[friends] Weekly Update

[Friends of St. Christina Orthodox Church]

Dear Friends:

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!

Attached is our bulletin and prayer list from this past weekend. 

As you may have seen or heard, our mission has been blessed to receive a
second year of one of the OCA national Church Planting Grants. For the full
article go to http://www.oca.org/News.asp?ID=1394
<http://www.oca.org/News.asp?ID=1394&SID=19> &SID=19. We are especially
grateful, as only 2 grants were given out this year. As a new mission trying
to establish itself in one of the most expensive areas of the country, this
grant makes it possible for our energy to be focused on the work and mission
of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Please continue to pray for us that we stay
faithful to our purpose to witness to Jesus Christ and share His Good News
with others as we worship the Holy Trinity in truth and in spirit. Please
also pray for the missions who did not receive a grant but are no less
worthy or in need.

I also am grateful to announce that the final numbers are all in and we were
able to collect over $1600 for the victims of the fires in Southern
California this fall. The money will help provide much needed assistance to
people as they rebuild. Thank you to everyone who helped.

It is wonderful to see all the gifts coming in for our "giving tree." There
is a real joy to go out and do some shopping for people who really need
something. Those people have taken names are asked to bring them in their
gifts this weekend to allow time for us to get the presents to the
Tri-Cities Homeless Shelter and Raphael House,

Anyone who has not submitted a pledge form for 2008 is asked to please
remember to do so this weekend. We have made good progress with our pledge
drive. Many people have been able to increase their pledge to offset the 10%
or so increase in expenses we will be facing. We are confident that when all
the information is in we will be able to present a balanced budget for our
annual finance meeting at the end of January.

Calling all bakers! We are continuing the tradition we began last year
bringing trays of holiday goodies to our friends in the community. If you
can, please make an extra batch or two of whatever goodies you are preparing
this holiday season and bring them in this Sunday. We will  be arranging the
trays/baskets after Liturgy so that I will be able to deliver the goodies to
our friends this coming week in time for  Christmas.

Thanks also go out to everyone who helped with our mission clean-up day this
past Saturday. We truly had helpers of all ages pitching in to be sure our
building is a witness to God's Kingdom on this Earth. 

Reminders:

.         This Thursday December 13 at 7:00pm we will sing the Akathist to
St. Herman of Alaska for his feast day.

.         This Sunday at 4:30pm those who have arranged for tickets we will
be boarding the Nile Christmas Train for our annual outing and carol
singing! We have indoor seats, but it is fun to walk the train (which has
several outdoor cars) and see the lights. The current forecast calls for no
rain at this point but the temp will probably be in the mid 40s or so. Be
sure to dress warm!

.         Sunday Dec 23 is our Youth Christmas Pageant and Talent Show. Be
sure to mark your calendars.

.         Friday Dec 28 from 6pm - ? the Wilsons are opening their home to
us for our post-feast Christmas party.

 

Wishing everyone a blessed week.

 

In Christ,

Fr. Michael

 

Fr. Michael Anderson

Rector

St. Christina Orthodox Church

4511 Peralta Blvd

Fremont, CA 94550

 <http://www.stchristinaorthodox.org/> http://www.stchristinaorthodox.org

510-333-8814

 <mailto:FrMichael at stchristinaorthodox.org>
FrMichael at stchristinaorthodox.org

 

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