A Word from Fr. John: (Adapted from words by Fr. Thomas Hopko, of blessed memory) On our apostolic calling…
The Orthodox parish must be apostolic… It is apostolic because it is founded on Christ’s apostles and firmly rooted in apostolic doctrine and tradition.
It is apostolic because it continues God’s mission – the mission of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the apostles of all ages. (“Apostle” and “apostolic” come from the Greek word apostelo, which means “to send.” Apostles are those who are sent out to do God’s work. Also, “mission” and “missionary” come from the Latin word mitto, which also means “to send.”)
“An Orthodox Christian parish, however it was founded and for whatever purpose it was organized, must understand itself to be an apostolic community with a missionary purpose.” – from Fr. Tom’s book Speaking the Truth in Love
Special Prayers: With prayers for God's protection, strength, healing, and guidance, we continue hoping that He fulfils the ongoing and daily needs of Jane Anderson, Betty Day, Chresanthe Lemieux, Nicola Lykam, Jim Manos, Dolly Welling, Steve Sarris, Despina Xynidis, our parish and missionary families, and catechumens preparing for Illumination.
OCMT Team heading to Alaska: Margo Kelley asks prayers for her upcoming journey to train and lead an OCMC Team of seven to Pilot Station, Alaska. Their purpose is to offer catechetical lessons and activities for the youth of three Yupik villages near the Yukon gathered for wilderness camp. If emergencies or special needs arise during the next two weeks, please call or text Nick Lekas at (904) 814-4930.
Holy Trinity Stewardship: Stewardship is the regular practice of returning to God a portion of all that God has given us. This includes spreading the teachings of Christ, and the concept of giving regularly of our time, talent, and treasure to work on this earth is as much a spiritual practice as is prayer and worship. Please prayerfully consider your Holy Trinity Church Stewardship commitment.
Holy Trinity Master Calendar: A Holy Trinity Parish Master Calendar is on the website. This calendar can be printed or downloaded. This will help coordinate efforts and events with other ministries; dates will be included in the weekly bulletin; and will help actively involve others in the work of our Parish. Active and enthusiastic participation in a parish’s activities and functions should emulate the Kingdom of God – a culture that is overflowing with joy, peace and love.
Outreach: The St. Johns County Schools ASSIST program needs school supplies for all ages (poor and needy students), so we plan to set up a bin this Sunday and also discuss purchases of school supplies at our next meeting on July 23rd.
St. Francis House – We need your help with the Aug. 14 dinner. Please see Dick Billeter to help. Thanks to Dick Jr. and Pauline Billeter for help with July's dinner, and Susan and Sammy Stone, for help with the souvlaki and Greek meatballs served in our June dinner. Thanks to the church for the many souvlaki boxes provided to SFH! * St. Francis does need any powdered drinks too -- please drop off in the Outreach bin.
Upcoming Services and Events:
- Bible Study every Wednesday at 6:00 p.m.
ü July 16th Effie Lasoff – Forty-day memorial for Evanthia, mother of Effie (Mark) Lasoff
ü July 16th Philoptochos meeting
ü July 23rd Carman Gaetanos, Kristina Wilkes
- July 17th Greek Fest Meeting – There will be a festival meeting this coming Monday, July 17th at 6pm at the church. This meeting is open to anyone who wants to have impact and input into our 20th Annual St Aug Greek Festival.
- July 23rd Outreach Meeting –The July meeting has been rescheduled to Sunday, July 23 after Liturgy.
n July 29th Greek Summer Night– Tickets are currently on sale after Divine Liturgy in the church hall!
Join us for a night of fellowship, family and fun to benefit our Holy Trinity Church. Greek Summer Night is Saturday, July 29, 6:00-11:00 PM, at the Parish Hall. Enjoy Greek food, music and dance. Tickets, $20 donation per person, $15 per children 12 & under, and reserved seating available (for tables of 8). Please see Carman or Mikae Gaetanos, Andy or Angela Lekos, Bill or Penny Angelus for tickets. For reservations, call Andy at 904-823-8882 or email ajlekos@att.net. Opa!
- July 30th – Monthly Potluck Coffee Hour
- August 20th – Philoptochos Name Day Luncheon
- August 25th – 27th St. Demetrios Daytona Beach Reach – Fun at the beach with religious lessons. For info call 386 252-6012.
ü September 20th – 23rd Family Ministry Conference in Pittsburgh, PA –“The Orthodox Family in a Changing World”
- Saturday Events Hosts & Hostesses Needed – Holy Trinity will welcome Metropolis events for which we need hosts/hostesses. Please check your calendars and be in touch with Nelda in the Church office if you or your ministry group would like to coordinate our attentive hospitality to registrants for:
ü September 16th – 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Workshop for couples, “Preparing for the Journey of Marriage”
ü November 18th – Parish Council Training Seminar
Do you have changes to your contact information? Please email any updates or changes to the church at holy3goc@gmail.com or leave a message at the church office, 904.829.0504.
Visiting the Church Outside of Office Hours: Though at this time we do not have volunteers coordinated to assist in receiving visitors to the Church outside of Office Hours (M-F 9am-1pm), we hope to always welcome parishioners and the many visiting out-of-towners to the best of our ability. Please call the office to arrange a visit. If there is no answer, call the emergency number on the voicemail, (602) 617-2467, to discuss options that may exist.
Ministries & Committees: All are welcome and encouraged to apply common interests, skill sets, and life experience to the many areas of service in the life of the Church.
Contact the Church office: To add your e-mail address and phone number to the ministry/committee contact list(s), or even to seek Father John’s blessing to begin a new ministry beneficial to church members involved or in need, please contact Church office.
A Gentle Reminder: If you were in need and borrowed one of Mr. Maragon's six white golf umbrellas, please return it as soon as possible. These were retained in his memory, to help shuttle people to/from their cars when unexpected rain fell after services and ministries. Thank you!
Weekly Offering: The Bible says: "the Lord loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7). The Christian way to give is to give because desire to give; we give because we love the Lord. Your offering can be made at the collection basket as you exit the service.
Weekly Bulletin Submission: Please submit announcements to the Church office via email holy3goc@gmail.com with “Bulletin Article” in the subject line, no later than Wednesday/Thursday weekly. Please indicate start/end time to any meeting announcement along with date.
The Panagia Chapel Roof Tile Campaign: Thank you to all who have already offeredto the Panagia Chapel at the Diakonia Retreat Center. Together so far we have given $680. To all who have not yet contributed, it is not too late. Our church’s contribution will be sent to the Diakkonia Center at the end of July. Remember to complete the form with the names of your loved ones, living and deceased, to be sealed in the Holy Table during consecration and prayed for during each service held in the Chapel. When submitting names, it is requested that each family prayerfully considers a sponsorship of $30 or more, as you are able, to the completion of the Panagia Chapel’s roof. Your contribution and the completed form can be left in the Tray after Liturgy, mailed back to the church, or given to any member of the Parish Council.