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continued on page 2

February 2019

A MESSAGE FROM PASTOR NERSES BALABANIAN

“Your Lifestyle Matters”At PACC, we are doing a series the letter of James. I would

like to call him “Brother James” (Hagop Yeghpayr). James is practical and direct. There are 54 commands in 108 verses. He does not talk about dogmatic themes. There are no references to the fall, the cross, the resurrected Jesus, nor any other major Biblical themes. Yet, Brother James takes topics dealing with the fact that a sinful life without Christ will destroy our relationships with God and each other. James is about practical wisdom based on the teachings of Jesus.

Your lifestyle matters. Your behavior speaks louder than your words. Do our lives reflect our faith? This is the main question.

THE INTRODUCTIONJames begins his letter by introducing himself as a

servant (doulos-slave) of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ (1:1a). What a title he picked for himself! Then he makes it clear he is writing to all the twelve tribes in the Dispersion – Christians who are scattered around the world (1:1b). Christians are not called to live in a secure, closed community. They are called to live their lives scattered among the nations to spread the aroma of their Lord. “For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.” (2 Cor. 2:15)

THE FIRST COMMANDImmediately after this verse, James writes: “Count it all

joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds” (1:2). Please note that is not IF you meet trials, but it is WHEN.

When you face trials or tests, consider them all pure and great joy. How is that possible? Can you share those words

with someone who lost his or her job? Can you share those words with anyone who is in pain?

Can you look at these trials in a new way? Can you consider looking at them from a different perspective? If you know that trials and difficulties have a purpose in your life, then you can look at them from a different perspective.

Brother James is saying, “Whenever negative things appear in your life, look at them from a different perspective. See whether God is shaping you or teaching you.

• The Greek word for trials is pierasmos, which means the testing of something, a trial of something, a trial of man’s fidelity, integrity, virtue. It’s almost like how a stress test can reveal the state of your heart.

• Abraham was tested when he was asked to sacrifice his son.

• Moses was tested many times when he was leading the Israelites to the Promised Land. The Israelites were tested in the desert.

• The gardener will prune the vine (John 15:1-2) • The wise parents will discipline their child (Heb 12:7-9) • Gold will be purified by fire (1 Peter 1:6-7)

1. Trials help us trust God. We need to understand that God is not testing our courage; He knows we will fail. God is testing our ability to accept these trials so our FAITH will be stronger. We learn to trust Him.2. They reveal our real character. How do you measure a machine if it is durable? You put it under pressure. “for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. (1:3)

WALK the TALK

Steadfastness in Greek is hupomone (remain under), which is not simply the ability to bear things; it is the ability to continue, survive under pressure. It is like the weight- lifter who keeps lifting under pressure. The pressure remains but his muscles become stronger.

3. We become mature (perfect) and complete, and we learn to face the next trial. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing (1:4). Mature, complete, perfect are the words used for sacrificial animals. One had to bring a perfect animal to God; it should have been a fitting offering for God. Jesus became the new perfect sacrifice. He was the example of completeness and perfectness in his life. He became the perfect sacrifice.

Trials and tests can assist us become Christ-like persons, back in the form of our original creation. It is a process of transformation and starts here in this imperfect world.

God is not interested in shaping your circumstances; God is interested in shaping your character.

Dallas Willard says, “The main thing God gets out of your life is not the achievements you accomplish. It’s the person you become.”1

2-4 Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. (James 1:2-4 MSG)

1 http://www.azquotes.com/quote/797208

Badveli Nerses Message:

Your Lifestyle Matters…Continued from page 1

COUNCIL ACTIVITIESBy Moderator Cristel Tufenkjian

The Council started the first meeting of 2019 reading our mission statement, “As a Christ-centered Armenian Evangelical Church, Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church exists to proclaim the Good News (gospel) of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior through worship, evangelism, service, spiritual nourishment, and fellowship – with a special focus on the spiritual and physical needs of our people. We also focus on the preservation of our Armenian heritage.” It was a reminder that the ministries we lead as a Council are guided by our mission statement. I feel blessed to work alongside the creative and caring members of the Council. Our discussions are thoughtful and respectful, and there is always a positive conclusion on how to move forward. As a congregational church, our leadership team is dynamic and changing from year to year. Our Nominating Committee is gearing up to fill the leadership spots for the upcoming term. They have one of the most important and most difficult tasks. I encourage you to pray for each of them, and I hope you will prayerfully consider how you can share your talents and serve on a committee or board if asked.

Nominating committee members: Kathy Jenanyan, Joyce Kierejczyk, Maxine Mazgedian, Jerry Janigian, Joy Torigian.

PACC EVENTS OF 2019New Year and Armenian Christmas Sunday ............January 6Founders’ Day Banquet

.....................Sunday, January 27Dorcas Guild Sunday

................................ February 10PACC Family Retreat (Bass Lake)

...........................February 22-24Vartanantz Commemoration

................Thursday, February 28(St. Paul)

World Day of Prayer ........... Saturday, March 2 (FAPC)

Christian Women of First Street ......................Thursday, March 7

AEUNA Pastors Retreat ...............................March 26-28

Palm Sunday .......................April 14Maundy Thursday ...............April 18 Easter Sunday .....................April 21Annual Evensong ................April 28 Genocide Commemoration Gathering ............. Tuesday, April 24 Merchants Lunch

........Thursday & Friday, May 2-3 Mother’s Day ......... Sunday, May 12 Memorial Day PACC & FAPC Joint Picnic ............Monday, May 27PACC Annual Meeting .............. JuneGraduation/Acolyte Elevation Sunday .................. June 2 Summer Student Mission Trip ............................. June Father’s Day ...........Sunday, June 16 Vacation Bible School ..... July 15-19 Rally (Renewal) Sunday ........................September 8Mission Committee Annual Parking Lot Sale

.............Saturday, September 28Harvest Banquet

..................Saturday, October 19Harvest Festival

.................... Sunday, October 27 Thanksgiving Sunday

............................. November 24Congregational Budget Meeting ..............December Christmas Worship Celebration Sunday

..............................December 22Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

............... Tuesday, December 24

James 1:1-4

• • • • •

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: office@pilgrimchurch.com.

PRAYER REQUESTSPrayer request for Diana Mazman – she will be having a hip replacement surgery.

Congratulations to Steven and Carmen Garcia-Russell on the birth of their son Enoch Lange Medellin Garcia-Russell.

Funeral service for Irene Arpenig Najarian was held on January 21, 2019 at Masis Ararat Cemetery, Fresno. Our sincere condolences to the Najarian family.

A Tribute to the Honorable Edward Sarkisian, Jr.

After 52 years dedicated to public service, the Honorable Edward Sarkisian, Jr. has retired from Fresno County Superior Court. On January 11, at the Fort Washington Country Club, amongst a room packed with colleagues, family and friends, Ed’s distinguished career was celebrated. Those who gave praise and shared stories of Ed’s life and career where The Honorable Alan Simpson, Presiding Judge of the Fresno County Superior Court; Retired California Supreme Court Justice Marvin Baxter: Retired California Appellate Court Justice Stephen Kane; and Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Sondergaard Smittcamp.

A Fowler native, Ed attended Fowler public schools and was active in student government. He attended California State University, Fresno and was a member of the Theta Chi Fraternity. He is an enthusiastic Fowler RedCat and Fresno State Bulldog. After undergraduate studies, he attended the University of California, Berkeley’s Boalt Hall where he received his Doctor of Jurisprudence (JD). His law practice brought him back to Fresno to the Public Defender’s Office for 20 years. Governors Duekmejian and Wilson then appointed him to the Municipal and Superior Courts in Fresno. There he has been a highly respected member of the Fresno County Superior Court for 32 years. It was said by Justice Marvin Baxter, “He has done an outstanding job and has excelled as a trial judge. His colleagues will tell you he is a “Judge’s Judge” – always available to mentor others.” From the Public Defender’s Office to the Fresno County Superior Court, he is highly admired and well respected.

Ed has embodied all the attributes one looks for in a Judge. Presiding Judge Alan Simpson said it best, “Never coarse, rude or angry… an example to all of us… faithfully and consistently served as a valued resource, a font of knowledge, a colleague, and a friend.” It was apparent throughout the evening, Ed has lived a life and had career mindful of his thoughts, words, actions, habits and character. Exactly what we as Christians are taught by our Lord and Savior. – By Shawn Kalemkarian

Shown is our total budgeted amount for contributions/tithings for 2018 in the amount of $394,811.04. Also show are the actual 2018 contributions/tithings collected in the amount of $358,388.48. This represents collecting 91% of the budgeted amount for contributions. The books are still being reviewed at this time for the 2018 year. I hope to have the bottom line for you by the next Progress report. Our year finished very well with contributions for December exceed-ing the monthly budgeted amount which is a bless-ing. Amen!

After a fun and uplifting Founder's Day celebra-tion let us remember our roots in our church, com-munity and the world around us and prayerfully considering our stewardship for the coming year. Let us not approach as consumers but demonstrate our obedience in our tithings by being accountable to God where everything comes from.

"Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name."

1 Chronicles 29: 11-13

– Prepared By Treasurer Patrice Ruble

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

JUL

JUN 30

MAY 31

$358,388.48

2018 Annual Giving Recap

For where your Treasure is,there your heart will be also.

– Matthew 6:21

PACC/FAPC Broom Ball Event

BASS LAKE CHURCH RETREAT

FRIDAY • SATURDAY • SUNDAY • FEB. 22 • 23 • 24 • 2019

Join us for this annual retreat – enjoy fishing, boating, hiking, board games, sledding/snowball fights

(if we can find snow), good food,good friends with small groups

and speaking engagements.All ages are welcome and encouraged to attend.

For more information,contact Alexander Jaramishian, 559-273-0826

To reserve a room,contact The Pines Resort, 800-350-7463

Apologetics Seminar HeldOur PACC campus was pretty busy the weekend of

January 11-13 as we hosted a seminar on Apologetics. Our Overflow Room and Kuppajoe overflowed with people, and our nursery buzzed with toddlers. This FAPC-PACC joint event was organized by the Christian Education Committee, which provided breakfast and dinner to all attendees.

Our guest lecturer was Pastor Artur Asaduriyan from Los Angeles who did an extra ordinary job in teaching three sessions on apologetics – the art of defending the claims of the Christian faith.

At the end of the seminar, the attending pastors lay hands on Pastor Artur and his family and prayed for them as they are preparing to move to Armenia in order to train people in Apologetics.

2nd Annual

Young Couples Valentine’s

DinnerSaturday, February 9, 2019 • 7-9pm

Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church Social Hall

Join us for a fun date night with a delicious dinner

graciously provided by the Men’s Forum.

Please RSVP by February 3Text or call: Jill Blanks, 559-260-8551

PACC FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP

invites you to join us for a 10-week Bible study

on the book of James

Monday nights, 6:30 pm

starting January 28, PACC Library, Room 8

led by Linda Thomas and Cristel Tufenkjian

RSVP 559-960-7037

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

• • • • •SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR

PRESCHOOL THROuGH 6TH GRADE IS NOW HELD DuRING

THE CHURCH HOURCome to church with your family at 11 a.m. Children and Sunday School staff will stay in church until after the Greeting and then will be dismissed to Sunday School.

• • • • •We will be covering two unit themes in

February – “God Helps People” and “The Bible is My Guide”

as we learn about Joseph, Josiah and Ezra.• • • • •

IT’S MIGHTY MEMORIzER TIME AGAIN!MIGHTY MEMORIzER WILL BEGIN ON FEBRuARY 3

Make sure you have your FIRST verse memorized on February 3! It is not too late to sign up! Call Teacher Cathy at 285-5780 if you have questions.

• • • • •

Abigail Aller 2/1Cole Gulesserian 2/10Jonah Aller 2/16Lorelei Klomhaus 2/16

Jonathan Parvanian 2/17Matthew Parvanian 2/17Adam Garabedian 2/24

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Thursday, March 7, 2019

FOURTHANNUAL

We Invite You to Join Us!

The Dorcas Guild invitesthe women from churches –

First Street from Ventura to Herndon Avenue –to join us for a time of fellowship and lunch.

To pray for our world, country, state, city,our neighborhood, our churches,

and our sisters in Christ.First Street is the heart of Fresno

and the best placeto start this powerful unity of prayer.

Fellowship begins at 11:00 a.m. Lunch will be served at 11:45 a.m.

In the church’s social hall at3673 North First Street, Fresno, California

Cost is $12.Gather to pray at 12:45 p.m.

Church bells will ring at 1:00 p.m.For information and reservations, call:

Maxine Mazgedian, 559-908-8439 orJoyce Kierejczyk, 559-307-3733

Reservations are due by March 1, 2019

SAVE THE DATE

WORLD DAY OF PRAYERSaturday March 2, 2019 • 10 am

First Armenian Presbyterian Church430 S First St., Fresno, CA 93702