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Turtle Back Zoo had a Holiday Lights Spectacular, so we took the parish kids out for a zoo trip. At the end we couldn't figure out who had more fun - the kids or the adults. On Sunday, Dec. 18, our parish had a very special day. The day started with the main event - Divine Liturgy (read the sermon on St Nicholas here). We had many visitors, including the Crivella family from St Vladimir's Seminary. Our parish was the sponsor of the family for St Nicholas Wish List project run by FOCA R Club (read more here).
After the Liturgy, as every one was enjoying coffee, sweets and treats, and a great fellowship, the kids sang "O Who Loves Nicholas the Saintly," a very special guest visited us. St Nicholas came with presents and a special book, where he had written down everything good that our kids did during the year. As he was handing out the presents he read the good deeds to each child, to show them that he is paying attention to them all the time. After the visit of St Nicholas, St Anna's Altar Society held its annual dinner. Special thanks goes to Susan Fett and her children, Katrina and Jakob, who coordinated St Nicholas Wish List project in our parish. Thank you to all who attended these events and to those who helped organize and decorate - especially Johanna Cap-Gatch, Nina Gerard, and Matushka Natallia; and to our Sunday School teacher, Barbara Preciado, who has been doing outstanding job with our little ones (St Nicholas noticed it too and brought a present for her as well). On the third day of our pierogi production, we really got down to business. The day began bright and early, before 8am. We mixed the dough, pinched those pierogi, cooked them and bagged them. Close to 50 people showed up to help. We made around 5000 pierogi and would've kept on going, but ran out of potatoes. There was no stopping our train.
A big thank you is due to everyone who contributed - to those who came and worked non-stop all three days; to those who wanted to come, but for various reasons could not; and to those who keep us in their prayers. Thank you and see you next time we make pierogi (and, hopefully, many times before and after that)! On the second day of the adventure that is pierogi making, from very early in the morning, we boiled quite a few potatoes (275lb!), mashed them with cheese and spices, and made trays of neat little balls. Matushka prepared tasty warm bagels for coffee break and a delicous lunch. Saturday is the pinch day. Don't miss out on all the fun! Today was day 1 of pierogi making. We peeled and cut the potatoes. The rubber hits the road tomorrow. We'll need all hands on deck in order to fulfill the orders. If you are free Friday, Dec. 2, and Saturday, Dec. 3, join us at 9:00am for some serious manual labor and great fellowship. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. |
