Weekly Update - Sep 28
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PEACE AND GRACE
Commemoration of the Martyrdom of St. Thecla (Oct 2 / Tout 23)
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
”For the message of the Cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God”
1 Cor. 1:18
SERVICES THIS WEEK
Tuesday (Feast of the Holy Cross):
Vespers Prayer: 7:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (online)
Book Club: 8:00 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)
Sunday:
Indoor Divine Liturgy: 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. (registration required)
Sunday School: 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. (online)
Monday:
Preparation for Baptism (Catechism) Class: 6:30 p.m. (online)
Vespers Prayer: 7:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (online)
BLESSED FEAST OF THE CROSS
On the 17th Tout in the year 326AD we remember for three days the discovery of the cross by Queen Helen. At the center of our Christian life is the sacrifice of the Cross when God the Father offered his only Son for the salvation and redemption of mankind. As such the true meaning of the Cross is sacrificial love, from here comes its true power in the life of the believer. May the blessings of the Holy Feast of the Cross be with us.
SEP 29 || BOOK CLUB
Join us as we continue our review of “Preserve Them, O Lord.” This marriage enrichment book includes many practical guidelines for Orthodox Christian couples to develop marital unity and enrichment. This is beneficial for all who are currently married, as well as those who intend to marry.
Click here for the textbook!
Click Here to join the Zoom meetings at 8:00 PM Tuesday nights!
OCT 5 || PREPARATION FOR BAPTISM (CATECHISM) CLASSES
Join us on ONLINE on Monday nights at 6:30 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 .
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 seeking professional mentors to help rising professionals as well as those in career transition. Your savvy, insights, and advice can go a long way to help someone navigating their career path.
We are also happy to announce that more than 35 community members have joined the group so far. Please consider joining and encouraging others to do so. https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13891157/
For more info about the network, mentoring, or career coaching, please contact Sam Soloman at sam@samsoloman.com.
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
During these unique circumstances, Fr. Michael will be visiting families at home virtually through Zoom! Please reach out to Fr. Michael directly to schedule an e-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.