May. St. Thomas. Mar Thoma Church, NY. 34 Morris Street, Yonkers, NY NEWSLETTER VOL. XXXVIII NO. 5.

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1 St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church, NY 34 Morris Street, Yonkers, NY May 2016 Secretary: P.T.THOMAS Vicar / President: Rev. Jaisen Thomas revjathomas@yahoo.com NEWSLETTER VOL. XXXVIII NO. 5

2 WORSHIP SERVICE SCHEDULE AND MAR THOMA SYRIAN CHURCH OF MALABAR LECTIONARY Date Time Worship Sun, May 1 Sun, May 8 9:30 am 10:30 am 9:30 am 10:30 am Praise & Worship (Malayalam), Intercessory Prayer Holy Communion Service, English Praise & Worship (Malayalam), Bible Study Holy Communion Service, English Sun, May 15 Sun, May 22 Sun, May 29 9:30 am 10:30 am 9:30 am 10:30 am 9:30 am 10:30 am Praise & Worship (Malayalam), Bible Class Holy Communion Service, Malayalam Praise & Worship (Malayalam), Bible Class Holy Communion Service, Malayalam Malayalam Bible Class Praise and Worship (English) LECTIONARY MAY 2016 Date 1st Lesson 2nd Lesson Epistle Gospel Sun, May 1 Leviticus 25:1-17 Acts 7: Gal. 4:l-7 St. Mat 28:16-20 Sun, May 8 Ezek 36:24-36 Acts 1:12-14 Rom 8:12-17 St. John14:25-31 Sun, May 15 Isiah 61:1-11 Acts 2: 1-13 Rom 8:26-30 St. John 16: 6-16 Sun, May 22 Gen 18: John 5: Cor 13:11-14 St. Mark 1:1-11 Sun, May 29 1 King 8: Rev: 14:1-7 Acts 16: St. Mark 1:21-28 Date IMPORTANT DAYS IN SABHA/DIOCESAN CALENDAR Importance of the Day Sun, May 1 Mission in Christ s Spirit (5th Sunday after Easter) May Day Sun, May 8 Led by the Spirit (6th Sunday after Easter) St. John the Apostle s Day Mother s Day Sun, May 15 The Feast of Pentecost - Come Holy Spirit Set us Free (50th Day after Easter) Sun, May 22 Trinity Sunday Trinity Community of Love (1st Sunday after Pentecost) Sun, May 29 Divine Revelation in Worship (2nd Sunday after Pentecost) 2

3 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, How meaningful do you find the presence of someone to be? Have you ever really felt the presence of God with you? If so, how does it feel? What is the basic purpose of the Church and how does it relate to the Ascension of Christ? As we celebrate the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ may we be encouraged to seek Him in the experiences of this life. The awesome presence of the Resurrected Christ on the mountain in Galilee preceding the Ascension proclaims His majesty and victory over sin and the vices of evil. The Ascension remains a promise, as well, in that no matter the weight of the cross or the sufferings of this world, there lies a greater glory in the eternal presence of God. Furthermore, Jesus says, And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age (St. Matt. 28:20). These powerful words of Jesus Christ to his disciples as he ascended into heaven remind us of His limitless presence. In fact, it is a paradox of faith wherein the Ascension suggests a dynamic of presence and absence. So, the physical body or physical world is no obstacle for Christ who continues to live and move among His people. Additionally, the experience of the Ascension is significant in that it was also a commission to His disciples and therein, the Church. Jesus says, Go out into all the world. and be my witnesses. Thus, we are called out to be empowered by His presence to serve all humanity in the love of God through His example. As a Church, this is our true purpose and call. As such, let us never forget whose we are and what we are called to do! Furthermore, Jesus Christ through His Resurrection and Ascension assures us in our personal struggles, as well as, in His greater purpose of mission for our lives that He will always be with us. His presence is not stagnant but, empowering for our every specific need. On behalf of Sherin Kochamma, Caleb and myself, we would personally like to express our sincere gratitude for all the love, support and help that all have shown us from the day of our arrival. We are blessed to be a part of the church family and are eager to see how God will lead us forward. I am confident that God Almighty has great plans for our faith community. May we in true surrender be obedient to His will as we work in unity for the building up of His Holy Kingdom! Please know that you can reach out to us at any time (day or night) for anything, even if you just want to pray or share. May God Almighty strengthen us all to discern the limitless and awesome presence of Jesus Christ in our lives that renews and rebuilds for the sake of His mission! With Love and Prayers, Your brother in Christ, 3

4 Area Prayer Meetings Area Date & Time Location Manhattan /New Jersey Sat, May 07, 6:30 pm Mr. Samuel Easo (Sunil) Bergenfield, NJ Yonkers South (McLean Ave) / Bronx Queens / Long Island Sun, May 01, 6.30 pm Sun, May 08, 6:00 pm Mr. Raju Varghese Yonkers Mr. Daniel Gee Varghese East Meadow, NY Yonkers East (Central Ave) Sat, May 14, 6.30 pm Mr. Mathew John Yonkers Rockland Sun, May 15, 6:30 pm Mrs. Rosamma Mathew Spring Valley NY Upper Westchester/CT Sat, May 21, 6.30 pm Mr. Geevarghese Kochumman White Plains Yonkers North (Broadway) Sun, May 22, 6:30 pm Mr. Cherian Varughese Yonkers NY Yonkers West Sat May pm Mr. Mathew Varghese Yonkers, NY Monthly Fasting Prayer Event Date & Time Location Monthly Fasting Prayer Sat, May 28, 10:00 am Mr. John P. Varghese Port Chester N Y 4

5 Organizational Meetings Sevika Sangham Friday Prayer Meeting Event Date & Time Location Friday Prayer Fri, May 6, 10:00 am Mrs. Sosamma Abraham Spring Valley, NY Friday Prayer Friday Prayer Friday Prayer Fri, May 13, 10:00 am Fri, May 20, 10:00 am Fri, May 27, 10:00 am Mrs. Saramma Jolly Yonkers, NY Mrs. Mary Joseph Yonkers, NY Mrs. Sherly Vaidyan Hartsdale,NY Edavaka Mission Event Date & Time Location Prayer Wed May 4, 7 PM Prayer Wed May 11, 7 PM Prayer Friday May 20, 7PM Basement of the Parsonage Basement of the Parsonage Mrs. Leelamma John Yonkers, NY Prayer Wed May 25, 7PM Mr. Jacob Vaidian Yonkers, NY 5

6 Youth Fellowship Event Date & Time Location Meet and Greet Sun, May 1, 4 PM With Jaisen Achen held in the Parsonage General Body Meeting Bible Study and Youth Hangout Sun, May 8, After Service Fri, May 13, 6.30 pm Sanctuary Chapel Sunday School Diocesan Exam will start on Sunday May 1st at 12 Noon. The Exam will be held in the basement of the parsonage. Please keep the students in your prayers. Monthly teachers meeting on May 8th after worship service in the Nursery Room. Young Family Fellowship Event Date & Time Location Fellowship Meeting Sun, May 15, 2.30 PM Robin and Shiby George Yonkers NY Yuvajana Sakhyam We had a spirt filled Yuvajana Sakhyam Convention on April 22 nd and 23 rd in the church. Half day retreat was also held on Saturday April 23rd. We thank Yuvajana Sakhyam for organizing this convention and Dr. Vino Daniel for the main talk. As one of the founders of St. Thomas Mar Thoma Yuvajana Sakhyam, I thank and praise God for the fact that the Yuvajana Sakhyam is carrying on the torch we lit, though it was dim for a brief period of time. I want to thank all organizers and the wonderful Yuvajana Sakhyam choir for their excellent 6

7 Parish activities and Conveners for the year 2016 Program Tentative Dates Convener(s) Joint Committee May 22 Sunday after P.T. Thomas Retreat Service Graduation Recognition July 10th Sunday after Service Litten Thomas Dr. Binil Varghese Picnic July 16 th Saturday Samuel K Samuel M J George Convention August 4-7 Geevarghese Thankachan Senior Citizens Sunday September 25th Mr. John K Abraham Recognition Day Retreat August Daniel Geevarghese T P Jacob Thanksgiving November 24 th John P Varghese Christmas Carol December 24 th Nobin Vaidian Service Sosamma Abraham House Caroling December weekends Aju Daniel Parish Day 2017 January 22 nd 2017 P.T. Thomas Food Committee Ushers Mission P A System Cherian Varghese Geevarghese Thankachan Varughese George John K Abraham Cheruthone Mathai Samuel Ninan Sosamma Abraham P.T. Thomas M. C. Chacko Thomas Oommen Josen Joseph Litten Thomas Dr. Binil Varghese Aju Daniel 7

8 Change of Address Mr. Daniel Gee Varghese & Mrs. Valsa Gee Varghese East Meadow New York Mr. John Mathai Yonkers, NY Mr. Joseph Oommen Yonkers, NY OBITUARIES Mr. Abraham Mathew, cousin of our member Mr. Samuel Ninan passed away in Queens. He was a member of Epiphany Mar Thoma Church. He was originally from Puthusserimala. He was one of the founding members of the Mar Thoma Congregation of Greater NY, Funeral Services were held in Epiphany Mar Thoma Church, NY. Mrs. Annamma Thomas, wife of Late Mr. T O Thomas of Tholuparampil House, Thekkemala, Kozhencherry, mother of our member Mrs. Sajini Kuruvilla passed away on April 11th. Funeral Services were held in Kozhencherry, Kerala, India. Rachel Thomas, the mother of our member Sheela Jacob and mother in law of Jayson Jacob passed away on April 19, Funeral services were held on Saturday April 23rd in Staten Island.. Please keep the bereaved families in your prayers. Pray that the Lord give them sufficient courage and strength to face this most difficult time and be the source of their support and guidance. On behalf of St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church, I express our deepest condolence to all bereaved families. 8

9 Birth Announcement I am happy to announce the birth of Raphael Stephen Mathai, born on April 6, 2016 to John Mathai and Timble Mathews. Proud Grandparents Mr. Cheruthone Mathai and Mrs. Gracey Mathai. Congratulations and Best Wishes to the new parents and proud grandparents. Happy Mother s Day to all Mothers Children, obey your parents in the Lord, because this is right. Honor your father and mother which is the first commandment with a promise that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life. Eph:6:1-3 9

10 JOINT COMMITTEE RETREAT Sunday May 22nd Immediately after Worship Service In the Basement of the Parsonage The Church Executive Committee Members and Committee Members of all organizations of the Parish are requested to attend. Secretaries of all Organizations are requested to inform the members of their committees. Dear Friends, I am humbled and honored to take over the responsibilities as the Secretary of St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church, NY. For the last many years, we had our youths as the secretaries of the parish except in 2009 when I took over that responsibility. Anil, Joe, Ullas Sunil, Bindhu and John did superb work as secretaries. While it may be a very difficult task to follow their steps, especially with changing technology and increasing expectations, I submit myself in the hands of God to strengthen me. I request all your support and prayers and hope and pray that together we can be partakers in building up the Kingdom of God. I wish all Mother s a Happy and Blessed Mother s Day. I also take this opportunity to welcome Rev. Jaisen Thomas and Family to our parish while remembering with gratitude the services rendered by Rev. K.K. Samuel and family. With Prayers, P.T.Thomas 10

11 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Position Full Name Home Phone OFFICE BEARERS Vicar/President Rev. Jaisen Thomas (914) Vice President Mr. M.C. Chacko (845) Secretary Mr. P.T.Thomas (845) Treasurer Mr. Thomas Oommen (516) Accountant Mr. Josen Joseph (914) Lay Leader - Malayalam Mr. Varghese George. (914) Lay Leader - English Mr. Nobin Vaidian (914) AREA PRAYER GROUP REPRESENTATIVES Manhattan/NJ Mr. Varkey Uthup (201) Queens/LI Mr. Daniel Geevarghese (516) Rockland (Spring Valley) Mr. John K. Abraham (845) Rockland (Outside Spring Valley) Mr. P.T.Thomas (845) Upper Westchester/CT Mr. Cheruthone Mathai (203) Upper Westchester/CT Mr. John P. Varghese (914) Yonkers East Mr. Joseph Eapen (914) Yonkers North Mr. Cheriyan Varughese (914) Yonkers South/Bronx Mr. M. J. George (914) Yonkers West Mr. Varghese Jacob (914) MANDALAM & DIOCESAN REPRESENTATIVES Sabha Mandalam Mrs. Sosamma Joseph (914) Diocesan Representatives Mr. Samuel K. Samuel (914) Mr. Samuel Ninan (201) ORGANIZATIONAL REPRESENTATIVES Choir Mrs. Shirley Thomas (516) Edavaka Mission Mr. Geevarghese Thankachan (914) Sevika Sangham Mrs.Sosamma Abraham (914) Sunday School Mr. T.P. Jacob (516) Youth Fellowship Dr. Binil T. Varghese (914) Young Family Fellowship Mr. Litten T. Thomas (845) Yuvajana Sakhyam Mr. Aju Daniel (914) AUDITORS Mr. Thomas Oommen (914) Mr. Geevarghese Kochumman (914)

12 If undelivered FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION Please return to: Anil Abraham St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church Morris Candlewood Street Drive Yonkers, NY NY FIRST CLASS MAIL STAMP! THANK S FOR PICKING UP NEWSLETTERS. YOU ARE HELPING THE CHURCH SAVE. EVERY PENNY COUNTS. 12