This is an exciting and dynamic time for our community seeing many young families becoming involved in the life of the parish. Our families clearly value growing in their faith and providing a strong foundation for their children in the Church. So parents, please be sure to be there with all your children, from kindergarteners through young adults. Please plan on attending and getting involved, because these programs cannot continue without the support and volunteering of all parents, and family members. You can give of your time and talents by participating in parish ministries and activities, while at the same time impact the lives of your children and others, as well as have fun.

Remember that the Sunday School is a handmaid of the Church. When the child is old enough, he or she should be brought to Sunday School to learn about our Orthodox Faith. As parents we must start training the child from infancy by bringing the child to the Divine Liturgy, having the child partake of Holy Communion, and praying with the child at home so the child will grow closer to God. The teachers are there to help your children learn about our Christian Faith, because they love God, His church, and His children. It is your responsibility to bring your children on time to church and class. Sunday School starts September 20th, so please register your children early.

Greek School is another important part of our church and heritage. What joy for our children to be able to speak in two languages and how useful it is for them throughout their school career. I am pleased we have Kiki Maglaras as our Greek School Director. She has wonderful ideas and plans to kick off a great program this fall. Enroll your children early, so they can start on a great adventure in learning about their faith and culture. Greek School classes begin September 14th. See the Greek school agenda, newsletter and other information on the St. Sophia website.

The Greek Festival and Souvlaki Fest is part of the annual budget -- it serves an important role in Church stewardship involving an enormous contribution of our parishioner’s time, talent, and treasures; with over 100 volunteers… hundreds of hours in preparation and hundreds of hours of dedicated hard work. We need your help again to prepare, work, and advertise for Souvlaki Fest, which will take place September 18 and 19. Mark you calendar.

We as parishioners are very proud of our church complex, but wear and tear are showing all around us. The Parish Council and Alfredo Ramos are trying to perform upkeep on a shoestring budget, but we really need the help of our parishioners. Look around, then drop us a note and let us know what you think needs repair, and in what areas you can contribute your time and talent. Looking around the inner church complex we recognize that there is a need for painting, and sprucing up the fellowship hall, which is constantly in use.

Our church is the House of God. Reverence, proper dress code, and good manners are required. No irreverent conversations should be carried on inside the nave or in the outer area. The outer area (narthex) is for parents with children. This is not the area where you see a friend and start a conversation. If you need to speak to them that minute, please take them outside or wait for the coffee hour. Loud conversations severely interfere with those who are attempting to immerse themselves in the words of the Service, and to those who are striving at that time to prepare for Holy Communion. All parishioners need to worship without noise and distraction. (See Church Etiquette & Protocol in this issue.)

With love in Christ, Amy