·         TODAY – MISSION SUNDAY – SCOBA designates Forgiveness Sunday to also be Mission Sunday when we pass a special collection to supplement our children’s Coin Box fundraiser. Our Sunday School participates in this fundraiser every year with much success thanks to our parishioners' generosity. Please make checks payable to St. John’s and mark your donation as “Missions”. These donations will be forwarded to the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) in support of its ministry throughout the world.

·         TODAY – WELCOME TO HIS GRACE BISHOP DEMETRIOS for coming to be with us today on FORGIVENESS (CHEESEFARE) SUNDAY. We thank His Grace (and the Metropolis Registrar) for making the effort to drive into town after midnight so as to preside over these spiritually uplifting Sunday morning services! May God grant Him and His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos many years of health to continue to “rightly teach the Word of HIS Truth”. His Grace will be with us for the Philoptochos Valentine Luncheon and he will also preside over the beautiful Pan-Orthodox Solemn (Forgiveness) Vespers tonight at 6:00pm.

·         TODAY – HIERARCHAL SOLEMN (FORGIVENESS) VESPERS AT 6:00PM – His Grace Bishop Demetrios will preside over this beautiful service that marks the beginning of Great and Holy Lent. Fellowship over a Lenten Meal will follow immediately after the service. Priests and parishioners from near-by Orthodox Churches (St. George and St. Raphael) will join us for the service and fellowship.

·         TODAY – SUNDAY SCHOOL – Threre are NO Sunday School classes today for Levels 1, 2, 3, and 4 (grades 1-12). There IS a class for the Preschool and Kindergarten children immediately after communion.

·         OUR CHURCH’S TECHIE PROJECT, intended to enhance our educational ministries as well as facilitate other administrative needs, is coming along very nicely – thanks to our consistently focused and extremely time-generous Michael Christodoulou and his helpers Joe Wright, Chris & Nick Paxton, Konstantine Katsiris, & Eddie Bohren. Last but certainly not least, thank you to Carrol Chipokas for offering to use the Dean Chipokas memorial fund to sponsor this valuable project in Dean’s remembrance. Our newly-installed screen, projector, and sound are ready for our Lenten Wednesday Evening Educational Classes.

·         LIFE LESSONS FROM SUNDAY GOSPEL READINGS (2010) – EVERY TUESDAY from 5:30pm-6:30pm (unless otherwise noted) – This in-depth look at the Gospel Readings prescribed by the Orthodox Church for each of the 52 Sundays for 2010 focuses on how to best apply the teachings from these Gospel Readings to our every-day lives. Because of this past week’s cancellation due to weather, the class on Tuesday, Feb. 16 will cover 2 Gospel Readings (today’s Gospel and last Sunday’s Gospel readings)

·         PHILOPTOCHOS – will meet this Tuesday, February 16^th at 6:30pm-8:00pm.

·         GREEK SCHOOL TIME CHANGE (for the Adult Class) – EVERY WEDNESDAY AT 4:30PM - For the duration of Great and Holy Lent, BOTH (the adult and children classes) will be held at 4:30pm-5:30pm, so as to not interfere with the Lenten Wednesday evening program (PreSanctified Liturgies at 5:30pm, Lenten Meal at 6:45pm, & Religious Education at 7:15pm-8:30pm). Come and see/experience/participate!

·         LENTEN WEDNESDAY EVENINGS at 5:30pm-8:30pm – Every Wednesday Evening during the Great and Holy Lent starting the Wednesday, February 17, we will serve the PreSanctified Divine Liturgy at 5:30pm, partake of the Lenten Meals prepared by our ladies at about 6:45pm and participate in a Religious Education Class at about 7:15pm; will end at 8:30pm. A solid effort to set dedicate these 3 hours weekly will be a worth-while investment in our spiritual development. Please come/see/experience/participate!

·         LENTEN FRIDAY EVENINGS at 5:30pm – Salutations and Akathist Services

·         LENTEN SUNDAY EVENINGS at 5:30pm – Pan-Orthodox Lenten Vespers (see schedule)

·         SATURDAY OF SOULS (FEBRUARY 6, 13, 20) – Orthros (9am), Divine Liturgy (10am), and Memorial Service. Thanks to Mary Moscrip, Eleonora Rieck, and Renee Hadjis for making Kolyva for these services. If you haven’t already done so, PLEASE SUBMIT names of Departed/Dead for 2010. This coming Saturday, February 20^th is our last Saturday of Souls until right before Pentecost.

·         SATURDAY EVENINGS - NEW ALTAR BOY TRAINING every Sat. at 5:15pm and during Vespers.

·         NEXT SUNDAY (February 21) is the SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY. All Sunday School students and children will participate in the Procession of the Icons. Please bring an icon from home for your child to carry in the procession. Extra icons will be available for those whose parents forget to bring one J.

·         THE MESSENGER (Our Bi-Monthly Newsletter) – IT IS TIME to send your submissions for our March-April Newsletter Issue. Please email submissions and pictures of recent events to stj.news@gmail.com or give them in writing to Fr. Ciprian. Ministry leaders please be prompt with your submissions and, if necessary, speak with Fr. Ciprian to finalize plans and events for the next two months before submitting your piece. Together we’ll prevail and send this Messenger Issue out BEFORE the end of February J

·         GREAT AND HOLY LENT – Please follow the fasting guidelines outlined in our Archdiocesan Parish Wall Calendars. For additional questions, ask Fr. Ciprian.

·       TODAY - GOYA BOWLING – Immediately after Fellowship (about 12:45pm) we will carpool to the Westdale Bowling Center (2020 Scotty Drive SW, Cedar Rapids). Cost is $2.75 for Shoe Rental and $4/game.

·       TODAY – ORTHODOX BOY SCOUT SUNDAY – On this Sunday we acknowledge two of our own boy scouts who have completed the St. George Boy Scout Program (Nikalaus Huerter & Nicodemus White) and encourage others who are interested to speak with Fr. Ciprian.

·       OUR CHURCH’S TECHY PROJECT, intended to enhance our educational ministries as well as facilitate other administrative needs, is coming along very nicely – thanks to our consistently focused and extremely time-generous Michael Christodoulou for spearheading this months-long project. As of yesterday, Michael and his helpers (Joe Wright, Chris & Nick Paxton, Kosta Katsiris, & Eddie Bohren) successfully installed the screen, the projector, sound, etc. Last but certainly not least, thank you to Carrol Chipokas for offering to use the Dean Chipokas memorial fund to sponsor this valuable project in Dean’s remembrance. Memory Eternal!

·       PICTORIAL DIRECTORY 2010 – Thank you to all who have had your picture taken on Fri-Sat (Jan 29-30). Each household that had your picture taken will receive a free directory and one free portrait. Additional directories will be available for purchase at printing cost ($5). If you didn’t have your picture taken, talk to Fr. Ciprian about submitting a personal picture.

·       LIFE LESSONS FROM SUNDAY GOSPEL READINGS (2010) – EVERY TUESDAY from 5:30pm-6:30pm (unless otherwise noted) – This in-depth look at the Gospel Readings prescribed by the Orthodox Church for each of the 52 Sundays for 2010 focuses on how to best apply the teachings from these Gospel Readings to our every-day life.

·       PHILOPTOCHOS – will meet this Tuesday, February 9^th at 6:30pm-8:00pm.

·       GREEK SCHOOL – Every Wednesday: Children (4:30pm) & Adults (5:30pm). For the duration of Great and Holy Lent, the adult class will be held at 4:30pm-5:30pm as well, so as to not interfere with the Lenten Wednesday evening program (PreSanctified Liturgies, Meal, & Religious Educ.)

·       PARISH COUNCIL – will meet this Wednesday, February 10^th at 6:30pm-8:00pm.

·       SATURDAY OF SOULS (FEBRUARY 6, 13, 20) – Orthros (9am), Divine Liturgy (10am), and Memorial Service. PLEASE RE-SUBMIT names of Departed/Dead for 2010 using the 2010 form. Thanks to Mary Moscrip, Eleonora Rieck, and Renee Hadjis for making Kolyva for these services.

·       SENIORS’ VALENTINE LUNCH and St. VALENTINE PRESENTATION – will be at noon on Sat, Feb. 13 (This Saturday) at Biaggi Restaurant – For details, see the Flyer on the Bulletin Board or ask Edie.

·       YOUNG/NEW ALTAR BOY TRAINING – Every Saturday at 5:15pm and during Great Vespers.

·       HIS GRACE BISHOP DEMETRIOS will be with us on CHEESEFARE (FORGIVENESS) SUNDAY (FEBRUARY 14). He will preside over Orthros and the Divine Liturgy, be with us for the Philoptochos Valentine Luncheon, and then preside over the Pan-Orthodox Solemn (Forgiveness) Vespers at 6:00pm. St. George and St. Raphael Churches will join us for this beautiful Forgiveness Vespers that starts off the Great and Holy Lent. We need volunteers to help prepare the evening lenten fellowship. The Lenten Meals Sign-up Form is on the bulletin board.

·       PHILOPTOCHOS VALENTINE’S DAY LUNCHEON – Sun, Feb. 14 – During this Fundraising luncheon, we get the opportunity to participate in supporting our Philoptochos chapter’s ministries by making a donation. Philoptochos ladies are encouraged to contact Helen Mcdonald about contributing to this Pre-Lenten (NO meat, Dairy Allowed) Lunch preparations.

·       MEALS SIGN-UP FORM for the PAN-ORTHODOX LENTEN (Feb. 14 & 28) is on the Bulletin Board.

·       THE MESSENGER – This much-awaited and greatly-anticipated Newsletter issue (I know what you’re thinking…) is assembled and labeled and will be mailed tomorrow morning - thanks to our devoted and always-prompt Mailing Team. You can expect it in your mailbox mid-week. Don’t forget to call Fr. Ciprian when you receive it J - what a beautiful day it will be J.  Now let’s get ready for the next one. Please email submissions and pictures of recent events to stj.news@gmail.com or give them in writing to Fr. Ciprian.

·    TODAY – HAITI RELIEF EFFORT – We are joining the Pan-Orthodox Haiti Relief Effort by assisting IOCC in providing help to those affected by this disaster. The special collection plate we passed last Sunday totaled $499. We will do another special collection for this cause TODAY and after Fellowship, we will assemble our 50 first-aid kits that will be distributed to and then by IOCC. Thank you for your generosity and for deciding to participate in this great cause.
·    PICTORIAL DIRECTORY 2010 – Thank you to all you who have had your picture taken yesterday or Friday. Each household that had your picture taken will receive a free directory in addition to the free portrait. Additional directories will be available for purchase at printing cost ($5). If you didn’t have your picture taken, talk to Fr. Ciprian about submitting a personal picture.
·    PRESENTATION OF OUR LORD – TUE, FEB. 2 – Orthros (9am) & Divine Liturgy (10am)
·    LIFE LESSONS FROM SUNDAY GOSPEL READINGS (2010) – EVERY TUESDAY from 5:30pm-6:30pm (unless otherwise noted) – This in-depth look at the Gospel Readings prescribed by the Orthodox Church for each of the 52 Sundays for 2010 focuses on how to best apply the teachings from these Gospel Readings to our every-day life. NOTE: This Tuesday, Feb. 2nd class will be held at 5:00pm-5:45pm.
·    THOMAS KARRAS fell asleep in the Lord yesterday, Saturday, Jan. 30. May his memory be eternal and his soul rest in peace among the saints. Visitations will be on Tuesday, February 2nd from 5:00pm to 8:00pm; Trisagion (Wake) Service will be at 6:30pm. Funeral will be on Wed., Feb. 3rd at 10:00am, followed by the Gravesite Service and then the Makaria meal in the Church Hall.
·    GREEK SCHOOL – Every Wednesday: Children (4:30pm) & Adults (5:30pm).
·    SATURDAY OF SOULS (FEB. 6, 13, 20) – Orthros (9am), Divine Liturgy (10am), and Memorial Service. PLEASE SUBMIT NAMES FOR COMMEMORATION. Need volunteers to make kolyva.
·    YOUNG/NEW ALTAR BOY TRAINING – Every Saturday at 5:15pm and during Vespers.
·    JOY SLEDDING – Sat., Feb. 6 at 2:00pm. JOY Coordinator is Michelle Bayouth (338-5285).
·    GOYA BOWLING – Sun., Feb. 7 at 1:00pm. GOYA Coordinator is Julie Frank (373-1809).
·    SENIORS’ VALENTINE’S DAY LUNCH and PRESENTATION – Sat, Feb. 13 noon at Biaggi
·    HIS GRACE BISHOP DEMETRIOS will be with us on CHEESEFARE SUNDAY (FEB. 14). He will preside over the Divine Liturgy and the Solemn (Forgiveness) Vespers at 6:00pm.
·    PHILOPTOCHOS VALENTINE’S DAY LUNCHEON – Sun, Feb. 14.
·    THE UPDATED PAN-ORTHODOX VESPERS SCHEDULE – NOW includes the Pan-Orthodox Solemn (Forgiveness) Vespers that will be presided by His Grace Bishop Demetrios.
·    JAN-FEB MESSENGER – This much-awaited and greatly-anticipated Newsletter issue (I know what you’re thinking…) will be mailed this week. Call Fr. Ciprian when you receive yours J
·    2009 YEAR-END HOUSEHOLD CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIPTS & REPORTS – If you have not received yours in the mail or noticed a mistake in it, please bring it Christodoulou’s attention.

·      TODAY – TRIODION BEGINS TODAY

·      TODAY – SANCTITY OF LIFE SUNDAY – A Pan-Orthodox mid-western (Metropolis of Chicago) ministry designates this day as the Sanctity of Life of life Sunday when we celebrate and pray for all life. At the appropriate time we will all recite the prescribed prayer found in the pews.

·      TODAY – HAITI RELIEF EFFORT – We will join in the Pan-Orthodox Haiti Relief Effort by assisting IOCC in providing to those affected by this disaster. We will pass a special collection plate this for this purpose. We will also assemble and donate 50 first-aid kits to be distributed to and then by IOCC. Please use the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board to donate items for the first-aid kits and be sure to bring them to church by next Sunday when we will assemble the kits (after Fellowship). Special prayers will also be said after the Divine Liturgy.

·      TODAY - GOYA Ice Skating - Immediately after Fellowship (about 12:30pm) TODAY (Sun, Jan 24 we will carpool to the Coral Ridge Ice Arena located inside the Mall by the food court (1451 Coral Ridge Ave, Coralville, IA Tel: 319-354-7870). Admission will be $6 and Skate Rental $2. If any teenager or parent, has a problem meeting this cost, speak with Fr. Ciprian. Our GOYA Coordinator is Julie Frank (319) 373-1809.

·      TODAY - PICTORIAL DIRECTORY 2010 – Pictures will be taken on FRI, JAN 29 and SAT, JAN 30 – Fr. Ciprian would like for every household to have their pictures taken. There are NO costs and NO obligations to buy pictures; buying/ordering portraits (pictures) is optional. Each household that has their picture taken gets a free directory. J J J IT’S STILL NOT TOO LATE. SPEAK WITH CARROL CHIPOKAS OR DOROTHEA ALLANS TO SIGN-UP SIGN-UP SIGN-UP TODAY PLEASE J J J

·      TODAY - 2009 YEAR-END HOUSEHOLD CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIPTS & REPORTS – will be handed out by Michael Christodoulou today after the divine services.

·      TODAY – 2010 ORTHODOX CALENDARS – Please grab ONE Orthodox Wall Calendar for your home and one Orthodox Pocket Calendar for each family member (in Narthex by the candles).

·      LIFE LESSONS FROM SUNDAY GOSPEL READINGS (2010) – EVERY TUESDAY from 5:30pm-6:30pm (unless otherwise noted) – This in-depth look at the Gospel Readings prescribed by the Orthodox Church for each of the 52 Sundays for 2010 will focus on how to best apply the teachings from these Gospel Readings to our every-day life.

·      GREEK SCHOOL – Every Wednesday: Children (4:30pm) & Adults (5:30pm).

·      YOUNG/NEW ALTAR BOY TRAINING – Every Saturday at 5:15pm and during Vespers.

·      2010 STEWARDSHIP COMMITMENT FORM – If you have not filled one out for year 2010, please do so as soon as possible. The 3-page form is available in the Narthex and Church Hall.

·      THE 2010 PAN-ORTHODOX VESPERS SCHEDULE – Please grab one if you’d like.

·      BLESSING OF HOMES – To schedule your home blessing, please call Fr. Ciprian on his cell anytime during the week. Attempting to do this during fellowship will be difficult.

·    TODAY – SHARE THE LIGHT SUNDAY – has been designated by our SCOBA hierarchs as a national event to support the growth of Orthodox modern media outreach (radio, the Internet, podcasts, DVDs, television and more). The Orthodox Christian Network (OCN), a pan-Orthodox media ministry that is also one of the official agencies of SCOBA, uses the power of the radio and the Internet to share the timeless faith of Orthodoxy with mainstream America. A special collection tray will be passed after the Divine Liturgy. Your donation to support this ministry should be marked “Share the Light” and made payable to St. John’s (if paying by check). The total donations will be forwarded as one lump sum donation from our parish family.
·    TODAY - PICTORIAL DIRECTORY 2010 – Pictures will be taken on FRI, JAN 29 and SAT, JAN 30 - Everyone is encouraged to participate and have their picture taken. There are NO costs and NO obligations to buy pictures. Buying/ordering portraits (pictures) is optional. Each household that has their picture taken gets a free directory. SIGN UP FOR THE DESIRED OPEN TIME SLOTS ON THE BULLETIN BOARD. There are two sheets for each day (Jan 29 & 30) containing different times. Groups/families of 2 or less sign in shaded time slots; groups/families of 3 or more sign in white time slots. J J J SIGN-UP SIGN-UP SIGN-UP TODAY PLEASE J J J
·    OUR CHURCH’S FEAST DAY CELEBRATIONS – Thank you to all who were involved in preparations and clean-up. Special thanks goes to Maria Katsiris for organizing the luncheon, to Alex Hadjis for preparing and donating the food, and to Tula Margellos & Eleonora Rieck for preparing and donating the Vasilopitas (special breads).
·    PHILOPTOCHOS - THE CUTTING OF THE VASILOPITA brought in a total of $500.00 even. Our Philoptochos chapter will forward these donations to St. Basil’s Academy.
·    TODAY – 2010 ORTHODOX CALENDARS – Please grab ONE Orthodox Wall Calendar for your home and one Orthodox Pocket Calendar for each family member (in Narthex by the candles).
·    LIFE LESSONS FROM SUNDAY GOSPEL READINGS (2010) – EVERY TUESDAY from 5:30pm-6:30pm (unless otherwise noted) – This in-depth look at the Gospel Readings prescribed by the Orthodox Church for each of the 52 Sundays for 2010 will focus on how to best apply the teachings from these Gospel Readings to our every-day life.
·    GREEK SCHOOL – Every Wednesday: Children (4:30pm) & Adults (5:30pm).
·    HOPE & JOY Museum Event - Meet on Sat, Jan 23 in the Church Parking Lot (10:45am) and then drive down to the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art located just a few blocks away. We will enjoy the Free family tour of the gallery with plenty of interesting things to see and fun projects for the children for about an hour (11am-noon). At noon, we will grab lunch together somewhere close by. (HOPE Coordinator: Elleni Huerter 247-0562; JOY Coordinator: Michelle Bayouth 338-5285)
·    YOUNG/NEW ALTAR BOY TRAINING – Every Saturday at 5:15pm and during Great Vespers.
·    GOYA Ice Skating - Immediately after Fellowship (about 12:30pm) on Sun, Jan 24 (next Sunday) we will carpool to the Coral Ridge Ice Arena located inside the Mall by the food court (1451 Coral Ridge Ave Coralville, IA Tel: 319-354-7870). Admission will be $6 and Skate Rental $2. If any teenager or parent, has a problem meeting this cost, speak with Fr. Ciprian. Don't forget to bring change of clothes with you to church so you can be comfortable when skating. Our GOYA Coordinator is Julie Frank (319) 373-1809.
·    2010 STEWARDSHIP COMMITMENT FORM – If you have not filled one out for year 2010, please do so as soon as possible. The 3-page form is available in the Narthex and Church Hall.
·    THE 2010 PAN-ORTHODOX VESPERS SCHEDULE – Please grab one if you’d like.
·    BLESSING OF HOMES – To schedule your home blessing, please call Fr. Ciprian on his cell anytime during the week. Attempting to do this during fellowship will be difficult.
·    CHURCH WEBSITE – Our domain name www.stjohncr.org is being transferred to a new registrar and that’s why the website is down temporarily. It should be again fully functional by tonight.

·    TODAY – OUR CHURCH’S FEASTDAY LUNCHEON – Thank you to Alex Hadjis and Katering Kitchen for preparing a wonderful lunch to celebrate our Church’s Feast Day. A warm thank you to Maria Katsiris for all the preparations to get this luncheon organized. The Parish Council will be serving the line during the luncheon and they will appreciate some assistance with the clean-up afterwards. Children will be able to sit and eat in their usual side classroom spots.
·    TODAY – THE CUTTING OF THE VASILOPITA will be done in the Church Hall during the luncheon. As Fr. Ciprian cuts pieces of the Vasilopita (special bread) in remembrance or honor of different individuals and ministries, people are encouraged to make a donation in exchange for the piece of Vasilopita. Vasilopita donations made by check should be made Payable to “Philoptochos”. Our Philoptochos chapter will forward all these donations to St. Basil’s Academy. Thank you to Tula Margellos and Eleonora Rieck for preparing and donating the Vasilopitas.
·    TODAY – NO SUNDAY SCHOOL due to our Church’s Feast Day Luncheon.
·    TODAY – 2010 ORTHODOX CALENDARS – Please grab ONE Orthodox Wall Calendar for your home and one Orthodox Pocket Calendar for each family member (in Narthex by the candles).
·    LIFE LESSONS FROM SUNDAY GOSPEL READINGS (2010) – EVERY TUESDAY from 5:30pm-6:30pm (unless otherwise noted) – This in-depth look at the Gospel Readings prescribed by the Orthodox Church for each of the 52 Sundays for 2010 will focus on how to best apply the teachings from these Gospel Readings to our every-day life. NOTE: The class this Tuesday, Jan 12, 2010 will take place from 5:00pm-5:45pm due to the Philoptochos Christmas Dinner.
·    PHILOPTOCHOS CHRISTMAS DINNER (Tue, Jan 12 - 6:00pm Cocktails & 6:30pm Dinner) - All Philoptochos members, prospective members, and their respective families are invited to fellowship together over dinner at "Cibo Fusion Restaurant and Lounge" located at 685 Marion Boulevard Marion, IA (Tel: 447-1414). Please RSVP with Helen McDonald.
·    SENIORS’ EVENT (Wed, Jan 13 at 11:30am) – This event will take place at the Kenneth Yerington Conference Room. This conference room, named after our own parishioner, is located at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, IA in the General Hospital Building (Room E140 GH - close to the 1st Ramp). Our speaker will be Helen Sheets, a 4-time breast cancer survivor and good friend to Edie Yerington. Box lunch will be $7/each to be paid to Edie Yerington.
·    GREEK SCHOOL – Every Wednesday: Children (4:30pm) & Adults (5:30pm).
·    PARISH COUNCIL MEETING – Wednesday, January 13, 2010 at 6:30pm-8:00pm.
·    YOUNG/NEW ALTAR BOY TRAINING – Every Saturday at 5:15pm and during Great Vespers.
·    PICTORIAL DIRECTORY 2010 – Pictures will be taken on FRI, JAN 29 and SAT, JAN 30 - Everyone is encouraged to participate and have their picture taken. There are NO costs and NO obligations to the participants. Buying/ordering portraits (pictures) is optional. Each household that has their pictures gets a free directory. SIGN UP FOR THE DESIRED OPEN TIME SLOTS ON THE BULLETIN BOARD. There are two sheets for each day (Jan 29 & 30). Groups/families of 2 or less sign in shaded time slots; groups/families of 3 or more sign in white time slots.
·    2010 STEWARDSHIP COMMITMENT FORM – Those of us who have not yet filled out for the year 2010, please do so as soon as possible. The 3-page form is available in the Narthex and Hall.
·    THE 2010 PAN-ORTHODOX VESPERS SCHEDULE – Please grab one if you’d like.
·    BLESSING OF HOMES – To schedule your home blessing, please call Fr. Ciprian on his cell during the week. Attempting to do during this luncheon will be difficult.
·    UPCOMING EVENTS – Share the Light Sunday (Sun, Jan 17), HOPE & JOY Museum Event (Sat, Jan 23), Sanctity of Life Sunday (Sun, Jan 24), GOYA Ice Skating (Sun, Jan 24)
·    UPCOMING SERVICES AND EVENTS – If you are wondering if any of our church services are cancelled due to severe weather conditions, please check our website or call the church office. ALL upcoming services and events (until Great Lent) are listed on the church website with great details.

·    TODAY – FELLOWSHIP SIGN-UP LIST FOR 2010 is on the Bulletin Board in the Church Hall. Please pick your desired Sunday, whatever Sundays will not be filled in today will be assigned and published in the Messenger in the Church Hall and on our website. We need a fellowship sponsor for Next Sunday, January 3rd.
·    TODAY – SUNDAY SCHOOL – There are no classes TODAY. Classes resume on Jan 3rd, 2010.
·    TODAY - ORTHODOX CALENDARS (Wall and Pocket) – If you haven’t yet received one, please grab one Orthodox Wall Calendar for your home and one Orthodox Pocket Calendar for each family member.
·    GREEK SCHOOL – Classes this Wednesday, Dec. 30: Children at 4:30pm and Adults at 5:30pm.
·    YOUNG ALTAR BOYS PROGRAM – All our boys who are or will be 6 years or older by the end of 2009 are invited to come to the Altar Boys' Training during the Great Vespers services every Saturday at 5:15pm. This is a wonderful opportunity and a great way for the younger boys to be trained as altar boys and prepare them to eventually serve during the Divine Liturgy as well.
·    THE OUTDOOR PAN-ORTHODOX BLESSING OF THE WATERS/RIVER - The Iowa Orthodox Christian Clergy Association (IOCCA) will host an Outdoor Blessing of the Waters Service as part of our Theophany celebrations on Saturday, January 9 at 11AM. St. Raphael has graciously agreed to organize/host this event. We are pleased Bishop Demetrios of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago will be able to be with us and preside over the service. We will gather on the pedestrian bridge spanning the Iowa River which is next to the Iowa River Power Restaurant and Flannigan's Bar & Grill on 1st Avenue in Coralville, IA. Faithful from our neighboring Orthodox parishes are encouraged to invite/bring non-Orthodox friends for this joyous event. After the short service, everyone is invited to fellowship over lunch at Flannigan's.
·    PROSFORO – Let Fr. Ciprian know if you would like to make prosforo for the Divine Liturgy.
·    LIFE LESSONS FROM SUNDAY GOSPEL READINGS – EVERY TUESDAY from 5:30pm-6:30pm – This in-depth look at the Gospel Readings prescribed by the Orthodox Church for each of the 52 Sundays for 2010 will focus on how to best apply the teachings from these Gospel Readings to our every-day life. They will start on Tuesday, January 5, 2010, though this first session will be slightly delayed due to the Epiphany Vespers.
·    UPCOMING SERVICES AND EVENTS – If you are wondering if any of our church services are cancelled due to severe weather conditions, please check our website or call the church office. ALL upcoming services and events (until Great Lent) are listed on the church website with details.