St. Xenia of Petersburg
St. Anne This Week

News and Thoughts
Holy Fools
Among the strangest phenomena of Orthodoxy are the "Holy Fools." They are many and varied and their stories are often outlandish. They are men and women who have chosen a way of life that seems like madness or insanity to those around them. And yet, this very foolishness becomes a tool of the Kingdom of God and a great blessing to those whose lives are touched.

It is, I think, part of God's way of things. He has"chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise" (1Cor 1:27). God does not save us by our cleverness or talent. He saves us through our weakness, our shame, our incompetence and even our sin. All of these things are pathways that take us into the heart. Our excellence generally only leads us to a hard heart and the delusion of self-sufficiency.

The stories of the Holy Fools require some getting used to. They can be as upsetting and confounding to us as they were to the people who actually lived beside these oddest of saints. There is a new novel, recently translated from the Russian, that depicts the life of a holy fool. I have now read it twice (which is saying that I loved it!). The novel is Laurus, by Eugene Vodolazkin. An order for the bookstore has been placed, though the novel is selling so well it is currently sold out. We're eagerly waiting for the new printing and delivery! It can be purchased for Kindle with no problems.

This Sunday, we remember one of the greatest of the Holy Fools, St. Xenia of Petersburg. Her fascinating story can be found at this link.  

St. Brendan's Day Celtic Festival
The Parish Council has endorsed a proposal for a Celtic Festival at St Anne’s on Saturday, May 14th  in honor of the feast day of St Brendan, with food, dancing, music, Celtic games, church tours, and information about the Celtic saints of the British Isles.  Because of the strong Celtic heritage of many in East Tennessee, this should be a great outreach opportunity, as well as a lot of fun.  If you are interested in helping in any way, please talk to Adam Davis.  A short general interest meeting will be held immediately after coffee hour on Sunday, January 31st .
St. Anne Weather Policy
It's the season for bad weather. The policy at St. Anne is that services are never cancelled. Fr. Stephen lives within walking distance of the parish and will conduct services (even if he is alone) if at all possible. 

However, you should not endanger yourself or others when winter weather hits. Be wise and use good judgment. The prayers will not cease.
Camp St. Thekla
It's that time again! Online registration for Camp St. Thekla has begun. Camp fills fairly quickly, so act now and sign your child up! It is one of the greatest things you will ever do for their faith.                                                  

Online Link to Camp St. Thekla
Parish Annual Meeting Date Set

St. Anne will have its annual parish meeting on Sunday, February 21, following the Coffee Hour. The purpose of the meeting is to hear reports on activities and actions of the parish in the past year, discuss and approve the proposed budget for 2016, and elect new members for the Parish Council.

We need to elect three new members to the Parish Council. Those whose terms end are: Marc Lambo, David Heise and Lynne Attaway. Members who remain on the Council are: Marcus Richey, John Dolynchuk, Adrienne Pyle and Adam Davis. Persons elected serve for two years. 

Nominations should be given to Fr. Stephen for approval and referral to the Council. Nominees should be active members of the parish, committed to their faith and eager to serve the needs of our parish community.