Holy Trinity Orthodox Church

STATE COLLEGE, PA — During the second day of the 2011 HTOC Vacation Bible School there was brief discussion of the possibility of chaining the nickname of the local area to Joyful Valley but this was tabled for future consideration.

In other news, students today focused on the spiritual fruits of joy and peace. Students learned that joy is more than being happy but rather it comes from us living in the way God wants and being glad no matter what is happening in our lives. To live in the joy of the Lord we are told not to worry about tomorrow for God will take care of us. “Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor spin.”

Students also found that peace is being free from worry and fear and getting along with people around you. Peace is mental and emotional calmness in the midst of problems and that peace is love’s security.

Joy — It’s Much More Than Being Happy

In our culture there is plenty of happiness and merriment (just go downtown on a football weekend). Also, think about some of our most cherished greetings, “Happy Birthday!”, “Happy Anniversary”, and of course, “Merry Christmas!” But when we greet each other with these words do we really express upon them a sense of His deep joy — that desire that only comes from knowing and understanding from whom the Joy truly springs forth?

Happiness is oftentimes relatively easy to come by (for kids, this may be a new toy or a day at the amusement park) but it is fleeting. Real joy is sometime that takes happiness to a whole new level — it’s like a thousand birthdays at once. Joy brings a sense which encompasses the depth of the soul that warms like nothing else. Find His joy and get warm! (BTW — most kids have found it — ask them their secret.)

Peace Out

The peace that Christ has left to us has been conveyed through the centuries from the first announcement to the apostles during the Mystical Supper (John 14:27): “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give you, not as the world gives, give I to you. Do not let your heart be troubled and be not afraid.” To find that peace is to give up the search for the imperfect peace that the world gives. Oh, how we search for it everywhere, from so many people in various situations. Yet we find that even the best of humans ultimately will let us down. Each time we hear the celebrant during the sacred services utter the word, “Peace be with you,” we hear the promise of the Master in the voice of the priest. Only His peace and presence offers abiding comfort. Only the Holy Spirit quells the confusion of our thoughts and raises us to an awareness of bliss in God.)

— Rev. V. Berzonsky

FPO — For Parents Only

VBS is a great time for your kids — but it is even a better time to talk with your children about the important thins which they have learned. It’s your responsibility to reinforce these daily lessons (Hint: Read your VBS Daily News.)

“I’ve Got the Fruit of the Spirit in Me” Theme Set for 2011 VBS

STATE COLLEGE, PA — It just wouldn’t be summer in Happy Valley without the annual HTOC Vacation Bible School (VBS) and today participants enjoyed an exciting first day. As the Orthodox Church is in the joyous Pentecost post-feast period, the theme this year is “I’ve Got the Fruit of the Spirit in Me!”. The theme centers on Galatians 5:16-26 and these gifts are being studied to encourage the spiritual growth in the students. They will make connections between the Bible stories and “real” life and although the VBS offers serious study about God there will also be plenty of fun.

Some goals for the week include:

• Understand who is the Holy Spirit;
• Identify each of the Fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, etc.);
• Learn that the fruits are outward signs of an inward change in one’s life;
• Encouraging participants to understand that they should do their best to work with the Holy Spirit to get the this fruit into their personality;
• Have the students discuss and understand Bible passages where the attributes of each fruit are revealed and how to apply them to their life.

What is the Fruit of the Spirit?

Today the VBS students got their first taste of spiritual fruit with the stuffy of the fruit of love. St. Paul says, “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” Notice that St. Paul uses the singular “fruit” instead of a plural “fruits.” This indicates that these “fruit” comprise a singular cluster of characher “in Christ,” and not to be considered independent of one another. What a nice bunch of fruit we should all strive to become!

Who Do You Love?

The neat thing about God’s love is that it’s not a feeling to Him, He can’t fall out of love with us. He loves us even when we’re not “lovable” and when we’re grumpy or doing bad things. He loves all of us no matter what.

Now, the real tricky part is loving others like God loves us. There is a special kind of love we can have for others, it’s called agape love. Pretend for a day that you have special glasses on and that everyone you see you love just because God loves them, like the way you love a mom or dad, brother or sister.

You may run into somebody you don’t think deserves your love or you just don’t want to love at all, but God loves them and if we love God we are supposed to live them too. Who exactly are we supposed to love?

• Love God
• Love yourself
• Love your family
• Love your friends
• Love your neighbors
• Love your enemies

FPO — For Parents Only

Parents please be prompt when dropping off and picking up your children day. If we are not at the church for dismissal, please come to Holmes-Foster Park. Also, don’t forget your children must signed-in/signed-out each day.