the news from saint nektarios - St. Nektarios

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TEST YOUR FUND IQ TRUE OR FALSE 1. THE OPERATING FUND CONSISTS OF offerings received through stewardship pledges, candle donations, weekly offertory/trays, general donations, and special holiday appeals to support the operations of the parish. This fund covers the costs we incur for liturgical services, salaries, utilities, youth programs, religious education, and general administrative expenses. (True) 2. THE MORTGAGE OF THE CHURCH is paid out of the Operating Fund. (False -- It is paid out of the Building Fund and from the Capital Campaign offerings made to it.) 3. BUILDING FUND consists of donations made to support the building and property development of the parish. Sources of donations include Capital Campaign Pledges, special fundraisers to support the fund, memorial donations, and general donations earmarked for the fund. These funds pay for the capitalized improvements and development of the property as well as the interest and principal payments of our mortgage. (True) Stewardship as of 10-10-11 $600,000 $500,000 $400,000 $300,000 $200,000 $100,000 $0 Stewardship Budget Stewardship Pledged Financial matters $220,398 Gap $592,900 $520,236 $372,502 Stewardship Rec'd T What does Holy Scripture say about Debt? Fr. Anthony Scott o a world, a country, a government and a culture apparently addicted to living on credit cards, second mortgages and deficit spending, Holy Scripture actually offers sage and highly relevant counsel. How soon we forget that the answers to all the important questions and dilemmas of life are to be found in counsel with the Lord. The solution is always spiritual. Consider this choice passage: “The borrower is the slave of the lender.” (Proverbs 22:7) Whew, right between the eyes. Scripture is not always pleasant to read. Sometimes it’s downright uncomfortable. Here’s another one that is just as blunt: “Pay to all what is owed them.” (Romans 13:7) St. Nektarios is carrying a debt – to the tune of $17,000 per month in interest expense. It’s the mortgage that was incurred on the beautiful new sanctuary where we worship God together as a parish family. The parish chose wisely when they built an authentic Byzantine masterpiece, one that would accommodate a vibrant, growing parish and one that would appropriately honor God. Yet the task is not yet completed. Perhaps as a community, we should feel some embarrassment or emotional discomfort that our beautiful Byzantine sanctuary bears the burden of debt. When the ancient Israelites built the first temple it was accomplished through the free will offerings of the faithful. Apparently, no debt was incurred. Is it not true that Our Lord has paid all of our debts through the perfect offering of Himself to the Father? “And He Himself is the acceptable sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only, but for those of the whole world.” (I John 2:22) Is it not incumbent upon us to respond to this precious and saving offering of Our Lord with humble thanks and faithful obedience in return? The present debt on the mortgage is approximately $3.4 million. Subtracting outstanding pledges but including ongoing interest charges, there is a $2.7 million gulf between anticipated income and retiring the mortgage. By the grace of God, thus far we have received $927,103 in new pledges from 29 families. Not bad – especially in this economy. Yet there are another 700 families on the parish mailing list – approximately 500 of these are stewardship families. Therefore, retiring this debt is the first objective in the present capital campaign. Beyond the mortgage there is the New Ministries Building, sometimes unfortunately and inaccurately described as “the gym.” It’s a disservice to a building dedicated to ministries – to serving God and others. It’s true that within the building there will be space for athletic activities, but that very same space will also accommodate larger gatherings for an evergrowing parish, such as banquets, lectures, retreats, a shelter for neighbors should inclement weather threaten and other community service projects such as health and jobs fairs. Aside from the large meeting/athletic space, there will be a library, dedicated bookstore space, classrooms, meeting rooms, storage and increased office space – all dedicated to ministry. On a personal note, it has been a joy and a privilege to assist with the development of the parish. I have pledged to Fr. Steve and to the Parish Council that I and members of the Capital Campaign Committee, chaired by Jim Thomas, will personally contact every household regarding participating in this project. It’s a privilege to give back to God a meaningful portion of all the countless blessings we have received from Him. And perhaps it’s also a duty to retire the debt that weighs upon the sanctuary and constrains our shared ministry as a parish. When contacted, please be open to a conversation or a meeting regarding the project. Every gift will be received with gratitude for the Lord and the Lord alone knows which gifts are truly sacrificial. May we together light this candle before the icon of the Lord? Feel free to contact Fr. Anthony personally if you and your family are ready to join in this holy effort: Cell (347) 831-1848 Email: frscottsa@gmail.com 6
Community Luncheon and Newcomer’s Sunday ver 25 new families were invited by the O Welcome Team to our Community Luncheon on October 2. Many who attended joined the community for a delicious, complimentary lunch prepared by Pete Douglas, Ron Wheatley and their crew and supported by the Hospitality Team. The newcomers sat with Welcome Team members and were visited by the Parish Council and clergy so they could become more familiar with parish life at St. Nektarios. All parishioners, new and old, wore nametags so we could remember and “re-remember” each other’s name. Fortunately, there will be no test. The next Welcome Sunday is scheduled for March 2012. Theodora Sexstone Kim & Goran Stojkovich Sasha and Luka Theodora Sexstone and Dee Drobonick Olesya Golanek & Jonathan Tabaka Marina & Volodymir Nagorny and Kristina 7 The Joyner family Tory Moss Tanya & Nick Diamontopoulos and Mary Demakos Olesya Golanek, Jonathan Tabaka, Dimetry Loren, Andrew Poulos, Konstantina & David Oara, Charlie & Heidi Emmanuel visiting over lunch. Amanda Johnson
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