The Parish Council has prepared and mailed out information on pledging financially to St. Raphael Church for 2011.  Please look over this information and prayerfully consider if you are called to support the church in this way.  If possible, please return your pledge forms to the church or to our treasurer, Kristi Abuissa by next Sunday, November 14.

 

       Fr. Ignatius will not be in the office this Thursday, November 11. 

 
Showing the Film "Ostrov" (The Island)-
       We will host a showing of this film on Monday, November 15 at 7PM at the Iowa City Public Library, Meeting Room A.  This film captures authentic Orthodox spirituality as it is told through the life of a fictional monk and fool-for-Christ, who lives on an island monastery in the north of Russia.  The movie is 112 minutes long.  Refreshements will be provided.  This is a good chance to invite friends and family to an outreach event for our church.
 

       On November 15, we begin 40 days of preparation for the clebration of the coming in the flesh of our Savior Jesus Christ at the Feast of the Nativity.  As part of our preparation, we are asked by the Church to modify our diet according to the fasting guidelines for this season which include refraining from meat, dairy and eggs.  Wine and oil are allowed on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and fish, wine and oil are allowed on the weekends.  As always, this is the ideal, and a spirit of humble, repentant fasting which brings us closer to God is the goal, rather than perfectly following the fast with pride.

 

       Please note that our Parish Council is not meeting on the normal schedule this month.  The November Parish Council meeting will be Wednesday, November 17 at 7PM.  All are welcome to attend.

 

       St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Des Moines is asking for help to minister to several Eritrean individuals and families.   One woman and her two children were recently evicted and many of their meager possessions were looted after the possessions were put out on the curb.  In addition to this family, there are four recently arrived young men who are in need of assistance.  Following is a list of things that would be useful to them all.  -Toiletries for men and women:  toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, shampoo, facial tissues, toilet paper.  Clothing for men and women:  hats, gloves, scarves, winter coats, socks, sweaters (men's M and L and women's S and M), pants.  Shoes/boots:  men's sizes 13 and 9 1/2 and 10.  Women's sizes 8 and 8 1/2.
 

       At our Annual Voters' Meeting on December 5, we will need to fill at least one parish council position.  To satisfy the conditions of our parish constitution, we need two people willing to stand for election for a three year term.    If you are interested in serving the church in this important role, please contact Fr. Ignatius.

 

       For the last two years, we have had a successful fundraiser and outreach event that we have called "Evening in the East."  We plan to do it again this January or February, and we need someone to take on the responsibility of coordinating all of the other volunteers as the chairperson of the event.  Our past chair, Kristi Abuissa, has many useful notes to share, which explain what needs to be done and when.  If you like to organaize and work with people, this is an excellent way to serve the church.  Please contact Fr. Ignatius if you are interested.

 

       Olena Bezugla is starting up Russian language classes again at church.  The first class will begin on Thursday, November 18 at 5:30PM.  Contact Olena at olena.coffin@yahoo.com if you are interested in learning more or attending. 

   
Geneva Lecture Series-

       The University of Iowa Geneva Campus Ministry is hosting Dr. William Romanowski, professor of Communication Arts and Sciences at Calvin College as he speaks on "Off to See the Wizard: Cinema and Salvation - American Style."  This free lecture will take place on November 11 at 7:30PM in the Shambaugh Auditorium (UI Main Library, Washington & Madisons Sts., Iowa City)    
 
New Testament Greek Study Group-
        A study group, focusing on New Testament (Koine) Greek is forming at St. Raphael.  Tentatively, the group will meet after Liturgy and coffee hour beginning Sunday, November 14.  We will do some basic work using an interlinear Bible.  This will likely start out at a basic level (the priest is rusty!).  All are welcome.  Contact Tyler Fyotek at tjfyotek@gmail.com if you are interested.

 

       The Chamber Singers of Iowa City will present George Handel's famous oratorio "Messiah" on Sunday, November 21, 3PM at St. Patrick's Catholic Church (4330 St. Patrick Dr., Iowa City).  Tickets are $17 for adults, $14 for seniors and $5 for youth and students and can be purchased from Matthew Arndt or at the door.
 
OCF Midwest College Conference 2010-
        Registration is now open for the Orthodox Christian Fellowship Midwest College Conference 2010 at
http://collegeconference2010ngm.eventbrite.com/ .  This gathering of Orthodox Christian college students from around the Midwest will be held over winter break between Dec. 29- Jan. 1 at the New Gracanica Serbian Orthodox Monastery in Third Lake, IL outside of Chicago.  The keynote speaker will be His Beatitude Metropolitan JONAH of the Orthodox Church in America.  
   
Thoughts on Stewardship-
          2 Corinthians 8: 8-9 … “I speak not by commandment, but I am testing the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others.  For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.”                           
 
Do You Have a Prayer Request?
     Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain.  If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.  
 
Coffee Hour-
      On Sunday, November 14, the food for coffee hour and clean-up of the fellowship hall will be provided by the St. Raphael team. 
 
Holy Bread- 
      Anyone who desires to bake the holy bread may sign up to do so.  This is a wonderful way to offer yourself and your loved ones to God and the Church. 

 Church Cleaning-
      During the week following Sunday, November 14, the St. Nicholas team will clean the nave, narthex, bathrooms, stairs, bookstore and nursery rooms.

      
Food For Thought-

 

O Lord, O Lord, who upholdest all things in the undefiled hollow of Thy hand, who showest longsuffering upon us all and repentest Thee at our wickedness: remember Thy compassions and Thy mercy.  Visit us with goodness, and grant that, through the remainder of the present day, by Thy grace, we may avoid the diverse subtle snares of the evil one and preserve our lives unassailed, through the grace of Thine all- holy Spirit.  Through the mercy and love toward mankind of Thine only-begotten Son, with Whom Thou art blessed, together with Thine all-holy and good and life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.  Amen.

 

Fifth Prayer at the Lighting of the Lamps said by the priest at Vespers