Congregational Singing & Chanting, submitted by Tim Burkhard
At our parish, we prayerfully sing our music in an accessible way while being faithful to the traditions handed down across many centuries. We chant as clearly as possible in English, using standard musical notation. We practice "congregational singing" during the Divine Liturgy. Yet we use the traditional "tones" and recognizable melodies across the Orthodox world. We meet weekly on Wednesday evenings to study the Divine Liturgy and the Vespers and Orthros repertoire.
We need more helpers in the music program. I hope that some more individuals with a music background (reading music and voice/choral) will be inspired to join us in studying and singing during services. We are also working on forming a girl's choir that can lead the congregational singing at Liturgy.
Stewardship Report, submitted by Marci Pelka
Another year, hard to imagine, time really does fly. No matter where you go, the malls, grocery stores, drive through for fast food or coffee, you cannot help but see the hustle and bustle of the season. Parking lots are full. There are so many packages being delivered, gifts abound.
But once again, our faithful stewards have not forgotten that everything we have and are is a gift from God. Our stewards have shown that they are grateful and generous with the gifts and blessings God bestows on us each and every day. How much can your offering do for Christ and His church? It depends on your love for Christ. We give back to Christ not according to our means but according to our love for Him. We are called to be stewards, love God with our entire being, give of our time, talents and treasury. Five simple words say it all: we give from our hearts.
Our annual budget for 2024 is $460,000. As of October 2024 (I do not have the November figures), our year-to-date budget is $448,432. Basically, we need $11,568 to meet our budget. We have once again exceeded our budget. Thanks be to God and to our faithful stewards, who know what a privilege it is to give back to God by supporting those in need, funding Christ’s ministries through St. Anna’s, and meeting the church's operational needs.
Stewardship has three “T”s: time, talent, and treasury. We are called to be generous in all areas of our lives. There are many opportunities that one can share here at St. Anna’s. Our prayer shawl ministry reaches around the world. Our acolytes serve Orthros and Divine Liturgy weekly and sometimes on weekday services. Our Sunday school is thriving thanks to our dedicated teachers. We have bell ringers. Stewards of our parish volunteer to serve at St. Vincent de Paul. Others bring flowers to the church. Others step up for candle duty, sandbox cleaning, greeting new people, provide meals to those in need. And it goes on, but only when our stewards take it upon themselves to assist in so many areas.
Once again, I am so grateful to all our faithful stewards who give freely from their hearts. In giving, we show our love for God and draw closer to Him.
To become a steward of St. Anna’s, we only need your name and address. A stewardship packet will be sent to you. I invite you all to read Heartfelt Stewardship in the weekly bulletin. Become a steward! It’s never too late.
“I do not believe one can settle how much we ought to give. I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare.” C. S. Lewis
