Greetings in Christ,
Last weekend I Joined the Boy Scout Troop on their weekend camping trip at the Sand Hill Boy Scout Campgrounds in the Spring Hill area. We received a tour of the land, Including two natural springs, one of which connects directly to the Florida Aquifer which was featured on National Geographic. As well, the BoyScouts had an opportunity to work on their Marksmanship at the camp's training ground.The main attraction of our camp out was a canoeing trip down the Chassahowitzka River.
As Fr. Athanasios mentioned after Divine Liturgy last week this was my first camping trip in Florida. I’ve had many opportunities to camp throughout my life, though all of those experiences were in the North and North Western states. Camping in Florida is a whole new experience, from the humidity, to the wild life, topography, and Natural beauty of God’s creation!
If you are looking for a ministry to get involved with, this week we have a few things to get excited about!
Monday the 15th
9am - 11am. We celebrate the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos together as the Orthodox Community.
Tuesday the 16th
8am - 12pm the Soup Kitchen will run its normal program starting in the Fr. Tryphon Hall, and ending at the Shepherd Center. This is a beautiful way to participate as an Orthodox community, in the context of the local community for the Glorification of God, and an act of obedience to His teachings. As we read in the Gospel of Matthew-
“Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, you blessed of 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 drink: I was a stranger, and you took me in: Naked, and you clothed me: I was sick, and you came to me: I was in prison, and you visited me.Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, When did we see you hungry and feed you? or thirsty, and gave you a drink? When did we see you, and take you in? or naked, and clothed you? Or when did we see you sick, or in prison, and visit you? And the King shall answer and say to them, Truly I say unto you, Since you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me.” Matthew 25:34-40
7pm - 9pm Boy Scouts will return to their normal weekly meetings.
7pm - 8pm we invite you to attend the Bible Study as it starts off for the year. If you have the desire to deepen your knowledge of our Faith through Scripture, there is no better way to start than here, and now.
Thursday the 18th
10:30am - 11:30am the Women's Book Club will have their first meeting. Exciting new books have been chosen, you are invited to read and discuss material revolving faith and life in context as Orthodox Christian Women!
7pm - 8pm the Choir will meet for regular practice, glorifying God with their voices!
In Christ’s Love,
VIkentios G Livanos
Family Ministries Director