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.

Aleksandar, Isabela, and Zivana Labovic, children of Susan and Dragan Labovic, were honored to serve as Kumovi for this year's St. Sava Day celebration. With all the distractions of school sports and weekend activities, the Labovic family has consistently chosen to attend Divine Liturgy and Church School instead. Young Kum Aleksandar spoke of the significance of St. Sava always watching over his family. Just this past Friday, his father, Dragan, was involved in a serious auto accident and miraculously suffered only a black eye. Sixteen years ago, his uncle and cousin were also involved in a serous auto accident on St. Sava Day and survived! Baba always reminded them that St. Sava has protected the Labovic family and his memory should be celebrated as we did Sunday.

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.

SAVE THE DATE: SUNDAY, JANUARY 27

Badnje Vece was a long night for Santa Claus. He listened to detailed toy requests from good children who assured him of their best behavior. Santa's many elves offered their assistance to move the line along and gave out candy canes and gift bags, Thanks, Santa!

Please click thumbnails to enlarge.

Three Illinois Circles of Serbian Sisters hosted an outstanding afternoon of food and entertainment to benefit Lifeline Humanitarian Organization's Chicago Office. As guests arrived, they were treated to a musical performance by "Veselo Selo" Youth Tamburitza Orchestra. Dozens of lavish themed gift baskets were displayed for a lively, competitive auction. Baskets were donated by various businesses, individuals, church organizations, and Kolos. Volunteers served up a great meal that included homemade sarmas and baked chicken. A "Sweet Treat Walk" offered guests a chance to select and pack their own dessert items to enjoy now and later.

The serious and urgent needs of children in Serbian orphanages  were discussed as Kathy Fanslow and Melanie Sever presented videos that also highlighted accomplishments achieved to date. There is much to be done for these innocent children with special needs. Lifeline is working through area churches and Kolo organizations and is eternally grateful for the support received through the years. Special Thanks to the three Illinois Serbian Sisters Circles - St. George, Joliet, St. Archangel Michael, Lansing, and Knjeginja Zorka, Lansing for their hard work and all the guests for their generosity.

Please watch the short videos below and understand the urgency for helping these children of Serbia. Share the videos with friends and family so that they might also help. Donations may be made directly to Lifeline on their website (link at top of page).

Please click on the photos below to enlarge:

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

Please bring all children to the lower level classrooms this Sunday by 10:00 a.m. for the annual Easter Egg Hunt. If it rains, the event will be held indoors. All children are welcome to participate, even non-members, so please join the fun!

Musical highlights from this year's St. Sava Day program are presented in the videos below. Under the direction of Joanne Samardzija, the students worked hard to learn several new songs. Thank you to Fr. Marko, parents, and teachers for all their help, and to Deena Galich, whose handmade props have become a part of every St. Sava Day program. Along with the many poems recited in Serbian and English, Olga Micic gave a wonderful rendition of "Rastko". Teens Rebekah Gerbick, Sasa Labovic, and Chris and Alexis Orlich read "Life of St. Sava". Maya Radjenovich, Savka Popovic, and Rachel Gerbick sang "Vesela Je Srbadija" - what beautiful young voices! There were many proud parents, grandparents, Kumovi, and friends in the audience to cheer them on.

St. Sava's Sunday School students presented a fabulous program celebrating the Patron Saint of all Serbian children. The program included several musical numbers as well as individual poems recited in Serbian and English. Program video coming soon - check back in a couple days!

Fr. Marko blessed the Slava Kolach with the Sunday School children on Sunday, January 29 following Divine Liturgy. Each year we celebrate the Patron Saint of all Serbian children, St. Sava, and we are treated to a wonderful program of music and poetry.

Our St. Sava Sunday school children presented a wonderful Christmas Nativity pageant after Great Vespers on Christmas Eve. A procession of angels lead the way to Bethlehem followed by shepherds. The bright star guided three Kings as they presented gifts to the Christ Child. Christmas hymns were sung by Karageorge choir. Thank you to Sunday school teachers, parents, and Joanne Samardzija for all your hard work.

There were many GOOD boys and girls who sat with Santa Friday evening in the south wing after the blessing and burning of the badnjak. Extraordinarily mild 40+ degree temperatures allowed for a huge crowd and a comfortable service outdoors. (Click the thumbnail photo to enlarge).

St. Sava Church parishioners celebrated 97 glorious years on Sunday, November13 at St. Elijah's Hall, where we were treated to a fantastic meal. Srbadija Folklore dancers proudly  performed lively traditional Serbian dances. Alex Djordjevic recited the long, difficult poem "Ratsko" enhanced by the vocals of singers Maja Radjenovich, Rachel Gerbick, and Savka Popovich, accompanied and instructed by Joanne Samardzija. Several children recited poetry and read short historical stories presented in both Serbian and English languages, reassuring us of a future generation of church leaders. This extended program was a surprise to many of us, and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Many Thanks to the children and parents who encourage them!

Keynote speaker Ljubisa Milicich gave an entertaining reflection of growing up among us in the Gary church, also reminding us of the reason we need to re-connect with the homeland. Executive Board president Dennis Svilar presented Ljubisa with a commemorate plaque to mark the occasion.

Children of all ages enjoyed this year's Serb Fest, where they can run around and enjoy the inflatable slides and amusements in a safe, friendly environment. This year's "Tamburitza Spectacular" Exhibit was a big hit with children who enjoyed playing various string instruments. Perhaps this would be a good time to start a new youth tamburitza group like the ones at St. Sava in the 1960's and 1970's?

Srbadija Folklore Groups - Pee Wee, Junior, and Senior - performed for the crowd at Serb Fest on Saturday, August 6th. Some of these children even worked the food line, kitchen, and Sunday School tent during the weekend. We applaud them for dressing and performing in full costume in 90 degree heat. Still don't know where they get their energy! Their instructor is Nenad Nikolic. Thanks to all the groups for sharing an important part of our Serbian Culture with the northwest Indiana community.

At the end of the night, there were lots of clean kids. What's a thunderstorm among Serbs? Not enough to ruin their fun, obviously. Srbadija Folklore Group hosted their first ever "Luda Zurka" Foam Dance Party to mark the end of the Sunday School and Folklore event year. DJ Spaz entertained the teens outdoors while  Danny Danilovich played for the adults indoors. Grillers served up hundreds of cevaps, and everyone had a great night of fun. Just ask Lazo!

Get your own cool Luda Zurka t-shirt. Contact Borka Grimsgard. Proceeds benefit Srbadija Folklore Dance group. Adult and children's sizes are $8 each, 2 for $15.

Well, the weather was certainly "luda" that night on May 28th. Thunderstorms were threatening to ruin this party, but you can't stop Serbs from having a great time in spite of the weather. Sunday School and Folklore kids, teens, college students, Moms and Dads, all turned out for cevaps, music, and dancing. Srbadija Folklore sponsored this fun event to celebrate the end of the school year and dance season. The foam pit was the highlight for children of all ages, where they played in a deep pool of continuous bubbles. DJ Spaz entertained the dancers as bubble clouds blew by.

Contact Borka Grimsgard to purchase a cool Luda Zurka T-shirt. Little Vaso wore his!

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.

"Springtime In The Park" was the perfect theme for an afternoon of fashion, food, and fun at the recent event co-hosted by St. Sava and St. Elijah Kolo Sisters. What a pleasure it was to see so many young, beautiful Serbian children and teens model current fashion trends available for purchase at Piper Children's Boutique in Valparaiso and THE BUCKLE in Westfield Southlake Mall. Kolo Sisters attended from St. Louis, South Bend, Milwaukee, and many other midwest parishes. Enjoy the videos and be sure to post them on your facebook pages. Click on the video outside the arrow, and it will take you directly to YouTube, where you can get the video link, or click on the blog title, go to the top of the page and copy the new URL and post the entire story with the videos.

Many Thanks to all the volunteers who worked for weeks planning and organizing this successful event. The combined Kolo Sisters from St. Sava and St. Elijah donated and solicited Silent Auction Items and Door Prizes, sold tickets, served tables, made horsd'oeuvres and baked cookies. Simo Glumac, Arfin Grimsgard, Steve Baroevich, and Nick Knezich served cocktails. Kathy Friedlander made aprons in spring colors for all the servers. Sladjan prepared a fabulous Lenten dinner. Melanie Sever coordinated the style show, and Borka Grimsgard was the commentator. Thanks also to the numerous vendors who tempted us all with their merchandise and services.

Special Thanks to Nancy Van Santen, owner of Piper Children's Boutique in Valparaiso  and Vido Ivanovic, assistant manager of THE BUCKLE in the Mall for their patience and assistance throughout the planning and day of the show.

All proceeds will benefit Humanitarian Organization Divac, and your child will have a rare opportunity to learn from the Pro's. Vlade Divac will be present every day, and skilled coaches will focus on developing fundamental skills (for children age 8 to 17 years).

To Register, call (312) 554-5660 or visit www.divac.com/camp

Thank you to all the hard working ladies of the Serbian Sisters Circles from St. Elijah and St. Sava, who jointly hosted this year's camp kick-off fund raiser luncheon. The event was a huge success and very well attended. This video is a reminder of all the fun and wonderful memories that our children take away from attending camp at Gracanica and St. Elijah's day camp, thanks to our Kolo ladies and very dedicated volunteers. Check back in about a week for the style show video.

St. Sava and St. Elijah's Kolo Sisters will together host a Luncheon to raise funds for this year's summer camp season. This relaxing afternoon event will feature a delicious meal, children's style show, cocktails, silent auction, door prizes, and even a Martini Bar! Bring a friend or the entire family. Doors open at 11:30. Details below:

PRICES: Adults $20 - Children 12 & Under $5 - Teens 13 to 18 $10

Thanks to Lifeline Humanitarian Organization's efforts to inform us of the urgent and immediate needs of countless Serbian orphan children, there has been an aggressive campaign to gather necessary items to send to Serbia. St. Sava's choir, folklore group, Kolo, and Sunday school participated in crafting homemade twin-sized fleece blankets for the children to cozy up. What a wonderful way to show that someone far away cares about them. Beanie Babies, games, and new clothing will also be tucked into the blanket packs for an extra surprise! If you would like to help with Lifeline's continuing efforts, contact Melanie Sever or visit Lifeline's website for information or to DONATE.

Thanks to the following individuals who spent many Saturdays making blankets. Fabric was donated by Kolo - Serbian Sisters Circle, Srbadija Folklore Groups, S.S.S. Karageorge Choir, and St. Sava Sunday School. Special Thanks to Violette Kristoff, who  also made many personal sized blankets and donated fabric.

Smilja Andric, The Baroevich's - Helen, Kathy, Marie, Lauren, & Caitlyn,   Goran Bilbija, Ruth Ann Bjelopetrovich, The Gerbicks - David, Gordana, Sarah, Rachel, & Beki,   Zorka Glumac, Borka & Sofia Grimsgard, Desa Halstead, Sarah Jackovich, Lela Jensen, Millie Kokotovich, Sonja Mancich, Dusan Matic, Radmila Milivojevic, Millie Moncilovich, Snezana, Marija, & Sasha Novakovich, The Orlich's - Vonnie, Millicent (Mimi), Nada, & Danilo,   Dara Perry, Beba (Milena) Rudman, Violet Sekulich, Stana Sesto, Dawn Sisk, Florence Stefanovich, Dragica Trikich, Richard & Polly Vrtikapa, and many more.

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.

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.

Kids of all ages enjoyed the train,the  inflatables, the slide, and games at this year's Serb Fest. A few grandpas also enjoyed themselves as you will see.

St. Sava Church members George and Millie Moncilovich, parents of Navy Commander Milan Moncilovich, have much to be proud of. The following article is from the Delaware County (Pennsylvania) Times.

NAVY RESERVIST RETURNS FROM HAITI WITH STORIES OF HEALING

For U.S. Navy Cmdr. Milan Moncilovich, the most harrowing part of his trip to Haiti was not the wreckage left by the Jan. 12 earthquake but the plight of the thousands that live there and the uncertainty of their future.

“What I saw made me take back … not so much the devastation of the earthquake,” Moncilovich said. “The thing that immediately hit me was the extreme poverty of the people in Haiti. I’ve never seen that kind of poverty before. The earthquake did nothing to help that.”

The Drexel Hill reservist and pharmacist boarded a C-130 in Jacksonville, Fla., Feb. 16 and arrived in Port-au-Prince under the cover of darkness. He then boarded a bus that weaved its way through the downtown area to a dock, where boats waited to take the new arrivals to the USNS Comfort (T-AH-20), a vast hospital ship two miles offshore.

Looking out the bus window, Moncilovich saw towns comprised of hundreds of 8-by-8-foot corrugated tin boxes.

“It would literally be a house or dwelling,” he said. “That was where a family lived. You could see the rust and the wear and the tear. It was just rows and rows behind rows.”

Then, there was the rubble.

“Everything was pretty much in ruins,” Moncilovich said. “The buildings didn’t have any metal infrastructure. It was cinder block and cement. That’s why so many buildings came down.”

Once Moncilovich boarded the Comfort, he adjusted to his role as department head for pharmacy services and the 12-to-16-hour days ahead.

Seahawk helicopters would transport patients to the ship on a nonstop basis, where crew members awaited their arrival with gurneys. Moncilovich said there were eight or nine days where a patient was arriving every six minutes.

“At one point, we had over 490 patients aboard ship,” he added. “The number of surgeries we did was over 900 throughout the mission.”

He said pain management and orthopedic concerns were the biggest issues.

Moncilovich said the Comfort brought $5 million worth of orthopedic hardware, such as internal plates and screws. “We used every bit of it,” he said.

In addition, he said the reservists prepared and dispensed more than 70,000 doses of medication during the 60 days the Comfort was docked offshore.

Every other day, Moncilovich would go ashore with two armed guards and an interpreter.

There, he would take medications to the hospitals, even the Haitian University Hospital, which was operating in the streets and alleys as the main structure was condemned.

That was one of the most difficult parts of the mission — providing the care and then not knowing what the follow-up care would be like, Moncilovich said.

“We just had top-level care on the ship,” he said. “The challenge was … we needed to place them somewhere where they could continue that care.”

He said he felt sympathy for all of the victims, but especially the children.

“There were a lot of children for whom we couldn’t find parents,” Moncilovich said. And, he added, there were the injuries ranging from broken bones to amputations.

Ronnie, the Comfort’s last patient, reminded him of the other children he had met on land.

“When we got him, his entire one side of his face was completely infected,” Moncilovich said, adding that the 10-year-old’s cheek had shattered.

Flies had gotten into the wound and laid eggs, leaving the surgeons to pull the larvae worms out of the boy’s cheek, he said.

“We got it under control,” Moncilovich said.

On Ronnie’s last day, he made certain the boy was well equipped with needed medications, an act that the boy reciprocated with a smile.

Moncilovich returned to Delaware County Monday and to his job as a corporate manager at Universal Health Services in King of Prussia Wednesday.

However, he’s headed to Nicaragua in May for a three-week humanitarian mission.

“After seeing what I saw on this mission, I don’t think I’m going to see anything that will surprise or startle me,” Moncilovich said. “This was almost life-changing with the amount of poverty and the daily struggle just to survive.”

(Click photos to enlarge)

Mark your calendar! You won't want to miss this exciting event. Join us Saturday, April 24 for Srbadija's Spring Spectacular Folklore Festival at St. Elijah's Hall at 8700 Taft Street in Merrillville.  The Concert starts at 6 pm, ending at midnight. Live music will be provided by "Sumadija" for dancing after the program. Food and drinks are available, so bring the entire family. Nenad Nikolic is the new Instructor  for Srbadija dancers, and you'll be quite impressed with the results! Several guest dance groups will perform. Enjoy the slide show from their recent performance at St. Archangel Michael Church in Lansing. Congratulations to Daniella Hojnacki on her final performance before she leaves to attend Indiana University. We'll truly miss her!

Photos provided by Finn and Borka Grimsgard.

Dressed in their Sunday best, three and four generations of families attended Divine Liturgy on Easter. Beba Rudman and Zoran Andrich passed out colorful Easter eggs that were donated by Kolo Sisters.

Look who was busy in an Easter egg challenge in Florida? Our very own Father John and Protinica Mirijana were happy to compete. You may also recognize the Nogulich's, Mihajlovich's, and Peter Puhar! Florida  photos provided by Jelena Mulin.

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.

Vinko Claus heard many requests for new toys and dolls, and assurances of good behavior. After a short visit with Santa, all children received treat bags filled with goodies. This is just a sampling of photos taken. Contact Simo Glumac for a professional copy from the complete selection of Christmas Eve pictures with Santa.

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.

Mike Bjelopetrovich meets with students every Sunday for Serbian School Classes. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn our language. Adult classes meet from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Children's classes (ages 4-14) meet from Noon to 12:45 p.m. after church.

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.

"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!

All the children were dressed in their Easter finery as they received brightly colored eggs from "Beba" Milena Rudman, Dennis, and Lynn Svilar. Thank you to everyone who brought dozens of colored eggs to pass out. Enjoy the photos and be sure to click on the small thumbnail photos to renlarge, and once again on Photobucket for an even larger image.

"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.

In 1970, Father Peter was transferred to a smaller parish due to his injuries. Before he left for Oakland, the school children of St. Sava Church each wrote letters and poems wishing him well, a safe trip, and begging him to come back to visit. All letters and drawings were carefully arranged into a scrapbook by Pat Annomani, Father Tom Kazich's sister. This wonderful scrapbook traveled with Father Peter to Oakland (California), Lebannon (Pennsylvania), and all the way to Australia. He added newspaper clippings, programs, and menus to the collection. Thirty-eight years later, the scrapbook  has returned to the children of St. Sava, some of whom have children of their own.  You can see the scrapbook as part of the memorial exhibit in the south wing on both Sunday October 12th and 19th. The following is a list of names of  children who wrote letters:

MARSHA & GEORGE & MICHAEL SKRIVAN                  ROSIE GALICH
PETER MULIN                                                                  CATHY SUITCA
LISA, KATHY, NANCY VRTIKAPA                                    JIMMY BONICH
ERIC, CHRIS, IRENE, & STEPHEN YELICH                   MILE KOVAC
SUSAN DEVYAK                                         NANCY & NADINE ROKNICH
MIKE & VELJKO RASTOVIC                                               ANN MICIC
CHESTER, DAVID, & BARBARA ELLICH                  DRAGAN MILANOVIC
JO ANNE & KATHY JO MILANOVICH                        KATIE MILOSEVIC
MARY, CHARLIE, & ANGIE TESOVIC                       NADA VASILJEVICH
JO ANNE & MILAN MILIVOJEVIC                                 TOMMY KUNAC
NICK & LISA GURGEVICH                                 MILKA MILISAVLJEVICH
SUZY MANOSKI                                     RADMILA & DUSANKA DUVNJAK
DEBRA KOPACH                                                              MARIA DJURIC
BILLY & DANNY ILICH                                                  DONNA SEKULICH
MICHAEL POPYK                                            NICKY JOE & DAN SEVER
DEBORAH VRABEL
DARA GALICH
DANNY & JOE ORLICH
LJUBISA MILICIC
LAUREN, JOANN, & SUSAN ERCEG
ERCEG FAMILY
MIKE TUFEGDIC
PEGGY SKORICH
STEPHANIE BARICH
DAN BURSAC
BETSY, CINDY, TAMMY, & ZORINE KIRBY
ANDY MILISAVLJEVICH
NADINE, DONNA, & MILLIE MAJSTOROVICH
STEVE BAROEVICH
KIM COX
DEENA GALICH
JOHN NICKOVICH
JUDY & APRIL KARAN
EMILY ERAKOVICH
PATTY POBST
DANNY ANNOMANI
IVAN JANCARICH
NADA SEVER

St. Sava's new Learning Center is hosting an Enrichment Program for Pre-Schoolers, an extension of our Sunday School. The facility has bright new classrooms and a kitchenette, and is supervised by Lela Damnjanovich, experienced in early childhood education. Also volunteering their talents are Darlene Sever and Ljubica Popovich. Parents, grandparents, or caretakers are encouraged to participate in this classroom setting. Classes are well organized and include music, story time, arts & crafts, and indoor & outdoor activities. Children are encouraged to participate, share, and socialize, and they'll learn something too. It's never too late to join these 10 week sessions: Friday morning classes from 9:30 am to 11:30 am. More classes will be added in the future as the need grows.  For additional information call (219) 736-9191 or email lpopovic3@sbcglobal.net. (Click photo to enlarge)

RIGHT START ENRICHMENT PROGRAM

Dear Parents (and Grandparents),

This fall, St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church is offering a unique opportunity to its members and community parents through its Right Start Enrichment Program. While a structured school year is filled with course studies and formal learning, the Right Start Enrichment Program is geared toward discovering individual learning pursuits of your toddler and pre-schooler through fun and innovative classes.

Some of the classes offered this Fall include arts and crafts, reading and music, languages and sports. These classes allow kids to spend substantial time having fun, making new friends and exploring their interests. They also allow moms, dads (or grandparents and babysitters) to have a little time to themselves, knowing that their children are in a fun and safe environment.

Our primary objective is to offer innovative programs with a variety of topics that both interest and challenge students, while creating a fun and friendly environment that fosters a love of learning. Classes will begin September 15 and run through November 21, 2008. Class size will be limited, allowing each student to receive individual attention from our dedicated staff. We aim for each student to have a memorable and rewarding experience.

Enrollment for the classes begins August 10. Registration forms will be available at the church office or online. Classes are offered at reasonable rates, allowing parents to sign their children up for more than one activity.

We strive to offer the most interesting and popular classes to students and parents. If you have ideas for future classes, feel free to contact us and tell us at Enrichmentprograms@yahoo.com. We are in the process of developing a St. Sava webpage where you can access class information, registration and class updates. Hopefully, it will be up and running by the end of July. In the meantime, we will keep you informed with periodic updates via mail. Registration forms will be available in the church office August 1, 2008.

Attached is a preliminary list of classes and times they are being offered. Take a look at them and write to us with any suggestions that you have. We look forward to seeing you in the Fall!!

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)