Memory Eternal, James Mark Hutchins:
We mourn the passing of our brother in Christ, James Hutchins. Memorial services were celebrated on Wednesday, June 28, Wednesday, July 5 and Thursday, July 6. He was interred at the Orthodox Christian section of Restland Cemetery in Dallas.
James was known by Orthodox Christians not only in DFW, but also across the U.S. and in several countries, people whom he befriended over the years.
On behalf of the Hutchins family and the parish, we want to thank everyone who helped out in any capacity with the memorial services and with the accompanying psalm readings, meals, refreshments, set-up, clean-up, security and shuttles. James would have been humbled and overjoyed by the abundant expressions of love, as many people gathered to pray for his peace, in Christ. May his memory be eternal!
Note Major Mid-July Schedule Changes:
Please take note of a few major changes to our schedule from July 17 to July 25. Fr. Basil will be out of town for our Annual Diocesan Assembly. And so, from July 17 to July 25 there will be no weekday or Saturday services at St. Barbara’s. The Sunday service on July 23, is currently scheduled to be a Reader’s Service, followed by a Potluck Coffee Hour and Music Classes, as usual. We hope however, to be back in time for a Liturgy that day. For emergencies during this period please contact one of the non-OCA clergy in the area.
Sunday Music Instruction:
On Sunday, June 11, we began offering classes in singing and basic music theory for parishioners. Sessions are about 45 minutes, taking place on Sundays toward the middle of Coffee Hour (about 12:30 to 1:15 pm). They are led by Ms. Jamie Lynn Gonzalez (adults and teens) and Ms. Ashlyn Bell as well as Ms. Madelynn Sill (younger children and younger teens). Jamie, Ashlyn and Madelyn are music education/performing arts majors with approximately a decade of choral, solo performance and directing experience.
One does not have to be a member of the choir, nor read music to take part in these sessions. Our hope is that classes will also enhance congregational participation in services, and will lead additional parishioners to consider singing with the choir in the future. Please contact Fr. Basil, Jamie or Ashlyn with further questions and/or to express your interest.
Combined Parish Picnic on July 30:
Mrs. Lucie Muns and family have graciously invited the members of both St. Barbara’s and Archangel Gabriel Mission to a combined parish picnic on Sunday, July 30. The picnic will take place after Liturgy at the Muns’ new Lake House. BBQ will be the featured main course. Those who wish to swim please bring lifejackets. And, Lucie asks, that if possible, volunteers please bring bottled water. You may also provide your favorite dessert. Please RSVP to Fr. Basil by Friday, July 14. You may also contact Lucie Muns for specific questions.