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Twenty-Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
St. Nicholas Bulletin - December 11, 2022
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Christ is in our midst! Христос међу нама! Cristo está entre nosotros! | |
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I will tear down my barns...
by St. Basil the Great
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“But whom do I treat unjustly,” you say, “by keeping what is my own?” Tell me, what is your own? What did you bring into this life? From where did you receive it? It is as if someone were to take the first seat in the theater, then bar everyone else from attending, so that one person alone enjoys what is offered for the benefit of all in common—this is what the rich do. They seize common goods before others have the opportunity, then claim them as their own by right of preemption. For if we all took only what was necessary to satisfy our own needs, giving the rest to those who lack, no one would be rich, so no one would be poor, and no one would be in need.
Did you not come forth naked from the womb, and will you not return naked to the earth? Where then did you obtain your belongings? If you say that you acquired them by chance, then you deny God since you neither recognize your Creator, nor are you grateful to the One who gave these things to you. But if you acknowledge that they were given to you by God, then tell me, for what purpose did you receive them? Is God unjust, when he distributes to us unequally the things that are necessary for life? Why then are you wealthy while another is poor? Why else, but so that you might receive the reward of benevolence and faithful stewardship, while the poor are honored for patient endurance in their struggles? But you, stuffing everything into the bottomless pockets of your greed, assume that you wrong no one; yet how many do you in fact dispossess?
Who are the greedy? Those who are not satisfied with what suffices for their own needs. Who are the robbers? Those who take for themselves what rightfully belongs to everyone. And you, are you not greedy? Are you not a robber? The things you received in trust as a stewardship, have you not appropriated them for yourself? Is not the person who strips another of clothing called a thief? And those who do not clothe the naked when they have the power to do so, should they not be called the same? The bread you are holding back is for the hungry, the clothes you keep put away are for the naked, the shoes that are rotting away with disuse are for those who have none, the silver you keep buried in the earth is for the needy. You are thus guilty of injustice toward as many as you might have aided, and did not.
“These are fine words,” you say, “but gold is finer still.” It is just as in the case of those who converse with the licentious concerning chastity: while they are condemning immorality, those whom they address are burning with desire at the reminder. How can I bring the sufferings of the poor to your attention, so that you might realize from what misery you are collecting riches for yourself? Oh, how desirable will these words appear to you on the day of judgment: “Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was naked and you gave me clothing” (Matthew 25:34–36). But how great will be the trembling, the sweat, and the darkness that surround you when you hear the sentence: “You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was naked and you did not give me clothing” (Matthew 25:41–43). Moreover, those who are under accusation in this passage are not those who have stolen anything; these charges are rather leveled against those who have not shared with others.
I have spoken words that I thought would be profitable for you. For you who are persuaded, the promised good things that await are evident; for you who disobey, the threatened punishments have been plainly written down. I hope that you may escape these chastisements by making a better choice than the rich man, so that your own riches may become a ransom for you, and you may progress toward the good things that have been prepared for us in heaven, by the grace of the One who calls us all into his Kingdom, to whom be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
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Commemorating the Monastic Martyrs and Confessors Stephen the New, Auxentius, Basil, Gregory, another Gregory, John, Andrew, Peter and many others, Martyr Anna, Martyr Irenarchus and Seven Women Martyrs at Sebaste, St Theodore Archbishop of Rostov, Martyr Timothy and his companions at Tiberiopolis, Hieromartyr Metropolitan Seraphim of Chichagov, Martyr Hristo of Bulgaria
RESURRECTION TROPARION—TONE 1
When the stone had been sealed by the Jews, while the soldiers were guarding Your most pure body, You rose on the third day, O Savior, granting life to the world. The powers of heaven therefore cried to You, O Giver of Life: “Glory to Your Resurrection, O Christ! Glory to Your Kingdom! Glory to Your dispensation, O Lover of mankind!”
HOLY FATHER NICHOLAS TROPARION—TONE 4
Truly you were revealed to your flock as a rule of faith, an image of humility and a teacher of abstinence; your humility exalted you; your poverty enriched you. Hierarch Father Nicholas, entreat Christ our God that our souls may be saved.
MONASTIC MARTYR STEPHEN THE NEW—TROPARION TONE 4
Trained in asceticism on the mountain, with the weapon of the Cross you destroyed the spiritual assaults of the hostile powers, all-blessed one; Again you bravely prepared for combat and slew Copronymus with the sword of faith; for both struggles you have been crowned by God, monk-martyr Stephen of eternal memory.
RESURRECTION KONTAKION—TONE 1
As God, You rose from the tomb in glory, raising the world with Yourself. Human nature praises You as God, for death has vanished. Adam exults, O Master! Eve rejoices, for she is freed from bondage and cries to You: “You are the Giver of Resurrection to all, O Christ!”
HYMN TO THE MOTHER OF GOD KONTAKION—TONE 6
Steadfast Protectress of Christians and constant Advocate before the Creator; despise not the cry of us sinners, but come speedily to help those who call on You in faith. Hasten to hear our petition and to intercede for us, O Theotokos, for You always protect those who honor You!
Instead of “It is truly meet…” —TONE 4
The Angels beheld the Entrance of the Pure One and were amazed. How has the Virgin entered into the Holy of Holies? Since she is a living Ark of God let no profane hand touch the Theotokos. But let the lips of believers unceasingly sing to her, praising her in joy with the Angel’s song: “Truly, you are more exalted than all, O pure Virgin!”
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~Scripture Readings of the Day~ | |
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READERS:
This Week: Matins: Lenny Tepsich Epistle: Wayln John
Next Week: Matins: Milan Radanovic Epistle: Matthew Hoover
EPISTLE: Ephesians 5:8-19
DEACON: Let us pay attention.
PRIEST: Peace be unto all!
READER: And with your spirit!
DEACON: Wisdom.
READER: The Prokeimenon in the First Tone: Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us as we have set our hope on You!
CHOIR: Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us as we have set our hope on You!
READER: v: Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous! Praise befits the just!
CHOIR: Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us as we have set our hope on You!
READER: Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us ...
CHOIR: … as we have set our hope on You!
DEACON: Wisdom!
READER: The Reading is from the Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Ephesians.
DEACON: Let us attend!
READER: Brethren, for you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. Therefore He says: “Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.
PRIEST: Peace be unto you, reader!
READER: And with your spirit! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: God gives vengeance unto me, and subdues people under me.
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: He magnifies the salvation of the King and deals mercifully with David, His anointed, and his seed forever.
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
АПОСТОЛ: Ефесцима 5:8-19
Ђакон: Пазимо
Свештеник: Мир свима!
Читач: I Духу Твоме!
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач : ПРОКИМЕН- глас 1 Нека буде милост Твоја, Господе, на нама, као што се уздасмо у Тебе.
Хор: Нека буде милост Твоја, Господе, на нама, као што се уздасмо у Тебе.
Читач: Веселите се, праведници, пред Господом, праведнима доликује похвала.
Хор: Нека буде милост Твоја, Господе, на нама, као што се уздасмо у Тебе.
Читач: Нека буде милост Твоја, Господе,
Хор: на нама, као што се уздасмо у Тебе.
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач: Читање посланице Светога апостола Павла Ефесцима
Ђакон: Пазимо
Читач: Браћо, некада бијасте тама, а сада сте свјетлост у Господу: владајте се као дјеца свјетлости; Јер плод Духа је у свакој доброти и праведности и истини. Истражујте што је угодно Господу. И немојте узимати учешћа у бесплодним дјелима таме, него их још разоткривајте. Јер је срамно и говорити о ономе што они тајно чине. А све што се разоткрива свјетлошћу се објелодањује; јер све што је објелодањено излази на свјетлост. Зато вели: Устани ти који спаваш и васкрсни из мртвих, и обасјаће те Христос. Дакле, пазите добро како живите, не као немудри, него као мудри, користећи вријеме, јер су дани зли. Због тога не будите неразумни, него схватите шта је воља Господња. И не опијајте се вином, у чему је разврат, него се испуњавајте Духом, говорећи међу собом у псалмима и химнама и пјесмама духовним, пјевајући и појући Господу у срцу своме.
Свештеник: Мир ти читачу!
Читач: I Духом Твоме! Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Бог ми даје освету и покорава људе испод мене.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Он увећава спасење Краља и милостиво се односи са Давидом, његовим помазаником и његовим сјеменом заувијек.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
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LITURGY GOSPEL:
Luke 12: 16-21
At that time, He spoke a parable to them, saying: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”
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ЈЕВАНЂЕЉЕ:
Лука 12: 16-21
Каза Господ причу ову: У једнога богатог човјека роди њива. И размишљаше у себи говорећи: Шта да чиним, јер немам у шта сабрати љетину своју? И рече: Ово ћу учинити: срушићу житнице своје и саградићу веће; и ондје ћу сабрати сва жита моја и добра моја; И казаћу души својој: Душо; имаш многа добра сабрана за многе године; почивај, једи, пиј, весели се, а Бог му рече: Безумниче, ове ноћи тражиће душу твоју од тебе; а оно што си припремио чије ће бити? Тако бива ономе који себи тече благо, а не богати се Богом.
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~ The Week Ahead: Scriptures and Services ~ | |
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~Prayers for the Faithful~
In Our Prayers
Newly Illumined Endora Lucille, her parents and sponsors, Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop Youhanna, Protopresbyter Srboljub and Protinica Ljubica Jockovic, Protopresbyter Rodney Torbic, Popadija Sara Golic, Matushka Barbara Ealy, the child Katie Elizabeth and her parents Mileva and Michael Repasky, the child Metodija and his parents Fr. Dn. Milan and Mira Damljanovic, the child Danijela and her parents Mark and Jennifer Belo, Melissa Thomason and the child newly born of her, Clare Jurkovic and the child newly born of her, Lauren Spangler and the child newly born of her, Mara Bebeau and the child newly born of her, Bethany Peterson and the child to be born of her, Michelle Adams, Addy Andy, Louise Bare, Dori Bert, Jonathan Bertsch, Darlene & Larry Black, Carole Blitva, Stephan and Barbara Blitva, Walter “Bud” Brown, Guiliana & Aleksandar Carricato, Leann Cox, Joseph Derk, Art Dils, Draga Donato, Tommy and Kara (Blitva) Dorsey, Anaya Garvin, Christian & Melanie Geib, Michael Geppert III, Dr Andrea Govelovich, Nick & Terry Govelovich, Kata Gruich, George Gutshall, Dan Hazlett, Basil Havalchak, Travis Heilman, Adam Herigan, Edith Herigan, Nicole Stefan Imschweiler, Susan Jacobs, Tijana Jaksic, Slobodan Jovicic, Spencer Klinge, Ljuban Kosovac, Dorothy Krnjaich, Henry Laichak, Peter Lalic, Dragan Lalovic, Stella Wren Lappas, Catherine Lewis, Dick Livingston, Maggie Livingston, Stephen Lundingrin, Dianne & Jim Martin, Rowan Martin, Jack McFall, Annabelle McLaughlin, John J Milakovic, Marija Miljkovic, Daria Milletics, Infant of God Ryan Leigh Moffitt, Dave Morris, Peter Mrgich, George Myers, Patty Navarro, Bosiljka Ninkovic, Eva Orr, Lila Packer, Daniel Paddock, Ljubomir Pejanovic, Vid & Marica Pejcic, Hope Pesner, Tracy Petrovich, Logan Roszkowski, Greg Selman, Michael Schaffner, Michael Semic, Steven Semic, Benjamin Shaffer, Tessa Shaffer, John Sheaffer, Pat Shoemaker, Branko Smitran, Tim Stefan, Patricia & Joseph Sypniewski, Leonard Tepsich, Leroy Tepsich Jr, Edie & Michael “Bo” Venesevich, Rita Vorkapich, Kristina Vukalo, Steve Vulich, Paula Werner, Draga Worman, Dewey Yetter, Mileva “Millie” Yezdimir, Marija Zabrodnaya, Demetrios & Eleni Ziogas, Miriam “Mim” Codan Ziolkowski
Those Who Need Special Care
COUNTRY MEADOWS MECHANICSBURG: Florence Ivanoff; MASONIC HOME ELIZABETHTOWN: Ray Foltz; RS: Cedo Lukic; SPRING CREEK: Chuck Belic
Those to be Baptized
Sloane Ivey & Berkeley Blythe Semic, Emilia Renee Peterson, Barrett Scott, Divna and Danica Mitrovic, Nora Katherine & Maeve Noelle Van Huysen, Sloane York, Logan Michael Livingston, Bennett Noah Spangler, Ethan and Lauren Bebeau
Our College Students
Anastasija Gligorevic, Cayden Healy, Matthew Hoover, Kalei Howard, Sophia Mummert, Kobe Petrovich, Christina Radanovic, Ioanna Radanovic, Kyranna Radanovic, Maxim Reznitchenko, Madison Vorkapich
Our Dearly Departed Loved Ones
Matushka Anna Hopko, Nenad ‘Nesho’ Pantelich, Mark Gruin, Slobodanka Balaban, Mihailo Novakovic, Ljubica Tajkovic, Jo-An Tracey Stanovich, William Yovanovich, Eva Stimac, Ljubisa Stankovic, Natalija Mandic
~Parastos Offered~
EVICA STIMAC Offering a parastos after liturgy on the 40th Day of her repose from her loving church family. Memory Eternal!
~Vigils Offered~
ENDORA LUCILLE WOLF Offered in joyful celebration of her baptism (Dec 10) when she was anointed with the seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit. We give thanks to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and ask His blessings for the newly illumined Endora, her parents Jazmin & Curran, her sponsors/Kumovi Belinda & cousin Tim, her sisters Sonora & Ashtyn, her grandparents Stephani, Michael & Nancy and her great-grandparents Carol & Dee and the whole family. Offered by Endora’s sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins & Kumovi. Srecna Krstenje I Mnogaja Ljeta! Joyful Baptism and Many Years!
TOOTSIE KRNJAICH Offering vigils and prayers for our Kuma Tootsie. May God’s blessings be with her during her rehab period. From her Godchildren, Kat and families.
DARLENE BLACK Offered with love by the Barber & Geib Families for God’s Blessings during her recovery. We pray that He will bless her with good health. Our Love & Prayers are with her.
MICHAEL GEPPERT Offered prayerfully by Mom & Dad for improvement in health and God’s blessings and loving care during his recovery.
†GREAT-GRANDFATHER BRANKO BOB, GREAT-GREAT GRANDPARENTS †STEVO STEVE & †LJUBICA VIOLA YANICH, AND †VERNA & †JOE TARASI Offered as we are joined spiritually to give thanks for Endora Lucille Wolf’s baptism, chrismation and first Holy Communion. May they rest peacefully, comforted by Christ’s mercy and grace and their continuing legacy in the faith. Offered by the family. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†KRITZIE MARIJAN Offered in loving memory of her birthday (Dec 8). Always in my heart and sadly missed by daughter Sandy. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
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Please continue to pray for all of those currently being persecuted for Christ's sake in Kosovo, Metohija, Montenegro, Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, the Sudan, China, North Korea, for all of our brothers and sisters in Christ suffering throughout the world, especially in Ukraine, that they might be comforted with the Joy of our Lord, and for all of those suffering from the pandemic, for those who minister, and for those who are unjustly persecuted that they may be strengthened by the love of Christ which knows no race.
LET US PRAY TO THE LORD!
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Stewardship Offering Information
Date 12/4/2022
Collection: $5,792.00
Date 11/27/2022
Collection: $785.00
Date 11/20/2022
Collection: $5,365.00
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December Birthdays
Laurie Brosius (Dec 1), Stephani York (Dec 2), Alex Govelovich (Dec 2), Gordana Fasnacht (Dec 4), Alexandra McFall (Dec 4), Paul Kasper (Dec 7), Alexa Healy (Dec 10), Nicholas Blitva (Dec 11), Sarah Milletics (Dec 11), Lorraine James (Dec 15), Quinn Gilroy (Dec 15), Irina Miljkovic (Dec 17), Steve Barry (Dec 17), Michael Filepas Jr (Dec 23), Carole Blitva (Dec 25)
December Anniversaries
Alex & Nicole Bazdar (Dec 11), Dori & Doug Bert (Dec 18), Lauren & Ross Spangler (Dec 21), Pharon & Christine Bertsch (Dec 27)
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NATIVITY FAST
The Nativity Fast began on Monday, November 28. This means that we prepare the body to receive the Incarnate Christ Child through fasting, alms-giving and prayer. It is a time to focus upon giving alms to the poor. It is a time to focus upon offering ourselves to God’s Church. It is a time to re-dedicate ourselves to praying to God, both in Divine Services and at home. Receive the Fast with Joy!
KOLO SRPSKIH SESTARA/CIRCLE OF SERBIAN SISTERS MEETING (TODAY)
The KSS will have their meeting TODAY, December 11th after Divine Liturgy, in the church library. Election of officers will take place, all members are urged to attend. Hope to see you there.
ST NICHOLAS SENIORS MEETING
The next meeting for the Saint Nicholas Seniors will be held on Tuesday, December 13 at 12 noon in the Church Social Hall. Hope to see you there!
POINSETTIA SALE
Once again, we will be decorating our church for Christmas with Poinsettias. You can purchase one for $9 to help offset the church’s cost. Please contact Daria Milletics (717-939-3872) or email office@stnicholassteelton.org, if you are interested in purchasing any.
NEW ITEMS AVAILABLE IN THE DISPLAY CASE
Check out the Mother’s Club Display Case as we are getting new items in weekly. There are also new Nativity/Christmas Cards available. Check them out!
LEARN CHRISTMAS CAROLS WITH THE CHOIR
Learn to sing a selection of beautiful Serbian and traditional Christmas carols in 4-part harmony. Non-choir members are invited to join the choir for 30-minute rehearsals. The choir will dedicate the last 30 minutes of weekly choir rehearsals, as well as 30 minutes on Sundays after Liturgy to rehearse Christmas carols. Rehearsal dates are: December 11, 15, 18, 22, 29, If interested, and/or for more information, please contact Nina Radanovic at 717-634-6170, or by email: ninarad.mil19@gmail.com.
SING CAROLS WITH THE CHOIR
After learning the carols, join us in singing them both on January 1st as we visit our parishioners who are shut-in or in nursing homes and then in the choir loft to sing Carols during communion and at the end of Liturgy on January 7th. If you know of anyone we should visit, please contact Nina Radanovic at 717-634-6170, or by email: ninarad.mil19@gmail.com.
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GREETERS TEAM
Hello! Welcome to St. Nick’s! If you can say this with a smile, you are a born GREETER. Have you ever felt uncomfortable upon entering a place where no one knows you? It is not a great feeling. St. Nick’s is asking you to be a steward willing to share your warm welcome to all those who enter our beautiful church for the first or the five hundredth time. Please let Daria or Terry know that you can be that steward once every 6 weeks.
KSS 2023 DUES AND SENIORS 2023 DUES
Jovanka Shaffer and JoAnn Filepas will be seated in the church hall after Liturgy on Sundays to collect 2023 dues. Dues remain at $5 for the year.
MOTHERS CLUB 2023 DUES AND SERB CLUB 2023 DUES
Please see Nikki Lewis to pay your 2023 Mother’s Club Dues and Popadija Andreja to pay your 2023 Serb Club Dues.
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
Office hours are Monday thru Friday from 9am until noon. You may call the office during these hours at (717-939-3972) or come by the office in person. Office hours will be adjusted when services are occurring during those hours.
BULLETIN DEADLINE
Bulletin Deadline is Wednesday at 11 am. Please send all bulletin requests to office@stnicholassteelton.org. You may also call the office at (717-939-3872).
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December Charity
Very Reverend Stavrophor Srboljub Jockovich
Fund for St. Nicholas Church Ministries & those in Need
In 2010, our congregation established The Fr. Srboljub Fund as a permanent resource for special ministries and other special needs or events in our church community or with our Orthodox Christian partners in the Central PA area or the larger Orthodox Christian community. Each month we participate in the Charity Sunday program and we always give those donations to an outside charity. Through the Fr. Srboljub Fund, we have created a dynamic new way to support the special ministries of our Church community and to respond to the special needs of our Orthodox Christian brothers and sisters. We are preparing ourselves to respond to ministries and programs in areas such as feeding the hungry, youth and senior programs, library needs, gift shop resources, education and outreach initiatives, visitation efforts and unforeseen emergencies or crises.
Please give generously to the Fr. Srboljub Fund so we may honor our long-time spiritual leader in this unique way as we grow our resources and are prepared to respond when a special need arises. God bless you and thank you for your generosity.
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MOTHERS CLUB CHRISTMAS PARTY
Sunday, January 15th at Gilligan’s on Eisenhower Blvd at 12 noon
Whether you are a mother, godmother, stepmother or grandmother, please join us for food and fun, and of course our traditional polyanna/white elephant gift exchange.
Please RSVP to Angie Vorkapich by Sunday, January 8th
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SOTAYA LAMB SALE
We are once again having our Christmas Fund Raising event.
For your Christmas dinner on January 7,
let us provide you with hot Roast Lamb
This year the lamb will be sold by the pound, for $15 per pound
Deadline to place your lamb order is Saturday, December 24.
Contact Chris Radanovic at 717-841-6794 or chrisrad@mindspring.com
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