September 2017 Interim Pastor: Reverend Louis R. Paradise

• • • • • •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 office@pilgrimchurch.com or call, 229-2915.

Non-Profit OrgUS Postage

PAIDPermit No. 41Fresno, CA

3673 North First StreetFresno, California 93726-6870

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

3673 North First Street . Fresno, California 93726-6870 . (559) 229-2915 . Fax (559) 229-6431 . www.pilgrimchurch.com

Pilgrim’sProgress

I never know quite how to give credit with an article like this. You see I received most of this information through an article by Laura Deming who wrote as the editor of SPICE out of Champaign, Illinois. The reality is, she is just laying out materials from the United Methodist Church in Wisconsin. I did a quick check and can no longer find Laura’s organization but I can find the Methodists in Wisconsin. Let’s give credit where credit is due and consider as we prepare for a new pastor and his family how we should respond.

A “Bill of Rights for the Minister’s Spouse and Children” exists in Wisconsin for the United Methodist Church.

It states that the spouse and children of the minister have “a unique opportunity to be involved in the minister’s church,” that they are “separate individuals with distinct talents and personhood that have often been restricted by congregational customs,” and lists several “equal rights” to which the minister’s family is entitled:

• To seek employment of his or her choice, “in order to use gifts and talents as well as to assist financially.”

• To serve the mission of the church as a member, without special obligations or privileges.

• To be considered, as a member of the congregation, for election to any church boards and committees.

• To decide on attendance or non-attendance at local, district and conference [think A.E.U.N.A.] meetings to which they are not an elected delegate or member; and a duty to refrain from attending meetings which are not regularly attended by non-members.

• To privacy in the parsonage [their home], personal life, and family responsibilities.

• To keep close friendships with persons in a former church, “always being sensitive to the difference between friendship and pastoring, and helping members of the congregation to make the distinction.”

• To choose freely church membership or non-membership.

Does a resolution such as this seem to be a step in the right direction? What changes would be necessary to implement these “rights” [at Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church]?

Laura asks at the end of her article, “What do you think?” That’s a nice way to go, but in our setting I might rather ask the question, “What will you do as Badveli Nerses and Sevan come to be part of your congregation October 1?” I ask that you do what Christ would do: Love them; sacrifice for them; care about their welfare more than your own; walk side by side with and hand in hand bringing Christ to the community together. Let them enjoy their personal lives and celebrate the goodness of that as they are comfortable, not as if you must know every detail.

Now let’s face it, this may be talking to the choir. You have been very kind to Christi and I and we appreciate your generosity with our personal time. Just keep up the good work with Nerses and Sevan.

In Christ,Rev. Louis R. ParadiseInterim Pastor

A Message from Pastor Lou

NEWS BRIEFSSAVE THE DATE:

HARVEST BANQUET – October 28Volunteers are needed, please call the church office and

say you can help.FOUNDERS’ DAY 2018 will be a special banquet at

Pardini’s – We have reserved space for 200 people – Come and join the memories January 27, 2018.

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.

RECIPE BOOK REQUEST – Pilgrim church office has been getting requests for, “A Harvest of Recipes” cookbook dated 1901-2001, burgundy in color. If you would like to donate your copy to the church office it would be appreciated.

• • • • •

WORSHIP For Prayer and Praise

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 con-cerns 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.

• • • • •

MISSIONSOPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

SUNDAY SCHOOL MISSIONS PROJECTIf you haven’t picked up a shoe box yet, please see Cathy

Cholakian. Sunday School has a goal to donate 70 shoeboxes from PACC this year and would appreciate the support of the congregation to meet this goal.

Please note when you receive your instruction sheet that CANDY, GUM and TOOTHPASTE CANNOT BE INCLUDED in your box THIS YEAR

because of customs issues. ALSO the desired donation for postage and handling is now $9.

• • • • •

Plan to AttendInterim Pastor Lou Paradise’s

Farewell LuncheonCome join us in thanking Pastor Lou and his wife

Christi for the love and care they have shown us during our search for a new pastor. The farewell luncheon will be held on September 10 immediately following church service. Please contact the church office at 229-2915 if you plan to attend. Reservations are required by Sunday, September 3.

Council ActivitiesBy Moderator Cristel Tufenkjian

The Church Council held their first meeting of the 2017-18 term on August 22. All of the various committee chairs reported on the many activities and plans for the upcoming months. With Rally Sunday just around the corner (September 10), the Christian Education Committee is gearing up for a new, VBS-style Sunday School Program and schedule. The Council was excited to hear the Christian Education Committee’s ideas and took action to approve the changes. Other actions taken by the Council were the election of Allison Karahadian and Robyn Esraelian to the Bylaws Committee and the appointment of Carol Forrest and Carl Kassabian to the Staff Relations Committee. Jill Blanks, Young Families Ad-Hoc Committee chair, provided a reported on the completion of a Young Families Facebook page. She also thanked all of the folks who provided support with their talent and treasure to complete the beautiful and welcoming “Gathering Room” for our young adults. The Young Families Ad-Hoc Committee will be meeting in September to start planning events. We are blessed at Pilgrim to have many faithful and caring people with a servant’s heart.

• • • • •

Adult Sunday School Class Offered

John Eleazarian is leading a Bible Study. Sunday morn-ings at 9:45, in the social hall overflow room. Adult stu-dents of all ages are encouraged to attend.

MISSION COMMITTEE’S ANNUAL PARKING LOT SALE

September 23 • 7 a.m.-1p.mTo volunteer or rent booth space, call the office, 229-2915

Or, just come shop Saturday mornng. See you there!

Sunday School to Begin September 10 The Christian Education Committee

and Sunday School staff has adopted a new curriculum – Bible Studies for Life. This is a solid Bible based program de-signed to make “disciples at every age.” Please plan on joining us on September 10: RALLY SUNDAY. Please note there

will be a new start time for Sunday School at 10:30 am. Sun-day School will be from 10:30 to 11:30. At 11:30 children will participate in Enrichment Time - Children’s Choir, Ar-menian Heritage or Kid’s T.I.M.E. Middle School students will continue to meet in their individual classrooms. A rota-tion through centers mode, similar to VBS, is being initiated for Preschoolers through 5th graders.

Because of the change to a one hour program, high school students have the opportunity and are encouraged to volunteer to assist during the Sunday school hour as help-ers for the rotation program for preschool and elementary students. Come join us for an exciting time of Bible learning and spiritual growth.

We look forward to seeing you on September 10!

15TH BIENNIAL CONFERENCE

ARMENIAN EVANGELICAL

FELLOWSHIP

Womens

“REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS. I WILL SAY IT AGAIN: REJOICE!” – PHILIPPIANS 4:4

FRIDAY-SUNDAY

2017

300 SOUTH COURT STREET, VISALIA CAVISALIA MARRIOTT & CONVENTION CENTER

INFORMATION:

Roseann Saliba 559-960-4100

resaliba@sbcglobal.net

Lena Garabedian,

Registrar 626-533-2531

LVGarabedian@cbbank.com

or aeuna.org

GUEST SPEAKERSTEPHANIE SCHWARTZDirector of Women’s MinistiresCompass Bible Church, Aliso Viejo, CA

REGISTER BEFORE SEPTEMBER 15, 2017See brochure or visit:aeuna.org for details.

OCTOBER 6-8

in the RejoicingLord

INFORMATION:

Roseann Saliba 559-960-4100

resaliba@sbcglobal.net

Lena Garabedian,

Registrar 626-533-2531

LVGarabedian@cbbank.com

or aeuna.org

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

HAPPY BIRTHDAY… to these individuals who have a birthday in September:

Jordan LeVeque 9/8Valerya Sargysan 9/12

YOUTH AND SUNDAY SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

• • • • •

• • • • •

• • • • •

• • • • •

WANTED!Do you enjoy working with children,

sharing God’s word and having fun? THEN we need you to join our team as a Sunday School Teacher! Please see Cathy Cholakian or call her at 285-5780 if interested!

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 SePteMBeR-OCtOBeR Rally Sunday 9/10 9/17 9/24Stolebearer Michael M. Max G. Kayla S.Crossbearer Remy Arman ArmineCandlelighter Nadia Emma CalebCandlelighter Julia Katelynn Alen

10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22 10/29Stolebearer Farrah V. Christian T. Michael M. Max G. Kayla S.Crossbearer Remy Arman Armine Remy ArmanCandlelighter Lexah Juliette Nadia Emma CalebCandlelighter Victoria Emma Julia Katelynn Alen

Celebrating 50 Years

cordially invites you to

Ani Guild’s 50th Anniversaryand Patron Luncheon

which will bene�t the California Armenian Home

�is event will celebrate the 50 years of service to the residents of the Homeand honor Ani Guild’s past and present Patron Members

�e Patron Luncheon and 50th Anniversary CelebrationSaturday, November 18, 2017

11 a.m. Social . 12 noon LuncheonSunnyside Country Club

5704 East Butler Avenue, Fresno, California

Cost: 5125 per person; reservation due by September 15, 2017 Make your check payable to Ani Guild, Post O�ce Box 830, Shaver Lake, CA 93664

For additional information, please call Suzanne Yengoyan (559) 432-4741or Dian Karabian (559) 285-3231

Don’t miss this celebration. Become an Ani Guild Patron member today!

[y\

[y\

SUN

DA

Y

MO

ND

AY

TU

ESD

AY

WED

NES

DA

Y

T

HU

RSD

AY

FR

IDA

Y

SA

TUR

DA

Y

1

2

3

11:0

0 W

orsh

ip

HO

LY C

OM

MU

NIO

N

PAN

TRY

SU

ND

AY

No

You

th G

roup

4

LABO

R D

AY

O

FFIC

E A

ND

FLC

C

LOSE

D

5

6

7:00

am M

en’s

For

um

Brea

kfas

t 9:

30am

Dor

cas G

uild

Se

t Up

3:00

-6:0

0 p.

m.

Fres

no P

olic

e Ch

apla

incy

FL

C

7

DO

RC

AS

GU

ILD

9:

30an

Lun

cheo

n Se

t up,

So

cial

Hal

l 10

:00a

m B

ible

Stu

dy,

Fire

side

Room

11

:00a

m F

ello

wsh

ip

11:3

0am

Lun

cheo

n/

Gen

eral

Mee

ting

5-7

p.m

. Sas

soon

H

igh

scho

ol G

irls B

aske

tbal

l FL

C

8

9

Set u

p fo

r Pas

tor L

ou

Para

dise

Lun

cheo

n

10:3

0 Ta

bita

Cir

cle

Jani

gian

’s

10

11:0

0 W

orsh

ip

1:00

Pas

tor L

ou P

arad

ise

Lunc

heon

R

ALL

Y D

AY

SU

ND

AY

PIC

NIC

3:

30-5

:30

pm Y

outh

Gro

up

11

10:0

0am

Dor

cas G

uild

Ex

ecut

ive

Boar

d M

eetin

g, O

verfl

ow

Room

12

13

3:00

-8:0

0 p.

m.

Fres

no P

olic

e Ch

apla

incy

FL

C

14

5-7

p.m

. Sas

soon

H

igh

scho

ol G

irls

Bask

etba

ll, F

LC

15

7:00

am T

GIF

Bib

le

Stud

y Re

sum

es,

Fire

side R

oom

16

17

11:0

0 W

orsh

ip

AM

AA

Miss

ion

Sund

ay

3:30

-5:3

0 pm

You

th G

roup

6:30

Old

Mov

ie N

ight

18

Pilg

rim

’s P

rogr

ess

Art

icle

s Due

19

6:30

pm T

ruste

es, L

ibra

ry

7:00

pm D

eaco

ns, C

E

Build

ing

20

1:00

pm D

orca

s Gui

ld

Wed

nesd

ay C

ircle

, Li

brar

y

3:00

-6:0

0 p.

m.

Fres

no P

olic

e Ch

apla

incy

FL

C

21

5-7

p.m

. Sas

soon

H

igh

scho

ol G

irls

Bask

etba

ll, F

LC

22

7:00

am T

GIF

Bib

le

Stud

y, F

iresid

e Roo

m

23

7-1p

.m P

arki

ng

Lot S

ale

M

en’s

For

um to

Ca

stle A

ir M

useu

m

24

11

:00

Wor

ship

, Kid

s Tim

e 3:

30-5

:30

pm Y

outh

Gro

up

25

26

6:15

pm C

ounc

il M

eetin

g,

Ove

rflow

Roo

m

27

3:00

-8:0

0 p.

m.

Fres

no P

olic

e Ch

apla

incy

FL

C

28

5-7

p.m

. Sas

soon

H

igh

scho

ol G

irls

Bask

etba

ll, F

LC

29

7:00

am T

GIF

Bib

le

Stud

y, F

iresid

e Roo

m

30

CA

LEN

DA

R O

F EV

ENTS

PI

LGR

IM C

HU

RC

H

SEPT

EMBE

R 2

017

SEPT

EMBE

R 2

017

Holy TrinityLadies GuildSaturday,October 14, 2017Social Hour: 11:30AM Luncheon: 12:30PM

Holy Trinity ArmenianApostolic Church2226 Ventura Street, Fresno, California

FASHIONSHOWLUNCHEONFEATURING

A FELICHÉ BOUTIQUEFALL COLLECTION

TO BENEFIT

DONATION: $50 per person | Sponsorships Available

INFORMATION: Barbara (559) 284-8478

Christopher Atamian to Speak on “Fifty years of Armenian literature in France: A Zenith of diasporan Writing”

Author and translator Christopher Atamian will present a lecture en-titled “Fifty Years of Armenian Literature in France: A Zenith of Diaspo-ran Writing” at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, September 8, 2017, in the University Business Center, Alice Peters Auditorium, Room 191 on the Fresno State campus This is the first presentation in the Armenian Studies Program Fall Lecture series, which is supported by the Leon S. Peters Foundation.

The lecture is free and open to the public. Free parking is available in Lots P6 and P5 near the University Business Center, Fresno State. Per-mits are not required for parking on Friday evenings after 7 p.m.CSu, Fresno Armenian Studies Presents An International Conference “Armenians, Greeks, and Kurds: A People’s history of the Ottoman empire”September 22-23, 2017Opening Reception: Friday, September 22, 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Univer-sity Business Center Gallery. This event is co-sponsored by the College of Arts & Humanities, Fresno State, & the Department of History and supported by The Thomas A. Kooyumjian Family Foundation, the Leon S. Peters Foundation & M. Victoria Kazan Fund for Armenian Studies. Admission is free and free parking is available in lots P6 or P5

For more information about these events, please contact the Arme-nian Studies Program at 278-2669, or visit our website at www.fresno state.edu/armenianstudies.

SUN

DA

Y

MO

ND

AY

TU

ESD

AY

WED

NES

DA

Y

T

HU

RSD

AY

FR

IDA

Y

SA

TUR

DA

Y

1

2

3

11:0

0 W

orsh

ip

HO

LY C

OM

MU

NIO

N

PAN

TRY

SU

ND

AY

No

You

th G

roup

4

LABO

R D

AY

O

FFIC

E A

ND

FLC

C

LOSE

D

5

6

7:00

am M

en’s

For

um

Brea

kfas

t 9:

30am

Dor

cas G

uild

Se

t Up

3:00

-6:0

0 p.

m.

Fres

no P

olic

e Ch

apla

incy

FL

C

7

DO

RC

AS

GU

ILD

9:

30an

Lun

cheo

n Se

t up,

So

cial

Hal

l 10

:00a

m B

ible

Stu

dy,

Fire

side

Room

11

:00a

m F

ello

wsh

ip

11:3

0am

Lun

cheo

n/

Gen

eral

Mee

ting

5-7

p.m

. Sas

soon

H

igh

scho

ol G

irls B

aske

tbal

l FL

C

8

9

Set u

p fo

r Pas

tor L

ou

Para

dise

Lun

cheo

n

10:3

0 Ta

bita

Cir

cle

Jani

gian

’s

10

11:0

0 W

orsh

ip

1:00

Pas

tor L

ou P

arad

ise

Lunc

heon

R

ALL

Y D

AY

SU

ND

AY

PIC

NIC

3:

30-5

:30

pm Y

outh

Gro

up

11

10:0

0am

Dor

cas G

uild

Ex

ecut

ive

Boar

d M

eetin

g, O

verfl

ow

Room

12

13

3:00

-8:0

0 p.

m.

Fres

no P

olic

e Ch

apla

incy

FL

C

14

5-7

p.m

. Sas

soon

H

igh

scho

ol G

irls

Bask

etba

ll, F

LC

15

7:00

am T

GIF

Bib

le

Stud

y Re

sum

es,

Fire

side R

oom

16

17

11:0

0 W

orsh

ip

AM

AA

Miss

ion

Sund

ay

3:30

-5:3

0 pm

You

th G

roup

6:30

Old

Mov

ie N

ight

18

Pilg

rim

’s P

rogr

ess

Art

icle

s Due

19

6:30

pm T

ruste

es, L

ibra

ry

7:00

pm D

eaco

ns, C

E

Build

ing

20

1:00

pm D

orca

s Gui

ld

Wed

nesd

ay C

ircle

, Li

brar

y

3:00

-6:0

0 p.

m.

Fres

no P

olic

e Ch

apla

incy

FL

C

21

5-7

p.m

. Sas

soon

H

igh

scho

ol G

irls

Bask

etba

ll, F

LC

22

7:00

am T

GIF

Bib

le

Stud

y, F

iresid

e Roo

m

23

7-1p

.m P

arki

ng

Lot S

ale

M

en’s

For

um to

Ca

stle A

ir M

useu

m

24

11

:00

Wor

ship

, Kid

s Tim

e 3:

30-5

:30

pm Y

outh

Gro

up

25

26

6:15

pm C

ounc

il M

eetin

g,

Ove

rflow

Roo

m

27

3:00

-8:0

0 p.

m.

Fres

no P

olic

e Ch

apla

incy

FL

C

28

5-7

p.m

. Sas

soon

H

igh

scho

ol G

irls

Bask

etba

ll, F

LC

29

7:00

am T

GIF

Bib

le

Stud

y, F

iresid

e Roo

m

30

CA

LEN

DA

R O

F EV

ENTS

PI

LGR

IM C

HU

RC

H

SEPT

EMBE

R 2

017

SEPT

EMBE

R 2

017

MINISTERSTHE CONGREGATION

MINISTRY STAFFInterim Senior Pastor, Rev Louis ParadiseAssociate Pastor of Youth, Rev Kevin Kasper

YOUTH MINISTRY VOLUNTEERSAlexander Jaramishian Jason DavisClaire Jaramishian

MUSIC STAFFDirector of Music, Oscar LunaOrganist, Faye DeLong

SUPPORT STAFFChurch Secretary, Houry Sabiljian Part-Time Custodian, Joe Fischer Wedding Coordinator, Sandy AvakianMemorial Secretary, Kathleen Melikian

CHURCH COUNCILModerator, Cristel TufenkjianVice Moderator, Ed SalibaScribe, Sue MoosoolianTreasurer, Patrice Ruble

COunSelORS-At-lARgeCarol ForrestAlex Jemanjian/Sonia JemanjianJoe Soghomonian/ Johnanna Soghomonian

BOARD OF DEACONSChair, Pete Moosoolian

BOARD OF TRUSTEESChair, Alex Jaramishian

By-lAWS COMMItteeChair, Joy Torigian

CHRISTIAN EDUCATIONChair, Dale Overbay, Sr.Sunday School Superintendent, Cathy Cholakian

DORCAS GUILDPresident, Dianne Kassabian

FLC COMMITTEEChair, John Tufenkjian

MEN’S FORUMPresident, Jerry Janigian

MISSIONS COMMITTEEChair, Doreen Fischer

MUSIC COMMITTEEChair, Vacant

NOMINATING COMMITTEEChair, John Eleazarian

Non-Profit OrgUS Postage

PAIDPermit No. 41Fresno, CA

3673 North First StreetFresno, California 93726-6870

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

3673 North First Street . Fresno, California 93726-6870 . (559) 229-2915 . Fax (559) 229-6431 . www.pilgrimchurch.com

Pilgrim’sProgress

Non-Profit Org.US PostagePAIDPermit No. 41Fresno CA

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED