N A T I V I T Y O F C H R I S T

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The Word

Thanksgiving:        A  Christian  Experienceby Father Luke

“...be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing

and making melody to the Lord with all your heart, always and for everything giving thanks in the

name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father.”

~ Ephesians 5:18-20

Saint Paul

In his letter to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul highlighted the importance and beauty of celebratory joy. The early Christians of Ephesus were encouraged to gather in fellowship, to make music together, and to give thanks together! The common foundation of their experience was to be the Lord.

Gather... in the name of the Lord. Sing... Psalms, Church hymns, and spiritual songs to the Lord. Give thanks... to the Lord. When God is present as the foundation of our celebrations we truly experience joy that is

authentic and unending. Eternal joy -- that is an experience we all can look forward to!

The Pilgrims, The Religious Leaders & The Politicians

The first American Thanksgiving holiday is commonly referred to as taking place in 1621 at Plymouth, in contemporary Massachusetts. For several decades the religious leaders of the New World promoted the experience and celebration of Giving-Thanks to God as a holiday. Eventually political leaders also began to promote the experience of a Thanksgiving holiday, and ultimately after the American Revolutionary War, President George Washington proclaimed the first nation-wide Thanksgiving celebration in America marking November 26, 1789, “as a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God.”

At the root of American experience religious leaders continued the messaging of the Apostle Paul, emphasizing the invitation to give thanks to God. This invitation became planted in the American psyche to the point of influence where like-minded political leaders, representing the American people, answered the invitation by officially making the act of joyously giving thanks to God a part of our National experience.

We must offer thanks to the Apostle Paul, to the early American religious leaders, and to our Founding Fathers -- they have led us to the experience of thanking God, which we passionately celebrate each year on the fourth Thursday of November!

Turkey & Football

Contemporary Thanksgiving celebrations are dominated by two national experiences: Turkey and Football!

The carving of the Thanksgiving turkey is an honor and experience reserved for familial patriarchs and matriarchs whom we trust with what is typically the most elegant meal of the year!

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“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth.” ~John 1:14

Notes From the Parish CouncilWhat is happening around the Nativity community and campus? Read about it throughout this edition of The Word, and how the Nativity Parish Council aims to lead as servants of God.Page 3

Religious EducationNativity offers multiple education programs -- see what interests you, and how you can grow in the Faith.Page 4

PhiloptochosMinistering to those in need as ‘Friends of the Poor,’ through National, Regional, and Local experiences. See what Nativity’s Philoptochos is up to currently.Page 2

StewardshipStewardship is every individual’s response to the Grace given to them by God. 2014 is winding down, check the listing of Nativity Stewards to make

sure you have articulated your response to God today!Page 13

Parish SurveyParticipate in a parish survey to be a part of dialogue in the continuing life of the Nativity community.Page 7

A Monthly Newsletter November 2014

General Assembly & Parish Council ElectionsNominate a Nativity Steward for service as a member of the Parish CouncilPage 14

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Whether or not you enjoy white or dark meat, the turkey meal, topped with gravy, stuffing, complimented with sweet potatoes, etc, etc... is an immediate call to what we all know as the Thanksgiving Holiday.

Following the meal, many will retire to a comfortable seat to see the Detroit Lions play football, a worthy compliment to the backyard pigskin toss that took place prior to the meal. Ironic that watching the football game has become a religious experience, as many will fall asleep on the couch before seeing four quarters.

Ask most Americans, “When will you eat turkey, with stuffing and sweet potatoes, then watch football?” and a quick reply will most likely blurt out, “Thanksgiving!”

Could It Be Better?

I am one of the first to admit that I look forward to the turkey and football and I see nothing wrong with that, as it makes me happy. However, could it be a limited expression of the

experience we have been invited to by President Washington, the early American religious leaders and the Apostle Paul?

I believe that we can do better!

If we return to the original invitation of the Apostle Paul, and build our Thanksgiving holiday on the foundation of the Lord, we may find a deeper joy in the experience. If we make sure to offer a prayer of thanksgiving at the initiation of our gathering, if we sing a hymn from the life of the Church, if we reflect on the life of a patron saint from our family...

The good news is that with a recapturing of a faithful Thanksgiving holiday we are not required to abandon the turkey, the football, or any other healthy traditions that we have grown accustomed to. I plan on eating a serving of white meat, with lots of gravy, and sweet potatoes! Furthermore, I plan on tossing a ball with my boys, and watching a little football... at least until I fall asleep on the couch!

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

~ 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Nativity Philoptochos

Coffee Hour

A new coffee hour schedule is now posted on the bulletin board in the hall entrance. Nov. 2nd will be our Harvest Luncheon and on Nov. 9th the

Parish Council will host the coffee hour prior to the Fall Parish Assembly Meeting. Hosting a fellowship hour is the perfect way to celebrate birthdays, name days, special milestones in the life of a family member, memorials and much

more. Coffee, juice and table setting will all be done for you. All you need to do is bring in some goodies to share, plate them on the table and have

fun greeting your fellow parishioners as they thankfully help themselves to your food items. If

you are unable to host a coffee hour, Philoptochos is always appreciative of any donations you can

drop by the kitchen. Fresh fruit is always welcomed too!

Turkey Bomb!

The event has been so successful in the past because of your support and generosity.

This year, during the week of November 16th through November 23rd, please stop by your local market and purchase a turkey, bring it to

church any time during the week and on Monday, November 24th, we will have the Food Bank stop by and pick them up. Last year they were ecstatic when they saw the freezer full of

turkeys. In the spirit of giving during the season of the birth of our Lord, please help to make this

a more joyous time of year

Harvest Luncheon

Our annual Harvest Luncheon fundraiser will be held on November 2nd right after Divine Liturgy. It will be the traditional turkey dinner with all the

trimmings. The proceeds will be used to help serve our local charities and help with our

Metropolis and National Philoptochos obligations. Please see the flyer on page 5 for

more information.

Community Christmas Card

We will once again be producing a Community Christmas Card to spread the good news and

greetings of Christ’s birth to families, individuals and friends throughout our community.

The proceeds of this card will benefit the RCA (Retired Clergy Association) Benevolence Fund.

This group is made up of Retired Clergy and widowed Presbyteres who are currently receiving very minimal or no monthly pensions. Please see

flyer on page 11 for further details.

Light the Path, December 6th

Don’t miss out on this wonderful event. The money raised from this event goes towards. The

Bishop Anthony Philotochos Student Aid Endowment Fund. It is through this fund that

our future priests, educators and pastoral assistants are supported both financially and morally in their education. We plan on car pooling so let us know as soon as possible.

Important Dates

Nov.6th Board meeting 6:30 pm

Nov.2nd Harvest Luncheon

Nov.16-23rd Turkey Bomb

Dec. 1st Deadline for Christmas Card

Dec.6th Light the Path

November Birthdays

Maria Hilakos Hanke 11/16

Vickie Kalabokes 11/18

Effie Fourakis 11/26

As Orthodox Christians we understand that our experiences of celebration are not relegated to only those inside of the Church with the incense flowing. Rather, we understand that the liturgical life of the Church fuels us to take the celebratory joy of Jesus Christ into the rest of our lives. With such a lifestyle we may truly know ourselves as Christians.Thanksgiving 2015

This Thanksgiving you are invited to celebrate by offering Thanks to God for all that He has done. This Thanksgiving you are invited to ...be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart, always and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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So What Do You Say?

During November, parishioners will have the opportunity to complete a short survey designed to build the foundation for a community dialogue regarding the future of the Nativity of Christ Church. The survey process will cover areas such as liturgical issues, ministries, social events, facilities, finances, communication, and individual desires to become more involved in the charting of our community’s path.

Families who receive their newsletter in digital format will receive an email including a link to the survey. This survey should take no more than ten minutes to complete, as it is comprised of only a dozen questions. For anyone with a phobia for surveys named after primates (Survey Monkey), a hard copy of the survey can be obtained and submitted at church on any Sunday in November.

Parishioners receiving their newsletter via a friendly mail carrier will find the survey on pages 7-10 of this month’s newsletter. For those in the crowd with little interest in surfing the web, they may either bring the completed survey to any church service or mail it to the church office.

The results of the survey will be reported to the community during January, when the process of establishing short-term and long-term goals will begin. The survey should not be viewed as judgmental of the level or type of relationship a person has with the Nativity of Christ Church. It can be completed anonymously, but does provide the option to include the name of the respondent. The goal is to receive as much critical feedback as possible in order to make the follow-up planning phase realistic and relevant to the needs of our community.

80% of Success Is Being There

While coffee hour may not rival the 49ers or Raiders for action, the after church crowd generally does not require a security detail. So, when November 9th rolls around, consider making the effort to miss one quarter of

whichever of the plethora of games is available on a viewing device.

On the second Sunday of November, the semi-annual Parish Assembly will be conducted directly after church. Every attempt will be made to get you to the afternoon game kick-off or brunch in a timely fashion. However, let there be no mistake, the administration of NCC does deserve the attention of all parishioners.

In order to facilitate a productive meeting, it is essential that all parishioners present be active, respectful listeners. All comments should be directed to the chair and center on issues, not people. There are many sensitive topics in need of discussion, which will require a focused approach by the assembled parishioners.

The True Meaning of a Season of Sharing

While some major retailers may equate buying presents with the concept of sharing, there is nothing more representative of sincere sharing than providing food for the needy. During past holiday seasons, the Nativity of Christ Church has held food drives to benefit the Marin Food Bank.

This year we are offering parishioners two ways to help provide the basic food needs for the many less fortunate residents of our area. The standard contribution barrel will continue to be available for non-perishable, non-glass food items. Additionally, there will be a donation box available for parishioners wishing to donate checks or cash.

The Marin Food Bank, as is true with many food banks, has the purchasing capability to get a much bigger bang for its dollars than do any of us. For every dollar donated, the food bank can purchase food which would cost a parishioner six dollars. In addition to this multiplication by six, parishioners can easily track their charitable donations by check for tax filings.

This year, instead of celebrating the Miracle of 34th Street, let’s donate to the needy via a Miracle on Highland Drive. A check to the

Marin Food Bank will greatly enhance your sense of sharing the true spirit of the holiday season.

Another Way of Looking at Stewardship

As a prelude to the Parish Assembly on November 9, parishioners are being made aware that the Parish Council has taken a step to clarify the methodology of future NCC budgets. Instead of using a projection based upon the a desired level of financial stewardship, the 2015 budget will be based on the actual stewardship dollars received during prior years.

By basing the 2015 budget on a lower revenue projection, some programs may undergo reevaluation and possible support reduction. The Parish Council does not wish to continue a trend of deficit spending in order to maintain programs. Hopefully, parishioners will provide additional funding through either increasing their stewardship payment, becoming a financially sustaining member of the community, or fulfilling their stewardship pledge in its entirety.

Over the last several years, stewardship pledges have been fulfilled at a 90% average of the dollars pledged. In future months, each monthly bulletin will list the amount of pledges for a given year, as well as the amount of monetary donations received to that date.

Looking at Water in All the Wrong Places

If you thought our church has discovered a source of new water during this drought – Sorry! The water you undoubtedly noticed near the entrance to the narthex was traced to a leaking pipe, which was unfortunately under the brick walkway.

This problem has been addressed with a goal of replacing a minimal amount of existing tile. However, water often seems to follow no planned path and can be the source of much grief, as well as life. This unfortunate occurrence is an example of the need to budget wisely for the maintenance needs of an aging campus.

Notes from the Parish Council

R E L I G I O U S E D U C A T I O N

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E D U C A T I O N :

T H E O L D

T E S T A M E N T

This November we will explore the Old Testament in our Adult Education series, Wednesday evenings at 6pm.

The Torah, The Prophets, The Writings!

The three major sections of the Old Testament will be examined, along with several key figures from each section of God’s first testament.

Have you ever read the Old Testament? Where did you

quit? The second half of Genesis? ...after Abraham it just got unfamiliar? In Deuteronomy? ...too many rules and names that couldn’t be pronounced? Did you make it to the Psalms? ...to Isaiah?

Yes, the Old Testament is commonly understood as something unapproachable, and we often “give up” before we have ever begun.

Perhaps with a conceptual framework of the Old Testament it would be more inviting to you?

Bring your Bible and a friend as we attempt to break down our personal barriers toward the Old Testament!

Orthodox Institute 2014The Orthodox Institute strives to strengthen the religious education experience in America, stemming from the Archdiocesan levels. Through hosted efforts, thoughts and experiences are developed for ultimate application in parish life. We look forward to the product of the current offering as described below.

The Department of Religious Education is joining the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese, the Orthodox Church in America & the Orthodox Christian Education Commission (OCEC) in sponsoring Orthodox Institute 2014: "Theosis: Your Life with God."

For complete information about the event and speakers, visit www.antiochian.org/OI2014.

OI 2014 is a religious education event that features keynote addresses by Fr. Anthony Coniaris and Prof. Kyriacos Markides; core courses by Prof. Harry Boosalis; and presentations by many others. The OCEC Advanced Teacher Training and Church School Director Seminars are also being offered.

Nativity Sunday SchoolThe Nativity Sunday School aims to cultivate Christian identity in our youth.

We are continuing to see new friendships and fellowship in Christ emerge among our students

attending youth education classes each Sunday. Registrations are open and ongoing, and all young people are always welcomed!

Youth Activity Sunday: The Youth Activity Sunday on November 2nd will be a time when students

from all classes will join together to explore and learn about church etiquette and orthodox traditions. 

Angel Tree: Beginning on November 24th, the Angel Tree will be in the Narthex for each of us once again to select the "angels" who need our help for brighter holidays. When the Angel Tree arrives, please select an ANGEL and purchase the identified gifts. Place your gift under the tree. Monetary contributions are gratefully accepted as well. Special thanks to Christine Foster and Elaine Chyrklund for organizing this opportunity for our youth and parish families to be "angels" giving to others. 

Book Corner: Last month we indicated that we would share a book each month. The book pick for November is:

“Orthodox Christian Parenting: Cultivating God's Creation” edited by Maria Eliades. This book is especially designed for busy Orthodox Christian parents. The back cover reads: "Gardeners know that in order for a tree to be healthy and develop strong roots, it must be watered deeply and fed well while young. Later, when the inevitable storms come, the strong roots will be deep enough to prevent the tree from blowing over. If the roots are shallow, the tree will be lost. A  verdant and fruit-bearing olive tree requires cultivation, and all the more does the raising of our children. If we teach them all we can about their faith as early as possible, giving them spiritual roots that are strong and run deep, then when they face the world their faith will not blow away like seedlings in a storm. Our children are the fruit of God's grace and our labors. If we spiritually tend to them in their youth, we will have nurtured their potential to grow into amazing, faithful, fruitful, holy Orthodox Christians. Let us work diligently when they are young and the harvest will be plentiful."

Sunday School Calendar:

November 2nd:           Youth Activity Sunday

 November 9th             Youth Education Sunday                   

November 16th            Youth Education Sunday

November 23rd:           Youth Education Sunday 

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November Liturgical Services & ReadingsDate/Time! ! Service! ! ! ! Epistle! ! ! ! GospelNov 1 9:30 am! ! Saints Cosmas & Damian! 1 Corinthians 12:27-13:8!! Matthew 10:1-5-8Nov 2 9:30 am! ! 5th Sunday of Luke! ! Galatians 2:16-20! ! Luke 16:19-31Nov 8 9:00 am*!! Synaxis of the Archangels! Hebrews 2:2-10! ! ! Luke 10:16-21Nov 9 9:30 am! ! 7th Sunday of Luke! ! Galatians 6:11-18! ! Luke 8:41-56Nov 13 9:30 am! ! Saint John Chrysostom! ! Hebrews 7:26-8:2! ! John 10:9-16Nov 14 9:30 am! ! Saint Philip! ! ! 1 Corinthians 4:9-16! ! John 1:43-51Nov 16 9:30 am! ! Saint Matthew! ! ! Romans 10:22-11:2! ! Matthew 9:9-13Nov 21 9:30 am! ! Entrance of the Theotokos! Hebrews 9:1-7! ! ! Luke 10:38-42; 11:27,28Nov 23 9:30 am! ! 9th Sunday of Luke! ! Ephesians 2:14-22! ! Luke 12:16-21Nov 30 9:30 am! ! Saint Andrew! ! ! 1 Corinthians 4:9-16! ! John 1:35-52

Philoptochos Harvest Luncheon

Sunday November 2nd

Fellowship Hall(Immediately Following Divine Liturgy)

Traditional Turkey Dinner With All the Trimmings!

Adults $15.00Students 13-18 $10.00Students 5-12 $5.00

Proceeds to benefit the charitable projects of

Philoptochos

Sacraments & Blessing ServicesBaptisms:October 11, Oliver Athanasios Sexauer, son of Nicholas & Alison SexauerKoumbara - Natasha TennysonOctober 19, Evelyn Evgenia Roland, daughter of George & Theresa RolandKoumbaroi - Katina Pantazes & Eleni Katsaros

Funerals:October 3, Panayiotis Peter TocmakidisMay his memory be eternal!

Memorials:October 12, Zambela PerivolarisTriagion:September 29, Elaine Cunningham

May their memories be eternal!

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Pilgrimage to Saint John of SF

Nativity of Christ has organized a pilgrimage to visit and learn more about Saint John on November 8th. This pilgrimage will be guided by Hieromonk Father James, who is the parish priest at the Old Holy Virgin Russian Orthodox Cathedral located on Fulton Street, and will take us to the following locations which are all particular to the life and ministry of Saint John:

+The Old Holy Virgin Russian Orthodox Cathedral, Fulton Street

+The Parish of Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk

+The Holy Virgin Russian Orthodox Cathedral, Geary Street

Following the Divine Liturgy (9am) at Nativity, we will visit these three holy sites, and break bread together in San Francisco.

If we gather enough committed interest as a group, we will charter a bus as transportation for this day trip to San Francisco… to venerate a saint of Christ’s Holy Church!

Please call the church office today to sign-up!

A suggested minimum donation of $25/individual will support transportation and a group offering to the ministries we will be visiting.

Nativity Crab Feed

Did you know that the Nativity Crab Feed helps to fund an Ecclesiastical Fund at Nativity? Through this fund, in the last two years we have purchased new liturgical service books for Great Lent, altar coverings for the Holy Altar Table, and multiple other items inside of the Sanctuary!

The Pancretan Chapter of Marin & Sonoma Counties has traditionally offered a tremendous evening of crab and fun! These efforts, in addition to the ecclesiastical fund, fund scholarships offered by the Pancretan association.

Church items & scholarships -- tremendous Hellenic Orthodox Christian experience!!

Although the Pancretan Association has traditionally done all the work, it is time for more individuals and/or program ministries to join the labor! Please contact Tony Kosmas or Stacey Weeks to volunteer your time and/or talents.

Join your Nativity family and friends this January 31, at 6pm!

* event flyer included in this month’s edition of The Word.

Nativity’s Minoan Dancers

Nativity’s Minoan Dancers rehearse on Wednesday evenings and are working on dances from Thrace and Crete, preparing for the folk dance competition in February in Anaheim. K through 8th grade dancers practice 5:45-7 pm and high school/adult dancers practice 7-9 pm. New dancers are welcome; please contact Effie Fourakis for more information (effiejf@me.com or 415-823-9433).

This fall a destination wedding took place at Nativity -- the couple married were Orthodox Christians from Alaska, and even brought fresh salmon and crab legs with them!

With the invitation to dance as a part of their reception, Nativity’s Minoans danced as a statement of our Hellenic Christian hospitality, and all enjoyed the experience!

Nativity’s Driveway Sign -- inviting neighbors to Orthodox Christianity for decades!

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Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox

ChurchParishioner Survey

***please complete the survey included in the centerfold of this edition of The Word, remove the survey section, and return it to the church office at

your earliest convenience.

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Nativity of Christ Church Parishioner Survey

The  enclosed  survey  is  designed  to  establish  a  baseline  for  a  community  dialogue  leading  to  the  crea6on  and  dedica6on  to  short-­‐term  and  long-­‐term  goals  for  the  Na6vity  of  Christ  community.    Please  respond  with  the  understanding  that  this  is  the  first  step  toward  a  journey  of  community  planning  and  improvement.1.    Parish  events  and  ministries  are:○   strong  reasons  for  my  a6endance  at  church○   secondary  reasons  for  my  a6endance  at  church○   not  factors  in  my  church  a6endanceComments:

2.    A  member  of  our  household  a6ends  church  at  least:○   3  or  more  ?mes  a  month○   1-­‐2  ?mes  a  month○   6-­‐10  ?mes  a  year○   1-­‐5  ?mes  a  year○   None  of  the  aboveComments:

3.    Our  household  is  ac?ve  in  one  or  more  of  the  following  ministries  (select  as  many  as  apply):○   Choir○   Dance  Group○   Greek  School○   Philoptochos○   Religious  Educa?on  (i.e.  Bible  Study)○   Sunday  School○   Youth  Ac?vi?es  such  as  GOYA○   None  of  the  aboveComments:

4.    Our  household  bases  its  stewardship  pledge  upon:○   its  ability  to  provide  financial  and  physical  support○   its  belief  of  what  is  needed  by  the  church  to  provide  desired  programs○   its  perceived  community  average  for  stewardship○   its  depth  of  commitment  to  the  sacramental  and  ministerial  programs,  as  well  Biblical  responsibility  and  response  to  God’s  grace○   other  –  please  use  the  comment  sec?on  below  to  explainComments:

5.    The  liturgical  schedule  of  our  church:○   exceeds  our  spiritual  needs○   meets  our  spiritual  needs○   does  not  meet  our  spiritual  needsComments:

6.    The  founda?on  of  my  connec?vity  to  the  Na?vity  of  Christ  Church  is  based  primarily  upon:○   the  belief  that  ac?ve  par?cipa?on  is  essen?al  for  my  salva?on○   cultural  ?es  that  are  available  through  social  programs○   family  tradi?on○   friendships○   other  factors  (please  comment  below)Comments:

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7.    Our  household  receives  the  majority  of  its  informa?on  regarding  Na?vity  Community  ac?vi?es  via:○   monthly  newsle6er○   a6endance  at  church○   talking  with  fellow  parishioners  at  events/coffee  hour○   visi?ng  the  church  website  (h6p://www.na?vityofchrist.org)○   emails  from  the  church  office○   other  sourcesComments:

8.    Please  select  what  best  describes  your  household’s  use  of  the  Na?vity  Community’s  website:○   rou?nely  visit  the  church  website○   occasionally  visit  the  church  website○   seldom  visit  the  church  website○   never  visit  the  websiteComments:

9.    The  financial  status  of  the  Na?vity  Community  reflects:○   a  community  with  more  than  adequate  stewardship  and  fundraising  success○   a  community  with  funding  appropriate  to  its  current  programs○   a  community  with  less  than  adequate  funding  to  appropriately  support  its  current  programs○   a  community  substan?ally  lacking  in  the  funding  needed  to  maintain  necessary  programsComments:

10.    Our  campus  facili?es:○   exceed  the  needs  of  the  community’s  programs○   are  sa?sfactory  for  the  community’s  needs○   in  need  of  renova?on  to  achieve  the  community’s  needs○   demonstrate  new  building(s)  are  necessary  to  meet  the  community’s  needs  (comment  below)Comments:

11.    The  community  should  (select  a  maximum  of  two):○   work  to  strengthen  youth  programs○   be  more  involved  with  local,  state,  and  na?onal  charitable  causes○   have  more  social  events○   emphasize  fundraising  ac?vi?es  to  a  greater  extent○   increase  its  emphasis  on  religious  educa?on  ○   other  (please  comment  below)Comments:

12.    Rate  your  willingness  to  be  involved  in  the  development  of  short-­‐term  and  long-­‐term  goals  for  the  community:○   would  enjoy  the  opportunity  to  take  a  leadership  role○   would  be  willing  to  assist  in  the  project○   do  not  have  the  ?me  and/or  interest  in  par?cipa?ng  with  such  a  projectComments:

If  you  selected  either  of  the  first  two  responses,  please  provide  your  name  in  this  spot.

The  Parish  Council  would  appreciate  knowing  of  any  addi?onal  comments  you  feel  might  enhance  the  spiritual  and  social  experiences  of  our  parishioners.  

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S T E W A R D S H I P

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2014 Stewardship Update

Commitment Cards Received! 223Total Amount Committed! ! $180,411Budgeted Goal! ! ! ! $206,961Yearly Average! ! ! ! $809"

+++

“We offer to You these gifts, from Your own gifts, in all and for all.”

“Τὰ σὰ ἐκ τῶν σῶν σοὶ προσφέροµεν κατὰ πάντα καὶ διὰ πάντα.”

~ from the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom

Join The Magi Today!

Hundreds of households, thousands of souls, are blessed to be served by the Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox

Christian Church.

Many of the households served by Nativity are still yet to articulate their

Magi Journey by returning a completed 2014 Be Wise as Magi Commitment Card

to the Nativity office.

If for whatever reason you have not yet returned a completed commitment card,

you are invited to complete the card below and return it to the Nativity office

today.

May our Lord recognize our Christian pilgrimage as wise!

S T E W A R D S H I P

The Word 2.0 13

Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church

2014 List of Stewards

Palumbis, Fr. Luke & Pres EleniAdams, Fr. James & Pres. EvelynEfstathiu, Fr. Constantine & Pres KayAdams, William & LisaAnderson, FrancesAngelonides, Peter & ArleneAngelopulos, Angelo & MercyAntonis, Chris & KeriArango, PatArgyres, Andreas & JoanneBaird, MariaBalopoulos, Michael & AnnaBanks, Charles & CatherineBechaka, SoniaBekris, Fr. Niko & Pres. StellaBertolina, Ron & ElaineBizani, Pano & BarbaraBlasingame, David & KatinaBooras, PaulineBoosalis, Gus & KariBryan, Keith & KarryBrzycki, Jeff & Tracy LangleyBurrows, Bill & FlorettaCamamis, ConstantineCamamis, DinaCapetanos, John & AglaiaCaptanian, Ted & ConnieCastro, Jeff & JoannaCatel, George & ParaskeviCommick, AnnCorcoran, Bruce & FranCordellos, Dennis & AnnaCunningham, ElaineCunningham, Kenneth & ElaineDaifotis, Kim & CindyDaugherty, MatthewDegaitis, Pete & JuliaDelfino, Ken & CarrieDelis, Nicholas & StephanieDemakas, GeorgeDemiris, George & Ray AnnDemopoulos, Nick & NeveenDestein, PatDiamantopoulos, George & AnnaDutoff, DimitriEconomy, CarolEdrich, AlexandraEfstathiu, Paul & KristenEliopoulos, Paul & SophiaFafoutis, Aris & DianeFoster, MargaritaFotinos, VivianFourakis, Andreas & Argyro

Fourakis, Vasilis & EffieFrudakis, George & DarleneGagas, Charles & ClaireGarofalos, JohnGarton, Neal & ElenaGavallos, Victor & TinaGavallos, Dennis & HeloisaGeorge, Pete & AnnGeorgeson, George & DebbieGiannis, Demetrios & RoseGigounas, AnnGikkas, Peter & VickieGiusti, NonieGrey, ConstanceHaginicols, Charles & AmaliaHaginicols. Leo & TiffanyHajopoulos, KathyHall, Bryan & PaulaHanis, James & StellaHanke, Maria HilakosHarris, HelenHundley, Courtney & MarilynHontalas, Frank & EveHontalas, GeorgenaHunter, HughHunter, John & RoseHunter, PeterIannios, Demetrios & ManuJacoby, Nicholas & EileenJouganatos, Spiros & ConnieKakleas, Jon & MichelleKalabokes, Chris & VickiKamages, Alex & SherryKamages, Christ & PatKambur, James & JoAnneKanas, Nick & CarolynnKaras, Tom & EleniKaravolos, MichaelKatselis, Anthony & KarinKavantjas, DianeKeller, Ed & KarenKeratzides, ElaineKokalis, George & DebbieKokalis, Nick & LenaKosmas, Anthony & AnthoniaKozas, AnnaKozas, Tom & AngieKuvelis, Dean & DeniseLagios, Michael & SheilaLamerdin, Christopher & VictoriaLendaris, George & NiaLivanos, Nick & PattiMadias, AlexanderMadias, Dino & MartiMadias, EvangeliaMadias, TheoMainaris, TheoManesis, Alexandra

Mantalvanos, Alex & MariaMardakis, John & HelenMarsala, JoanMarshall, Philip & KathyMavrantonis, AntoniMedan, Dushan & GigiMeehan, NicoleMeehan, Tom & IreneMehas, ChristineMestakidis, SoteriaMorales, Marlon & AndreaMorphew, Forrest & EphimiaMorris, SusanMouzakis, RobertNatsios, Isidore & JoannaNichols,ToulaNiemcewicz, Roland & BessOetzel, Bob & PaulineO'Farrell, Shaun & RaniaOffill, William & ChristinaOrologas, JulieOrologas, MikeOrologas-Roland, NickieOrr, Thomas & BeverlyOrtner, RobPanagatacos, James & DianePantazes, Christos & JacquelinePantazes, KatherinePantazes, KatinaPapadopoulos, John & StellaPapanikolaou, George & SoulaPapanikolaou, MarinaPappas, Angelo & MariaPappas, ArthurPassaris, Michael & MeredithPassaris, Theodore & ElainePatrineliis, PoppyPerivolaris, Nick & EllenPerivolaris, SharonPeterson, KatiePetrakis, Steve & MarthaPezzuto, MariaPicras, BeatriceProkopakis, MelinaProtos, DoraProuty, VickiePsaros, Stamatis & EleniRehn, DianeRey, PatriciaRoland, George & DorisRossi, PatriciaRouman, Steve & LizRussell, Chuck & DaphneSandoval, IreneSantorineos, Stavros & CrystalSarantakis, George & SusanSarantakis, Chris & TinaSarganis, Peri

Saris, Tony & BettyScafidas, AnastasiaScanagatta, Roman & EleniScott, Athony & ReneeSelmi, CatherineSelmi, HelenSeremetis, Matina & Andres PinedaSexauer, Nicholas & AlisonSideris. Milton & StassieSimon, KaySimos, Ted & SophiaSklavos, VasilikiSlenkin, Alex & NancySmernes, KalliopeSmith, Robert & EvdokiaSmyrni, AnnaSoeten, AlexandraSoter, KathrynSoter, Samuel & StellaSotiras, MariaSotiras, GeorgeSotiras, Paraskevas & EreneStathis, Peter & DinaStathis, Gus & SophiaStenros, Stuart & StellaStockton, John & SusanStratigos, GeorgeStratigos, Spiro & Mary KayTacticos, GeorgeTaft, KikiTangalakis, Odysseus & JoannaTar, Michael & NatalieThomatos, Dennis & ChristinaTocmakidis, Peter & PinelopyTouras, Antonis & AntoniaTrapalis, Arthur & NioviTrimble, PaulTsiplakos, George & MariaTzafopoulos, John & EricaTzafopoulos, Nick & VasilikiVallas, James & JudithVassiliou, MaggieVlahakos, Nick & GeorgiaWalters, Charles & AmaliaWalters, Scott & KarenWeeks, Daniel & StaceyWhite, SonjaWhitmore, SophiaWildermuth, AnnaXenelis, NicholasYatrakis, Christopher & EiriniYiakis, JosephYioulos, Dean & AnnZaferiou, Paul & PhyllisZagorites, Marian

*if your name is not listed by error, please contact the church office

N A T I V I T Y N E W S

14 The Word 2.0

PARISH ASSEMBLY MEETINGSunday, November 9, 2014

Agenda1. Opening Prayer

2. Election of Parish Assembly Chairman

3. Reading/Approval of minutes of last Parish Assembly Meeting

4. Parish Ministries Reports:

" " Philoptochos

" " Religious Education

" " Choir

" " Folk Dance

" " Greek School

" " Youth Ministries

5." Stewardship Report

6." Parish Ministry Budget Report

" " Presentation and Adoption of 2015 Proposed Ministry Budget

7." Maintenance and Repair Status Report

8." Additional Parish Council Nominations from the floor

9." Selection of Election Committee

10. " Announcements from the Chair

11." Adjournment

12." Closing Prayer

Please Note: Members of the parish eligible to vote at a parish assembly are all men and women of the parish who are practicing Orthodox Christians, sacramentally in good standing with the Church, and who have fulfilled, or are current with, their pledge for 2014, and have submitted their completed pledge card at least 30 days prior to the day of the parish assembly.

This nomination form is sent to you for the purpose of nominating and/or placing your name into nomination for service on the Parish Council beginning January 2015. All eligible nominees are required by the Uniform Parish Regulations to attend a Parish Council Seminar before their name can be placed on the ballot. Those unwilling to attend will be ineligible to run.

Members of the parish eligible to nominate and/or to be nominated, and/or to place their names in nomination, are all men and women of the parish who are practicing Orthodox Christians, sacramentally in good standing with the Church: those who apply the tenets of the Orthodox Faith to their life and activities and attend the Divine Liturgy faithfully on Sundays. In addition, all nominees must have either fulfilled or be current with their pledge for 2014, as per the direction of the Uniform Parish regulations and the Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church Parish Bylaws.

To be eligible to vote at the assembly, members must have submitted their completed pledge card 30 days prior to the day of the parish assembly.

Do not nominate the following stewards who currently serve on the Parish Council, as their current terms extend

The Parish Council election will take place Sunday, December 7th, following the Divine Liturgy. All nomination forms must be submitted on, or before Sunday, November 23rd. Nomination forms may sent to, or dropped off at, the church office.

Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church1110 Highland DriveNovato, CA 94949www.nativityofchrist.org

Parish Council Nomination Form

I wish to nominate the following steward(s) of the Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church to serve as members of the Parish

Council:

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

Respectfully submitted by: _____________________________________

" " " " " " (print)

" " ______________________________________

" " " " " (signature)

N A T I V I T Y C A L E N D A R

The Word 2.0 15

NATIVITY  OF  CHRIST

CHURCH  CALENDAR

NOVEMBER

20

14

SUNDAY

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TUESDAY

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Fr.  Luke  will  be  attending    

the  Clergy  Retreat  at  St.  Nicholas  Ranch

November  10-­11

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The Word 2.0 November 2014

Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church1110 Highland Drive

Novato, California 94949

www.nativityofchrist.org

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