Weekly Update - December 30, 2024

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PEACE AND GRACE

Happy Glorious Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ!

The Departure of David, the Prophet and King (January 2, 2025 / Kiahk 23, 1741)

 
 

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

1 Samuel 16:7

 
 

Happy New Year!

You crown the year with Your goodness, And Your paths drip with abundance. ~ Psalm 65:11 

SERVICES THIS WEEK

MONDAY:

  • Preparation for Baptism (Catechism) Class: 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. (online)

TUESDAY:

  • Vespers and Nativity Kiahk Praises: 8:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

  • Candlelight Divine Liturgy: 11:00 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. (January 1, 2025!) Happy New Year!

WEDNESDAY:

  • No Liturgy: Happy New Year!

SATURDAY:

  • Vespers Evening Raising of Incense Prayers: 7:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.

  • Nativity Kiahk Praises: 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

SUNDAY:

  • Divine Liturgy: 8:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m.

  • Agape Meal immediately after the liturgy

  • Beginning Hymn Lessons 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

  • Sunday School Classes: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

MONDAY: JANUARY 6, 2025

Feast of the Nativity Liturgy: 8:00 p.m.-Midnight 

 
 

Condolences:

We offer our deepest condolences to Anthony Fanous for the departure of his father, Alfy Morcos. May the Lord repose his souls in the paradise of joy and grant comfort to the family.

 
 

Used Clothing Drive!

Keeping in mind these colder evenings, we will be gathering some used (but usable) blankets, jackets, socks and other clothing that might be lonely and unused in the closet. A bin is located on the first floor next to the stairs until January. We will be distributing these to our brothers and sisters who have need of them on the streets this season. May God bless you all. (If the bin is full, kindly place your item on the floor next to the bin.)

 
 

Mark your calendars! Nativity Picnic January 19, 2025

We will have a picnic on Sunday, January 19, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. It will be at a park near church and more information will follow but mark your calendars! :)

 
 

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:

  1. Sign up to bring food (Please refrain from excessive sweets).

  2. Sign up for the coffee cart: set up and clean up the coffee cart on Sunday morning.

  3. 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!

 

Year-End Donations

As 2024 comes to a close, we take a moment to reflect on all the amazing things that were accomplished this year at St. Basil's church, with God’s grace and help. It has truly been wonderful to see our Lord’s hand in the growth of services in our church.   Thank you so much for all your contributions to the church in prayers, time, talents, and financially for the St. Basil community!   Your many contributions support the many services of St. Basil’s church and those in need (both inside and outside of our community).

If you were considering making a financial year-end gift, December 31st is the last day to make your 2024 tax-deductible donation.

For those of you that would like to make your 2024 tax-deductible contributions, all donations must be received by 11:59 pm, December 31, 2024, or a dated check prior to 12/31/2024 for deposit within the following seven days.

Wishing you and your families a blessed fast of the Nativity of our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ and a Happy New Year.

In Christ,
St. Basil American Coptic Orthodox Church

 

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 frmichael@stbasil.net.

 
 

DIOCESE EVENTS

Interested in participating in missionary trips abroad? Join one the many happening soon! Click here to find out more!

 
 

Social Media

 
 

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.