Sunday, December 18, 2016
Sunday before the Nativity of Christ (The Genealogy)
Martyrs Sebastian and Zoe of Rome, and those with them

Visitors are welcome at each service or social event at All Saints.

Nourishment of the Soul: “No one, however weak, is denied a share in the victory of the cross. No one is beyond the help of the prayer of Christ. His prayer bought benefit to the multitude that raged against Him. How much more does it bring to those who turn to Him in repentance. ” – St. Leo the Great

Orthodoxy 101: “Icon Study” is the theme of Fr. Peter Jon’s class on Wednesday, December 21st after Daily Vespers, around 7:00. This will be the last O101 for 2016.

Gift cards are still being received after the huge loss during last Monday’s break-in. A parishioner has anonymously replaced $500 of the $1000 gift cards stolen in Monday’s break-in, and challenges anyone to match the gift in the spirit of the Holy Season! Contributions to the benevolence fund are equally helpful and may save you a trip to purchase cards.

Coffee Hour Foods: Contributors this Sunday are those whose last names start with G – H. Also if everyone pitched in at clean up, even busing their own table, then one or two would not be left with all the kitchen work.

If you plan to be away from Bloomington during December, you can offer your tithes and offerings and benevolence offerings online at www.allsaintsbloomington.org.

The Christmas letter from His Grace, Bishop ANTHONY, is included in today’s printed bulletin.

Parish Council meets today in Fr. Peter Jon’s office around Noon.

THIS WEEK
The Nativity Fast continues with prayers, fasting, and almsgiving.

Wednesday, December 21: Daily Vespers at 6:00 – O101 at 7:00
Friday Morning, December 23: Royal Hours at 9:00
Saturday Morning, December 24: Baptismal Liturgy at 9:00 [ Baptism (Reed) & Chrismation (Heidi) ]
Saturday Evening, December 24: Christmas Eve Orthros (Matins) at 9:00 p.m. with Divine Liturgy around 10:00. A light break- the- fast menu will be served afterward.
Sunday, December 25: Christ is Born! Glorify Him! Celebrate with family and friends. No services are planned today at the church.

LOOKING AHEAD

The regular service schedule resumes after Christmas Day with Daily Vespers on Wednesday and Great Vespers on Saturday, New Year’s Eve.

FAMILY NOTES

Birthday Greetings: Fr. Peter Jon (18th); Laura C (20th); Alex John A (21st); Nicholas A (21st); Griffin F (21st); Alexandra S (22nd); Nicholas S (22nd)
Name Day Blessings: Van L (St. Ignatius – 20th)
Memory Eternal: Justin (Neumann’s grandfather- 11/18); Phyllis Morgan (11/30)

Prayer List : “For the suffering Christians of Syria, Palestine, Iraq, & all of the Middle East, and for those suffering in Ukraine.” Fr. Steven Rudy (cancer); Subdn. Daniel (successful knee surgery last Thursday); Fr. Basil; Fr. Philip; Grant (Leukemia); Chris; Doug & Dorothy Barrett, Subdn. Daniel’s brother and sister-in-law; Eileen & Olga; the Tabbals; Mary Ann; Dee and Don; Kh.Kristina; Betsy and Hannah; Leslie (paralysis); Jasmine; Deborah & Thomas; Iva; James; Alex John; Becky H.; Alexis T; Tom; Annie; Catherine; Janett; Julian; Kh. Mary Sue Walker; Vicki; Hoppes & Jesse Brandow (OCMC Missionaries); Vivian; Natalie; Senior Saints; Patricia; Nicetas; Barb; Shirley; Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop John; Fr. John Koen; Archpriests George & Stephen; Adrian; Heather; Susan; Gabriella & Matt; Sara; Shelley; Geni; Emily D; Emma; Nancy; Neal; Bob R; Leanne; Beth; Lillian; Julie; Roger; Virginia; Marilyn; Eric; Cheryl; Lori; Pam; Debbie; Natasha; Michael & Shelley: Gabriel; Mary; Janet; Kelly; Matushka Raisa; Marty; Charles; Mary; Marvin, Alice surgery last Friday; Katie; Ruth; Steve; Romaine; Derek, Claire & Micah; Tim; Sharon; Sherri; Dianna; Michael and Diane; Aaron; Brent; Jennifer; Brigid; Dennis (struggling with alcoholism and infection); Ethan; Lena, Dean; Gayle; Thomas; Amy; Heidi; Gene & Connie, Caleb D; Megan & Colin; Bill & Sandy.

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

Prokeimenon: “Blessed art Thou, O Lord, the God of our Fathers.”
Verse:”For Thou art just in all that Thou hast done to us.”Daniel 3: 26-27 OSB

Epistle: The Reading from St. Paul’s Epistle to the Hebrews. (11:9-10, 32-40)

Brethren, by faith Abraham sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise. For he expected a city which has foundations, whose Builder and Maker is God.
And what more shall I say? for the time would fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Sampson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and all the prophets, who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, and turned to flight armies of the aliens.
Women received their dead by resurrection, and others were tortured, not accepting their deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. And others suffered mocking and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, they were tempted, they were slain with the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, being destitute, afflicted, tormented (of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, having obtained a witness through their faith, did not receive the promise, since God had foreseen something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew. (1:1-25)
(For the Sunday before the Nativity: “The Genealogy”)

The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Aram, and Aram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David the king. And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah, and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asa, and Asa the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah, and Uzziah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, and Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, and Manasseh the father of Amon, and Amon the father of Josiah, and Josiah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon. And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor, and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud, and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, Who is called Christ. So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ were fourteen generations. Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; she will bear a son, and you shall call His Name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and His Name shall be called Emmanuel” (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him; he took his wife, but knew her not until she had borne a son; and he called His Name Jesus.

Divine Liturgy Variables

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 1
While the stone was sealed by the Jews, and the soldiers were guarding Thy most pure body, Thou didst arise on the third day, O Savior, granting life to the world. For which cause the heavenly powers cried aloud unto Thee, O Giver of Life. Glory to Thy Resurrection, O Christ; Glory to Thy Kingdom,; Glory to Thy Providence, O Thou Who alone art the lover of mankind.

Apolytikion for the Sunday before the Nativity – Tone 2
Great are the accomplishments of faith; for the three holy youths rejoiced in the fountain of flames as though at waters of rest. And the Prophet Daniel appeared a shepherd to the lions as though they were sheep. Wherefore, by their prayers, O Christ God, save our souls.

Kontakion of the Preparation of Christ’s Nativity – Tone 3
The Virgin cometh today to the cave to give birth; ineffably to bring forth the Word Eternal; Therefore, Rejoice, O earth with the message; with the angels and shepherds give Glory to Him, who by His own will was born as a new babe. He Who from Eternity is God.
(Words may vary.)

Receiving the Eucharist

We invite you to receive the Holy Eucharist if you are an Orthodox Christian who has prepared yourself through fasting, prayer, and recent confession. If you are not Orthodox, or are Orthodox but have not prepared, we invite you to receive a piece of the blessed bread in the wooden bowls held by the altar servers at the front of the church.

Sunday, December 11, 2016
Sunday of Forefathers (Ancestors) of Christ
Venerable Daniel the Stylite; Luke the New Stylite of Chalcedon;
Nikon “the dry” of the Kiev Caves; Venerable Leontios of Achaia; Martyr Barsabbas of Persia

Visitors are welcome at each service or social event at All Saints.

Nourishment of the Soul: “A great mystery has been performed through Mary, a mystery that exceeds all understanding and knowledge. The Mother of God (the Theotokos) has received tremendous powers, in virtue of which she is greater than all the saints we honor.” — St. Basil of Seleucia

Orthodoxy 101: “Sacred Objects” is the theme of Fr. Peter Jon’s class on Wednesday, December 14th after Daily Vespers, around 7:00.

Christmas Tree in Social Hall: Each year gift cards are placed on the Christmas Tree. These may be cards from variety stores, grocery stores, restaurants, or gas stations. Share the joy of the Nativity of Christ by donating to brighten the season for others. Father Peter Jon will distribute them as they arrive. There has been a tremendous outpouring of love so far this December.

Coffee Hour Foods: Contributors this Sunday are those whose last names start with Be-F (This is a small group). Also if everyone pitched in at clean up, even busing their own table, then one or two would not be left with all the kitchen work.

St. Lucia, portrayed by Pola Mullis, arrives with her crown of lights and rolls again this Sunday. The actual Feast Day is December 13th, but we celebrate on the Sunday closest to the day. We have an ongoing list of the ages of our young girls so the next oldest one is selected each year, just in case you have wondered.

If you plan to be away from Bloomington during December, you can offer your tithes and offerings online at www.allsaintsbloomington.org.

Today is Choir and Chanter Appreciation Sunday.

THIS WEEK
The Nativity Fast continues with prayers, fasting, and almsgiving.

Wednesday, December 14: Daily Vespers at 6:00 – O101 at 7:00
Thursday, December 15: Bible Study at Becky’s home 3:00 – 5:00
Saturday, December 17: Great Vespers at 5:00
Sunday, December 18: Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – Parish Council meeting

LOOKING AHEAD
CHRISTMAS SERVICES
Friday, December 23: Royal Hours at 9:00 a.m. followed by a brief Typika
Saturday, December 24: Good news! We will have a baptismal liturgy on Christmas Eve morning at 9:00 a.m. instead of vespers. Perhaps the first time ever at All Saints, and it should be beautiful !
Saturday, December 24: Christmas Eve Orthros (Matins) at 9:00 p.m. with Divine Liturgy following around 10:00 p.m. A light break- the- fast menu will be served afterward.
Women’s Bible Study: None will be scheduled again, after this week, until February.

FAMILY NOTES
Name Day Blessings: St. Herman on Dec. 13th [Wyatt C; Aaron H] St. Lucia on Dec. 13th [Lucia T]; Prophet Daniel on Dec. 17th [Subdn. Daniel B; Daniel R]
Memory Eternal:; Phil (11/2); Justin (Neumann’s grandfather- 11/18);Phyllis Morgan ((11/30)

Prayer List : “For the suffering Christians of Syria, Palestine, Iraq, & all of the Middle East, and for those suffering in Ukraine.” Subdn. Daniel (surgery – 15th); Fr. Basil; Fr. Philip; Grant (Leukemia); Chris; Doug & Dorothy Barrett, Subdn. Daniel’s brother and sister-in-law; Eileen & Olga; the Tabbals; Mary Ann; Dee and Don; Kh.Kristina; Betsy and Hannah; Leslie (paralysis); Jasmine; Deborah & Thomas; Iva; James; Alex John; Becky H.; Alexis T; Tom; Annie; Catherine; Janett; Julian; Kh. Mary Sue Walker; Vicki; Hoppes & Jesse Brandow (OCMC Missionaries); Vivian; Natalie; Senior Saints; Patricia; Nicetas; Barb; Shirley; Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop John; Fr. John Koen; Archpriests George & Stephen; Adrian; Heather; Susan; Gabriella & Matt; Sara; Shelley; Geni; Emily D; Emma; Nancy; Neal; Bob R; Leanne; Beth; Lillian; Julie; Roger; Virginia; Marilyn; Eric; Cheryl; Lori; Pam; Debbie; Natasha; Michael & Shelley: Gabriel; Mary; Janet; Kelly; Matushka Raisa; Marty; Charles; Mary; Marvin, Alice surgery last Friday; Katie; Ruth; Steve; Romaine; Derek, Claire & Micah; Tim; Sharon; Sherri; Dianna; Michael and Diane; Aaron; Brent; Jennifer; Brigid; Dennis; Ethan; Lena, Dean; Gayle; Thomas; Amy; Heidi; Gene & Connie, Caleb D; Megan & Colin; Bill & Sandy.

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

Prokeimenon: “Blessed art Thou, O Lord, the God of our Fathers.”
Verse:”For Thou art just in all that Thou hast done to us.”Daniel 3: 26-27 OSB

Epistle: The Reading from St. Paul’s Epistle to the Colossians. (3:4-11)
(For the Holy Forefathers)
Brethren, when Christ, Who is our life, appears, then you will also appear with Him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idol worship; for the sake of such things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience; therein you also once walked, when you lived in these things. But now you also put them all away: anger, malice, blasphemy, and filthy language out of your mouths. Do not lie to one another, having put off the old man with his works; and having put on the new man who is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of his Creator, where there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bond, or free; but Christ is all, and in all.

Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (14:16-24)
(For the Holy Forefathers)
The Lord spoke this parable: “A man once gave a great banquet, and invited many; and at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come; for all is now ready.’ But, one by one, they all began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it; I pray you, have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them; I pray you, have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ So the servant came and reported this to his master. Then the householder in anger said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and maimed and blind and lame.’ And the servant said, ‘Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.’ And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges, and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.’ For many are called, but few are chosen.”

Divine Liturgy Variables

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 8
From the heights Thou didst descend, O Compassionate One, and Thou didst submit to the three-day burial, that Thou might deliver us from passion; Thou art our life and our Resurrection, O Lord, glory to Thee.

Apolytikion for the Forefathers – Tone 2
Thou hast justified by faith the ancient Forefathers, and through them Thou hast gone before and betrothed unto Thyself the Church of the Gentiles. Let the saints, therefore, take pride in glory; for from their seed sprouted forth a noble fruit, and she it was who gave birth to Thee without seed. Wherefore, by their pleadings, O Christ God, save our souls.

Kontakion of the Preparation of Christ’s Nativity – Tone 3
The Virgin cometh today to the cave to give birth; ineffably to bring forth the Word Eternal; Therefore, Rejoice, O earth with the message; with the angels and shepherds give Glory to Him, who by His own will was born as a new babe. He Who from Eternity is God.
(Words may vary.)
Receiving the Eucharist

We invite you to receive the Holy Eucharist if you are an Orthodox Christian who has prepared yourself through fasting, prayer, and recent confession. If you are not Orthodox, or are Orthodox but have not prepared, we invite you to receive a piece of the blessed bread in the wooden bowls held by the altar servers at the front of the church.

Sunday, December 04, 2016
Great-martyr Barbara of Syria
Venerable John of Damascus
Martyr Juliana; New-hieromartyr Seraphim, bishop of Phanarion in Greece

Visitors are welcome at each service or social event at All Saints.

Nourishment of the Soul: “We prepare to receive Christ at Christmas by opening our hearts and souls to His salvation—not by mastering laws—but by true repentance.” – Fr Philip LeMasters

Orthodoxy 101: Dr. John Craton will present Christ in the Old Testament on Wednesday, December 7th after Daily Vespers around 7:00.

If you plan to be away from Bloomington during December, you can offer your tithes online at www.allsaintsbloomington.org.

Christmas Tree in Social Hall: Each year gift cards are placed on the Christmas Tree. These may be cards from variety stores, grocery stores, restaurants, or gas stations. Share the joy of the Nativity of Christ by donating to brighten the season for others. Father Peter Jon will distribute them as they arrive.

Saturday, December 10: Dee Haney and her daughters will host a Pre-Christmas party, at her home in Mitchell. Plan to arrive at 11:00 and stay until around 2:00 for food, fellowship and fun. If you need directions, contact April (sblair215@ gmail.com) or arrive at All Saints around 10:00 to carpool or caravan.

Coffee Hour Foods: The parish council is reviewing and considering the best way to organize coffee hour food donations going forward. In the meantime, please continue to bring food to share according to your alphabetically assigned Sunday each month. See April Blair with any questions. Coffee Hour contributors this Sunday are those whose last names start with A-Ba.

THIS WEEK
The Nativity Fast continues with prayers, fasting, and almsgiving.

Wednesday, December 7: Daily Vespers at 6:00 – O101 at 7:00
Thursday, December 8: Bedford-Mitchell Fellowship at the Haney Home from 10 am -Noon
Saturday, December 10: Women’s Pre-Christmas Open House at the Haney’s – 11:00-2:00
Saturday, December 10: Great Vespers at 5:00
Sunday, December 11: Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – St. Lucia arrives with her crown of lights (Pola M)

LOOKING AHEAD

Christmas Services: Friday, December 23-Royal Hours at 9:00 followed by a brief Typika; Saturday, December 24th – Great Vespers 9:00 am – Christmas Orthros (Matins) at 9:00 p.m. with Divine Liturgy following around 10:00 p.m. A light break- the- fast menu will be served afterward.
Women’s Bible Study: The next one this month is at Becky’s home on December 15. None will be scheduled again until February.

FAMILY NOTES

Birthday Greetings: Zane N (10th)
Name Day Blessings: Abe L (St. John of Damascus – 4th); Barbara B (4th); Nicholas A (6th); Nicholas S (6th)
Memory Eternal:; Phil (11/2); Justin (Neumann’s grandfather- 11/18);Phyllis Morgan ((11/30)

Prayer List : “For the suffering Christians of Syria, Palestine, Iraq, & all of the Middle East, and for those suffering in Ukraine.” Fr. Basil; Fr. Philip: Grant (Leukemia); Chris; Shalayna (gall bladder surgery); Doug & Dorothy Barrett, Subdn. Daniel’s brother and sister-in-law; Eileen & Olga; the Tabbals; Mary Ann; Dee and Don; Kh.Kristina; Betsy and Hannah; Leslie (paralysis); Jasmine; Deborah & Thomas; Iva; James; Alex John; Becky H.; Alexis T; Tom; Annie; Catherine; Janett; Julian; Kh. Mary Sue Walker; Vicki; Hoppes & Jesse Brandow (OCMC Missionaries); Vivian; Natalie; Senior Saints; Patricia; Nicetas; Barb; Shirley; Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop John; Fr. John Koen; Archpriests George & Stephen; Adrian; Heather; Susan; Gabriella & Matt; Sara; Shelley; Geni; Emily D; Emma; Nancy; Neal; Bob R; Leanne; Beth; Lillian; Julie; Roger; Virginia; Marilyn; Eric; Cheryl; Lori; Pam; Debbie; Natasha; Michael & Shelley: Gabriel; Mary; Janet; Kelly; Matushka Raisa; Marty; Charles; Mary; Marvin, Alice; Katie; Ruth; Steve; Romaine; Derek, Claire & Micah; Tim; Sharon; Sherri; Dianna; Michael and Diane; Aaron; Brent; Jennifer; Brigid; Dennis; Ethan; Lena, Dean; Gayle; Thomas; Amy; Heidi; Gene & Connie, Caleb D; Megan & Colin; Bill & Sandy.

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

Prokeimenon: “God is wondrous in His saints.”
Verse: “In the churches bless ye God!” Psalm 67:35,27

Epistle: The Reading from St. Paul’s Epistle to the Galatians. (3:23-4:5)
(For St. Barbara)

Brethren, before faith came, we were preserved under the Law, enclosed within, until the faith would afterward be revealed. The Law then was our tutor leading us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is no male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, heirs according to promise.
Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ much from the bond-servant, though he is lord of all; but he is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father. So we also, when we were children, were held in bondage under the rudiments of the world: But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, in order to redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (13:10-17)

At that time, Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. And there was a woman who had had a spirit of infirmity for eighteen years; she was bent over and could not fully straighten herself. And when Jesus saw her, He called her and said to her, “Woman, you are freed from your infirmity.” And He laid His hands upon her, and immediately she was made straight, and she praised God. But the ruler of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, said to the people, “There are six days on which work ought to be done; come on those days and be healed, and not on the Sabbath day.” Then the Lord answered him, “You hypocrite! Does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or his ass from the manger, and lead it away to water it? And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day?” As Jesus said this, all His adversaries were put to shame; and all the people rejoiced at all the glorious things that were done by Him.

Divine Liturgy Variables

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 7
Thou didst shatter death by Thy Cross; Thou didst open paradise to the thief; Thou didst turn the sadness of the ointment-bearing women into joy. And didst bid Thine Apostles proclaim a warning, that Thou hast risen, O Christ, granting to the world the Great Mercy.

Apolytikion for St. Barbara – Tone 4
Let us honor the all-revered Saint Barbara; for she demolished the gins of the adversary, and escaped from them like a sparrow by the help and weapon of the Cross.

Apolytikion for St. John of Damascus – Tone 3
Ye faithful, come let us honor with songs of praise * the comely sounding and sweet-spoken nightingale, * who doth adorn and captivate the Church of Christ with his sweet songs: * John, the all-wise Damascene, * let us honor resplendently, * the divine and eloquent, * and the chief of hymnographers; * who verily was filled to the utmost * with every divine and earthly wisdom.

Kontakion of the Preparation of Christ’s Nativity – Tone 3
The Virgin cometh today to the cave to give birth; ineffably to bring forth the Word Eternal; Therefore, Rejoice, O earth with the message; with the angels and shepherds give Glory to Him, who by His own will was born as a new babe. He Who from Eternity is God.
(Words may vary.)

Receiving the Eucharist

We invite you to receive the Holy Eucharist if you are an Orthodox Christian who has prepared yourself through fasting, prayer, and recent confession. If you are not Orthodox, or are Orthodox but have not prepared, we invite you to receive a piece of the blessed bread in the wooden bowls held by the altar servers at the front of the church.

Sunday, November 27, 2016
Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost
Great-martyr James the Persian
Venerable Palladios of Thessalonica; Venerable Nathanael of Nitria in Egypt;
James the wonderworker, bishop of Rostov

Visitors are welcome at each service or social event at All Saints.

Nourishment of the Soul: “Share what you have, lest you lose what you have. Spend what you possess on the needs of others in order to keep what you possess. Do not cling to what you own, lest it be taken away from you. Do not hoard your treasures, lest they rot and become worthless. Entrust all your wealth to God, because then it is protected against all who want to steal or destroy it.” – St. John Chrysostom

Orthodoxy 101: Father Peter Jon will present Fr. Thomas Hopko’s CD on C.S. Lewis’s Abolition of Man on Wednesday, November, 30th after Daily Vespers around 7:00.

If you plan to be away from Bloomington during December, you can offer your tithes online at www.allsaintsbloomington.org.

Christmas Tree in Social Hall: Each year gift cards are placed on the Christmas Tree. These may be cards from variety stores, grocery stores, restaurants, or gas stations. Share the joy of the Nativity of Christ by donating to brighten the season for others. Father Peter Jon will distribute them as they arrive.

Parish Council officers for 2016-2017: President – Father Peter Jon; Chair – Daniel Rigsby; Vice-chair – Barbara Grinder; Secretary – Shirley Richardson; Treasurer – Marcia Baldwin.

Myrrh Bearers meet briefly around 11:50 today.

Coffee Hour Foods: The parish council is reviewing and considering the best way to organize coffee hour food donations going forward. In the meantime, please continue to bring food to share according to your alphabetically assigned Sunday each month. See April Blair with any questions.

Bring your friends both young and not so young to St. Nicholas Night on December 3rd. Great Vespers is at 5:00 and the Celebration is from 6:00-7:30 (Cookies and Cider donations are needed)- St. Nicholas appears to capture the imagination of us all. Carols are sung together, and children find their shoes in the hallway have been filled with a gift from the saint. College students also receive a gift on this evening.

THIS WEEK
The Nativity Fast continues with prayers, fasting, and almsgiving.

Wednesday, November 30: Daily Vespers at 6:00 – O101 at 7:00
Thursday, December 1: Bible Study at Becky’s home 3:30 – 5:00 (Note the time change.)
Saturday, December 3: Great Vespers at 5:00 – St. Nicholas Night Celebration at 6:00
Sunday, November 4: Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00

LOOKING AHEAD

…December 10: Women’s Pre-Christmas party, hosted by Dee Haney and her daughters in Mitchell

FAMILY NOTES

Birthday Greetings: Gregory G (Dec. 2nd)
Name Day Blessings: Happy Name Day to all the Katherines in our midst (Last week on November 23rd): Cathy Alexander, Katie Alexander, Mallory Finchum, Catherine Gillquist, Karen Hrisomalos, Sharon Catherine Kolasinski, Catherine Polit, Kelly Sanderson, and Lina Tabbal.

Memory Eternal: Bruce; Paul; Phil (11/2); Justin (Neumann’s grandfather- 11/18)

Prayer List : “For the suffering Christians of Syria, Palestine, Iraq, & all of the Middle East, and for those suffering in Ukraine.” Fr. Basil; Fr. Philip: Chris; Shalayna (gall bladder surgery); Doug & Dorothy Barrett, Subdn. Daniel’s brother and sister-in-law; Eileen & Olga; the Tabbals; Mary Ann; Dee and Don; Kh.Kristina; Betsy and Hannah; Leslie (paralysis); Jasmine; Deborah & Thomas; Iva; James; Alex John; Becky H.; Alexis T; Tom; Annie; Catherine; Janett; Julian; Kh. Mary Sue Walker; Vicki; Hoppes & Jesse Brandow (OCMC Missionaries); Vivian; Natalie; Senior Saints; Patricia; Nicetas; Barb; Shirley; Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop John; Fr. John Koen; Archpriests George & Stephen; Adrian; Heather; Susan; Gabriella & Matt; Sara; Shelley; Geni; Emily D; Emma; Nancy; Neal; Bob R; Leanne; Beth; Lillian; Julie; Roger; Virginia; Marilyn; Eric; Cheryl; Lori; Pam; Debbie; Natasha; Michael & Shelley: Gabriel; Mary; Janet; Kelly; Matushka Raisa; Marty; Charles; Mary; Marvin, Alice; Katie; Ruth; Steve; Romaine; Derek, Claire & Micah; Tim; Sharon; Sherri; Dianna; Michael and Diane; Aaron; Brent; Jennifer; Brigid; Dennis; Ethan; Lena, Dean; Gayle; Thomas; Amy; Heidi; Gene & Connie, Caleb D; Megan & Colin; Bill & Sandy.

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

Prokeimenon: “O Lord, save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance.”
Verse: ” Unto Thee, O Lord, will I cry, O my God!” Psalm 27:9,1

Epistle: The Reading from St. Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians. (2:4-10)

Brethren, God, being rich in mercy, through His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead through the trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you are saved), and raised us up together with Him, and made us to sit together with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the coming ages He would show the exceeding riches of His grace, in kindness toward us, in Christ Jesus. For by grace you are saved through faith, and that is not of yourselves: it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (18:18-27)

At that time, a man came testing Jesus and asking, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery. Do not kill. Do not steal. Do not bear false witness. Honor your father and mother.’” And the man said, “All these I have observed from my youth.” And when Jesus heard it, he said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But when the man heard this he became sad, for he was very rich. Jesus, seeing him sad, said, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” Those who heard it said, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus said, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.”

Divine Liturgy Variables

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 6
When Mary stood at Thy grave, looking for Thy sacred body, angelic powers shone above Thy revered tomb; and the soldiers who were to keep guard became as dead men. Thou led Hades captive and wast not tempted thereby. Thou didst meet the Virgin and didst give life to the world, O Thou, Who art risen from the dead, O Lord, glory to Thee.

Apolytikion of St. James the Persian – Tone 4
Thy Martyr, O Lord, in his courageous contest for Thee * received as the prize the crowns of incorruption and life from Thee, our immortal God. * For, since he possessed Thy strength, he cast down the tyrants * and wholly destroyed the demons’ strengthless presumption. * O Christ God, by his prayers, save our souls, since Thou art merciful

Kontakion of the Preparation of Christ’s Nativity – Tone 3
The Virgin cometh today to the cave to give birth in an ineffable manner to the Word Who is before all the ages. Rejoice, therefore, O universe, when thou hearest it heralded: Glorify Him, with the angels and the shepherds, Who chose to be seen as a new-born babe, the God Who is before all the ages.
(Words may vary.)

Receiving the Eucharist

We invite you to receive the Holy Eucharist if you are an Orthodox Christian who has prepared yourself through fasting, prayer, and recent confession. If you are not Orthodox, or are Orthodox but have not prepared, we invite you to receive a piece of the blessed bread in the wooden bowls held by the altar servers at the front of the church.

Sunday, November 20, 2016
The Entrance of the Theotokos (Transferred from November 21st)

Visitors are welcome at each service or social event at All Saints.

We pledge to commit ourselves anew to the task of becoming One Body in Christ, with One Lord, One Spirit, One God and Father, Who is above all, through all and in all of us. Amen.