THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
June 18, 2023

Third Sunday After Pentecost 

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

From Today’s Readings

Matthew 12:1-8 When the Pharisees chastise Jesus for allowing his disciples to pick grain on the Sabbath, he cites many instances from their own history (King David) and tradition (practices of priests at the Jerusalem temple) to counter their accusations. Alluding to the prophet Hosea’s words, he declares human need (hunger in this case) more important than rules. Discuss/reflect: Prayerfully contemplate this lovely NLT version of Hosea 6:6 (to which Jesus refers): “I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings.” What changes in your ‘habits of faith’ might these words prompt you to make?

Romans 6:12-23 St. Paul exhorts his listeners to reject sin as their master, since they now live under grace rather than the Law. God has freed us from enslavement to sin; obedience leads to righteousnessness. “The wages of sin are death;” but holiness leads to eternal life with Christ Jesus. Discuss/reflect: If St. Paul were here today, what sins would he say enslave our society?

Isaiah 1:1-15 God despairs of a rebellious people who continue to turn from his ways. Since their hearts are not open to God, their worship and prayers are meaningless. “Your incense is detestable to me…I cannot bear your assemblies!”(v.13) Discuss/reflect: Worship of God needs to spring from genuine faith and reverence to have meaning. How would you rate your worship?

COFFEE HOUR FELLOWSHIP today is cancelled today so that everyone can spend time earlier with their families in celebration of Father’s Day.

Men’s Club News – The final Men’s Club drawing for the “200 Club” was completed on 6/11/2023. Please visit the church website under Men’s Club for details, and congratulations to the winners.!  Note: The tickets for the 2023-24 season will be mailed-out in early August. Thank you for your support and have a great summer! ”

Share Your Joy – Do you like to sing? Our badarak is made more beautiful by the voices who raise it up, be it from the pews or from the choir. To help us build our strength in sound, we would love to invite you to join us in the choir and share your voice! For any questions, please text Choir Director, Karinné Andonian @ 609-760-4993 or just come to the front pews and we will hand you a book!

FAR UPDATE:  The Fund for Armenian Relief’s Children’s Center desperately needs to renovate the bedrooms and replace decrepit windows to ensure vulnerable kids have decent living conditions. The Center safeguards children who are victims of abuse, abandonment and neglect. Since 2000, more than 11,000 children have been helped by them. If this touches your heart, please support their efforts by going to Ayo (weareayo.org)

Attic Treasures – Bazaar 2023: Please do not bring your Attic Treasures to the church until September 15th. While we appreciate the donations, we ask you to store them at your homes as we do not have a storage area.  Thank you.

The Kiss Of Peace – After the gifts of the Eucharist are brought to the Altar Table, the deacon proclaims, “Greet one another with a holy kiss.”  The person giving the greeting says, Kristos ee mech mer Haydnetsav – Christ is revealed amongst us.  The recipient would respond, Orhnial eh Haydnootiunun Kristosee – Blessed is the revelation of Christ.

CHURCH CALENDAR (please mark your calendars)

Wednesday Bible Study with Fr. Hakob
Today – Father’s Day
June 19 – Juneteenth
July 4 – Independence Day
July 16 – Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord