Weekly Update - Mar 1
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PEACE AND GRACE
Commemoration of the Departure of St. Hosea, the Prophet (Mar 5 / Amshir 26)
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“There are many who say,
’Who will show us any good?’
Lord, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us.
You have put gladness in my heart,
More than in the season that their grain and wine increased.
I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;
For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
Psalm 4:6-8
SERVICES THIS WEEK
Tuesday:
Vespers Prayer: 7:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (join Zoom here)
Wednesday:
Liturgy: 8:00 a.m. - 10:-00 a.m.
Vespers Prayer: 7:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (join Zoom here)
Online Hymn Lessons for our youth: 7:30 p.m. (join Zoom here)
Thursday:
Vespers Prayer: 7:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (join Zoom here)
Friday:
Vespers Prayer: 7:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (join Zoom here)
Sunday:
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. (join Zoom here)
Preparation for Baptism (Catechism) Class: 8:00 p.m. (online)
DURING LENT || SUNDAY SCHOOL LITURGIES
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 DURING LENT. 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 an in-person Sunday School lesson. Parents are welcome to stay or visit a nearby Starbucks!
Saturday March 13, 2021: First through Fifth Grade
Saturday March 20, 2021: Kindergarten and Preschool
Saturday March 27, 2021: High School and Junior High School
Please observe all COVID precautions (masks, distancing, sanitizers, etc.)
CONGRATULATIONS SANDERSON FAMILY!
Congratulations to the Sanderson Family (Jesse and Michaela and their two sons Dominic and Rafael) for their baptism!
“Blessed be God! Behold, there are stars here on earth too, and they shine forth more brilliantly than those of heaven! There are stars on earth because of Him who came from heaven and was seen on earth.” St John Chrysostom on the newly baptized
Also congratulations to Jesse and Michaela for joining in Holy Matrimony! God bless your journey together and give you every spiritual blessing!
+ Virtue gives birth to love, and love brings innumerable blessings! ~ St. John Chrysostom
CONGRATULATIONS GHARBAWY FAMILY!
Congratulations to Daniel and Jessica Gharbawy for the arrival of their daughter Rachel! God grant their family every joy, in Christ Jesus our Lord.
MAR 2 || ONLINE COPTIC HYMN LESSONS
Join us online Wednesday nights at 7:30 for Youth Coptic Hymn Lessons. Those in High School and younger will learn both seasonal and standard hymns and congregational responses that are sung during the Divine Liturgy. Click here to join.
MAR 8 || 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.
MAR 21 - APR 25 || PARENTING SERIES
COPTIC EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION
CHILDREN’S ART!
Would you like to showcase your child’s talent? Send a photo of the artwork to renisoloman@gmail.com to be included in the next newsletter!
PROFESSIONAL NETWORK
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.