Dear Parishioners of our Beloved Assumption,

According to modern wisdom, it takes 21 days to make or break a habit.  In such a short period of time, one can change the momentum of one’s direction by instituting an exercise routine or embracing a healthy diet;  one could stop having that evening bowl of ice cream or even stop smoking.  A beneficial change is only 21 days in the making—but so is a bad habit— one could stop exercising or embrace an unhealthy diet.

Attending weekly Divine Liturgy and Bible Study are likewise choices that in 21 days can become routine.  When we don’t come to church in the summer, it is hard to begin again—just as it is hard to stop when we regularly attend. Fasting, praying, tithing are also examples of choices that we make that become part of our way of being (in 21 days).

Why is this so important to be said right now?  It is because we have come to the start of a new Ecclesiastical year!  Regardless of what our momentum was before, we are now entering a new year of Sunday School, Bible Study, youth activities, fellowship, etc.  Whether, in this last year, we were merely participating or completely committed doesn’t matter—the clock has been reset.

For each of us, this means that we decide what we want to be this year.  We need to sit down and determine what is important to our families and ourselves.  Then, commit to 21 days of making it a reality.  Is it easy? Not really.  Is it worth it? Absolutely!

It is our daily habits that define the health of almost everything that we can control about ourselves: physical fitness, weight, scholastic performance and financial health.  Why would our spiritual health differ?  The new year starts today—so can your new (or renewed) you!

I remain,

In His Service,

Rev. Father Jon Boukis

Are you already Kroger shopper?
Your current shopping could be benefitting the Assumption!

Kroger Community Rewards® makes fund-raising easy...all you have to do is shop at Kroger and swipe your Plus Card!

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TO USE THE KROGER COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAM:

· Go to www.krogercommunityrewards.com and register your Kroger Plus Card (if you are already registered, click “Sign In” instead of “Create an Account.”)

· Sign up for a Kroger Rewards Account by entering zip code, clicking on favorite store, entering your email address and creating a password, agreeing to the terms and conditions

· You will then get a message to check your email inbox and click on the link within the body of the email.

· Click on My Account and use your email address and password to proceed to the next step.

· Click on Edit Kroger Community Rewards information and input your Kroger Plus card number. If you use your phone number at the register instead of a card, call 800-576-4377, select option 4 to get your Kroger Plus card number.

· Update or confirm your information.

· Enter “Assumption” or our NPO number of AT066 and select us from the list and click on confirm.

· If enrollment is complete, you will see Assumption’s name on the right side of your information page.

· That’s it!!! Use your registered Kroger Plus card or phone number at the register and our parish benefits!!!

By registering online, coupons can be electronically attached to your Plus Card. Not only do you help the Church, but you save money. Talk to everyone you know about registering to benefit our parish!!!

Welcome lunch and first meeting on Saturday 9/21 at 11am

A welcome lunch for Philoptochos current and perspective members will be held on Saturday 9/21at 11am. Alice Collis has kindly offered to host it at her home. The lunch will be held jointly with the Daughters of Penelope. Please RSVP by Tuesday 9/17 to Nancy Anas at 502-645-2307 (call or text).     

Philoptochos is open to all women of Orthodox faith over the age of 18. Stewardship is not required. Its mission is to “help the poor, the destitute, the hungry, the aged, the sick, the unemployed, the orphaned, the imprisoned, the widowed, those with disabilities and the victims of disasters.”

Our local chapter has been in existence for over 70 years. We meet monthly (September-May), usually on Sunday after church. Dues are $35/year. During the 2023-24 year we supported Blessings in a Backpack, Wayside Christian homeless shelters, Kentucky Refugee Ministries, Dare to Care and many other charities.

We hope to see you on Saturday September 21 at 11am!

Blessings in a Backpack – Philoptochos’ year-round charity

Philoptochos (in conjunction with Broadway Baptist) provides nonperishable food items to needy children at Chenoweth Elementary to take home every Friday. Without our help they would go hungry over the weekend. Last school year we fed 140 kids. Chenoweth projects that the number of kids participating in Blessings will stay the same (or increase) this school year.

How can you help?

• When you do your grocery shopping, add a few extra items to your cart and bring to church. A collection bin is located at the back of the pews. There is no minimum amount. Even a couple of items on a regular basis helps. Most needed: foods with protein, but please no nuts. Suggested items: ramen noodles, hearty canned soups, canned meats, canned ravioli, mac and cheese, oatmeal packets, protein bars, individual fruit cups, small drinks containing vitamin C.
• You can make a financial donation by writing a check to “Philoptochos” with memo “Blessings in a Backpack.” It takes about $275 to feed a child for the school year but any amount would be greatly appreciated. Please give or mail to Hadley Dimitropoulos, 6021 Sweetbay Dr, Crestwood, KY 40014.

Thank you!