Starting the 325

Next Step #201: The message of resurrection after the celebration of Easter reverberates, but under what conditions? A look at the altar dynamics and the recreation of the "Badarak" as a sacrificial expression of friendship. Guest Linda Zadoian (from Compass) discusses the evolution of the means by which evangelization takes place. Grass roots change to the Armenian Church. WWMMT: What would Mary Magdalen tweet? "I went to the tomb, it was empty!" Wouldn't it have been a shame if her tweet was pushed down the Twitter page because of other tweets? Ongoing thoughts about Fr. Vazken's & Fr. McKenzie's sermons...
Ani's Bubbles: A sign of faith
TAAB2: http://youtu.be/q7jZMCBEsZM
Song: Al Massih Qam by Rula Kishek
Lend a Second Hand Round #2
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com

50 Ways to Leave Your Nightmares

Next Step #103: A look at the gifts of the Holy Spirit in defining the Body of Christ - the Holy Church. It’s Pentecost: Happy Birthday to the Church! Gifts of Grace: Technology and the Armenian Church and the Cupertino years. Sacrificing for others, in an expression of forgiveness. Memorial Day - some die, others work, but all give. It's the sacrifice that makes us who we are.
Book Review: Muriel Mirak-Weissbach “Through the Wall of Fire: Armenia—Iraq—Palestine From Wrath to Reconciliation”;
Ani's Bubbles: Forgiveness;
Music: "Amen Hayr Sourp" Dudukner Quartet
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net

The Cross is Elevated

Next Step #67: Part 2 of 3 on the Holy Cross. Explanation of the “Exaltation” in history, and its place in life today. Going beyond the John 3:16 message of everlasting life, Fr. Vazken brings the message home in a holistic manner, so the sacrifice of LOVE is our orders for life. A special prayer is offered on this 8th Anniversary of 9/11, with a letter Navy Seaman Apprentice Dembekjian that talks that look for peace. In His Shoes news includes Warren Goodman’s release from prison.
Song of the Day, Lilit Danielyan’s "Cut up this pomegranate here"
Bubbles by Ani: "Twins"
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan
Today’s show is sponsored by Pomegranate & Eye Mention The Next Step podcast and receive a 15% discount - which will be donated to our ministry.

Small Steps Lead to Big Dreams

Barack Obama is President! A dream comes true. Mines explode in Karabagh ending the dreams of others. Fr. Vazken returns from the Obama campaign trail in Las Vegas and talks about the enduring power of dreams. Jesus tell us, "I tell you the truth, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds." John 12:24 Through this sacrifice it produces much, transforming into something greater. What are the sacrifices made by people in our past? Why did the good die young? “Abraham, Martin and John,” by Dion is featured in this podcast. Also, a special interview with Gala Danivola, Program Coordinator in Nagorno Karabagh for The HALO Trust, an organization dedicated to removing landmines and other unexploded ammunitions from former conflict zones, talks about their work.

Cross Section Too

There’s a difference between the crosses that we must bear and tolerate – the crosses we’re given – and the crosses that Jesus talks about, the ones He tells us to pick up and follow. The way of this cross is the cross of sacrifice and humility. And in picking up this cross, we accept the responsibility towards our family, our community, and our world. Fr. Vazken takes up and probes this dimension of the cross; the meaning in our lives comes from a life lived for others. What is the power and importance of the cross in our lives?

Musical selection is “Emmanuel Calling” from Credo’s album, The Rock Opera of the Greatest Story.