More Wisdom from the Holy Fathers: Abba Poemen the Shepherd said, 'Give not your heart to that which does not satisfy your heart.'

He also said, 'If you are silent, you will possess peace wherever you live.'

He also said, 'The nature of water is soft, and the nature of stone is hard; but if a bottle is hung above the stone, allowing the water to fall down drop by drop, it wears away the stone. So it is with the Word of God: it is soft and our heart is hard, but the man who hears the Word of God often opens his heart to the fear of God.'

News from our Church School: We were blessed by God with a most fruitful and successful Church School year! Many thanks to all the faithful teachers, helpers, parents and children who contributed to this glorious year of Orthodox Christian education, formation and most importantly, transformation!

However, looking ahead to next year (beginning in September!) it is clear that we're going to need more help, especially with teachers and teacher's helpers in the following classes: Preschool, K and 1st, 2nd and 3rd, 4th and 5th. Please see Fr. Michael or Donna Greenhut, our Church School supervisor, if you'd be willing to help and fulfill this most rewarding endeavor. Many thanks!

Let's also plan to have our Recognition Sunday in honor of our Church School's Creative Arts Awards winners, the Altar Server Award winners, and in honor of our ten High School grads - on Sunday, August 13th.

News from our Teen SOYO: Our Youth Director, Paul Kinan, has put together an outstanding and full schedule of events for this summer. I think the teens will really enjoy themselves at these activities! The following dates are provided now so that our teens and their parents can mark their schedules and plan to attend as many events as possible.

Wednesday, July 19th: SOYO "Swim & Study". Time and place TBA.

Tuesday, July 25th: Teen SOYO Beach Outing with other teens from the local Orthodox Churches, from 9am – 9pm. Further details will follow.

Sunday, July 30th: SOYO Bakesale

Wednesday, August 9th: SOYO "Swim & Study". Time and place TBA.

Sunday, August 13th: Teen SOYO lenten picnic and wiffleball game after Liturgy.

Saturday, August 19th: SOYO Outing after Vespers. Perhaps it will be bowling.

Wednesday, August 23rd: SOYO "Swim & Study". Time and place TBA.

Saturday, September 2nd: SOYO Outing after Vespers. Bonfire at the Beach.

Paul will be communicating directly with the teens and their parents via email and the SOYO "Myspace" to convey all the details etc. of these gatherings. Many thanks to Paul and to all those who have volunteered to help with Youth Ministry at St. Luke's. God bless you always!

In the next few weeks, there will be a new tri-fold presentation area in the Fellowship Hall where the teens will be able to display cool pictures of their recent events, post important SOYO News, etc. Everyone is welcome to take a peek and enjoy!

Beloved faithful at St. Luke's,

Christ is in our midst!

Wisdom from the Holy Fathers: A brother who had been wronged by another brother came to see Abba Sisoes. He said to him, 'My brother has hurt me and I want to avenge myself.' The old man begged him, saying, 'No, my child, leave vengeance to God.' The brother said, 'I shall not rest until I have avenged myself.' The old man said, 'Brother, let us pray.' Then he stood up and said, 'God, we no longer need You to care for us, since we do justice for ourselves.' When he heard these words, the brother prostrated himself before the old man's feet and said, 'I will no longer seek justice from my brother. Forgive me, abba.'

Another brother asked Abba Sisoes, 'I have fallen, Abba; what shall I do?' The old main said to him, 'Get up again.' The brother said, 'I have gotten up again, but again have I fallen.' The old man said, 'Get up again and again.' So the brother asked, 'How many times?' The old man replied, 'Until you are taken up either in virtue or in sin. For a man presents himself to Christ at the judgment in that state in which he is found.'

This Sunday, July 16th, the Blessing of Cars: Following this Sunday's Divine Liturgy, we will have the annual (Saint Elias – July 20th) prayer and blessing of all our cars in the parking lot. After venerating the Cross in Church, proceed outside to your car, open the doors and stand by it. The clergy will then come along and sprinkle both you and your car.

Fr. Michael away two weeks: I will depart Monday morning, July 17th, for the bi-annual Clergy Symposium at the Antiochian Village in Western PA (1st week). Afterwards, I will drive to Eastern PA to enjoy some time (2nd week) with my mom, grandmom and brother. I will return home, God willing, on Saturday evening, July 29th, thereby missing only one Sunday at St. Luke's – July 23rd.

Services at St. Luke's on Sunday, July 23rd: In my absence, Deacon Jon Fate will lead the Holy Services at St. Luke's on this day. Thank you, Deacon Jon!

Please prepare to receive Holy Communion as usual. The Service of the Ninth Hour will begin promptly at 9:45am (no Matins today) followed immediately by the Service of Typika at 10am, the Service of Preparation for Holy Communion, the reception of Holy Communion, and the Prayers of Thanksgiving after Holy Communion. Copies of these Services will be available in the Narthex so that everyone present can follow along in the Prayers. Many thanks also to the chanters and readers who have offered to help.

Just as on a normal Sunday, the Services will last until at least 11am, perhaps 11:15am. This is noted so that everyone can plan their day accordingly.

News from Church School and Teen SOYO: will follow in a separate message later today!

I look forward to seeing everyone at Services this weekend!

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Michael