Easter is a very special time for us as believers in our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ. It is during Easter that we are reminded of our Savior’s deep love for each one of us. We take time to stand in awe of Jesus’ crucifixion, His death, and celebrate His resurrection. It is because of His sacrifice that, if we believe in Him, we are redeemed and have hope of eternal life. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not parish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

As we go through this season of Soma, my prayer is that it will be a fruitful Christ centered time of renewal and rebirth.  I pray that this time of delving into the Word of God has been a time that has edified our spirits and nurtured our continued growth in Christ. Easter is a reminder that we have to live each day as believers who have a Savior that is risen.  As the body of the risen Christ, we are called to be His hands, feet, and heart. Let us continue in our service to one another, as John 13:35 states, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

The celebration of the Assyrian New Year is the celebration of the renewal of life.  As we rejoice in our heritage, traditions, culture and language; let us also renew our selves and our commitment to our great Assyrian name. Let us evaluate our role in uniting the Assyrian people, our role in perpetuating our cultural essence, and our role in impacting the community around us with the Word of God.

Every Sunday service we remember the passion, death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior. I encourage you to invite all of your family and friends to be actively involved in our weekly services. Let the Spirit of God move in our hearts and let us all be sensitive to the prompting of His Holy move. Let us live life victoriously as our God and Savior is risen!

The Sanctuary, by the grace of God, is close to completion. I thank you all for your continued support, patience and prayers with the construction process. I encourage us all to continue in that same spirit of giving, for your continued prayers, and for God’s blessing to be in the process. There are still items that need sponsorship, please feel free to visit the church office for more information. It is all for God’s glory.

May you all have a wonderful Easter, and a blessed New Year. I pray that our merciful father will grant each one of us joy, health, and prosperity; but most of all, I pray that we all have a personal relationshiop with Jesus Christ. May God continue to bless us all.

In His Service,

Cor-Bishop Fr. George Bet Rasho

St. Mary's Assyrian Church of the East honors Councilman Zine

Last week, Councilman Dennis P. Zine received an award from Father George Bet-Rasho from St. Mary Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East in Tarzana. The award came as a surprise to the Councilman, who was greeted unexpectedly by members of St. Mary’s Parish at the City Hall Chambers. The award was a tribute to Councilman Zine’s continual commitment to the faith-based community. Several years back, St. Mary’s Parish experienced a tragedy when their congregation was engulfed in flames. Councilman Zine visited the congregation that night of the tragedy and continued to support the congregation through their rebuilding stages. Councilman Zine was humbled and appreciative to receive such an award from the congregation.

Downloads

What On Earth Am I Here For? (PDF with the first 7 chapters)

Guide to Purpose Driven Life (PDF with a daily reading plan)

Book Review

A groundbreaking manifesto on the meaning of life.

The most basic question everyone faces in life is Why am I here? What is my purpose?

Self-help books suggest that people should look within, at their own desires and dreams, but Rick Warren says the starting place must be with God and his eternal purposes for each life. Real meaning and significance comes from understanding and fulfilling God’s purposes for putting us on earth.

The Purpose-Driven Life takes the groundbreaking message of the award-winning Purpose-Driven Church and goes deeper, applying it to the lifestyle of individual Christians. This book helps readers understand God’s incredible plan for their lives. Warren enables them to see the big picture of what life is all about and begin to live the life God created them to live.

The Purpose-Driven Life is a manifesto for Christian living in the 21st century…a lifestyle based on eternal purposes, not cultural values. Using biblical stories and letting the Bible speak for itself, Warren clearly explains God’s five purposes for each of us:-

1. We were planned for God’s pleasure, so your first purpose is to offer real worship.
2. We were formed for God’s family, so your second purpose is to enjoy real fellowship.
3. We were created to become like Christ, so your third purpose is to learn real discipleship.
4. We were shaped for serving God, so your fourth purpose is to practice real ministry.
5. We were made for a mission, so your fifth purpose is to live out real evangelism.

The book is divided into 40 short chapters that can be read as a daily devotional, studied by small groups, and used by churches participating in the nationwide 40 Days of Purpose campaigns.

It all starts with God. It’s not about you. The purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfillment, your peace of mind, or even your happiness. It’s far greater than your family, your career, or even your wildest dreams and ambitions. If you want to know why you were placed on this planet, you must begin with God. You were born by his purpose and for his purpose.

Download both the PDFs given above. The guide to purpose driven life will be a great help to plan your reading of the book. The other PDF with the first 7 chapters (total 40 chapters) is the best place to start, to know what this great book by Rick Warren has to offer you.

Want to buy this book? Goto Buy Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren

Lent is a special time of prayer, penance, sacrifice and good works in preparation of the celebration of Easter.