Sunday of the Forefathers (Ancestors) of Christ
Martyrs Thyrsos, Leukios and Kallinikos of Apollonia;
Martyrs Philemon, Apollonios, Hypatios and Arrianos of Alexandria
Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 2
When Thou didst submit Thyself unto death, O Thou deathless and immortal One, then Thou didst destroy hades with Thy Godly power. And when Thou didst raise the dead from beneath the earth, all the powers of Heaven did cry aloud unto Thee: O Christ, Thou giver of life, glory to Thee.
Apolytikion of 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 it was she who gave birth to Thee without seed. Wherefore, by their pleadings, O Christ God, save our souls.
Kontakion of 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 at the message with the Angels and the shepherds give glory to Him who shall appear as a young Child, He who is from Eternity God.
Approaching the Holy Chalice
The young children of Little Lambs and their teachers receive first, unless there are newly illumined, in which case the children go second. Infants to toddler may follow with their parents or godparent. Everyone else in the parish family is asked to file toward the periphery, toward the narthex, and proceed down the center aisle. As we approach the chalice, we fold our arms, right over left. This is both a posture of submission and confession of Christ’s victory over death. Those who commune are asked to open their mouths wide with their heads slightly tipped up and receive the Gifts directly from the spoon. This eliminates confusion and reduces the risk of spillage.
Thought for Today
“There is more mercy in God…than there are sins in us. Confess your sins at once, whatever they may be.” -St Tikhon of Zadonsk
EPISTLE and GOSPEL READINGS
The Epistle
Blessed art Thou, O Lord, the God of our Fathers.
For Thou art just in all that Thou hast done for us.
The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Colossians. (3:4-11)
Brethren, when Christ, Who is our life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these, the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience. In these you once walked, when you lived in them. But now put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and foul talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old nature with its practices and have put on the new nature, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator. Here there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free man, but Christ is all, and in all.
The Gospel
The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (14:16-24)
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.”
Looking Ahead
Baptisms at 9:00 am on Sunday, December 20th
Wednsday, December 24 Hours of Christmas Eve at 9:00 am; Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil the Great at 4:00 pm.
Christmas morning, December 25: Festal Matins at 9:00 am, Festal Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am to celebrate the Nativity of our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ.
Christmas Caroling: Christmas caroling to our neighbors will take place next Sunday (20th) following the Sunday meal. Many thanks to Herman and Hermione Holland, who are helping to coordinate. During this joyous time, we will be offering gift bags to the homes we visit. A basket will be available for those who wish to make cash donations toward the purchase of gift items (online gifts are welcome too!). Last year we distributed gift bags to 30 neighbors who were very surprised, moved, and expressed their deep appreciation. This year our goal is to visit 40 homes.
This Week
Today, Sunday St. Lucia visits during Sunday meal.
Monday, December 15 3rd Hour Prayers at 9:00 am.
Tuesday, December 16 Divine Liturgy at 9:00 am.
Wednesday, December 17 Daily Vespers at 6:00 pm; Inquirers and Catechumen classes to follow a Pitch-in meal. Meatless vegetable stew will be provided. Salads, bread, hummus and fruit are needed. Contact Juliana Schulz for suggestions of sides or of items you are bringing at 812- 360-5975 or Jennifer.schulz3ttj@gmail.com.
Thursday, December 18 Divine Liturgy at 9:00 am.
Friday, December 19 Divine Liturgy at 9:00 am.
Saturday, December 20 Bible study 10:00 am at the Webbs’ home. Parish Council will meet at 3:30 pm; Tween and Teen SOYO at 3:30 pm. Great Vespers at 5:00; ‘Ask Abouna’ to follow.
Sunday, December 21 Matins at 9:00 am; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am. Christmas caroling.
Family News
Name Day Celebrations Heather Sherrod, Rachel; Ruth Schuck, Ruth; Daniel Rigsby, Daniel Schuck, Prophet Daniel; David Beebe, David Schuck, King David.
Birthday Celebrations Constantine Stefanidis (15th); Fr. Peter Jon Gillquist (18th); Audra Pierce (18th); Laura Crandall (20th); Griffin Finchum (21st).
Anniversary Celebration Glen Vasily & Wendy Elizabeth Carter (17th)
Prayer List Dnsa. Robyn Freeman; Paulina and the child born of her; Cathy; Freeman family and newborn Isaiah; Lauren Ann and infant David; Nanette; Rita; Heather; Kh. Paraskeva; Hal; Jacquie; Jim and Lisa; Taylor; Fr. Athanasius; Fr. Jerome; Fr. Basil; Fr. Matthew; Marvin; Nectaria, Shu-Mei. Charlie, Shirley; Gregory; Jim; Jan; Don and Dee; those suffering from the war in Ukraine and the Middle East; our Nation; all school children, and personnel across the nation; Mary Ann; Emma; Josiah; Jack; Christopher; Wadia; Patricia; Kitsa; Apthrodite; Kim; Kristy; Vicki; Kenzie; Dusty; Cari; Josh; Allison; Dn. Lawrence, Marcia; Missy; Andrew; Isaac; Sadie and the child she bears; Kelsey and the child she bears; Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Neumann Seraphim; Michael, Olga, Eileen, Soren, Kathy; Lexi, Ross, Vivian; Theo; Jeremy; Elias; Leanne Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Sarah; Jennifer; Christy; John; Stanley; Allen; Linda; Allison and children; Kip; Evan; Anastasia and family; Dorthea; Mary; Marina; Patrick; Seraphima, Anna and the child she bears, Mary and the child she bears; Williams family.
Memory Eternal Creighton, Christopher, Amanda, Jared, Kh. Carol, Robert.
We Need Your Help Helping Those in Need: The fasts of the Church, most especially the cold weather fasting periods of Nativity and Great Lent, are opportunities for great spiritual growth. We pray, fast and offer charity to those in need, fulfilling the Lord’s command to love our neighbor as ourselves. Here are opportunities to give desperately needed alms through the Church during this season:
Saint Nicholas Tree: There is a small Christmas tree set up in the fellowship hall. You are invited to bring gas/grocery cards or cash to place on that tree. These will be collected and distributed to families in need.
Diapers and Baby Blankets: Our project this year (in memory of Alx John Alexander) is to collect baby diapers (all sizes) and baby blankets for families seeking help through the Hannah House. Please place your donations in the box provided in the fellowship hall, and we will get them to Hannah House.
Hats, mittens/gloves, sweatshirts and underclothing: This collection is for the children in the community shelter. There is a need for sizes 2t to 14. Place your donations in the Christmas bag in the hallway.
Benevolence Fund: We have been helping multiple families recently, so this fund needs built up. ‘Tis the season to give as you are able. Please help us help those seeking charity.
Food Pantry: Our in-house Food Pantry is available to parish members as well as families and individuals in the community of Bloomington. Donations of nonperishable items of pasta, marinara sauce, peanut butter, canned chicken, tuna, canned vegetables, canned fruit and soups are always needed.
Mission Donations: We send monthly support to two missionary units in Albania, the Hoppe family and Hannah Valentine. We welcome and encourage you to contribute to their ongoing support.
All Saints Sunday Meal
SUNDAY FELLOWSHIP MEAL CHANGES BEGIN In order to best serve our growing congregation, instead of the usual alphabetical meal teams, we ask that everyone who is able bring a food donation of a pot, bowl, casserole or loaf of something* to share at the meal. If you are unable to bring a donation, please come anyway and help with cleaning up after the meal. *Please remember, no meat or dairy through December 7 (fish is allowed) and no meat, dairy or fish on December 14 and 20th. Place your donations ready to be served on the serving buffet prior to Holy Communion. After the meal, remove your containers and clean up any church items you used. Thank you.
Donations to the church are being made online to www.allsaintsbloomington.org and by U.S. mail. Many thanks to all who continue supporting All Saints.