Volume 277/June 2014 PARISH BULLETIN THE MAR THOMA PARISH, DUBAI. WASH ME, AND I SHALL BE WHITER THAN SNOW. Psalm 51:7

Transcription

1 Volume 277/June 2014 PARISH BULLETIN THE MAR THOMA PARISH, DUBAI WASH ME, AND I SHALL BE WHITER THAN SNOW. Psalm 51:7

2 MESSAGE FROM THE VICAR Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ Let us praise God for the wonderful ways he has lead us during the last month. Every day is an opportunity to walk in fellowship with God. Fellowship is the most important thing God wants from us. He wants us to come to know him to be with him to spend time with him. Jesus set an example for us when he slowed the pace of his life to spend time with the Father. He knew the importance of quiet moments. He often went into the mountains to pray. The more mature we become in our relationship with God, the more important this quiet time with God becomes. Let us also look forward to being alone with him. We need to listen to him for comfort and direction in our lives. The other thing we need to ask ourselves is - Are we heading towards a better tomorrow or a bitter tomorrow? We were created to love, which means to me to G-I-V-E back to others what they lack. If you need a better tomorrow don t harbor bitterness. The central message of the Bible is that we worship a living God - Father the Creator, Son the Redeemer and Holy Spirit the Sustainer. Jesus came to give us life, life in its fullness, to do good and to save life. Let us follow his example each day as we live on this earth. The month of June brings many things to our mind. Our children will get their annual summer holidays and I am sure many families are preparing to go back home to enjoying time together with their dear ones. At this juncture, I urge parents to remind their children the heritage of our culture and upbringing. Do visit your relatives and introduce children to them, especially the elderly. Encourage them to talk in Malayalam. Motivate children to eat traditional food and engage children in extracurricular activities. This is the opportunity to spend time with your children and more importantly make them to learn to spend quiet time with God and experience real fellowship with the Creator. The month ahead is full of activities. On July 4 and 5th we have the Summer Camp and our VBS this year is scheduled to be held between August 22nd and 29th. I urge parents to send their children for the Summer Camp and VBS and be blessed. I also request all Sunday school friends to attend these programmes and encourage others as well. May our good God bless you all, With prayerful regards, Daniel Mammen Achen KARUTHAL A local service team to help needy members of our society is functioning under the name Karuthal. Members interested in using their time and God given gifts in helping those who are needy are welcome to become a part of this team. For further details contact the Convenor Mr. Samson P. Samuel The most valuable thing the Psalms do for me is to express the same delight in God which made David dance. - C.S. Lewis

3 CHURCH SERVICE & AREA ASSISTANCE SCHEDULE Date Theme 1st Lesson 2nd Lesson Epistle Area 05-June June June-14 The Feast of Pentecost, Come Holy Spirit, transform the Creation - Environment day Ezekiel 36: Acts 2: 1-13 Acts 11: Al Nahda, Sharjah Al Khan, Sharjah King Faisal Sharjah 12-June June June-14 We believe in the Triune God Ezekiel 1: John 5: Corinthians 13: Rolla / Ajman Sunday School Al Barsha 19-June June June-14 Worship: Celebration Of Faith Isaiah 6:1-8 Revelations 4: Thessalonians 5:12-22 Gardens Jebel Ali Free Zone Jumeirah 26-June June June-14 St. Peter s and St. Paul s Day Discipleship as Witness 2 Kings 2:1-15 Acts 2:37-47 Titus 2:1-15 Satwa Jebel Ali Ind. Area Karama A 03-July July July-14 Stewardship Sunday- Responsible Resource Management (Tithe Offering) Exodus 18: Timothy 6: Corinthians 8:1-15 Karama B Al Quoz Karama C 10-July July July-14 Priests: Called for the Divine Ministry (Clergy Day) Dueteronomy 6: Timothy 6:6-16 Ephesians 4:7-16 Bur Dubai A Bur Dubai B Holy Trinity Ch. Area WORSHIP SCHEDULE THURSDAY S Holy Communion Service (Malayalam) 8.00 pm FRIDAY S Holy Communion Service (Malayalam) 8.00 am FRIDAY S Holy Communion Service (English) pm (1st, 2nd & 4th Friday s) FRIDAY S Matins Worship Service (English) pm (3rd & 5th Friday s) SATURDAY S Holy Communion Service (Malayalam) 8.00 am (Holy Trinity Church, Oud Mehta Road) MALANKARA SABHA THARAKA: For yearly subscription of the Sabha Tharaka that gives information on the Mar Thoma Church please contact the co-ordinators for the same: Jobi Joshua and Sam Michael BHADRASANA PRAKASHAM: You can get news and latest developments on our Diocese through the Bhadrasana Prakasham. For subscription please contact our Diocesan Assembly members. God is to be praised with the voice, and the heart should go therewith in holy exultation. - Charles H. Spurgeon

4 MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY {]obsc, {]bmk fptsbpw {]XnkÔnIfptSbpw a[y nâ, \s½ txsn hì hnsphnç {InkvXptZh³. CêÄshfpt mfw Bg nâ hesbdnªn«pw Hìw e`n m hà v IctbmSSp v Aë{Kl sf F nç Aêa\mY³. {]mxâ Hê n BXntYbw \ÂInb tijw, Ct mä e`n Aë{Kl fnâ NneXv kaà nçhm³ HmÀ½s Sp p {InkvXptZh³. kvt\l nsâ Bg sf t_m[ys Sp n, Xsâ BSpIfpsS taât\m«w Gev nç kàæêtsbpw alm CSb³. AsX, Aë{Kl kaà Whpw k`m ]cn]me\hpw \mw Htcmê êtsbpw D chmznxzw Bæì. Cu cïv D chmznxz fnâ \nìw \ap màçw ]pdwxncnªp\nâçhm³ IgnbmXncn s«... R fpss Ignª HêhÀj mes D chmznxz\nàælw nâ e`n IÀ mhnsâ Ir]bpw \n fpss Htcmê êtsbpw klmbhpw klicwhpw {]mà \bpw t{]mõml\hpw FÃmw \μntbmss HmÀçì.. C c nâ \n fpss FÃmhn[ klmbklicw fpw ]pxnb hàjs `mchmlniäçw, ssiøm\kaxnçw \ÂIWw F v A`yÀ nçì. Cu Hê hàj mew AfhnÃmsX, A\h[nbmbn ]cn]men IÀ mhn\v kvxpxn kvtxm{x Ä AÀ nçì. GhÀçw Hcn ÂIqSn kvt\lkulrz nsâ Hcmbncw \μn... {]mà \tbmss, tpmkv eqt mkv s\ãnhnf, CShI sk{i«dn Contact Number: , , josenellivila@hotmail.com / josenellivila@yahoo.com If we are going to worship in Spirit, we must develop a spirit of worship. - Michael Catt

5 AREA PRAYER GROUP SECRETARIES FOR THE YEAR Jebel Ali Free Zone Mr. Abraham Samuel (Jose) Jebel Ali Ind. Area Mr. Raju Yohannan Gardens Mr. Sam Joseph Barsha Mr. Mathew Keluthara Al Quoz Mr. Thomas Samuel (Sashi) Jumeirah Mrs. Smitha Thampi Thomas Satwa Mr. Aji Mathew Karama A Mr. Baby John bsgrace@gmail.com Karama B Mrs. Susan Cherian ssnt1_8@hotmail.com Karama C Mrs. V. Abraham Mathew (Sunny) vam@emirates.net.ae Burdubai-A Mr. Varghese Mathew sajijiji@hotmail.com Bur Dubai-B Mr. Binoy Koshy binoy.elr@gmail.com Holy Trinity Ch. Area Mrs. Annie Chacko annicsaji@hotmail.com Al-Warqa/Rashidiya Mrs. Seena Biju Sam seenabs@yahoo.com Ras Al Khar/Int l City Mr. Gipsy George gipsykgeorge@hotmail.com Clock Tower Mrs. Blessy Sabu ksjohn11@gmail.com Al Maktoum A Mr. Thomas Zachriah dainythomas@yahoo.com Al Maktoum B Mr. Varghese Samuel (Babu) samuelbabu37@yahoo.com Naif Road Mr. Babu Varghese (Boban) babuyrc@yahoo.co.in Frij Murar Mr. Manoj N Mathew manojnmathew@gmail.com Kuwait Hospital Area Mr. Gilu K. John giluklsy@gmail.com Hor Al Anz/Garden City Mr. Jose George kmgjose@yahoo.com Al Shaab A Mr. Roy P. Thomas roythomas157@gmail.com Al Shaab B Mr. George Kuruvilla abelg123@eim.ae Abu Hail/Mamzar Mrs. Anupa John anujabt@yahoo.com Al Nadha Dubai Mr. Mathew Kurian kmathewskurian@gmail.com Al Ghusais A Mr. Jobin B John jbj4uae@yahoo.com Al Ghusais B Mr. Thomas Philip tphilip@gulfnews.com Muhaisnah A Mr. Abraham K. Thomas abrahamt99@gmail.com Muhaisnah B Mr. Jaison Jacob jacob.jaison@hotmail.com Al Twar Mr. Joseph Mammen V josephmammen@yahoo.com Al Nahda Sharjah Mr. Ajesh John johnypapslo@gmail.com Al Khan Mrs. Betty Thomas bettythomas811@yahoo.com King Faisal Sharjah Mr. Mathew P. George abjolly87@gmail.com Rolla/Ajman Mr. Mathew James [Laji] mathewjames06@gmail.com For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. - Hebrews 4:12

6 ORGANISATION NEWS PARISH MISSION Parish Mission meets every Friday at am at the Carmel Hall. For further details please contact Mr. Abraham George (Babu) on Please attend the following programmes prayerfully and be blessed. Fri 6th June - Normal meeting - Rev. George Thomas will share the word of God. Fri 6th June - UAE centre meeting at 2.00 pm RAK MTC Thu 12th June - Night Prayer pm. Thanksgiving service for 10& 12th students. Rev. Dr. Daniel Mammen & Rev. Roby Jacob Mathew will attend the meeting. Fri 13th June - Normal meeting Fri 20th June - Cottage prayer at 6.30 pm Rev. Dr. Daniel Mammen will share the Word. Fri 27th June - Normal meeting SEVIKA SANGHAM Sevika Sangham meets every Saturday, Sunday and Monday evening at four different areas as mentioned below. Unit 1 Sunday: Jebel Ali Ind. Area / Jebel Ali FZ / Al Quoz /Gardens / Barsha / Al Warqa- Rashidiya/ Ras Al Khor-International City. Unit 2 Monday: Jumeirah / Satwa / Karama A / B / C / Bur Dubai A / B / Holy Trinity Area. Unit 3 Saturday: Al Maktoum A / Al Maktoum /B / Naif Road / Frij Murar / Kuwait Hospital Area / Clock Tower / Hor Al Anz & Garden City. Unit 4 Monday: Al Shaab A / Al Shaab B / Abu Hail-Mamzar / Al Nahda Dubai / Al Ghusais A / Al Ghusais B / Muhaisnah A / Muhaisnah B / Al Towar / Al Nahda Sharjah / Al Khan / King Faisal, Sharjah / Rola-Ajman. A combined meeting is held at Holy Trinity Church, Hall No. F-2 every 4th Monday of the month. For further details contact Secretary Mrs. Molly Daniel FASTING PRAYER Sevika Sangham conducts fasting prayer every Wednesday from 9.30am 12.00pm at different areas. Please contact Convener Mrs. Elsy Chacko / CHOIR Parish Choir - Malayalam meets for practice every Friday after the Malayalam Service at Church. After Saturday Malayalam Service there is Choir Practice at the Trinity Church Compound (Hall C3). For further details please contact: Mr. Abraham Varghese Parish Choir - English meets to practice every Friday after English Service at 2.30 pm. Any members interested in joining the Choir for regular worship please contact Mr. Geeve Mathew on There is no justification without sanctification, no forgiveness without renewal of life, no real faith from which Worship is our response to the overtures of love from the heart of the Father - Richard J. Foster the fruits of new obedience do not grow. Martin Luther

7 ORGANISATION NEWS SUNDAY SCHOOL Mar Thoma Sunday School, Dubai. Regular classes are held every Friday after morning Worship Service at am. Arts Festival for the year commenced with the successful conduct of the drawing competition on 2nd May. Arts Festival competitions for events announced are being held on 30th May and 6th June for Sub Juniors / Juniors and Seniors respectively. Parents are requested to encourage children to participate in all events possible so that they are trained for future in their involvement in church and ministry. Morning Holy Communion service on 13th June would be led by Sunday school in English. All students, teachers and staff are requested to attend this service prayerfully. VBS orientation is planned on 13th June 2014 at AM in EMT Hall. Teachers handbook would be distributed also at this time. Orientation would be led by our youth chaplain Rev Roby Jacob Mathew. There would not be any sub junior classes on this day on account of this. Parents Feedback forms are being distributed. Parents are kindly requested to participate in this initiative. Your opinions and feedbacks are important to us. Memory Verses competition would be held after the holiday break. Parents are kindly requested to encourage their children to prepare well for this during the holidays. For Further details contact N A Abraham (Headmaster) or Sunil Varghese (Secretary) Trinity Sunday School, Dubai. Regular classes are held every Saturday after morning Worship Service at am. It is the aspiration of Trinity Sunday School that over the next 3-4 years a goals based education is imparted to each section of the Sunday School in line with our church vision of Lighted to Lighten. The goals are set with the intention that the students leaving a particular section have the basic knowledge of the Bible and church appropriate to their age. The intent furthermore is to Lighten the student, teacher, parent and Sunday school to ensure this goal is met. For further details please contact Headmaster Ashwin. Half-yearly exams for all Grades will be held on 14 June. The last day of Sunday school before the summer break is 21 June and resumes after the summer break on 6 Sep. For further details contact Mr. Ashwin Abraham (Headmaster) on or Mrs. Asha Jacob (Secretary) on SUMMER CAMP 2014 Students from both Sunday Schools who are in town are requested to register for the Summer camp due to be held on 4th & 5th July The theme for this year is: Mission to MARS (Meet A Risen Savior) The overnight stay is applicable only for senior students of. 7th Std onwards. Online registration can be at our website Please register at the earliest. True peace is not merely the absence of tension: it is the presence of justice. ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

8 ORGANISATION NEWS YOUTH FELLOWSHIP Youth Fellowship meets every Friday at am at the Jebel Ali Parsonage. We would like to encourage all the youngsters of our parish to participate in the activities of the Youth Fellowship. Cottage prayer for the month of May will be on Saturday, June 14, 2014 at the residence of Subin Joseph in Abu Hail starting at 7.30 pm For further details, please contact Dr. Blissen Mathew Praise & Worship - Saturday, June 7, 2014 from 7.30 to 9.30 PM at VOICE International Hall, Garhoud. Theme: MISSIONS - Bridges of Love led by Hearts as One Band. Speaker: Rev. Roby Jacob Mathew YUVAJANA SAKHYAM Yuvajana Sakhyam meets every Friday at 10:45 am at Bethanya Hall after Service. Encouraging all Yuvajana Sakhyam members of our parish to participate in the usual activities of Sakhyam. For futher details, please contact YS Secretary Mr. Aji Thomas on Cottage Prayer will be held on 6th June 2014 at 6.30 pm at the Carmel Hall, Jebel Ali Church. Message by Rev. Benny V. Abraham and hosted by Anil John. Please contact the following Convenors for any of the following: Job Cell Convenor: Mr. Anil John , Prayer Cell Convenor: Mr. Paul Ninan , Promisory Fund Convenor: Mr. George Issac SENIOR CITIZENS FELLOWSHIP Regular Meeting will be held at Tulip Inn Hotel on June 25th at 8.00 PM and the meeting will be presided by Rev. Dr. Daniel Mammen Achen. For further details please contact Mr. K. G. Mathai Requesting all Senior Citizens Fellowship members to attend the meeting. VBS 2014 VBS THIS YEAR WILL BE HELD FROM 22ND AUGUST 2014 TO 29TH AUGUST THEME: TREASURES IN CLAY PLEASE MARK THESE DATES ON YOUR CALENDAR. My concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God s side, for God is always right. - Abraham Lincoln

9 From the Medical Desk by Dr. Abey Abraham MERS CORONA VIRUS (MERS- COV) INFECTION This is a Viral respiratory illness first reported in Saudi Arabia in The Middle East Respiratory syndrome (MERS) of Corona Viruses causes Fever, Cough and Shortness of breath. This is a novel virus and is different from the usual corona virus which also causes respiratory illness. There are reports of many deaths (upto 30 %) among the infected people but many have developed only mild respiratory infection. MERS CoV spreads between people who are in close contact and can infect anyone. The source of this virus is not known but it is likely from an animal source. Camels and Bats have been found to have the virus but we don t know if they are the source of the virus. The MERS- CoV is different from The SARS virus and studies are still on going. HEALTH AWARENESS Currently there is no Vaccine available against this virus nor is there any specific treatment except supportive care to help relieve symptoms. The Lab test (PCR) is available only in The CDC (Centres for Disease Control & Prevention)-USA and some international labs and are not routinely available. Therefore prevention is the best option and can be achieved by the following: Avoiding close contact with people with symptoms of the disease, Maintaining good Hand hygiene by washing with water and soap often or using a sanitizer, avoid unwashed and uncooked vegetables, fruits and meats. Wear a medical mask when you are ill, clean and disinfect touched surfaces at home and the office frequently. Consult your doctor if you have respiratory symptoms or visit We have introduced this as a regular coloumn for the benefit of our readers. This is a series of articles which will hopefully increase health awareness among our members and hopefully lead to a change in perspective and focus on better health practices. All suggestions are welcome. FAREWELL Mr. George Abraham (Geogy) and family [Ref No. A 115], Naif Road prayer group member is leaving for India after 32 years of service here. Mr. GEORGE THOMAS (JOSE) and family [Ref. No: T 148], Muhaisnah A prayer group is leaving after 36 years of service. On behalf of The Mar Thoma Parish, Dubai we thank the families for their fellowship over the last years and wish them God s blessing in their new place. Faith is at the root of all true worship, and without faith it is impossible to please God. - Anonymous

10 WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS Name Mobile Contact Prayer Group Home Parish Ref. No. Name Mobile Contact Prayer Group Home Parish Ref. No. MATHEW KOSHY M Frij Murar St. Thomas MTC, Pennukkara DEEPAK ROY D Al Nahda Dubai All Saints MTC, Kampamcodu, Kollam SUBIN EAPEN MATHEW S Naif Road Sehion MTC, Amalloor, Thiruvalla JIJO JOSEPH J Frij Murar Gandhidham MTC, Gandhidham ANOOP C.S. A Al Quoz St. Paul s MTC, Anakkara, Idukki ABRAHAM MAMMEN A Al Nahda Dubai Pariyaram MTC Pazhayapally, Elanthoor ROHITH G. PRAKASH R Karama B Jerusalem MTC, Kottayam ISSAC A. VARGHESE I Al Quoz St. Pauls MTC, Nakkada, Thiruvalla MATHEWS GEORGE M Frij Murar St. Thomas MTC, Kidangannur CIRIL K. KOSHY C Al Towar St. Thomas MTC, Pennukkara SAM MATHEW S Kuwait Hospital Mar Thoma Valiyapally, Elanthoor We welcome all new members to our Parish. Please keep in touch with the Vicars and respective prayer group leaders of the Church. Contact Numbers: Mr. P. John (Vice President), , annajoy@emirates.net.ae or john.p@steripharm.ae, Mr. Mathews Abraham (Trustee), , joykumbanad@yahoo.com, Mr. Mathews P. S. (Accountant) , blitzsunny@gmail.com HOMELAND FELLOWSHIP MEETING 2014 Homeland fellowship meeting is scheduled to be conducted on 01st August Please mark on your calendar. Worship rises or falls with our concept of God... and if there is one terrible disease in the Church of Christ, it is that we do not see God as great as He is.

11 EVENTS FOR THE MONTH OF MAY 2014 SUNDAY SCHOOL ARTS FESTIVAL DRAWING COMPETITION Sunday School kids - small and big had an interesting time as they tried their hand in the drawing competition. Children from different sections were given a topic or shown a picture and they used their creative talents to participate in the competition and give glory to God for their talents. YOUTH FELLOWSHIP ROBY ACHEN S WELCOME Youth Fellowship members did a fantastic job to keep children of Trinity Sunday School busy with activities while the Parents-Teachers Meeting was going on. May the Almighty Lord bless your efforts. Our new Youth Chaplain Rev. Roby Jacob Mathew was given a warm welcome on his arrival to Dubai early May. Achen was also welcomed during Church services and other organisation meetings. We pray for Achen s ministry to be a blessing during his stay here. SEVIKA SANGHAM COOKING COMPETITION Our 4 Sevika Sangham units had a wonderful time of fellowship recently as they tried their hands with the culinary skills God has bestowed on them. Here are the different units participating in the cooking competition. To be saved cost us nothing to be a disciple costs us everything

12 Prof. Kuruvula Cherian (77 years), Perangattu, Kozhuvallur PO, Chengannur, Alappuzha Dist, father of Sony Cherian Kuruvilla, Kaisthana Samathi Member - Holy Trinity Area prayer group. Mr. John Daniel (64 years), Akkottu House, Aranmula / Akkottu, Travancore Residency, Edappally, Kochi, father of Lijo John, Clock Tower prayer group. Mrs. Aleyamma Abraham (72 years), Thadathal House, Kanjeettukara, Ayroor, Ranni, Pathanamthitta Dist, mother-in-law of Raju Varghese, Hor Al Anz / Garden City prayer group. BUS ROUTE CONDOLENCES BUS ROUTES Mrs. Kunjamma Koshy (82 years), Iynolil House, Kurathikad, Mavelikkara, Alappuzha Dist, paternal grandmother of Rajma Jason w/o Jason Thomas Mathew, Muhaisnah A prayer group. Mrs. Kunjamma Abraham (96 years), Mavunilkunnathil House, Kadapra, Kumbanad, Pathanamthitta Dist, mother of Mathews Abraham (Joy), Parish Trustee Karama A prayer group and Varughese Abraham (Johnson) Naif Road prayer group, and paternal grandmother of Jacksly Thomas Karama A prayer group. Dubai Mar Thoma Parish expresses heart-felt condolences to the bereaved family members on the sad demise of their beloved ones. May our Almighty Lord strengthen and comfort them. CO-ORDINATORS International City (New Route) Mr. Gipsy George , Mr. Saji George Al Ghusais Al Shaab Rajan John Al Maktoum Hospital Kurian Thomas , Santhosh Cherian , Water Tank-Al Riqa Naif Road Thomas Zacharia Bur Dubai Karama - Satwa Anish Simon , Dinil George Sonapur - Rashidiya Mammen V. J , K.J. Joseph (Jose) / Al Quoz V.C. Mathew , Binu P. John Jebel Ali Free Zone Sunny Markose , Jiju Jebel Ali FZ South Main Gate Jose , Babu Varghese Dubai Investment Park Cherian John , Raju Yohannan Jebel Ali Industrial Area Monachan Varghese , Alex For more details contact CONVENOR: Mr. P. John (R), (M) Rev. Dr. Daniel Mammen (Vicar) Jebel Ali Parsonage P.O. Box: 2591, Dubai, UAE T: , F: M: E: danielmammen64@gmail.com For more information, please contact Rev. Benny V. Abraham (Asst. Vicar) Al Nahda Parsonage P.O. Box: 2591, Dubai, UAE T: , F: M: E: aasishaardra@gmail.com Rev. Roby Jacob Mathew (Youth Chaplain) Sharjah Chaplain Parsonage P.O. Box: 2591, Dubai, UAE T: M: E: revsamsonsamuel@hotmail.com For Strictly private circulation only. Caretakers: Shaji , John The Mar Thoma Parish, P.O. Box: 2591, Dubai, UAE Church Office Tel: Website: