THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
May 22, 2022

Sixth Sunday of Eastertide

COVID UPDATE:  Masks are recommended, but not required, Please use your best judgement.

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

John 9:39-10:10 Jesus describes himself as the Gate through which his sheep pass, following the voice of the One they know. Whoever enters by this Gate, will “find pasture..and be saved.” (v.9) Discuss/reflect: Jesus describing himself as the Gate is one of the famous “I am’s” of the Gospel of John, in which Jesus provides a number of images which express his character. In verse 11, he is “the good shepherd.” What do the images of “gate” and “good shepherd” tell you about Jesus? What images could you add that would describe who he is to you?

 Acts 20:17-38 St. Paul touches the hearts of the church elders in Ephesus with his eloquent farewell. Predicting an uncertain fate, Paul declares his life meaningless save for the task of witnessing to God’s power and grace. He asks these leaders to be good shepherds to their flock, as “wolves” will surely be on the prowl. He exhorts them to always work hard for the less fortunate. Discuss/reflect: St. Paul asks the Ephesians to think back on his time with them as a testimony to God’s grace (vv 18, 24). If someone watched you in action, what would they assume a Christian lifestyle is like? How would you like to change so they can get a better picture?

 1 John 3:2-6 John relates that Christians are not fully who they will become with God’s grace. And yet only those who truly know Christ can come close to living a life without sin. If we continue to sin, how can we say we know Jesus? Discuss/reflect: In what ways do you habitually “keep on sinning” (v. 6)? Thoughtless anger? Envy? Lack of charity? Unforgiving spirit? What might these habits be saying about your walk with Jesus?

Thursday, May 13, is the Feast of the Ascension of Jesus In Acts 1:1-11, we read a full account of Jesus’ ascension (see After having appeared to the disciples frequently during a forty-day period, Jesus told them to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the gift he had promised: the Holy Spirit. When asked by his devoted followers when he would return to “restore the kingdom to Israel” (still thinking of an earthly one), Jesus told them it was not known, but that they should continue to witness to him “in Jerusalem… and to the ends of the earth.” He was then taken up before their eyes. Two angelic figures appeared nearby as they watched their Lord disappear into the clouds. They assured the disciples that he would indeed return in the very same way. Reflection: Read Acts 1:1-11 and imagine yourself one of Jesus’ followers. You have heard him promise the power of the Holy Spirit and ask you to be his witness to the ends of the earth. Now you watch as he ascends to heaven. What are you feeling? Hoping?What are your fears?

REQUIEM SERVICES: Karasoonk (40^th Day memorial Service) today will be for:

THOMAS BABAIAN on the 40^th Day of His eternal life requested in loving memory by Sarah Babaian and Family.

MEN‘S CLUB NEWS – The MAY 2022 “200 CLUB” drawing was completed on 5/10/22. You can see the results on our HTAC Website. Click on: Organizations, Men’s Club.  –Thank you for your continued support!

Language School Musical Today 

Our students in the Armenian Language Sunday School at Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church will present their Musical Show on Sunday, May 22nd, after Church Services, dedicated to Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Graduation from Spring 2022 Semester!  Please come and celebrate these beautiful holidays with our students and their families! In honor of their children, today’s Coffee Hour will be sponsored by the families of the children performing.

MEMORIAL DAY GRAVE BLESSING – If anyone wishes to offer prayers and have a graveside blessing for their loved ones on Monday, May 30, 2022 (Memorial Day), Der Hayr will be available by appointment. Please contact him for additional details at 917-213-8658 (cell) or in person at church.

AN AFTERNOON AT THE MOVIES:   Join us on Sunday, June 5, following the Divine Liturgy for a presentation of a family-friendly, PG-rated film called “Overcomer.” Your heart will be touched by this Spirit-filled and inspirational movie about a high school basketball coach and his team challenged with an uncertain future. Sponsored by our Adult Christian Education (ACE) ministry, parishioners of all ages will enjoy this film and… the popcorn is FREE!

ZOOM BIBLE STUDY WITH FR. HAKOB:  Der Hayr is inviting us to an informal three-week Thursday morning Bible study on St. Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians. Why not take a mid-morning break from your daily routine to explore St. Paul’s advice to a church community embarking on a new way of life?! We will meet via Zoom on Thursdays, June 2, 9 and 16 for one-hour beginning at 10:30. To receive the Zoom link, contact nancybasmajian@verizon.net.

HOLY TRINITY ZOOM BOOK CLUB:  The outgoing Planning Team (Lucy Aghazarian, Nancy Basmajian, and Janet Jordan) invite the faithful to the final book discussion in their 2021-2022 series. It will be the 12^th book in the series. Entitled “The Dutch House” by Anne Patchett, it is a New York Times bestseller that spans five decades and digs deeply into questions of inheritance, love, and forgiveness. It is also a page-turner filled with suspense!  Suzanne Sherenian will facilitate the conversation on Thursday evening, June 2 at 7:00. EVERYONE IS WELCOME! To receive the Zoom link, contact nancybasmajian@verizon.net.

Adult Christian Education (ACE) Survey 
Thank you to all who took the time to fill out the ACE survey. If you haven’t yet filled one out, we encourage you to do so in order for us to provide programs that would help our people grow in their relationship with God.  Survey forms are available in the Narthex as is the box where you can drop them.

COUNTRY STORE – We invite you to come visit us after church most Sundays.  See Liz or Jeanette. If you wish to place an order for pickup, contact Lorraine Damerjian @ 215-572-8465, and she can help you with that.

Seeking Part-time Organists – the Choir of Holy Trinity is looking for multiple talented musicians who would be seriously interested in playing the organ for the Sunday morning Divine Liturgy (Badarak) on a rotating schedule. Organ lessons will be provided to the interested candidates, along with one-on-one direction from a senior choir person.  For further information, contact Karinne Andonian @ karinne.hov@gmail.com.