Sonshine Kids

---

Nativity of the Holy Virgin Orthodox Church, Menlo Park, CA – March 11th, 2023

---

Families from all over the Bay Area, from multiple Orthodox Jurisdictions, came together in Menlo Park for prayer, fellowship, and service, participating in an event hosted by ‘Sonshine Kids,’ a group that brings together Orthodox Christian families in the Bay Area for fellowship.

Normally these welcome monthly outings involve meeting at a local park for a couple hours on a Saturday, but Matushka Stephanie Matlak (St. Christina Orthodox Church in Fremont, CA) wanted to do something a little more involved During Great Lent.

---

---

The day began with the Divine Liturgy at Nativity of the Holy Virgin Church, with Priests Andrew Smith and Gregory Matlak concelebrating. At the end of the Liturgy, families submitted lists of their departed loved ones to be prayed for during a universal Litiya (short memorial service).

---

---

Then the parish Sisterhood invited all to the hall to break bread together. Thanks is due to Anna Richter and her team for offering a nutritious lenten meal. And yes, there was time to play!

Fr. Andrew kicked off the almsgiving project with a short talk and demonstration on the importance of not just fasting, not just praying, but also performing acts of charity. For when we extend our hand in offering, it remains open to get something back. It is in blessing others with what we have that we are able to receive yet more blessings. Indeed, those at the talk all ended up with a little bit more in their piggy bank to prove that they grasped the lesson!

Finally, the children assembled care packages of toiletries, each complete with a handmade card, for residents of Goodness Village in Livermore, CA. At the end of the event this diverse group of Orthodox Christians could say that at least for one day they had observed Lent faithfully: they prayed, they fasted, and they gave alms. May their efforts ascend as a well-pleasing aroma to the Lord!

---