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My Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
By God's grace, we enter Holy Lent, a season focused on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, the pillars of Orthodox Christian spirituality. Clean Monday, approaching in a few days, marks the start of the forty-day fast preceding Easter. While prayer and fasting are often emphasized, almsgiving is sometimes overlooked, partly due to the outdated connotations of the term "alms" and the distortion of "stewardship." Understanding our fiduciary role, as Jesus illustrates in Luke 12:42, has become challenging. Today, "stewardship" is often linked with church donations, contrary to God's intended financial principles.
We envision our church not just as it is, but as a vibrant community thriving with possibilities. Our parish's greatest strength lies in the multigenerational dedication to preserving Hellenic and Greek Orthodox traditions. We wholeheartedly support all ministry programs, including our schools, and actively engage in community outreach. Hosting successful blood drives and aiding various charities are among our recent accomplishments. Our annual festival has deepened connections with our community, showcasing our rich traditions. As we look ahead, we remain committed to expanding our outreach and strengthening our parish. Our primary aim is to welcome more families into our fold. We invite you to join us in supporting these worthy endeavors with your pledge. Together, we can achieve even greater heights. Below, on the left side of the graph you will see a high level snapshot of our expenses vs stewardship, a difference of nearly ($470,000) in 2023. On the right with you and your families support we are hoping to narrow the gap by increasing stewards in addition to stewardship.
Your thoughtful consideration of this commitment is crucial. We urge you to reflect on the impact of your contribution. We recommend a monthly pledge of $100 from each family to sustain both the physical infrastructure and the spiritual offerings of our church. To streamline your contributions, we encourage you to utilize our Tithely site to make your monthly contributions (Saint Demetrios-Elmhurst Tithely Site). Your steadfast support is not merely a financial transaction; it lays the cornerstone of our Greek Orthodox faith for generations to come, especially for our children. Your monthly commitment is most meaningful when coupled with your active presence, your readiness to serve, and your earnest prayers. Remember, giving isn't a substitute for dedication—it's a tangible expression of your devotion and gratitude for the abundant blessings in your life.
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