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The Word
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth.”
~John 1:14
A Monthly Newsletter
From Fr Luke
Read about the
significance of the
number “40” in the
church.
Pages 1-2
May 2015
Notes From the Parish
Council
Read about the Goals
that are being developed
by the parishioners at
Nativity of Christ
Greek Orthodox
Church.
Pages 3-5
Another
40
D a y s . . . To
What?
by Father Luke
The experience of “40” is seen in the
Bible several times. Noah’s 40 days in
the ark... Moses and the Israelites’ 40
years in the wilderness... Jesus’ 40 days
of prayer and fasting before His being
tempted... just to name a few. In each
case, following 40 came a deliverance:
Noah found land, the Israelites came to
the promised land, and Jesus began His
public ministry.
The Church maintains the “40”
experience in Her life as well—we
recently completed 40 days of lenten
period, which brought us to the
celebrations of Lazarus Saturday, Palm
Sunday, Holy Week, and ultimately Holy
Pascha! This is the most common 40 that
Christians are aware of on our
pilgrimage, but there are others... another
The Word 2.0
Religious Education
Don’t miss out on end-ofthe-year Sunday School
activities and observances
Page 6-7
Philoptochos
Learn about
important endeavors
of the Nativity of
Christ Philoptochos
Page 8
Festival
Many ways to help
out in this major
fundraising event at
Nativity of Christ.
Pages 9-11
2015 Stewardship
It isn’t too late to add
your name to the list of
Nativity of Christ
stewards
Pages 13-14
mankind if He would return to Heaven.
Upon His return to the Kingdom, Jesus
assured his followers that the Comforter,
the Hoy Spirit, would then be sent to
them by His Father. Therefore, we may
understand that the coming of the Holy
Spirit delivered us into a new experience
that brings us even closer to God!
After that 40-day period—2000 years
later—the Holy Spirit is still among us
40 day lenten period leading to the
and bringing those closer to God who
Nativity of our Lord, and the 40 day
wish to feel His embrace. Experienced in
period that we are currently in right now! the liturgical life of the Church, the Holy
Spirit is active for our benefit. In all the
Forty days passed between the time that
Church’s Mysteries (Sacraments) the
Jesus resurrected from the dead, and
Holy Spirit is present, and through His
ascended into heaven! For 40 days
activity we are brought into God’s Love
following His resurrection the Lord
—most obvious is the experience of the
walked the earth, interacted with his
Eucharist in the Divine Liturgy. A
followers, taught and even ate (the Lord’s gathering of faithful, through the
first meal following His Resurrection was priesthood, make an offering of bread and
fish... did you know that is why we serve wine to God Himself. Ultimately, the
fish at the Makaria meal following a
Holy Spirit descends upon the gathering,
funeral?)! What could we possibly be
specifically the offerings, and changes the
delivered from by having Jesus leave His bread into the Body of Jesus Christ and
followers and return to the Kingdom of
the wine into the Blood of Jesus Christ!
Heaven?
The Body and Blood of Jesus Christ
which in following His commandments
Jesus Christ Himself taught that it will be
* continued on page 2
better for His believers and all of
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“Let us love one another so that with one mind
we may confess…”
~ The Divine Liturgy
at the Last Supper, we the faithful eat. In
this sacred experience through the work
of the Holy Spirit, we are brought into
physical union with God Himself! This
type of connectivity with God did not
take place prior to the presence and
activity of the Holy Spirit—thousands
saw and even heard the teachings of Jesus
Christ in His three year ministry, yet the
intimacy with God that we are offered by
the Holy Spirit is something much more.
Ponder for a moment—God is inside of
you! Not metaphorically, but in tangible
reality... God is inside of you when you
participate in the Sacramental life of the
Church... all because of the Holy Spirit!
At the end of this 40-day period between
Jesus’ resurrection and ascension we are
escorted into a new experience of
intimacy with God that is brought forth
by Holy Spirit Himself.
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Inasmuch as the 40-day lenten period
prepared us to recognize and celebrate the
Lord’s Resurrection, this 40-day period
exists to help us recognize, desire and
seek the intimacy with God that He has
provided to us through the Holy Spirit!
participants in the Divine Liturgy each
Sunday.
In closing, I offer the words of Saint Basil
the Great, who reflects upon the reality
and awesomeness of the Holy Spirit:
Attempting to overly define the Holy
Spirit is a lost act that leads to nowhere.
Remembering the words of Saint John
Chrysostom, “A comprehended god is not
God,” we do not have the capacity to
fully comprehend the Holy Spirit, yet we
do have the ability to be recipients of His
grace, and be thankful.
“What does the Spirit do? His works are
ineffable in majesty, and innumerable in
quantity. How can we even ponder what
extends beyond the ages? What did He do
before creation began? How great are the
graces He showered on creation? What
power will He wield in the age to come?
He existed; He pre-existed; He co-existed
with the Father and the Son before the
May this current 40-day period bring us
ages. Even if you can imagine anything
to a greater recognition and desire for the beyond the ages, you will discover that
presence and activity of the Holy Spirit in the Spirit is even further before.”
our lives! May we understand that we are
dependent upon God, and He continues to Praying that we see you as a participant in
provide for us! May we seek the grace of the Divine Liturgy this Sunday!
the Holy Spirit by being active
Christ is Risen!
The Word 2.0
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Notes from
the Parish
Council
Don’t Forget Your Mother!
For those of you who do not
use a paper calendar any
more, May 10 is Mothers’ Day.
What could be a better gift to
your mother or grandmother
than to spend a family
morning in church together?
Following the Divine Liturgy
will be a special coffee hour
dedicated to the many women
who have served as a
foundation for the growth of
our parish.
Maybe It Is a Way to Prevent
ID Theft
Your assistance is requested to
prevent the parish council
from hiring a private
investigator to discover the
“who” or “what” of a
donation. Occasionally,
parishioners will leave a check
on the office desk or in a
church basket with either no
memo or an unclear memo
field regarding the intent of
the donation. With our new
QuickBooks system, we now
have the opportunity to
provide each parishioner with
a clear picture of their
donation history. But, we do
need your help to make the
system effective.
The Word
An Alternative to Sitting on
the Couch Watching the Indy
500
Two sides of the stewardship
triangle are the sharing of time
and talent. Instead of
watching a car you could
never test drive make four left
turns per lap a zillion times,
spend some time
demonstrating the talents that
you rarely get to use or may
not have known you have.
Bring back those memories of
elementary school, summer
camp, or basic training by
serving on the food line at the
festival.
Well, You Said You Don’t Like
It
Our parishioner survey results
of six months ago exhibited an
obvious dislike or avoidance
for our website. As a result of
your concerns, Cathy Selmi
has been working with a
company that specializes in
church websites and will be
rolling out a new and
improved parish website by
June. Information will be
more accessible and continual
maintenance will be provided
to make the site timely and
attractive. This is just one of
several technology upgrades
being finalized in May.
What to Do When the
Happiest Place on Earth Is
Booked
Looking for a venue with a
great up close view of the
beauty of nature to hold a
summer or fall event?
Consider using the Nativity of
Christ patio. Stewards of the
church benefit from a reduced
rental rate and a chance to
spend some restful moments
on your church campus.
Not Available on Google Map
Included in this newsletter are draft
versions of short-term goals, which
stem from the discussions held since
last November. Please take a few
minutes to review these draft road
maps that were presented at the April
26 Parish Assembly. Any comments
can either be shared directly with a
parish council member or
communicated by emailing
parishcouncil@nativityofchrist.org.
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Nativity'of'Christ'Greek'Orthodox'Church'
'
Proposed'Short9Term'Goals'
Place a greater emphasis on youth programs.
Proposed Goal: Increase effectiveness of youth
programs.
Review Date: December 2015
'
Targeted Action: Review existing programs,
research programs in other parishes, meet with
current and past youth program leaders, develop
new approaches for Parish Council approval.
Goal Leader: Parish Council youth programs
liaison
Consider options for the start time of all services to best meet parishioners’ needs.
Proposed Goal: Review options for starting times
Targeted Action: Review current attendance
for various church services.
patterns, study alternative solutions instituted by
other parishes, and make suggestion to Parish
Priest and Council.
Completion Date: January, 2016
Goal Leader: Parish Council liaison for mission,
evangelism, and philanthropy.
Address the needs of elderly parishioners in a more proactive fashion.
Proposed Goal: Develop a plan to keep elderly
Targeted Action: Meet with senior citizens to
parishioners highly involved in church activities.
develop a list of their spiritual needs, study
successful programs in other parishes, and create a
plan of citizen involvement.
Review Date: June 2016
Goal Leader: Parish Council liaison for mission,
evangelism, and philanthropy.
Provide a more welcoming environment for visitors and parishioners attending the Divine Liturgy;
Proposed Goal: Establish a written protocol for
Targeted Action: Create a clear and concise
narthex duty.
document outlining effective interaction with
parishioners entering the narthex, including the
greeting of visitors.
Completion Date: August 2015
Goal Leader: Parish Council President
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Create signage to alleviate confusion of visitors regarding the location of buildings.
Adopted Goal: Develop a plan for effective
Targeted Action: Review the signage on similar
direction of and interaction with parishioners and
church campuses, meet with sign companies,
guests to campus locations.
review options online, and reach an agreement to
place appropriate signage.
Completion Date: June 2015
Goal Leader: Parish Council facilities and event
coordinators.
!
The Word 2.0
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Develop and actively maintain a vibrant Nativity of Christ Church website.
Adopted Goal: Work with an outside provider to
develop an effective website with relative ease of
viewing for a visitor.
Review Date: September 2015
Targeted Action: Discuss options with several
providers and review websites created by these
providers. Meet with the leadership of each
ministry to determine their needs. Create a new
website and routinely update it.
Goal Leader: Parish Council tech liaison
Make the interface between parishioners and office administration/parish council members as easy as
possible.
Adopted Goal: Take appropriate steps to allow
seamless interaction between parishioners and
parish council representatives.
Review Date: October 2015
Targeted Action: Provide listing of parish council
members, along with liaison positions, with a
direct email link for contact. Establish a systematic
method to purge the NCC address book. Provide a
web-based payment system on the new church
website.
Goal Leader: Parish council IT liaison, treasurer,
and president.
Establish Focus Groups for dialogue among like-minded, like-aged parishioners to increasing the social
interaction of parishioners.
Adopted Goal: Motivate parishioners to become
more involved with the life of the parish.
Review Date: February 2016
Targeted Action: Develop parishioner focus
groups led by two parish council members to
create activities, which appeal to diverse groups.
Maximization of the use of the NCC campus will
be encouraged, as well as the taking advantage of
the many cultural options available in the bay area.
Create email address books based on age and
interests of parishioners.
Goal Leader: All parish council members and
parish priest.
Overhaul the community’s stewardship program.
Adopted Goal: Increase the financial, talent, and
time contributions of all parishioners,
Review Date: January 2016
The Word 2.0
Targeted Action: Establish periodic budget review
documents to inform parishioners of the fiscal
status of the community, reach out directly to
former stewards who have become inactive, reach
out more aggressively to parishioners who have
talents needed by NCC, make individual contacts
with parishioners for the donation of his/her time
for community tasks, and make stewardship
involvement a prime interest of the parish.
Goal Leader: Parish priest, parish council officers,
and parish council stewardship liaison,
"5
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A E R D C U H C D A I T O I CO EN S
Youth Education
Oratorical Festival Update
Nativity
Bible Study
Tuesday Mornings 10:00 AM
Each Tuesday morning (10am)
Bible Study is taught to all Nativity
stewards & friends who wish to
grow in their understanding of
God’s Word and the Orthodox
Church. Visitors are always
welcomed!
Congratula*ons to all of our students who par*cipated in the parish level St. John Chrysostom Oratorical fes*val! You make our community proud! What a blessing to hear you share your journey in the faith with all of us! Thank you for your dedica*on to learn more about your faith and for inspiring us all! Thank you to the teachers, coaches, and parents who encouraged these students to grow in their faith in this manner. To learn how you and your child(ren) can get involved with this important and exci*ng ministry of our church and par*cipate in next year's E
Oratorical fes*val, email sundayschool@na*vityofchrist.org Andy Stenros, Georgia Mavromihalis, Nicole ENstathiu and John Rouman placed in the junior and senior division at our parish level and advanced to speak the Bay Area Oratorical Fes*val on April 19th. Way to go! Georgia Mavromihalis will move on to the next level. Congratula*ons, Georgia! Na*vity Sunday School Students pictured below are: Andy Stenros, Georgia Mavromihalis, Constan*ne Mavromihalis, Nicole Efstathiu, Peter Thomatos, John Rouman, Christopher RizzuW and Sophia Rizzu*. In the Divine Liturgy, two distinct
New Testament Scriptural Readings
are read aloud to the congregation.
These readings are not chosen at
random; they have been prayerfully
and purposefully prescribed by the
Church for all Orthodox faithful to
hear on that specific Sunday! Did
you ever stop to think… why those
readings?
Beginning this January, through the
Bible Study we will examine the
Epistle & Gospel readings
prescribed by the Church for the
upcoming Sunday. Not only will
this exercise help participants grow
in their knowledge of God’s Word,
but it will provide insight into the
wisdom of the Church, and prepare
those involved for a more in-depth
participation in Sunday’s Divine
Liturgy.
All are welcome to join us Tuesday
mornings! Feel free to bring a
snack, bring a friend, and bring
your Bible!
IOCC Emergency Kit
Service Project
Thank you Ma*na Sereme*s for taking *me to coordinate a meaningful service project in April and thanks to all community members who took *me to donate supplies and come to church to make the emergency kits during the potluck following the last presanc*ﬁed liturgy. A fun *me was had by all puWng together these much needed kits for the Interna*onal Orthodox Chris*an Chari*es. Junior Narthex Helpers
Program
Na*vity Junior Narthex Helpers Program is underway! Many of our students have taken *me to par*cipate in this program and there " 6
are s*ll plenty Sundays open for your child to help greet parishoners, and learn and help with the Sunday morning du*es both in the narthex and assis*ng with ushering for communion. Look in your email inbox for a signupgenius link; if you cannot locate it or did not receive one so you can sign your child up for this ministry, contact sundayschool@na*vityofchrist.org to request a link be sent to you. This program will run throughout the summer and again in the new Sunday School year in the fall. New Sunday School email
Sunday School has a new email. Send pictures from ac*ves, ques*ons, comments, sugges*ons and RSVPs for Sunday School events to sundayschool@na*vityofchrist.org. The Word 2.0
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Important Dates
I P G H I I O L UO S P
T E O D C U H C O A S T
Thank You!
May 3-‐-‐Extended Sunday School Instruc*on so children may prac*ce for end of year presenta*ons. 10:45 to noon. Thank you SS families for con*nuing to bring your children to Sunday School!! Your children bring us joy each week! May 17-‐-‐Shortened Sunday School Instruc*on 10:45 to 11:15 followed by end of year presenta*ons and community luncheon to celebrate all our students moving up and gradua*ng and the moms, grandmothers, aunts and godmothers of our community. Last day of Sunday School un*l we reconvene in September. And a million thanks to our amazing Sunday School teachers who take *me every week to teach our Na*vity children and help them grow in both faith and in fellowship with one another. And thanks to our equally wonderful suppor*ng staﬀ of subs*tute teachers, directors and parish council liaisons. Great teamwork by all to make this ministry go and grow! May 22/23/24-‐-‐Na*vity of Christ Greek Fes*val. Help needed for Children's Games and Ac*vi*es area over the fes*val weekend. SS students in grades 7 through 12 are encouraged to help. Parents needed as well to oversee children's ac*vity area. Now Planning for
Nativity of Christ
Summer Day Camp—
YOUR Help is Needed to
Make it a Success!
Sunday School staﬀ is planning a week-‐
long summer day camp at Na*vity August 10 -‐ August 14. It will be a week ﬁlled with faith and fellowship: prayer, learning, arts and craNs, games and summer fun! We are recrui*ng volunteers now to help daily with all ac*vi*es and with general supervision. Please email Chris*na Thomatos at sundayschool@na*vityofchrist.org or contact her by phone at 415-‐895-‐1375 to respond with how you will be able to help. This is a great opportunity for high school students poten*ally to earn community service hours, and for both high school students and young adults to con*nue to develop their leadership skills as they work with kindergarten through 8th grade students during day camp. Parent and young adult volunteers are needed for supervision. Proposed camp hours are 9 to 1 daily. Thank you for considering a dona*on of your *me in August to make this camping program both safe and enjoyable for the children! The Word 2.0
PreK/Kindergarten Kristen Efstathiu 1st/2nd grade Zana Howard 3rd/4th grade Ka*na Blasingame and Floreja Burrows 5th/6th grade Susan Siekas 7th/8th grade Eleni Scanagaja 9th-‐12th grade Steve and Vickie Mavromihalis Subs>tutes Ma*na Sereme*s, Gigi Medan, Dina Stathis, Charloje Kashouty, Karen Walters Sunday School Directors Kathy Marshall and Chris*na Thomatos Parish Council Liaison Tiﬀany Haginicols Orthodox Christian
Summer Camp
Opportunities
June 22 to June 26 and June 29 to July 2: Na*vity Basketball Camp, grades 3 to 8. Contact oﬃce@na*vityofchrist.org for more details and to register. June 22 to June 26: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, San Francisco, CA Faith and Fun Summer Day Camp, Ages 4-‐12 Contact johnskinas@yahoo.com for more details and to register July 5-‐11 and July 12 -‐18 Metropolis of San Francisco Summer Camp St. Nicholas Ranch, Dunlap, CA I
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3 grade through 12 grade (this is a week long overnight camp) more details can be found at youth.sanfran.goarch.org August 10th-‐14th Fellowship and Faith Summer Day Camp @ Na*vity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church, Novato. Grades K-‐8. Contact sundayschool@na*vityofchrist.org for more details or Chris*na Thomatos at 415-‐895-‐1375. Message from Fr. Luke
about St. John
Chrysostom Oratorical
Festival
Na*vity is back! This year we had nine young people par*cipate in the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Fes*val at the parish level, spread across all three divisions! Four par*cipants represented Na*vity at the regional level, which took place at Holy Cross Greek Church (Belmont, CA), and now one par*cipant has been invited to par*cipate at the Metropolis level! The level of par*cipa*on is awesome, only to be surpassed by the integrity that each speaker carried into the Oratorical fes*val at every level -‐-‐ represen*ng themselves, their families and Na*vity! This par*cipa*on has been so inspiring that an anonymous donor from Na*vity has made a beau*ful oﬀering! Each par*cipant will be receiving a giN of Amazon credit to purchase books, electronics, or whatever else they feel may help them academically. The amount of Amazon credit being extended to each par*cipant is mul*plied by each level they par*cipate in this beau*ful ministry. Furthermore, the donor is matching the total amount given to par*cipants with a dona*on to Na*vity that will directly beneﬁt religious educa*on! Many thanks go out to our Sunday School staﬀ, together with Bruce & Fran Corcoran for their support of our par*cipants! Well done good and faithful servants! "7
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Philoptochos would like to thank everyone for making this a very successful event. The proceeds will help support our many chari*es. Membership: We are
Almost There!
We will keep our Membership drive going un*l we reach our goal of 100 members. As of April 16th we have 76 members, leaving 26 members to reach our goal. Your support means the world to the chari*es we support so please send in your form today. Your membership counts, no majer what the amount, and has a signiﬁcant impact of the lives of those who are in need and less fortunate. AJendance at mee>ngs is not a requirement to be a member .If you have already joined, God bless you for your support. Membership forms are available in the Narthex and in the church oﬃce. Please do not wait send in or hand in your membership today! Holy Week
Together the Philoptochos and Sunday School children decorated the epitaph. Thanks to all the members who came to make crosses for Palm Sunday and wrap eggs for Easter. Many hands made for lighter work. Coffee Hour
We would like to thank everyone who brought in goodies during the month of April. This helped us with unhosted coﬀee hours. Our sign-‐up sheet is back up on the bulle*n board in the fellowship hall, and shows the Sundays that are available for you to sign up and host your special coﬀee hour. Hos*ng a coﬀee hour is easy because we want to Every year Philoptochos has three $1000 keep it simple, so there is no pressure. It’s a lovely scholarships available to gradua*ng high school way to greet (and meet) other parishioners in our students, con*nuing college students or church community. Coﬀee and drinks are provided. returning students whose families are stewards May 3rd and May 17th are both open. of our church. Students must be carrying at least 12 units (8 units for graduate students). The applica*on with grade and transcript The Philoptochos will host a requirements as well coﬀee hour to honor our as wrijen narra*ve graduates and the and character scholarship recipients on reference June 17. Please join us to instruc*ons is wish them will wishes available in the church oﬃce. The applica*on with all suppor*ng documenta*on must be submijed by May 24th. Recipients will be Pres. Evelyn Adams 5/2; Vickie Hatos announced on Sunday, June 7th. Forms available 5/5; Christ Kamages 5/9; Arlene in oﬃce and in back of church also from the Angelonides 5/15; Cindy Daifo*s Sunday school teacher. 5/15; Paraskevi Catel 5/18; Chris*na Thomatos 5/25. Board Members: If you are interested on serving on the Philoptochos Board-‐ please contact Rose Hunter or Debbie Kokalis Scholarships
Graduate Coffee Hour
Saints
Cosmas &
Damian
Patron Saints of
Philoptochos
May Birthdays
Palm Sunday
We would like to thank Kay Simon and Stacey Weeks for preparing and cooking the wonderful luncheon. A big thank you to the Philoptochos Board ,and Mike and Laurie Madias for helping Board Mee*ng, 6:30 pm with the delicious luncheon. Thank you to Paraskevi for her delicious bazella—the luncheon Sunday School Gradua*on Scholarship Luncheon would not be the same without them. The Dates to Remember
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5/7 5/17 6/7 The Word 2.0
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Our Marin Greek Festival is Coming Up!
Don’t Miss Our Amazing Line Up of Events!
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
VOLUNTEER! - Many hands are needed!
ATTEND! - Be a part of the festivities!
SPREAD THE WORD! - Tell your friends, coworkers, and neighbors!
VISIT WWW.MARINGREEKFESTIVAL.COM - for discount coupon, directions, menus, & more information
ΏΛΒ΍Ί΢ͥΖΊ΢ллϔϊккͧмйΊΖ΀лͧмйΙΖ
Let’s Do Lunch ~ Greek Style
Lunch Café and Take-Out Service
Free Admission - Parking at Church
Eat In and Take Out Lunches for Area Businesses And Everyone Else!
Take out menu order form online at
www.maringreekfestival.com
● Tell your co-workers and friends
● Organize a lunch event for your office or school!
ΏΛΒ΍Ί΢ͥΖΊ΢ллϔϊоͧйй΀кйͧййΙΖ
UIAnnual
Food of the Gods ~ Fruit of the Vine
AUnique
Greek Dining and
California Wine Tasting Experience
One Night Only - Free Admission - Shuttle from IVC
Special À La Carte Food and Wine Pairing Menu
Dancing to the Music of 4QBSUBOT(SFFL#BOL
Wine Tasting - 5:30 - 8:30 pm
$15 tasting fee to sample the wines of Suacci Carciere, Fotinos
Vineyard, 74BUUVJ8JOFSZ.BJTPO-PVJT-BUPVS5SFL8JOFSZ
5IPSO)JMM7JOFZBSETand Mahoney Vineyards
ΜΊΝΞΛ΍Ί΢ІΜΞΗ΍Ί΢ͥΖΊ΢лмІлнккͧййΊΖ΀кйͧййΙΖ
ΘϛϘΝϘχϊϏϚϏϕϔχϒΖχϘϏϔΐϘϋϋϑΏϋϙϚϏϜχϒ
ΊϊϓϏϙϙϏϕϔͧΊϊϛϒϚϙ΀гоΜϋϔϏϕϘϙ΀гнΌώϏϒϊϘϋϔкпІϛϔϊϋϘόϘϋϋ
Delectable,authentic Greek delicacies prepared from recipes passed
down from generation to generation and enjoyed in the old world
ambiance of our Greek village on the hill
΍χϔωϏϔύϚϕϚώϋΖϛϙϏωϕόΜϖχϘϚχϔϙΐϘϋϋϑ΋χϔϊ
Performances by the Minoan Dancers, Church Tours,
Byzantine Chanting, Greek Marketplace, Cooking Demos,
Children’s Activities, and more!
The Word 2.0
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1110 Highland Avenue, Novato, CA 94949 · 415.883.1998 · www.nativityofchrist.org
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Please feel free to contact us should you have any questions. Looking forward to seeing you on
Memorial Day Weekend.
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Cooking Schedule – Roll up your sleeves and help with the cooking – no experience
necessary, it’s a great way to learn! Mark your calendar now.
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Pre-Festival Food – Something new! Order our Greek specialties for your freezer!
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Program Book – Advertise your business, offer a greeting from your family, or list your
name as a Friend of the Festival
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Food Sponsorship Opportunities – Help underwrite the cost of food and drink
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How You Can Support the Festival - Enclosed please find the following documents which provide
information on the various ways you can support the Marin Greek Festival:
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Giving Back to the Community - Each year the Festival donates 5% of the net proceeds to a
local organization. This year the committee has chosen St. Vincent’s School for Boys as the
Festival charity partner.
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The annual Marin Greek Festival will take place over Memorial Day Weekend, on Friday, May 22,
Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24. The Festival is renowned for its delicious Greek food and
pastries prepared with recipes handed down from generation to generation. The lively bouzouki
beat of Spartan Greek Band on Friday, Saturday and Sunday will accompany community linedancing each day of the Festival. The award-winning Minoan Dancers will perform daily and also
will provide free Greek dance lessons each afternoon.
%
As%is%our%tradition,%we%will%be%publishing%an%advertising%program%book%for%the%festival%and%
we%turn%to%our%Nativity%family%and%friends%for%ads%and%to%solicit%your%local%businesses%for%
ads,%especially%in%Novato.%This%ad%book%is%a%great%way%to%raise%money%for%the%festival%and%
to%advertise%supporting%businesses%to%the%3,000%plus%people%who%attend%the%festival.%
%
Please%check%the%appropriate%box:%
(%%%%%)% Full%Page%…………………………….……% $150%
Ideas%for%ads%in%the%program%book:%
(%%%%%)% Full%Page%(color)%………………….……%$200%
• Advertise%your%business%
(%%%%%)% Back%Cover%(color)%…………………….%$450%
• Express%good%wishes%for%a%marriage,%an%
(%%%%%)% Inside%Back%Cover%(color)%………….%$275%
engagement,%a%milestone%birthday,%a%
graduation,%a%new%baby%
(sold)% Inside%Front%Cover%(color)%…….....%$275%
• Express%good%wishes%with%a%family%page%
(sold)%%Center%Page%(1)%…………………………%$225%
with%pictures%
(sold)% Both%Center%Pages%……………………%$400%
• In%memory%of%a%departed%loved%one%
(%%%%%)% Half%(1/2)%page%…………………………%$75%
(%%%%%)% Quarter%(1/4)%page%……………………%$40%
(%%%%%)% Friends%of%the%Festival%Listing*%….$20%(minimum!donation)%
%
*Please%write%below%how%you%would%like%your%“Friends”%listing%to%appear:%
%
%
%
%
(%%%%%)% I%am%attaching%a%copy%of%my%ad/greeting%in%its%final%form%for%the%ad%size%indicated%
above.%Or,%email%your%ad/greeting%to:%parishcouncil@nativityofchrist.org%
%
(%%%%%)% Please%create%my%ad/greeting%using%the%attached%information.%
%
A
This year marks the 44th Marin Greek Festival staged at the spectacular hilltop complex of the
Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church in the Ignacio Hills of Novato. The Festival offers a
sensory banquet for the entire family. Annually more than 5,000 festival-goers come to eat, drink,
dance, visit, shop, browse, or just relax and have fun both indoors and outdoors.
Dear Friends of the Marin Greek Festival,
April 20, 2015
Marin Greek Festival
2015)Advertising)Program)Book)
May$22,23,$and$24$2015!
Marin)Greek)Festival)
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The Word 2.0
The Word 2.0
$!!500!
$2,000!
$!!600!
$!!600!
$800!
$1,600!
$!!400!
$1,200!
$1,000!
$!!500!
BREAD!
PASTRIES!
COFFEE!
RICE!
CHICKEN!
SALAD!
DOLMATHES!
SOFT!DRINKS!
LAMB!SHANKS!
FASOLAKIA!
OLIVES!
FETA!
$!!300!
$!!500!
$2,000!
!
!
parishcouncil@nativityofchrist.org!
Mike!Madias!415T893T9732!
A
CALAMARI!
$1,500!
Ed!Keller!415T883T4937/415T320T9134!
VS
WINE!
$1,500!
Marin!Greek!Festival!2015!Committee!
W
I
MOUSSAKA!
$1,000!
!
ET
TIROPETES!
$!!700!
Thank!you.!
If!you!have!any!questions,!please!contact!us.!
NS
BOTTLED!WATER!
$!!500!
$!!500!
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The!Festival!Committee!appreciates!your!support.!!We!could!not!achieve!success!without!it.!
Please!tell!all!your!friends!and!neighbors!about!this!year’s!Festival.!!The!higher!the!attendance!at!the!
Festival,!the!more!successful!it!will!be.!
YF
LOUKANIC0!
TARAMOSALATA!
$1,500!
$3,000!
!
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SPANAKOPETA!
GYROS!
Billing!Zip!Code:___________________!
IY
!
$1,000!
PASTITSIO!
$2,500!
Type!of!Card___________#_____________________________!Expiration!Date:___________!
VT
SOUVLAKIA!
Make!check!payable!to:!!Marin!Greek!Festival!or!enter!your!credit!card!information:!
II
$1,500!
TV
!
AI
Check!here!if!you!wish!to!receive!a!donation!letter!!for!your!taxes!!!!____!
$_____________!
!___________________________!
NT
BEER!
!
Enclosed!is!my!donation!of!! !
Food!Item!!
We!thank!you!in!advance!for!your!generosity.!!Acknowledgment!of!your!contribution!will!appear!in!the!
printed!schedule!distributed!at!the!Festival.!!Don’t&forget!that&your&donation&is&tax&deductible.&!Please!
specify!which!food!item!you!would!like!to!sponsor!and!make!your!check!payable!to:!
!
MARIN GREEK FESTIVAL - 2015
A
Please!consider!sponsoring!a!complete!food!item,!but!partial!donations!will!be!gratefully!accepted.!!Every&
little&bit&helps!!!!The!list!below!illustrates!the!cost!associated!with!each!food!item.!
A!food!underwriting!program!was!established!many!years!ago!in!order!to!reduce!the!Festival’s!expenses!
which!consume!over!50%!of!the!proceeds.!!As!you!know!from!past!years,!this!program!asks!parishioners,!
businesses!and!friends!to!underwrite!the!cost!of!producing!the!delicious!food!served!at!the!Festival.!!In!the!
past,!we!have!raised!enough!money!through!this!program!to!offset!a!portion!of!the!Festival!expenses.!!
Food!underwriting!ensures!that!one!hundred!percent!(100%)!of!donations!go!directly!to!offset!the!cost!of!
the!Festival.!
It!is!that!time!of!year!again!when!we!start!planning!for!an!exciting!Memorial!Day!Festival!!on!May!22nd,!!
23rd,!and!24th.!
Dear!Parishioners!and!Friends!of!Nativity!of!Christ:!
April!20,!2015!
!
MARIN GREEK FESTIVAL - 2015
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What Does Stewardship Mean? Have you ever thought about exactly what the word stewardship means? We oNen equate stewardship with a ﬁnancial oﬀering to the Church, yet it actually means something much much more! Stewardship is your response to God. God has given you your life and all the good things that ﬁll it. What do you do with the giNs that He has given you? When you respond in a way that is pleasing to God, that is responsible/good stewardship. When you respond in ways that are displeasing to God, that is irresponsible/bad stewardship. Our response to God is comprised of the investments that we make from all capaci*es of our lives -‐-‐ typically categorized as *me, talent and treasure. Although, unfortunate as it is, the stewardship of treasure is what receives an abundance of ajen*on, it is s*ll in fact a component of stewardship... perhaps we may understand it as a reﬂec*on of our greater stewardship response. When we are focused on responding well to God’s giNs in our total life -‐-‐ we also respond with ﬁnancial oﬀerings that are pleasing to God by virtue of sacriﬁcial giving that reﬂects the sacriﬁcial lifestyle of Chris*an AGAPE Love. In response to God’s giN of His Son’s Death and Resurrec*on -‐-‐ that a moment to prayerfully reﬂect of the type of steward that you are in response to God’s giNs. Fueled by God’s Love, let us all choose to be the stewards that are pleasing to God! Be Wise as Magi
God’s House to your house
In the tradition of the Magi, who faithfully made offerings to the infant Lord,
I/we pledge faithful pilgrimage to God as a parishioner of the Nativity of Christ
Greek Orthodox Christian Church, through the offering of...
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Time and Talents
Treasure
Talents that I pledge to
offer to Nativity life…
Total annual financial offering that I pledge
to Nativity for the year 2015
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
Please write in specific
talents that you are willing
to offer in support of Nativity
community life
$ _____________________
I am interested in including Nativity of Christ
in my estate planning. Check box if interested.
Names:____________________________________
__________________________________________
Address:___________________________________
__________________________________________
E-mail:_____________________________________
Phone:________________Cell:__________________
Signature:________________________Date:_____________
The Word 2.0
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Nativity of Christ Greek
Orthodox Church
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Grey, Richard & Connie
Haginicols, Charles & Amalia
Haginicols, Leo & Tiffany
Hajopoulos, Kathy
2015 List of Stewards as of April 25, 2015
Hanis, Jim & Stella
Harris, Helen
Palumbis, Fr Luke & Pres Eleni
Hontalas, Frank & Eve
Adams, Fr, James & Pres Evelyn
Hundley, Courtney & Marilyn
Efstathiu, Fr Constantine & Pres Kay
Hunter, John & Rose
Iannios, Demetrios & Manulani
Adams, William & Lisa
Jacoby, Nick & Eileen
Anderson, Frances
Kakleas, Jon & Michelle
Angelonides, Peter & Arlene
Kalabokes, Chris & Vicki
Antonis, Chris & Keri
Kalabokes, Matthew
Arango, Pat
Kamages, Christ & Pat
Argyres, Andreas & Joanne
Kambur, James & JoAnne
Baird, Maria
Kanas, Nick & Carolynn
Balopoulos, Michael & Anna
Karas, Tom & Eleni
Banks, Cathy
Kavantjas, Diane
Bechaka, Sonia
Keller, Ed & Karen
Bekris Fr. Niko & Presb. Stella
Kokalis, George & Debbie
Bertolina, Ron & Elaine
Kosmas, Tony & Nia
Bizani, Pano & Barbara
Kozas, Anna
Booras, Pauline
Kozas, Tom & Angie
Boosalis, Gus & Kari
Kuvelis, Dean & Denise
Brzycki, Jeff & Tracy Langley
Lagios, Michael & Sheila
Burrows, Bill & Floretta
Livanos, Nick & Patti
Camamis, Constantine
Madias, Evangelia
Camamis, Dina
Manesis, Alexandra
Capetanos, Bill & Chrisoula
Mantalvanos, Alex & Maria
Capetanos, John & Aglaia
Mardakis, John & Helen
Captanian, Ted & Connie
Marsala, Joan
Castro, Jeff & Joanna
Marshall, Phil & Kathy
Catel, George & Paraskevi
Martin, Jason & Mia
Chyrklund, Chris & Elaine
Mavrantonis, Antoni
Corcoran, Bruce & Fran
Medan, Dushan & Gigi
Cordellos, Dennis & Anna
Meehan, Nicole
Daifotis, Kim & Cindy
Meehan, Tom & Irene
Degaitis, Julia
Morris, Susan
Delfino, Ken & Carrie
Nichols, Toula
Delis, Nicholas & Stephanie
Niemcewicz, Roland & Bess
Della Cella, Joseph & Kathryn
Oetzel, Bob & Pauline
Demiris, George & Ray Ann
Orologas, Alexandra
Destein, Pat
Orologas, Katerina
Diamantopoulos, George & Anna
Orologas-Roland, Nickie
Economy, Carol
Orr, Thomas & Beverly
Edrich, Alexandra
Ortner, Rob
Efthathiu, Pau & Kristen
Panagotacos, Dr. James & Diane
Eliades, George
Pantazes, Katherine
Eliopoulos, Paul & Sophia
Papadopoulos, John & Stella
Fafoutis, Aris & Diane
Papanikolaou, George & Soula
Ferber, John & Pamela
Papanikolaou, Marina
Fotinos, Vivian
Pappas, Angelo & Maria
Fourakis, Andreas & Argyro
Pappas, Art
Fourakis, Vasilis & Effie
Passaris, Michael & Meredith
Frudakis, George & Darlene
Passaris, Theodore & Elaine
Gagas, Charles & Claire
Patrinellis, Antiopi
Garofalos, John
Perivolaris, Nick & Ellen
Garton, Elena
Perivolaris, Sharon
Gavallos, Dennis & Heloisa
Petrakis, Steve & Martha
Gavallos, Tina
Prokopakis, Johanna
George, Pete & Ann
Prokopakis, Melina & Bryan Porter
Georgeson, George & Debbie
Protos, Dora
Giannis, Demetrios & Rose
Psaros, Stamatis & Eleni
Gigounas, Ann
Rehn, Diane & Allen Williams
Gikkas, Peter & Vickie
Rey, Patricia
Giusti, Bob & Nonie
The Word 2.0
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Roesner, Russell & Margarita
Roland, George & Doris
Rossi, Patricia
Rouman, Steve & Liz
Russell, Chuck & Daphne
Sandoval, Irene
Sarantakis, George & Susan
Saris, Tony & Betty
Scanagatta, Roman & Eleni
Selmi, Cathy
Selmi, Helen
Seremetis, Matina & Andres Pineda
Sideris, Milton & Stassie
Siefkas, Chris & Susan
Simon, Kay
Sklavos, Vasiliki
Slenkin, Alex & Nancy
Smernes, Kalliope
Smith, Evi
Smyrni, Anna
Soeten, Alexandra
Soter, Sam & Stella
Sotiras, George
Sotiras, Maria
Sotiras, Paraskevas & Erene
Spyridis, Maryanne
Starling, Eric & Irene
Stathis, Gus & Sophia
Stavrinides, Thalia
Stenros, Stuart & Stella
Stockton, John & Susan
Stratigos, George
Stratigos, Spiro & Mary Kay
Tacticos, George
Taft, Kiki
Tangalakis, Odysseus & Joanna
Thomatos, Dennis & Christina
Tocmakidis, Rose
Touras, Antonios & Antonia
Trapalis, Arthur & Niovi
Triantafyllos, John & Laura
Trimble, Paul
Tzafopoulos, John & Erica
Tzafopoulos, Nick & Vasiliki
Vallas, James & Judith
Vassiliou, Maggie
Vlahakos, Nick & Georgia
Walters, Charles & Amalia
Weeks, Daniel & Stacey
White, Sonja
Wildermuth, Anna
Xydas, Elizabeth
Xydas, Stylianos
Yatrakis, Christopher & Eirini
Yiakis, Joe
Yioulos, Dean & Ann
Zaferiou, Paul & Phyllis
Zagorites, Marian
Zahariudakis, Dimitrios
Zootis, Mary
186 Participating Stewards
$157,506 Pledged
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Festival Cooking Schedule
The Festival is quickly approaching and we could always use help in the kitchen. The cooking schedule is listed below. Come join in the fun
and camaraderie! Any schedule changes will be announced. Sign-up through SignUpGenius at www.SignUpGenius.com/go/
904094DA5A829A46-2015/4107049 or call Ed Keller at (415) 320-9134 (C) or (415) 883-4937 (H) or edkeller@comcast.net.
Monday, May 4
Wed., May 13
Thursday, May 14
Monday, May 18
Wed., May 20
Thursday, May 21
8:00 am
8:00 am
5:00 pm
8:00 am
8:00 am
5:00 pm
Diples Assembly
Kourambiethes Assembly
Chicken/Lamb Marinate
Baklava Assembly
Taramasalata Assembly
Prep Deli, etc./Set-up
Sacraments & Blessing Services Baptism
April 13
Atticus James (Demetrios)
son of Christopher and Julia
Adams-Albrecht
Sponsors are Bill & Lisa Adams
Funerals
April 2
April 16
Victor Gavallos
Toula Nichols
May their memories be eternal!
Date/Time Service Nativity Basketball Camp
Continuing to teach Christian virtue through the
sport of basketball — Nativity will again oﬀer two
weeks of summer basketball camp under the
leadership of Novato Coaching pillar, Scott Morgan!
Save the date: Week 1: June 22-25
Week 2: June 29 - July 2
Each week will be oﬀered to youth from Grades 3-8.
Nativity Summer Church
Camp
Nativity will again oﬀer a summer church camp to
our youth and their friends. Save the dates: August
10-14. Special thanks to our Nativity Sunday School
leadership who are heading this important ministry!
May Liturgies & Readings Epistle Gospel May 3 9:30 am Sunday of the Paralytic Acts 9:32-‐42 John 5:1-‐15 May 5 9:30 am St. Irene of Thessaloniki Acts 10:21-‐33 John 7:1-‐13 May 10 9:30 am Sunday of Samaritan Woman Acts 11:19-‐30 John 4:5-‐42 May 17 9:30 am Sunday of the Blind Man Acts 16:16-‐34 John 9:1-‐38 May 21 9:30 am Holy Ascension Acts 1:1-‐12 Luke 24:36-‐53 May 24 9:30 am Fathers of the 1st Council Acts 20:16-‐18, 28-‐36 John 17:1-‐13 May 30 9:30 am Saturday of Souls I Thessalonians 4:13-‐17 John 21:14-‐25 May 31 9:30 am Holy Pentecost Acts 2:1-‐11 John 7:37-‐8:12 Divine Liturgy
9:30 am
•Bible Study 10:00 am
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Divine Liturgy
9:30 am
Saturday of Souls
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Festival
Clean-up
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
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Marin Greek
Festival
11 am - 10 pm
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Divine Liturgy
9:30 am
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Marin Greek
Festival
11 am - 10 pm
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Fathers of the 1st 25 Memorial Day
Ecumenical Council
Marin Greek
Festival
11:30 am - 2:30 pm
and
5 - 10 pm
Holy Ascension 22
Saints Constantine
& Helen
Divine Liturgy
9:30 am
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•Greek School 4:15-5:45
•Folk Dance Practice
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Sunday School follows
Last Day of Classes
Sunday School Picnic
•Bible Study 10:00 am
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Divine Liturgy
9:30 am
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Festival
Workday
9 am - 5 pm
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Sunday of the 18
Blind Man
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15
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•Baptism 10:00 am
St. John, • Chrismation
the
1:00 pm
Apostle
Festival
Divine Liturgy
Workday
9:30 am
9 am - 5 pm
2
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•Parish Council Meeting •Greek School 4:15-5:45
7:00 pm
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Sunday School follows
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•Philoptochos Board
Meeting 6:30 pm
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•Bible Study 10:00 am
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•Folk Dance Practice
•Greek School 4:15-5:45
WEDNESDAY
2 0 1 5
MAY
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Divine Liturgy
9:30 am
Sunday of the 11
10
Samaritan Woman
Mother’s Day
Divine Liturgy
Divine Liturgy
9:30 am
Saint Irene of 6
Thessoliniki
•Bible Study following
5
TUESDAY
•Baptism 1:00 pm
Divine Liturgy
9:30 am
Sunday of the 4
Paralytic
MONDAY
C A L E N D A R
Sunday School follows
3
SUNDAY
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Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox
Church
1110 Highland Drive
Novato, California 94949
www.na*vityofchrist.org The Word 2.0
May 2015