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4 THE SHEPHERD • OCTOBER 2026 • SAINT SPYRIDON GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF SAN DIEGO October’s quick tip for families: Create a Drop-Off blessing. Kids hear thousands of voices competing for their attention every day. Come up with a quick phrase to say as they get out of the car or walk out of the house that can ground them in the Lord throughout the day – “I love you, God loves you;” “I’m praying for you today;” “Love oth- ers;” “Be joyful in everything;” “I am thank- ful for you;” “Give God glory today;” “Spread love and joy.” If you have questions about Youth Minis- tries at St. Spyridon, call or text Julie Den- nis, Youth Ministries Director, 619-618-5116 or email youthministries@stspyridon.org. Learn more about St. Spyridon Youth Minis- tries on our website: tinyurl.com/stspyridon- youth Follow us on social media: Facebook - St. Spyridon GOC San Diego and Instagram - @youthstspyridon Parents of babies & toddlers The October dates of our Little Angels Play- group are October 7th, 21st, and 28th! If you know of parents who have babies or toddlers, be sure to tell them about the Little Angels Playgroup that meets from 9:45am-11am on Wednesdays in the St. Spyridon Playroom. Sunday School Sunday School participated in the proces- sion for the Elevation of the Cross on Sept 13. Also, to honor our students’ and parish- ioners’ name days, Sunday School has put up a Name Day Saints’ Wall in the Education Building hallway. Check it out when you have a chance! Each month we will have a small name day celebration in the courtyard for our students. If you would like to donate snacks for Sunday School, here is the link: https://tinyurl.com/snackssundayschool GOYA (Greek Orthodox Youth Association) We had a busy month in September. We hiked Annies Slot Canyon in Solana Beach and ended with a picnic and discussion about finding God’s glory in our world. Over Labor Day weekend, GOYA families went camping at Green Valley Falls. We hiked Stonewall Peak, made an apple cobbler, played games, and had campfire fun! We also had reflection time each morning. This was the first time camping for many of the teens! We would like to thank you, our community, for your generosity throughout the year and at the GOYA Palm Sunday Luncheon. It is thanks to you that we are able to create opportuni- ties for our teens to build community, life ex- periences, and their faith through trips like this! Thank you! HOPE-JOY Our Elementary age Youth Group kicked off the new school year by baking and decorat- ing cupcakes! We played games all about this year’s theme - Connection - Connecting in Christ, Connecting in Church, Connecting in our Community. Our next activity will be the morning of October 24th! Save the date! YOUTH MINISTRIES