , 1 hour shifts: 8AM-8PM, every day. See www.40daysforlife.com/iowacity. Contact Gary Sieren, (319) 330-0961.
* From Death to Life--A Story of Transformation*
For 18 years, Planned Parenthood operated an abortion clinic in Bettendorf, Iowa, until it closed down in 2017. It is estimated that 10,000 unborn children died by abortions in that building over those years. Now, that building is owned and operated by a Christian ministry doing the work of the Lord, providing help to pregnant women by offering hope and promoting life. To read more about this amazing story, go to the following link and scroll to page 4. https://b31335ab93814c8cc2ae-0a89c7c9f703c8791cb1d0d875ef2ca5.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/uploaded/l/0e7690229_1534452122_lifedatefall2018website.pdf
Wednesday Night Discussions, The Story of the Bible
We are hosting 11 successive discussions on the Bible at St. Raphael Church on Wednesday evenings from 7:30-8:15PM this Fall. Spread the word and join us! Here is the schedule of topics and the corresponding section of the Bible that participants will be asked to read beforehand and be prepared to discuss:
September 26: Distrust and Deathliness, and God's Response, Genesis 4-11:26
October 3: There and Back Again: Faith and the Journey Home, Genesis 11:27-chapter 50
October 10: Rescue from Death, Freedom from Bondage, Steadfast Love, Exodus 1-40
October 17: Looking for the Salvation of Israel, samples from the Psalms and Prophets
October 24: Jesus: In the Beginning Was the Word, Who Do You Say that I Am?, John 1:1-14 and Mark 1-8
November 7: He Is Not Here, He Is Risen, Mark 9-16
November 14: The Heart of Jesus's Teachings, Matthew 5-7
November 28: The Birth of the Church, Love First and Last, Acts 1-3, Romans 12, I Corinthians 13
December 5: Last Things, I Corinthians 15, I Thessalonians 4-5, Revelation 20-22
December 12: Fellowship Meal
Save the Date, Bishop's Visit
Bishop Anthony will make his next archpastoral visit with us in the Spring of 2019, on April 13-14, the fifth Sunday of Lent. Please mark your calendars and plan to be with the bishop that weekend.
Food Pantry
An important part of our faith is serving others, and particularly those in need. Our food pantry is open during Father's office hours and during church services. All are welcome to receive food from it, including our church members. Please donate nonperishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entryway). See our Food Pantry Shopping List for more information and ideas. Monetary donations are welcome. Write "Food Pantry" in the subject line of your check, or use the blue donation form below and click on the designation "Food Pantry." Interested in helping hands-on? Contact Subdeacon Anthony (Bill Spencer) or Father Ignatius with questions.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord said: “As you wish that men would do to you, do so to them. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:31-36)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr and Fabian Muller-Dahlberg in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
"As they departed, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John: 'What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. For this is he of whom it is written:
"Behold, I send My messenger before Your face,
Who will prepare Your way before You.
Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. And if you are willing to receive it, he is Elijah who is to come. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!"
Matthew 11:7-15
September 25, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
September 26, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 2:00PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist 6:50PM
+ The Story of the Bible discussion "Distrust and Deathless, and God's Response (Genesis 4-11:26)" , 7:30PM
September 27, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 1:15PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
September 28, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:30PM
September 29, Saturday
+ Intro to Orthodoxy class, 3:00PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
September 30, Sunday, 18th Sunday after Pentecost
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by coffee hour and Sunday School
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Parish-wide Potluck Next Sunday
Being the fifth Sunday of the month, on September 30, all are invited to bring food to share for coffee hour following liturgy.
November 17 Retreat on Stewardship
Archdeacon Saed Rihani from St. Mary Church in Palos Heights, Illinois, will be leading us in a day long retreat focusing on the idea of Christian Stewardship titled "Our Pursuit of Holiness: Using our Time, Talent and Treasures" More information, including a schedule will be released in the coming weeks.
Pro-life News
* Informed Choice of Iowa City/Obria Medical Clinics Fundraiser Dinner*
The local pro-life medical clinic, which offers real medical care and other help for women who are facing an unexpected pregnancy and may be contemplating abortion, is having their annual fundraiser dinner on October 29 at 7PM at the Coralville Marriott Hotel and Conference Center. Dinner is free. Registration is required. For more information and to register, go to: http://www.informedchoiceia.org/youre-invited-to-an-evening-to-remember/
* 40 Days for Life Prayer Vigil*
40 Days for Life is a peaceful, prayerful and effective pro-life campaign that has helped save 14,643 known lives from abortion, led to the conversion of 177 abortion workers and seen 96 abortion centers close, with 20 closed in Iowa.
WHERE: Emma Goldman Center (public sidewalk), 227 N. Dubuque St., Iowa City
WHEN: Sept. 26 - Nov. 4, 2018 , 1 hour shifts: 8AM-8PM, every day. See www.40daysforlife.com/iowacity. Contact Gary Sieren, (319) 330-0961.
* From Death to Life--A Story of Transformation*
For 18 years, Planned Parenthood operated an abortion clinic in Bettendorf, Iowa, until it closed down in 2017. It is estimated that 10,000 unborn children died by abortions in that building over those years. Now, that building is owned and operated by a Christian ministry doing the work of the Lord, providing help to pregnant women by offering hope and promoting life. To read more about this amazing story, go to the following link and scroll to page 4. https://b31335ab93814c8cc2ae-0a89c7c9f703c8791cb1d0d875ef2ca5.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/uploaded/l/0e7690229_1534452122_lifedatefall2018website.pdf
Wednesday Night Discussions, The Story of the Bible
We are hosting 11 successive discussions on the Bible at St. Raphael Church on Wednesday evenings from 7:30-8:15PM this Fall. Spread the word and join us! Here is the schedule of topics and the corresponding section of the Bible that participants will be asked to read beforehand and be prepared to discuss:
September 26: Distrust and Deathliness, and God's Response, Genesis 4-11:26
October 3: There and Back Again: Faith and the Journey Home, Genesis 11:27-chapter 50
October 10: Rescue from Death, Freedom from Bondage, Steadfast Love, Exodus 1-40
October 17: Looking for the Salvation of Israel, samples from the Psalms and Prophets
October 24: Jesus: In the Beginning Was the Word, Who Do You Say that I Am?, John 1:1-14 and Mark 1-8
November 7: He Is Not Here, He Is Risen, Mark 9-16
November 14: The Heart of Jesus's Teachings, Matthew 5-7
November 28: The Birth of the Church, Love First and Last, Acts 1-3, Romans 12, I Corinthians 13
December 5: Last Things, I Corinthians 15, I Thessalonians 4-5, Revelation 20-22
December 12: Fellowship Meal
Save the Date, Bishop's Visit
Bishop Anthony will make his next archpastoral visit with us in the Spring of 2019, on April 13-14, the fifth Sunday of Lent. Please mark your calendars and plan to be with the bishop that weekend.
Food Pantry
An important part of our faith is serving others, and particularly those in need. Our food pantry is open during Father's office hours and during church services. All are welcome to receive food from it, including our church members. Please donate nonperishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entryway). See our Food Pantry Shopping List for more information and ideas. Monetary donations are welcome. Write "Food Pantry" in the subject line of your check, or use the blue donation form below and click on the designation "Food Pantry." Interested in helping hands-on? Contact Subdeacon Anthony (Bill Spencer) or Father Ignatius with questions.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord said: “As you wish that men would do to you, do so to them. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:31-36)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr and Fabian Muller-Dahlberg in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
"As they departed, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John: 'What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. For this is he of whom it is written:
"Behold, I send My messenger before Your face,
Who will prepare Your way before You.
Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. And if you are willing to receive it, he is Elijah who is to come. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!"
Matthew 11:7-15
Sunday September 16, 2018, Sunday after the Elevation of the Cross
This Week's Services and Events
September 18, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
September 19, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 2:00PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist 6:50PM
+ The Story of the Bible discussion "The Knowledge of Good and Evil, Genesis 3" , 7:30PM
September 20, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 1:15PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
September 21, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:30PM
September 22, Saturday
+ Intro to Orthodoxy class, 3:00PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
September 23, Sunday, Conception of the Forerunner and Baptist John
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by coffee hour and Sunday School
Upcoming Events and Announcements
We Need a Volunteer to Bake Holy Bread
Nobody has yet signed up to bake holy bread for Liturgy on Sunday, September 23. If you can do this, let Fr. Ignatius know.
Geneva Lecture Series
Geneva Campus Ministry is hosting Dr. Mary Li Ma, a Chinese/American Sociologist, who will discuss "The Remaking of Christian Churches in a Changing Chinese Society", on Sunday, September 23, at 3:00 pm, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 320 E. College, Iowa City.
November 17 Retreat on Stewardship
Archdeacon Saed Rihani from St. Mary Church in Palos Heights Illinois will be leading us in a day long retreat focusing on the idea of Christian Stewardship titled "Our Pursuit of Holiness: Using our Time, Talent and Treasures" More information, including a schedule will be released in the coming weeks.
Wednesday Night Discussions, The Story of the Bible
We are hosting 11 successive discussions on the Bible at St. Raphael Church on Wednesday evenings from 7:30-8:15PM this Fall. Spread the word and join us! Here is the schedule of topics and the corresponding section of the Bible that participants will be asked to read beforehand and be prepared to discuss.
September 19: The Knowledge of Good and Evil, Genesis 3
September 26: Distrust and Deathliness, and God's Response, Genesis 4-11:26
October 3: There and Back Again: Faith and the Journey Home, Genesis 11:27-chapter 50
October 10: Rescue from Death, Freedom from Bondage, Steadfast Love, Exodus 1-40
October 17: Looking for the Salvation of Israel, samples from the Psalms and Prophets
October 24: Jesus: In the Beginning Was the Word, Who Do You Say that I Am?, John 1:1-14 and Mark 1-8
November 7: He Is Not Here, He Is Risen, Mark 9-16
November 14: The Heart of Jesus's Teachings, Matthew 5-7
November 28: The Birth of the Church, Love First and Last, Acts 1-3, Romans 12, I Corinthians 13
December 5: Last Things, I Corinthians 15, I Thessalonians 4-5, Revelation 20-22
December 12: Fellowship Meal
Change for Wednesday Evenings
Beginning Wednesday, September 12 and through the Fall, Akathist will begin at 6:50PM each Wednesday, to be followed immediately at 7:30PM by the series of discussions on the Bible organized by Lori Branch.
Parking Reminder
On weekends when there is a Hawkeyes home football game scheduled, it can be very difficult to find on-street parking in the neighborhood of the church. Keep in mind that the Chauncey Swan parking garage is just three blocks to the west of church on College Street.
Save the Date, Bishop's Visit
Bishop Anthony will make his next archpastoral visit with us in the Spring of 2019, on April 13-14, the fifth Sunday of Lent. Please mark your calendars and plan to be with the bishop that weekend.
Food Pantry
An important part of our faith is serving others, and particularly those in need. Our food pantry is open during Father's office hours. All are welcome to receive food from it, including our church members. Please donate nonperishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entryway). See our Food Pantry Shopping List for more information and ideas. Monetary donations are welcome. Write "Food Pantry" in the subject line of your check, or use the blue donation form below and click on the designation "Food Pantry." Interested in helping hands-on? We're looking for a volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors. Contact Subdeacon Anthony (Bill Spencer) or Father Ignatius with questions.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus was standing by the lake of Gennesaret. And He saw two boats by the lake; but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, Jesus asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the people from the boat. And when Jesus had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at Thy word I will let down the nets.” And when they had done this, they enclosed a great shoal of fish; and as their nets were breaking, they beckoned to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the catch of fish, which they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men.” And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed Him. (Luke 5:1-11)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr and Fabian Muller-Dahlberg in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
For the Cross is the salvation of the Church; the Cross is the boast of those who hope in it; the Cross is reconciliation of enemies to God and conversion of sinners to Christ. For through the Cross we have been delivered from enmity, and through the Cross we have been joined in friendship to God. Through the Cross we have been freed from the tyranny of the devil, and through the Cross we have been delivered from death and destruction. When the Cross was not proclaimed, we were held fast by death; now the, Cross is proclaimed, and we have come to despise death, as though it did not exist, while we have come to long for everlasting life. When the Cross was not proclaimed, we were strangers to paradise; but when the Cross appeared, at once a thief was found worthy of paradise. From such darkness the human race has crossed over to infinite light; from death it has been called to everlasting life, from corruption it has been renewed for incorruption. For the eyes of the heart are no longer covered by the darkness that comes through ignorance, but through the Cross they are flooded with the light of knowledge. The ears of the deaf are no longer shut by unbelief, for the deaf have heard the word of the Lord, and the blind have recovered their sight to see the glory of God. These are the gifts we are given through the Cross. What blessing has not been achieved for us through the Cross?
--St. John Chrysostom
September 18, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
September 19, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 2:00PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist 6:50PM
+ The Story of the Bible discussion "The Knowledge of Good and Evil, Genesis 3" , 7:30PM
September 20, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 1:15PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
September 21, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:30PM
September 22, Saturday
+ Intro to Orthodoxy class, 3:00PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
September 23, Sunday, Conception of the Forerunner and Baptist John
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by coffee hour and Sunday School
Upcoming Events and Announcements
We Need a Volunteer to Bake Holy Bread
Nobody has yet signed up to bake holy bread for Liturgy on Sunday, September 23. If you can do this, let Fr. Ignatius know.
Geneva Lecture Series
Geneva Campus Ministry is hosting Dr. Mary Li Ma, a Chinese/American Sociologist, who will discuss "The Remaking of Christian Churches in a Changing Chinese Society", on Sunday, September 23, at 3:00 pm, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 320 E. College, Iowa City.
November 17 Retreat on Stewardship
Archdeacon Saed Rihani from St. Mary Church in Palos Heights Illinois will be leading us in a day long retreat focusing on the idea of Christian Stewardship titled "Our Pursuit of Holiness: Using our Time, Talent and Treasures" More information, including a schedule will be released in the coming weeks.
Wednesday Night Discussions, The Story of the Bible
We are hosting 11 successive discussions on the Bible at St. Raphael Church on Wednesday evenings from 7:30-8:15PM this Fall. Spread the word and join us! Here is the schedule of topics and the corresponding section of the Bible that participants will be asked to read beforehand and be prepared to discuss.
September 19: The Knowledge of Good and Evil, Genesis 3
September 26: Distrust and Deathliness, and God's Response, Genesis 4-11:26
October 3: There and Back Again: Faith and the Journey Home, Genesis 11:27-chapter 50
October 10: Rescue from Death, Freedom from Bondage, Steadfast Love, Exodus 1-40
October 17: Looking for the Salvation of Israel, samples from the Psalms and Prophets
October 24: Jesus: In the Beginning Was the Word, Who Do You Say that I Am?, John 1:1-14 and Mark 1-8
November 7: He Is Not Here, He Is Risen, Mark 9-16
November 14: The Heart of Jesus's Teachings, Matthew 5-7
November 28: The Birth of the Church, Love First and Last, Acts 1-3, Romans 12, I Corinthians 13
December 5: Last Things, I Corinthians 15, I Thessalonians 4-5, Revelation 20-22
December 12: Fellowship Meal
Change for Wednesday Evenings
Beginning Wednesday, September 12 and through the Fall, Akathist will begin at 6:50PM each Wednesday, to be followed immediately at 7:30PM by the series of discussions on the Bible organized by Lori Branch.
Parking Reminder
On weekends when there is a Hawkeyes home football game scheduled, it can be very difficult to find on-street parking in the neighborhood of the church. Keep in mind that the Chauncey Swan parking garage is just three blocks to the west of church on College Street.
Save the Date, Bishop's Visit
Bishop Anthony will make his next archpastoral visit with us in the Spring of 2019, on April 13-14, the fifth Sunday of Lent. Please mark your calendars and plan to be with the bishop that weekend.
Food Pantry
An important part of our faith is serving others, and particularly those in need. Our food pantry is open during Father's office hours. All are welcome to receive food from it, including our church members. Please donate nonperishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entryway). See our Food Pantry Shopping List for more information and ideas. Monetary donations are welcome. Write "Food Pantry" in the subject line of your check, or use the blue donation form below and click on the designation "Food Pantry." Interested in helping hands-on? We're looking for a volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors. Contact Subdeacon Anthony (Bill Spencer) or Father Ignatius with questions.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus was standing by the lake of Gennesaret. And He saw two boats by the lake; but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, Jesus asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the people from the boat. And when Jesus had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at Thy word I will let down the nets.” And when they had done this, they enclosed a great shoal of fish; and as their nets were breaking, they beckoned to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the catch of fish, which they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men.” And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed Him. (Luke 5:1-11)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr and Fabian Muller-Dahlberg in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
For the Cross is the salvation of the Church; the Cross is the boast of those who hope in it; the Cross is reconciliation of enemies to God and conversion of sinners to Christ. For through the Cross we have been delivered from enmity, and through the Cross we have been joined in friendship to God. Through the Cross we have been freed from the tyranny of the devil, and through the Cross we have been delivered from death and destruction. When the Cross was not proclaimed, we were held fast by death; now the, Cross is proclaimed, and we have come to despise death, as though it did not exist, while we have come to long for everlasting life. When the Cross was not proclaimed, we were strangers to paradise; but when the Cross appeared, at once a thief was found worthy of paradise. From such darkness the human race has crossed over to infinite light; from death it has been called to everlasting life, from corruption it has been renewed for incorruption. For the eyes of the heart are no longer covered by the darkness that comes through ignorance, but through the Cross they are flooded with the light of knowledge. The ears of the deaf are no longer shut by unbelief, for the deaf have heard the word of the Lord, and the blind have recovered their sight to see the glory of God. These are the gifts we are given through the Cross. What blessing has not been achieved for us through the Cross?
--St. John Chrysostom
Sunday September 9, 2018, Sunday before the Elevation of the Cross
This Week's Services and Events
September 11, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
September 12, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 2:00PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist 6:50PM
+ The Story of the Bible discussion "The Goodness of Creation and Who is God Anyway?" , 7:30PM
September 13, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 1:15PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Vesperal Liturgy for Exaltation of the Cross, 6:00PM
September 14, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:30PM
September 15, Saturday
+ Food Pantry open, 11:00AM-12:30PM
+ Parish Council meeting, 2:30PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
September 16, Sunday, Sunday after the Elevation of the Cross
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by coffee hour and Sunday School
Upcoming Events and Announcements
November 17 Retreat on Stewardship
Archdeacon Saed Rihani from St. Mary Church in Palos Heights Illinois will be leading us in a day long retreat focusing on the idea of Christian Stewardship titled "Our Pursuit of Holiness: Using our Time, Talent and Treasures" More information, including a schedule will be released in the coming weeks.
Wednesday Night Discussions, The Story of the Bible
We are hosting 11 successive discussions on the Bible at St. Raphael Church on Wednesday evenings from 7:30-8:15PM this Fall. Spread the word and join us! Here is the schedule of topics and the corresponding section of the Bible that participants will be asked to read beforehand and be prepared to discuss.
September 12: The Goodness of Creation and Who is God Anyway?, Genesis 1-2
September 19: The Knowledge of Good and Evil, Genesis 3
September 26: Distrust and Deathliness, and God's Response, Genesis 4-11:26
October 3: There and Back Again: Faith and the Journey Home, Genesis 11:27-chapter 50
October 10: Rescue from Death, Freedom from Bondage, Steadfast Love, Exodus 1-40
October 17: Looking for the Salvation of Israel, samples from the Psalms and Prophets
October 24: Jesus: In the Beginning Was the Word, Who Do You Say that I Am?, John 1:1-14 and Mark 1-8
November 7: He Is Not Here, He Is Risen, Mark 9-16
November 14: The Heart of Jesus's Teachings, Matthew 5-7
November 28: The Birth of the Church, Love First and Last, Acts 1-3, Romans 12, I Corinthians 13
December 5: Last Things, I Corinthians 15, I Thessalonians 4-5, Revelation 20-22
December 12: Fellowship Meal
Change for Wednesday Evenings
Beginning Wednesday, September 12 and through the Fall, Akathist will begin at 6:50PM each Wednesday, to be followed immediately at 7:30PM by the series of discussions on the Bible organized by Lori Branch.
Parking Reminder
On weekends when there is a Hawkeyes home football game scheduled, it can be very difficult to find on-street parking in the neighborhood of the church. Keep in mind that the Chauncey Swan parking garage is just three blocks to the west of church on College Street.
Save the Date, Bishop's Visit
Bishop Anthony will make his next archpastoral visit with us in the Spring of 2019, on April 13-14, the fifth Sunday of Lent. Please mark your calendars and plan to be with the bishop that weekend.
Food Pantry
An important part of our faith is serving others, and particularly those in need. Our new food pantry is open from 11:00 to 12:30 on third Saturdays for now. All are welcome to receive food from it, including our church members. Please donate nonperishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entryway). See our Food Pantry Shopping List for more information and ideas. Monetary donations are welcome. Write "Food Pantry" in the subject line of your check, or use the blue donation form below and click on the designation "Food Pantry." Interested in helping hands-on? We're looking for a volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors. Contact Subdeacon Anthony (Bill Spencer) or Father Ignatius with questions.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord said, “If any man would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for My sake and the Gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and of My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” And He said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see theKingdom of God come with power.” (Mark 8:34-9:1)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr and Fabian Muller-Dahlberg in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
"If you want to do spiritual work on yourselves, do not examine what others are doing around you; instead, have good thoughts about both the good and the bad you see in others. Regardless of the reason why someone does something, you must put a good thought in your mind. A good thought contains love; it disarms the other person and makes him behave properly... If you had spiritual health, you would see even the impure as pure. Just as you recognize the value of fruit, you would also recognize the value of manure because manure helps the fruit to grow. Whoever has good thoughts also has spiritual health, and what is evil can be changed into good."
+Saint Paisios, Spiritual Counsels, Volume III: Spiritual Struggle, p. 27-28.
September 11, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
September 12, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 2:00PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist 6:50PM
+ The Story of the Bible discussion "The Goodness of Creation and Who is God Anyway?" , 7:30PM
September 13, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 1:15PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Vesperal Liturgy for Exaltation of the Cross, 6:00PM
September 14, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:30PM
September 15, Saturday
+ Food Pantry open, 11:00AM-12:30PM
+ Parish Council meeting, 2:30PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
September 16, Sunday, Sunday after the Elevation of the Cross
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by coffee hour and Sunday School
Upcoming Events and Announcements
November 17 Retreat on Stewardship
Archdeacon Saed Rihani from St. Mary Church in Palos Heights Illinois will be leading us in a day long retreat focusing on the idea of Christian Stewardship titled "Our Pursuit of Holiness: Using our Time, Talent and Treasures" More information, including a schedule will be released in the coming weeks.
Wednesday Night Discussions, The Story of the Bible
We are hosting 11 successive discussions on the Bible at St. Raphael Church on Wednesday evenings from 7:30-8:15PM this Fall. Spread the word and join us! Here is the schedule of topics and the corresponding section of the Bible that participants will be asked to read beforehand and be prepared to discuss.
September 12: The Goodness of Creation and Who is God Anyway?, Genesis 1-2
September 19: The Knowledge of Good and Evil, Genesis 3
September 26: Distrust and Deathliness, and God's Response, Genesis 4-11:26
October 3: There and Back Again: Faith and the Journey Home, Genesis 11:27-chapter 50
October 10: Rescue from Death, Freedom from Bondage, Steadfast Love, Exodus 1-40
October 17: Looking for the Salvation of Israel, samples from the Psalms and Prophets
October 24: Jesus: In the Beginning Was the Word, Who Do You Say that I Am?, John 1:1-14 and Mark 1-8
November 7: He Is Not Here, He Is Risen, Mark 9-16
November 14: The Heart of Jesus's Teachings, Matthew 5-7
November 28: The Birth of the Church, Love First and Last, Acts 1-3, Romans 12, I Corinthians 13
December 5: Last Things, I Corinthians 15, I Thessalonians 4-5, Revelation 20-22
December 12: Fellowship Meal
Change for Wednesday Evenings
Beginning Wednesday, September 12 and through the Fall, Akathist will begin at 6:50PM each Wednesday, to be followed immediately at 7:30PM by the series of discussions on the Bible organized by Lori Branch.
Parking Reminder
On weekends when there is a Hawkeyes home football game scheduled, it can be very difficult to find on-street parking in the neighborhood of the church. Keep in mind that the Chauncey Swan parking garage is just three blocks to the west of church on College Street.
Save the Date, Bishop's Visit
Bishop Anthony will make his next archpastoral visit with us in the Spring of 2019, on April 13-14, the fifth Sunday of Lent. Please mark your calendars and plan to be with the bishop that weekend.
Food Pantry
An important part of our faith is serving others, and particularly those in need. Our new food pantry is open from 11:00 to 12:30 on third Saturdays for now. All are welcome to receive food from it, including our church members. Please donate nonperishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entryway). See our Food Pantry Shopping List for more information and ideas. Monetary donations are welcome. Write "Food Pantry" in the subject line of your check, or use the blue donation form below and click on the designation "Food Pantry." Interested in helping hands-on? We're looking for a volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors. Contact Subdeacon Anthony (Bill Spencer) or Father Ignatius with questions.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord said, “If any man would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for My sake and the Gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and of My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” And He said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see theKingdom of God come with power.” (Mark 8:34-9:1)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr and Fabian Muller-Dahlberg in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
"If you want to do spiritual work on yourselves, do not examine what others are doing around you; instead, have good thoughts about both the good and the bad you see in others. Regardless of the reason why someone does something, you must put a good thought in your mind. A good thought contains love; it disarms the other person and makes him behave properly... If you had spiritual health, you would see even the impure as pure. Just as you recognize the value of fruit, you would also recognize the value of manure because manure helps the fruit to grow. Whoever has good thoughts also has spiritual health, and what is evil can be changed into good."
+Saint Paisios, Spiritual Counsels, Volume III: Spiritual Struggle, p. 27-28.
Sunday September 2, 2018, 14th Sunday after Pentecost
This Week's Services and Events
September 4, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
September 5, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 2:00PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ The Story of the Bible talk, 7:00PM at ICPL
September 6, Thursday
+ Free Lunch Volunteering, 11:30AM-1:00PM
+ Office Hours, 1:15PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ OCF Dinner, 7:00PM
September 7, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:30PM
+ Vesperal Liturgy for the Nativity of the Theotokos, 6:00PM
September 8, Saturday
+ Intro to Orthodoxy Class, 3:00PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
September 9, Sunday, Sunday before the Elevation of the Cross
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by coffee hour and Sunday School
Upcoming Events and Announcements
September/October Calendars are Printed
Thanks to Subdeacon Panteleimon (Todd) our printed calendars showing services and events for the next two months are ready for you to take. Look for them in the church narthex.
Save the Date, Bishop's Visit
Bishop Anthony will make his next archpastoral visit with us in the Spring of 2019, on April 13-14, the fifth Sunday of Lent. Please mark your calendars and plan to be with the bishop that weekend.
Congratulations
Fabian Muller-Dahlberg was received as a catechumen during liturgy this morning.
Liturgy for the Nativity of the Theotokos
On Friday September 7 at 6:00PM, we will commemorate the Nativity of the Theotokos with Vesperal Liturgy.
Orthodox Christian Fellowship
We will meet for a home-cooked meal, hosted by Sanjoy, Elsa and Paul, on Thursday, September 6 at 7:00PM. RSVP to Lizzy Valentine (elizabeth-valentine@uiowa.edu) if you are planning on coming to the dinner
Introduction to Orthodoxy Classes
All who are interested are welcome to join in on a soon-to-start series of Intro to Orthodoxy classes which will be in the form of a book study and discussion. The book we will read through and discuss is "Know the Faith: A Handbook for Orthodox Christians and Inquirers" by Fr. Michael Shanbour. The book is available to purchase in the church bookstore for $21.95. Class will meet weekly on Saturdays at 3PM beginning on September 8. Contact Fr. Ignatius if you are interested and to reserve a book. We will meet for 11 sessions to cover the 11 chapters which are titled:
1. Church
2. Grace
3. Salvation
4. Justification by faith
5. Tradition and Scripture
6. Eucharist and Liturgical Worship
7. Ordination and Priesthood
8. Confession and Repentance
9. Icons, Veneration and Worship
10. The Intercessions of the Saints
11. Veneration of the Virgin Mary
The Story of the Bible
The Bible has been called the greatest story ever told. What is the story of the Bible? What are the special literary qualities of the Bible, and what does the literary dimension of the Bible mean for spiritual life today? Dr. Lori Branch explores these questions from the perspective of an Eastern Orthodox Christian and a literature professor who regularly teaches courses on the Bible. The lecture is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served and Q & A will follow. Wednesday, September 5, 7-8PM, Iowa City Public Library, Meeting Room A. Following this introductory lecture, we will host 11 additional and successive discussions on the Bible at St. Raphael Church on Wednesday evenings from 7:30-8:15PM this Fall. Spread the word and join us!
Change for Wednesday Evenings
Beginning Wednesday, September 12 and through the Fall, Akathist will begin at 6:50PM each Wednesday, to be followed immediately at 7:30PM by the series of discussions on the Bible organized by Lori Branch.
Sunday School Starts on September 9
We will start our Sunday School program on Sunday, September 9. This year there will be two classes: pre-K-4 grade with Lori and 5-8 grades with Sanjoy. There will be no high school age class, but we are happy that three of our highschoolers, Anastasia, Luka and Josiah have agreed to help out with the younger children in their class. Another change from last year is that our Sunday School children will go to their classes immediately after they receive communion, leaving the nave before the final dismissal of liturgy. More specific information on these changes will be sent out to parents of Sunday School students soon.
News Regarding Fr. Elias and Kh. Irene Khouri
As Fr. Elias announced in person recently, he is being sent by Metropolitan Joseph to become the second priest at St. Elijah Church in the Oklahoma City area. His house in Iowa is already sold and a new one purchased in Oklahoma. We are hoping that Father will be able to be with us one last time on a Sunday in September before he relocates later that month. Congratulations to Fr. Elias and may God grant him and Kh. Irene many years and blessings as they pursue this new calling.
Food Pantry
An important part of our faith is serving others, and particularly those in need. Our new food pantry is open from 11:00 to 12:30 on third Saturdays for now. All are welcome to receive food from it, including our church members. Please donate nonperishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entryway). See our Food Pantry Shopping List for more information and ideas. Monetary donations are welcome. Write "Food Pantry" in the subject line of your check, or use the blue donation form below and click on the designation "Food Pantry." Interested in helping hands-on? We're looking for a volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors. Contact Subdeacon Anthony (Bill Spencer) or Father Ignatius with questions.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord said, “No one has ascended into heaven but He who descended from heaven, the Son of man. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent His Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might besaved through Him.” (John 3:13-17)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr and Fabian Muller-Dahlberg in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world---the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever."
1 John 2:15-17
September 4, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
September 5, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 2:00PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ The Story of the Bible talk, 7:00PM at ICPL
September 6, Thursday
+ Free Lunch Volunteering, 11:30AM-1:00PM
+ Office Hours, 1:15PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ OCF Dinner, 7:00PM
September 7, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:30PM
+ Vesperal Liturgy for the Nativity of the Theotokos, 6:00PM
September 8, Saturday
+ Intro to Orthodoxy Class, 3:00PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
September 9, Sunday, Sunday before the Elevation of the Cross
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by coffee hour and Sunday School
Upcoming Events and Announcements
September/October Calendars are Printed
Thanks to Subdeacon Panteleimon (Todd) our printed calendars showing services and events for the next two months are ready for you to take. Look for them in the church narthex.
Save the Date, Bishop's Visit
Bishop Anthony will make his next archpastoral visit with us in the Spring of 2019, on April 13-14, the fifth Sunday of Lent. Please mark your calendars and plan to be with the bishop that weekend.
Congratulations
Fabian Muller-Dahlberg was received as a catechumen during liturgy this morning.
Liturgy for the Nativity of the Theotokos
On Friday September 7 at 6:00PM, we will commemorate the Nativity of the Theotokos with Vesperal Liturgy.
Orthodox Christian Fellowship
We will meet for a home-cooked meal, hosted by Sanjoy, Elsa and Paul, on Thursday, September 6 at 7:00PM. RSVP to Lizzy Valentine (elizabeth-valentine@uiowa.edu) if you are planning on coming to the dinner
Introduction to Orthodoxy Classes
All who are interested are welcome to join in on a soon-to-start series of Intro to Orthodoxy classes which will be in the form of a book study and discussion. The book we will read through and discuss is "Know the Faith: A Handbook for Orthodox Christians and Inquirers" by Fr. Michael Shanbour. The book is available to purchase in the church bookstore for $21.95. Class will meet weekly on Saturdays at 3PM beginning on September 8. Contact Fr. Ignatius if you are interested and to reserve a book. We will meet for 11 sessions to cover the 11 chapters which are titled:
1. Church
2. Grace
3. Salvation
4. Justification by faith
5. Tradition and Scripture
6. Eucharist and Liturgical Worship
7. Ordination and Priesthood
8. Confession and Repentance
9. Icons, Veneration and Worship
10. The Intercessions of the Saints
11. Veneration of the Virgin Mary
The Story of the Bible
The Bible has been called the greatest story ever told. What is the story of the Bible? What are the special literary qualities of the Bible, and what does the literary dimension of the Bible mean for spiritual life today? Dr. Lori Branch explores these questions from the perspective of an Eastern Orthodox Christian and a literature professor who regularly teaches courses on the Bible. The lecture is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served and Q & A will follow. Wednesday, September 5, 7-8PM, Iowa City Public Library, Meeting Room A. Following this introductory lecture, we will host 11 additional and successive discussions on the Bible at St. Raphael Church on Wednesday evenings from 7:30-8:15PM this Fall. Spread the word and join us!
Change for Wednesday Evenings
Beginning Wednesday, September 12 and through the Fall, Akathist will begin at 6:50PM each Wednesday, to be followed immediately at 7:30PM by the series of discussions on the Bible organized by Lori Branch.
Sunday School Starts on September 9
We will start our Sunday School program on Sunday, September 9. This year there will be two classes: pre-K-4 grade with Lori and 5-8 grades with Sanjoy. There will be no high school age class, but we are happy that three of our highschoolers, Anastasia, Luka and Josiah have agreed to help out with the younger children in their class. Another change from last year is that our Sunday School children will go to their classes immediately after they receive communion, leaving the nave before the final dismissal of liturgy. More specific information on these changes will be sent out to parents of Sunday School students soon.
News Regarding Fr. Elias and Kh. Irene Khouri
As Fr. Elias announced in person recently, he is being sent by Metropolitan Joseph to become the second priest at St. Elijah Church in the Oklahoma City area. His house in Iowa is already sold and a new one purchased in Oklahoma. We are hoping that Father will be able to be with us one last time on a Sunday in September before he relocates later that month. Congratulations to Fr. Elias and may God grant him and Kh. Irene many years and blessings as they pursue this new calling.
Food Pantry
An important part of our faith is serving others, and particularly those in need. Our new food pantry is open from 11:00 to 12:30 on third Saturdays for now. All are welcome to receive food from it, including our church members. Please donate nonperishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entryway). See our Food Pantry Shopping List for more information and ideas. Monetary donations are welcome. Write "Food Pantry" in the subject line of your check, or use the blue donation form below and click on the designation "Food Pantry." Interested in helping hands-on? We're looking for a volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors. Contact Subdeacon Anthony (Bill Spencer) or Father Ignatius with questions.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord said, “No one has ascended into heaven but He who descended from heaven, the Son of man. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent His Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might besaved through Him.” (John 3:13-17)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Scott Dorr and Fabian Muller-Dahlberg in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world---the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever."
1 John 2:15-17
Sunday August 26, 2018, 13th Sunday after Pentecost
This Week's Services and Events
August 28, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Vesperal Liturgy for the Beheading of the Forerunner, 6:00PM
August 29, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM
August 30, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ OCF Meeting at IMU, 7:00PM
August 31, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:30PM
September 1, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
September 2, Sunday, 14th Sunday after Pentecost
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by coffee hour
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Memory Eternal
Today, on the one year anniversary of her repose, we prayed for the soul of Tatiana Pyasetskaya, beloved wife of Dmitry Kallestinov and beloved mother of Elena Kallestinova and Dmitry Kallestinov. May her memory be eternal!
September/October Calendars are Printed
Thanks to Subdeacon Panteleimon (Todd) for our printed calendars showing services and events for the next two months are ready for you to take. Look for them in the church narthex.
Happy New Year
The Church begins its liturgical year a new on September 1. To read more about why, and what this means, go to: http://ww1.antiochian.org/happy-church-new-year
News Regarding Fr. Elias and Kh. Irene Khouri
As Fr. Elias announced in person last Sunday, he is being sent by Metropolitan Joseph to become the second priest at St. Elijah Church in the Oklahoma City area. His house in Iowa is already sold and a new one purchased in Oklahoma. We are hoping that Father will be able to be with us one last time on a Sunday in September before he relocates later that month. Congratulations to Fr. Elias and may God grant him and Kh. Irene many years and blessings as they pursue this new calling.
No Retreat on September 1
The Parish Council has decided to postpone the announced retreat that was scheduled for September 1.
New Office Hours
With the start of the new school year, the Valentine family schedule changes and Fr. Ignatius is adjusting his office hours accordingly. The new hours that he will be available at church are: Tuesdays- 12:30PM-3:00PM; Wednesdays- 12:30PM-4:00PM; Thursdays- 11:00AM-3:00PM and Fridays- 9:15AM-12:30PM. Instead of 9th Hour Prayers at 3:00PM on Fridays, Fr. Ignatius will now offer 3rd Hour Prayers on Fridays at 9:00AM.
Liturgy for the Forerunner and Baptist John
On Tuesday August 28 at 6:00 PM, we will commemorate the Beheading of the Forerunner and Baptist John with Liturgy.
Orthodox Christian Fellowship
Orthodox Christian Fellowship, our college-aged group will have their first meeting of the school year on Thursday, August 30 at 7:00PM in the River Room Two of the Iowa Memorial Union (125 Madison St.) All college aged students (undergraduate and graduates) are welcome. We will meet for a home-cooked meal, hosted by Sanjoy, Elsa and Paul, on Thursday, September 6 at 7:00PM. RSVP to Lizzy Valentine (elizabeth-valentine@uiowa.edu) if you are planning on coming to the dinner
The Story of the Bible
The Bible has been called the greatest story ever told. What is the story of the Bible? What are the special literary qualities of the Bible, and what does the literary dimension of the Bible mean for spiritual life today? Dr. Lori Branch explores these questions from the perspective of an Eastern Orthodox Christian and a literature professor who regularly teaches courses on the Bible. The lecture is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served and Q & A will follow. Wednesday, September 5, 7-8PM, Iowa City Public Library, Meeting Room A. A poster advertising this talk is attached. Share it with people who might be interested. Print some copies out and post them around town!
Following this introductory lecture, we will host 11 additional and succesive discussions on the Bible at St. Raphael Church on Wednesday evenings from 7:30-8:15PM this Fall. Spread the word and join us!
Introduction to Orthodoxy Classes
All who are interested are welcome to join in on a soon-to-start series of Intro to Orthodoxy classes which will be in the form of a book study and discussion. The book we will read through and discuss is "Know the Faith: A Handbook for Orthodox Christians and Inquirers" by Fr. Michael Shanbour. The book is available to purchase in the church bookstore for $21.95. Class will meet weekly on Saturdays at 3PM beginning on September 8. Contact Fr. Ignatius if you are interested and to reserve a book. We will meet for 11 sessions to cover the 11 chapters which are titled:
1. Church
2. Grace
3. Salvation
4. Justification by faith
5. Tradition and Scripture
6. Eucharist and Liturgical Worship
7. Ordination and Priesthood
8. Confession and Repentance
9. Icons, Veneration and Worship
10. The Intercessions of the Saints
11. Veneration of the Virgin Mary
Change for Wednesday Evenings
Beginning Wednesday, September 12 and through the Fall, Akathist will begin at 6:50PM each Wednesday, to be followed immediately at 7:30PM by the series of discussions on the Bible organized by Lori Branch.
Sunday School Starts on September 9
We will start our Sunday School program on Sunday, September 9. This year there will be two classes: pre-K-4 grade with Lori and 5-8 grades with Sanjoy. There will be no high school age class, but we are happy that three of our highschoolers, Anastasia, Luka and Josiah have agreed to help out with the younger children in their class. Another change from last year is that our Sunday School children will go to their classes immediately after they receive communion, leaving the nave before the final dismissal of liturgy. More specific information on these changes will be sent out to parents of Sunday School students soon.
Food Pantry
An important part of our faith is serving others, and particularly those in need. Our new food pantry is open from 11:00 to 12:30 on third Saturdays for now. All are welcome to receive food from it, including our church members. Please donate nonperishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entryway). See our Food Pantry Shopping List for more information and ideas. Monetary donations are welcome. Write "Food Pantry" in the subject line of your check, or use the blue donation form below and click on the designation "Food Pantry." Interested in helping hands-on? We're looking for a volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors. Contact Subdeacon Anthony (Bill Spencer) or Father Ignatius with questions.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord spoke this parable: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a marriage feast for his son, and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the marriage feast; but they would not come. Again he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, Behold, I have made ready my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves are killed, and everything is ready; come to the marriage feast.’ But they made light of it and went off, one to his farm, another to his business, while the rest seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them. The king was angry, and he sent his troops and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore to the thoroughfares, and invite to the marriage feast as many as you find.’ And those servants went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good; so the wedding hall was filled with guests. But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment; and he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, and cast him into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.’ For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:2-14)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin and Scott Dorr in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
"Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you; before you were born, I sanctified you."
Jeremiah 1:5
August 28, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Vesperal Liturgy for the Beheading of the Forerunner, 6:00PM
August 29, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM
August 30, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ OCF Meeting at IMU, 7:00PM
August 31, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:30PM
September 1, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
September 2, Sunday, 14th Sunday after Pentecost
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by coffee hour
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Memory Eternal
Today, on the one year anniversary of her repose, we prayed for the soul of Tatiana Pyasetskaya, beloved wife of Dmitry Kallestinov and beloved mother of Elena Kallestinova and Dmitry Kallestinov. May her memory be eternal!
September/October Calendars are Printed
Thanks to Subdeacon Panteleimon (Todd) for our printed calendars showing services and events for the next two months are ready for you to take. Look for them in the church narthex.
Happy New Year
The Church begins its liturgical year a new on September 1. To read more about why, and what this means, go to: http://ww1.antiochian.org/happy-church-new-year
News Regarding Fr. Elias and Kh. Irene Khouri
As Fr. Elias announced in person last Sunday, he is being sent by Metropolitan Joseph to become the second priest at St. Elijah Church in the Oklahoma City area. His house in Iowa is already sold and a new one purchased in Oklahoma. We are hoping that Father will be able to be with us one last time on a Sunday in September before he relocates later that month. Congratulations to Fr. Elias and may God grant him and Kh. Irene many years and blessings as they pursue this new calling.
No Retreat on September 1
The Parish Council has decided to postpone the announced retreat that was scheduled for September 1.
New Office Hours
With the start of the new school year, the Valentine family schedule changes and Fr. Ignatius is adjusting his office hours accordingly. The new hours that he will be available at church are: Tuesdays- 12:30PM-3:00PM; Wednesdays- 12:30PM-4:00PM; Thursdays- 11:00AM-3:00PM and Fridays- 9:15AM-12:30PM. Instead of 9th Hour Prayers at 3:00PM on Fridays, Fr. Ignatius will now offer 3rd Hour Prayers on Fridays at 9:00AM.
Liturgy for the Forerunner and Baptist John
On Tuesday August 28 at 6:00 PM, we will commemorate the Beheading of the Forerunner and Baptist John with Liturgy.
Orthodox Christian Fellowship
Orthodox Christian Fellowship, our college-aged group will have their first meeting of the school year on Thursday, August 30 at 7:00PM in the River Room Two of the Iowa Memorial Union (125 Madison St.) All college aged students (undergraduate and graduates) are welcome. We will meet for a home-cooked meal, hosted by Sanjoy, Elsa and Paul, on Thursday, September 6 at 7:00PM. RSVP to Lizzy Valentine (elizabeth-valentine@uiowa.edu) if you are planning on coming to the dinner
The Story of the Bible
The Bible has been called the greatest story ever told. What is the story of the Bible? What are the special literary qualities of the Bible, and what does the literary dimension of the Bible mean for spiritual life today? Dr. Lori Branch explores these questions from the perspective of an Eastern Orthodox Christian and a literature professor who regularly teaches courses on the Bible. The lecture is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served and Q & A will follow. Wednesday, September 5, 7-8PM, Iowa City Public Library, Meeting Room A. A poster advertising this talk is attached. Share it with people who might be interested. Print some copies out and post them around town!
Following this introductory lecture, we will host 11 additional and succesive discussions on the Bible at St. Raphael Church on Wednesday evenings from 7:30-8:15PM this Fall. Spread the word and join us!
Introduction to Orthodoxy Classes
All who are interested are welcome to join in on a soon-to-start series of Intro to Orthodoxy classes which will be in the form of a book study and discussion. The book we will read through and discuss is "Know the Faith: A Handbook for Orthodox Christians and Inquirers" by Fr. Michael Shanbour. The book is available to purchase in the church bookstore for $21.95. Class will meet weekly on Saturdays at 3PM beginning on September 8. Contact Fr. Ignatius if you are interested and to reserve a book. We will meet for 11 sessions to cover the 11 chapters which are titled:
1. Church
2. Grace
3. Salvation
4. Justification by faith
5. Tradition and Scripture
6. Eucharist and Liturgical Worship
7. Ordination and Priesthood
8. Confession and Repentance
9. Icons, Veneration and Worship
10. The Intercessions of the Saints
11. Veneration of the Virgin Mary
Change for Wednesday Evenings
Beginning Wednesday, September 12 and through the Fall, Akathist will begin at 6:50PM each Wednesday, to be followed immediately at 7:30PM by the series of discussions on the Bible organized by Lori Branch.
Sunday School Starts on September 9
We will start our Sunday School program on Sunday, September 9. This year there will be two classes: pre-K-4 grade with Lori and 5-8 grades with Sanjoy. There will be no high school age class, but we are happy that three of our highschoolers, Anastasia, Luka and Josiah have agreed to help out with the younger children in their class. Another change from last year is that our Sunday School children will go to their classes immediately after they receive communion, leaving the nave before the final dismissal of liturgy. More specific information on these changes will be sent out to parents of Sunday School students soon.
Food Pantry
An important part of our faith is serving others, and particularly those in need. Our new food pantry is open from 11:00 to 12:30 on third Saturdays for now. All are welcome to receive food from it, including our church members. Please donate nonperishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entryway). See our Food Pantry Shopping List for more information and ideas. Monetary donations are welcome. Write "Food Pantry" in the subject line of your check, or use the blue donation form below and click on the designation "Food Pantry." Interested in helping hands-on? We're looking for a volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors. Contact Subdeacon Anthony (Bill Spencer) or Father Ignatius with questions.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord spoke this parable: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a marriage feast for his son, and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the marriage feast; but they would not come. Again he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, Behold, I have made ready my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves are killed, and everything is ready; come to the marriage feast.’ But they made light of it and went off, one to his farm, another to his business, while the rest seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them. The king was angry, and he sent his troops and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore to the thoroughfares, and invite to the marriage feast as many as you find.’ And those servants went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good; so the wedding hall was filled with guests. But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment; and he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, and cast him into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.’ For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:2-14)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin and Scott Dorr in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
"Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you; before you were born, I sanctified you."
Jeremiah 1:5
Sunday August 19, 2018, 12th Sunday after Pentecost
This Week's Services and Events
August 21, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Vespers in Kalona, 7:00PM
August 22, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM
August 23, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
August 24, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:30PM
August 25, Saturday
+ Sts. Martha and Mary Women's Group meeting, 3:00PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
August 26, Sunday, 13th Sunday after Pentecost
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by coffee hour
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Memory Eternal
Memorial flowers and prayers were offered today for several relatives of Fr. Elias and Kh. Irene Khouri. May their memories be eternal!
No Retreat on September 1
The Parish Council has decided to postpone the announced retreat that was scheduled for September 1.
Vespers in Kalona
Vespers will be held at the United Christian and Baptist Church (401 E Ave.) in Kalona on Tuesday, August 21 at 7:00PM.
New Office Hours
With the start of the new school year, the Valentine family schedule changes and Fr. Ignatius is adjusting his office hours accordingly. The new hours that he will be available at church are: Tuesdays- 12:30PM-3:00PM; Wednesdays- 12:30PM-4:00PM; Thursdays- 11:00AM-3:00PM and Fridays- 9:15AM-12:30PM. Instead of 9th Hour Prayers at 3:00PM on Fridays, Fr. Ignatius will now offer 3rd Hour Prayers on Fridays at 9:00AM.
Blessing the New School Year
On Sunday, August 26, at the end of liturgy, all students and teachers will be prayed for and blessed at the beginning of this new school year.
Liturgy for the Forerunner and Baptist John
On Tuesday August 28 at 6:00PM, we will commemorate the Beheading of the Forerunner and Baptist John with Liturgy.
Orthodox Christian Fellowship
Orthodox Christian Fellowship, our college-aged group will have their first meeting of the school year on Thursday, August 30 at 7:00PM in the River Room Two of the Iowa Memorial Union (125 Madison St.) All college aged students (undergraduate and graduates) are welcome.
The Story of the Bible
The Bible has been called the greatest story ever told. What is the story of the Bible? What are the special literary qualities of the Bible, and what does the literary dimension of the Bible mean for spiritual life today? Dr. Lori Branch explores these questions from the perspective of an Eastern Orthodox Christian and a literature professor who regularly teaches courses on the Bible. The lecture is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served and Q & A will follow. Wednesday, September 5, 7-8PM, Iowa City Public Library, Meeting Room A. A poster advertising this talk is attached. Share it with people who might be interested. Print some copies out and post them around town.!
Following this introductory lecture, we will host 11 additional and succesive discussions on the Bible at St. Raphael Church on Wednesday evenings at 7:30PM this Fall. Spread the word and join us!
Change for Wednesday Evenings
Beginning Wednesday, September 12 and through the Fall, Akathist will begin at 6:50PM each Wednesday, to be followed immediately at 7:30PM by the series of discussions on the Bible organized by Lori Branch.
Sunday School Starts on September 9
We will start our Sunday School program on Sunday, September 9. This year there will be two classes: pre-K-4 grade with Lori and 5-8 grades with Sanjoy. There will be no high school age class, but we are happy that three of our highschoolers, Anastasia, Luka and Josiah have agreed to help out with the younger children in their class. Another change from last year is that our Sunday School children will go to their classes immediately after they receive communion, leaving the nave before the final dismissal of liturgy. More specific information on these changes will be sent out to parents of Sunday School students soon.
Food Pantry
An important part of our faith is serving others, and particularly those in need. Our new food pantry is open from 11:00 to 12:30 on third Saturdays for now. All are welcome to receive food from it, including our church members. Please donate nonperishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entryway). See our Food Pantry Shopping List for more information and ideas. Monetary donations are welcome. Write "Food Pantry" in the subject line of your check, or use the blue donation form below and click on the designation "Food Pantry." Interested in helping hands-on? We're looking for a volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors. Contact Subdeacon Anthony (Bill Spencer) or Father Ignatius with questions.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord spoke this parable: “There was a householder who planted a vineyard, and set ahedge around it, and dug a wine press in it, and built a tower, and let it out to tenants, and went into another country. When the season of fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants, to get his fruit; and the tenants took his servants and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. Again he sent other servants, more than the first; and they did the same to them. Afterward he sent hisson to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, ‘This is the heir; come, let us kill him and have his inheritance.’ And they took himand cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him. When therefore the owner of the vineyard comes,what will he do to those tenants?” They said to him, “He will put those wretches to a miserabledeath, and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their seasons.” Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The very stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes?’” (Matthew 21:33-42)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin and Scott Dorr in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
“It is the property of angels,’ he continued, ‘not to fall, and even, as some say, it is quite impossible for them to fall. It is the property of men to fall, and to rise again as often as this may happen. But it is the property of devils, and devils alone, not to rise once they have fallen.”
St. John Climacus in The Ladder of Divine Ascent, 4.31
August 21, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Vespers in Kalona, 7:00PM
August 22, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 12:30PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM
August 23, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 11:00AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
August 24, Friday
+ 3rd Hour Prayers, 9:00AM
+ Office Hours, 9:15AM-12:30PM
August 25, Saturday
+ Sts. Martha and Mary Women's Group meeting, 3:00PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
August 26, Sunday, 13th Sunday after Pentecost
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by coffee hour
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Memory Eternal
Memorial flowers and prayers were offered today for several relatives of Fr. Elias and Kh. Irene Khouri. May their memories be eternal!
No Retreat on September 1
The Parish Council has decided to postpone the announced retreat that was scheduled for September 1.
Vespers in Kalona
Vespers will be held at the United Christian and Baptist Church (401 E Ave.) in Kalona on Tuesday, August 21 at 7:00PM.
New Office Hours
With the start of the new school year, the Valentine family schedule changes and Fr. Ignatius is adjusting his office hours accordingly. The new hours that he will be available at church are: Tuesdays- 12:30PM-3:00PM; Wednesdays- 12:30PM-4:00PM; Thursdays- 11:00AM-3:00PM and Fridays- 9:15AM-12:30PM. Instead of 9th Hour Prayers at 3:00PM on Fridays, Fr. Ignatius will now offer 3rd Hour Prayers on Fridays at 9:00AM.
Blessing the New School Year
On Sunday, August 26, at the end of liturgy, all students and teachers will be prayed for and blessed at the beginning of this new school year.
Liturgy for the Forerunner and Baptist John
On Tuesday August 28 at 6:00PM, we will commemorate the Beheading of the Forerunner and Baptist John with Liturgy.
Orthodox Christian Fellowship
Orthodox Christian Fellowship, our college-aged group will have their first meeting of the school year on Thursday, August 30 at 7:00PM in the River Room Two of the Iowa Memorial Union (125 Madison St.) All college aged students (undergraduate and graduates) are welcome.
The Story of the Bible
The Bible has been called the greatest story ever told. What is the story of the Bible? What are the special literary qualities of the Bible, and what does the literary dimension of the Bible mean for spiritual life today? Dr. Lori Branch explores these questions from the perspective of an Eastern Orthodox Christian and a literature professor who regularly teaches courses on the Bible. The lecture is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served and Q & A will follow. Wednesday, September 5, 7-8PM, Iowa City Public Library, Meeting Room A. A poster advertising this talk is attached. Share it with people who might be interested. Print some copies out and post them around town.!
Following this introductory lecture, we will host 11 additional and succesive discussions on the Bible at St. Raphael Church on Wednesday evenings at 7:30PM this Fall. Spread the word and join us!
Change for Wednesday Evenings
Beginning Wednesday, September 12 and through the Fall, Akathist will begin at 6:50PM each Wednesday, to be followed immediately at 7:30PM by the series of discussions on the Bible organized by Lori Branch.
Sunday School Starts on September 9
We will start our Sunday School program on Sunday, September 9. This year there will be two classes: pre-K-4 grade with Lori and 5-8 grades with Sanjoy. There will be no high school age class, but we are happy that three of our highschoolers, Anastasia, Luka and Josiah have agreed to help out with the younger children in their class. Another change from last year is that our Sunday School children will go to their classes immediately after they receive communion, leaving the nave before the final dismissal of liturgy. More specific information on these changes will be sent out to parents of Sunday School students soon.
Food Pantry
An important part of our faith is serving others, and particularly those in need. Our new food pantry is open from 11:00 to 12:30 on third Saturdays for now. All are welcome to receive food from it, including our church members. Please donate nonperishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entryway). See our Food Pantry Shopping List for more information and ideas. Monetary donations are welcome. Write "Food Pantry" in the subject line of your check, or use the blue donation form below and click on the designation "Food Pantry." Interested in helping hands-on? We're looking for a volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors. Contact Subdeacon Anthony (Bill Spencer) or Father Ignatius with questions.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord spoke this parable: “There was a householder who planted a vineyard, and set ahedge around it, and dug a wine press in it, and built a tower, and let it out to tenants, and went into another country. When the season of fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants, to get his fruit; and the tenants took his servants and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. Again he sent other servants, more than the first; and they did the same to them. Afterward he sent hisson to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, ‘This is the heir; come, let us kill him and have his inheritance.’ And they took himand cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him. When therefore the owner of the vineyard comes,what will he do to those tenants?” They said to him, “He will put those wretches to a miserabledeath, and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their seasons.” Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The very stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes?’” (Matthew 21:33-42)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin and Scott Dorr in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
“It is the property of angels,’ he continued, ‘not to fall, and even, as some say, it is quite impossible for them to fall. It is the property of men to fall, and to rise again as often as this may happen. But it is the property of devils, and devils alone, not to rise once they have fallen.”
St. John Climacus in The Ladder of Divine Ascent, 4.31
Sunday August 12, 2018, Afterfeast of the Transfiguration
This Week's Services and Events
August 13, Monday
+ Paraklesis, 7:00PM
August 14, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Vesperal Liturgy for Dormition, 6:00PM
August 15, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM
August 16, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 1:30PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
August 17, Friday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
August 18, Saturday
+ Food Pantry Open, 11:00AM-12:30PM
+ Parish Council meeting, 2:30PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
August 19, Sunday, 12th Sunday after Pentecost
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by coffee hour
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Dormition Fast
From August 1-14, we participate in the Dormition Fast, preparing for, and then marking the falling asleep or the death of the Holy Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary. During this time, the church offers extra services. This Paraklesis service, as it is called, is a service of consolation. We ask the Virgin Mary for her prayers in our struggles in life, and we come to God in faith that He loves us and wants to heal us. This service will be offered on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7:00PM during these two weeks. The Dormition Fast concludes with Vesperal Liturgy celebrating the Dormition of the Theotokos at 6:00PM on August 14.
Congratulations
Alli Rockwell and her daughter Lula were churched today. May God grant them many years!
Vespers in Kalona
Vespers will be held at the United Christian and Baptist Church (401 E Ave.) in Kalona on Tuesday, August 21 at 7:00PM.
Blessing the New School Year
On Sunday, August 26, at the end of liturgy, all students and teachers will be prayed for and blessed at the beginning of this new school year.
Recommended Orthodox Children's Movie "Seraphima's Extraordinary Adventures"
Seraphima's Extraordinary Adventures is a well done, animated movie made in Russia, with English subtitles. You can watch it at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNLuIfs7rzA
The Story of the Bible
The Bible has been called the greatest story ever told. What is the story of the Bible? What are the special literary qualities of the Bible, and what does the literary dimension of the Bible mean for spiritual life today? Dr. Lori Branch explores these questions from the perspective of an Eastern Orthodox Christian and a literature professor who regularly teaches courses on the Bible. The lecture is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served and Q & A will follow. Wednesday, September 5, 7-8PM, Iowa City Public Library, Meeting Room A.
Following this introductory lecture, we will host 11 additional and succesive discussions on the Bible at St. Raphael Church on Wednesday evenings this Fall. Spread the word and join us!
Food Pantry
An important part of our faith is serving others, and particularly those in need. Our new food pantry is open from 11:00 to 12:30 on third Saturdays for now. All are welcome to receive food from it, including our church members. Please donate nonperishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entryway). See our Food Pantry Shopping List for more information and ideas. Monetary donations are welcome. Write "Food Pantry" in the subject line of your check, or use the blue donation form below and click on the designation "Food Pantry." Interested in helping hands-on? We're looking for a volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors. Contact Subdeacon Anthony (Bill Spencer) or Father Ignatius with questions.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, a young man came up to Jesus, kneeling and saying, “Good Teacher, what good deed must I do, to have eternal life?” And He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” He said to Him, “Which?” And Jesus said, “You shall not kill, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not bear false witness, honor your father and mother, and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to Him, “All these I have observed; what do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” When the young man heard this, he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions. And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, it will be hard for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:16-26)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin and Scott Dorr in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
"The Apostolic Faith must be passed down from father to son; and from mother to daughter. Even those who are not our children according to the flesh can become our spiritual children when we decide to behave towards them like responsible parents. This is truly what it means to share the Gospel."
His Eminence, Metropolitan JOSEPH
August 13, Monday
+ Paraklesis, 7:00PM
August 14, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Vesperal Liturgy for Dormition, 6:00PM
August 15, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM
August 16, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 1:30PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
August 17, Friday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
August 18, Saturday
+ Food Pantry Open, 11:00AM-12:30PM
+ Parish Council meeting, 2:30PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
August 19, Sunday, 12th Sunday after Pentecost
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by coffee hour
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Dormition Fast
From August 1-14, we participate in the Dormition Fast, preparing for, and then marking the falling asleep or the death of the Holy Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary. During this time, the church offers extra services. This Paraklesis service, as it is called, is a service of consolation. We ask the Virgin Mary for her prayers in our struggles in life, and we come to God in faith that He loves us and wants to heal us. This service will be offered on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7:00PM during these two weeks. The Dormition Fast concludes with Vesperal Liturgy celebrating the Dormition of the Theotokos at 6:00PM on August 14.
Congratulations
Alli Rockwell and her daughter Lula were churched today. May God grant them many years!
Vespers in Kalona
Vespers will be held at the United Christian and Baptist Church (401 E Ave.) in Kalona on Tuesday, August 21 at 7:00PM.
Blessing the New School Year
On Sunday, August 26, at the end of liturgy, all students and teachers will be prayed for and blessed at the beginning of this new school year.
Recommended Orthodox Children's Movie "Seraphima's Extraordinary Adventures"
Seraphima's Extraordinary Adventures is a well done, animated movie made in Russia, with English subtitles. You can watch it at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNLuIfs7rzA
The Story of the Bible
The Bible has been called the greatest story ever told. What is the story of the Bible? What are the special literary qualities of the Bible, and what does the literary dimension of the Bible mean for spiritual life today? Dr. Lori Branch explores these questions from the perspective of an Eastern Orthodox Christian and a literature professor who regularly teaches courses on the Bible. The lecture is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served and Q & A will follow. Wednesday, September 5, 7-8PM, Iowa City Public Library, Meeting Room A.
Following this introductory lecture, we will host 11 additional and succesive discussions on the Bible at St. Raphael Church on Wednesday evenings this Fall. Spread the word and join us!
Food Pantry
An important part of our faith is serving others, and particularly those in need. Our new food pantry is open from 11:00 to 12:30 on third Saturdays for now. All are welcome to receive food from it, including our church members. Please donate nonperishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entryway). See our Food Pantry Shopping List for more information and ideas. Monetary donations are welcome. Write "Food Pantry" in the subject line of your check, or use the blue donation form below and click on the designation "Food Pantry." Interested in helping hands-on? We're looking for a volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors. Contact Subdeacon Anthony (Bill Spencer) or Father Ignatius with questions.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, a young man came up to Jesus, kneeling and saying, “Good Teacher, what good deed must I do, to have eternal life?” And He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” He said to Him, “Which?” And Jesus said, “You shall not kill, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not bear false witness, honor your father and mother, and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to Him, “All these I have observed; what do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” When the young man heard this, he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions. And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, it will be hard for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:16-26)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin and Scott Dorr in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
"The Apostolic Faith must be passed down from father to son; and from mother to daughter. Even those who are not our children according to the flesh can become our spiritual children when we decide to behave towards them like responsible parents. This is truly what it means to share the Gospel."
His Eminence, Metropolitan JOSEPH
Sunday August 5, 2018, Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord (transferred)
This Week's Services and Events
August 6, Monday
+ Paraklesis, 7:00PM
August 7, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
August 8, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Paraklesis, 7:00PM
August 9, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 1:30PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
August 10, Friday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Paraklesis, 7:00PM
August 11, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
August 12, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by coffee hour
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Dormition Fast
From August 1-14, we participate in the Dormition Fast, preparing for, and then marking the falling asleep or the death of the Holy Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary. During this time, the church offers extra services. This Paraklesis service, as it is called, is a service of consolation. We ask the Virgin Mary for her prayers in our struggles in life, and we come to God in faith that He loves us and wants to heal us. This service will be offered on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7:00PM during these two weeks. The Dormition Fast concludes with Vesperal Liturgy celebrating the Dormition of the Theotokos at 6:00PM on August 14.
Building Improvements
Our fellowship hall is undergoing a much-needed repainting and once that project is done, we will also have newer, better lighting in place. We have recently re-established electricity to our sign in the front, and improved the lighting in the front yard lamp posts, and added a timer to control lighting on the porch, making our building safer and more attractive. In addition, we have gained more control over the lighting levels for the nave of the church by breaking one circuit into three and installing a dimmer switch. Thank you to all who have been working on these projects.
New Icon Shrine of St. Raphael
Thanks to Christian Morey who has made and mounted a wooden icon shrine for the handpainted icon of St. Raphael that we were given by Georgian iconographer Lasha Kintsurashvili. This wonderful addition to our church is now in our narthex.
Thank You
Thank you to Newman Abuissa and those working with him, for cleaning out our rain gutters.
The Value of Monks and Nuns to the Church, and Two Opportunities to Help
Monastics provide a service for the Church at large, for they help preserve her saltiness, and without them, the Church would be in perpetual danger of losing her saving savour (see Matthew 5:13). God calls His Church to be in the world but not of the world. Monks and nuns, in their monasteries, intensely embody the truth that the Church belongs ultimately not to this age, but to the age to come. Therefore, monasticism robustly presents Church’s eschatological nature, an in-your-face witness that we are all just sojourners in this world, and that we are just visiting this planet. Furthermore, the prayers of monks and nuns, and the prayers of all who pray seriously and thoroughly, literally sustain the world and all of us. The existence of monks and nuns is of great benefit to us.
Here are two opportunities to help monks and nuns with their needs, so that they can continue to perform their mission, which includes praying for all of us. The Hermitage of the Holy Cross is a men's monastery in West Virginia. Recently, they have experienced two significant landslides which threaten a building and several utility lines. They are trying to raise funds to make the repairs necessary to fix this problem. To learn more and/or to donate, go to: https://www.holycross-hermitage.com/blogs/news/fundraising-for-urgent-landslide-repairs St. Paisius Monastery is a women's monastery in Arizona. They provide hospitality to thousands of spiritual pilgrims each year, but they do not have a dining hall (trapeza) large enough to properly accommodate all of their guests. They are in the process of building a larger dining hall and are raising the necessary funds to complete it and equip and furnish it. To learn more and/or to donate, go to: http://stpaisiusmonastery.org/about-the-monastery/building-projects/monastery-dining-hall-building-project/ Fr. Ignatius has visited both of these monasteries and can vouch for the reality of these needs and the worthiness of these monasteries and their monastics. Help them if you can.
Would You Like to Learn What it Looks Like When God Grabs Hold of a Person and Fills Them With His Grace?
One of our most recently glorified saints, St. Porphyrios of Kafsokalyvia, is an example of such a person. The book, by and about him, titled "Wounded by Love" is inspiring and spiritually enlightening. Fr. Ignatius recommends this book strongly to anyone who wants to understand God's love for mankind and the manner in which He can make us like Him by showering us with His grace. To whet your appetite and to learn a bit about St. Porphyrios and his teachings, watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBxfgsTYhnk&t=278s "Simply, Humbly, Gently: Saint Porphyrios and the Way of Love"
Recommended Orthodox Children's Movie "Seraphima's Extraordinary Adventures"
Seraphima's Extraordinary Adventures is a well done, animated movie made in Russia, with English subtitles. You can watch it at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNLuIfs7rzA
Summer Coffee Hour Change
Our fellowship hall is now rearranged to take advantage of the Sunday School space that is not being used until September. Those who want to participate in the planned interactive effort, can go to the "icebreaker" tables on that side of the room. Those who do not want to do that can sit at the other tables and continue on as they have in past coffee hours. Of course, people can move back and forth between both sides of the room at will. Everyone should know that they are welcome to stay for coffee hour and participate in whatever aspect of it that they are comfortable with. Next Sunday, the conversation question will be, "What's you favorite service or event of the liturgical year?"
Food Pantry
An important part of our faith is serving others, and particularly those in need. Our new food pantry is open from 11:00 to 12:30 on third Saturdays for now. All are welcome to receive food from it, including our church members. Please donate nonperishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entryway). See our Food Pantry Shopping List for more information and ideas. Monetary donations are welcome. Write "Food Pantry" in the subject line of your check, or use the blue donation form below and click on the designation "Food Pantry." Interested in helping hands-on? We're looking for a volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors. Contact Subdeacon Anthony (Bill Spencer) or Father Ignatius with questions.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord spoke this parable: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the reckoning, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents; and as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ And out of pity for him the lord of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. But that same servant, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat he said, ‘Pay what you owe.’ So his fellow servant fell down and besought him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you besought me; and should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ And in anger his lord delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. So also My heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.” (Matthew 18:23-35)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin and Scott Dorr in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
"When the Spirit of God descends upon a man and overshadows him with the fullness of His outpouring, then his soul overflows with a joy not to be described, for the Holy Spirit turns to joy whatever He touches. "
St. Seraphim of Sarov
August 6, Monday
+ Paraklesis, 7:00PM
August 7, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
August 8, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Paraklesis, 7:00PM
August 9, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 1:30PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
August 10, Friday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Paraklesis, 7:00PM
August 11, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
August 12, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by coffee hour
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Dormition Fast
From August 1-14, we participate in the Dormition Fast, preparing for, and then marking the falling asleep or the death of the Holy Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary. During this time, the church offers extra services. This Paraklesis service, as it is called, is a service of consolation. We ask the Virgin Mary for her prayers in our struggles in life, and we come to God in faith that He loves us and wants to heal us. This service will be offered on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7:00PM during these two weeks. The Dormition Fast concludes with Vesperal Liturgy celebrating the Dormition of the Theotokos at 6:00PM on August 14.
Building Improvements
Our fellowship hall is undergoing a much-needed repainting and once that project is done, we will also have newer, better lighting in place. We have recently re-established electricity to our sign in the front, and improved the lighting in the front yard lamp posts, and added a timer to control lighting on the porch, making our building safer and more attractive. In addition, we have gained more control over the lighting levels for the nave of the church by breaking one circuit into three and installing a dimmer switch. Thank you to all who have been working on these projects.
New Icon Shrine of St. Raphael
Thanks to Christian Morey who has made and mounted a wooden icon shrine for the handpainted icon of St. Raphael that we were given by Georgian iconographer Lasha Kintsurashvili. This wonderful addition to our church is now in our narthex.
Thank You
Thank you to Newman Abuissa and those working with him, for cleaning out our rain gutters.
The Value of Monks and Nuns to the Church, and Two Opportunities to Help
Monastics provide a service for the Church at large, for they help preserve her saltiness, and without them, the Church would be in perpetual danger of losing her saving savour (see Matthew 5:13). God calls His Church to be in the world but not of the world. Monks and nuns, in their monasteries, intensely embody the truth that the Church belongs ultimately not to this age, but to the age to come. Therefore, monasticism robustly presents Church’s eschatological nature, an in-your-face witness that we are all just sojourners in this world, and that we are just visiting this planet. Furthermore, the prayers of monks and nuns, and the prayers of all who pray seriously and thoroughly, literally sustain the world and all of us. The existence of monks and nuns is of great benefit to us.
Here are two opportunities to help monks and nuns with their needs, so that they can continue to perform their mission, which includes praying for all of us. The Hermitage of the Holy Cross is a men's monastery in West Virginia. Recently, they have experienced two significant landslides which threaten a building and several utility lines. They are trying to raise funds to make the repairs necessary to fix this problem. To learn more and/or to donate, go to: https://www.holycross-hermitage.com/blogs/news/fundraising-for-urgent-landslide-repairs St. Paisius Monastery is a women's monastery in Arizona. They provide hospitality to thousands of spiritual pilgrims each year, but they do not have a dining hall (trapeza) large enough to properly accommodate all of their guests. They are in the process of building a larger dining hall and are raising the necessary funds to complete it and equip and furnish it. To learn more and/or to donate, go to: http://stpaisiusmonastery.org/about-the-monastery/building-projects/monastery-dining-hall-building-project/ Fr. Ignatius has visited both of these monasteries and can vouch for the reality of these needs and the worthiness of these monasteries and their monastics. Help them if you can.
Would You Like to Learn What it Looks Like When God Grabs Hold of a Person and Fills Them With His Grace?
One of our most recently glorified saints, St. Porphyrios of Kafsokalyvia, is an example of such a person. The book, by and about him, titled "Wounded by Love" is inspiring and spiritually enlightening. Fr. Ignatius recommends this book strongly to anyone who wants to understand God's love for mankind and the manner in which He can make us like Him by showering us with His grace. To whet your appetite and to learn a bit about St. Porphyrios and his teachings, watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBxfgsTYhnk&t=278s "Simply, Humbly, Gently: Saint Porphyrios and the Way of Love"
Recommended Orthodox Children's Movie "Seraphima's Extraordinary Adventures"
Seraphima's Extraordinary Adventures is a well done, animated movie made in Russia, with English subtitles. You can watch it at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNLuIfs7rzA
Summer Coffee Hour Change
Our fellowship hall is now rearranged to take advantage of the Sunday School space that is not being used until September. Those who want to participate in the planned interactive effort, can go to the "icebreaker" tables on that side of the room. Those who do not want to do that can sit at the other tables and continue on as they have in past coffee hours. Of course, people can move back and forth between both sides of the room at will. Everyone should know that they are welcome to stay for coffee hour and participate in whatever aspect of it that they are comfortable with. Next Sunday, the conversation question will be, "What's you favorite service or event of the liturgical year?"
Food Pantry
An important part of our faith is serving others, and particularly those in need. Our new food pantry is open from 11:00 to 12:30 on third Saturdays for now. All are welcome to receive food from it, including our church members. Please donate nonperishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entryway). See our Food Pantry Shopping List for more information and ideas. Monetary donations are welcome. Write "Food Pantry" in the subject line of your check, or use the blue donation form below and click on the designation "Food Pantry." Interested in helping hands-on? We're looking for a volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors. Contact Subdeacon Anthony (Bill Spencer) or Father Ignatius with questions.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord spoke this parable: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the reckoning, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents; and as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ And out of pity for him the lord of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. But that same servant, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat he said, ‘Pay what you owe.’ So his fellow servant fell down and besought him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you besought me; and should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ And in anger his lord delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. So also My heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.” (Matthew 18:23-35)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin and Scott Dorr in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
"When the Spirit of God descends upon a man and overshadows him with the fullness of His outpouring, then his soul overflows with a joy not to be described, for the Holy Spirit turns to joy whatever He touches. "
St. Seraphim of Sarov
Sunday July 29, 2018, 9th Sunday after Pentecost
This Week's Services and Events
July 31, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
August 1, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Paraklesis, 7:00PM
August 2, Thursday
+ Free Lunch Program Volunteering, 11:30AM-1:00PM
+ Office Hours, 1:30PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
August 3, Friday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Paraklesis, 7:00PM
August 4, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
August 5, Sunday (Feast of the Transfiguration, transferred)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by coffee hour
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Looking Ahead to August
From August 1-14, we participate in the Dormition Fast, preparing for, and then marking the falling asleep or the death of the Holy Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary. During this time, the church offers extra services. This Paraklesis service, as it is called, is a service of consolation. We ask the Virgin Mary for her prayers in our struggles in life, and we come to God in faith that He loves us and wants to heal us. This service will be offered on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7:00PM during these two weeks. The Dormition Fast concludes with Vesperal Liturgy celebrating the Dormition of the Theotokos at 6:00PM on August 14.
Blessing of Grapes
On the Feast of the Transfiguration, which we will celebrate next Sunday August 5, it is traditional to bless grapes and other fruit, thanking God for His bountiful harvest. All are welcomed to bring grapes and fruit to be blessed at the end of Liturgy.
So Long, Farewell
We were blessed to have Derick Mattern with us at St. Raphael these last two years while he completed his master's degree. Derick has now moved on and we wish him all the best. He says we may see him for a visit in the future. May God grant him many years!
A Note to Our Choir
"Dear St. Raphael Choir,
Thank you very much for your beautiful musical contribution to our ceremony and for all your work in preparation. It meant a lot to us to have you all there in our ceremony.
In Christ,
Matthew and Katherine"
The Value of Monks and Nuns to the Church, and Two Opportunities to Help
Monastics provide a service for the Church at large, for they help preserve her saltiness, and without them, the Church would be in perpetual danger of losing her saving savour (see Matthew 5:13). God calls His Church to be in the world but not of the world. Monks and nuns, in their monasteries, intensely embody the truth that the Church belongs ultimately not to this age, but to the age to come. Therefore, monasticism robustly presents Church’s eschatological nature, an in-your-face witness that we are all just sojourners in this world, and that we are just visiting this planet. Furthermore, the prayers of monks and nuns, and the prayers of all who pray seriously and thoroughly, literally sustain the world and all of us. The existence of monks and nuns is of great benefit to us.
Here are two opportunities to help monks and nuns with their needs, so that they can continue to perform their mission, which includes praying for all of us. The Hermitage of the Holy Cross is a men's monastery in West Virginia. Recently, they have experienced two significant landslides which threaten a building and several utility lines. They are trying to raise funds to make the repairs necessary to fix this problem. To learn more and/or to donate, go to: https://www.holycross-hermitage.com/blogs/news/fundraising-for-urgent-landslide-repairs St. Paisius Monastery is a women's monastery in Arizona. They provide hospitality to thousands of spiritual pilgrims each year, but they do not have a dining hall (trapeza) large enough to properly accommodate all of their guests. They are in the process of building a larger dining hall and are raising the necessary funds to complete it and equip and furnish it. To learn more and/or to donate, go to: http://stpaisiusmonastery.org/about-the-monastery/building-projects/monastery-dining-hall-building-project/ Fr. Ignatius has visited both of these monasteries and can vouch for the reality of these needs and the worthiness of these monasteries and their monastics. Help them if you can.
Would You Like to Learn What it Looks Like When God Grabs Hold of a Person and Fills Them With His Grace?
One of our most recently glorified saints, St. Porphyrios of Kafsokalyvia, is an example of such a person. The book, by and about him, titled "Wounded by Love" is inspiring and spiritually enlightening. Fr. Ignatius recommends this book strongly to anyone who wants to understand God's love for mankind and the manner in which He can make us like Him by showering us with His grace. To whet your appetite and to learn a bit about St. Porphyrios and his teachings, watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBxfgsTYhnk&t=278s "Simply, Humbly, Gently: Saint Porphyrios and the Way of Love"
A Good Source for Orthodox Christian Children's Books
Potamitis Publishing (http://orthodoxchildrensbooks.com) is an excellent source for well done, colorful children's books relating to our Orthodox faith. They publish dozens of different titles in many different languages (including English!) A representative of the company will be at St. John the Baptist Church in Cedar Rapids on Sunday, August 5, if you want to see a large selection of the books in person.
Summer Coffee Hour Change
Our fellowship hall is now rearranged to take advantage of the Sunday School space that is not being used until September. Those who want to participate in the planned interactive effort, can go to the "icebreaker" tables on that side of the room. Those who do not want to do that can sit at the other tables and continue on as they have in past coffee hours. Of course, people can move back and forth between both sides of the room at will. Everyone should know that they are welcome to stay for coffee hour and participate in whatever aspect of it that they are comfortable with. Next Sunday, the conversation question will be, "What's you favorite service or event of the liturgical year?"
Food Pantry
An important part of our faith is serving others, and particularly those in need. Our new food pantry is open from 11:00 to 12:30 on third Saturdays for now. All are welcome to receive food from it, including our church members. Please donate nonperishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entryway). See our Food Pantry Shopping List for more information and ideas. Monetary donations are welcome. Write "Food Pantry" in the subject line of your check, or use the blue donation form below and click on the designation "Food Pantry." Interested in helping hands-on? We're looking for a volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors. Contact Subdeacon Anthony (Bill Spencer) or Father Ignatius with questions.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain apart. And He was transfigured before them, and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with Him. And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is well that we are here; if Thou wilt, I will make three booths here, one for Thee and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” He was still speaking, when lo,a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, withWhom I am well pleased; hear Him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces, and were filled with awe. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Tell no one the vision, until the Son of man is risen from the dead.” (Matthew 17:1-9)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Jeremiah Kaufmann and Scott Dorr in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
"The Church, if it is to be the Church, must be the revelation of that divine love which God poured out into our hearts. Without this love nothing is valid in the Church, because nothing is possible. The content of Christ's Eucharist is love, and only through love can we enter into it and be made its partakers."
Fr. Alexander Schmemann in "For the Life of the World"
July 31, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
August 1, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Paraklesis, 7:00PM
August 2, Thursday
+ Free Lunch Program Volunteering, 11:30AM-1:00PM
+ Office Hours, 1:30PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
August 3, Friday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Paraklesis, 7:00PM
August 4, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
August 5, Sunday (Feast of the Transfiguration, transferred)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by coffee hour
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Looking Ahead to August
From August 1-14, we participate in the Dormition Fast, preparing for, and then marking the falling asleep or the death of the Holy Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary. During this time, the church offers extra services. This Paraklesis service, as it is called, is a service of consolation. We ask the Virgin Mary for her prayers in our struggles in life, and we come to God in faith that He loves us and wants to heal us. This service will be offered on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7:00PM during these two weeks. The Dormition Fast concludes with Vesperal Liturgy celebrating the Dormition of the Theotokos at 6:00PM on August 14.
Blessing of Grapes
On the Feast of the Transfiguration, which we will celebrate next Sunday August 5, it is traditional to bless grapes and other fruit, thanking God for His bountiful harvest. All are welcomed to bring grapes and fruit to be blessed at the end of Liturgy.
So Long, Farewell
We were blessed to have Derick Mattern with us at St. Raphael these last two years while he completed his master's degree. Derick has now moved on and we wish him all the best. He says we may see him for a visit in the future. May God grant him many years!
A Note to Our Choir
"Dear St. Raphael Choir,
Thank you very much for your beautiful musical contribution to our ceremony and for all your work in preparation. It meant a lot to us to have you all there in our ceremony.
In Christ,
Matthew and Katherine"
The Value of Monks and Nuns to the Church, and Two Opportunities to Help
Monastics provide a service for the Church at large, for they help preserve her saltiness, and without them, the Church would be in perpetual danger of losing her saving savour (see Matthew 5:13). God calls His Church to be in the world but not of the world. Monks and nuns, in their monasteries, intensely embody the truth that the Church belongs ultimately not to this age, but to the age to come. Therefore, monasticism robustly presents Church’s eschatological nature, an in-your-face witness that we are all just sojourners in this world, and that we are just visiting this planet. Furthermore, the prayers of monks and nuns, and the prayers of all who pray seriously and thoroughly, literally sustain the world and all of us. The existence of monks and nuns is of great benefit to us.
Here are two opportunities to help monks and nuns with their needs, so that they can continue to perform their mission, which includes praying for all of us. The Hermitage of the Holy Cross is a men's monastery in West Virginia. Recently, they have experienced two significant landslides which threaten a building and several utility lines. They are trying to raise funds to make the repairs necessary to fix this problem. To learn more and/or to donate, go to: https://www.holycross-hermitage.com/blogs/news/fundraising-for-urgent-landslide-repairs St. Paisius Monastery is a women's monastery in Arizona. They provide hospitality to thousands of spiritual pilgrims each year, but they do not have a dining hall (trapeza) large enough to properly accommodate all of their guests. They are in the process of building a larger dining hall and are raising the necessary funds to complete it and equip and furnish it. To learn more and/or to donate, go to: http://stpaisiusmonastery.org/about-the-monastery/building-projects/monastery-dining-hall-building-project/ Fr. Ignatius has visited both of these monasteries and can vouch for the reality of these needs and the worthiness of these monasteries and their monastics. Help them if you can.
Would You Like to Learn What it Looks Like When God Grabs Hold of a Person and Fills Them With His Grace?
One of our most recently glorified saints, St. Porphyrios of Kafsokalyvia, is an example of such a person. The book, by and about him, titled "Wounded by Love" is inspiring and spiritually enlightening. Fr. Ignatius recommends this book strongly to anyone who wants to understand God's love for mankind and the manner in which He can make us like Him by showering us with His grace. To whet your appetite and to learn a bit about St. Porphyrios and his teachings, watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBxfgsTYhnk&t=278s "Simply, Humbly, Gently: Saint Porphyrios and the Way of Love"
A Good Source for Orthodox Christian Children's Books
Potamitis Publishing (http://orthodoxchildrensbooks.com) is an excellent source for well done, colorful children's books relating to our Orthodox faith. They publish dozens of different titles in many different languages (including English!) A representative of the company will be at St. John the Baptist Church in Cedar Rapids on Sunday, August 5, if you want to see a large selection of the books in person.
Summer Coffee Hour Change
Our fellowship hall is now rearranged to take advantage of the Sunday School space that is not being used until September. Those who want to participate in the planned interactive effort, can go to the "icebreaker" tables on that side of the room. Those who do not want to do that can sit at the other tables and continue on as they have in past coffee hours. Of course, people can move back and forth between both sides of the room at will. Everyone should know that they are welcome to stay for coffee hour and participate in whatever aspect of it that they are comfortable with. Next Sunday, the conversation question will be, "What's you favorite service or event of the liturgical year?"
Food Pantry
An important part of our faith is serving others, and particularly those in need. Our new food pantry is open from 11:00 to 12:30 on third Saturdays for now. All are welcome to receive food from it, including our church members. Please donate nonperishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entryway). See our Food Pantry Shopping List for more information and ideas. Monetary donations are welcome. Write "Food Pantry" in the subject line of your check, or use the blue donation form below and click on the designation "Food Pantry." Interested in helping hands-on? We're looking for a volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors. Contact Subdeacon Anthony (Bill Spencer) or Father Ignatius with questions.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain apart. And He was transfigured before them, and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with Him. And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is well that we are here; if Thou wilt, I will make three booths here, one for Thee and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” He was still speaking, when lo,a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, withWhom I am well pleased; hear Him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces, and were filled with awe. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Tell no one the vision, until the Son of man is risen from the dead.” (Matthew 17:1-9)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Jeremiah Kaufmann and Scott Dorr in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
"The Church, if it is to be the Church, must be the revelation of that divine love which God poured out into our hearts. Without this love nothing is valid in the Church, because nothing is possible. The content of Christ's Eucharist is love, and only through love can we enter into it and be made its partakers."
Fr. Alexander Schmemann in "For the Life of the World"
Sunday July 15, 2018, Sunday of the Fathers of the 4th Council
This Week's Services and Events
July 14, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
July 15, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by Coffee Hour
July 18, Wednesday
+ Akathist, 7:00PM
July 21, Saturday
+ Food Pantry open, 11:00AM-12:30PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
July 22, Sunday (8th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by Coffee Hour
July 25, Wednesday
+ Akathist, 7:00PM
July 28, Saturday
+ Women's Group, 3:00PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
July 29, Sunday (9th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by potluck during coffee hour
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Please Welcome Fr. Elias
Fr. Elias Khouri will be serving matins and liturgy next Sunday, July 22. Please welcome him!
Fr. Ignatius is Out of Town
Fr. Ignatius is out of town until late on Thursday, July 26. If you need to contact him, don't hesitate to call or text at 319-400-7522 or email him at frignatius@straphaelorthodoxchurch.org. If you need the presence of a priest immediately due to an emergency, please call Fr. Elias Khouri at 319-329-2562.
You Are Invited
St. Elias the Prophet Greek Orthodox Church in Dubuque will be celebrating their patronal feast day this week. On July 19, they will have vespers at 7PM followed by refreshments and on July 20, Matins and Liturgy at 9AM. All are welcome.
Next Women's Group Meeting
Our Women's Group will be meeting on July 28 at 3:00PM. All women are welcome.
Parish-wide Potluck July 29
As July 29th is the fifth Sunday of the month, we ask that everyone bring some food to share for our coffee hour following liturgy.
Comments by Fr. Ignatius on "The Secret" Film
Recently, in a forum at which many of our members were present, the 2006 documentary film called "The Secret" was recommended. After watching it himself, here are Fr. Ignatius's comments. "I appreciated and can agree with the emphasis in the film, on gratitude, abundance and joy. Those are all Biblical, Christian concepts and when they are tied into our relationship with God, they are vitally important to realize and practice. But, many assumptions and worldviews presented in the film were at odds with our Orthodox Christian faith. For example, many of the presenters seemed to be operating from a monistic or pantheistic worldview. There seemed to be a conscious effort to depersonalize God. Also, the basic assumptions of many of the presenters focused on the self and the desires of the self as the greatest good. It was much more self-focused, than God-focused. I am happy to share my thoughts further with anyone who inquires."
Looking Ahead to August
From August 1-14, we participate in the Dormition Fast, preparing for, and then marking the falling asleep or the death of the Holy Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary. During this time, the church offers extra services. This Paraklesis service, as it is called, is a service of consolation. We ask the Virgin Mary for her prayers in our struggles in life, and we come to God in faith that He loves us and wants to heal us. This service will be offered on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7:00PM during these two weeks. The Dormition Fast concludes with Vesperal Liturgy celebrating the Dormition of the Theotokos at 6:00PM on August 14.
A Good Source for Orthodox Christian Children's Books
Potamitis Publishing (http://orthodoxchildrensbooks.com) is an excellent source for well done, colorful children's books relating to our Orthodox faith. They publish dozens of different titles in many different languages (including English!) A representative of the company will be at St. John the Baptist Church in Cedar Rapids on Sunday, August 5, if you want to see a large selection of the books in person.
Summer Coffee Hour Change
Our fellowship hall is now rearranged to take advantage of the Sunday School space that is not being used until September. Those who want to participate in the planned interactive effort, can go to the "icebreaker" tables on that side of the room. Those who do not want to do that can sit at the other tables and continue on as they have in past coffee hours. Of course, people can move back and forth between both sides of the room at will. Everyone should know that they are welcome to stay for coffee hour and participate in whatever aspect of it that they are comfortable with. Next Sunday, the conversation question will be, "What's you favorite service or event of the liturgical year?"
Save the Date- Parish Retreat!
Plans are being made to have a wonderful parish-wide retreat on Saturday, September 1st to lay the groundwork for a more healthy, more vibrant and connected church family. Please save the date and plan to be with us. More details to come.
Food Pantry
An important part of our faith is serving others, and particularly those in need. Our new food pantry is open from 11:00 to 12:30 on third Saturdays for now. All are welcome to receive food from it, including our church members. Please donate nonperishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entryway). See our Food Pantry Shopping List for more information and ideas. Monetary donations are welcome. Write "Food Pantry" in the subject line of your check, or use the blue donation form below and click on the designation "Food Pantry." Interested in helping hands-on? We're looking for a volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors. Contact Subdeacon Anthony (Bill Spencer) or Father Ignatius with questions.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Next (Two) Sunday Gospel Readings
At that time, when Jesus went ashore he saw a great throng; and he had compassion on them, and healed their sick. When it was evening, the disciples came to Him and said, “This is a lonely place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food or themselves.” Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” They said to Him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.” And He said, “Bring them here to Me.”Then He ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass; and taking the five loaves and the two fish He looked up to Heaven, and blessed, and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children. Then Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowds. (Matthew 14:14-22)
At that time, Jesus made the Disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowds. And after He had dismissed the crowds, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone, but the Disciples’ boat bythis time was many furlongs distant from the land, beaten by the waves; for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. But when theDisciples saw Jesus walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. But immediately He spoke to them, saying, “Take heart, it is I; have no fear.” And Peter answered Him, “Lord, if it is Thee, bid me come to Thee on the water.” He said, “Come.”So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus; but when he saw the wind,he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out His hand and caught him, saying to him, “O man of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “Truly, Thou art the Son of God.” And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. (Matthew 14:22-34)
Pray for Our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Jeremiah Kaufmann and Scott Dorr in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
"Never cease to give thanks for what you have received. Perhaps we are not rich men when it comes to money and property, but we are wealthy men in the eyes of God. He has given us many unseen gifts, eternal ones, ones that cannot be taken from us. We have been given more than we labored for. Rejoice, for God is generous and merciful. He is the God of Love, and He loves us all."
His Eminence, Metropolitan JOSEPH
July 14, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
July 15, Sunday
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by Coffee Hour
July 18, Wednesday
+ Akathist, 7:00PM
July 21, Saturday
+ Food Pantry open, 11:00AM-12:30PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
July 22, Sunday (8th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by Coffee Hour
July 25, Wednesday
+ Akathist, 7:00PM
July 28, Saturday
+ Women's Group, 3:00PM
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
July 29, Sunday (9th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM, followed by potluck during coffee hour
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Please Welcome Fr. Elias
Fr. Elias Khouri will be serving matins and liturgy next Sunday, July 22. Please welcome him!
Fr. Ignatius is Out of Town
Fr. Ignatius is out of town until late on Thursday, July 26. If you need to contact him, don't hesitate to call or text at 319-400-7522 or email him at frignatius@straphaelorthodoxchurch.org. If you need the presence of a priest immediately due to an emergency, please call Fr. Elias Khouri at 319-329-2562.
You Are Invited
St. Elias the Prophet Greek Orthodox Church in Dubuque will be celebrating their patronal feast day this week. On July 19, they will have vespers at 7PM followed by refreshments and on July 20, Matins and Liturgy at 9AM. All are welcome.
Next Women's Group Meeting
Our Women's Group will be meeting on July 28 at 3:00PM. All women are welcome.
Parish-wide Potluck July 29
As July 29th is the fifth Sunday of the month, we ask that everyone bring some food to share for our coffee hour following liturgy.
Comments by Fr. Ignatius on "The Secret" Film
Recently, in a forum at which many of our members were present, the 2006 documentary film called "The Secret" was recommended. After watching it himself, here are Fr. Ignatius's comments. "I appreciated and can agree with the emphasis in the film, on gratitude, abundance and joy. Those are all Biblical, Christian concepts and when they are tied into our relationship with God, they are vitally important to realize and practice. But, many assumptions and worldviews presented in the film were at odds with our Orthodox Christian faith. For example, many of the presenters seemed to be operating from a monistic or pantheistic worldview. There seemed to be a conscious effort to depersonalize God. Also, the basic assumptions of many of the presenters focused on the self and the desires of the self as the greatest good. It was much more self-focused, than God-focused. I am happy to share my thoughts further with anyone who inquires."
Looking Ahead to August
From August 1-14, we participate in the Dormition Fast, preparing for, and then marking the falling asleep or the death of the Holy Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary. During this time, the church offers extra services. This Paraklesis service, as it is called, is a service of consolation. We ask the Virgin Mary for her prayers in our struggles in life, and we come to God in faith that He loves us and wants to heal us. This service will be offered on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7:00PM during these two weeks. The Dormition Fast concludes with Vesperal Liturgy celebrating the Dormition of the Theotokos at 6:00PM on August 14.
A Good Source for Orthodox Christian Children's Books
Potamitis Publishing (http://orthodoxchildrensbooks.com) is an excellent source for well done, colorful children's books relating to our Orthodox faith. They publish dozens of different titles in many different languages (including English!) A representative of the company will be at St. John the Baptist Church in Cedar Rapids on Sunday, August 5, if you want to see a large selection of the books in person.
Summer Coffee Hour Change
Our fellowship hall is now rearranged to take advantage of the Sunday School space that is not being used until September. Those who want to participate in the planned interactive effort, can go to the "icebreaker" tables on that side of the room. Those who do not want to do that can sit at the other tables and continue on as they have in past coffee hours. Of course, people can move back and forth between both sides of the room at will. Everyone should know that they are welcome to stay for coffee hour and participate in whatever aspect of it that they are comfortable with. Next Sunday, the conversation question will be, "What's you favorite service or event of the liturgical year?"
Save the Date- Parish Retreat!
Plans are being made to have a wonderful parish-wide retreat on Saturday, September 1st to lay the groundwork for a more healthy, more vibrant and connected church family. Please save the date and plan to be with us. More details to come.
Food Pantry
An important part of our faith is serving others, and particularly those in need. Our new food pantry is open from 11:00 to 12:30 on third Saturdays for now. All are welcome to receive food from it, including our church members. Please donate nonperishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entryway). See our Food Pantry Shopping List for more information and ideas. Monetary donations are welcome. Write "Food Pantry" in the subject line of your check, or use the blue donation form below and click on the designation "Food Pantry." Interested in helping hands-on? We're looking for a volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors. Contact Subdeacon Anthony (Bill Spencer) or Father Ignatius with questions.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Next (Two) Sunday Gospel Readings
At that time, when Jesus went ashore he saw a great throng; and he had compassion on them, and healed their sick. When it was evening, the disciples came to Him and said, “This is a lonely place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food or themselves.” Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” They said to Him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.” And He said, “Bring them here to Me.”Then He ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass; and taking the five loaves and the two fish He looked up to Heaven, and blessed, and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children. Then Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowds. (Matthew 14:14-22)
At that time, Jesus made the Disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowds. And after He had dismissed the crowds, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone, but the Disciples’ boat bythis time was many furlongs distant from the land, beaten by the waves; for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. But when theDisciples saw Jesus walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. But immediately He spoke to them, saying, “Take heart, it is I; have no fear.” And Peter answered Him, “Lord, if it is Thee, bid me come to Thee on the water.” He said, “Come.”So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus; but when he saw the wind,he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out His hand and caught him, saying to him, “O man of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “Truly, Thou art the Son of God.” And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. (Matthew 14:22-34)
Pray for Our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Jeremiah Kaufmann and Scott Dorr in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
"Never cease to give thanks for what you have received. Perhaps we are not rich men when it comes to money and property, but we are wealthy men in the eyes of God. He has given us many unseen gifts, eternal ones, ones that cannot be taken from us. We have been given more than we labored for. Rejoice, for God is generous and merciful. He is the God of Love, and He loves us all."
His Eminence, Metropolitan JOSEPH
Sunday July 8, 2018, 6th Sunday After Pentecost
This Week's Services and Events
July 10, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
July 11, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM
July 12, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 12:00PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
July 13, Friday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
July 14, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
July 15, Sunday (Sunday of the Fathers of the 4th Council)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM followed by Coffee Hour
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Food Pantry
An important part of our faith is serving others, and particularly those in need. Our new food pantry is open from 11:00 to 12:30 on third Saturdays for now. All are welcome to receive food from it, including our church members. Please donate nonperishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entryway). See our Food Pantry Shopping List for more information and ideas. Monetary donations are welcome. Write "Food Pantry" in the subject line of your check, or use the blue donation form below and click on the designation "Food Pantry." Interested in helping hands-on? We're looking for a volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors. Contact Subdeacon Anthony (Bill Spencer) or Father Ignatius with questions.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord said to His Disciples: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father Who is in heaven. Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them, but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:14-19
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Jeremiah Kaufmann and Scott Dorr in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
"Understand two thoughts, and fear them. One says, 'You are a saint,' the other, 'You won't be saved.' Both of these thoughts are from the enemy, and there is no truth in them. But think this way: 'I am a great sinner, but the Lord is merciful. He loves people very much, and He will forgive my sins.'"
St. Silouan the Athonite
July 10, Tuesday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
July 11, Wednesday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
+ Akathist, 7:00PM
July 12, Thursday
+ Office Hours, 12:00PM-4:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
July 13, Friday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-3:00PM
+ 9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
July 14, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
July 15, Sunday (Sunday of the Fathers of the 4th Council)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM followed by Coffee Hour
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Food Pantry
An important part of our faith is serving others, and particularly those in need. Our new food pantry is open from 11:00 to 12:30 on third Saturdays for now. All are welcome to receive food from it, including our church members. Please donate nonperishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entryway). See our Food Pantry Shopping List for more information and ideas. Monetary donations are welcome. Write "Food Pantry" in the subject line of your check, or use the blue donation form below and click on the designation "Food Pantry." Interested in helping hands-on? We're looking for a volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors. Contact Subdeacon Anthony (Bill Spencer) or Father Ignatius with questions.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
The Lord said to His Disciples: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father Who is in heaven. Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them, but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:14-19
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Jeremiah Kaufmann and Scott Dorr in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
"Understand two thoughts, and fear them. One says, 'You are a saint,' the other, 'You won't be saved.' Both of these thoughts are from the enemy, and there is no truth in them. But think this way: 'I am a great sinner, but the Lord is merciful. He loves people very much, and He will forgive my sins.'"
St. Silouan the Athonite
Sunday July 1, 2018, 5th Sunday after Pentecost
This Week's Services and Events
July 4, Wednesday
+ Akathist, 7:00PM
July 6, Friday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-3:00PM
+9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
July 7, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
July 8, Sunday (6th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM followed by Coffee Hour
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Prayer for the Campers and Staff at Camp St. George
This week, July 1-7, campers and staff will be participating in Camp St. George at the new location near Strawberry Point, Iowa. Campers from our parish this year are Anastasia, Luka and Serafim Surguladze, Georgiana Deister, Josiah Valentine, Nina and Nicole Peterson and Paul Padath. Lizzy Valentine and Fr. Ignatius will be on staff. Fr. Ignatius will not be holding office hours on Tuesday-Thursday of this week since he is at camp. Please keep us in your prayers!
Prayers before the Tomb of St. Raphael
Fr. Ignatius will be leaving on July 14 to attend the biennial Clergy Symposium at the Antiochian Village in Pennsylvania, the place with St. Raphael is buried. As he has done in the past, he will be saying an akathist to our patron at his tomb and will be praying for all those, living and departed that you want him to pray for by name. If you would like to have the names of loved ones mentioned in prayer at St. Raphael's tomb, please forward your list of both those living and those departed to Fr. Ignatius before July 13.
Summer Coffee Hour Change
Our fellowship hall is now rearranged to take advantage of the Sunday School space that is not being used until September. Those who want to participate in the planned interactive effort, can go to the "icebreaker" tables on that side of the room. Those who do not want to do that can sit at the other tables and continue on as they have in past coffee hours. Of course, people can move back and forth between both sides of the room at will. Everyone should know that they are welcome to stay for coffee hour and participate in whatever aspect of it that they are comfortable with. Next Sunday, Dr. Julia Buchkina will talk on "The Power of Positivity."
Seeking Donations to Fund Visiting Priest Serving
Fr. Ignatius will be missing two Sundays in July due to attending the biennial Clergy Symposium in Pennsylvania. In order to be able to bring in priests to serve in Father's stead on those two days, we need to raise an additional $110 for stipends. Can you help out and donate so that we don't miss a Liturgy on Sunday next month?
Save the Date--Parish Retreat!
Plans are being made to have a wonderful parish-wide retreat on Saturday, September 1st to lay the groundwork for a more healthy, more vibrant and connected church family. Please save the date and plan to be with us. More details to come.
Food Pantry
An important part of our faith is serving others, and particularly those in need. Our new food pantry is open from 11:00 to 12:30 on third Saturdays for now. All are welcome to receive food from it, including our church members. Please donate nonperishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entryway). See our Food Pantry Shopping List for more information and ideas. Monetary donations are welcome. Write "Food Pantry" in the subject line of your check, or use the blue donation form below and click on the designation "Food Pantry." Interested in helping hands-on? We're looking for a volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors. Contact Subdeacon Anthony (Bill Spencer) or Father Ignatius with questions.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus got into a boat, crossed over and came to His own city. And behold, they brought to Him a paralytic, lying on his bed; and when Jesus saw their faith He said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.” And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—He then said to the paralytic—“Rise, take up your bed and go home.” And he rose and went home. When the crowds saw it, they marveled, and they glorified God, Who had given such authority to men. (Matthew 9:1-8)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Jeremiah Kaufmann and Scott Dorr in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
"O give thanks unto the Lord for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy."
Psalm 107:1-2
July 4, Wednesday
+ Akathist, 7:00PM
July 6, Friday
+ Office Hours, 11:30AM-3:00PM
+9th Hour Prayers, 3:00PM
July 7, Saturday
+ Great Vespers, 5:00PM
July 8, Sunday (6th Sunday after Pentecost)
+ Matins, 8:45AM
+ Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM followed by Coffee Hour
Upcoming Events and Announcements
Prayer for the Campers and Staff at Camp St. George
This week, July 1-7, campers and staff will be participating in Camp St. George at the new location near Strawberry Point, Iowa. Campers from our parish this year are Anastasia, Luka and Serafim Surguladze, Georgiana Deister, Josiah Valentine, Nina and Nicole Peterson and Paul Padath. Lizzy Valentine and Fr. Ignatius will be on staff. Fr. Ignatius will not be holding office hours on Tuesday-Thursday of this week since he is at camp. Please keep us in your prayers!
Prayers before the Tomb of St. Raphael
Fr. Ignatius will be leaving on July 14 to attend the biennial Clergy Symposium at the Antiochian Village in Pennsylvania, the place with St. Raphael is buried. As he has done in the past, he will be saying an akathist to our patron at his tomb and will be praying for all those, living and departed that you want him to pray for by name. If you would like to have the names of loved ones mentioned in prayer at St. Raphael's tomb, please forward your list of both those living and those departed to Fr. Ignatius before July 13.
Summer Coffee Hour Change
Our fellowship hall is now rearranged to take advantage of the Sunday School space that is not being used until September. Those who want to participate in the planned interactive effort, can go to the "icebreaker" tables on that side of the room. Those who do not want to do that can sit at the other tables and continue on as they have in past coffee hours. Of course, people can move back and forth between both sides of the room at will. Everyone should know that they are welcome to stay for coffee hour and participate in whatever aspect of it that they are comfortable with. Next Sunday, Dr. Julia Buchkina will talk on "The Power of Positivity."
Seeking Donations to Fund Visiting Priest Serving
Fr. Ignatius will be missing two Sundays in July due to attending the biennial Clergy Symposium in Pennsylvania. In order to be able to bring in priests to serve in Father's stead on those two days, we need to raise an additional $110 for stipends. Can you help out and donate so that we don't miss a Liturgy on Sunday next month?
Save the Date--Parish Retreat!
Plans are being made to have a wonderful parish-wide retreat on Saturday, September 1st to lay the groundwork for a more healthy, more vibrant and connected church family. Please save the date and plan to be with us. More details to come.
Food Pantry
An important part of our faith is serving others, and particularly those in need. Our new food pantry is open from 11:00 to 12:30 on third Saturdays for now. All are welcome to receive food from it, including our church members. Please donate nonperishable items (food that doesn't need to be refrigerated) in the white box under the table in the narthex (church entryway). See our Food Pantry Shopping List for more information and ideas. Monetary donations are welcome. Write "Food Pantry" in the subject line of your check, or use the blue donation form below and click on the designation "Food Pantry." Interested in helping hands-on? We're looking for a volunteer to provide coffee and donuts for our guests as well as someone to work with Table to Table and other food donors. Contact Subdeacon Anthony (Bill Spencer) or Father Ignatius with questions.
Food for All--Kalona
Please continue to pray for our Orthodox-style, community-style charity work. Also ask our Lord to draw people to Himself and His Church through all our programs. Visit our website at foodforallkalona.weebly.com. For more info, email me at foodforallkalona@gmail.com. Thanks! Amy Spencer
Next Sunday's Gospel Reading
At that time, Jesus got into a boat, crossed over and came to His own city. And behold, they brought to Him a paralytic, lying on his bed; and when Jesus saw their faith He said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.” And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—He then said to the paralytic—“Rise, take up your bed and go home.” And he rose and went home. When the crowds saw it, they marveled, and they glorified God, Who had given such authority to men. (Matthew 9:1-8)
Pray for our Catechumens
Please keep our catechumens Ilya Buchkin, Jeremiah Kaufmann and Scott Dorr in your prayers as they prepare to be sacramentally joined to the Orthodox Church.
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.
Remember Your Departed Loved Ones With Flowers
Would you like to memorialize your departed loved ones with a bouquet of flowers to be placed in the church on the weekend of your choice? Look for the new Memorial sign-up sheet. Decide what weekend you would like your loved one(s) remembered, give $25 to the church, clearly marking it for "Memorial Flowers" and your loved one(s) will be mentioned during the Great Entrance prayers and in the weekly bulletin. If your departed loved ones are Orthodox, and you would like Trisagion Prayers for the Departed to be offered at the end of Liturgy, you can indicate that on the sign-up sheet as well.
Keep Praying for Kidnapped Orthodox Bishops in Syria
Since April 22, 2013, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul, and the Syriac Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna, have been in captivity and have not been heard from. Please pray for their well being and release and also pray for their captors as well. To sign a petition urging the US Government and others to work for their release, go to: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-help-release-the-kidnapped-archbishops-of-syria
Food for Thought
"O give thanks unto the Lord for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy."
Psalm 107:1-2
