Weekly Update - Nov 9

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PEACE AND GRACE

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Commemoration of the Saint Cleopas the Apostle and His Companion (Nov 10/ Hator 1)

 
 

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.”

Mark 11:25

 
 

SERVICES THIS WEEK

Tuesday:

Vespers Prayer: 7:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (online)

Wednesday: 

Vespers Prayer: 7:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (online)

Thursday:

Vespers Prayer: 7:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (online)

Friday:

Vespers Prayer: 7:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (online)

Saturday:

Elementary School Liturgy: 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Elementary School Study: 12:15 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Sunday: 

Indoor Divine Liturgy: 8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. (registration required)

Sunday School: 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. (online)

Monday:

Vespers Prayer: 7:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (online)

Preparation for Baptism (Catechism) Class: 8:00 p.m. (online)

 
 

NOV 14 || SUNDAY SCHOOL LITURGY

As long as God continues to allow us to have the privilege of praying in the Church, we will be starting additional liturgies on Saturdays specifically for the Sunday School classes and their families and servants.  These are separate from the registrations we have for Sunday Liturgies which will continue as usual for the time being. Following the Liturgy, there will be some minimal-contact refreshments followed by the Sunday School lesson. Parents are welcome to stay or visit a nearby Starbucks!

Starting in November:

  • 1st Saturday of each month: High School and Junior High School. 

    • This first Saturday in November will also be used to assemble the Care Kits (see below)

  • 2nd Saturday of each month: First through Fifth Grade

  • 3rd Saturday of each month: Kindergarten and Preschool

Please observe all COVID precautions (masks, distancing, sanitizers, etc.)

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NOV 16 || PREPARATION FOR BAPTISM (CATECHISM) CLASSES

Join us on ONLINE on Monday nights at 8:00 PM for Baptism preparation classes. These classes are open for: 

  • Anyone interested in becoming members of the Coptic Orthodox Church, 

  • Those recently baptized (within the last few years), or 

  • Simply anyone else seeking to better understand the basics of the Christian Faith and History. 

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.  To register for this class, please contact Fr. Michael at 949-378-0350 or FrMichaelMaximous@gmail.com .

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REMINDER ABOUT LITURGY REGISTRATIONS

A reminder to only register once for a liturgy for each cycle so as to make sure everyone has a chance to take communion during each of the three-week cycles.  If you wish to attend more than one liturgy during each cycle, there are a few ways you can do so:

  • Sign up on the waiting list.  If there are cancellations, we will release tickets as seats become available.  Preference will be given to those who have not signed up for a liturgy during the current cycle.

  • Check availability after 7:00 PM Saturday nights.  If there is an opening, even if you have signed up for other liturgies during that cycle, please sign up again.

  • Attend weekday liturgies as they occur for feasts and as they are announced.  Attendance at these liturgies is expected to be well below our maximum COVID19 occupancy guidelines.

  • Thank you all for your patience and cooperation and we look forward to the day, through your prayers with the grace of Jesus Christ, that these restrictions will no longer be necessary.

 
 

PROFESSIONAL MENTORS NEEDED

We are pleased to share the news that three professionals have stepped up to serve as mentors to college students and early professionals. We continue to seek others. For more information, please contact Sam Soloman at sam@samsoloman.com

As a reminder, the Professionals LinkedIn group is an easy way to connect and network with fellow members of our community.

 
 

COVID-19 HARDSHIP

If you or anyone you know is suffering from hardships related to this virus, or any distress at all, please contact Fr. Michael at 949-378-0350 or FrMichaelMaximous@gmail.com.

Additionally, the servants of St. Basil have put together a list of spiritual, financial, educational, and employment resources that you may find helpful during the COVID-19. We hope that it is helpful. You can download the PDF here.

 
 

ST. BASIL WELCOME PORTAL

Do you know about our Welcome Portal? You can use it to register as a member, update existing contact information, volunteer for a church service, make a donation, contact Father Michael, or provide private comments/questions/suggestions. Try it out:

 
 

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