Fellow Parishioners & Friends:

November 15 (this Sunday) marks the beginning of a unique preparation time for our Church: the small “Lent” of Christ’s Nativity. It is known as a joyous Lent and is less strict of a period than the Great Lent leading up to Pascha/Easter. As we anticipate the birth of the Christ, this forty-day journey allows us the opportunity to build a certain spiritual discipline through abstention from meat and other foods, ramping up our prayer life, taking action on behalf of those in need, offering forgiveness, and a host of other strivings of the heart. I wish you well during this holy, vibrant period.

It’s interesting how during these late fall days—which grow shorter each day, the shadows longer—how the Light of our lives is coming ever closer. In our darkest times we, of course, need this Light, the sweet Christ Child, more than ever. And He approaches. Over the next forty days, we will wait with great anticipation and open arms.

Of course, this Sunday the 15^th is also our next Sunday worship opportunity. It is the 8^th Sunday of Luke, and I hope you will join us for worship and fellowship, whether on campus or from home. My homily, “Long Shadows, Dark Days,” will focus on the aforementioned Nativity preparation period. Our Youth Religious Education Ministry will continue following Holy Communion; please see specific announcements within this Sunday Bulletin and from your child’s teachers for details on in-person and/or virtual class. We'll also hold our first session of Orthodox Life: "Eleven Stories" on Sunday at 7 pm (postponed from the 11th--see below).

Looking ahead, the Philoptochos Thanksgiving Dinner Drive will continue this week (see the food/funds donation box in the Narthex; thanks to our GOYAns, too, for making cards!); and don't forget to support the Giving Tree program, which will touch the lives of Mansfield families who could use a little help during the holiday season. Details are within the "Ministries, Programs & Events" section of the eBulletin.

There’s much more within this bulletin, from news on our Nov 22 services for the Entrance of the Theotokos, to updates on our 2021 Stewardship Sunday plans, to information on 2021 Parish Council leadership opportunities—read on and stay connected to parish life at our beloved Saint Gregory.

Finally, because of technical issues, I have had to reschedule our planned Nov 11 Orthodox Life session, “Eleven Stories,” to this Sunday, Nov 15, 7 pm. Unfortunately, because of the same technical difficulties, I was unable to announce this to you yesterday. I apologize for this. Zoom credentials for Sunday night’s gathering have been emailed to our parish. In preparation, our faithful are asked to read the First Orthros Gospel. Read it here anytime:
goarch.org/chapel/lectionary?type=MG&code=411&event=1897

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Alex

EPISTLE READER: Lou Zagami. Our youth are especially encouraged to contact Fr. Alex to read on a coming Sunday, in person or remotely. Parents, please let Father know if your daughter or son might like to read.

HOMILY: "Long Shadows, Dark Days"

MEMORIALS: No memorials today.

ALTAR SERVERS: Matt Jumes. Contact Fr. Alex if your son is interested in Altar service--we'd love to grow this ministry.

PRE-REGISTRATION: Thank you for your continued cooperation and patience with the pre-registration process. We will continue with this practice, for the well-being of our parish family, this month. Please register as space is limited.
Pre-register each week right here:
https://signup.com/group/52966497203

ACCESS SERVICES VIA FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/saintgregorythetheologian

ACCES SERVICES VIA YOU TUBE:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgvnXFV6xK1Nhm8ID84jFNg

ORTHROS, DIVINE LITURGY & SUNDAY SCHOOL, NOV 15
We look forward to worshipping with you at Saint Gregory, whether in person or remotely. Orthros, 8:30 am; Divine Liturgy, 9:30 am. Youth Religious Education--in person/remote/or both--begins after Holy Communion or later in the afternoon; please see weekly announcement from your child's teacher. If you plan to worship with us in person, make sure to pre-register early in the week:
Pre-register each week right here:
https://signup.com/group/52966497203

Access Services via Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/saintgregorythetheologian

Access Services via You Tube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgvnXFV6xK1Nhm8ID84jFNg

ORTHODOX LIFE "ELEVEN STORIES," NOV 15, 7 PM
Our session originally planned for the 11th will take place on the 15th via Zoom. Join us for this special offering for adult parishioners and friends, for our education and inspiration. This and successive sessions will focus on the eleven Resurrectional Gospel readings of Orthros, which explore the glory of Christ's resurrection, as well as the faith, courage and steadfastness exemplified by figures like the Apostles and the Myrrh-bearers. In relation to the unique times we live in, we'll give special attention to the concept of ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances--and how the presence of Christ in our lives makes all the different during moments of fear and anxiety. All are welcome to join us. A Zoom link for the Nov. 15th session, and brief pre-reading activity, have been emailed to our parish family.

FOOD & FRIENDS, NOV 17
Whether the effort will involve indoor service or "to go" meals, Saint Gregory will be engaged. Each meal our parish prepares and serves feeds about 50 people, and the total cost per event is about $150. Times TBA. Please contact Cathy Cooper to help out or make a donation: ccooper126@verizon.net

ENTRANCE OF THE THEOTOKOS, NOV 21
Join us for Orthros & Divine Liturgy in celebration of the Entrance of the Theotokos. Orthros, 8:30 am; Divine Liturgy, 9:30 am. Sign up details will be available next week.

PHILOPTOCHOS THANKSGIVING DINNER DRIVE 
Philoptochos is happy to announce its food drive benefiting the Middlesex Sheriff’s Association’s Thanksgiving meals project, providing fixings for a Thanksgiving meal for needy individuals. Fr Alex serves as chaplain to the Middlesex Sheriffs and we are happy to help support this ministry. We have set up a collection box next to the food pantry box in the coat room. We are looking specifically for Thanksgiving sides (cans of peas, cans of corn, bags of stuffing, cranberry sauce, boxes of instant mashed potatoes, cans of Pillsbury or other rolls) and monetary donations for frozen turkeys and pies. There will be a collection envelope in the box, you can use gift plus or please see a Philoptochos member with any monetary donation. We will be collecting food and donations until Sunday November 22.

GIVING TREE 

SHOPPING LIST FOR THE PHILOPTOCHOS THANKSGIVING DINNER DRIVE
*Frozen turkeys (15 lbs or more)
*Boxes/cans of instant stuffing
*Boxes of instant mashed potatoes
*Packets/jars of instant gravy or gravy
*Pillsbury rolls or similar bread product
*Cans of cranberry sauce
*Cans of peas
*Cans of corn
*Frozen pie

GOYA THANKSGIVING DRIVE CARDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT & GIVING TREE
In connection to our parish's Thanksgiving drive, our GOYAns are invited to make cards or notes to include with our dinners--sending the greetings and encouragement of our parish family. In addition to cards and notes, poems, drawing or other artistic expressions are more than welcome! All lovingly created materials can be dropped off or mailed to the Church, care of Fr. Alex. Further, the GOYA Christmas Giving Tree effort is “on” for 2020. Please consider taking part in the Giving Tree adoption drive to benefit Mansfield’s children and families through the West Side Benevolent Circle. This year, our project will take place through a virtual approach. Please visit the sign up link (https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0b4ea8a72fabfa7-giving) to join the effort—thanks to all in advance! Contact Stacey Mullert to learn more or with any questions: Staceymullert13@gmail.com.

SPECIAL JOY ACTIVITY AVAILABLE: "A PURPOSEFUL THANKSGIVING ACTION"
With the COVID situation, it certainly has been a challenge to bring our Saint Gregory JOY Ministry together for activities and outings. We all miss getting together. To help us stay connected during this time, we offer this simple Thanksgiving-oriented activity especially for our parish's younger children and their families. We can all do this activity within our families and stay connected to one another through our concern for others. Please share your stories--and even photos of your family at work on this project--with Fr. Alex. The activity description and steps to follow are right on our parish Facebook page. View it here anytime: 
https://www.facebook.com/saintgregorythetheologian/posts/4055750134439204

PARISH COUNCIL LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY
While the Archdiocesan Uniform Parish Regulations require Parish Council elections be held in person, due to Covid-19 safety concerns the Metropolis is allowing parishes to forgo 2021 Parish Council elections. As discussed during our recent General Assembly, we are requesting permission from His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios to forgo 2021 Parish Council elections. At this time, one active member of the Parish Council does not plan to serve in 2021. If you have any interest in serving on the Parish Council, please contact Fr. Alex, Cathy Cooper, or any member of the Parish Council. 

SUNSHINE COMMITTEE MINISTRY: WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP
In coordination and support of the pastoral efforts of Fr. Alex, this ministry has been formed to communicate with parishioners who may be homebound, hospitalized, nursing facilities or otherwise unable to regularly make it to Saint Gregory. If you are aware of a parishioner who would welcome such communication and support, or if you would like to connect yourself, please contact the Church Office.

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
Fr. Alex
Tue (9 am - 1 pm), Wed (11 am - 3 pm) & Thur (9 am - 1 pm); or by appointment anytime.
In person or via Zoom. With the COVID situation please contact Father ahead of time to help keep our campus safe.
Cathy Cooper
By appointment: stgregorytheologian@earthlink.net