The new gold altar cloths donated by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Czekalski are being prepared by Mrs. Mary Ann Markowski and her sister Virginia. The new altar cloths will be blessed on December 21st and used for Christmas.

On Tuesday, November 11, the Church Council of Holy Spirit Church resolved to disperse $1,800.00 to the following Missions and Charities (please be aware that any gift that was “earmarked” for a particular charity was properly distributed as requested). Agape Flights of Venice $150.00. Agape Flights transports and serves missions and missionaries who are serving in Haiti and Dominican Republic which have been hit so severely by hurricanes. The OCA Christmas Stocking Project $350.00. The “Christmas Stocking Project” makes Christmas Stockings filled with gifts available to children in many countries of Eastern Europe including Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine among others. South County Food Bank $500.00. The South County Food Bank provides food and necessities to the needy in the southern parts of Sarasota County including the Venice area. Guatemala Orthodox Orphans $150.00. This donation is for the various daily needs of the resident orphans. Orthodox Project in Mexico $150.00. This project helps build one room dwellings for the poor. The Endicott Orthodox Project $500.00. This offering provides food, clothing and other necessities for the Endicott family. May God bless each of these worthy ministries.

In addition, to the Missionary Donations described above, the people of Holy Spirit Church, through the Good Samaritan Fund, have given $1,550.00 (Year To Date) to the needy of our parish and community. These monies have been distributed based on need for groceries, medicine, school clothes, and other critical necessities.

These Missions and Charities donations total some $3,350.00. What a beautiful testament of giving from the people of Holy Spirit Orthodox Church to the Kingdom of God. May God Bless each of you for the love demonstrated in the giving of your financial gain, your prayers, and your time.

Many, many years!

On November 15, 2008 the Tatiana McKinney art work (formerly part of the Holy Spirit Iconostas) was donated to the Holy Theotokos Mission of Orlando, Florida. This Romanian Mission is served by Father Nichoia Regos. They have rented space and are in the process of preparing that space for Divine
Services. The Mission met on November 16 to determine what donation might be made to Holy Spirit Church for the art work. Regardless, we pray that the art will continue the Orthodox outreach of Holy Spirit Church in Venice.

This week you received our Special Christmas Mailing. This mailing contains a letter describing the upcoming Christmas Boutique, the Christmas Boutique Flyer, the Yearly Christmas Poinsettia request with remembrances, and the appropriate envelope for your poinsettia offering. If you did not receive your materials or if you have any questions please see a Church Council Person.

The “Kids Creating Community” meeting will be held on November 23rd (see the insert). Please remember that the only entrance fee will be a bag of groceries for the Area Food Pantry. The presentation and dinner will be held on November 23rd from 3:00 to 5:00 pm at the United Church of Christ. Don’t forget a full Turkey Dinner will be served. Please make your reservations with Lea Ann Bochnak.

On Tuesday, November 11, the Church Council of Holy Spirit Church resolved to disperse $1,800.00 to the following Missions and Charities (please be aware that any gift that was “earmarked” for a particular charity was properly distributed as requested). Agape Flights of Venice $150.00. Agape Flights transports and serves missions and missionaries who are serving in Haiti and Dominican Republic which have been hit so severely by hurricanes. The OCA Christmas Stocking Project $350.00. The “Christmas Stocking Project” makes Christmas Stockings filled with gifts available to children in many countries of Eastern Europe including Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine among others. South County Food Bank $500.00. The South County Food Bank provides food and necessities to the needy in the southern parts of Sarasota County including the Venice area. Guatemala Orthodox Orphans $150.00. This donation is for the various daily needs of the resident orphans. Orthodox Project in Mexico $150.00. This project helps build one room dwellings for the poor. The Endicott Orthodox Project $500.00. This offering benefits the Endicott family, including Father and Matushka Endicott and their twelve adopted children (formerly 4 children). May God bless each of these worthy ministries.

In addition, to the Missionary Donations described above, the people of Holy Spirit Church, through the Good Samaritan Fund, have given $1,550.00 (Year To Date) to the needy of our parish and community. These monies have been distributed based on need for groceries, medicine, school clothes, and other critical necessities.

These Missions and Charities donations total some $3,350.00. What a beautiful testament of giving from the people of Holy Spirit Orthodox Church to the Kingdom of God. May God Bless each of you for the love demonstrated in the giving of your financial gain, your prayers, and your time.

It’s that time again – time for planning the Christmas Boutique. The Christmas Boutique is scheduled for Saturday, December 6th. Begin to think about what you can donate to the sale and we will be giving you more details as the sale date approaches.

The Russian/Ukrainian Dinner is scheduled for October 19th. If you were with us last year you know that this is a wonderful opportunity to share a delicious ethnic meal and great fellowship. A complete menu will be included in next week’s bulletin. The dinner will be $15.00 with children free. Please see Lea Ann Bochnak to make your reservations early!

It’s that time again – time for planning the Christmas Boutique. The Christmas Boutique is scheduled for Saturday, December 6th. Begin to think about what you can donate to the sale and we will be giving you more details as the sale date approaches.

The Russian/Ukrainian Dinner is scheduled for October 19th. If you were with us last year you know that this is a wonderful opportunity to share a delicious ethnic meal and great fellowship. A complete menu will be included in next week’s bulletin. The dinner will be $15.00 with children free. Please see Lea Ann Bochnak to make your reservations early!