Volume 38 / Number 1 The Newsletter of the 2009 Calvary Armenian Congregational Church of San Francisco 725 Brotherhood Way, San Francisco, CA 94132-2902 Office (415) 586-2000 / Fax (415) 333-1076 Website: http://www.cacc-sf.org / Office Email: [email protected] / Rev. Nerses Balabanian: [email protected] Sunday, April 5, 2009 Palm Sunday Trusting God in Tough Times Thursday, April 9, 2009 Maundy Thursday Sunday, April 12, 2009 The New Year 2009 started with a tough economic crisis. Easter Sunday Everyone is distressed by this tsunami. Every institution, Saturday, April 25, 2009 whether private or public, big or small has been affected. Annual Banquet What will be the consequences of this turmoil on our Sunday, June 7, 2009 churches? Crisis often make us self-centered, over involved Graduation Sunday in our own problems, forgetting the larger picture. Can we Monday-Friday, July 20-24, 2009 still think about the needy, the less fortunate? There will be Vacation Bible School budget cuts all over. The question should be how to do that Sunday, August 23, 2009 without compromising the teachings of Jesus about the Annual Picnic OTHER. Sunday, September 13, 2009 Renewal Sunday Crisis should help us come closer to God. Many are trying to Saturday, November 14, 2009 find meaning in all this. Some are asking for prayer. Others Food Festival are attending church services more frequently. We even Saturday, December 19, 2009 heard on the news that a desperate person who lost his job went home and killed his children and wife. Christmas Banquet We need to trust God in all circumstances. As the crisis deepens, the future remains cloudy. We just need to learn to trust God. Trusting God does not mean being passive. God is sovereign and is in control. But God also wants us to be active in doing our part. David faced a “giant”. He challenged that man with the HELP of God. But he also used whatever he had to fight the giant. Let us not forget our responsibilities. “Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.” (Psalm 9:10) This is a promise from God. Let us face the uncertain future walking with God at all times. He is the One who is reliable. It is your choice to trust or not. May God help us. Rev. Nerses Balabanian, Pastor Calvary Messenger - Volume 38 / Number 1 Page 1 What a blessed day November 8th turned out to be as the 27th Annual Food Festival and Boutique Noel took place at CACC. Our visitors this year encountered not only authentic Armenian foods, but also Christian hospitality as they were warmly greeted by the welcoming committee, had the chance to visit the Christian book corner, receive their free personal Bibles and walk toward the elegantly decorated Halajian hall. The Food Festival and Boutique Noel offered scrumptious Armenian food with luscious deserts and pastries at the Buffet and Country Cupboard. An enthusiastic youth was busy running the Hye Bucks Cafe. Children were entertained at the Kids' Corner. The Boutique Noel was vibrant and precious raffle items were on display. There was an endless live musical entertainment featuring the Calvary jazz quartet and two local Armenian dance groups, Areni and Arax. A warm fellowship atmosphere permeated the Halajian Hall. Our Annual Food Festival has once again stood the test of time, because its purpose was greater than having delicious food, entertainment and prizes. The Food Festival is the major fund raising event on which Calvary relies to continue its mission and share God's grace with others. Despite the downward economy, the Food Festival this year was truly a spiritual experience. It was a blessing indeed to see so many dedicated church members and friends spend long hours, for several months, at church or at their homes, preparing the "best Armenian food west of the Ararat" and delicious pastries as well as knitted items for the Christmas boutique and organizing the musical entertainment. With the prayers and the hard work of the volunteers, an unprecedented number of visitors attended the Festival and were nourished both physically and spiritually. A big thank you to the 2008 Food Festival committee and to all the men, women and youth who served the Lord in this effort and helped make our Food Festival a great success. Nora Balabanian Thank you to the members and friends of CACC who pledged $102,000 (80%) of our 2009 goal for pledges. If you have not yet turned in your pledge card, please do so this week. This year, more than ever, your timely and regular donations to the church will be critical for meeting our operating expenses despite all of the planned expenditure reductions. CACC is counting on you! Calvary Messenger - Volume 38 / Number 1 Page 2 Dear Pastor Balabanian and Congregation, We just want you to know how much we enjoyed the beautiful music (great jazz & lovely contemporary Christian music, so Jackie Sadakian, daughter of the late elegantly mixing Armenian w/English lyrics) along with the Reverend Assadour and Angele luscious food and the warm and loving fellowship!!! The afternoon was a complete delight!!! Thank you all for the Sadakian, was born in Beirut on February 26, 1954. She wonderful time, the welcoming Christian atmosphere and for all attended Bethel Elementary School in Aleppo and then the dedicated folks who worked so hard to make the event such a Aleppo College. Jackie utilized her thirst for knowledge joy!!! at the American University of Beirut in Lebanon, where she received a double major in Chemistry and Biology. Sincerely, with praises to the Lord for a lovely day made possible After graduating in 1975, Jackie moved to America with by His wonderful people. her family. After coming to America, Jackie first worked as a Jack and Lucille Dolab biologist and immunologist at the Veteran’s Hospital in Dear Badveli Nerses Balabanian and CACC Parish, San Francisco. As a scientist, she was always front and center, involved in groundbreaking research in her field. I am writing to thank you, in behalf of the CRD Support After conducting research in Long Beach for a year, Committee. We appreciate your cooperation in allowing us to Jackie returned to the Bay Area to work in immunology have a boots at the Festival and to use the conference room for in the diagnostic division of a research company called our meetings and to use the hall for the Chilingarian Reception. Syntex. During her time there, she wrote and published her scientific discoveries in Syntex’s research Thank you to all parishioner who have supported our concerts. publications. Jackie later transferred to Seeva, a company focusing on her field of diagnostic research. Sincerely, Throughout her career, Jackie was a very hard worker John Poochigian with much to offer not only in the scientific arena, but also with her positive, kind demeanor and never ending Dear Reverend Balabanian, smile. Coworkers claim she was a joy to work with, so sincere and humble amidst all her accomplishments and The Five Keys Charter School and San Francisco Sheriff’s very optimistic in every situation. Department would like to express our immense thanks for your In 1985 Jackie married Alen Ishkanian and in 1986 God contribution to the community. Your contribution enhanced our gave Jackie the most precious gift, a beautiful daughter client’s holiday season in immeasurable ways. Lori Houri. Jackie and Lori were to become an The Holiday celebration brought cheer to the participants, their inseparable duo. As an incredibly devoted mother, she children and their families. Those attending our event are at a loved Lori and took care of her every need. crossroads in their lives from a life of crime and incarceration to During her work at Seeva, Jackie met Marcel Pirio, the restoration of their life, their family and being positive whom she would later call her “hero.” The two met productive participants in our communities. The Holiday while working on a project in which they shared a Celebration provided support to these individuals and their patent, and got married 1999. families. Calvary Armenian Congregational Church was Jackie’s home. Having served as church clerk, council member, Sincerely, treasurer of Calvary Circle, member of choir, Jackie was San Francisco Sheriff’s Department Staff also a leader in organizing the Church Food Festival for many years where she was in charge of the Boutique. Dear Calvary Church Family, She was always devoted to and passionate about church activities, getting excited about Women’s Bible study We are so touched by all that our church family has done for us. and church events. It is so thoughtful of you to deliver such delicious meals to us. Church community members, coworkers, neighbors, We really appreciate it and feel very fortunate to be in a church and family all report the same things: her beautiful heart community with such kind people. We are grateful that our with so much kindness to give to others. Her incredible children can grow up in this church. intelligence and witty remarks, giving people a chance to laugh no matter what the situation. Her outer and Thank you so much! Hartunians (continued on page five) Calvary Messenger - Volume 38 / Number 1 Page 3 This year I was so blessed to have the position of organizing During the season of Advent God provided Calvary Church CACC’s partnership in Samaritan’s Purse’s Operation members with a wonderful opportunity to reach out to our local Christmas Child, founded by community. Franklin Graham. Our church has been a participant of this program for At the end of November, Badveli received a letter from the San several years, but this year we also Francisco Sheriff’s Department asking us to donate 10 Christmas supported AMAA’s Armenia gifts for 7 year old boys and girls whose parents are participating in Christmas Joy Package drive.