Weekly Update - June 7
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PEACE AND GRACE
The Holy Feast of Ascension (June 10 / Paona 3)
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Lift up your heads, O you gates!
Lift up, you everlasting doors!
And the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory?
The LORD of hosts,
He is the King of glory.
Psalm 24:9 & Psalm 24:10
SERVICES THIS WEEK
Tuesday:
Vespers Prayer: 7:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (join Zoom here)
Wednesday:
NO WEDNESDAY LITURGY THIS WEEK. NEXT WEEK, WEDNESDAY LITURGIES WILL RESUME AT 6:00 AM
Vespers Prayer: 7:00 p.m. - 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: 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Monday:
Vespers Prayer: 7:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (join Zoom here)
Preparation for Baptism (Catechism) Class: 8:00 p.m. (online)
JUNE MESSAGE FROM FR. MICHAEL MAXIMOUS
Summer is here! As our angels finish up school, let’s remember to keep them busy this summer with healthy activities. Look for spiritually enriching and fun activities this summer from each of the Sunday school classes, especially as locations, such as parks, begin to open up!
With the goal of bringing the services of St. Basil’s to full throttle once more, please consider signing up for the many service opportunities. Yes, they are opportunities! Service is an opportunity to offer to God some of your time, energy, and talents to further our Lord’s work for the common salvation of everyone. Scripture is clear that this responsibility (and subsequent rewards) is for all who are eager and committed to doing so.
“Exhorting one another daily while it is called To-day." (Heb. 3:13)
“Edify one another, even as also you do." (1 Thess. 5:11.)
“Comfort one another with these words." (1 Thess. 4:18.)
"Bear you one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." (Gal. 6:2)
This is the way we will make the labor light for each other and much more successful and enjoyable, God willing. So “stretch out a hand”, as St. John Chrysostom says, “and becoming sharers and partakers, both in one another's salvation, and each one in his own.” The section below highlights many exciting opportunities to serve! Browse through them and see which one is right for you!
In other news:
After our recent online survey, 41% stated they would prefer a 6:00AM Wednesday Liturgy with 22% stating they were fine with either 6:00 or 8:00 AM. Only 16% preferred the 8:00 AM liturgy. Therefore, the Wednesday liturgies will now be at 6:00 AM starting on Wednesday, June 16th. There will be no liturgy on June 9th.
Also this month, we will be starting our men’s in-person meeting with an Orthodox Christian review of CS Lewis’ book, “Mere Christianity”. The book is an excellent read and not to mention, we will have a special guest speaker on the first day, and great food! See below for more information.
Also this month, there will be a women’s fellowship gathering as well, God willing, and more information will follow on this!
Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!
Fr. Michael Maximous
949-378-0350
MEN’S BOOK-STUDY MEETING
GET INVOLVED!
As we slowly re-open with activities, events and meetings at St. Basil’s, revitalizing the services will be a top priority! Did you know there are lots of services the church is in need of volunteers for? Our Lord Jesus Christ offers to us the best example for service offering Himself for our salvation. This often came in the face of weariness, hunger, and even extreme danger! When we serve, we share in the zeal of our Lord Jesus Christ who was wholly and entirely intent on the salvation of those who are called. We are also included in the continuity of service with all those who labored that came before us: the prophets, apostles, and church fathers and mothers and also share in their rewards! All Christians are called to serve in this apostolic ministry and to also share in the rewards!
And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. For in this the saying is true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors.” John 4:36 -38
Consider getting involved! Visit St. Basil’s Welcome Portal and click on “Register as a volunteer” to explore the many options and ways to serve. You can also submit other areas of service that you would like to commit to. God bless your efforts with every heavenly and earthly blessing!
IN-PERSON SUNDAY SCHOOL
Just a reminder, Sunday school is now in-person after the Liturgy on Sunday for all ages! Please try to bring your children and the whole family to attend!
PREPARATION FOR BAPTISM (CATECHISM) CLASSES
Join us on ONLINE on Monday nights at 8:00 PM for Baptism preparation classes. Visit www.stbasil.net/baptism for more information. 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.
COPTIC EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION
PROFESSIONAL NETWORK
As a reminder, the Professionals LinkedIn group is an easy way to connect and network with fellow members of our community.
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.