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PEACE AND GRACE
The Martyrdom of St. Andrew the Apostle (December 11, 2023 / Kiahk 4, 1740)
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons:
“My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord,
Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;
For whom the Lord loves He chastens,
And scourges every son whom He receives.”Hebrews 12:5-9
SERVICES THIS WEEK
Monday:
Preparation for Baptism Class: 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. (Zoom Meeting)
Tuesday:
Midnight Praise: 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday:
Divine Liturgy: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
College Women’s Book Club: 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Thursday:
College Coptic Club Meeting: 7:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m. (Archdeacon Mark Solomon)
Friday:
Bible Study: 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. (Nativity Series - Sermon on the Mount - See Below)
Saturday:
Saturday Youth Camp:
Elementary School Bible Study & Activities: 5:00 pm - 7:00 p.m.
Vespers Raising of Incense: 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Kiahk (Nativity) Praises 8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Sunday:
Divine Liturgy: 8:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m.
Agape Meal immediately after the liturgy
Beginner & Intermediate Hymn Classes: 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Sunday School Classes: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
St. Basil’s Bible Study: Nativity Series Friday Nights (7-8:30pm)
During the Nativity Fast, we will explore the greatest sermon ever given: The Sermon on the Mount (Mattew 5-7). There will be guest speakers to please come in person!
Educational Liturgy and Care Package Assembly
Some of the Youth had a wonderful and beneficial experience on Saturday with an Educational Liturgy and preparing care packages for the homeless. The care packages are in a box downstairs. Be sure to pick up a few and hand out as you see the need!
Visit by Santa!
Santa Clause gave us a visit on Sunday and we had some wonderful photos which turned out great! If you would like a high-definition digital copy of yours, please let Mariana know at mmaximous1@gmail.com.
Story from Fr. Michael that happened that day: “I walked up to santa and said, ‘Hello Bishop Nicholas!’, and the santa replied, “hello Bishop Nicolas, I’m Jack!”. I then refered him to the story of the real St. Nicholas which was hanging on the wall next to him!”:)
January 14, 2024 - Annual St. Basil Formal Banquet & Silent Auction
20% EARLY-BIRD DISCOUNT for Adult tickets through December 8th!
Mark your calendars for 2:00PM - 6:00 PM , on January 14th for St. Basil’s annual banquet in celebration of St. Basil’s annual commemoration for a wonderful night with family and friends! Tickets are available at St. Basil’s Store by clicking here!
This will be a formal dinner with presentations on the past accomplishments of our church and goals for the future. There will also be fundraising events such as a silent auction and raffle giveaways and other presentations! Contact Silvia Guirguis for more information at (858) 248-0708.
Consider donating items for the silent auction, such as:
Gift Baskets: either prepare them or sponsor the preparation of a basket!
Service Vouchers: tutoring, limousine rides, boat rides, fishing, babysitting, etc.
Entertainment tickets: sports events, movies, etc.
Black Friday items: iPads, computers, etc.
Got an old car you are thinking of selling? Why not have it be a highlight of the auction?
Keep your receipts because all donations used for the auction are tax deductible! More info to follow!
Also, do you have a talent? Share it with everybody as part of the variety show during St. Basil’s Annual banquet! Submit your 2-minute video audition by December 10th, for a chance to be selected to perform (Share your video with Mariam Habib mariam.k.habib@gmail.com) for consideration!!!
Dec. 21| St. Basil’s Women’s Christmas Fellowship Night!
Mark the date! December 21, 2023 at St Basil’s Church! There will be food, fellowship, and a spiritual talk! Also, the very popular secret Santa activity will return this year too! More information to follow on the time and what to bring!
AGAPE MEAL AFTER THE LITURGY!
Hello St. Basil’s family! We’re happy to continue our weekly Agape meal, but we can’t do it without your help!
You can help in the following ways:
Sign up to bring food (Please refrain from excessive sweets).
Sign up for the coffee cart: set up and clean up the coffee cart on Sunday morning.
Hall clean up following the Agape meal.
Please CLICK HERE to sign up.
We also need help with coffee so please sign up!
God bless your efforts!
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.
DIOCESE EVENTS
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 and visit our Welcome Portal.
FAMILY HOME VISITS
Father Michael is offering home visits for anyone who is interested. It’s a wonderful practice to have a priest visit your home at least once a year. Please reach out to him directly to schedule a visit!
Phone: 949-378-0350
Email: FrMichael@stbasil.net
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.