Well I'm sure you're all as disappointed as we were that today's stock sale meeting had to be postponed but…perhaps it was because something better was in store. On Feb. 25th and 26th, Alex Goodwin, a representative from the Orthodox Christian Mission Center who has himself participated in a short term mission trip will be in our area. So, here's Plan B: You will have two options for making up our Stock Sale Meeting.
1. Saturday Feb. 25th 6:00-8:00 p.m. at St. John's in Stratford (600 Silver Lane, Stratford, CT 06614). There will be Vespers at 4:00 p.m. and Alex will give a presentation about missions at 4:45 p.m. Following the presentation there will be some refreshments and an opportunity for Q & A with Alex. It's a great opportunity to learn more about our host organization, OCMC, and also to speak to someone who has already done what you are about to do and we urge teens and parents to take advantage of this opportunity. From 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. we will have our meeting and get our stock letters addressed and ready to mail. And, we will get to do an OYMT meeting at Melissa's church which never happens. Yay!
2. Sunday Feb. 26th 1:00-3:00 at Holy Trinity in Danbury, CT. Liturgy at 10:00 a.m. followed by a brunch to support OCMC and a presentation by Alex, and a Q & A. From 1:00-3:00 p.m. we will have a meeting to send out our stock letters out. Again, if you (and your parents) can come in time for the presentation it will be very beneficial but the meeting will be from 1:00-3:00 p.m.
We are asking that all team members attend one or the other of these two meetings. It is imperative that we get our stock letters out before the beginning of March. Please let me know which meeting you plan to attend. If you absolutely (no way) can meet either of these two times, please let me know ASAP.
As with today, please bring your mailing list on peel and stick address labels to the meeting, along with $5 which will be a donation to OCMC since dinner/brunch is being provided. Also, please bring your $150 final payment to which ever meeting you attend.
Our March 12th meeting will now be moved to St. Barbara in Orange, CT who so graciously offered to host us today (as long as that fits with the availability of their space).
Also, please let me hear from parents if we have your permission to list your teen's name on the OCMC website with our team information.
Lastly, we have some sad news to share. Fr. David Cochran's father passed away yesterday. We ask that you please keep Jack Cochran in your prayers along with Fr. David, Pani Andrea and their family.
Fortunately our ASP training over the last few years has taught us to be prepared for changes and recalculations. Appreciating your flexibility as we work to reschedule this very important meeting.
Stay safe, warm and dry!
Due to inclement weather, our meeting today in Orange has been cancelled. Stay tuned for reschedule.
This is a reminder that next Sunday, February 12th we have a MANDATORY training session at St. Barbara (480 Racebrook Rd, Orange, CT 06477)—we will be in the Lightle House, which is the white building on the right as you face the church. The meeting will start promptly at 3:00 p.m. and go to 5:00 p.m. Adult leaders will meet at 5:00 p.m. This is our stock sales meeting and everyone is asked to bring their address list printed on peel and stick mailing labels. As in the past we will provide the letters, postage and all else that is needed to mail your stock letters. More than ever this year it is CRUCIAL that we meet our stock sale goal which is $20,000 in order to cover the costs of our trip to Alaska.
This week Fr. Luke, Beth and I met with members of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) who are working with us on this trip. We received more details about our mission trip which we look forward to sharing with you. If you go to the link below, you will see our team's trip on their website. OCMC would like to list the names of all of our team members on this part of the website. Parents, please email me a "Yes" or "No" to let me know if you are okay with this.
Also: we have solidified the plans for the weekend training session with OCMC. The weekend will be the one on your schedule, Sat. April 29 into Sun. April 30th. OCMC is flying someone up from Florida for this training and orientation for our trip and everyone must be there from Saturday morning until Sunday after liturgy (no exceptions). The training will take place at Holy Trinity in Danbury and youth and leaders will be staying over at the church. Parents are invited to come on Sunday to meet with the OCMC staff for a Q & A about the trip after liturgy. Please engrave this date on your calendar and make no plans for that weekend!
Lastly, it's time to make the final payment for the trip which is $150.
Remember to bring your address labels and $5 for dinner!