Der Shnork's Corner

 

Dear campers,

Krisdos Haryav ee merelots. Christ is Risen from the dead. The week flew by and I had a wonderful time. I am leaving Saturday with bitter sweetness. I'd love to stay but have to return to my parish and my family. You know what they say; "all good things come to an end."  The good part is that no one can steal the good memories or the wonderful things that we've learned. They will be with us always and enrich our lives as Armenian Christians and children of the Church.

I know that these memories like our faith in the Risen Jesus, need to be regularly nurtured and aroused so that we can keep them forever.

How do we do this?

We can do this by continuing to make sure that we keep the Lord Jesus at the very center of our lives at Home and at Church. God gives us all sorts of opportunity. Treat everyday as a gift from God and start each with prayer, praise and thanksgiving.

In religion class on Thursday, I had a chance to teach you about parables- (remember: MATTHEW 13?). We talked about the parable of the Sower. We learned that we are called to be like the good and fertile soil into which God sows His Holy Word. His Word as we learned is not only a set of writings which are bound together in a book called the Bible, but the Word is Jesus Christ Himself who we receive through both the hearing of Scripture in church and in frequently receiving Holy Communion.

Be careful when you leave the sacred grounds of the Ararat Center and the living experience of SVC.

There will be "birds" that will try to snatch the Seed of God's Word. There will be "thorns" that will try to choke out the seed. My dear children don't let this happen.

Keep the spirit of SVC alive in your hearts, your souls and your minds. Don't lose your Way or be tempted by worldly distractions.  Be the good and fertile soil for God's Word. Nurture it. Cultivate it. Till it. Fertilize it with prayer, praise and thanksgiving. Be good citizens of the Kingdom of God, pray, attend" church, receive Communion, maintain your SVC friendships, read the Bible, talk about your faith, make the good confession and be good witnesses of Jesus and His Resurrection.

I had an awesome time. DK, Hoppy, the Amazing Daronius, staff and campers, thank you all, for making me feel welcome, for showing -me your love and your respect and for giving me such great memories. I now feel privileged to have become part of the SVC "family." I love you all and will never forget you. :.

God bless you.

In Christ's love,

 Der Shnork

 

P.S. Hoppy I'll get you.