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

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The Word

W h a t a re Yo u D o i n g f o r Christmas?

Christ is Born! Glorify Him! As the days grow closer to

Christmas, and we prepare to celebrate the Birth of our Lord, one often hears the question, “What are you doing for Christmas?” What is usually implied in this question is, “What plans are you making for Christmas? “Where will you have Christmas dinner?” “Will you be traveling out of town to visit family and friends? “How’s Christmas shopping going?”

As much as these traditions and customs are part of our celebration of Christmas, as we prepare to celebrate our Lord’s coming into the world, how should we respond to the question, “What are you doing for Christmas?”

The Church's preparation for o u r L o r d ' s B i r t h b e g a n o n

November 15, the date that marks the beginning of the Pre-Christmas Lent in the Orthodox Church. This t i m e o f e x p e c t a t i o n a n d o f preparat ion , in the Western Churches called Advent, is the time of waiting for Christmas, for the gift of Christmas, the coming into this world of God's Son. The Gospel story, however, helps us to think of it as a journey rather than simply waiting for something to happen. We must start where we are, just as we are, and journey to Him - to know Him, to love Him, to be with Him. Joseph and Mary traveled their weary way to Bethlehem. The

shepherds, hearing the angels, left their flocks and hurried to the stable. The Three Wise Men traveled from a far away land to bring their gifts. We, too, must do m o re t h a n s i m p l y w a i t f o r Christmas. We must go out to meet the feast, to make ready for it, to look for its meaning, which is to be found in our personal meeting with Christ, Whose birth we celebrate; and Advent is the time to do that.

What can one do? To begin with, we can take a good look at ourselves and see what has to be straightened out and tidied up in the way we live. We can spend more time in church, in worship. We can fast and set aside more time for prayer and meditation, asking our Lord to help us, guide us, and enlighten us. We can find new ways of showing others that we care for them. Christmas is a time when we show our love for others by * continued on page 2

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

December Liturgies and Readings Read about upcoming services and blessings at NativityPage 4

Notes from the Parish Council Details about the upcoming election processPage 5

Philotptochos Community Christmas Card, Church Social, and more!Page 7

What are you Doing for Christmas? Thoughts on actively preparing for and engaging in ChristmasPage 1

A Monthly Newsletter December 2015Upcoming Events and Opportunities Christmas Church Social, Vasilopita Sale, and CalendarPage 11-15

Religious Education Christmas Pageant and Church SocialPage 10

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PREPARATION FOR HOLY COMMUNION

We are blessed and privileged to be able as a family to gather on Sundays and special Feast Days to worship and to celebrate Christ's presence among us in the Eucharist. Holy Communion (the Eucharist) is the sacrament of the Mystical Supper of Jesus Christ. The Body and Blood of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ is vital for the health of our souls. We should receive Holy Communion often, but only after preparing properly, keeping in mind that preparation is an on-going, year-long responsibility.Thefollowingshouldbeobserved:

•Participate in the Sacrament of Penance (Holy Confession) regularly. Ask for God’s forgiveness and thank Him for all the things He has bestowed upon you. Resolve to mend your life and your habits according to His loving will. Before receiving Holy Communion be first reconciled to God and your fellow man. (Matthew 5:23-26) Only then may we take courage to eat the Mystical Food. NONE of us is without sin.

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Let heaven and earth rejoice! Angels and faithful, let us celebrate the spiritual feast! For God, born of a woman, has appeared in the flesh to those who sit in darkness. A cave and a manger receive Him. Shepherds announce the wonder. Magi offer royal gifts. Let us, then, from our unworthy lips offer praise like the angels: Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill to men. The Hope of all nations has come. He has come and has saved us from the bondage of evil. Lord, glory to You!

(continued from page 1) offering gifts, and Advent is the time for planning, preparing, and offering them. We can, and should, remember the poor, the needy, the hungry, and the less fortunate. Our parish's Christmas Food Drive and Angel Tree Program offer us such an opportunity. We can, and must, seek Christ in Holy Communion, following a sincere self-examination leading to repentance and confession of sins in the Sacrament of Penance. The heart of Christmas is Christ Himself. Christ is God's priceless gift to us. Christ is the Lord of life and death. He is the victor over sin, Satan, corruption, and death. He comes to us as God, a divine gift from outside the realm of human possibilities, to rescue us from a condition of alienation, evil, and mortality which no education, no moralisms, no technical skills, but only God's power, can overcome. He is Emmanuel, the presence of God Himself in our midst. Christ the Savior! We have the assurance that Christ lives

and embraces us with His love here and now. All we need to do is to receive His gift of new life by faith, an open heart, and obedience to the Lordship of Christ. Only as the Risen Christ is born in our hearts, as we die to our old ways and become new by His grace, do we truly experience the magnitude of the meaning of Christmas, the joyful festival of God's personal presence in our midst. As we join together to worship during this Advent season in preparation for Christmas, to sing the traditional hymns we all love so well, to sit together to eat those special dinners, which will be prepared, will we have also prepared a place for Christ? Will we have made that spiritual journey to Bethlehem to bow down and worship Him, and to offer Him the gift of our love and devotion? May we, by God's grace, make that effort so that we can answer "yes," and be enabled to know the joy of all creation, which at His birth sang, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will among men." — Fr. Constantine

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Christmas is preeminently a feast of joy. In the radiant faces of children and the expectant sparkle of their eyes, in the exchange of gifts and greetings, in the sounds of Christmas music, we catch a glimpse of humanity’s deepest longings for joy, peace, sharing, unity, love, and celebration. Christmas is an invitation to us to seek the fulfillment of our desires through Christ Who became man, lived among us, and embraced us with His love. The message of Christmas is full of hope: Christ is Emmanuel, God with us! Rejoice! Heaven and earth are united! We do not have to search for a Savior high on a mountain or in the deep sea. Christ has fully united Himself with our human nature. In the words of St. John the Evangelist: “The Word became a human being and, full of grace and truth, lived among us. We saw His glory! . . . Out of the fulness of His grace He has blessed us all, giving us one blessing after another.” (John 1:14,16) Christmas is not merely a promise but already a fulfillment because Christ, God’s priceless gift to us, is already given! We have the assurance that Christ lives and embraces us with His love here and now. ALL WE NEED TO DO IS TO RECEIVE HIS GIFT BY FAITH, AN OPEN HEART AND OBEDIENCE UNDER THE LORDSHIP OF CHRIST. Without accepting the call of

Christ, without receiving the loving forgiveness of the One Who was crucified for us, Christmas remains an unfulfilled dream. Only as the risen Christ is born in our hearts, as we die to our old ways and become new by His grace, can we truly experience the magnitude of the meaning of Christmas, the joyful festival of God’s personal presence in our midst. On Christmas we celebrate the birth of the Son of God Who came to invite us to be His friends and to make us all sons and daughters of the living God. By virtue of His divine sonship, Christ has the power to confer upon us adoption – spiritual sonship. To whoever receives Him and believes in Him, Christ gives the right to become God’s child. We become God’s children not by natural means, for God Himself is our Father. (John 1:12-13) All people are precious to God as His beloved creatures, but only those are adopted sons and daughters who believe in Christ and have received the Holy Spirit. “Those who are led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons and God’s daughters . . . the Spirit makes you God’s children, and by the Spirit’s power we cry out to God ‘Father! My Father!’ God’s Spirit joins Himself to our spirits to declare that we are God’s children.” (Romans 8:14-16)

• Prayer, repentance, confession, and fasting go hand in hand. • Practice the fast of the tongue - speaking kindly of others, avoiding gossip, etc.• Do charitable works as stewards for those in need and for His Church.• The evening before should be set aside more specifically for one's preparation, spiritually, mentally, and

physically. Fast from liquids and eat no foods from bedtime the evening before until receiving Holy Communion.

• Approach Holy Communion with the deepest sense of humility. Approach the chalice reverently, walking forward quietly and slowly.

Addi4onalReminders• Proper reception of Holy Communion presupposes full participation in the Liturgy. Come to the Divine

Liturgy on time. One should not approach for Holy Communion if he/she has come late. What’s late? Any time after the Liturgy has begun, but at least no later than the singing of Holy God (Agios o Theos) and the reading of the Epistle and Gospel.

• Parents, prepare your children properly for Holy Communion. The above applies to children from the age of 7 and older, as well as adults.

• Ladies, make sure lips are wiped of lipstick so it won't come off on the communion spoon and cloth.

A Feast of Joy

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December Liturgies & Readings Sunday Matins begin at 8:30am. Sunday and weekday Liturgy services begin at 9:30am. Please check the calendar inside the back cover for exact times for services.

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

Day Date Service Epistle Gospel

Sun Nov 29 13th Sunday of Luke Ephesians 5:8-19 Luke 18:18-27

Mon Nov 30St. Andrew the First-Called Apostle

I Corinthians 4:9-16 John 1:35-52

Fri Dec 4St. Barbara and St. John of Damascus

Galatians 3:23-29; 4:1-5 Mark 5:24-34

Sun Dec 6 10th Sunday of Luke Hebrews 13:17-21 Luke 13:10-17

Sat Dec 12 St. Spyridon Ephesians 5:8-19 John 10:9-16

Sun Dec 13 11th Sunday of Luke Colossians 3:4-11 Luke 14:16-24

Tues Dec 15 St. Eleftherios II Timothy 1:8-18 Mark 5:24-34

Sun Dec 20 Sunday Before Christmas Hebrews 11:9-10 Matthew 1:1-25

Wed Dec 23 Royal Hours of Christmas Hebrews 10:1-18 Mark 10:11-16

Thur Dec 24 Eve of Nativity of Christ Hebrews 1:1-12 Luke 2:1-20

Sun Dec 27 Sunday After Christmas Galatians 1:11-19 Matthew 2:13-23

Fri Jan 1Circumcision of Christ St. Basil the Great

Colossians 2:8-12 Luke 2:20-21; 40-52

Sacraments and Rites BaptismsNovember 14 Lauren Cathleen, daughter of Michael and Kelly Lightener

“For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” Galatians 3:27

MemorialsNovember 8 Pete Degaitis

Theodore and Helen Stratigos

November 22 Peri (Paraskevi) Sarganis

May their memory be eternal.

Pre-Christmas Confession Schedule

For those wishing to come to the Sacrament of Confession during this Advent Period, the following days and times will be available. What better way to be spiritually renewed as we prepare for the celebration of the Birth of our Lord.

Tuesday, December 15 Following the Divine Liturgy

Saturday, December 19 11:00am – 1:00 pmWednesday, December 23 11:00am – 12:30 pm

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P A R I S H C O U N C I L

Notes from the Parish CouncilBe a Leader, Be a Steward

Hopefully, all parishioners have received the 2016 stewardship campaign materials. At this time in the life of our parish, it is more important than ever to reconsider your personal commitment.

As discussed at our fall general assembly, our parish expenses continue to grow while the number of parishioners participating in our stewardship program has slightly declined. Currently more than 10% of the money pledged for 2015 stewardship remains outstanding. Please fulfill any outstanding pledge as soon as possible so that an accurate budget adjustment can be made to this year’s budget.

When filling out your 2016 pledge information form, take a moment to consider what time and talents you can lend to the growth of parish ministries. Just fill in the spaces provided on the stewardship form so that you can be involved in areas of greatest interest.

A Season of SharingWhile 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, as well as collecting cash/check donations.

Once again this year we are offering parishioners these 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.

Enhancing the Holiday ExperienceEach holiday season parishioners are requested

to donate towards the floral beautification of our church. Any support for this effort can either be mailed to the church or placed in the narthex candle tray. Additionally, any parishioner wishing to make a special holiday offering to the church may also do this by mail or by placing an envelope in the narthex tray.

A Very Positive First StepOn November 13 and 14, our parish sponsored its

first annual Mediterranean Holiday Bazaar with over 40 crafts vendors present. Many Marin and Sonoma citizens came to our campus for this event, as well as did some of our parishioners. In addition to having a hall full of vendors, our Sunday School high school classroom was converted into a decorative café. Thanks to the generous donations of several parishioners, all sales from the café were passed on to the parish.

Hopefully, this successful event will provide a foundation for a continuation of this activity, as well as serve as an impetus for the development of new social and fundraising events in our community. When many parishioners donate a few hours of a day or make some of their talents available, we can do much more to develop a vibrant parish.

A New Year’s Resolution of the Highest Value

Many people put great thought into the development of resolutions for personal improvement for the New Year. A large proportion of these resolutions generally involve improving our physical and emotional well-being. What could be a better way to meet our emotional and physical needs than to increase our commitment to the life of our parish?

Annual Parish Council ElectionsPlease take a moment to do your parishioner

duty by voting for stewards who have stepped forward to commit to being parish council members for 2016 and beyond. One of the many benefits of being a steward in good standing is to be able to (cont’d next page)

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participate in the selection of the Parish Council. Unfortunately, on Election Day a few parishioners occasionally are disappointed that they misunderstood the by-law requirements for full stewardship. Please take a moment to read the current applicable by-law below.

III. PARISHIONER IN GOOD STANDING A. Whenever the phrase 'Parishioner In Good

Standing' is used in these By-Laws it means 1. As defined in Article 18.1 – 18.4 and 

25.4

2. Parishioner has met his or her Stewardship Financial Obligation as follows:

a. Has submitted his or her completed pledge card for the current calendar year to the Parish office. Husband and wife may submit one pledge card and both are considered to have pledged and have individual voting rights and

b. There are no outstanding balances due from prior years.

A. For voting rights purposes: 1. Existing parishioners must submit

their completed pledge card and be current in their pledge commitment 30 days prior to the day of voting.

2. New member(s), defined as a person or family who has recently joined the Parish for the first time, must become a Parishioner in Good Standing at least three months prior to the election. Anyone joining the Parish who has been a member of this Parish before will be governed by III.A and III.B.1 above.

The text in bold are the two issues that seem to be recurring topics throughout the years. Please note that a pledge card must have been submitted and be current in commitment by November 6 in order for a person to vote on December 6.

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2016 Festival Meeting, Sunday December 6

As we approach the New Year, it’s time to begin planning our biggest event of the year - the Greek Festival! Please come to a meeting on Sunday, December 6 after the Parish Council Elections to share your insights and ideas. Help make the 2016 Festival the best ever!

Church Christmas Social, Sunday December 20

Please join us for an afternoon of good food, good company and good times! Yes folks, it’s time for the annual

Christmas Parish Social. This year the festivities will be directly after

church on

December 20th. Get ready for gingerbread houses, caroling, fire side s’mores, crafts, blanket making and

or course good food! Look at your inbox for an evite or you can

RSVP at Coffee Hour.

* Ginger Bread Houses are $8 each; make sure to RSVP the number you will need. *

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Saints Cosmas & Damian

Patron Saints of Philoptochos

Annual Community Christmas Card The deadline for the annual Community Christmas card is fast approaching.  Make sure you have returned your completed request form to the church office by December 6. The proceeds of this card will benefit the Retired Clergy Association Benevolence Fund. The association is made of retired Clergy and widowed Presbyteres who are currently receiving very minimal or no monthly pensions. Your generous support is greatly appreciated.  A request form is included in this newsletter. 

Christmas Social, December 20 It is the season of gathering with friends and family, and also the season of giving. Following the Sunday School Nativity Play on Sunday, December 20, bring your family and enjoy an afternoon with your parish family, to benefit the Metropolis Kids with Cancer program.  Please come for breakfast waffles, soup, Gingerbread houses ($8 dollars per house), crafts, blanket making and fireside s’mores.  Proceeds from this fun event will benefit Kids with Cancer. This worthy endeavor allows children being treated for cancer the opportunity to get away with their family for a one week respite at the Ranch and Retreat center located in their part of the metropolis.  The camp is open to children no matter their religious affiliation.   Look in your inbox for an evite or you can RSVP for a ginger bread house or to volunteer at coffee hour.   

Annual Philoptochos Membership Drive  The Nativity of Christ Philoptochos chapter will schedule their annual membership coffee hour in January. 

However, there is no need to wait.  Please see any board member to update your application.  If you have not joined in the past, please consider doing so this year.  Your support of our chapter is what keeps this ministry of the Church strong and active in our community. 

 Vasilopita for St. Basil Academy January 10, 2016 The New Year is coming and it is time to order your Vasilopita.  All proceeds go directly to St. Basil Academy.  The order form is on page 14 of this newsletter, and the deadline for your order is January 4.  Don’t miss out on this wonderful tradition! 

Fellowship HoursPlease consider hosting a coffee hour. It is one way to graciously support the many charities of Philoptochos.  Hosting a fellowship hour means that you provide snacks of your choice.  Philoptochos members make the coffee and set-up the food and coffee tables.  Contact Debbie Kokalis if you would like to host a fellowship hour or sign-up on the calendar in the hall entryway.   Please keep in mind those who benefit from Philoptochos when contributing for your coffee and snack during coffee hour.

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December Birthdays 12/2  Helen Mainaris

12/13 Dora Protos

12/16  Erene Sotiras

12/19 Phyllis Zaferiou

12/24  Amalia Walters

12/26  Irene Sandoval

12/31 Doris Roland

12/31 Betty Saris

Dates to Remember12/ 1 Philoptochos meeting, all members invited 12/ 6 RCA Community Christmas card deadline 12/ 12 Bishop Anthony Student Aid Brunch 12/ 20 Kids ‘n Cancer Soup luncheon 

Saturday Social, all parish members are invited 

2016January 4 Vasilopita orders due January 10 Vasilopita Sunday 

P H I L O P T O C H O S & M O R E

Bishop Anthony Philoptochos Student Aid Endowment Fund Luncheon, Dec. 12Please consider supporting our future Orthodox leaders by attending “Light the Path”, the annual benefit luncheon hosted by the Metropolis Philoptochos, on Saturday, December 12, 11:00am, at at the Cathedral of the Ascension, Oakland.  Proceeds from the luncheon, silent auction, and Christmas tree raffle go to aid Holy Cross/Hellenic College students from the Metropolis of San Francisco.  Invitations to this event have been sent by the San Francisco Metropolis Philoptochos office. Please contact Irene Meehan if you would like to join a carpool. See below for more information.

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The Offering of Our Gifts to GodAt Christmas we are reminded that in Christ,

we have indeed received all of God's love and mercy, which we are called upon as Christians to share for the good of others. The Scriptures and our Church teach us that all we have and all we are must be described as a free gift of God, not earned, but bestowed. In our fiercely independent and competitive culture, we are tempted to balk at that concept and understanding of life. However, St. Paul writes in Corinthians, "What have you that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if it were not a gift? (I Corinthians 4:7)

Our parish's Stewardship Commitment Drive for 2016 is underway. This is the time of year we set aside for reviewing God's blessings to us and determining our financial commitment to Him, through our parish, for the coming year. It's the time of year we must intentionally choose to be a part of God's purpose and plan, through our giving. It's a time we must keep our eyes on Him and have faith that He can and will sustain us. As we look ahead, I ask that we consider the Stewardship of our time, our talents, and our treasure not as an end in itself, but that which finds its genuine and authentic expression only in our relationship to our Lord, Who exhorts us to not be anxious about our lives in a material or selfish sense, but to seek Him and His righteousness, and all that we need will be given to us.

The aim of stewardship is to help us focus on God and our dependence on Him, and thereby to continue to grow in our understanding of His will for our lives. The management of my time, talents, and treasure, that is the time I give, and the talents I invest, and the money I offer, will depend upon my understanding of God's purpose for my life, my dedication to Him, my awareness of the needs of others, my cultivated sense of responsibility, and my Christian maturity. Do we not owe our Lord and His

Church our devoted loyalty and service?We commonly refer to the "three T's" of

Stewardship, but one "T" may be missing or perhaps taken for granted: "Truth." Truth in Stewardship means that we make an honest effort to focus on the call of Christ to commit ourselves to pray, to work, and to give so that the body of Christ, the Church, may live and

meet her mission. Quoting again from St. Paul's Letter to the Corinthians: "It is required in stewards, that a person be found faithful" (I Corinthians 4:2). Are we willing to meet the challenge to strengthen the sacred work of our Church?

Please give prayerful thought to your financial commitment to the Lord during the coming year. We enjoy so many of God's blessings. Now is our opportunity to choose to honor and thank Him by returning to Him a portion of what he has given to us.

Remember to return your Stewardship Pledge Commitment on Stewardship Sunday, December 6th.

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PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation Applications Now Available Applications for scholarships for 2015/2016 are now available from The PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation.

The Foundation’s scholarships are available to undergraduate students of Hellenic descent from all 50 United States, and provide recognition and financial assistance while also offering life-changing cultural and leadership programs. Funds are offered to recognize and reward students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance, as well as provide meaningful support to those with the greatest financial need. By recognizing the achievements of highly performing students, the PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation encourages those with potential to continue their pursuit of significant accomplishments over the course of their lives.

The Awards of $250,000 are offered at two levels:- Twenty (20) Awards of $10,000 based on academic achievement and financial need- Twenty (20) Awards of $2,500 based solely on academic achievementSelection of Award Recipients is made by an independent Academic Committee which works independently

and makes its decisions based on established criteria set forth in the scholarship application. The application deadline is Monday, February 1, 2016 and can be downloaded directly from their website: http://www.panhellenicscholarships.org/apply.php . Click the link “2015/2016 Application”on that page.

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December Sunday School Corner "...it is not the task of Christianity to provide easy answers to every question, but to make us progressively aware of a mystery. God is not so much the object of our knowledge as the cause of our wonder. "

The children continue to learn about their faith each week in classes and grow in Christian fellowship.  Some highlights from classes include learning about gratitude and being thankful, learning bible verses and doing corresponding crafts on the themes; learning how God calls us to faith, and learning about icons. Thank you for continuing to bring your children to liturgy and Sunday School each week. We are blessed as a staff to be a part of your children's Orthodox Christian Education and to partner with you as we all walk on this journey of learning more about our faith together.Did you know that just like with Easter there is an Orthodox Greeting for Christmas?  It's "Christ is Born" and the response is "Glorify Him".So on Christmas Day and for the 12 days of Christmas, in addition to saying Merry Christmas, Let us greet one another with "Christ is Born"! "Glorify Him!"

Pageant Practice Time is here!All Students will participate in the Pageant this year. Practice will take place on Dec 6th and 13th after Sunday School lessons. Costumes will be handed out of the 13th.  The pageant will take place on the 20th.

Parish Social Christmas Lunch after the PageantAll parishioners are invited to attend the Parish Christmas Social after Liturgy and the Christmas Pageant on Dec 20th.  Look for an Evite to RSVP or sign up on the 6th or 13th at coffee hour.

We want your old calendars!If you are going to throw away your 2015 Ecclesiastical Calendar, please bring it to the church office! The Sunday School teachers will use the printed images of the saints in their educational programs.

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Important December Sunday School Dates Sun Dec 6 Classes meet following Communion. Pageant practice after class. Sun Dec 13 Sunday School and Pageant Practice Sun Dec 20 Pageant and Parish Christmas Social Thurs Dec 24 Christmas Eve Liturgy Services AM and PM Fri Dec 25 Christmas Day--Christ is Born! Glorify Him! Sun Dec 27 No Sunday School

The Angel Tree is here!The Angel Tree is in the Narthex for each of us once again to select the "angels" who need our help for brighter holidays. Please select an ANGEL and purchase the requested gifts. This year there are tags for specifically children, teens, and seniors. Attach your tag securely to your unwrapped gift and place your gift under the tree. Monetary contributions are gratefully accepted as well. The deadline for bringing your contribution is Sunday, December 13. Special thanks to Christine Foster and Elaine Chyrklund for organizing this opportunity for our youth and parish families to be "angels" giving to others. For more information, contact Elaine Chyrklund at aritimmymom@yahoo.com.

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NATIVITY OF CHRIST

Greek Orthodox Church

2015 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 Retired Clergy Association (RCA) Benevolence Fund. This group is made up of Retired Clergy and widowed Presbyteres who are currently receiving very minimal or no monthly pensions.

We are requesting a minimum donation of $25.00 to include your name in our 2014 Community Christmas Card. Please send your response form to the Church Office, Attn: Christmas Card Committee, by December 6, 2015. Make checks payable to the Nativity of Christ Church, note “Christmas Card” in the memo field, and send to the church at 1110 Highland Drive, Novato, CA 94949.

We will be mailing a check to the RCA so that the funds will reach them before Christmas. Please encourage family members & friends to participate!

Name:_____________________________ Phone:_______________________ How would you like your name to appear in the Community Christmas Card? Leave this space blank if you would prefer to donate anonymously.

________________________________________________________________ I have enclosed my donation of: $______________________

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Nativity Of Christ Christmas Social

Please join us for an afternoon of good food, good company and good times! Yes, folks - it’s time for the annual

Christmas Parish Social This year the festivities will be directly

after church on

December 20th Get ready for gingerbread houses, caroling,

fire side s’mores, crafts, blanket making and or course good food!

* Ginger Bread Houses are $8 each; be sure to RSVP with the number you

will need. *

Look in your email inbox for an evite, or you can RSVP at Coffee Hour.

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Annual Vasilopita Sale

Sunday, January 10, 2016 Minimum donation $15.00

All proceeds benefit the children of St. Basil Academy *************************************************

Name:________________________ Contact Number:_______________________ Number of loaves: ________@ $15.00 Each I have enclosed my donation of: $_________ Please make checks payable to: Philoptochos Mail to: Philoptochos, Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church, 1110 Highland Drive, Novato CA 94949

Pre-Order Deadline: Monday, January 4, 2016

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2015/2016 2015/2016

Application Now Available!

17 North Wabash Avenue, Suite 600, Chicago, Ill inois 60602 T 7

info@panhellenicscholarships.org

Save the DateAwards Ceremony & Gala:Saturday, June 18, 2016

The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago

$250,000 in ScholarshipsApply Today

www.panhellenicscholarships.org

Application Deadline:

All Eligible Undergraduates are Encouraged to Apply!

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DivineLiturgy

2:00

Bap

tism

NOSUNDAYSCHOOL

St.A

ndrewthe

First-CalledApo

stle

9:30

DivineLiturgy

6:30

Philoptoc

hos

Mee

ting

4:15

Greek

Sch

ool(ch

ildren)

6:00

Greek

Dan

cing

,K-8

6:15

Greek

Sch

ool(Adu

lts)

7:00

Greek

Dan

cing

,HS/u

p

St

.Barba

raand

St

.Joh

nof

Dam

ascu

s9:30

DivineLiturgy

12:00Filena

thes

Christm

asLun

cheo

n6p

mVespe

rsat

St.N

icho

lasChu

rch,

Sa

nAns

elmo

67

89

10

11

12

10th

SUNDAYO

FLU

KE

St.N

icho

lasofM

yra

8:30

Orthros

9:30

DivineLiturgy

Stew

ards

hipSu

nday

-P

arishCou

ncilElec

tion

s-P

agea

ntReh

earsal

-Fes

tiva

lMee

ting

7:00

ParishCou

ncil

Mee

ting

4:15

Greek

Sch

ool(ch

ildren)

6:00

Greek

Dan

cing

,K-8

6:15

Greek

Sch

ool(Adu

lts)

7:00

Greek

Dan

cing

,HS/u

p

St.S

pyrido

n

9:30

DivineLiturgy

“Light

thePa

th”

Philo

ptocho

sSc

holarship

Endo

wmen

tLun

cheo

n,

Ascen

sion

Cathe

dral,

Oak

land

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

11th

SUNDAYO

FLU

KE

Sund

ayoft

heForefathe

rs

8:30

Orthros

9:30

DivineLiturgy

Pag

eant

Reh

earsal

St

.Elefthe

rios

9:30

DivineLiturgy

Con

fessions

follo

wing

4:15

Greek

Sch

ool(ch

ildren)

6:00

Greek

Dan

cing

,K-8

6:15

Greek

Sch

ool(Adu

lts)

7:00

Greek

Dan

cing

,HS/u

p

11:00a

m–1:00p

m

Con

fession

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

Sund

ayBeforeCh

ristmas

8:30

Orthros

9:30

DivineLiturgy

9:30

Roy

alHou

rsof

Christm

as

11:00a

m–12:30

pm

Con

fession

EveofN

ativityofChrist

9:00

Vespe

rsand

Divine

LiturgyofSt.Basil

2:00

pmBap

tism

6:00

Christm

asM

atins

7:00

Christm

asDivine

Liturgy

TheNativityofour

Lordand

Sav

ior

Jesu

sChrist

27

28

29

30

31

Janu

ary1

Su

nday

AfterChristm

as

St.S

teph

enthe

FirstM

artyr

8:30

Orthros

9:30

DivineLiturgy

NOSUNDAYSCHOOL

Circu

mcision

of

Christ

St.B

asilth

eGreat

10:00DivineLiturgy

Shut

-In V

isita

tions

Sun

daySch

ool

Christm

asPag

eant

&

Chu

rchSo

cial

Shut

-In V

isita

tions

Shut

-In V

isita

tions

P H I L O P T O C H O S

" The Word 2.016

The Word 2.0 December 2015

Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church 1110 Highland Drive Novato, California 94949 www.nativityofchrist.org

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