Spring General Assembly (Agenda, Fall Minutes, and reports
Fall General Assembly
Agenda (proposed)
Sunday, May 7, 2023
The following is the proposed agenda for the next General Assembly meeting. Join us on Sunday, May 7, immediately following Divine Services in the Church. All active stewards* of the Church of Saint Anna are encouraged to participate.
1. Prayer & Call to Order
2. Selection of General Assembly Chair
3. Approval of Minutes of previous GA
4. Clergy Report
5. President’s Report
6. Treasurer’s Report
7. Community Updates- reports will be posted parish website
Philoptochos
Religious Education
Archangel Gabriel Bookstore
Youth & Young Adult Ministries
Stewardship
8. Old Business
a. Construction Update (Building Committee)
b. Sanctuary Beautification and Capital Campaign
9. New Business
10. For the Good of the Parish
11. Closing Prayer
12. Adjournment
*To be considered a member in good standing, the member must regularly participate in the life of the parish and have fulfilled the previous year’s stewardship commitment and contributed toward the current year’s commitment. New members may exercise their vote at Parish Assemblies if they have been in good standing at the parish for at least three months.
General Assembly (Spring 2023)
Stewardship Report
Stewardship is our active commitment to use our time, talent, and treasure for the benefit of humankind in grateful acknowledgment of Christ’s redeeming love. Stewardship is based on Scripture (1 Peter 4:10, 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, Proverbs 16:3, 1 Corinthians 4:2) and many more. As Orthodox Christians, we recognize that everything, truly everything we have, is a gift from God. We are to be grateful to Him for His blessings and generous with our gifts to others.
In 2022 our budget was $450,000 dollars. We not only made our budget but surpassed it by $54,382 dollars. This is a testament to our faithful stewards who believe in giving back the first fruits from their hearts to God.
This year our budget is $460,000 dollars. As of March (I don’t have the April figures yet), we are ahead by $118. I say we are on the right track! Our approach to stewardship here at St. Anna’s is different than most Orthodox churches. We do not have annual pledge drives. We give from the heart what we, as individuals, decide is a good gift back to God. Good stewardship brings joy into the lives of others, helps those in need, helps to feed those less fortunate, cares for the elderly, and funds the ministries of Christ through our Church.
We should also give back to God our time and talent. Some of the areas supported by St. Anna’s include our prayer shawl ministry, serving in the altar as an acolyte, helping chant the services, volunteering at St. Vincent de Paul, assisting in the bookstore, straightening the chairs and hymnals after service (good ones for the kids), clean the candle box, volunteer for candle duty, become a member of Philoptochos, or when needed, sign up for a meal train and many more. No activity is too small.
Once again, I am grateful to all of our faithful stewards who continue through easy and tough times for their support of our beacon on the hill, our new church, to the glory of God. And, of course, we welcome all new stewards.
If you use a phone or tablet, an easy way to give, not only for stewardship but for many of our ministries, you may consider the APP Church Center. Download it, follow the prompts, and input your info.
Holy Week Photos
Christ is Risen!
What a truly beautiful, Great, and Holy Week it was for our parish. Thanks be to God, we could pray services in our new sanctuary; what a blessed experience!
Thank you to Andrew and Bethany Burrows for capturing so many meaningful moments during Holy Week, https://andrewandbethanyphoto.passgallery.com/-2023holyweek1/gallery
Thank you also to Stephen Kristoff for preparing this video of the procession of the kovouklion on Holy and Great Friday 2023
Palm Sunday in our Sanctuary
Thanks be to God and the tireless efforts of so many - our Building Chairs, the Building Committee, the Parish Council, our architect, our contractors, the project manager, the City of Roseville, the City Manager, and our beloved Joe Fancher - we prayed Palm Sunday services in our Sanctuary. It was a humbling and emotional day for many. Some who anticipated this day rejoiced in the Kingdom, while others prayed fervently and joyfully in a holy sanctuary dedicated to our beloved Saint Anna. Together, the Church Triumphant and the Church Militant glorified our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Who humbled Himself to enter the Holy City, seated on a donkey's colt for our salvation.
In addition to those whom we thanked above, we would also like to say “thank you” to
Those who were at the Church last evening and also early this morning, setting up for services.
Andrew Burrows, who aptly captured many beautiful moments, https://andrewandbethanyphoto.passgallery.com/-palmsunday/gallery.
Our team of cooks who prepared a delicious lunch.
Our Religious Educators, who prepared a thoughtful writing for us to be better prepared for the Feast.
Father Seraphim for preparing the 12 Catechumens who were Baptized or Chrismated yesterday!
Dn. Joseph for offering the first homily in our Sanctuary.
Those who served in the Holy Altar and those who chanted services.
All of the faithful who joined us for services (well over 400!).
Those who so graciously packed up the remains from our luncheon, delivering over 30 meals to the region’s homeless and feeding dozens at the Gathering Inn.
May our Gracious Lord, Who willingly went to His Passion for our Salvation, keep these blessed souls and our entire community in His care.
Our Holy Week schedule is as follows:
Monday, April 10 Service of the Bridegroom, 6 PM
Tuesday, April 11 Service of the Bridegroom, 6 PM
Wednesday, April 12 9th Hour/ Pre-Sanctified Liturgy, 7 AM
Holy Unction, 6 PM
Thursday, April 13 Liturgy of St. Basil, 9 AM
Reading of the Passion Gospels, 6 PM
All Night Vigil
Friday, April 14 Royal Hours, 9 AM
Decent from the Cross, 3 PM
Service of the Lamentations, 7 PM
Saturday, April 15 Vesperal Liturgy, 9 AM
Resurrection Matins, 11:30 PM
Sunday, April 16 Paschal Liturgy, 12 AM
Agape Vespers, 11 AM
Great & Holy Week Schedule
Sunday, April 9 Service of the Bridegroom, 6 PM
Monday, April 10 Service of the Bridegroom, 6 PM
Tuesday, April 11 Service of the Bridegroom, 6 PM
Wednesday, April 12 9th Hour/ Pre-Sanctified Liturgy, 7 AM
Holy Unction, 6 PM
Thursday, April 13 Liturgy of St. Basil, 9 AM
Reading of the Passion Gospels, 6 PM
All Night Vigil
Friday, April 14 Royal Hours, 9 AM
Decent from the Cross, 3 PM
Service of the Lamentations, 7 PM
Saturday, April 15 Vesperal Liturgy, 9 AM
Resurrection Matins, 11:30PM
Sunday, April 16 Paschal Liturgy, 12 AM
Agape Vespers, 11 AM
Italian Family Creates World-Famous Mosaic Catholic Art (our iconographer)
A Word on Church Etiquette: in anticipation of worshipping in the Holy Sanctuary:
Church Etiquette
Every Orthodox Church edifice is dedicated and consecrated to the glory and worship of God. The Church is unlike every other structure in that it has been set aside as the “House of God.” It is the one place where all our secular activities are to be left behind and where we should, without distraction, worship our Creator. Whether services are in progress or not, an atmosphere of peace should and must be maintained on Sundays and weekdays. The Orthodox Christian is quiet and respectful in Church, as this state of being indicates a recognition of God’s eternal presence there. On the Altar, the reserved Sacrament of Holy Communion, the Body, and Blood of Christ, is kept in the Tabernacle, and our behavior within His Church must also be in accordance with the Holy presence.
The Church is the House of God. During the Divine Liturgy and all services of divine worship, we are responsible for maintaining proper decorum. Reverence and good manners are required. No irreverent or irrelevant conversations should be carried on inside or out.
The use of mobile devices should be limited to the “GOA Digital Chant Stand” in the Sanctuary. If you have a professional reason to carry a phone for emergencies, please keep it on mute and sit near the exit so that, should you be called, your leaving for an emergency will not distract others. Otherwise, turn your phones to silent before entering the Sanctuary.
Proper Attire
As we draw closer to Christ, Our God, by entering His Holy-dwelling place, we should dress not only our souls but our bodies as well, and that should be in a manner befitting being in the presence of His majesty and glory. Our clothing should always reflect the dignity of being created in His likeness and image. Our attire should therefore be modest and reverent. Women should attend services with their shoulders covered and wearing slacks or skirts of appropriate length. Men should wear long pants and either a collared shirt or a dress shirt with a tie. It is not appropriate to wear sneakers or casual sandals.
Children in the Church
Christ said, “Let the little children come to Me and do not forbid them; for such is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 9:). Children can remain in the Sanctuary throughout a service, although it may be difficult for some. Eventually, children will be able to spend longer times in the Liturgy. That is where they should be, but remember, the reason for coming to church is to pray and worship; when they are young, it can be challenging for both children and parents.
If a child is fussy, please be respectful of others and quietly exit the nave. It is never appropriate to allow a child to run down the aisles, play loudly, or carry toys that make noise. If a young child needs a snack, please clear away any leftover pieces (children should not have anything in their mouths as they approach the Holy Chalice).
Divine Services
Every Sunday, the Orthodox Family is called to observe the day of the Lord, commemorating His Resurrection and triumph over death. Sunday Services begin with the setting of the sun on Saturday evening. It is a blessing to be able to attend Great Vespers on Saturday evening in order to begin commemorating the Day of Resurrection. Parents and children should arrive together early in the morning for Orthros and the celebration of the Divine Liturgy.
The Divine Liturgy begins when the priest intones, “Blessed is the Kingdom of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” The faithful should arrive early enough to receive this blessing. If you arrive later than this, please enter the church reverently and quietly. The faithful should not enter the Nave, instead remaining in the Narthex during the Little or Great Entrances, when the priest is censing the icons and congregation, during the reading of the Epistle and Gospel, or the homily. If you are unsure when to enter the church, ask one of the ushers for guidance.
Those who neglect to attend Divine Liturgy sin in the ignorance of their commitment to Christ implied in being an Orthodox Christian and necessarily hinders the work of the Holy Spirit. Only in Church is the Gift imparted. Only in the togetherness of prayer is the Body of the Church formed mystically, and Christ, the Head of the Body, enlivens the faithful, the members of His body, by the grace of the Holy Spirit. He feeds us with the Sacrament of Holy Communion and strengthens our bonds of unity so that we may become inheritors of His Kingdom. For this reason, the Fathers of the Church emphasize the importance of regular church attendance and the frequent reception of Holy Communion.
Private prayers and devotions are prayers of enlightenment and guidance and must culminate in common prayer with the other faithful in the church at the Divine Liturgy. Therefore, the Orthodox family's sacred duty and responsibility is to attend the Divine Liturgy every Sunday.
Private prayer is necessary but is incomplete without being tied to corporate prayer. Those who pray regularly in private genuinely need to pray in church with others.
Entering the Church
Upon entering the Church, the faithful should bow their heads in reverence before God and cross themselves as a sign that they are followers of the Crucified Lord, Jesus Christ. A pious tradition is to light candles for personal petitions and intercessions. Most parishes have designated candle stands or holders for these candles. Please do not allow young children to light candles alone or to play in the candle boxes for safety reasons. It is customary to offer a donation for each candle.
The Orthodox Church teaches that it is proper to venerate, not worship, holy icons. We cross ourselves and then kiss either the hands or feet of the saint depicted in the icon, the scroll, the Gospel book, or the hand cross a saint holds. Women should not wear lipstick kissing the Holy Icons or the Book of the Gospel.
Departing the Church
It is appropriate to leave the Sanctuary respectfully. At the close of services, the faithful should receive a blessing, kiss, or venerate the Holy Cross held by the priest. After walking to the back of the nave, it is customary to turn toward the Holy Altar, bow, and make the sign of the cross.
A Request for Updated/Current Contact Information
In anticipation of our New Shrine which is about to be opened, we are making a push to get everybody who is presently a member of St. Anna's church, to get their updated/ current information to us. This is also in anticipation of building a new church directory, one that is both physical and digital in nature. With so many new members, current members, and old members who have moved on or reposed, we really need your assistance with this updating process.
With this is mind we need you all to do a couple of things-
Please make sure that we have:
1-Your current address
2-Your current contact number
3-Your current email
This information may be updated or entered in the Church Center App, which is the app that we are using for stewardship and the one which we will be using to build our new church directory from. If you all will please enter your information in to the app, this will greatly assist us not only in getting a new directory to you more quickly, but it allows for Fr. Chris, Fr. Seraphim, and Fr. Dcn Joseph, to have at their disposal, your contact information, should they need to visit you for any reason: house blessing, baby's birth, sickness, etc...
Links for the app have been provided below, please use them, if you have not already done so:
For Apple users:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/church-center-app/id1357742931
For Android users:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ministrycentered.churchcenter&hl=en_US&gl=US
Additionally, please make sure that you have your correct email address entered into our listserv email database, which may be found here:
Support our St. Anna clergy and parishioners who are shaving their heads (and a beard) n support of childhood cancer research
Support our Saint Anna clergy and parishioners who are raising money in support of the thousands of infants, children, teens, and young adults fighting childhood cancers.
TO DONATE: Go online to the link below—it will take you directly to our page: https://www.stbaldricks.org/teams/mypage/134911/2023
· Bill Alexiou, www.stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/1113126/2023
· Fr. Christopher Flesoras, www.stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/1113166/2023
· Fr. Seraphim Ivey, www.stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/1120952/2023
· Michael Magliola, www.stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/1120513/2023
· Nick Pasco, www.stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/1116765/2023
The Roseville event is hosted by Keaton’s Child Cancer Alliance which gives hope to every family who has a child with cancer, https://childcancer.org.
Please keep these children, their families, and friends as well as physicians, nurses and researchers who provide care, healing, and hope in your prayers.
The Archbishop of America visited St. Anna Greek Orthodox Church in Roseville
Photos from the Service of Holy Unction (andrewandanthonyphoto)
Additional photos from Kostas Petrakos Photography, https://www.kostaspetrakos.com/Client-Galleries/Saint-Anna-Church---Roseville/n-mcdsfh
