Our New Year begins with the celebration of the (Epiphany) Feast of Baptism, on January 6. It is not only Jesus’ baptism but also our baptism. Let us begin the New Year with renewing the baptism we received. Jesus began His public ministry at His Baptism, and began to change people’s lives. Let us be part of our church’s ministry programs, so we can also change people’s lives. Through our varied youth to senior ministry programs, we develop personal spiritual growth. We welcome and value the unique gifts that each of you brings to our community. Through fellowship and ministry we provide numerous opportunities for individuals to use and develop your gifts (time, talent, and treasure) for the greater honor and glory of God.

This January is dedicated to spiritually reinvigorating and renewing your commitment to St. Sophia Church, in preparations for the challenges we will face in the New Year 2010. I would like to thank everyone for working together to complete another successful year for the whole Parish. As called by our baptism, we all must be involved in service to St. Sophia, and our community. Sharing our time, talent and treasure is an important way for us to grow as Orthodox Christians. It deepens our relationship with God and helps meet the commitment made at our Baptism and renewed every Sunday – to serve Christ our God with all our heart, mind, body, and soul…forever, and to help our neighbor with charity and love…that is our Ministry.

St Barbara’s Christmas Party was special this year because our children, parents, and seniors decorated 100 mini Christmas trees that were delivered by Margaret Danes, to the many shelters in the area. These little trees are now brightening a space and heart of many lonely people. What a special way of teaching our children the meaning of Christmas.

The project "Adopt A Soldier" by our Sunday school youth was very successful, as well. They collected toiletries, candies, and small games for our men and women in the war zones. These care packages were sent to soldiers abroad with our love and a little piece of home in every box. Thank you dear children for generous gifts.

These are just a few of the many good-hearted programs that were done during Christmas. Let us not forget that we reach out to the community all year long. Our many parish organizations support an array of charities every month. One weekly Philoptochos charity is the Capital Region Food Pantry. We collect hundreds of pounds of food weekly. These donations help to feed the hungry of the region. Thank you to all those who put food in the box, that is located in front of the church office.

One of St. Sophia’s most rewarding ministries is the priest’s visitation to the sick, to the frail, to shut-ins, and to those dying. The family needs to inform the Church office when such a visit is required. Please call as soon as the illness is known or as soon as hospitalization occurs. Because of privacy laws, we have no other way to receive this information. Call Father Pat, at 489-4442. The Philoptochos also does visitations to nursing homes and hospitals, as well as prepare the repast luncheon after a funeral service. Please have the church office know if you would like the ladies to visit your loved ones. Their visits are always very uplifting, and they always bring a little something to put a smile on a family face.

Arthur Kontogiannis and his family generously donated the Fellowship Hall Christmas Tree. This beautiful tree was growing in their property for many years, just waiting to be the right size, and be grandly displayed in our hall. Thank you Kontogiannis family for your generous gift. It will be enjoyed by your fellow parishioners, at the many parties during the month of December.

Chuck Germaine and Dena Galeo-Germaine took time out of their busy schedules to attractively decorate this spectacular tree. They spent a whole evening trimming, stringing lights, and placing ornaments, to make our tree just as impressive as those around town. Thank you Chuck and Dena for lending a hand to make this a special Christmas for our parishioners.

Stewards of St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church – thanks for your continued support. This has been a difficult year economically and your financial stewardship to God and our parish is appreciated. We end this year meeting our budget. Through the first 9 months of the year we were operating with a deficit. As 2009 draws to a close, we are pleased to report that we are closing the year with a positive balance sheet. Total finances will be reviewed at our first General Assembly Meeting, on February 28, 2010.