Weekly Update - Jul 5
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PEACE AND GRACE
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples, and said:
“Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you, And revile you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man’s sake. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, for in like manner their fathers did to the prophets.”
Luke 6:20-23
SERVICES THIS WEEK
Tuesday:
Vespers Prayer: 7:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (join Zoom here)
Men’s Meeting: 7:00 p.m. (Click here for more information)
Wednesday:
Liturgy: 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. (1st & 2nd Wednesday) / 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. (3rd, 4th, 5th Wednesday)
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:
Women’s Fellowship Night: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. (details below)
Vespers Prayer: 7:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (join Zoom here)
Youth Hymn Online Meeting: 7:00 p.m. (Contact Mariam G. for the zoom link: (562) 456-6067)
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)
JULY MESSAGE FROM FR. MICHAEL MAXIMOUS
Just yesterday, Americans gathered to celebrate Independence Day and this 4th of July marks the 245th birthday of the USA. It is a celebration of democracy, freedom from tyranny, the high standards of governance and this amazing country we live in. In the Declaration of Independence, it says:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
It is amazing how one sentence can be saturated with such meaning and depth. But this sentence can also mean different things to different people. What is true life, liberty and happiness? Did the authors mean that these rights should be obvious to everyone by saying that they are “self-evident”? In what way are all peoples equal? And what is meant by the mentioning of the “Creator”? I will leave you to ponder the meaning of these words from a Christian perspective!
Along with celebrating the birthday of America, we also commemorate the birthday of the Church (approximately 1,988 years ago) with the Fast of the Apostles which ends on July 12th (liturgy at 8:00 am). In the lives of the apostles, we see the work of the Holy Spirit and a demonstration of the reality of Resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a reminder that we too strive to lead a life that allows the Holy Spirit to work in our lives and those around us, to ultimately point to, and as a proof of, the Resurrection of our Lord.
Also this month,
We will be continuing the Men’s Meeting with an orthodox Christian review of CS Lewis’ book, “Mere Christianity”. The discussions thus far have been very interesting and lively so see below for more information!
On July 9th, we will be having a Women’s Fellowship night where there will be pot-luck food, fellowship, and a spiritual talk. Those attending will also make their own prayer rope to take home! Be sure to RSVP (more information below).
The Sunday School servants will also be reaching out with summer activities for each class.
God Bless!
Fr. Michael Maximous
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MANSON AND NOUR FAMILIES FOR THE BAPTISM OF THEIR DAUGHTERS!
Congratulations to Peter and Jenny for the baptism of their daughter Chloe “Mary” Nour on Saturday, July 3, 2021! Also congratulations to Lon and Marian for the baptism of their daughter Zazie “Macrina” Manson on the same day! God bless their lives with the work of the Holy Spirit and continuous newness of life in Jesus Christ.
WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP NIGHT!
Join us on Friday, July 9th at 6:00 PM for a wonderful night of fun, fellowship and spirituality! There will also be a craft with something precious you can take home! Please RSVP by clicking here.
MEN’S BOOK-STUDY MEETING
Dinner starts at 7:00 p.m. and book review meeting will start at 7:30/7:45 p.m. Click here to find out more information:
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
LEARN BASIC BIBLICAL HEBREW AT ST. BASIL’S!
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.