December
Dear philoptochos Members,
As the winter chill sets in, we can be warmed by the distinct privilege of living in a place on earth that enjoys the phenomenon of true seasons. We couldn’t feel the relief of spring or appreciate the lingering days of summer without a descent into the longest, darkest night in December. Similarly, every soul we befriend holds a spot in our destiny, to teach us, to heal us, to love us. Let’s embrace the full breadth of our humanity and welcome this Christmas with open hearts and gratitude. We are blessed to be part of a unique and thriving community that is stitched together with intricate care. Rejoice in this gift, in the hands that bake the meals, in the fingers that tie the ribbons and the arms that bring them to us. Let us be a light of kindness and patience, kindling a warmth most cherished against the brittle wind. The frost will soon be gone, but the memory of its comfort will linger.
This December offers several activities to bring us together. We hope that you will find a respite from the busy days ahead and join us.
Thank you to all for supporting our food drive!
Our Philoptochos Chapter 8010 is proud to report that with your matching funds, we have been able to support the Food Bank of the Rockies with a check for $5000 to assist in feeding families during this holiday season. We have also transported multiple car loads of canned food and hygiene products to The Action Center of Jefferson County for distribution through their food bank. These donations were deeply needed and greatly appreciated by their recipients. THANK YOU! What a generous and caring community we are blessed to be part of. May your kindness return to your families a hundred fold.
We had a great morning preparing meals for 150 homeless individuals as well in November, and enjoyed providing our local shelter for women over the age of 55 with a delicious Thanksgiving meal, too! We are grateful to be able to assist our community in these ways and thank you for your membership, which makes it all possible.
fleece navidad
Please consider adopting a nursing home resident this Christmas by providing a warm fleece outfit as a gift. Many of our recipients have no family or friends to visit them during the holidays and a warm gift from you will make their day special. Names of residents can be accessed at the Philoptochos table on Sundays until December 14th, or by calling Dianne Sweeney at 303.378.5657. Monetary donations can also be made on our website denverphiloptochos.com.
PHILOPTOCHOS CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON
We hope you will take time out from your holiday preparations and join friends for our annual Christmas Luncheon to be held on Saturday, December 13th at Pete’s Central One Restaurant, 300 S Pearl Street, Denver, 80209 @ 2:00 PM. Please choose an entree option of Vegetarian Moussaka, Salmon or Chicken Souvlaki + Soup or Salad / Vegetable + Dessert for $40. Call Christine with to hold your place @ 720.524.4837 or come by the Philoptochos table on Sunday and let us know that you will come. We look forward to having you there!
HOLIDAY LIGHTS TOUR
Again this year, we are fortunate to have the support of a very generous donor who is making our Holiday Lights Bus Tour possible at no charge to our members. We will gather at the Community Center on Wednesday, December 17th. The Greek School is hosting a choral presentation at 5:00 PM and we will plan to board the bus afterwards at 6:00 PM to begin our tour. This year, we will go to Union Station for photos and then to the Giant Tree and Marketplace on the Auraria Campus where we will pause and stretch our legs. Of course, we will enjoy hot cider and port wine, hot chocolate and cookies on the way. All seats on the bus are facing forward to maximize the view of festive homes along the way. Wear your happiest holiday garb and be prepared to sing some Greek Christmas Carols. This is the kind of fun only we can have together. Call Christine to make your reservation as seats are limited, 720.524.4837 or email her at cksmith@4edisp.net. It’s going to be merry & bright!
christmas bake sale
We hope you will give yourselves a bit of a rest and let us provide some of your holiday baked goods this year. They are baked fresh the week of the sale and they are delicious! We can take your order online at denverphiloptochos.com or the Philoptochos Table on Sunday.
Bakers are welcome and needed on Wednesday, December 17th, Thursday, December 18th @ 10:00 AM and we can use your help packaging orders on Friday, December 19th @ 10:00 AM. Items can be Picked Up on Saturday, December 20th @ 10:00 AM or Sunday, December 21st after the Divine Liturgy in the Community Center Lobby.
thanksgiving veteran’s day luncheon
Thank you to all who attended our annual Thanksgiving Veteran’s Day Luncheon where our parish veterans were honored for their service. This event is an inspiring, uplifting celebration of sacrifice and freedom, and we once more thank our veterans for all they have done and continue to do as patriots and Christians. It is such a joy to celebrate you!
aprons & ornaments
We have a beautiful selection of Christmas Ornaments and aprons that will make great additions to your households and also serve as unique gifts. Please take a look in our online shop and place your orders. We are happy to ship your selections or to hold them for pickup on Sundays. Orders can be placed on our website, as well, denverphiloptochos.com.
Merry Christmas to All and a Blessed New Year!
Love, Christine
