{"id":9184,"date":"2020-12-01T08:48:56","date_gmt":"2020-12-01T13:48:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stpeterorthodoxchurch.com\/?p=9184"},"modified":"2020-12-01T08:48:56","modified_gmt":"2020-12-01T13:48:56","slug":"st-peter-newsletter-december-1-2020","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stpeterorthodoxchurch.com\/st-peter-newsletter-december-1-2020\/","title":{"rendered":"St. Peter Newsletter December 1, 2020"},"content":{"rendered":"

Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia
\nTenth Sunday of Luke <\/h2>\n

Nicholas, Bishop of Patara; New-Martyr Nicholas of Karamania in Asia Minor<\/h4>\n
\"St.
Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Who is Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra?<\/h4>\n

This Saint lived during the reign of Saint Constantine the Great, and reposed in 330, As a young man, he desired to espouse the solitary life. He made a pilgrimage to the holy city Jerusalem, where he found a place to withdraw to devote himself to prayer. It was made known to him, however, that this was not the will of God for him, but that he should return to his homeland to be a cause of salvation for many. He returned to Myra, and was ordained bishop. <\/p>\n

He became known for his abundant mercy, providing for the poor and needy, and delivering those who had been unjustly accused. No less was he known for his zeal for the truth. He was present at the First Ecumenical Council of the 318 Fathers at Nicaea in 325; upon hearing the blasphemies that Arius brazenly uttered against the Son of God, Saint Nicholas struck him on the face. Since the canons of the Church forbid the clergy to strike any man at all, his fellow bishops were in perplexity what disciplinary action was to be taken against this hierarch whom all revered. <\/p>\n

In the night our Lord Jesus Christ and our Lady Theotokos appeared to certain of the bishops, informing them that no action was to be taken against him, since he had acted not out of passion, but extreme love and piety. The Dismissal Hymn for holy hierarchs, The truth of things hath revealed thee to thy flock…was written originally for Saint Nicholas. He is the patron of all travellers, and of sea-farers in particular; he is one of the best known and best loved Saints of all time.<\/p>\n

Source: Orthodox Church in America<\/a> website.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Liturgies and Services This Week<\/h2>\n

St. Porphyrios of Kavsokalivia on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at 9:30pm<\/strong><\/p>\n

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St. Porphyrios of Kavsokalivia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

St. Barbara on Friday, December 4, 2020 at 9:30pm<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

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Nativity Fast Continues<\/h2>\n
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\"Click<\/a>
Click image to learn more<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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November 15 is the beginning of the Nativity Fast, one of the four Canonical Fasting Seasons in the Church year. This is a joyous fast in anticipation of the Nativity of Christ.<\/p>\n

In the weeks between now and December 25, Orthodox Christians prepare themselves to celebrate the birth in the flesh of our Lord Jesus Christ. As we begin the fast, we encourage both believing Orthodox and inquirers to review the reflections and resources in the special Nativity section on the Antiochian Archdiocese website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

For additional general resources on the Orthodox Christian tradition of feasting and fasting, visit the Feasts and Fasts section of Discover Orthodox Christianity<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Do You Need Some Furniture?<\/h2>\n
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\"Marjorie<\/p>\n

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Marjorie Zimmerman is giving away a Jacuzzi bathtub and Sleep Number bed. If you could use these items please shoot Marjorie at text at (239) 595-4592.<\/p>\n

The Jacuzzi bathtub measures at 59″ x 31″. The Sleep Number bed is a split king (heads rise independently, bottom in unison) adjustable bed. Both items will be available when the replacements are delivered. There is no charge.<\/p>\n

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Capital Campaign Update<\/h2>\n
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\"Click<\/a>
Click the image to see how and why you can help<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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UPDATE:<\/strong> We are still accepting Capital Campaign Donations as we have not yet made our goal. Our goal is $750K and we now have $427K. Thank you for your generous contributions to date.<\/em><\/p>\n

The Church now has set up a Brokerage account so if anyone wishes to donate stocks or bonds, the Church can accept them.<\/em><\/p>\n

Our Capital Campaign is going well. So far $400,000 of the $750,000 we need to secure a mortgage to make a bid on the new Church property has been received. That’s over half of our goal!<\/p>\n

Some parishioners may be under the impression that November 1 was a cut off date. It wasn’t. It was the date we hoped to receive all pledges. If you have still not pledged, you can still do so.<\/p>\n

Download a pledge form on the St. Peter website<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Please remember, churches are hard to come by in Southwest Florida. This property meets our needs because:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. We can afford it (the mortgage will cost no more than what we currently pay in rent; it may even be a little less), <\/li>\n
  2. It has buildings on site that are move-in ready,<\/li>\n
  3. It can accommodate the growth we are experiencing and that will continue.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
    \"St.<\/div>\n

    Many of you have seen our Capital Campaign video. Take a look at it again. It lays out our vision that has guided us to where we are and explains why a move is necessary now.<\/p>\n

    We are grateful to everyone who has supported our Capital Campaign. Thank you very much for your confidence and trust, and the hope you have in the flourishing of St. Peter’s parish. <\/p>\n

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    Introduction to Orthodoxy Classes Continue<\/h2>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    Next class Sunday, December 6, 2020. Assignment: Chapters 9 and 10.<\/em><\/p>\n

    The class is required for seekers and catechumens and also open to any parishioner who would like to attend. The syllabus will be posted on the website at soon as it is completed and handed out the first day of class.<\/p>\n

    We will meet after social hall. Get some coffee, have some food and fellowship, and then we break for class.<\/p>\n

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    St. Peter’s is Going Camping!<\/h2>\n

    Get more information on the St. Peter website<\/a>!<\/em><\/p>\n

     <\/div>\n
    \"St.<\/a>
    Click the image for more information<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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    Byzantine Chant Workshop – Weekly on Tuesday at 7:00pm at St. Paul’s<\/h2>\n
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    \"Byzantine<\/p>\n

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    Byzantine Chant class is cancelled on November 24 and resumes on December 1, 2020.<\/em><\/p>\n

    Led by Dn. Nicholas Reid, participants will learn the basics of the tone of the week — its characteristics, scale, and various forms — and will get a chance to participate in group practice.<\/p>\n

    No prior chanting experience is required. <\/p>\n

    This will also be an opportunity to deepen our Orthodox faith by better understanding the role each tone plays in liturgical worship so that we can apply them more fruitfully in our parish life as well as in the worship of the “little church” – our own homes.<\/p>\n

    Questions? Contact Dn. Nick (nick.reid.11@gmail.com<\/a>)<\/p>\n

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    Pledge & Income Report – November 2020<\/h2>\n

    Donations received in September $17,553.00
    \nAmount of money needed to cover expenses: $18,167.00
    \nWe are behind by $614.00<\/p>\n

    Over the last 2 months, our donations have not met expenses. Please give generously in December so that we can make our year-end budget numbers.<\/p>\n

    Please note:<\/strong>Please continue your generous support. If you cannot make it to church please mail in your donation to:<\/em><\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    St. Peter Orthodox Church
    \n24850 Old 41 Road Suite 6
    \nBonita Springs, FL 34135<\/p>\n

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    You can also donate online (scroll to bottom of page):<\/p>\n

    \"Click<\/a><\/p>\n

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    Bishop NICHOLAS Offers a Weekly Live Stream<\/h2>\n

    These are short thirty minute presentations where His Grace Bp. Nicholas speaks on one theme in Sunday readings for fifteen minutes followed by questions from the listeners. It’s worth tuning in. Get instructions on the St. Peter website<\/a> on how to use the Band App on your phone or computer to participate.<\/em><\/p>\n

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    \"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

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    Calendar At A Glance<\/h2>\n

    Calendar also available on the St. Peter website<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

    DECEMBER<\/strong><\/p>\n