Parish Bulletin Downloadable PDF Library
This provides a listing of all site content that has been formated into the half fold legal paper format for parish bulletins. These are two page PDF files you would reproduce on both sides of a legal sheet and then fold. The text content is the same as the corresponding web pages but the layout is adjusted for the print format.
All material is free for use in church or education but may not be sold or otherwise profited from. I do retain copyright on all material.
Liturgy: The Great Fast
Spirituality of the Great Fast
Parish Bulletin
Preparation
Descriptions of the preparation Sunday themes.
Worship
The theme of Bright Sadness, the prayer of St. Ephrem, scripture readings during the fast and the Triodion.
Presanctified
The Presantified Liturgy and a discussion of communion and fasting.
Journey
The canon of St. Andrew of Crete, Saturday and Sunday liturgical themes, the Holy Cross and Bethany & Jerusalem.
Lent
Taking the fast seriously.
Thoughts
Rediscovery of religion, communion and the Mysteries.
1st Weekend
Scripture on the first weekend of the Great Fast
2nd Weekend
Scripture on the second weekend of the Great Fast
3rd Weekend
Scripture on the third weekend of the Great Fast
4th Weekend
Scripture on the fourth weekend of the Great Fast
5th Weekend
Scripture on the fifth weekend of the Great Fast
Liturgy: Phillipian Fast (Preparation for the Nativity)
Messiah: The Prophetic Message On The Coming Of Christ
Parish Bulletin
Messiah 1
When preaching during his public ministry Jesus points out the prophets and the law prophetically pro- claiming the coming of Jesus as Messiah. In Matthew chapter 11 he connects John the Baptist with this tradition by calling him Elijah. Elijah was the first and greatest prophet in the land of Israel. Since Elijah never died, he was taken up into heaven on the fiery chariot, Jews expected him to return proclaiming the messiah. Jesus acknowledges this tradition and lets us know that John the Baptist fulfills this expectation. When John the Baptist points to Jesus as the Lamb of God, that makes Jesus the Messiah or Anointed one.
Messiah 2
In the Byzantine lectionary Baruch 3:36- 4:4 is used for Royal Hours on December 24 and vespers on the Feast of the Nativity. The mention of the law appearing on earth in verse 3:37 is seen as a reference to the incarnation, and earns this reading a place in the Nativity cycle. In Baruch 3:37 we read “Afterward she appeared on earth and lived with humankind.” This reminds us of “And the Word became flesh and lived among us,” John 1:14. The mystery of the incarnation can be seen in this Old Testament passage by linking this appearance in Baruch to Jesus as the word in John. Deuteronomy 30:11-18 justifies the equation of the word to the law by Christians that creates the framework for the association.
Messiah 3
Everyone knows that Jesus is born in Bethlehem,but why? The city of Bethlehem has a rich history in the salvation of ancient Israel. While Saul was king of Israel (1000 BC), the powerful Philistines threatened the fledgling Israelite monarchy. Saul gathered his army to face the threat, but Saul no longer kept his trust in God. The Philistine army was powerful and the Israelites were afraid. They
no longer placed their trust and hope in God. They faced the hu- man might of the enemy and lost faith.
Winter Pascha: Reflections on Phillipian Fast
Parish Bulletin
Winter Pascha 1
Origin of the Fast
Mary the Temple
Fasting
Winter Pascha 2
St. Nicholas
Conception of St. Anne
Daniel and the three youths
Winter Pascha 3
Salvation History
Tree of Life
The Masters Hospitality
Winter Pascha 4
Offerings to Christ
God is with us
Sun of Righteousness
Winter Pascha 5
Circumcision
Jordan's Water
God in Trinity
Winter Pascha 6
Mother of God
St. Stephen
John the Baptist
