Plan on having a great meal and a wonderful time this Sunday after Divine Liturgy. Spend the day with your church family as we close the school year and wish Good Luck to our basketball teams. Cevaps will be served hot off the grill with all the sides. Inflatables and games for the kids! Please join us! Proceeds will benefit the basketball teams representing St. Sava this June in Detroit.

There he was, bright and early on Easter morning - just in time to greet the children hunting for Easter eggs filled with sweet treats! Teta Lela invited him to join the fun. Sunday School children were surprised and happy to see him pass out special eggs.

St. Sava's Sunday School children presented their Christmas Pageant after Vespers on Badnje Vece. We look forward to this procession of angels and shepherds and a brilliant star marking the birth of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Thanks also to Karageorge members for practicing selected songs for the occasion and to Joanne Samardzija for her direction.

HAYRIDE & BONFIRE - EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

Sponsored by St. Sava Sunday School

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6, at 5:00 p.m. at St. Sava Church Grounds

Please bring a Potluck Dish Accordingly:

Last names A to M - Appetizer / Side Dish

Last names N to Z - Dessert

RSVP to Lela Jensen at 219-314-8848 or Lela68@comcast.net

FOOD, GAMES, MUSIC by DJ VINKO, INFLATABLES, S'MORES

PUMPKIN DECORATING

(Monetary Donations also appreciated)

Eat at Fresh 3 in nearby Crown Point, save your receipt, and you'll help support our Sunday School and Folklore Group Srbadija. Just save your receipt and turn it in to Lela Jensen or Borka Grimsgard, and the generous people at Fresh 3 will donate 10% of the total purchase excluding sales tax to our organizations. It's a Win, Win!

Fresh 3 offers Fresh, Lean, Juicy Certified Angus Beef Burgers, Burritos & Healthy Bowls with a simple twist of unique seasonings and sauces at a reasonable price.

Find them at 10761 Broadway in Crown Point. Click the link for full menu and photos.

Thanks to Betsy Kirby for the following photos and contributing article.

Thanks to Ray Radjenovich for these great photos from Easter Sunday. The traditional Easter Egg Hunt took place on the east lawn. As Ray put it, these are the future leaders of St. Sava Church. They certainly had a wonderful time collecting surprise - filled plastic eggs.

Our talented Sunday School students once again worked hard to memorize their poems. In case you were unable to attend or couldn't see from the back of the room, you can watch it here. Send it to family and friends, or facebook it. Click on the movie itself to get the YouTube link, or send this entire blog (click the blog title, go to the top of the page, copy the URL, and send it in an email. Enjoy the show, and watch the other 2-part videos in the blog below to see the musical performances.

Thanks also to the older teens for reading stories about the Life of St. Sava and Life of St. Varnava. GREAT JOB!

Once again, the tradition of performing for parents, family, and friends is alive and well at St. Sava Church, as well as all other Serbian parishes. Joann Samardzija has spent the last 4 Sundays teaching, rehearsing, and accompanying the Sunday School students with their songs. Her original song about krofne is quite a catchy tune! Congratulations to soloists Savka Popovich, Rachel Gerbick, and Maya Radjenovich for their musical rendition of "Oj Moravo". Great job, girls! Even the little ones that can't even read yet were outstanding! Special Thanks go out to Deena Galich for making the "Autos" and "sugar - coated krofne" props.

Yes, St. Sava's got talent!

Great Vespers and Burning of the Badnjak (Yule Log) were celebrated on the evening of January 6, 2011 by Fr. Marko. S.S.S. Karageorge Choir sang the responses to a church full of parishioners. Sunday School children performed Christmas songs and were anointed with Holy Oil. All the traditional treats: Lenten sandwiches, fruit, figs, and vrucha rakija were served in the South Wing Social Center after burning of the Badnjak.

Milica Jankovic was a St. Sava Sunday School student and is currently in her final year with Srbadija Folklore Group.  This past school year she has been busy setting a course for her career path.  Nursing is an area she’s been interested in for several years, so she decided to take part of a Health Occupations program through her high school (Kankakee Valley High School) and Jasper County Hospital,  to see if she’s making the right choice.  The answer is yes!  This past December, she obtained her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) state license and currently works at Autumn Hills Retirement Home in Roselawn.  Milica will be attending Indiana University Northwest following high school graduation this spring and will continue her studies toward obtaining a nursing degree, with a focus on pediatrics.   Milica is the daughter of Lela and Keith Jensen, sister to little brother Alex, and granddaughter of Sreten and Slobodanka Vasiljevic.

* Submitted by Borka Grimsgard. If you have wonderful news about one of our students, please submit and we'll be happy to share!

Children of all ages enjoyed a visit with Vinko Claus on Badnje Vece. This Santa has personality plus! Treat bags and candy canes were handed out by the elves to all good children. Please contact Simo for professional photos taken that evening.

St. Sava Sunday School Hayride and Campfire
At the County Line Orchard
Saturday, October 23, 2010 from 5-8:30 pm

We will be providing food, hayride and campfire. Please bring your own chairs, bug
spray, flashlights, blankets and etc…

The Hayride accommodates 35 people. Sign up early to get a spot and help us
determine the need for additional Hayride (if available). No stops will be made during
the hayride. Pick up is at the campsite.

You will need to sign up by October 10th.

Want to pick apples, go through the maze, pick a pumpkin, etc… Make sure you get to the orchard early enough to do these things on your own time.

Please sign up today! See Lela or e-mail her at Lela68@comcast.net

****** The campfire is now located by the Kid’s Farm at the front of the orchard. Park
in the front unless directed elsewhere. ******

County Line Orchard
200 County Line Road
Hobart, IN 46342
www.countylineorchard.com

Registration and first day of classes for Sunday School students at 9:45 am in the north wing. Parents, grandparents, or Kumovi, please remember that you are responsible for the religious education and foundation for your children. If you cannot afford the fee or need transportation, contact the church office or Fr. Marko for assistance.

SUNDAY LUNCHEON buffet will be served immediately after Divine Liturgy.

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING in south wing after luncheon.

COMBINED CHOIR PRACTICE at Nick and Melanie Sever's home in Ogden Dunes will start at 2:00 pm. New member always welcome.

Laurenn Baroevich took some fantastic photos for us to enjoy. You can see her unique, youthful perspective and the response of the children. Sunday School sponsored an egg hunt on the east lawn. In spite of the fierce windy weather, all the eggs were recovered. Thanks, Easter Bunny!

Remember to click on the images below to enlarge:

On Saturday, January 23, several children came to the south wing kitchen to get hands-on experience making the Kolach and Zito for their St. Sava Day Celebration. Under the supervision of Sonja Mancich and Ann Rudman, they created a beautifully decorated Kolach and Zito. Thanks to Beba Rudman, Zorka Glumac, and Danica Beslich for their help in the kitchen Sunday, and to Marie Baroevich for all the hard work and planning. Along with a bouquet of flowers, sincere Thanks were expressed to Teta Joanne Samardzija for sharing her personal talents and time teaching and rehearsing  songs for this year's St. Sava Day program.

After the program, the children were treated to cash prizes and 3-foot long licorice.

Once again, the children learned to recite lengthy poems for everyone's enjoyment, only two weeks after their Christmas program. The south wing was packed full of proud parents and grandparents, who also helped the children practice their poems. Great Job, Kids!

Yes, Simon, Serbian children can sing. In two languages, in fact! As is our tradition, Sunday School children recited poetry and sang several songs for their proud parents, babas, and dedas. St. Sava Day celebrates the patron saint of all Serbian children. The Palachinka Song and S-E-R-B-I-A-N Song are the creative works of Joanne Samardzija, who also taught the musical performances and accompanied on piano. Enjoy the video below and check back soon for more photos and videos from this wonderful program.

Saint Sava Day will be celebrated with Divine Liturgy starting at 10 am, followed by  Blessing of the Kolach, Luncheon, and program presented by our Sunday School children. Every year we're treated to a delightful afternoon of songs, poems, and musical performances.

St. Sava from Wikipedia  ( Read More)

Saint Archbishop Sava (Serbian:, Sveti Sava; (c. 1175, Ras - January 14, 1235, Trnovo, Bulgaria), baptised name Rastko Nemanji? (Serbian: ) was the youngest son of Serbian ruler Stefan Nemanja, Eastern Orthodox monk, first archbishop of Serbian Orthodox Church, diplomat, writer, law giver and founder of several important medieval monasteries. He heavily influenced Serbian medieval literature and art.

He is widely considered as one of the most important figures of Serbian history and he is canonized and venerated by the Serbian Orthodox Church. Also his life and personal devotion has been interpreted in many artistic works from the middle ages to modern times. The Temple of Saint Sava in Belgrade is his major shrine and the largest Eastern Orthodox church.

Old Country customs and traditions are still celebrated each Christmas Eve and Christmas Day by Serbian Orthodox Christians. Once again, our Sunday School children treated us to a wonderful performance of a Serbian family's observance of Christmas. Thanks to all the teachers and Joanne Samardzija for their hard work preparing the play and rehearsing songs. Most of all, we Thank the children for this special gift.

At last night's Badnje Vece Service, we were all treated to a wonderful play presented by the children of our Sunday School. Customs of the holidays in a centuries old tradition were celebrated, followed by a selection of Christmas songs. Read the reviews and see the related photos at NWI TIMES.

Check back daily for photos and video from this year's holiday services and celebration.

We are fortunate to have a fine group of dedicated teachers who volunteer their time every Sunday. Through lessons, music, and crafts, students gain knowledge and understanding of our Orthodox Faith and Serbian customs. It's never too late to enroll your children or grandchildren for Sunday morning classes.

First day of classes and Registration will be held at 9:45 a.m. this Sunday, September 13th. Send your children to class while you register them in the North Wing Office area. Parents, grandparents, and Kumovi, please remember the importance of a solid Religious Education that will impact your child's spirituality for a lifetime. The teachers will include many fun activites during the school year. Every child is welcome!

"Pick me! Pick me!" Everyone's favorite game show host, Vinko Mancich, challenged our Sunday School children to a test of what they've learned this past year. Three teams competed for the title of "Winner". Answers included "Badnje Vece, Kum, preparing for Lent", etc. And of course, Vinko made it so much fun. The kids had a great time and made their teachers proud. Thanks to all the teachers for their time and commitment, and to  the parents for all their support. See you next school season!

"2 Thumbs Up!" The critics agree that every year the talented children work hard to learn their poems and music. It's a pleasure to attend this wonderful program each year. Thanks to Kim Simic and all the teachers for working with the kids and preparing them just 3 weeks after the Christmas play. Sofia Grimsgard played Minuet #8 by Bach on her cello. Danilo Orlich, Sasha Novakovich, and Dimitri Simic brought the house down with a comedy sketch. Xenia Jancarich provided these wonderful photos.

Our wonderful holiday traditions were celebrated once again this year on January 6th. After the evening service and Christmas play, Father Marko blessed the badnjak and everyone enjoyed refreshments in the south wing.

And now, the STARS OF THE SHOW!!!!!!!!

Angels, shepherds, and Kings told the story of Christ's Birth on Badnje Vece at St. Sava Church. Our Sunday School children spoke and sang of the Christmas Story in a church full of parishioners. Special Thanks to Karageorge Choir, Dr. Kim (Bolan) Simic, Kathy Baroevich, and Betsy Kirby for all their talent and support. After the short program, the children Thanked Father Marko for all his Love and Support.

6^th, 7^th, & 8^th Grade Students

Food Drive

Our tally is in and we collected 426 food items, WOW!

Unfortunately, we didn't meet our goal of 500 items but this is still a lot of food.  We should be proud that our efforts helped

our local community.

My parents delivered all of the items to the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana.  They were very thankful and appreciative of our donation.

I would also like to say THANK YOU to all of the individuals who brought in food for our cause.  Your kindness is greatly appreciated.

Our next Stewardship activity is for each family in our class to bake and bring in a dozen cookies on December 7th for

Kolo's Christmas Cheer Bags.

By Nikola Mileusnic

The deadline has been extended to this Sunday, November 23rd, the last day to bring your canned goods and non-perishable items to church. The project has reached 65% of their goal. Show your support for the efforts of our Sunday School and their concern for the local community - this was their idea. This year has been especially tough for the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana with the failing economy and devastating floods. Donations can be dropped off in the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade classroom or in the South Wing entrance.

Sunday School kids and their parents had so much fun that they forgot how cold it was! A special outing to County Line Orchard was a great way to spend a cool autumn evening. They enjoyed many fun activities and built a giant spider web, roasted marshmallows, and made s'mores. Everyone was tossed around on a bumpy hay ride. And of course, there was soooooo much food - but did someone forget the pumpkin strudel? Special THANKS to Mary Halfman and Betsy Kirby for providing these wonderful photos.

Kim Mileusnic's Sunday School class has been active planning a way to help the community that has suffered from the recent flooding. The 6th, 7th, and 8th grade class would like your help. Please bring non-perishable food items to church. You will find a large collection box in the south wing entry or in their classroom in the north wing. Suggestions for donating are: pasta, rice, oatmeal, canned fruit or vegetables, peanut butter, mac & cheese, canned tuna, canned meat, or soup. The items collected will be taken to the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, supporting families in Lake and Porter Counties. The last day to turn in food items will be Sunday, November 16th.

Written by Gorana Bilbija, Sunday School Student:

EXTRA! EXTRA! Get your copy of ST. SAVA MONTHLY, October Issue, from any 6th, 7th, or 8th grade Sunday School student. It's a real bargain at only 25 cents! You'll see the creative and talented side of our children-it's quite impressive. Pick up a copy at church any Sunday. Featured articles of interest include recipes, events, birthday announcements, and original stories written by classmates. Congratulations on your first issue, kids, well done!

Father Tom Kazich was guest teacher on Sunday, October 5th. The lesson titled "The Saints: God Is Wonderful In His Saints", was quite interesting. Saints come from all walks of life. Father Tom referred to our own Father (Bishop) Peter as a truly Holy Christian man, kind and good, and his dedication to church and it's people. Photos provided by Betsy Kirby.

It's time to register your child for Sunday School Classes. Don't miss the opportunity to have your child participate in religious classes and many fun social events. Children will enjoy life-long friendships and memories from their experiences at our St. Sava Church. Parents, grandparents, and Kumovi should remember their responsibilities to providing a religious foundation for their children. The new St. Sava Learning Center is fully remodeled and stocked, and ready to receive the students. We are still looking for volunteer Substitute Teachers (Lesson Plans will be provided) and help for special events.

TEEN CLASSES: Teens (9th grade thru Seniors) will meet EVERY SUNDAY, and we are looking for more teachers at this level to take turns, one Sunday per month. This is an enjoyable class that touches on topics related to lifestyles and concerns of teens.

Registration is SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14th at 9:45 a.m. in front of the Church Office in the north wing. The children should go directly to their classes, which start at 9:45 a.m. every Sunday. Please note that the new start time for class is 9:45 a.m. Fee is $25 for the first child, $10 for each additional student. For additional information or to volunteer, please call Gina Orlich at 462-2584.

Sunday's heat, fierce winds, and thunderstorms couldn't ruin this good time. The celebration of classes ending included indoor and outdoor games with prizes and even an ice cream sundae bar to help everyone cool down. The children did the Limbo, Hokey Pokey, played Musical Chairs, The Bucket Game, Bean Bag Toss, Balloon Games, and ran relays dressed as clowns. The competition was fierce for Musical Chairs, but Chris Orlich was victorious in a close race with Gorana Bilbija. Strategies were applied as some clowns got a little help from their friends, putting on overalls, shirt, gloves, and a wig. The biggest kid of all, Vinko, offered his talent as a DJ for the festivities. He sure knows how to get a party started. A few rounds of kolos, chachak, and Chicken Kolo were the perfect way to end a great time.

(Click photos to enlarge)

The last day of the 2008 Sunday School season ended with a short awards ceremony at the end of services and a fun-filled day of outdoor games, activities, and a picnic-style lunch. All the students were congratulated for their participation in classes and programs during the past school year. Father Tom Kazich officiated the Liturgy and gave each student a keepsake bookmark.

Students with at least 90% attendance were presented an Award Certificate. Their names are: Luci Woldt (Pre-school), Bojan Bilbija & Milena Matic (K & 1st), Dusan Matic, Alexis Orlich, Bosa Woldt (2nd & 3rd), Gorana Bilbija & Karen Friedlander (4th & 5th), Michael Friedlander & Susan Friedlander (6th, 7th, & 8th). Many other students received Certificates for 50% or more attendance.

Congratulations to all the children, teachers, and parents for their patience and commitment this past school year!

Join the Sunday School celebration of the last day of classes. Attend a casual picnic-style lunch after Divine Liturgy with plenty of fun activities for young and old. Vinko Mancich will provide music for dancing, and there will be games for all ages. Call Kim Mileusnic at (219) 365-6548 to help with food, games, or set-up.

This has been a busy year for Sunday School. The children were moved from their south wing class area to temporary classrooms, and finally into their new Learning Center. They prepared a wonderful Christmas Pageant that made Badnje Vece a memorable evening. St. Sava Day showed their academic skills when they presented their poems. On Easter Sunday, we were treated to their performance of "Hristos Voskrese, Radost Donese!" We are so very proud of our Sunday School children, and their parents are to be congratulated for their commitment. Popadija Vesna has organized these events, and we are grateful for her leadership.

WOW! Popadija Vesna arranged a surprise visit to our Sunday School by her dear friend Dr. Dusan Stipanovic, whom she met while teaching in San Francisco. He has a B.S. Degree from Belgrade University and continued his M.S.E.E. and PhD education at Santa Clara and spent time at Stanford. He is currently a professor at Southern Illinois University with the Department of Industrial & Enterprise Systems Engineering at Urbana/Champaign, Illinois.

The students were very interested in his current project with robotics, and were glued to his computer with many technical questions. Dusan also told them about his early years in Serbia where Religion was suppressed under the Communist regime, yet he pursued his own spiritual needs, inspired by St. John of Shanghai and others. It was very gracious of Dusan to take the time and travel to share his expertise with our Sunday School children. They certainly enjoyed class today!

(Click photo to enlarge)

What a pleasant surprise it was to hear the young voices sing "Hristos Voskrese", a very long and difficult song to learn. Under the direction of Dr. Kim Simic, the children seem to enjoy the challenge as they master the lyrics (some of the kids can't even read yet). We are so very proud of them and fortunate to have wonderful Sunday School teachers as well as Kim to teach our children.

Church was filled to capacity on the day we celebrate the Resurrection of Christ. Read Father Marko's interview in The Times newspaper Saturday's edition. The Sunday School children were treated to an Easter Egg Hunt on the north lawn, and then they surprised us all by singing "Hristos Voskrese" right before the Church Board passed out colored eggs. As you will see in the photos, this was a very special day enjoyed by everyone.

(Click photo to enlarge)

The lower level St. Sava Learning Center is now a beautiful facility created by church members Zeljko Novakovich, Steve Baroevich, Simo Glumac, and Zoran Andrich, as well as Mirko and Ognjen Kljajic. The Sunday School children now enjoy carpeted private classrooms, supply closets, a kitchen, and remodeled restrooms. There are still a few minor improvements to be made that should be in place for the next school year. (Click photo to enlarge)

Looks like someone had a great time last Saturday. The competition looked pretty fierce. Thanks to Gordana  Pejnovic for the photos.

Thanks to Betsy Kirby for these photos. We encourage you all to send us your photos at stsavachurch@gmail.com. (Click photo to enlarge)