FROM THE VICAR S DESK

Transcription

1 FROM THE VICAR S DESK All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. (Acts 2:44-47) God s original design for the church is found in the book of Acts and the early chapters contain the character of the early Christian community life and mission in Jerusalem. We can see all fundamental qualities of a worshipping community in this passage. It was a worshipping church, evangelizing church, learning church, loving church, caring church and so on. The early church was built on prayer and worship and miracles were happened in these situations. The worshipful church experienced sincere praise and sincere communion with the savior. It was not something scheduled to draw a crowd but a real community living. Proclaiming Christ for them was never seen optional but evangelism happened regularly as the early believers lived their lives. They devoted themselves to the Apostles teaching; they were in fellowship and engaged at the breaking of the bread. They lived as a family and bound together in love, caring for one another, helping one another and serving one another. This was the way that the early church embodied the good news of Jesus Christ. They experienced the Koinonia in the real community living. They shared everything they had. They took care of each other. The most distinctive practice of the early church was the sharing of the goods. This was the actual miracle. Jesus was telling them over and over about the kingdom of God and through these actions they were making it a reality. Such a living was possible because of the power of Holy Spirit which was experienced on the Pentecost day. The Acts model of Christian community is one of common worship, common practice, and common good and common witness. Today the modern advanced society and the worldly values promote individualism, privacy and taking care of self. In an economic culture and selfish motivated society there is no value and place for caring and sharing. But as an alternative Christian community we are called out to live a kingdom society. A loving church is a place where there is true fellowship and ministry. During the month of May we lost our two beloved members. The demise of Mrs. Thankamma Thomas and Dr. John Mathew are great loss to our parish. Let us praise God for their valuable life and service to the growth of our church and pray that the Heavenly Father comfort the sorrowing family and friends. May our good Lord strengthen us to be a good worshipping community in this world. Yours A. B. Binu Achen.

2 BIRTHDAYS June 1 Marykutty Mathew 451 Horton Highway, Williston Park, NY Mathew M. Kompancaril 204 Beebe Road, Mineola, NY June 2 Kalathil Varughese 55 Royal Way, Manhasset Hills, NY Leena Varkey 2 East Park Court, Old Bethpage, NY Noel Susan Mathew 29 Cantiaque Lane, Westbury, NY OFFER PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING ON JUNE 2 nd. June 3 K. V. Thomas 12 Royal Way, Manhasset Hills, NY June 4 AnnalissaThomas 47 Kent Street, Herricks, NY June 5 Babu George 80-59, 257 th Street, Floral Park, NY Susamma Abraham 11 Stirrup Lane, Roslyn Heights, NY Rachel Mathew 189 Canterbury Road, Williston Park, NY Leena M. Mathew 1557 Rosser Avenue, Elmont, NY June 6 Thankamma Thampi , 77 th Ave. New Hyde Park, NY Sherine S. Thomas 820 Bryant Avenue, New Hyde Park, NY Lalu Isaac 314 Litchfield Ave. Elmont, NY

3 June 7 Suthin John 7 Evergreen Lane, New Hyde Park, NY Aleena Ann Mathew rd Avenue, Glen Oaks, NY June 8 Jaymi Morgan Varkey 14 Genesee Street, Hicksville, NY Mathai Abraham 5 Tudor Road, Hicksville, NY Stein K. Philip 311 Oakley Ave. Elmont, NY June 9 Toby O. Mathew 1 Adam Street, Hicksville, NY Thomas Zachariah Jr. 15 Grand Haven Drive, Commack, NY Mary Thomas Mathai 1 Whitehall Lane, GCP, NY Daniel Thomas George 67-A Chestnut Street, Hicksville, NY Shereen Thomas 920 Bryant Ave. New Hyde Park, NY OFFER PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING ON JUNE 9 th. June 10 John Koshy 7 Wedgewood Drive, Westbury, NY June 11 Dr. Ashby Thomas 76-32, 264 th Street, Floral Park, NY Annamma Joykutty 6 Albert Road, Hicksville, NY Sara Thomas 15 Grand Haven Drive, Commack, NY June 12 Amal Shajan 46 Maxwell Drive, Westbury, NY June 13 Benjamin C. Mathew 2 Oak Lane, Roslyn Heights, NY Mariakutty George 1702 Broadway, New Hyde Park, NY June 14 Ranji Mathews 25 Libby Avenue, Hicksville, NY Justin Mathew 85-20, 248 th Street, Bellerose, NY

4 June 15 Alicia Ann Joseph 24 Brycewood Drive, Dix Hills, NY Hannah Mathew 29 Cantiaque Lane, Westbury, NY June 16 Achamma M. Koshy 1 Adam Street, Hicksville, NY OFFER PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING ON JUNE 16 th. June 17 Chacko Mathew 18 Park Drive East, Syosset, NY Anil Jacob 2 Robbins Lane, Westbury, NY June 18 Dr. Elizabeth Jacob 67 Chestnut Street, Hicksville, NY June 19 Naomi C. Kovoor 1766 Grand Ave. East Meadow, NY Anu A. Mathew 23 Ridge Court, Hauppauge, NY Nisha Varkey Olcott Street, Forest Hills, NY June 20 Samson Mathew 700 Merrick Road, Apt. 2B, Baldwin, NY June 22 Jeffy Daniel 75-31, 249 th Street, Bellerose, NY June 23 Sheelamma Thomas 14, 7 th Street, GCP, NY OFFER PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING ON JUNE 23 rd. June 24 Susan Thomas 864 Bauer Street, Elmont, NY Vinitha Jacob 67 Chestnut Street, Hicksville, NY

5 June 25 Shawn Mathew 451 Horton Highway, Williston Park, NY Aleyamma Mathews 31 Robbins Lane, Westbury, NY Shane Thomas 1671 Stewart Ave. New Hyde Park, NY Ninan Muthalaly 66 Barry Drive, Westbury, NY Melvin C. Mammen 708 Bellmore Road, N. Bellmore, NY June 26 Achamma Mathai Langdale Street, New Hyde Park, NY Anu Benjamin 120 South Drive, Manhasset Hills, NY Ruby Susan Koshy 7 Wedgewood Drive, Westbury, NY June 27 Alfie Thomas 76-32, 264 th Street, Floral Park, NY Sajan K. Thomas 864 Bauer Street, Elmont, NY June 28 Janice George 3 Eaton Lane, Hicksville, NY Jennifer Rajan 35 Tudor Road, Hicksville, NY June 29 Chellamma John 7 Milburn Street, Hicksville, NY Abraham George 108 Lincoln Street, Elmont, NY June 30 Reji Varghese Little Neck Pkwy, Floral Park, NY Preeya S. Ninan 56 Cliff Lane, Levittown, NY OFFER PRAYER AND THANKS GIVING ON JUNE 30 th. 5

6 June 1 W E D D I N G A N N I V E R S A R Y Mr. & Mrs. George Varughese 12 Genesee Street, Hicksville, NY June 2 Mr. & Mrs. Tiby Philip 175 Cypress Lane, Westbury, NY OFFER PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING ON JUNE 2 nd. June 3 Mr. & Mrs. Rajan Abraham 12 Franklin Street, Hicksville, NY June 4 Mr. & Mrs. Varghese Lukose 24 Herkomer Street, NHP, NY June 6 Rev. & Mrs. T. C. Mammen 708 Bellmore Road, N. Bellmore, NY June 8 Mr. & Mrs. Easo Mammen 16 Cerenzia Blvd. Elmont, NY Mr. & Mrs. Jenson T. Mathew 59 Gardner Avenue, Hicksville, NY Dr. & Mrs. Reni Benjamin 120 South Drive, Manhasset Hills, NY June 9 Mr. & Mrs. Bijo Varkey 14 Genesee Street, Hicksville, NY June 10 OFFER PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING ON JUNE 9 th. Mr. & Mrs. Jibu Abraham 22 Chafee Ave. Albertson, NY OFFER PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING ON JUNE 16 th. 6

7 June 17 Mr. & Mrs. Vinsmon Thomas 2 Evers Street, Hicksville, NY June 18 Mr. & Mrs. Shaji Joseph 1650 Empire Street, Elmont, NY June 20 Mr. & Mrs. Oommen K. Mathew 1 Adams Street, Hicksville, NY June 21 Mr. & Mrs. Mathai Koshy 47 Barry Drive, Westbury, NY June 22 Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Varghese 2 Oak Lane, Roslyn Heights, NY June 23 Mr. & Mrs. Runy Thomas 1850 Lois Place, Merrick, NY June 24 OFFER PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING ON JUNE 23 rd. Mr. & Mrs. Sagi Chacko Jacob 32 Violet Lane, Levittown, NY June 25 Mr. & Mrs. Chacko Parackal 5 Oak Street, Hicksville, NY Mr. & Mrs. Kochumman Varghese A, 76 th Avenue, Bellerose, NY June 27 Mr. & Mrs. Joseph V. Thomas 111 Sigsbee Ave. Albertson, NY Mr. & Mrs. Abraham Thomas 67-A Chestnut Street, Hicksville, NY June 30 Mr. & Mrs. Abraham George 108 Lincoln Street, Elmont, NY Mr. & Mrs. Benzy Johnny 2219 Elderbury Drive, Westbury, NY OFFER PRAYER AND THANKS GIVING ON JUNE 30 th. 7

8 ORGANIZATION CALENDAR SUNDAY SCHOOL school starts at 9:00 AM. Latecomers 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. JUNIOR/SENIOR CONFERENCE Registration for Junior/Senior Conference has begun. The conference will take place from July 11 thru July 14, 2013 at Ramapo College. Please register as soon as possible to ensure your child's attendance and to avoid late registration fees SUNDAY SCHOOL COMPETITION School competition will be on Saturday, June 22, 2013 from 9:30 AM till 1 PM. All students are requested to attend at least one item of competition. Your grade is determined on the grade the child is entering in to September (Example: A child currently in 5 th grade will be participating in the 6 th Grade competition items). Our competition will be conducted in exactly the same format as that of the regional competition, so please use the regional competition guidelines and format. All competition items and instructions are posted on the aforementioned school website. FOOD DRIVE For the month of June the School will be responsible for this drive. PRE-SERVICE WORSHIP From 9:30-10:00 every let us prepare ourselves with open hearts and open minds together as a Christ Centered Community. 8

9 YOUTH FELLOWSHIP ELEMENT 26 Youth Fellowship meetings will continue to be held every other Friday at 7:00 PM at the Church. Weekly Bible Study: Every Wednesday 8:00 PM 9:00 PM at the Youth Chaplain s Parsonage, 194 Bregman Avenue, New Hyde Park, NY Phone: or vmmallappally@yahoo.com Youth Retreat: Save the Date! Date: June 28 th June 30 th Location: Grace Manor, 907 Red Mills Road, Greenville, NY Speaker: Mr. Jojy Koshy Theme: RISE Verse: "Therefore it says, "Sleeper, awake! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people, but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil" ~ Ephesians 5:14b-16 CHOIR Malayalam & English Choir practice will be held every after the service at the Church. EDAVAKA MISSION Edavaka Mission meets every Thursday at 7:30 PM at the Church. YUVAJANA SAKHYAM Cottage Prayer Meeting for the month of June will be announced during the church service. Yuvajana Sakhyam is planning for a trip to Lancaster on Thursday, June 27 th 2013 for the show 'NOAH'. All are invited. Please make a note of the date to join the trip. Details will be announced later. SEVIKA SANGHOM Monthly meeting will be held on Saturday, June 15 th at 10:00 AM at the Church. Weekly bible study will be announced during the service each week. 9

10 CONDOLENCES The Vicar, the Executive Committee and Members of the Parish express our deepest condolences to the following family members, all their relatives and friends as they mourn the departure of their loved ones: Our beloved Mrs. Thankamma Thomas, 59 Bretton Rd, Garden City Park, was taken to her heavenly abode on Friday, May 10 th at 7am. Aunty was an active and enthusiastic member of our Parish Our beloved Dr. John Mathew, 31 Shrubhollow Road, Roslyn, was taken to his heavenly abode on Wednesday, May 15 th. Uncle was a dedicated and caring member of our Parish. To the family of Rev. A. K. George, Kappil. Achen was the first and greatest missionary leaders to the Tibetan Boarder Mission of the Mar Thoma Church. Achen's son, Rev. Johncy George ministered in this Diocese as the Vicar of St. James MTC, New York Mr. Philip K. George, 118 Ketchems Rd, Syosset, on the passing of his sister in law, Mrs. Kunjamma Mathai, 72 years old in Kerala Mr. Joy T. Keneth, 21 Ray Street, Hicksville, on the passing of his cousin Joy George, 56 years old from Bombay. Please continue to uphold these families in your prayers. 10

11 YOUTH CHAPLAIN S CORNER Marketing Christ or Marking Christ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Mat , 20) Jesus commandment before leaving this world, after the resurrection, is very crucial to the mission of the church today. What is the commandment of Jesus here? Jesus commandment is to make disciples of all the nations. Making disciples is not an easy task and Jesus clearly states the ways to do that. Make disciples is the main verb of verses 19 and 20, so Jesus mandate here is to make disciples of all the nations. Some people misinterpreted this as a commandment for baptism and some others misunderstood this as a commandment only to preach the Gospel. Through the years this commandment is being distorted by reducing the mission as to market Christ. Christ is becoming a product that s being sold out in a competitive Market. The number of sales representatives is increasing and they are using all the modern techniques and apps to market Christ in whatever way possible. All the modern communication methods are being used to communicate about Christ. New apps, new music, new webs and new channels are used to preach Christ but after so many centuries how many disciples are there who followed and following the way that Jesus wanted us to obey? I am not trying to criticize anyone but trying to make a self criticism asking to myself am I marketing Christ or Marking Christ. This is the biggest challenge before every Christian especially to those who are in the ministry. Here we have to look at the correct meaning of this commandment of Jesus. This commandment is all about witnessing Jesus and I would call it as marking Christ. Our words and our deeds have to mark Christ. Jesus clearly states that obeying what he has commanded is the way to become a disciple of Christ. Where are our Christ markings today? We are called to live out according to the teachings of Christ. We spend a lot of money and energy in marketing Christ but we are challenged to carry the marking of Christ in our life. Today The Gospel is calling us to be witnesses of Christ Jesus by living a life worthy of His teachings. We have many models in front of us who marked Christ in their lives. The apostles, people like mother Theresa, Father Damien, Martin Luther King, and William Carrey are few examples who marked Christ in their lives and they are all still living as true witnesses of Jesus. Let us dedicate us to mark Christ in our lives. V. M. Mathew Achen 11

12 AREA PRAYER MEETINGS Day Date & Time Saturday 6/8/2013 6:00 PM 6/9/2013 6:00 PM 6/15/2013 6:00 PM THANKS Area Prayer Group Prayer Group F: East Meadow, Levittown, Massapequa, Merrick, Syosset, & Westbury Prayer Group D: Bethpage, Hicksville, & Plainview Prayer Group D: Bethpage, Hicksville, & Plainview Hosting Family Address & Phone Mr. & Mrs. Philip K. George 118 Ketchams Road Syosset, NY Mr. & Mrs. Mammen Samuel 5 Country Court Hicksville, NY Mr. & Mrs. Ranji Mathews 38 Peach Street, Hicksville, NY The Vicar and Members of the Parish express their sincere thanks to Area Representative Mr. Joseph C Mathew and members of Prayer Group E (Eastern Long Island) for their assistance at the pulpit, arranging flowers and refreshments during the month of May During the month of June 2013, the above responsibilities are assigned to Mr. Mohan Daniel Jacob & members of Prayer Group D (Bethpage, Hicksville, & Plainview). PULPIT ARRANGEMENTS AND REFRESHMENTS Month June July August September October November December Hosting Prayer Group and Area Representative Prayer Group D: Mohan Daniel Jacob (Bethpage, Hicksville, & Plainview) 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 12

13 TENTATIVE PARISH PROGRAMS 2013 June 6/02 Choir Audition 6/08 Sevika Sangham Center Meeting at LIMC 6/16 Father s Day Celebration 6/22 School Competition 6/27 Yuvajana Sakhyam Lancaster Trip 6/28-6/30 Youth Retreat July 7/5-7/7 Covenant Girls Training LIMC 7/6 Diocesan Jubilee Regional Holy Qurbana and Meeting St. John s MTC, NY 7/7 Parish Day and Episcopal Visit Holy Qurbana at 9:30 am 7/7 Youth Fellowship Jubilee Night 7/11-7/14 School Jr/Sr Conference 7/19-7/21 MTVEA National Conference Dallas Farmers Branch MTC 7/20 Parish Picnic Bethpage State Park 7/23-7/28 VBS 7/27 Sevika Sangham One Day Couples Conference Carmel MTC, Boston August 8/4 Graduate Recognition/ New Academic Year 8/15-8/18 Yuvajana Sakhyam National Conference Florida 8/22-8/25 Parish Family Retreat 8/24 School Teachers Training September 9/1 School Classes Begin 9/7 Sevika Sangham Regional Competition St. Johns MTC, NY 9/8 Sevika Sangham Day 9/14 Yuvajana Sakhyam Regional Volleyball Tournament 9/15 Senior Citizen Day 9/20-9/22 Parish Convention 9/21 school Regional Competition St. Thomas MTC, NY 9/28 Diocesan Jubilee Dialogue Meeting 13

14 October 10/3-10/6 Sevika Sangham National Conference Lubbock MTC 10/6 MTVEA Day, School Annual Day 10/13 Youth Fellowship Praise Night 10/19 School Fall Fest 10/20 Youth 10/26 Family Talent Night 10/27 Yuvajana Sakhyam Day November 11/2 World school Day- Regional Program 11/8-11/10 Young Family Conference St. John s MTC, NY 11/9 Sevika Sangham Regional Meeting St. Andrew s MTC, NY 11/23 Diocesan Jubilee Finale at NY December 12/1 Thanksgiving Day 12/21 Christmas Carol Service 14

15 WORSHIP Day and Date Time Schedule 6/2/2013 6/9/2013 6/16/2013 6/23/2013 6/30/ :00 AM 10:00 AM 10:00 AM 10:00 AM 10:00 AM Holy Communion Service English Student -God the Source of Wisdom (2nd after Pentecost) Holy Communion Service Malayalam Environmental : God s creation that has to be preserved (3rd after Pentecost) Holy Communion Service English Beginning of the Fast of the Apostles. Call and Commission of the Apostles. (4th after Pentecost) Holy Communion Service Malayalam Apostolicity of the Holy Church (5th after Pentecost) Holy Communion Service Malayalam Universality of the Gospel (6th after Pentecost) 15

16 LECTIONARY Day and Date 1 st and 2 nd Lessons Epistle Gospel 6/2/2013 Prov.2:1-12 Jam.3:13-18 Rom.11:33-36 St.Luke.2: /9/2013 Lev.25:8-25 Rev.22:1-7 Rom.8:18-25 St.Mat.6: /16/2013 Jer.1:1-12 Heb.10: Cor.12:27-31 St.Luke.6: /23/2013 Exo.3:1-15 Acts.2: Cor.10:1-6 St.Mat.16: /30/2013 Jona.4:1-11 Acts.10:9-23 Acts.10:34-43 St.John.4:21-26,