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PEACE AND GRACE!
Commemoration of the Entrance of Saint Mary into the Temple at Jerusalem (December 13/ Kiahk 3)
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”
James 1:17
SERVICES & EVENTS THIS WEEK
Wednesday:
Morning Liturgy: 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.
FOCUS San Diego: 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Friday:
Nativity Speaker Series: 7:00 p.m.
Saturday:
Children’s Hymns Class: 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Vespers: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Preparation for Baptism (Catuchemen) Class: 6:30 p.m.
Sunday:
Divine Liturgy: 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m
High School and Jr. High Christmas Caroling: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
NATIVITY FAST
November 26th marked the beginning of the fast of the Nativity (the Advent) in our Coptic Church. Fasting is not just about changing ingredients; it should be a real spiritual discipline with goals. You are encouraged to take the discipline seriously and to consult with your spiritual father for an appropriate prescription for your fasting period, as well as what spiritual disciplines to partake of during this blessed time. For more information on how and why we fast before nativity, click here.
DECEMBER 13 || THE NATIVITY SERIES
We excitedly announce our second annual spiritual speaker series. This series of 5 talks examines different perspectives of the Incarnation of Christ and the importance in our lives. Join us on this spiritual journey continuing THIS Friday with Fr. Gregory Bishay at 7pm at St. Basil. Food will be served!
DECEMBER 14 || PREPARATION FOR BAPTISM (CATUCHEMEN) CLASSES
Come join us on Saturday nights at 6:30 PM (after the Vespers Prayers) for Baptism preparation classes. These classes are for those interested in becoming members of the Coptic Orthodox Church, for those recently baptized (within the last few years), or simply for anyone else seeking to better understand the basics of the Christian Faith. Together, we will review the importance of baptism and its impact, the Sacraments, the inspiring church history, the Orthodox Creed, the Holy Bible, Orthodox Prayer and Spiritual life, and Church traditions.
Reading material will be provided for those who wish to attend.
DECEMBER 15 || HIGH SCHOOL AND JR. HIGH CHRISTMAS CAROLING
Time to warm up those vocal cords for a trip to a Senior Center in Rancho Bernardo to sing Christmas carols! We will be serenading the residents from 2-3 pm. A Starbucks run may be in order before heading back to church! Note that the center can accommodate up to 40 of us so bring your family and friends! Please confirm your attendance, so we can arrange transportation. Feel free to reach out to any of the High School Servants with any questions.
NEW ACTS PROGRAMS
Friends of St. Athanasius and St. Cyril Coptic Orthodox Theological School,
As we approach the new year and the Feast of the Nativity, many are reflecting on the previous year and considering ways to live a more fruitful and God-centered life. If you have ever thought about deepening your spiritual knowledge, consider pursuing theological studies by earning a certificate or master’s program at ACTS.
We know how busy life can get, but I’d like to share how our newly restructured ACTS programs are more flexible than ever.
ACTS currently offers the following academic programs:
Certificate in Early Christian Studies
Certificate in Orthodox Scripture Master’s in Theological Studies (M.T.S.)
Master’s in Theology (Th.M.)
You can find the list of all spring semester courses here.
Why are these programs so great?
Courses may be completed FULLY ONLINE
Option to complete ONE COURSE per semester makes studies manageable
Rolling admissions means that you can APPLY ANY TIME and START ANY SEMESTER
Our Spring semester application deadline is December 20th and classes begin on January 13th. There is still plenty of time to complete your brief admissions application. Get started today by clicking APPLY NOW. For more information, please contact mtadros@actslibrary.org
I hope you prayerfully consider joining us this Spring semester.
Sincerely,
ACTS Administration
FAMILY HOME VISITS
Father Michael is offering home visits for anyone who is interested. Please reach out to him directly to schedule a visit.
Phone: 949-378-0350
Email: FrMichaelMaximous@gmail.com
HELP WITH AMAZON SMILE
If you are looking into other ways to support our church, the AmazonSmile Foundation offers an easy way to give while browsing the Amazon shop. It will donate 0.5% of the purchase price from your eligible AmazonSmile purchases, at no cost to you. To shop at AmazonSmile simply go to smile.amazon.com (you may want to add a bookmark to make it easier to return). You will see eligible products marked “Eligible for AmazonSmile donation” on the product detail pages. If you already own an Amazon account you can use the same account for AmazonSmile. On your first visit, please select “Saint Basil American Coptic Orthodox Church” as your charity of choice. Amazon will remember your selection, and then every eligible purchase you make will result in a donation for our church. Thank you so much for your love and support.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Please let us know if you have any upcoming important events for us to share with our fellow congregants. Special events are best shared among our family, and we encourage you to share your special news with us.
FOOD & CLEAN-UP
If you would like to help with food for our weekly Agape Meal please sign up through the links below. For questions please reach out to Erene at erenepasi@gmail.com
Thank you to all who have contributed and helped make the agape meal a special time for everyone. We need as many volunteers as possible to keep the church clean on Sundays after the Divine Liturgy. Please consider this important expression of stewardship.