Last night was our annual Turkey Party with spaghetti and fun chances to win a turkey,fruit basket and possibly money.
On the surface this might seem like just a way for our church to make some much needed cash but it is really more then that.It is an opportunity for our church to invite the community to what some may see has a closed society of old.
These events allow us to also fellowship with others and help spread the word of who we are,why were here and how much we care.
In the 5 years that our Fr.Peter has been with us he has made it his commitment to help this small church on the hill to reach out to the community and the neighborhood.
We have been very fortunate that this year all our events seem to be very successful mostly to our dedicated priest and his many attempts to be part of the community at large,both in our town of southbridge and out to other parts of the state and country.
Every opportunity we have with people not from our church is our chance to touch the unchurched and help them realize we like people and are here for them.
Last night I heard many compliments about our priest and his cooking and just how lucky we are to have someone so dedicated and personable.
We are a small group but most of us are very hard working and will sacrifice and give what ever in necessary to help promote our Orthodox Faith.
We still have many endeavors with the possible idea of a coffee cafe once a month with christian entertainment and another opportunity to reach out to our neighbors and friends.
I see this church taking steps to turn around and feel if most of us become dedicated to the cause we will help fulfill the great commission,bringing the word and actions of Christ to the world.
God blesses those who are there for others and this may be coming true for our church as well.
St.Francis of Assissi said preach to others and if necessary use words.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
The Next Generation
This morning I had the sad duty of attending my fathers' sister funeral.What makes this truly sad is she is the last sibling of a family of 10 children.
My aunt Deloris,who had just turned 80, was mentally retarded and for most of her life lived as a 7 year old,but with less language skills.
Today while sitting in my pew at St Mary,looking at her small black box,she had been cremated, I noticed that her family picture was sitting behind her.
All the children as one no one married yet but several in nun uniforms,it reminded me of how truly sad it was that each of those young people were now gone to the ages.We few cousins who made it now represented what was left of my fathers side of the family and how sad it was that we were all the next generation,alone as orphans.
My grandparents were poor French Canadian people.They owned nothing not even their home.They raised 10 children with what they grew on the farm,they rented and the money my grandfather earned working nights in a factory.
My grandfather was a very stern strick person and demanded his family be respectful and hard working.
My Grandmother was a very religious person who helped raise her children with religious values which they in turn passed on to us.
After the service we went to the cemetery,my aunt in her little black box waiting to be in turned,we gazed upon the grave site of my grandparents and now two of their daughters,their names etched in grey marble.
One of my cousins remarked, as we looked down on the head stone, that my grandfather gave up smoking his pipe and saved his weekly allotment he would have spent on tobacco to buy this lovely headstone for his wife and daughters.That's the kind of man he was he cared very much for his family.
Its funny when I think of my grandfather the thing I remember most about him is his smoking a pipe and the smell of his cherry tobacco.
To this day when every I smell pipe tobacco it always gives me that warm feeling that he is around me.I always wished I could have had one of his pipes for a keep sake.
As we stood by awaiting prayer for my aunt I mentioned how much my Grandfather loved modern technology,he was born in 1890 and just marvelled at all the new gagets he could find.No sooner did I say those words and my cousin cell phone rang.
If I do say so my self this next generation has turned out pretty well.We own homes,cars,have families and are still pretty close to each other.Each of us ready to assist the others in times of need.So I guess my grandparents did a pretty good job with their children and we in turn are spreading what we were taught from our parents and grandparents on to our children and that is our legacy to them.
My aunt Deloris,who had just turned 80, was mentally retarded and for most of her life lived as a 7 year old,but with less language skills.
Today while sitting in my pew at St Mary,looking at her small black box,she had been cremated, I noticed that her family picture was sitting behind her.
All the children as one no one married yet but several in nun uniforms,it reminded me of how truly sad it was that each of those young people were now gone to the ages.We few cousins who made it now represented what was left of my fathers side of the family and how sad it was that we were all the next generation,alone as orphans.
My grandparents were poor French Canadian people.They owned nothing not even their home.They raised 10 children with what they grew on the farm,they rented and the money my grandfather earned working nights in a factory.
My grandfather was a very stern strick person and demanded his family be respectful and hard working.
My Grandmother was a very religious person who helped raise her children with religious values which they in turn passed on to us.
After the service we went to the cemetery,my aunt in her little black box waiting to be in turned,we gazed upon the grave site of my grandparents and now two of their daughters,their names etched in grey marble.
One of my cousins remarked, as we looked down on the head stone, that my grandfather gave up smoking his pipe and saved his weekly allotment he would have spent on tobacco to buy this lovely headstone for his wife and daughters.That's the kind of man he was he cared very much for his family.
Its funny when I think of my grandfather the thing I remember most about him is his smoking a pipe and the smell of his cherry tobacco.
To this day when every I smell pipe tobacco it always gives me that warm feeling that he is around me.I always wished I could have had one of his pipes for a keep sake.
As we stood by awaiting prayer for my aunt I mentioned how much my Grandfather loved modern technology,he was born in 1890 and just marvelled at all the new gagets he could find.No sooner did I say those words and my cousin cell phone rang.
If I do say so my self this next generation has turned out pretty well.We own homes,cars,have families and are still pretty close to each other.Each of us ready to assist the others in times of need.So I guess my grandparents did a pretty good job with their children and we in turn are spreading what we were taught from our parents and grandparents on to our children and that is our legacy to them.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Chronicle on channel 5
Sometime when there is not much on TV. at 7:30pm. my husband and I will watch Chronicle.Shown on channel five, the wbz station out of Boston.
Last night their entire show was on atheism and how wonderful these people think it is to be Godless.
I say well and good for you,if you choose to live your life with no belief in God that is your prerogative and has such more power to you.
I resent the fact that a television show which is suppose to be a simple magazine is taking the time to put forth such things as this.
This show basically is about restaurants in Boston,clothing stores and trips to multiple New England states.Things to do and places to visit.
When did this become about or not about God?
They talked with the Harvard Chaplin who is humanist,to which I say I thought a chaplains job was to be spiritual not atheistic.I don't know sometimes I feel as if I've just fell into a time warp.I think of that song "The World Turned Upside Down" played when the british surrendered to the Americans after the revolution.
Today I decided to go to the web site of the show "Chronicle" and voice my concern over such things being put on TV. but low and behold I was unable to sign in.
I checked out their poll and it seems of the over 400 people who took there poll 138 were pro religion the rest were atheistic.
I must say this does sadden me.
I feel like a minority especially when Christians will not stand up and voice their outrage over such a show.
I have decided that although "Chronicle" has had interesting things on in the past it is now up to me to move on and try other more favorable things to do with my time.
Last night their entire show was on atheism and how wonderful these people think it is to be Godless.
I say well and good for you,if you choose to live your life with no belief in God that is your prerogative and has such more power to you.
I resent the fact that a television show which is suppose to be a simple magazine is taking the time to put forth such things as this.
This show basically is about restaurants in Boston,clothing stores and trips to multiple New England states.Things to do and places to visit.
When did this become about or not about God?
They talked with the Harvard Chaplin who is humanist,to which I say I thought a chaplains job was to be spiritual not atheistic.I don't know sometimes I feel as if I've just fell into a time warp.I think of that song "The World Turned Upside Down" played when the british surrendered to the Americans after the revolution.
Today I decided to go to the web site of the show "Chronicle" and voice my concern over such things being put on TV. but low and behold I was unable to sign in.
I checked out their poll and it seems of the over 400 people who took there poll 138 were pro religion the rest were atheistic.
I must say this does sadden me.
I feel like a minority especially when Christians will not stand up and voice their outrage over such a show.
I have decided that although "Chronicle" has had interesting things on in the past it is now up to me to move on and try other more favorable things to do with my time.
dishes
While reading the newspaper I came across "Dear Anne".Seems some lady wrote about how she works and her husband,who is laid off,is now a house husband.He does a wonderful job of keeping the house clean, but becomes very annoyed when on her days off she gets up early,feeds one of her cats then takes the other dirty cats plates and lets them soak in the sink,to wash later in the morning.He is annoyed because he feels she is putting them there to remind him to wash them and feels used, unappreciated and criticized.
I also have a similar pet peeve,since I do not like to do dishes,I hate it when I'm almost done and someone puts dirty dishes near me that they just happened to find.
I know this sounds ridiculous and I know they are not doing this to get my goat but to be helpful but something deep inside of me feels used.
Its funny how we misinterpret innocent things,we take what is bothering us and make it into something it has nothing to do with.
I think if nothing else marriage is like that we don't see the little offenses that affect the other person.Mostly I think this all comes down to one person feeling overwhelmed or under appreciated by another person.
It has nothing to do with the dishes it has to do with the frustration of feeling not thanked enough.
Now I'll bet if this same woman came home one night and said "I love you and I want to give you a great evening go watch TV and I'll do the dishes" this same man would be less sensitive about the cat bowls sitting in the sink.
We tend to forget that what is done for another is done out of love and must be reciprocated for to fulfill the others needs.
I always say its the little things that will get you not the big things and this includes being married and staying together.
Its better to say thank you even when you don't realy feel like it then be alone with no one to thank and no one to do for you.
I also have a similar pet peeve,since I do not like to do dishes,I hate it when I'm almost done and someone puts dirty dishes near me that they just happened to find.
I know this sounds ridiculous and I know they are not doing this to get my goat but to be helpful but something deep inside of me feels used.
Its funny how we misinterpret innocent things,we take what is bothering us and make it into something it has nothing to do with.
I think if nothing else marriage is like that we don't see the little offenses that affect the other person.Mostly I think this all comes down to one person feeling overwhelmed or under appreciated by another person.
It has nothing to do with the dishes it has to do with the frustration of feeling not thanked enough.
Now I'll bet if this same woman came home one night and said "I love you and I want to give you a great evening go watch TV and I'll do the dishes" this same man would be less sensitive about the cat bowls sitting in the sink.
We tend to forget that what is done for another is done out of love and must be reciprocated for to fulfill the others needs.
I always say its the little things that will get you not the big things and this includes being married and staying together.
Its better to say thank you even when you don't realy feel like it then be alone with no one to thank and no one to do for you.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Community Meal
For over 6 months now our church has sponsored a free community meal on the fourth Thursday of each month.
Of all the things we do at our church this is my favorite.
Normally we get around 35 to 40 people but last night we were truly blessed with over 50.
Meat loaf was on the menu along with mashed potatoes,mixed vegetables and desert.
Our Fr.Peter is quite the cook and as is the case rounds of thanks for such a well prepared meal was given out by every one in attendance.
This day we had about 8 people to lend a helping hand serving which was greatly appreciated by those of us who normally do this meal with only 4,not counting our chef the priest,who is tied to the stove preparing such enticingly good food.
Although last night got hairy,with Fr. having to leave to do last rights,we carried on and served our meal slightly on the later side.
While waiting with great anticipation,our servers became concerned about the amount of wait time,Fr. assuring us all it would be better to serve a meal well cooked then allow some one to get sick from under cooked meat.I must admit I felt sorry for our poor Fr.Peter and thought about Moses leading the people through the desert and how they constantly complained and questioned,oh yee of little faith.
But soon all was ready and our meal was serve able with so much help we were able to serve very rapidly and to our delight we had only one serving of meat loaf left.
My husband and I took our plates and went and sat near this nice elderly woman named Helen,who was eating alone, and had a very nice conversation with her.
When we were done and Helen left us a nice elderly man asked if we still had food,seems he was unable to come sooner.
I went into the kitchen and low and behold we had just enough meat loaf for him.
Fr.Peter mentioned several time how we always seem to have enough for everyone like the bread and fish in the bible,we also had enough food for all our welcomed guest.
So if you happen to be in Southbridge and are looking for a good meal on Nov.19th please stop by,St. Michael Orthodox church on Romanian Ave. we will be having turkey and all are welcome and as always God will help us provide.
Of all the things we do at our church this is my favorite.
Normally we get around 35 to 40 people but last night we were truly blessed with over 50.
Meat loaf was on the menu along with mashed potatoes,mixed vegetables and desert.
Our Fr.Peter is quite the cook and as is the case rounds of thanks for such a well prepared meal was given out by every one in attendance.
This day we had about 8 people to lend a helping hand serving which was greatly appreciated by those of us who normally do this meal with only 4,not counting our chef the priest,who is tied to the stove preparing such enticingly good food.
Although last night got hairy,with Fr. having to leave to do last rights,we carried on and served our meal slightly on the later side.
While waiting with great anticipation,our servers became concerned about the amount of wait time,Fr. assuring us all it would be better to serve a meal well cooked then allow some one to get sick from under cooked meat.I must admit I felt sorry for our poor Fr.Peter and thought about Moses leading the people through the desert and how they constantly complained and questioned,oh yee of little faith.
But soon all was ready and our meal was serve able with so much help we were able to serve very rapidly and to our delight we had only one serving of meat loaf left.
My husband and I took our plates and went and sat near this nice elderly woman named Helen,who was eating alone, and had a very nice conversation with her.
When we were done and Helen left us a nice elderly man asked if we still had food,seems he was unable to come sooner.
I went into the kitchen and low and behold we had just enough meat loaf for him.
Fr.Peter mentioned several time how we always seem to have enough for everyone like the bread and fish in the bible,we also had enough food for all our welcomed guest.
So if you happen to be in Southbridge and are looking for a good meal on Nov.19th please stop by,St. Michael Orthodox church on Romanian Ave. we will be having turkey and all are welcome and as always God will help us provide.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Noon Time Prayer
Tuesday night during bible study Fr. Peter asked "how many of you when you get into your car sign yourself and say a small prayer?".He went on to add that we as Orthodox Christians believe that we can do nothing with out the grace of God.
This brought to mind how many times I had tried,unsuccessfully, to remind myself to do afternoon prayer but alas never can.
Someone suggested that I pray every noon as I sit down to eat my lunch.To which Fr. and I both answered when I'm at work I eat if and when I can and most times sitting at the desk trying to write my notes.
I mentioned that I have tried to wear a small prayer rope but ended up with a very soggy cloth bracelet from multiple hand washings.
So Fr.Peter suggested that I try to wear an elastic band on my watch wrist then when I had a moment to stop and pray,switch the band to the opposite arm,to do this for one month and it should become a habit,but if I miss one day then I need to restart at day one.
Wednesday while at work I tried this and to my delight at noon time said several short prayers then switched the band.The problem became that as soon as I switched wrist I suddenly got into an angry mood for a good 30 minutes,I even snapped at the pharmacy delivery man,which is so unlike me.
After I had time to think about this I decide that maybe some one did not like the fact that I took a moment to thank and praise God,this individual feels I do not need to be so close to the creator.He's not happy about my attempt at a good habit.
Anyways not one to let this detour me today at noon time I stopped and prayed.It seemed much easier to remember and I am hoping this habit will continue.I have also resolved in my mind that no matter how much I try there is always going to be that someone trying to drive a wedge to keep you as far away from God as possible.The problem is realizing this and accepting it but doing the right thing anyways.Jesus said we will never be tempted beyond our indurance.
So tomorrow I'm hoping to make prayer day number three and maybe before I know it it will be day 30.
This brought to mind how many times I had tried,unsuccessfully, to remind myself to do afternoon prayer but alas never can.
Someone suggested that I pray every noon as I sit down to eat my lunch.To which Fr. and I both answered when I'm at work I eat if and when I can and most times sitting at the desk trying to write my notes.
I mentioned that I have tried to wear a small prayer rope but ended up with a very soggy cloth bracelet from multiple hand washings.
So Fr.Peter suggested that I try to wear an elastic band on my watch wrist then when I had a moment to stop and pray,switch the band to the opposite arm,to do this for one month and it should become a habit,but if I miss one day then I need to restart at day one.
Wednesday while at work I tried this and to my delight at noon time said several short prayers then switched the band.The problem became that as soon as I switched wrist I suddenly got into an angry mood for a good 30 minutes,I even snapped at the pharmacy delivery man,which is so unlike me.
After I had time to think about this I decide that maybe some one did not like the fact that I took a moment to thank and praise God,this individual feels I do not need to be so close to the creator.He's not happy about my attempt at a good habit.
Anyways not one to let this detour me today at noon time I stopped and prayed.It seemed much easier to remember and I am hoping this habit will continue.I have also resolved in my mind that no matter how much I try there is always going to be that someone trying to drive a wedge to keep you as far away from God as possible.The problem is realizing this and accepting it but doing the right thing anyways.Jesus said we will never be tempted beyond our indurance.
So tomorrow I'm hoping to make prayer day number three and maybe before I know it it will be day 30.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
trust
Being a nurse there are many times when it just amazes me how trusting people truly are.This is not a put down it is an eye opener when you think about it.
I give medications,shots and do procedures and most people trust with blind faith that I know what I'm doing.
Luckily I am the kind of nurse who never gives anything I don't understand or does a procedure with out knowing exactly what it is I'm doing.But if I were not the questioning kind of person who does not rely on blind trust I could be dangerous.
To many people accept at face value what a medical professional is doing and never questions why.It is your right as a consumer to know why and never feel afraid or embarrassed to ask What are you doing? and why are you doing it?
If the nurse,doctor or medical professional is irritated by your questions then find someone else.This is your body and you have every right to know what is going on,what the effects will be and why this needs to be done.
Never give blind faith to just any one always feel assured that you are making the right medical decisions for your self and your family.
I give medications,shots and do procedures and most people trust with blind faith that I know what I'm doing.
Luckily I am the kind of nurse who never gives anything I don't understand or does a procedure with out knowing exactly what it is I'm doing.But if I were not the questioning kind of person who does not rely on blind trust I could be dangerous.
To many people accept at face value what a medical professional is doing and never questions why.It is your right as a consumer to know why and never feel afraid or embarrassed to ask What are you doing? and why are you doing it?
If the nurse,doctor or medical professional is irritated by your questions then find someone else.This is your body and you have every right to know what is going on,what the effects will be and why this needs to be done.
Never give blind faith to just any one always feel assured that you are making the right medical decisions for your self and your family.
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