Weekly Update and Bulletin From Fr. Robert Miclean – November 8, 2015

Commitment Sunday is November 8, our Patronal Feast of the Holy Archangels!

Today is our Patronal Feast and also the Sunday we offer our commitments to the Lord for 2016. We do so, knowing that “he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” God always gives us more in return than what we manage to offer of ourselves: our gifts and talents, our time, our treasure.   Ultimately, our offerings and commitments are used to grow each one of us in faith. We consider how ‘rich’ we are toward God in returning a portion (a ‘first fruits’) to Him from that which He’s so graciously entrusted to us. While the standard of financial giving in the Church is often thought of as the tithe (10 percent of our ‘treasures’ or income), the New Testament model is really more demanding: to give all our gifts and possessions to God as they really belong to Him. We’re not meant to give under compulsion, however, but, through prayer with thanksgiving. We do so, to build up the church and her ministries as a spiritual investment in our own future, individually and corporately, giving thanks to God for all His bounty to us: His grace, forgiveness, love, healing, and salvation. We give not only for ourselves, but with the aim of enabling others to come to healing and salvation in Christ through this ‘spiritual hospital’ and her ministries. As we grow our church “in spirit and in numbers,” we make that evangelistic desire a reality by the work of the Holy Spirit in us and through us. But here’s the key: we’re called to not only focus on our gifts of financial support, but also the gift of our time and talents. These along with our ‘treasure’ are all things you and I have been blessed and entrusted with—they’re ultimately gifts from God, which belong to God who desires to use them for His glory. We offer a portion back to Him in the knowledge and faith that He’ll receive these offerings of commitment, bless them, and return them to us with even greater growth in faith and spiritual blessing. “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver” (II Cor. 9:7).            The Lord Jesus Christ bless you, Fr. Robert+

THIS WEEK AT HOLY ARCHANGELS:

  • Today, Sunday, Nov. 8, 9:30am Hours and Divine Liturgy of the Feast, followed by Trapeza. Please remember to place your 2016 Pledge and Commitment Card in the offering box as we offer them up to the Lord at the Divine Liturgy.
  • Tuesday, Nov. 10, 12:50-1:20. 6th Hour Prayers at the St. Nicholas Chapel, USNA. All welcome!
  • Wednesday, Nov. 11, 6:30 p.m., Applied Orthodox Theology Discussion, St. John’s Boathouse. This week’s topic: The Holy Angels of Heaven. All are welcome!
  • Sat, Nov 14, 6:00 p.m. Great Vespers Confession following
  • Sun, Nov. 15, 9:30 a.m., Hours 10am Divine Liturgy, Trapeza following (fish, wine, oil allowed)

NATIVTY FAST begins Sunday, Nov. 15 and continues until the Feast of the Nativity. Please consult the church calendar for fasting directions and contact Fr. Robert for any exceptions needed.

Confession and Reception: In keeping with OCA Guidelines, it’s the discipline at Holy Archangels to practice monthly confession. If you wish to receive Communion and a month has passed and you have not made confession for good reason, or are visiting, please talk with Fr. Robert prior to the service and before approaching the Chalice.

October Financial Report: We received $3,268 in offerings in October. YTD $29,151 has been received. We are running a deficit of -$3,678. Your faithful contributions provide for this church and her ministries. Thank God for His provision and your faithfulness, which means that our Mission can continue and grow! Holy Archangels Mission Council.

2016 Pledge Cards: We ask all the faithful to take a Time, Talent, and Treasure Pledge Card (on Back Table) and prayerfully consider what step of faith God would have you make for 2016. January 2016 we lose our $1333 monthly Mission Planting Grant from the OCA. Your step of faith and increased pledge over last year will help us sustain this Mission as we pray to grow “in spirit and in numbers.” Please place your Time, Talent, and Treasure Pledge Card in the Offering Box by Sunday Nov. 8, our Patronal Feast.

Please Note: At Holy Archangels we do not pass an offering plate. Instead, we encourage the faithful to place an offering in the offering box on the Entrance (back) Table in support of this Mission and its Ministries. Thank you!

 

Prayer Requests:

  • That God may grow our Mission “in spirit and in numbers…”
  • For God’s financial provision for our Mission & ACM (Annapolis College Ministry);
  • Newly-departed Margaret Ann, victims of the Romanian club fire, Russian airline disaster.
  • Metropolitan Isaiah of Georgia, Archpriest George, Dcn. Basil, Rdr. John, Governor Hogan, Benedict, James, Daniel, Seraphim, Bede, Wanda, Eric, George, Daniel, John, Eleni, Svetlana, Noah, Daphyne, the Church in Georgia & Romania as they address the relativism of the West, speaking the truth in love, our persecuted brethren in Iraq & Syria, the Syrian and Ukrainian refugees, a peaceful resolution in Ukraine.

Troparion             (Resurrection)Tone 6

The angelic Powers were at Thy tomb; // the guards became as dead men.Mary stood by Thy grave, // seeking Thy most pure body.//Thou didst capture hell not being tempted by it. //

Thou didst come to the Virgin, granting life.//O Lord, Who didst rise from the dead, glory to Thee.

Troparion               (Angels)Tone 4

O Commanders of the heavenly hosts, // we who are unworthy beseech you:

by your prayers encompass us beneath the wings of your immaterial glory,

and faithfully preserve us who fall down and cry to you://

Deliver us from all harm, for you are the Commanders of the Powers on high!

Kontakion            (Resurrection)Tone 6            

When Christ God the Giver of Life,

raised all of the dead from the valleys of misery with His mighty hand,

He bestowed resurrection on the human race.//

He is the Savior of all, the Resurrection, the Life, and the God of all.

Kontakion            (Angels)Tone 2

Commanders of God’s armies // and ministers of the divine glory,

princes of the bodiless Angels // and guides of mankind;

ask for what is good for us, and for great mercy,// O Supreme Commanders of the Bodiless Hosts.