Ascension Mar Thoma Church Northeast Ave, Philadelphia, PA Phone: Web site.

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1 From : Jijomon Joseph Secretary, Ascension MTC Northeast Avenue Philadelphia, PA secretary.amc@gmail.com TO Ascension Mar Thoma Church Northeast Ave, Philadelphia, PA Phone: Web site. NEWS LETTER - JAN, FEB, MAR : 2019 VICAR Rev. Jinson K. Mathew 3892 Byron Road, Huntingdon Valley, PA Ph : ; Cell Ph : Vice President Mr. Anu Skariah Secretary Mr. Jijomon Joseph Trustee-Finance Mr. John Varkey Trustee-Accounts Mr. Subin V. Abraham (For Private Circulation 1 Only)

2 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS : 2019 Christmas carol Vice President : Mr. Anu Skariah Trustee( Finance) Mr. John Varkey Trustee( Accounts) : Mr. Subin V.Abraham Secretary : Mr. Jijomon Joseph Lay Leader ( Malayalm ) Mr. T.S.Varghese Lay Leader ( English ) Mr. Thomas Saju Prayer Group Representatives Bethlehem : Mr. George P. Mathai Jerusalem : To be Elected Nazareth : Mr. Thomas Mathew Salem: Mr. Mammen Kappiuzhathil Sharon : Mr.Varghese Mathai Zion Mr. Mathai Thomas Building Committee Building Committee: Mr. John Mathew Choir Members Representing Organizations Mr. Sumesh Varghese John Sevika Sangam Mrs. Biji Sabin Sunday School Mrs Deepam Cherian Yuvajana Sakhyam Mr. Sam Abraham Youth Fellowship Young Family Fellowship Mr. Bobby Cherian Senior Fellowship Mr. K. Varghese Sabha Mandalam Member Mrs. Aleyamma Baby Dio. Assembly Member. Mr K. Johnson Dio. Assembly Member. Mr.Jobin K Mathew Dio.Assembly Member. Mr Rojish Sam Samuel Auditors Auditor Mr.Thomas Chandy Auditor Mr.C.S. Mathew

3 Christmas carol Dearly beloved in Christ, From Vicar s Desk Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ... Thank God for the blessings that we received throughout the year as a Parish. As we bid farewell to the old year, we generally introspect the year past and make new resolutions. Our intentions are good, but as the year progresses, we find that most resolutions fall by the side. If we analyse our daily life, we realize that we are mostly dealing with people, material things and situations or events. Everybody has to respond to various situations or events. Life can be defined as perspectives and our responses to them. Though we know what we should or should not do, we are unable to act in accordance to the divine will of God. This is because we have not been able to respond to the call of God. St. Paul defines human condition in one of his epistles, "Thus passes away the glory of the world". What is the force that makes us face challenges even though we know that the glory of the world will pass away? It is the impulse to search for the meaning of life. When we stand before the Creator, we will understand each opportunity that was offered to us, which we either accepted or rejected. The final test of religion is not what I have believed, not what I have done, not what I have achieved but how I have discharged the common charities of life. When we respond to the call of Jesus Christ, we will experience the power of God in our lives. He will direct our lives when we follow Him. God guides us in all circumstances of our lives. Ultimately, we find true peace and joy. As we are coming to the end of the financial year, I want to appreciate and thank all of you for the sincere co-operation that you are rendering to the various ministries and needs of our Parish and Church. I got an opportunity to do the ministry with a wonderful Executive committee and office bearers who have a great vision for the Parish. Parking lot project completion, new comprehensive software for the parish, online payment facilities,20th year celebration and souvenir, resolving the huge liens and taxes to city without revenue loss, new vehicle for vicar, Kerala flood relief project are some of the commendable achievements. In 2019 our Parish is hosting the National Senior fellowship conference which is a major event in which we need the prayer, participation and co-operation of all the members. Warm welcome and prayers to the new office bearers and executive committee entering the ministry for the new year. From less than hundred families in 1998 the number of families increased to more than 200 families is really remarkable. The pertinent question to be asked is not how big the church is, how fast is it growing and how rich it is, But the relevant question is what difference it makes to that bit of the world in which it is placed. Lesslie Newbigin. HAVE A BLESSED AND JOYOUS YEAR With prayers and best wishes Jinson Achen Vicar December 12,

4 From Youth Chaplain s Desk Dearly beloved brothers and sisters of Ascension MTC, Every end is a new beginning, so the saying goes. An eventful 2018 comes to a close, and we stand at the threshold of a New Year! We remember the year gone by and thank God for his grace and mercies. There were moments of joy and sorrow, a mixed bag of experiences- which is the way it always is! 2018 was also a year when we lost some prominent people, who influenced us in many ways. Nevertheless, their lives will be a beacon of light for us in our journey of faith. The passing away of Bishop Geevarghese Mar Athanasius in April last year, was a great loss to the Marthoma Church. His powerful sermons and his exemplary life, will be dearly missed. We also lost the great evangelist Billy Graham, perhaps one of the greatest modern day evangelists. Also notable were, the war hero and former Senator, John McCain; Former President, George H.W Bush; former UN General Secretary, Kofi Annan and the famous comic book founder/writer of Marvel Comics, Stan Lee- someone who made our childhood alive with those great superhero characters! We read in Isaiah 43: 18-19: Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. The past for us, is a very warm, comfortable, cozy thing we carry with us wherever we go. We draw strength from the past. Memories have a special place in our lives. Some of us even live in the past, glorifying the past- and denying the present. The past is important for us to move forward, no doubt. But it does also have, the immense power to take over the future, in a way that it affects our progress. I am reminded of the Del Amitri song, it is like driving with the brakes on. The context of the Isaiah verse is the Exile. The Israelites are punished and driven to exile in Babylon, and they were naturally thinking of their glorious past and feeling grieved about their present situation in a foreign land. God asks them to be more hopeful of the future, because he was going to make a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. For some, the past can be a painful experience; that of guilt, shame, abuse, hurt and pain. The Lord is asking us to be more positive and optimistic about the future, because He will give us a fresh new start. We will drink the cool waters from those hopeful streams that run through the wilderness. Modern rockets are generally called multi stage rockets. Those of us, who have seen rocket launches on TV, will remember the different stages of a rocket launch. One of the features of a multi stage rocket is how different parts of the rocket break away from the main body as they accelerate in the sky. They are meant to break away or separate themselves from the main rocket for extra thrust and acceleration, to reach its final speed and height. Like a rocket, we need to break away from these so that we are free to blaze into our real potential. Congratulations to you all for hosting an amazing Fall Conference. Everyone had a great experience. Thank God for His grace that abounded during the Conference. I shall be at your parish on January 13 th, February 10 th and March 10th for the Holy Communion service. I look forward to visiting you for youth meetings in the days to come. Wishing you a wonderful, blessed and rewarding 2019! Onwards and upwards! Faithfully, Rev. Prince Varghese Madathileth 4 17

5 Sub Committees 20th year Anniversary Souvenir Releasing (December 22nd, 2018) Building Committee Mr.John Mathew (Convener) Mr.Tibu Jose Mr.Nelson Varughese Mr.TA Varghese Mr. PJ Mathew Mr.Varghese Joseph Mr.P.M. Ninan IT Committee Mr. Ebby Varghese Mr. Deepu Cherian Mr. Philip Biju Daniel Mr. Benny Philip Mr. Joby John Sound System Operators Mr. Benny Philip Mr. Shyju Thomas Mr. Allen Samuel Mr. Ashwin Mathew Mr.Justin Mathew Mr. Stephen Mathai Mr.Joel Johnson Representatives for EFICP Mr. Daniel P. Thomas Mr. M.A Mathew Mrs. Dhanya Jacob Mr. Rojish Sam Samuel Mr. Thomas Chandy 16 5

6 SPECIAL NOTE Prayer Meetings - March All families of the parish should pay monthly subscription and $150 offertory without pending. As per our last year s (2017) expenditure we need an average of $35,000 a month for running our parish. If you haven t paid till the date, please pay by 25 th of December. The contributions received after December 30 th will be shown in the new year s account. I request the co- operation of all the families in Sale and auction, one day income offertory and Christmas door to door caroling contribution. We need more than 200 thousand dollars for paying mortgage a year. The income we get from these 3 collections (almost 60,000 dollars) is used for paying mortgage. I would like to bring to your notice about the decisions taken by the general body regarding the financial contributions to our parish. Dues of all families will be carry forwarded and will be shown in the Annual Report. Example: Monthly subscription- minimum 50 dollars a month, $150 Offertory- for various offertories to Diocese and Sabha office, Parking lot- minimum $500, Souvenir Subsidy from Church for active members in using the rental facilities will be given to those members who fully comply (paid the complete dues till the date) with the financial responsibilities towards the church. Rev.Jinson K.Mathew Vicar Bethlehem Sharon Zion Salem Jerusalem Edavaka Mission Nazareth Yuvajana Sakhyam Saturday.March PM Mrs & Mr.Abraham Thomas 410 Laura Lane, Philadelphia, PA A/C Sunday, March PM Mrs & Mr.CS Mathew 410 Kismet Rd., Philadelphia, PA A/C 48 Ph Saturday, March PM Sunday.March 10., PM Saturday, March PM Sunday,March.17, PM At Church Saturday.March. 23, 05:00 PM Mrs & Mr. Kurian George 1854Greymont St,Phila PA, A/C 24 Ph Sunday,March,24 5:00PM 6 15

7 Worship Schedule Sunday, March 03, Diocesan Sunday AM Malayalam Holy Communion Lessons Epistle/ Gospel Sunday School after service Perthutho Beginning of Great Lent Lent:Time of Redemption Isa 58:1-14 Sunday, March 10, Cor.5:16-21 Rom 2:1-10 John 2: AM English Holy Communion Lessons Epistle/ Gospel Sunday School after service Christ s Presence with the outcast Sunday, March 17, 2019 Esth 4:1--17 Rom 15:7--13 Acts 15:6--21 Mark 1: AM Malayalam Holy Communion Lessons Epistle/ Gospel Sunday School after service Release from the Burden of Sin Sunday, March 24, Sam 12:1--14 Gal 3: Acts 8:9--17 Mark 2: AM English Hoy Communion Lessons Epistle/ Gospel No Sunday School Faith expression of the Marginalised Sunday, March 31, 2019 Isa 45:1-8 1Cor 1:20-25 Acts 10:24-33 Matt 15: :30 AM Malayalam Holy Communion Lessons Epistle/ Gospel Parish Day February 03, 2019 DATES TO REMEMBER February 03, Sunday,Parish Day February 10, Sunday. Beginning of 124th Maramon Convention March 03, Sunday Diocesan Sunday ($150 Offertory) Day light Saving Time Begins New Members Mr. Ashok Simon s Sister and her Daughter added to A/C 100 Its always a pleasure to open our doors to those who wish to join us. We AMTC family welcome both of you Mrs. Pushpa Suresh Miss. Santhra Eliza Suresh To our worshipping community Transforming the oppressive structures Nah 1:1--15 Acts 4: Acts 16: Luke 13: Phone number Change ; Mr. Aji George A/C 258 Mr. George Titus A/C

8 Prayer Meetings - February 2019 Bethlehem Sharon Zion Saturday February PM Mrs & Mr. John Mathew 2248 Stanwood St., Philadelphia, PA 19152, A/C 180 Ph Sunday February PM Mrs & Mr.Varghese Mathai 2501 Kirk Drive, Huntingdon Valley, PA A/C 47 Ph Saturday.February PM Mrs & Mr. Biji Varughese 610 Oxford Avenue, Phila, PA A/C 299 Ph Sunday February 10, PM Salem Saturday February,16, 5:00PM CHURCH WEB SITE Our church web site is being updated regularly. Please check the website for any announcements or changes. The web site address is: website feature for members log in area. Please go online and register for user ID and password. Jerusalem Edavaka Mission Nazareth Yuvajana Sakhyam Sunday,February 17, PM At Church Saturday February 23,, PM Mrs & Mr. Koshy Chacko 714 Greymont St, Phila, PA A/C 304 Ph Sunday,February 24, 5:00PM 8 13

9 Sunday, February. 03, AM Malayalam Holy Communion Lessons Epistle/ Gospel Parish Day (No Sunday School) Perfect Healing that Christ gives (Medical Mission Sunday) Sunday, February. 10, Kgs 5:1-14 Rom 5:16-26 Acts 3:1-10 Mark 5: AM English Holy Communion Lessons Epistle/ Gospel Sunday School after service Community that has to be prepared for the Word of God C.H. 202 (Beginning of 124th Maramon Convention) Sunday, February. 17, 2019 Deut 31:9-13 Rom 1:8-17 Acts 16:19-34 Luke 8: :30 AM Malayalam Holy Communion Lessons Epistle/ Gospel Creation that reveals God s Glory (End of 124 th Maramon Convention) Sunday, February. 24, 2019 Gen 2:1--9 Col 1: Thess 1:1-12 Matt 6: AM English Holy Communion Lessons Epistle/ Gospel Fall of Creation Worship Schedule Gen 11:1--9 Rom 8: Eph 2:1--10 Luke 10: February 03, Sunday,Parish Day February 10, Sunday.Beginning of 124th Maramon Convention New born Congratulations! to the families and pray that may Almighty Lord help to raise the children in the fear and love of God. Nathan Eype Mathew Son ( Mr. Soju Eype and Mrs Ancy Soju A/C 300) Elijah Anoj Achenkunju - Son (Mr. Anoj Achenkunju and Mrs. Betcy George A/C 274) CONDOLENCES We as Ascension Church, express our heartfelt condolences to the following members of the parish in their bereavement and pray that may Almighty God give them comfort and peace that transcends all understanding. 1. Mr.Annamma Georgekutty Brother in-law( A/C 160) 2. Mr.Abraham Mathew Member -( A/C 161) 3. Mr. Thomas Mathew-Brother ( A/C 56) 4. Mr. Mammen Kappiuzhathil Brother ( A/C 42) 5. Mr. George Jacob- Brother (A/C 156) 6. Mrs. Aleyamma Boban Mother (A/C 236) 7. Mrs. Sherly Simon Mother (A/C 100) 8. Mrs. Aniyamma Mathew Brother in-law (A/C 48) 9. Mrs. Jessy Roy- Brother in-law (A/C 111) 10. Mrs. Sheeba Cherian Father (A/C 267) 11. Mr. Varghese Philipose Sister in Law (A/C 259) 12 9

10 Worship Schedule JANUARY, 06, AM Malayalam Holy Communion Lessons Epistle/ Gospel Denaho: Baptism of Jesus - Epiphany Solidarity to the Creation Day JANUARY, 13, 2019 Isa 56:1--8 Rom 6:1--11 Rev 7:9--17 Mark 1: AM English Holy Communion Lessons Epistle/ Gospel Fruitful Life (Temperance Sunday) JANUARY, 20, 2019 Deut 7: Pet 1: Eph 5: Luke 6: AM Malayalam Holy Communion Lessons Epistle/ Gospel Church as one body (Ecumenical Sunday) JANUARY, 27, 2019 Deut 4:1--10 Eph 3:1--7 1Cor 1: John 15: AM English Holy Communion Lessons Epistle/ Gospel Family: Divine Plan Christian Family Dedication Day Isa 5:1--7 Gal 5: Rev 3: Luke 3:1--14 Bethlehem Sharon Zion Salem Jerusalem Edavaka Mission Nazareth Yuvajana Sakhyam Prayer Meetings - January 2019 Saturday, January 5, PM Mrs. Liju Abraham 5 Camellia Ct, Feasterville-Trevose, PA A/C 161 Ph Sunday, January 06 7, 5:00PM Saturday January 12, PM, Mrs & Mr. Sathesh Mathew 1543 Shewsburry Dr,Bensalem-Pa19020 A/C 112 Ph Sunday January. 13, PM Saturday January.19, :00PM Church Sunday January.20, PM Mrs & Mr. George P Mathai 9956 Gardenia Ln,Phila,19115 A/C 152 Ph Saturday January,27, PM Mrs & Mr. George Thomas ST. Thomas Dr, Phila, PA A/C 103 Ph Sunday January PM Mrs & Mr. Sam Abraham 2607 Lillian Avenue, Willowgroove. PA A/C 296 Ph