2021 Stewardship Status: we have 149 Pledges totaling $192,865 and $152,794 received to date.  We also have 7 families who have contributed $3,950 to date but have not submitted a stewardship card.  It is important that all families complete a stewardship card to be considered a steward.  The current Stewardship List and other stewardship information is posted on the bulletin board by the water cooler.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/13nd6he7aGxqsorX-GPO1cBWmElOkL4_ow83v9TWtxpU/edit?usp=sharing

 Please use the above link to register each child.  There is no registration fee this year.  We want all our students to come back and enjoy some vital class time with their peers.

 The first day of Sunday School is Sunday, Oct. 3 (all will stay in church to be blessed with Holy Water).  All are asked to attend the Divine Liturgy by 9:45 AM if possible.  Starting on Sunday, Oct. 10, classes will be excused at about 10:30 AM after the distribution of Holy Communion.

Greek School First class was Monday, Oct. 4!  (No classes on Columbus Day, Oct. 11). Please contact Maria Sfondouris, Greek School Director with any questions (msfondouris@gmail.com). Mondays - In-person classes.  Wednesdays - Virtual classes. Let's make it a great year of Greek learning for our youth!

Congratulations to Demitra Ypsilantis and Demetri Kousoulas who are represented our GOYA and our parish at the Mr./Miss GOYA Pageant today, Sunday, Oct. 10, at the Hanover Manor.  (See our parish Facebook page for photos and updates later today.)

Fr. A. will be attending the National Clergy Retreat this week in Naples, FL.  Please text or call him in case of any pastoral emergency.

St. Anna Choir:  will begin singing in church again starting Sunday, Oct. 17.  Please see Diana Grina, our Choir Director, if interested in joining.  

Sunday, Oct. 17:  Youth / Family outing (all ages) - Horse Farm visit next Sunday after church services.  Bring a bag lunch and change of clothes.  Dr. Maria Katsamanis (yes, she is a horse doctorr!) and her associate CC are expecting us as they will give us a tour and explain the therapy work they do with horses! We will leave the church at 12 pm.  Please let Larisa Trumpy or Fr. A know of your expected attendance.  Great for the whole family.  

Back to School Backpack Program:  Last chance to donate towards this worthy annual cause: To date, we have total donations of $375, with the goal of donating $600.  This is the last chance to donate.  Please make the check payable to St. Anna Greek Orthodox Church with a memo note of "Back to School Backpack Program."  Thank you!

PHILOPTOCHOS:  SAVE THE DATE! 

For:  Philoptochos Meet and Greet Afternoon Tea.

When:  Sunday, October 31^st immediately following Sunday Liturgy in the church hall.

Why:  As we are coming back to church in person, let’s meet in fellowship and participate in Philoptochos’ complimentary event and to learn more about Philoptochos.

 - Arge Mardakis, St. Anna Philoptochos President

 Flemington Area Food Pantry- The 24th Annual Empty Bowl will be on Friday, October 22, 2021 from 11:00 to 2:30 at the Flemington Food Pantry - 154 Route 31, Flemington (across from the Walmart entrance). For your $30 donation, you will receive a delicious lunch of soup, a sandwich, and dessert along with a hand-crafted bowl donated by an area potter to serve as a reminder of food insecurity in our County. This year because of Covid-19, we will be doing TAKEOUT ONLY, serving your soup cold to be reheated by you. You can purchase tickets using a credit card or PayPal at this link:

 https://flemingtonfoodpantry.org/empty-bowl or at the Pantry during the hours we're open.

ONE VOICE WEEKEND: Oct. 22-24

What is One Voice?

Each year a topic of interest and concern is identified by One Voice of Hunterdon County, Inc., a community coalition using collaboration with faith communities to address social issues. The vision of One Voice is that in every place of worship, on the same weekend, faith leaders raise awareness and provide support on a particular topic. The power of One Voice is to reach thousands of people in one weekend with an important message that affects our community. This year the theme is “Prevention through the Lens of Faith”. Faith is one of the most powerful protective factors in preventing anxiety, depression and substance use disorder. 

We know that human life is a precious gift given to us by God. We want to encourage every one of you to help preserve this gift that God has given us by raising awareness of substance use disorder. In Hunterdon County, there have already been 18 overdose deaths in 2021, and due to COVID-19, overdoses are going unreported; friends and family are deploying Naloxone/Narcan (opioid overdose reversal) without the benefit of additional medical attention. 

What can we do?

As servants of God, it is our calling to help those who are struggling and to offer hope to all those who feel hopeless. We know that there is no shame in God and that there is hope for everyone, but the stigma surrounding substance misuse says otherwise.

 This weekend, we are united with people in all places of worship in Hunterdon County to speak with One Voice about substance use disorder. It serves as a great opportunity for each of us to help put an end to the stigma that often hinders people from seeking treatment. In an epidemic that seems hopeless, we must be the ones to spread hope, so I encourage each of you to get involved within our communities so that we can break through this barrier. 

 (Fr. A. will have a special message and gift to our Youth on Sunday, Oct. 24 during the Divine Liturgy.  Please attend.)