Y-2 Pray?

On serving Christ

I remember a hike I was taking many years ago in the mountains. I came upon a stream and sat down upon a rock and just listened to the water. I took out my Bible and began to read a psalm. After reading the psalm I sat in silence enjoying the peace. It occurred to me that what I had just done was the first time since the creation of the world that someone sat down on that rock and read that psalm. It was the first time in millions of years that God was worshipped there.

This coming year a similar event will take place at 82nd street and Cactus Road. For the first time since the dawn of creation, a house of God will be built and set apart for Him to manifest His kingdom here and now. As this takes place, those who have sacrificed and given to the point that it is "felt" will shine as the stars in heaven knowing that all was done, all was given that was possible.

Having been the people chosen by God to accomplish this task will have changed our souls and lives for ever. New people will join us and the founding families will stand out like refined glass, reflecting the brilliance of having served Him faithfully.

This coming year promises to be built upon the foundation of SERVICE that we have laid. Last year I called upon everyone to FIND their ministry in the Church. Many have and I hope in the coming year many more may join in the joy of serving.

1999 will be the year I remember an enormous change in the amount of people volunteering to serve Christ in our community. From staffing the office daily, organizing work parties, putting together luncheons and dinners, teaching Sunday School, Book Store, Philoptochos, Parish Council, Building Committee, Mom's ‘N' Tots, Greek Folk Dance, Greek School, care for the altar and Servers, GOYA and JOY advisors - we are coming together as a community in order to serve.

The opportunities to become an instrument of Christ's ministries in the world are endless. Here are just some of the things we're doing. Perhaps after reading the list you may feel called to participate or inspired to start something new.

Radio Ministry:James French has not only volunteered to produce the program and arrange guests, but he is also promoting the program, seeking to broadcast the program over the internet, and developing the Web page. He needs HELP! It is too much for one person to do. Maybe you can help with just one aspect of this ministry?

Philoptochos:This year Philoptochos is going to emphasize their mission as servants of Christ. This means that they will seek to provide "hands on" opportunities to serve others. Philoptochos meetings will down play administrative work. Instead, inspirational guests and speakers will be available to encourage new avenues of ministry.

Archangel Michael Library:Once a space for the books is prepared, volunteers are needed to catalogue and service the library so parishioners can preview books before buying them and check books out that are too costly for purchase.

Assumption Bookstore:The Bookstore has turned into a full time job. Volunteers are needed to help staff the Bookstore on Sundays.

Whole Life Shelter:The Whole Life Shelter has been adopted by the Philoptochos chapters of the valley. They have an annual Walk-A-Thon to raise money for improvements to the facilities. Beyond this, volunteers are needed on a daily basis to visit the Shelter, read books to children and visit with the families. We will never know their "real" needs until we walk in their homes, and see their condition.

Prison Ministry:Perhaps you would like to go to prison, or maybe establish support so the inmates have books about Orthodoxy.

Welcoming Committee:A group needs to be established that helps new families feel welcomed in our community. On Sundays, greeters can make sure that no one leaves without having spoken with someone.

OTHER !!! Perhaps there is a need that you perceive. Whatever it is, contact Father Andrew and discuss the possibilities. The church is as dynamic as its people. There are no limits to what we can do!

Y2 pray? To find your ministry, and to be the first to bring Christ to soil that has never been touched by Him. It is truly inspiring that we could be the instrument of Christ establishing a ministry for the first time since the dawn of creation. Without prayer, we never will know what to do, or how it needs to be done. Without prayer we are lost on the sea of life, misdirected and confounded by the enormity of problems seemingly without solutions. Prayer is the solution.

Happy New Year to all!

Fr. Andrew