On Saturday, August 16th Solange Elizabeth McClean was baptized into the Holy Orthodox Church.  Elizabeth is the daughter of Bob and Anna McClean.  Join us in welcoming Elizabeth into the Church.  Also please join us in welcoming Robert Rinchetti and Johnny Dondero, both of whom were received into the Church on August 14th. 

Many, Many Years to All!

As you are no doubt aware, there are many wonderful things happening in the Holy Spirit Community. The Church Council is currently collecting ideas and suggestions on how to proceed with renovation and enhancement of our building and grounds.  Some repairs are needed and we believe that more seating will be needed in the near future.  Our goal is to provide a worshipful environment where the sacramental life of the Church can proceed unhindered.

With this in mind, we very much need and want suggestions and ideas from everyone in the Community.  Your ideas are absolutely necessary for a successful project.  Please feel free to talk with anyone on the church council about your thoughts and suggestions for the ongoing life of Holy Spirit Church.  PLEASE DON’T BE SHY!!!

Best wishes to Debbie and Rumero Albarran-Soteloon their Wedding Anniversary.  Also, Happy Birthday wishes to Charlie Arnold (8/22), John Kanarsky (8/25) and Ilias Sayeg

The New Orthodox Study Bible – Old and New Testament is available for $40.00.  The first case has already been “snapped up” but put in your order because more bibles are on the way.  An order form is located on the greeting table in the church vestibule or contact Rachel Porcelli-Spanosor a Women’s Guild member.  This is an excellent birthday, anniversary or Christmas gift.  Thank you again Women’s Guild for your ever growing ministry at Holy Spirit Church.

Don’t forget to fill your Bakeless Bake Sale envelope.  Extra envelopes are located in the vestibule of the church on the greeting table.  Thank you to everyone who has already participated!

Several in our community are ill this week.  Remember to send a message of prayer and support.  Stella Budich (2804 Indianwood Dr., Sarasota, Fl 34232), George Jacobs (16139 Appleby Lane, Northville, MI 48139), and Lisa Holak (care of John and Loraine Holak, 2912 Ringwood Meadow St., Sarasota, FL 34235), Mrs. John Nicholas(1204 Schooner Lane, Venice Fl.  34285) and Mrs. Anna Techansoff (676 Circlewood Dr., Venice, Fl.  34293).

The total for the (CIRF) is $7,747.00 as of 8/17/08.  The new air conditioning system cost was$8,240.00.  We need your help in not only making up this difference ($493.00) but providing for the other important repair projects necessary at our church.  Now we have a roof leak around the dome which will require additional work.  The CIRF is an ongoing project, please continue to support this necessary part of our church life.

If you were in church on Sunday morning August 10th you may have heard water leaking from the roof onto the ceiling inside.  The Church Council is looking into the best way to handle the problem but it is evident that we will need your financial support to fix what may be a major problem.  We will keep you informed as to the severity of the problem but meanwhile please, please contribute to the Capital Improvement and Repair Fund.  Your on-going support is necessary so that we can continue to provide a comfortable and safe place to worship.

• Please mark your calendar for Sunday, September 21st for the Chicken Scampi Dinner.  Please watch for details in up-coming bulletins.
• Did You Know??  You can sign up to host a Sunday breakfast or to help with cleaning the church.  Let one of the ladies of the Women’s Guild know what you would like to do.  We need you!! 
• Thank you to everyone who attended Senior Moments this summer.  Our discussions will resume in September.  Watch for dates and times.    
• Thank you to all who participated in the completion of the altar covering project.  We now have all the appropriate colors donated and will be making the coverings in August/September.
• The next Church Council Meeting is Tuesday, September 9th at 1:30.  There are many important items to discuss and as always the faithful of our community are invited and encouraged to attend.  We are still in the process of bringing together ideas for renovation of our church please let us hear from you!
• The Women’s Guild is purchasing a case of The Orthodox Study Bibles – Old and New Testament for sale to interested parishioners.  Please contact a Women’s Guild member or Rachel Porcelli-Spanos for more information or see the order form on the greeting table.
• The next Holupki (stuffed cabbage) sale will be held on September 9th.  Orders should in by September 7th.  Holupkie’s are $ 2.00 each and worth it!

• Don’t Forget Food for the Needy.  The basket in the foyer of the church is provided for your food donation to the poor.  Remember the poor,these donations are always given to those in need.  Please be sure that the products have not expired.
• Please take a turn in helping to clean the church.  A sign-up sheet is posted in the kitchen.  Keep in mind that it is very difficult for the “same people” to continue this ongoing effort every week. Whatever you can do will be of great help!