LADIES PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS                                                                                                SEPTEMBER 2011

September again and everyone is back to school or job, rested and full of new ideas for the coming winter. So we, the women of Philoptochos, which on June 19th, said farewell to the children of our community, who left for college, gave them a small gift to accompany them, we are preparing for the months to come and ask you for your help and your support.

After organizing with GOYA, the clothes drive, for the first time, last June, with the full support of the community, but also with people from outside, we gathered about 3,000 pounds of clothes, shoes, etc. which were sent to third world countries. On October 22nd, we ask again for your valuable help, to gather even more things. We accept clothing, belts,bags,blankets,comforters, toys, bicycles, shoes, curtains, etc. All items must be in well tied bags. Remember, that shoes should be in separate bags.

A year ago, after many years, we held a blood drive. By popular request, we decided to organize it again. So, on September 18th, Sunday and immediately after the Divine Liturgy (11-1 pm), the mobile bus will be int the parking lot of our church. Spread the word and dont forget, 10 min. of our time can save many lives.

Last May, a Friday evening, 50 women gathered together and spent a lovely evening with laughter, good food and many gifts. That night all together we made a promise. To do it again! So, on September 30th, at 7 pm, we will be waiting for you at the " Olde Eerie Restaurant", 7 West Main St., Middletown, for another successful night.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:             9/18 Sunday Blood Drive 11-1 pm

                                                                   9/30 Friday Ladies night out 7-11pm

                                                                  10/22 Saturday Last day for clothing drive ( pick up at 10 am)

When you support the Ladies Philoptochos, you support your church. Be a member of our organization! We need your help!

                                                                                                                                           Ioanna Veloudos

                                                                                                                                            President of Ladies Philoptochos

LADIES PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS

Spring is here again! Even with a little snow here and there, maybe because March doesn't want to admit that he should leave and give way to a playful April that will bring us Easter, which is a beautiful and sacred celebration for the entire Christianity. With his sacrifice, Jesus taught us how to offer to others. So we, the parents and children of Philoptochos and GOYA, have decided to offer to families with needs. At this time of the year, as we see the changes in the nature around us, we are also looking in our closets and homes with a refreshing .spirit. Old clothes, but still in good condition, clothes and shoes of children who have grown up, curtains and quilts, are put into black bags destined for the attic or sometimes the garbage. This time, these bags, useless to us, could be useful to others and could change destination. Bring them to our church and on June 11th a truck from the "Fashion Republic" will collect these bags to be given to poor families who live in countries, like Guinea, Liberia, Kenya, Russia, Poland. We can all work together by giving our clothing a second chance for others around the world.
Acceptable items: used, wearable clothing, shoes (must be bagged separately), backpacks, belts, hats, blankets, baby accessories, scarves, ties, bed sheets, bedspreads, pillows, quilts, comforters, kitchen and bath accessories made of fabric, tablecloths, draperies, bath rugs, towels, stuffed animals, cars, trucks, airplanes, action figures, dolls, bicycles. Donations must be placed in well-tied garbage bags.
Also, Saturday, April 30th at 12.30 pm the sister Philoptochos in Newburgh, will have their annual 'Festival of Tables" in their church. Let's support them; also they work hard for the same purpose, philantropia (charity). For tickets, contact Paulete Syrianos (845-7831483) or Georgea Wintson (914-4744364) or see any member of our chapter.
But, don't forget what we already did the first two months of this year. On Sunday February 6th, in collaboration with National Philoptochos, we observed National Heart Awareness Day. In this effort, we invited all women to wear red, also red carnations and useful brochures were given. Packs with useful items were sent to our troops in Afghanistan.
Thanks to all once again, who believe in us and support us. Like the author Alexander Dumas said, in his famous book "The Three Musketeers", "All for one and one for all".

Happy Easter!! Kalo Pascha!!
loanna Veloudos President of Ladies Philoptochos

LADIES PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS

On November 7, as I was coming to church, I listened to the local Greek radio program "KOSMOS FM". So I heard the following story: "A young Canadian couple won 1 million dollars in the lottery and decided to distribute the money among the families who live in their city. They kept only a small amount to pay off the loan of their house." I was left speechless. What a magnanimous act! They shared their blessings made by God.
So, the offer of love from all of us, that Sunday 11/7 and the following Sunday, to this family in Greece, makes the mother-widow and her orphan boy, the receivers of God's love. The amount of 300 dollars and with the additional money from the treasury of Philoptochos, will fill the Christmas table of this poor family. Thank you all! 

Also, the children of Middletown need our help. A box in the hallway of the church is waiting to be filled with gloves, hats and scarves for these children. Help Philoptochos, GOYA and Men's Ministry give them love and warmth in the cold winter days ahead.

Our annual dinner before Christmas was changed to January 10th. Details will be in the next Crossroads.

We wish you a Merry Christmas!!
loanna Veloudos President Ladies Philoptochos

FASTING AND PRAYER

What are the benefits of fasting and prayer?
We become more aware of God.
We focus attention on God's will.
We learn personal discipline.
We gain time to read the Bible.
The will of God becomes urgent.
We increase or love for the gospel.
We discover the presence of the Holy Spirit to guide us in our daily living.
Forgiveness and love enters our hearts more deeply.
Jesus once taught that we will be powerless to overcome certain evils that demonize our
lives unless we fast and pray.

Throughout the centuries the Orthodox Church has taught fasting and prayer. For example we fast from certain foods every Wednesday and Friday. We do it to remember our God's betrayal and crucifixion. This small disciple reminds us that we belong to Jesus Christ and are prepared to suffer with Him for Him.

LADIES PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS

It is already November, shortly before Thanksgiving and Christmas. On this season, for the past 23 years, we are accustomed to reminisce the beautiful night which all of us ladies had experienced, at the Fashion Show, our annual fundraiser. This year, and after much thought, we decided to make a change.

Instead of doing the Fashion Show, we decided to have a new kind of fundraiser, the Festival of Tables. It is very popular among the Philoptochos chapters in our area. We rolled up our sleeves and began the preparations, on how to decorate the hall of the church, the flowers, the speaker and many more needed to make it a successful fundraiser.

Unfortunately, we had to stop. The disappointment was great, but we decided to wait until spring.

Meanwhile, on November 7th, we will have the annual memorial service for the ladies Philoptochos, who have passed away. On the same day, we asked Father Chris, to have a basket on the back of the church, where anyone who wants can provide a donation. This money together with the amount offered by the Philoptochos, will be sent to a poor family in Greece, as a Christmas present. The father of this family passed away recently from diabetes, leaving behind small children. The mother has to work, almost all day to feed her family. We appreciate any donation, even if it is $1.

LADIES PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS

One Sunday afternoon my younger son's godmother called me. While we were talking she said to me: "The women should help each other and be united."

She made me think. Two days after, another friend sent me an e-mail. A portion of the e-mail said:
"A young wife sat on a sofa on a hot humid day, drinking iced tea and visiting with her mother. As they talked about life, about marriage, about the responsibilities of life and the obligations of adulthood, the mother turned a clear, sober glance upon her daughter.
"Don't forget your sisters," she advised. "They'll be more important as you get older. No matter how much you love your husband, no matter how much you love the children you may have, you are still going to need sisters. Remember to go places with them now and then, do things with them. Remember that "sisters" means ALL the women... You'll need other women. Women always do."

What a funny piece of advice! , the young woman thought... But she listened to her mother. She kept contact with her sisters and made more women friends each year. As the years tumbled by, one after another, she gradually came to understand that her mother really knew what she was talking about.

"Sisters" are there, no matter how much time and how many miles are between you. When you have to walk that lonesome valley, the women in your life will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on, praying for you...
Mothers, sisters, daughters, granddaughters, girlfriends, daughters-in-law, grandmothers, aunties, nieces, cousins and extended family, all bless our life!"

These words remind me of my mother.

On May 9th we celebrate the MOTHER'S DAY.

On May 16th we will organize an interactive seminar, with cheese and wine, which involves the mothers and all the members of our community. Dr. Emmanuel Martakis, will be there to talk about child obesity and how it is linked with adulthood diabetes. Afterwards our Brazilian friend, Mafalda Rakowski, will come to show us Latin dance and how to exercise with fun. FREE ADMISSION.

Mark your calendar:

SUNDAY MAY 16™ AT 4.00 PM AT THE CHURCH

 Our monthly meeting on MAY 10™ AT 7.00 PM AT THE CHURCH.

Also, we started baking the pastries for the festival. We need your help. Please, see Mrs. Georgia Chambers to check days and hours.