Dearest Parishioners & Friends:

If you are comfortable doing so, I hope you'll join us this Sunday at Saint Gregory. With the fall and school days approaching, our lives will no doubt get quite busy in the weeks to come (sorry to break this news). Enjoy these fleeting weeks of summer, take time for you and your loved ones--and put God at the center of it all. A great start to putting Him in the center, where He belongs, is Sunday morning worship at your parish home. 

And speaking of busier times and the beginning of school, I'd love to offer a few special words for our college and graduate students who may be starting their classes this week or shortly thereafter, whether studying on campus or from home: 

Since March of 2020, academic life just hasn't been the same. Whether you're approaching college for the first time or are a returning student, you've been through it all: feeling isolated, bandwith issues at home, dizzying dorm protocols, Zoom fatigue (I like to call Zoom Doom), quarantines, wondering about the future ... the list goes on and on. But the key is that yes, you've been through it--yet you're still here, still going strong, still going forward. You still have so much ahead of you and so much that is so good. 

As you approach the next few weeks, there will be quite a few things that will be unknown. You may feel a bit nervous and anxious. What will dorm life look like? How will I connect with anyone if my campus has a ton of restrictions? It's okay to be concerned, and you should allow yourself to feel the way you feel. That's a daily journey, and I know it's not an easy one. Just know that you are not alone: God is with you, your families and friends are with you and everyone at Saint Gregory is with you. We're all praying for you and behind you. Day by day you'll figure it out, and you'll help others figure it out as well. You'll grow academically, spiritually and in every way. You'll get your rhythm and discover your new normal--in fact, "new normals" are something that we are constantly striving to accept throughout our lives. This has just been one whopper of a new normal to take in. 

Finally, I just want you to know how much you are loved and appreciated by your parish family at Saint Gregory. Your Sunday School teachers and fellow parishioners have watched you grow and mature over the years--you are like family to them. They are so proud of you, and so am I. As I mentioned above, we're all with you. You can count on us, and never hesitate to ask anyone of us for help or just a shoulder. 

We'll be there for you.

God bless you and wishing you an amazing fall semester!

Fr. Alex

EPISTLE READER: 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.

ALTAR SERVERS: All servers welcome throughout the summer. Contact Fr. Alex or Tom Moustakis if your son is interested in Altar service--we'd love to grow this ministry.

ANTIDORON SERVER: Callie LaFond. Servers are welcome to participate in this ministry throughout the summer. To get involved, contact Kyri Stavros: kyri910@icloud.com 

FATHER'S HOMILY: "Can Our Children 'Walk on Water' this Fall?"

FELLOWSHIP HOUR: Please join us in the hall following Divine Liturgy for friendship and refreshments--all are welcome to join us. Fellowship Hour sponsorships are open to the entire parish family. Please contact the Church Office to schedule your special day, in memory of a loved one, in honor of a special occasion or just to enable wonderful fellowship at Saint Gregory.

WORSHIPPING FROM HOME: STREAMING AND INTERNET MINISTRY
ACCESS SERVICES VIA FACEBOOK:
St. Gregory the Theologian Greek Orthodox Church | Facebook

ACCESS SERVICES VIA YOU TUBE:
St. Gregory The Theologian Live - YouTube

STREAMING MINISTRY DETAILS/SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTIONS
Access Services via You Tube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgvnXFV6xK1Nhm8ID84jFNg
Access Services and join our community on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/saintgregorythetheologian
Join our community on Instagram
@saintgregorythetheologian • Instagram photos and videos

SERVICES FOR AUG 22, 9TH SUNDAY OF MATTHEW
We look forward to worshipping with you at Saint Gregory, whether in person or remotely. Orthros, 8:30 am; Divine Liturgy, 9:30 am. While Youth Religious Education classes have concluded until fall, we hope as many of our beloved children as possible will keep attending services or worshipping online. Worship and community never "break" at Saint Gregory!

LAST DAY FOR PHILOPTOCHOS BACK TO SCHOOL DRIVE, CONCLUDES AUG 22
Philoptochos is once again collecting school supplies and monetary donations to support the Mansfield Public Schools. Please bring your donation (new backpacks, books, binders, pens, pencils, crayons, etc) to the drop off box in the Narthex. Further, you can give a monetary donation through GivePlus (noting it is for the school drive) or directly to a board member. Monetary donations will be used to purchase backpacks through a special promotion offered by Ocean State Job Lots. Last day to donate is this Sunday. As always, thanks for your support! 

"WELCOME BACK" Liturgy, BBQ & SUNDAY SCHOOL SIGN UP, SEP 12
The “Welcome Back” BBQ—and Sunday School Meet & Greet—is slated for Sep. 12, following Divine Liturgy. This outdoor event will provide an opportunity to enjoy great company and food (hamburgers, hotdogs, veggie burgers and pulled pork!), as well as a chance to sign up for Sunday School and GOYA for 2021 – 22. There will also be games and activities for our children (and those young at heart). Please bring a side or dessert if you are able, and you can confirm with Karen Guinan:
karenguinan@gmail.com

GARDEN CLUB MINISTRY THIS SUMMER AND FALL, SEP 18
Calling at Saint Gregory parish green thumbs! In addition to our regular professional landscaping efforts, we have formed a ministry effort around beautifying and nurturing our expansive campus. Everything from weeding to flower planting is a possibility, and this will be a fantastic way to do something hands-on at our parish going forward. Our first work day for the fall will be the 18th, time TBD. Please contact Lou Zagami for details and to join us: Lzagami@comcast.net.

SUNDAY SCHOOL BLESSING/START OF CLASSES, SEP 19
Parents, please save the date for our first Sunday of classes at Saint Gregory. Before Holy Communion, Fr. Alex will bless our students and teachers for the new year. Our teachers and leaders have been planning and looking forward to another great year of faith, learning and fun with our children! An online registration link for Sunday School will soon be available. 

EAGLE SCOUT CAR WASH FUNDRAISER, SEP 19
Parishioner Miles Kaufman is pursuing his Eagle Scout project, which will be the creation of a beautiful icon stand and sound barrier within our Memorial Garden. Please help Miles fundraise for this worthy project on the 19th--bring your dirty car to Divine Liturgy, and leave with a sparkling clean car. A flyer and more details to follow, but please save the date!

ORTHODOX LIFE: “OPENING THE DOOR,” BEGINS SEP 29
Many of us have encountered the occult and other unconventional spiritual practices—and we may very well wonder what the Orthodox Church believes, have questions and wonder what guidance is before us. In this informal series, we’ll look at everything from the Neo-Pagan and “Teen Witch” movements of the last century, to practices like tarot card reading and channeling, to the “Charlie Charlie Challenge,” Ouija Boards and other phenomena that may lead us to unintentionally open certain spiritual “doors." All are welcome to join us, and no previous experience with Bible study is needed. We’ll plan to enjoy a simple pot luck or take out dinner each evening, if circumstances permit. Weather permitting, we may even be able to enjoy a session or two outdoors! All reading material will be supplied. Our first meeting will be the 29th, 6:30 - 8 pm. Contact Fr. Alex with any questions: alexanderchetsas@gmail.com

ECCLESIASTICAL CALENDAR SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY
For parishioners interested in a unique, helpful donation opportunity, we are seeking a sponsor for the 2022 Ecclesiastical Calendar. The approximate cost is $300, and the donor may offer a brief dedication under our church’s information. Please contact Cathy Cooper. 

FELLOWSHIP HOUR & SPONSORSHIPS
If you feel comfortable doing so, please join us in the hall for Fellowship Hour following Divine Liturgy after Sunday services. We are grateful for the opportunity to once again enjoy friendship and refreshments in our hall. In addition, all parishioners are invited to pick a special Sunday to sponsor Fellowship Hour this summer. Please sign up this Sunday during Fellowship Hour or simply contact the Church Office. 

STEWARDSHIP IN 2021--AN IDEAL TIME TO COMMIT AND ENACT GIVING
Many thanks to all of our Saint Gregory parishioners who have already committed for 2021. If you haven't had an opportunity to do so yet, with the "lean" nature of summer giving, now is an ideal time not only to commit for the year but also enact the financial aspect of your Stewardship. 2021 Commitment Cards can be completed online, and we can also give online via our website Stewardship Page: ​www.saintgregorythetheologian.org/stewardship/. GivePlus is another great option for parish giving: Home | St Gregory The Theologian Church (myvanco.com)

MEMORIAL GARDEN EFFORT
If you would like to add a memorial brick to our outdoor walkway this spring/summer, please fill out the form in our Narthex and Church Office. With the funds we raise, we would like to refurbish and install the iron fencing from our previous iconostation to frame the walkway, as well as add some outdoor icons and landscape features to update this wonderful area. Contact Cathy Cooper for further details and with questions: ccooper126@verizon.net. 

ANTIDORON SERVERS MINISTRY
In addition to reading the Epistle, this ministry is a great way for the girls and young women of our parish to actively engage our worship services. Please contact Kyri Stavros to learn more and/or confirm service dates. 

CONGREGATIONAL SINGING LEADERS
Singing leaders are needed to help our parish get familiar with our new hymnal, as well as lead congregational singing of the Divine Liturgy this summer and fall. Please contact Fr. Alex to learn more about coming practices and how you can be a part of this vital ministry of Saint Gregory. 

SAINT GREGORY PARISH BOOKSTORE
Parishioners are invited to visit our bookstore by appointment or otherwise receive assistance by contacting the Church Office. Cathy or Fr. Alex would be happy to help you find that encouraging book or meaningful gift for a loved one. In addition, we expect our bookstore to open up with wonderful updated stock--and smiling faces--in the fall. We look forward to this wonderful renewal of this important ministry. 

WHAT'S NEW ON OUR WEBSITE?
Within our Youth Ministry pages, you'll now see two new resources under "Youth and Family Resources": "Saintly Lives" and "For Your Home." Both can be a resources for parents as they strive to bring the life of the Church into their homes. New entries for May will soon be available. 

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
Fr. Alex: Tue. (9 am – 1 pm), Wed. (11 am – 3 pm) & Thur (9 am – 1 pm); or by appointment when convenient for our faithful. Please note that on occasion, Fr. Alex may be seeing to a pastoral situation, visitingn with another parishioner, attending a Metropolis event or otherwise engaged in Church life during office hours. Cathy Cooper: by Appointment. 

Our faithful are invited to submit the names of the living to be lifted up in prayer by Fr. Alex and our entire parish family. Please contact the Church Office or Father to add or remove names. 

Please pray for the servants of God: 

Nicole; Alexa; Tony; Amanda; Nicholas; Lea; Irene; Diana; Jeanne; Sam; Michael; Teddy; Annette; Johanna; Joyce; Elaine; Joseph; David; George; Elaine; Gia; Michelle; Kay; Maria; Andreas; Nicholas; Barbara; Timothy; Mark; Bonnie; Andrea; Marissa; Helen; Bessie; Peter; Gina; Christopher; Ginny; Stella; Dorothy; Jack; Dorothy; Ethel; Greg; Vesallie; Helen; Benjamin; Andonea; Diana