Pilgrim’s Progress 3673 North First Street | Fresno, California 93726-6870 | p 559-229-2915 | f 559-229-6431 | pilgrimchurch.com Ezekiel 37:1-10 Looking at dry bones was a terrifying moment for me. Anyone who goes to the deserts of Deir Zor in Syria, will find dry bones. Those bones are Armenian bones. Those bones belong to our ancestors who were brutally killed or starved to death. They marched thousands of miles. Many died on the road, they were kidnapped, they threw themselves in the river, they were sold or were raped. Each family can tell you a story. Naons may deny our Genocide but they cannot erase our personal stories neither our collecve memory. One hundred and three years passed since these atrocies. Armenians all over the world are commemorang the Armenian Genocide. The idea that we can commemorate the Genocide aſter 103 years is in itself a victory. In the prophecy of Ezekiel, we find the story of the dry bones becoming alive. Can dry bones live? Yes, Dry Bones Can LIVE. First, God aaches tendons/nerves to these dry bones (vs 6) (In Hebrew the word means both tendons and nerves). We need the tendons to join the muscles to the bones while the nerves supply a network of communicaon. They take commands from the brain and distribute the signals in order for the body to funcon. Then God adds flesh and muscles. This means all the commands that came from the brain will end up in the muscles. The outcome is ugly and vulnerable without the protecon of the skin. God adds the skin to protect the body from infecons. Something is missing aſter this construcon: LIFE. Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, Thus says the Lord GOD: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.” (Ezekiel 37:9 ESV) This story takes me back to the story of creaon in Genesis. When God created Adam, God breathed on him, so he would have the giſt of life. What is the use of the flesh when it is dead? What is the use of a naon when there is no life in it? What is the use of being alive biologically, when we are spiritually dead? Why did God breathe on those dry bones (wind from four sides)? And I will lay sinews upon you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live, and you shall know that I am the LORD.” (Ezekiel 37:6 ESV) In the last two weeks, my sermons were stressing a point: Because he lives. Because He Lives, we have life. Yes, we lost many lives, a million and half, but we did not give up. Menk kich enk payts hye enk (We are small in number, yet we are Armenians). God gave life to the “dried Armenian bones” so we can worship Him. God gave life to the “dried Armenian bones” so we can have a relaonship with Him (know the Lord – daath Elohim). God gave me life so that I will know Him as Lord and Savior. As the psalmist says: “from generaon to generaon we will proclaim your praise.” (Psalm 79:13) May 2018 A MESSAGE FROM PASTOR NERSES BALABANIAN Dry Bones Can Live
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Ezekiel 37:1-10
Looking at dry bones was a terrifying moment for me. Anyone who goes to the deserts of Deir Zor in Syria, will find dry bones. Those bones are Armenian bones. Those bones belong to our ancestors who were brutally killed or starved to death. They marched thousands of miles. Many died on the road, they were kidnapped, they threw themselves in the river, they were sold or were raped. Each family can tell you a story. Nations may deny our Genocide but they cannot erase our personal stories neither our collective memory.
One hundred and three years passed since these atrocities. Armenians all over the world are commemorating the Armenian Genocide. The idea that we can commemorate the Genocide after 103 years is in itself a victory.
In the prophecy of Ezekiel, we find the story of the dry bones becoming alive. Can dry bones live? Yes, Dry Bones Can LIVE.
First, God attaches tendons/nerves to these dry bones (vs 6) (In Hebrew the word means both tendons and nerves). We need the tendons to join the muscles to the bones while the nerves supply a network of communication. They take commands from the brain and distribute the signals in order for the body to function.
Then God adds flesh and muscles. This means all the commands that came from the brain will end up in the muscles.
The outcome is ugly and vulnerable without the protection of the skin. God adds the skin to protect the body from infections.
Something is missing after this construction: LIFE.
Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, Thus says the Lord GOD: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.” (Ezekiel 37:9 ESV)
This story takes me back to the story of creation in Genesis. When God created Adam, God breathed on him, so he would have the gift of life.
What is the use of the flesh when it is dead? What is the use of a nation when there is no life in it? What is the use of being alive biologically, when we are spiritually dead?
Why did God breathe on those dry bones (wind from four sides)?
And I will lay sinews upon you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live, and you shall know that I am the LORD.” (Ezekiel 37:6 ESV)
In the last two weeks, my sermons were stressing a point: Because he lives.
Because He Lives, we have life.
Yes, we lost many lives, a million and half, but we did not give up. Menk kich enk payts hye enk (We are small in number, yet we are Armenians). God gave life to the “dried Armenian bones” so we can worship Him. God gave life to the “dried Armenian bones” so we can have a relationship with Him (know the Lord – daath Elohim). God gave me life so that I will know Him as Lord and Savior.
As the psalmist says: “from generation to generation we will proclaim your praise.” (Psalm 79:13)
May 2018A MESSAGE FROM PASTOR NERSES BALABANIAN
Dry Bones Can Live
COUNCIL ACTIVITIESBy Moderator Cristel Tufenkjian
After almost completing a year as Moderator, I learned there is always church business that needs to be taken care of each and every month, and April’s meeting was no exception. Council members discussed church security and concluded a policy is needed and approved the hiring of a security guard for Sunday morning services. Bylaws Committee co-chair Robyn Esraelian provided guidelines for electronically conducting committee and board meetings. This is useful when important decisions need to be made in between regularly scheduled meetings. The Council also confirmed the recommendation of the Board of Trustees to hire a part-time employee for the nursery. Thank you to the Christian Ed Committee for finding and interviewing the candidate. The Council also set the date for the Annual Congregational meeting for Sunday, June 10. This is the meeting when the congregation approves new officers and committee members and receives reports from each of the committee and board chairs. Finally, last but not least (or maybe it is), we changed the time for all future Council meetings from 6:15 pm to 6:30 pm. And with that, the meeting was adjourned. HE HAS
RISEN!
EASTER SUNDAYAPRIL 1, 2018
NEWS BRIEFSArmenian Evangelical Union of North America (AEUNA) – The 24th Biennial Assembly of AEUNA and the 21st Con-vention of the AEYF are scheduled for June 28-July 1, 2018 at the Burbank Marriott Hotel, Burbank, California. For registration information: www.aeuna2018.com
PRAYER CHAIN. For prayer, call Sheri Manoogian at 412-4241 or Helen Sadoian at 439-3443. If you would like to be added to our prayer list, please call the church office, 229-2915.
PILGRIM CHURCH COUNSELORS. If you have any concerns and/or affirmations, please speak with or call any of our counselors, Carol Forrest 431-2530, Alex or Sonia Jemanjian 579-8389, and Joe and Johnanna Soghomonian 834-3150.
VISA AND/OR MASTERCARD – giving is available in the church office. We also have a Square Card Reader, which gives us the capability of charging to the church using a smart phone.
Pilgrim Church has a website, www.pilgrimchurch.com. It now is possible to download or read the “Progress” online. If you would like to receive the “Progress” via email, please contact the office at 229-2915, or email: [email protected].
We have already reached the first quarter of 2018. Shown We have already reached the first quarter of 2018. Shown is our total contribution income budget required for the is our total contribution income budget required for the year, 3/12ths of that budget required through March and where our contributions actually are as of March 31, 2018. We have only collected 65% of where we need to be at this time. PACC is a very active church and we have several church functions coming up please remember that these events are separate from your church giving, they are in addition to what we need to keep our facili-ty running well. Care for your church home as you care for your own home that God made possible for you to have.
God has blessed each of us richly. When we obey and are faithful to God those blessings multiple exponentially! As King David says:
But who am I, and who are my people, that we could give anything to you? Everything we have has come from you, and we give you only what you first gave us!
1 Chronicles 29:14 NLT
DEC 31
NOV 30
OCT 31
SEP 30
AUG 31
JUL 31
JUN 30
MAY 31
APR 30
MAR 31
FEB 28
JAN 31
$394,811.04
NOV 30
OCT 31
SEP 30
AUG 31
JUL 31
JUN 30
MAY 31
APR 30MAR ty running well. Care for your APR 30MAR ty running well. Care for your 31
$98,702.76
$63,873.00
2018 Annual Giving RecapFor where your treasure is,
there your heart will be also. – Matthew 6:21
If you are unable to serve on your assigned Sunday, please find a replacement and contact Cristel Tufenkjian by Wednesday at noon prior to the Sunday you are scheduled.
SUNDAY SCHOOL MORNING SCHEDULE
10:00-11:00: Sunday School for Middle School and High School; middle school meets in the library; high school meets in the Family Life Center
10:30-11:30: Sunday School for Toddlers through 6th grade; all students start in Room 6 for the Bible Lesson before going to stations11:00:Worship Service Begins/Nursery Care available for Toddlers and Preschoolers11:30-12:00: Enrichment Preschool through 6th Grade
YOUTH AND SUNDAY SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
• • • • •
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by
the power of the Holy Spirit.– Romans 15:13
ACOLYTE SCHEDULE MAY Elevation full processional 5/6 5/13 5/20 5/27stolebearer Christian T. Michael M. Max G. Kayla S.crossbearer Arman Armine Remy Armancandlelighter Juliette Nadia Emma Calebcandlelighter Emma Julia Katelynn Alen
Julia Branche 5/6Elliot Jinkerson 5/8Daniel Olkova 5/19
Mighty MemorizersAttention Mighty Memorizers Make sure you learn ALL of your verses BY SUNDAY MAY 13!Mighty Memorizer Sunday is May 20.We will be honoring our Mighty Memorizer Class of 2018 during the worship service and want to make sure you are part of that ceremony!Call Teacher Cathy at 285-5780 if you have questions!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY… to these individuals who have a birthday in April:
• • • • •
• • • • •
THIRDANNUAL
APRIL 12, 2018
StudentSummerMissionHurricaneRelief Project
Now What? We have all heard about the devastation causedby Hurricane Harvey in the Houston Texas area.It has been reported that the damage caused bythe hurricane is greater than the damagecaused by Katrina and Sandy combined.
Next summer we will be traveling to theHouston area to help with relief e�orts. Wewant to extend our hand to help in the name ofJesus our Lord who calls us to love ourneighbor, and to help those in need.
Our prayer is that you will consider joining us.
When: June 10-23Where: Houston, Texas
Sign up by March 15th
with a $50 deposit.
Questions?Please contact Kevin.
open to students 13 years of age and older cost: $200
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MINISTERSTHE CONGREGATION
MINISTRY STAFFSenior Pastor, Rev Nerses BalabanianAssociate Pastor, Rev Kevin Kasper
YOUTH MINISTRYVOLUNTEERSAlexander Jaramishian Jason DavisClaire Jaramishian
MUSIC STAFFDirector of Music, Oscar LunaOrganist, Faye DeLong
SUPPORT STAFFChurch Secretary, Houry Sabiljian Part-Time Custodian, Joe Fischer Wedding Planner, Sandy Avakian
CHURCH COUNCILModerator, Cristel TufenkjianVice Moderator, Ed SalibaScribe, Sue MoosoolianTreasurer, Patrice Ruble
