Rene's Are Moving In June 14th

The Rene Family plan to arrive from Cranbrook at the start of this party! We're going to greet them as they arrive and help them unload the truck, then enjoy pizza and beer or pop at the Hewlett's next door! If you would like to be there, please email me and I'll forward you the e-vite invitation so I know how many are coming, and order enough pizza for all.

Request evite invitation by e-mailing matushka(at)gmail.com

Orthodox Peace Fellowship Conference this weekend in Abbotsford

Hello all. Below is some information on the Orthodox Peace Fellowship Conference happening this weekend at UFV. It looks really interesting!

Orthodox Peace Fellowship Conference, 2012

Hosted by the Orthodox Peace Fellowship, In Communion, you may find details for registration here:  Conflict and Compassion: Reclaiming Eden

The 2012 Orthodox Peace Fellowship annual conference will take place at the University of the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford, BC, June 1-3, 2012.  The keynote speaker will be Dr. David Goa, Adjunct Professor of Religion at the University of Alberta and Director of the Chester Ronning Centre for the Study of Religion and Public Life.  Sessions will be on such topics as the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, Peacemaking in Africa, Relations between Iran and the West, and Religion and Peacebuilding.  Speakers include Jim Forest, Tarek Abuata, Alex Patico, Marc Gopin, Laurie Blanton Pierce, Ernie Regehr, Andrew Klager, Ron Dart, and Archbp. Lazar (Puhalo).  Registration is open to all interested parties, and although the conference maintains a multi-faith flavour, Orthodox Christian and Mennonite perspectives will figure prominently this year.

Conference Fees: 

§ $80 per person covers conference registration, five meals & breaks from Friday evening to mid-day Sunday.  $40 covers Saturday-only (registration, sessions, lunch, dinner & breaks).

§ All-inclusive registration fee for a couple: $140

DIAKONIA clothing collection on hiatus for summer

At this time of year we no longer need to collect scarves etc. for distribution. There is a possibility for donating all kinds of clothing to a women's shelter, but until we are able to find out about this, we ask that you not bring any clothing to the church at this time.

As always, we encourage you to share canned and packaged food for the food bank in the basket in  the prothesis chapel.

Uncle Wayne wants YOU for the cleanup crew!

Actually, we have four teams in the crew, one for each Sunday of the month....and we need more team members!

We are a growing community, and that means the job of cleanup after Sunday lunch is also growing. You can help by:

• Signing up to be part of a team for just ONE Sunday a month
• Remembering to do your part on that Sunday
• Getting your own substitute if you must be away that Sunday (especially important to remember now as vacation season is almost upon us)
• Even if you do not join a team, clearing your own dishes & 
• teaching your kids to clear their own dishes and not to litter 

In addition to the four teams, if a month has a fifth Sunday or if there is a weekday evening liturgy, we ask that EVERYBODY present pitch in and clean up, working till everything is done. You will find a checklist posted in the scullery room for items that need to be done before the church is closed up.

A big THANK YOU to everyone who has served in this way in our parish, past and present. If you have not yet made a contribution in this area, do consider signing up; if for any reason you cannot commit to a specific Sunday, try to remember to pitch in, in whatever small way you are able when you find the opportunity. Every little bit helps! 

To join a team, pleas see Wayne H.