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8 THE SHEPHERD • NOVEMBER 2019 • SAINT SPYRIDON GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF SAN DIEGO STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE As we enter a new “giving season”, I am reminded of my recent experience of visiting Honolulu over the Fourth of July. I had the opportunity to visit e U.S. National ”Punch Bowl” Memorial in Honolulu where 53,000 men and wom- en are interred, of which 28,000 are unknown soldiers from WWI,WWII, and the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Of these 28,000 men and women, 30 are exhumed monthly, their DNA tested, and aer a “match” these remains are repatriat- ed with family members. In visiting the Memorial, I came to a large fresco “timeline” depicting the Battles of the Paci c from Pearl Harbor 1941 through the end of the war in the Paci c in 1945. On the fres- co for 1942, which portrayed the Battle of Midway, it depict- ed the four day battle which saw the loss of 4 Japanese aircra carriers, a Japanese 6 carrier – eet, American yboys and planes and ships totaling 4100 American and Japanese men lost during that pivotal sea battle. On that fresco the artist placed a small plaque which reads as follows: “ e Problem Basically is eological and Involves a Spiritual Recrudescence and Improvement of Human Char- acter”. Upon seeing this, I entered the nearby chapel and prayed. When done I immediately realized three things (1) as Orthodox Christians we are called to build our spiritual character through our continuous participation in the Eu- charist; (2) as “good neighbors” we are called to engage all humans who cross our path; and (3), nally, we are called to action. e practical and tangible method to approach this spiritual challenge is our church attendance, our engagement with all those that cross our path; and our willingness to support the 47 ministries of our St. Spyridon Church through our hon- orable pledge of our “ rst fruits” to the stewardship calling of our Orthodox faith. As we approach the new year 2020, the Stewardship Com- mittee asks you once again to meditate and pray as to your highest calling as an Orthodox Christian: your stewardship commitment to your spiritual development, your engage- ment with your neighbors; and your willingness to support the 47 ministries which serve those you love. With God’s Blessing, John T. Kalas, Chairperson Fr. Andrew Scordalakis Ben De La Riva, Jim Gilpin, Greg Kostas, Stephen iros and Spero Tzathas SEE ’ S CANDIES HOLIDAY FUNDRAISER SELL I NG FROM NOV. 4 - DEC . 1 DEL IVERY ON DEC . 8TH AND DEC . 15TH We are thrilled to announce two new directors to our program: Yanna Kyriakidis and Katie McClure . Yanna will be directing the Ionians (3rd-6th), and Katie will be directing Ta Pedakia (K-2nd grade). We are so happy to have both Yanna and Katie on board, and look forward to a wonderful year. Practices are in full swing! Please see below for a current list of Sunday prac- tice times / locations: Youth Choir (3rd-12th grades): 12:20 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. in church lo Young Adult Choir (8th-12th grade): 1:00 – 1:30 p.m. in church lo Ta Pedakia (K-2nd grades): 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. in the GOYA room Ionians (3rd-6th grades): 1:00 – 2:15 p.m. in the GOYA room Aegeans (7th-12th grades): 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. in church hall Pelagos (18 and up): 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. in the church hall e Ionians are also now practicing on Saturdays from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Some- time this month, other directors will be adding on a second dance practice. Directors will reach out to families via email to let themknow about this once a second practice date and time has been established. PLEASE NOTE: there will be NO dance practice on Sunday, November 10th due to the anksgiving Lun- cheon. We hope you all are able to attend the luncheon and celebrate the holiday with your families and loved ones. We look forward to a very enjoyable and productive fall season, and hope to see everyone at practice! In Christ, Saint Spyridon Dance School & Choral Board DANCE & CHORAL fall back! NOVEMBER 3rd Daylight Savings Time Ends (clocks back 1 hour)