LONG ISLAND MAR THOMA CHURCH

Transcription

1 LONG ISLAND MAR THOMA CHURCH Oh come; let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. Psalms 95: Merrick Avenue, Merrick, NY Phone: Fax: NEWS BULLETIN February 2013

2 LONG ISLAND MAR THOMA CHURCH BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2013 OFFICE BEARERS Rev. A.B. Binu Joseph V. Thomas Benny Thomas Jacob T. Chacko Leelamma T. Chacko K. P. Varghese Alex Mathew MANDALAM / DIOCESE Susamma Abraham susyabr@gmail.com Chacko Mathew sunusam6@gmail.com Mathai Thomas thomasmathait@yahoo.com Grace John oommenkjohn@yahoo.com Adarsh Abraham abraham111.10@gmail.com Vicar/ President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Accountant Lay Leader Malayalam Lay Leader English Mandalam Sabha Council Diocesan Treasurer Assembly Member Diocesan Council Member Assembly Member Home Cell Fax Home Cell Home Cell Home Cell Home Cell Home Cell Home Cell Home Home Cell Home Cell Home Cell Cell 2

3 FROM THE VICAR S DESK Dearly beloved in Christ, Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. (Phi. 4:4-5) The epistle to Philippians was written in prison, where St. Paul was held under a capital charge. This was written to a Christian community with whom Paul has had a long and happy relationship. In this letter Paul repeats his command to rejoice in the Lord. Here in this final appeal Paul advised that Christians should be known for a qualitative life that the gentleness should be known to everyone. Gentleness denotes generosity towards others; one is a characteristic of Christ himself. Our Lord emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, humbling himself and becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. That is the gentleness Paul believes has constituted Christians in the church at Philippi. That is the truthful gentleness Paul commends. Note that Paul does not recommend that the Philippians try to be gentle. Rather, he says, Let your gentleness be known to everyone. They have not become gentle by trying to be gentle, but rather they have been formed into gentleness by being made citizens of heaven, baptized into the death and resurrection of Christ. In v. 8 Paul appeals to think about various admirable qualities, all of which are appropriate to those whose minds are guarded by Christ truth, honor, just, pure, pleasing, commendable, praise worthy. This is the way to a qualitative life. As a Christian how is our life different from others? Paul urges a distinctive way of life that might distinguish Christians from others. As Christians we have to present our life as pleasing to God and for the growth of the society around us. The Great Lent (Valiya Nombu) begins on February 10; we are planning evening worship at our homes. This is a time to set apart our time for meditating the cross and the sacrificial love of our Lord towards us. Please plan and pray for a meaningful lent season is the Jubilee year of our Diocese. As a Diocese we are planning different Jubilee programs. Let us pray and participate whole heartedly in this glorious occasion. Let us thank God for our existence in this land. Let us continue our dedicated journey with Christ. Praise be to the Lord. Yours in Christ, A.B. Binu Achen 3

4 BIRTHDAYS February 1 Joykutty Thomas 6 Albert Road, Hicksville, NY February 3 Justin Saji Mathew 3 Chaffee Avenue, Albertson, NY Liben Mathews 272 Pine Acres Blvd, Dix Hills, NY OFFER PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING ON FEB 3RD February 4 Kunjamma Philip 725 The Plain Road, Salisbury, NY Sosamma Rajan 35 Tudor Road, Hicksville, NY Kunjamma Thomas 41 Diamond Street, Elmont, NY February 5 Emil David 87-26, 259 th St, Floral Park, NY Chacko Alex , 72 nd Road, Floral Park, NY Jacob Cherian 15 Russell Park Road, Syosset, NY Dina B George 57 Belmont Ave, Plainview, NY February 6 Reji Alex , 72 nd Road, Floral Park, NY February 7 Sunitha Thomas 8 Roberts Place, Melville, NY Manju Sam 4 Berwyn Dr. L. Ronkonkoma, NY David C. Thomas 4 Berwyn Dr. L. Ronkonkoma, NY

5 February 8 Sally Phillip 38 Lordsway, Manhasset Hills, NY Thomas Zachariah 15 Grand Haven Drive, Commack NY Susan Varghese 201 Browns Rd, Nesconset, NY Christine Joyce Mathew 2 Oak Lane, Roslyn Heights, NY Yasmine E Mathew 30 Cantiaque Lane, Westbury, NY February 9 Koruthu Mathew 2 Oak Lane, Roslyn Heights, NY Brian Varghese 12 Genesee St, Hicksville, NY Thomas C Mathew 30 Cantiaque Lane, Westbury, NY February 10 Thomas P. Daniel 92, 6 th St, New Hyde Park NY OFFER PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING ON FEB 10TH February 11 Mariamma Phillip 10 Regent Lane, Manhasset Hills NY Richard Phillip 10 Regent Lane, Manhasset Hills NY Joy T. Keneth 21 Ray Street,, Hicksville NY Elsy Kompancaril 204 Beebe Rd, Mineola, NY February 12 Samuel C. Mathew 18 Park Drive East, Syosset, NY Joe Mathew 648 Arsley Blvd. Garden City Park, NY Varghese. G 201 Browns Rd, Nesconset, NY Bindu Achenkunju 700 Merrick Road, Apt. 2B, Baldwin, NY February 13 Sheba T. Philip 20 King Avenue, Melville, NY Jaimy Chacko 25 Legend Circle, Melville, NY Julie M. Mathew 10 Harkin Lane, Hicksville, NY John Mathew 22 Rose Lane, N H Park, NY

6 February 14 Thomas Samuel 119 Fulton Ave, G C Park NY February 15 Cynthia Cherian 36 Pickwick Dr, Syosset, NY February 16 Oommen. K. John 7 Milburn St, Hicksville NY Bindhu Akash 3403 Great Neck Rd, Amityville, NY February 17 Blessy Mathew 1557 Rosser Ave, Elmont, NY Shawn Sam 151, N 12 th St, New Hyde Park, NY Mathew N. George 272 Pine Acres Blvd. Dix Hills, NY Thomas Varghese 2 Oak Lane, Roslyn Heights, NY Reuben Philip 386 South, 1 st Street, Lindenhurst, NY Mathew N George 272 Pine Acres Blvd, Dix Hills, NY OFFER PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING ON FEB 17TH February 19 Runy Thomas 1850 Lois Place, Merrick, NY February 21 Aleyamma Varkey 2 East Park Court, Old Bethpage, NY Mini James 38 Hargrove Drive, Stony Brook, NY February 22 Aleyamma C. Mathews 2971 Shore Drive, S. Merrick, NY Betsy Koickel 12 Genesee St, Hicksville, NY Jean Mathai Varkey 2 East Park Court, Old Bethpage, NY Dr. Alex Mathew 872 Abbott St. East Meadow, NY February 23 Tojo Varkey 2 East Park Court, Old Bethpage, NY

7 Mathew P. Varghese 10 Harkin Lane, Hicksville, NY Aleyamma David 4 Berwyn Drive, L. Ronkonkoma, NY OFFER PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING ON FEB 24TH February 25 Maizy Thomas 61 Merry Lane, Jericho, NY February 26 Joyan Mathew 31 Shrub Hollow Rd, Roslyn, NY Kelvin Abraham Langdale St, N H Park, NY February 27 Tobgy Thomas 1 Clinton St, Hicksville, NY Jenson Thomas Mathew 59 Gardner Avenue, Hicksville, NY February 28 Mathai Thadathil 1859 Casper Ave, East Meadow, NY OFFER PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING ON MAR 3RD 7

8 W E D D I N G A N N I V E R S A R Y February 2 Mr. & Mrs. Babu George 80-59, 257 th St, Floral Park, NY Mr. & Mrs. Issac Daniel 314 Litchfield Ave, Elmont, NY OFFER PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING ON FEB 3RD February 4 Mr. & Mrs. Mathai Thomas 325A Lenox Rd, Huntington St NY Mr. & Mrs. Thampy Thomas 368 Commack Rd, Commack, NY February 6 Mr. & Mrs. Mathai Abraham Langdale St, N.H Park, NY Mr.& Mrs. Oonnoonny Thomas 14, 7th St, G.C. Park, NY February 7 Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Zachariah 15 Grand Haven Dr, Commack NY February 10 Mr. & Mrs. Philip K. Mathew 311 Oakley Ave, Elmont, NY OFFER PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING ON FEB 10TH February 14 Mr. & Mrs. Mammen Samuel 5 Country Ct, Hicksville, NY February 15 Mr. & Mrs Charuvilla P. Mathew 28 Pine Street, Plainview, NY February 17 Mr. & Mrs. Mathew P. Mathew , 83 rd Ave, Floral Park NY OFFER PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING ON FEB 17TH 8

9 February 21 Mr. & Mrs. Varghese Oommen 63 Crest hollow, Searingtown, NY Mr. & Mrs. Akash Issac 3403 Great Neck Rd, Amityville, NY Rev. & Mrs. A. B. Binu 2350 Merrick Avenue, Merrick, NY OFFER PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING ON FEB 24TH February 29 Mr. & Mrs. Jiju Sam 74 Clarendon Rd, L. Ronkonkoma, NY OFFER PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING ON MAR 3RD 9

10 SUNDAY SCHOOL school assembly starts at 9:00 AM. Late comers are advised to proceed directly to the sanctuary with their parents and remain there for worship. MALAYALAM CLASSES Malayalam classes will be conducted every after the Holy Communion Service upstairs. JUNIOR BASKETBALL CLINIC Basketball practice for children currently in grades two through six is conducting every Friday at 7 PM in the church auditorium. FOOD DRIVE For the month of February the Youth Fellowship will be responsible for the food drive. PRAISE AND WORSHIP Youth Fellowship will continue to give leadership for praise and worship from 9:30 AM every. YOUTH FELLOWSHIP ELEMENT 26 Youth Fellowship meetings will continue to be held every Friday at 7:00 PM at the Church unless otherwise notified via . 2/1/13: Team Chemistry/Unity Night - 7:00 PM 2/15/13: (Untitled) - 7:00 PM Weekly Bible Study: Will be held every Thursday from 8:00 PM 9:00 PM at the Youth Chaplain s Parsonage, 194 Bregman Avenue, New Hyde Park, New York, NY Phone: or vmmallappally@yahoo.com 10

11 ENGLISH CHOIR English Choir practice will be held every other after the service at the Church. MALAYALAM CHOIR Malayalam Choir practice will be held every other after the service at the Church. EDAVAKA MISSION Edavaka Mission meets every Friday at 7:30 PM at the Church. SEVIKA SANGHOM Monthly meeting will be held on Saturday February 9th in the Church at 10:00 AM. Weekly bible study will be announced during the service each week. YUVAJANA SAKHYAM Cottage prayer meeting will be held on February 24th at the residence of Mr. & Mrs. Charuvila P. Mathew, 28 Pine Street Plainview, at 2:00 PM. All Sakhyam members are requested to attend this meeting. DIOCESE OF NORTH AMERICA AND EUROPE As you know 2013 is the Jubilee year of our Diocese. The Diocesan council has decided to form a 'Regional Activities Committee' (RAC) in all eight regions of the Diocese to plan, prioritize and implement various regional programs and projects as part of Jubilee Celebration. Events will be announced each month as they are finalized. The Diocesan MTVEA National Conference is scheduled to be held at The Mar Thoma Church of Dallas Farmers Branch from July 19th to 21st For further details, please contact Rev. Jose C. Joseph Mathew, Vicar, Dallas Farmers Branch Mar Thoma Church. 11

12 CONDOLENCES Rev. Mathew P. Jacob (68) from Ernakulam. He was a retired Achen from our Diocese. Mrs. Jini Mathew (57), the younger sister of Mrs. Marykutty Mathew w/o Mr. Chacko Mathew, 451 Horton Highway, Williston Park passed away in Detroit, Michigan. She was suffering from cancer for the past few months. Mr. K.P. Samuel, 76yrs passed away now at Uthimoodu, Pathanamthitta, Kerala. He is Brother in law of Mr. K.V.Thomas (12 Royal Way, Manhasset Hills, NY), Mrs. Aleyamma Thomas (223 Marcus Avenue,Garden City Park, NY 11040), and Mr. James Varghese (1105 Hillside Ave, Herricks,NY). He was suffering of cancer in recent months. The Vicar and Members of the Parish express our deepest condolences to the family members, all their relatives and friends as they mourn the departure of their loved ones. NEW BORN A baby boy, Logan Mathew Vengal Koshy was born to Mr. & Mrs. Renny and Smitha Koshy, (7 Wedgewood Drive, Westbury, NY 11590). A baby girl, Hailyn Mathew was born to Mr. & Mrs. Jenson & Princy Mathew, (59 Gardner Avenue, Hicksville, NY 11801). Congratulations to Renny & Smitha, Jenson & Princy & also Grandparents Mr. & Mrs. John Koshy (7 Wedgewood Drive, Westbury, NY 11590) & Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Mathew (59 Gardner Avenue, Hicksville, NY 11801). 12

13 YOUTH CHAPLAIN S CORNER Lent: a time of disciplining Once again we are approaching the great lent which our church observes during the 50 days till the Easter. Why do we observe lent? What is the significance of participating in the observance of great lent? Lent has numerous nuances and aims but I just want to focus on only one aspect of the lent; that is discipline. Our Lord Jesus before His public ministry took 40 days and nights preparing and disciplining him for the great task which was entrusted on him. Moses before his Mission to Egypt took a time in the wilderness to prepare and discipline him; there he received the commissioning of God. In our busy scheduled days do we have a time to prepare and discipline ourselves? Do we agree to the necessity to be prepared and disciplined spiritually and physically? I believe it is mandatory to every believer to separate some time in a year preparing and disciplining them. This preparation and disciplining is essential for everyone who wants to have a solemn spiritual life. If one wants to achieve something or arrive a certain level he/she needs preparation and discipline. Discipline is what modern believers need the most but wants the least. Much of the restlessness and the instability in the lives of many Christians can be traced to the basic fault of an indisciplined way of life. There may be other secondary causes, but somewhere behind all of them is a fundamental need for discipline. No-one can become genuinely holy, whatever experience he may have had, unless he is disciplined in all areas of daily living. The advantage that a human with a disciplined life has will be seen not only in greater holiness and spirituality, but also in greater efficiency and effectiveness in everything that he does for the Lord. The strong disciplined character of Madam Guyon enabled her, even when imprisoned in a filthy French prison for many years (in the 17th century), to rise above her surroundings in her spirit, and to write: "My cage confines me round, Abroad I cannot fly. But though my wing is closely bound, My heart's at liberty. My prison walls cannot control The flight and freedom of my soul." There is tremendous spiritual power in such a life. Let our lent this year, would be a time of disciplining and preparing ourselves for the next one year. Let us discipline ourselves in our relationship with God and with others by disciplining our spiritual life by saying NO to certain things and saying YES to certain things as a part of disciplining ourselves. Let this lent be an experience of personal discipline and preparation for a matured spiritual life and a journey with Christ. V. M. Mathew Achen 13

14 THANKS The Vicar and Members of the Parish express their sincere thanks to Area Representative Philip K. George and members of Prayer Group F (East Meadow, Levittown, Massapequa, Merrick, Syosset, & Westbury) for their assistance at the pulpit, arranging flowers and refreshments during the month of January During the month of February 2013, the above responsibilities are assigned to James Varghese and members of Prayer Group - C (Herricks & New Hyde Park) PULPIT ARRANGEMENTS AND AREA REFRESHMENTS Month February March April May June July August September October November December Hosting Prayer Group and Area Representative Prayer Group C: Herricks & New Hyde Park James Varghese Prayer Group A Thomas David Prayer Group B Sabumon Idiculla Prayer Group E Joseph C. Mathew Prayer Group D Mohan Daniel Jacob Prayer Group G Jibi P. Mathew Prayer Group F Philip K. George Prayer Group C James Varghese Prayer Group A Thomas David Prayer Group B Sabumon Idiculla Prayer Group E Joseph C. Mathew 14

15 AREA PRAYER MEETINGS Day, Date & Time Saturday 2/9/2013 6:30 PM 2/10/2013 6:00 PM Saturday 2/16/2013 6:30 PM Saturday 2/23/2013 6:30 PM 2/24/2013 6:00 PM Area Prayer Group Prayer Group G Albertson, Garden City Park, Manhasset Hills, Mineola, Roslyn, Roslyn Heights, Searingtown, & Williston Park Prayer Group D Bethpage, Hicksville, & Plainview Prayer Group F East Meadow, Levittown, Massapequa, Merrick, Syosset, & Westbury Prayer Group B Elmont & Valley Stream Prayer Group C Herricks & New Hyde Park Hosting Family Address & Phone Mr. & Mrs. Kalathil Varughese 55 Royal Way Manhasset Hills, NY Mr & Mrs. Philip K Mathew 19 Main Parkway Plainview, NY Mr & Mrs. Jacob T. Chacko 6 Maxwell Drive Westbury, NY Mr. & Mrs. Sabumon Idiculla 1063 Rottkamp Steet Valley Stream, NY Mr & Mrs. John Mathew 22 Rose Lane New Hyde Park, NY

16 WORSHIP Day and Date Time Schedule 02/03/ /10/ /17/ /24/ :00 AM 10:00 AM 10:00 AM 10:00 AM Holy Communion Service in English Healing of Body Mind and Soul through Christ- Medical Mission Holy Communion Service in Malayalam Pethurtha-Beginning of Great Lent-118th Maramon Convention Begins- You will be my witnesses Holy Communion Service in English Lent: Feeling the Touch of Christ-118th Maramon Convention Ends- (2nd in Lent) Holy Communion Service in Malayalam Healing through Forgiveness of Sins (3rd in Lent) LECTIONARY Day and Date 1 st and 2 nd Lessons Epistle Gospel 02/03/2013 2Kings.20:1-11 Acts.3:1-10 Jam.5:13-19 St.Mark.7: /10/2013 Isa.1:10-20 Rom.12:1-8 Eph.2:1-10 St.John.2: /17/2013 2Kings.5:1-14 1John.2:15-17 Phile.8-17 St.Mark.1: /24/2013 Num.12:1-16 Acts.16:11-18 Rom.7:15-24 St.Mark.2:

17 2013 PARISH TENTATIVE PROGRAMS FEBRUARY 2/10 Great Lent Begins Daily Evening Prayer & Worship at Houses - 7:30 PM 2/10-2/17 Maramon Convention 2/23 Edavaka Mission Fasting Prayer at Church 11AM - 1PM MARCH 3/1 World Day of Prayer 3/3 Diocesan / Pulpit Change 3/22 40th Friday- Holy Communion Service in Malayalam at 10:00 AM 3/23 Great Lent Ends Daily Evening Prayer & Worship at Houses - 7:30 PM. Youth Fellowship - 3 on 3 Basektball Tournament 3/24 Psalm 3/25-3/27 Sandhya Namaskaram - 7:30 PM 3/28 Maunte Thursday - Sandhya Namaskaram and Holy Communion Service in Malayalam at 7:00 PM 3/29 Good Friday Service at 9:30 AM 3/30 Edavaka Mission Fasting Prayer at Church 11AM - 1PM 3/31 Easter - No School - Holy Communion Service in English at 9:30 AM APRIL 4/6 School Springfest 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM 4/11-4/13 Diocesean Assembly Meeting & Clergy Conference - Chicago 4/27 Edavaka Mission Fasting Prayer at Church 11AM - 1PM 4/28 School Final Exam MAY 5/5 School Diocesan Exam 5/12 Mother's Day Convener: Adarsh Abraham 5/19 School Senior Class Graduation 5/25 Edavaka Mission Fasting Prayer at Church 11AM - 1PM 5/26 Choir Special Offertory Collection JUNE 6/16 Father's Day Conveners: Adarsh Abraham & Alex Thomas 6/22 School Competitions 6/29 Edavaka Mission Fasting Prayer at Church 11AM - 1PM 6/28-6/30 Youth Retreat 17

18 JULY 7/7 Parish Day & Episcopal Visit Holy Communion Service in English at 9:30 AM 7/11-7/14 School Jr/Sr Conference 7/23-7/28 VBS 7/27 Edavaka Mission Fasting Prayer at Church 11AM - 1PM AUGUST 8/4 Graduate Recognition/ New Academic Year 8/24 School Teachers Training 8/25 Family 8/31 Edavaka Mission Fasting Prayer at Church 11AM - 1PM SEPTEMBER 9/1 School Classes Begin 9/8 Sevika Sangham Day 9/15 Senior Citizens Day 9/20-9/22 Parish Convention 9/28 Edavaka Mission Fasting Prayer at Church 11AM - 1PM OCTOBER 10/6 MTVEA Day School Anniversary Youth Fellowship Praise Night School Fall Fest Youth Family Talent Night 10/26 Edavaka Mission Fasting Prayer at Church 11AM - 1PM Yuvajana Sakhyam Day NOVEMBER 11/2 World School Day Regional Celebrations 11/3 World School Day 11/30 Edavaka Mission Fasting Prayer at Church 11AM - 1PM DECEMBER 12/1 Thanksgiving Day 12/21 Christmas Eve Carol Service/Combined Programs - 6:00 PM 12/25 Christmas Service - Holy Communion Service in English at 9:30 AM 12/28 Edavaka Mission Fasting Prayer at Church 11AM - 1PM 12/31 Watch Night Service - 10:00 PM TO BE DETERMINED: Church Picnic Family Retreat 18

19 AREA REPRESENTATIVES Thomas David Prayer Group - A Sabumon Idiculla ipsabu@gmail.com Prayer Group - B James Varghese jamesvarughese25@gmail.com Prayer Group - C Mohan Daniel Jacob mj5660@optonline.net Prayer Group D Joseph C Mathew jcmatpt@gmail.com Prayer Group - E Philip K. George pkgeorge21@gmail.com Prayer Group - F Jibi P. Mathew jibimathew@aol.com Prayer Group - G EDAVAKA MISSION Abraham George vettuparampil.ag@gmail.com Secretary SEVIKA SANGHOM Rajamma Mammen rajamma.mammen@gmail.com Secretary SUNDAY SCHOOL Varghese Thomas appu12013@gmail.com Headmaster CHOIR Marykutty Mathew Marymathew516@hotmail.com Choir Secretary YUVAJANA SAKHYAM Charuvila P. Mathew christoviji@yahoo.com Secretary YOUTH FELLOWSHIP Alexander Thomas atx7248@gmail.com Vice President H C H C H C H C H C H C H C H C H C H H C H C H C 19