Holy Trinity Orthodox Church

SPRING ARRIVES IN NARNIA: Fr. Christmas and Aslan greeted; Peter fights first battle

State College, PA — The excitement in Narnia continued to build today as two prominent characters—Father Christmas and Aslan—made their first appearances.

After traveling by foot by moonlight across the backside of the dam (where the White Witch could not travel by sleigh) the Beaver’s and children fell asleep in a dry cave.  When the small group woke up, they were greeted by sleigh-bells and Father Christmas in a red robe bringing magnificent gifts! He also brought good news that the Queen’s evil magic was weakening as this was the first Christmas to happen in Narnia in a very long time.

Fr.  Christmas brought special gifts for each of the three children. To Peter he gave a shield engraved with a lion and a sword. Susan’s gift was a bow and arrows that would never miss and an ivory horn to summon help. To Lucy he gave a small bottle of juice from the fire-flowers to restore the life of a friend and a small dagger to defend herself.  Before departing, he shouts out, “Merry Christmas! Long live the true King!”

Meanwhile, Edmund is forced to get into the White Witch’s sled without even a coat to keep him warm. They are off to find his brother and sisters before they reach the Stone Table.  The Wicked Witch knew that not only was Spring here, but so was Aslan.

As they soon learned there was in the very middle of an open hilltop the Stone Table – a big grey slab on top of four big corner-stones. While they looked at this very old stone, they heard music and there was the great Lion, Aslan.

Aslan wanted to speak to Peter alone about the battle ahead against evil. He took him to the very top of the hilltop to look out over the Kingdom and to see the castle of Cair Paravel. It was here, Aslan said, that there were four and that the four children would sit on the thrones. As Aslan was talking with Peter, Susan’s horn sounded the call for help. The Battle had begun.

Meet the Characters

The Stone Table — the Narnian equivalent to the cross Jesus was crucified on, however it goes beyond this and resembles strongly the end of the “Law” also, or the stone tablets, and the breaking of the temple curtain at Christ’s death.

Lucy’s Healing Potion — Christ’s blood, which heals our infirmities

Helmet — Salvation

Shield — Faith

Sword — the Spirit within us

Susan’s horn — prayer before God

What’s in the Book

FPO—For Parents Only

• The VBS Daily News is prepared especially for YOU.  In each issue, you will read about the major topics and themes for the day. Take time to read it (particularly the scriptural references) and discuss it with your child.
• FYI … There may be some water game on Friday.

Learn More

For more recaps and pictures, visit the 2014 Vacation Bible School homepage.

Truth or Consequences: Students learn truth is not what is seems but what it is

State College, PA — When it comes to tough choices, Holy Trinity VBS students learned that not everything comes easy and that we often find ourselves struggling and challenged to do what is right.

The students picked up the story as Edmund reluctantly returns to the wardrobe and the Old Professor’s house. Lucy was so happy to find someone who believed her story because he was there, but when they caught up with their older siblings, Edmund betrayed her and said the whole story was still a figment of her imagination.

Finally, a day came that would convince Peter and Susan once and for all who was telling the truth—Lucy or Edmund. It so happened that some visitors came to the old historic house for a tour and all four children were told to stay out of the way. They decided to play upstairs, and when they heard the visitors coming up, the children hid in the old wardrobe. Instantly they found themselves in the dark woods of Narnia. When Edmund directs them to the lamp-post, Peter and Susan realize that he had, in fact, been there before.

Once in Narnia, Lucy wanted to introduce everyone to her friend, Mr. Tumnus, but when they reached his small house he was gone. With no idea where to find the castle, they asked a beautiful, bright, red-breasted robin for guidance. She set out leading the way until eventually they met the Beavers. They were to be the chilren’s guide to a special place to meet Aslan.

At the mention of Aslan’s name, with no idea just exactly who Aslan was, each child had a curious reaction. Edmund felt terrified, Peter felt brave and adventurous, Susan felt as if some delicious smell or beautiful music had just floated by her, and Lucy got the feeling you have when it’s the beginning of a vacation or summer.

Meet the Characters

Aslan  (which means lion in Turkish) — Jesus Christ.  He is the creator of Narnia. He symbolizes Jesus Christ and the power of good. Queen Jadis, the White Witch (Lucifer) — who rules Narnia, represents the power of Satan or evil in the world.

What’s in the Book

FPO—For Parents Only

• Don’t forget that TOMMOROW (WEDNESDAY) there will be Vespers at 5:00 p.m.  Bring your kids early for worship (dinner will be served following).

Learn More

For more recaps and pictures, visit the 2014 Vacation Bible School homepage.

Adventures in Narnia: Students begin exploring the many lessons this magical land has to offer

State College, PA — Holy Trinity’s Vacation Bible School (VBS) began their journey through the wonderful land of Narnia. They met Lucy, Edmund, Peter, and Susan, and can look for the lessons in this classic tale. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is a popular story, both for its imaginative plotline, as well as its Christian symbolism. As the students go on this journey with the Pevensie siblings, they will discover the symbols inside this beloved child’s tale using the truths found in order to become good Christians and appreciate their faith. No matter what, it will certainly be an adventure. The students began the evening with a prayer and a delicious pasta dinner before discussing how stories can convey many life lessons in a simple fashion (one story discussed was the Wizard of Oz and how the main characters already possessed the things which they desired.)   The children then viewed the opening portion of the movie before going to their class. The use of the wardrobe in the story teaches us that many things are “bigger on the inside than the outside” such as a soul, or a heart or even our church (a church may seem small, but it is large in the love that I may be given and shared.

Meet the Characters

Lucy — the faithful youngest child, is the strongest believer in Aslan.   She closely resembles and represents children in general, and their simple innocent faith. Edmund — Man, he is tempted by the White Witch, her Turkish Delights and the promise of power. He represents mankind, who Jesus died for on the cross.

What’s in the Book

FPO—For Parents Only

• VBS will conclude each day with some fun activity at Holmes-Foster Park (unless it is raining). Please be prompt!
• On Wednesday, there will be Vespers at 5:00. Please try to bring your children early so that we can pray together. Dinner and VBS will follow.

Learn More

For more recaps and pictures, visit the 2014 Vacation Bible School homepage.

“And Run and Run and Run and Run and Run”
VBS kids ask the Lord to help them to hold on until they get their crowns!

State College, PA – On the longest day of the year, Holy Trinity’s Vacation Bible School concluded with the students more keenly aware that their Christian race may also be long and it must be run every day and with every decision. Today’s learning objective was that each person is given a gift – it is our responsibilitly to use that gift to the glory of God.

To kick off the final day and in the Olympic-like fashion, students carried a torch in relay in the neighborhood to the surprise of local residents. However, unlike the ancient Olympic fire which commemorated the theft of fire from the Greek god Zeus by Prometheus, the VBS kids were encouraged to be torchbearers for Christ while they run their race.

What’s in the Book?

Paul is at the end of his life looking back. In doing so, he realizes that Christianity is a struggle, but he has fought well. He realizes that Christianity is a race, but he ran to the finish. He didn’t give up along the way. He realizes that Christianity is a life of faith—faith that he kept. He didn’t lose his trust in God. Finally, he realizes that he will be rewarded for the way he lived his life.

• Christianity is a struggle, but I must fight.
• Christianity is a race, and I must keep running.
• Christianity is a life of faith, and I must trust God.
• In doing these things, God will reward me.

The greatest reward is what someone becomes through the effort. The greatest reward is becoming all God created someone to be in his/her relationship with Him.

Thoughts to Keep You Running!

• “Only one person and one person only will determine how good of a runner you become. You will become as good as you let yourself be. That one person is you.”
• “Running – it isn’t easy but it’s worth it.”
• “There will come a point in the race, when you alone will need to decide. You will need to make a choice. DO YOU REALLY WANT IT. You will need to decide.
• “We are designed to run, and we increase our chance of daily happiness when we do so.”
• “Do not fear going forward slowly; fear only to stand still.”
• “There’s no better day to start running than TODAY.”
• “It’s not about how fast you run but where you’re going.”
• “Endurance is patience concentrated.”
• “If you’re too busy to run, then you’re too busy.”
• “To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.”
• “If the word quit is part of your vocabulary, then the word finish is likely not.”
• “Never stop running.”
• “Running sets me free.”
• “Every day is a new chance to run.”
• “Ask yourself: ‘Can I give more?’ The answer is usually: ‘Yes’.”
• “Winners never quit, and quitters never win.”
• “Now… Just run.”

Christian Goal Setting: Students Learn About Keeping Their Eye On the Prize!

State College, PA – Would you set out on a journey is you didn’t know the destination? That’s the question that Holy Trinity VBS students explored today as they discussed what it means for the Christians to set a goal and to focus on it. It is important that each of us discover God’s course or plan for us. There will be challenges, the struggle will be tough, but the rewards will outweigh anything we can imagine.

Christians are heartbroken and pulled in all directions by the overwhelming sense of need in the world. It is impossible for one individual to meet all these needs, nor can he or she expect to do so. In order to be the most effective, we can not spread ourselves out going in all directions, any more than a cross-country runner can run down all  roads. We can not just throw up our hands and do nothing either; ultimately we would get nowhere.

Can you imagine a football coach telling his football coach to individually run where to go: What chaos would result? Would they achieve anything? But if each player does his part towards a purpose, a goal is often achieved. We need to do the same with the individual activities in our lives. We need to focus on things we do toward the goal God has for us.

Doing What It Takes to Reach the Goal: Self-Discipline

What is self-discipline?

1. Discipline must be complete. Training some muscles and neglecting others does not help. Running well the first half of the race and taking it easy the second half will not help you to win.
2. Discipline must be consistent. Growth is very slow, but decay is very quick. It takes months for a tomato to develop and ripen but it can rotten in a matter of days.
3. Discipline must be a personal choice. We must count the cost of following Christ. We will never be fully disciplined in our walk until we understand what it really cost us, and what it cost Christ. Until the decision to follow Christ is completely ours, for our own reasons, we will never be disciplined enough to stick to it. Make up your mind what you will do with your life.
4. Discipline must be a commitment. If we are going to win, we must really want to win! Those who have never taken hold of the prize with their hearts will never take hold of the prize with their hands. We must live our Christian lives because we want to, not because everyone else is doing it.

VBS Curriculum Acknowledgement

This year’s classroom instructional and VBS Daily News content is based upon the “Creative Youth Ideas” study series Destined to Win by Ken Sapp.

PRESSING FORWARD: Students Vow to Keep Going and Growing in Christ

State College, PA – Sometimes it’s easy to just give up when things aren’t going well and students at Holy Trinity’s Vacation Bible School learned how to resist the urge to quit. The topics of discussion were varied and enthusiastic as students discovered that:

• Pressing forward implies that there will be resistance.
• If you are not pressing forward, you are falling behind.
• Pressing forward is progress, not just motion.
• The effort of pressing forward produces growth.

With this new found knowledge, the students are learning to understand that there will be challenges and obtacles to overcome and be prepared to take them on.

What’s in the Book?

In a Greek race, the wreath was placed upon the finish line so that all the runners could see it. It was an incentive for the runners to give their best. It was something upon which they could focus their concentration. The picture Paul paints for us is one of a runner, with his body bent forward, reaching out toward the goal, with his eyes fixed upon the prize. It is not just looking ahead, it is reaching ahead. Paul realizes that he has not yet crossed the finish line himself. He cannot sit back and relax. Paul urges us not to forsake the progress we have made thus far and to continue to press forward.

FPO – For Parents Only

VBS Daily News is prepared especially for YOU.  In each issue, you will read about the major topics discussed and the learning objectives for each day.  Take time to read it (particularly the scriptural references) and discuss it with your child.  Hopefully, they will be able to describe to you the race we are to run as Christ’s followers.

Training Table Basics: What Christians Need to Compete –
Students Learn about a Healthy Spiritual Diet

State College, PA – Today, Holy Trinity VBS students learned that you are what you eat. If someone wants to be a great athlete, he or she must eat a balanced diet from the five food groups. He or she must also avoid junk food. Some foods are unhealthy and can cause heart problems. Others foods help to build bones and muscles.

In much the same way, the students explored five “spiritual” food groups:

1. The Spoken Word (Romans 10:17) We hear it. We grow spiritually as others preach and teach.
2. The Written Word (1 Tim. 4:13) We read it. We grow spiritually as we read the Bible.
3. The Living Word (John 6:35-51) We see it. We grow spiritually as we see Christ’s example.
4. The Learned Word (Psalm 119:11) We know it. We grow spiritually as we memorize and learn scripture.
5. The Personalized Word (2 Cor. 3:2-3) We live it. We grow spiritually as we start doing the things the Bible instructs us we should do and quit doing the things it tells us we shouldn’t do.

It’s not good enough to know the “spiritual” but how to deal with these if we are to grow in Christ.

1. Look at it – Doesn’t help us much.
2. Taste it – Try to understand a little of it.
3. Digest it – Try to understand much of it.
4. Use it – Apply the things we understand.

What’s in the Book?

To be a great athlete, one must be committed to his/her sport. You have to love it. If you want to be the best you must give it your best effort. This scripture does not mean you must actually hate your parents, family, and yourself, but that your love for Christ must be so much stronger than your love for them that it is like the difference between love and hate. Christ must be your first priority. When you have to make decisions, Christ must be first! Christ must be more important to you than even yourself.

To some Christ means nothing, to others Christ means something, and to others Christ means everything. What does Christ mean to you?

FPO – For Parents Only

Don’t forget that TOMMOROW (Wednesday) there will be Vespers at 5:00 p.m. Bring your kids early for worship (dinner will be served following).

Students Start Training for a Lifetime as VBS Kicks Off!

State College, PA – Holy Trinity’s Vacation Bible School (VBS) is up and running again and this year, that is especially true.

Since kids generally like to play sports and games, the theme for this year’s VBS is “Running the Race. Going the Distance.” The focus of the week is to help guide students in dealing with the choices they have to make every day–to point them in the direction of their eternal destiny. One of the best descriptions about our Christian walk is one that Paul wrote about running the race (1 Cor. 9:24-27).

As background to Paul’s reference to “running the race,” one of the most famous of the Greek athletic festivals–the Isthmian games–was held near Corinth. In ancient times they were held every other year and created a sense of brotherhood. Games like these were the greatest gatherings of people in the Greek culture. Wars were temporarily stopped in order to participate in the games.

Only pure-blooded Greeks who had done nothing to forfeit their citizenship were allowed to participate in the games. For ten months competitors trained and avoided things that might hurt their chances for victory. The prize was a pine wreath from a sacred grove nearby, and although the prize didn’t last very long, victory was also one of the greatest honors a Greek could receive. The victor was often welcomed home with the same honor as a victorious general, the wall of his town being thrown down that he might pass inside as a conqueror. His statue was often set up by his fellow citizens. Yet in time he was forgotten and his glory, like the twisted pine branch, faded away. Winning was everything and losers in the games received no mercy. “The Wreath or Death!” was the motto of the participants and in many events, the loser actually did die.

Characteristics of Good Athletes

Students today discussed what it takes to be a good athlete and those same characteristics also build good Christians including strength, confidence, self-discipline, and a desire to win.

FPO – For Parents Only

• VBS will conclude each day with fun activities at Holmes-Foster Park (unless it is raining).
• On Wednesday and Friday, VBS will begin immediately following Vespers, which begins at 5:00 p.m. Bring your kids early so that we worship together.

  “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” – 1 Cor. 9:24-27