Picture this!
Picture this:
You’ve spent the day out in the middle of nowhere, listening to a preacher give amazing sermons. Sure, it’s been great, but it’s been a long day.
You’re tired. You’re hungry. And the sun is going down.
This is exactly what happens in this Sunday’s Gospel reading. The disciples saw this and wanted to send everyone home. Yet Jesus had compassion on the crowds, and asked the disciples to feed them.
You know the rest of the story. The disciples scrounged up five loaves and two fish; nowhere near enough food to feed the 5,000 men present. (A massive number that doesn’t even include the women and children in the crowd.)
What could anyone do in a situation like that?
Jesus didn’t panic. Instead…
Taking the five loaves and the two fish He looked up to heaven, and blessed, and broke and gave the loaves to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied. (Matthew 14:19-20)
The Lord wanted to feed the hungry. And He did so in a surprising way.
Because if you look at the verse above closely, you’ll recognize something: that language about “looking up to heaven” and “blessing and breaking the bread” sounds a lot like the Liturgy.
Jesus didn’t simply serve the people. He turned to the services: He offered the little food they had to God the Father, as we offer bread and wine in the Liturgy.
There’s an important link between philanthropic service and Church services. It’s something we explored in Be the Bee #135 | The Importance's of Service(s). You can watch the episode at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSciknJoXrA
And then I hope you’ll commit to attending one additional Church service next week.
Peace,
Steve
Sign Up for Coffee Hour
Sign Up for Coffee Hour - Each family is invited to sponsor coffee hour for the community following Divine Liturgy. There is a sign-up sheet in the Hellenic Center. Hosting coffee hour is a simple and affordable way to share hospitality with your Church Community. It is a perfect way to celebrate a special occasion like a birthday, anniversary or nameday!
Worship Opportunities This Week
Monday 12th - Paraklesis 6pm
Wednesday 14th - Vespers 6pm
Thursday 15th - DORMITION OF THE THEOTOKOS Divine Liturgy 10am
Paraklesis to the Theotokos
Paraklesis to the Theotokos - “Fifteen Days of August – Δεκαπενταύγουστο” - In honor of the Dormition Fast, we will gather each night in the Church for Paraklesis at 6pm. Please use the special form available in the Narthex or "Community Information Center" for names to be commemorated during the “15 Days of August”.
Holy Confession Available During "Fifteen Days of August"
Holy Confession Available During “Fifteen Days of August” - Saint James says, “Confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” (James 5.16) The Holy Apostles taught about the importance of regular Holy Confession and the Church has maintained this teaching throughout the centuries. Father Catalin will be available each evening before and after Paraklesis for those who want Holy Confession. NO APPOINTMENT is necessary.
ALTAR FLOWER VASES
If you would like to sponsor flowers for the health or memory of a love one for a Church service contact the Church Office. The cost to fill one vase is $20. $40 for both.
Sunday School for the 2019-2020 Year
Sunday School Exciting News - Sunday School for the 2019-2020 school year to begin soon. Our objective for our youth ministry and Sunday School will be to help introduce young people to Jesus Christ. We want them to be inspired to live their relationship with the Lord and His Church on a daily basis. Stay attuned. Stay informed.
Prayer List
Let’s remember in prayer these members of our community for their heath and healing. (* = new additions)
Krystal Gioldasis Athens
George Carros
Earl Chavis
Pauline Costas
Sophia Costas
Deno Fafoutis
Georgia Hambris
Ladson Von Hardesty
Jimmy Leris
Carlene Mathes
Helen Mourounas
Elizabeth Pahis
Roxanne Poulos
Fred Sansbury