Lighthouse. Message of the Rev. Larry VARGHESE. Month. In This Issue: A Monthly Newsletter of the Horeb Mar Thoma Church June 2013

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1 Lighthouse A Monthly Newsletter of the Horeb Mar Thoma Church June 2013 Dearly Beloved in Christ, Greetings in the name of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. It s with great joy that I write to you all for the first time in the church newsletter. Roshin and I consider it a blessing to be here with you all. The beginning years of a church are crucial because the patterns that we create now will likely continue on for many years to come. It is important then that we make sure that we be far-sighted and pray before acting. Our plans should be in accordance with God s plans. Let us humbly aim for the God intended purposes that he has set for us in the years to come. When I was born I knew only one thing about my parents: they loved me. As an infant, happily relying on the loving care of my parents, I suppose I was quite content with the way our relationship was then. But alas time had other plans in store for me. Later as I grew older and started to do things that I knew I shouldn t, I began to see another side to my parents besides the usual stereotypical love. When I did what was not expected, I was quickly made aware of the swift speed of my father s hand when he had a branch from the home-grown Kariappalla plant. My parents not only loved me but they disciplined me. It was a strange concept to comprehend at times. If they really loved me then why would I be reprimanded for any mistake I made? It took time and faith to realize that a parent who loves will also discipline. As the rebellious years began to simmer down I also noticed that my parents love was not one directional. It would be utterly selfish of me to take their love and never reflect it back. They knew all about me; I had to do something to get to know them. They are complex people. They are utterly loving but their love is more than just a one dimensional love. My idea of what love should look like changed. I love my parents. I certainly don t love them the same way I did when I was a baby. My love for them grew out of the many varied experiences I ve had with them both. Page 1 Page 2 In This Issue: Vicar s Message Worship Schedule Message of the Rev. Larry VARGHESE Month I think our relationship with God is quite often the same. We start off having little knowledge of who he is beyond his abundantly loving nature. And soon comes a time when we feel his other attributes as well. Over time we are able to discern that God is love, and wrath, and mercy, and forgiveness, and just, and perfect, and holy, etc. As we come to know the depths of who God is we are able to grown in him more. We are able to reflect back and say, I love him more now than when I first met him. Hopefully, we as a church can go through this journey together. Page 3 Page 6 News & Events Birthdays & Anniversaries Rev. Larry Varghese Vicar Horeb MTC, Los Angeles

2 Lessons Readers Deacons June 2 Student Sunday God the Source of Wisdom 2:30p Bible Study & Prayer Proverbs 2: 1-12 Rajan Abraham Joshi John 3:00p Holy Communion ~English James 3:13-18 Naomi Abraham Mathew Thomas June 9 Environmental Sunday: God s creation that has to be preserved 2:30p Bible Study & Prayer Leviticus 25:8-25 Mathew Koshy Isaac George 3:00p Holy Communion ~Malayalam Revelations 22:1-7 Annamma Mathew Thampi Thomas June 16 Beginning of the Fast of the Apostles: Call and Commission of the Apostles 2:30p Bible Study & Prayer Jeremiah 1: 1-12 Saji Baby Manoj Mathew 3:00p Holy Communion ~English Hebrews 10:32-39 Sherly Saji Lejo Mammen June 23 Apostolicity of the Holy Church 2:30p Bible Study & Prayer Exodus 3: 1-15 Giju George Manoj Mathew 3:00p Holy Communion ~English Acts 2:37-47 Sheeba George Ashby Mathews June 30 Universality of the Gospel 2:30p Bible Study & Prayer Jonah 4: 1-11 Asbhy Mathews 3:00p Divine & Witnessing Service ~English Acts 10: 9-23 Inez Johnson As we come to know the depths of who God is we are able to grown in him more. We are able to reflect back and say, I love him more now than when I first met him. Hopefully, we as a church can go through this journey together. - Rev. Larry Varghese

3 UPCOMING EVENTS: Silver Jubilee Celebration Western Region Hosted by MTCLA Saturday, June 1 Monthly Meetings: Sevika Sangham Meeting Mini Thampi (Orange) Young Family Fellowship Meeting Ajith & Julie Varghese (Brea) Friday, June 7 7 pm Saturday, June 22 4 pm Church Picnic Saturday, July 20 Mason Regional Park (Irvine) VBS August 1 3 Family Night Program September Church Retreat September Pine Valley Church Convention October Parish Day Sunday, October 6 Youth Fellowship Meeting (Church) Sunday, June 23 After Service Prayer Meeting Saturday, June 29 6 pm Joshi & Reni John Please make a note, that prayer meeting will be held at Garden Grove United Methodist Church Rev. Thomas John & Family Send Off Sunday, June 9 By the grace of God, we were privileged to have Rev. Thomas John & family minister to us for the past two years. A send off program for Achen and family will be held following the Holy Communion service. Kindly request everyone to attend this service and make it a blessed event. Dinner is arranged for the evening. (Program Coordinator: Mr. Isaac George) Edavaka Mission Tuesday Prayer 7pm June 4 : June 11: June 18: June 25: Mr. & Mrs. Mathew Koshy Mr. & Mrs. Isaac George Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Mammen Mr. & Mrs. Saji Baby Why does a man refer to his wife as his better half? Most men call their wives their better half because they believe it, but the expression comes from an ancient Middle Eastern legend. When a Bedouin man had been sentenced to death, his wife pleased with the tribal leader that because they were married, she and her husband had become one, and that to punish one-half of the union would also punish the half who was innocent. The court agreed and the man s life was saved by his better half.

4 Sunday School News Just a reminder that we won't be having Sunday School for next two Sundays (June 2 and June 9). We will have Sunday School Summer sessions on alternating Sundays starting from June 16 ( June 16, June 30, July 14, and July 28) at 2PM. We will not be having any Sunday school in August Sunday School Class photos are posted on our church website. I would like to thank Saji Baby and Saji Abraham for all their efforts. Here is the link to the photo: Young Family Fellowship News Last week the YFF meeting was held at the residence of Abey/Jiby. Larry Achan gave the message based on Matthew 17: He explained the relevance of the passage in our daily lives. The message can be condensed into 2 main points 1. Importance of prayer that enables us to face our daily challenges and hence the need to stress about constant prayer to our children. 2. The importance of our actions in helping non believers (who come in faith) know Christ. Youth Fellowship News On Sunday, May 19th After Service, the Inaugural Youth Fellowship Meeting & General Body took place led by Rev. Larry Varghese. This was a historic day that marked the inception of a small but vibrant group of young people who will work towards furthering Gods kingdom through the Horeb MTC in the years to come. If you would like more details of upcoming meetings, contact Mathew Thomas. Vice President - Ashby Mathews Secretary - Sherin Mathew Treasurer - Vivek Abraham Rep. to the Exec. Committee - Lejo Mammen Praise & Worship Coordinator - Stefin Mathew Outreach & Activity Coordinator - Anjali John YF Senior Advisor - Mathew Thomas

5 2013 Western Region Youth Confernece The Youth of the Seattle Mar Thoma Church invite the youth in Western Region to attend the conference. ( Theme : Man in the Mirror...The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV) What do you see when you look in the mirror? Do you see a man or woman of the world? Or do you see a child or servant of God? We live in a world that focuses on so many things that do not matter to God, whether it be appearance, money, power, or countless other materialistic things. While the world may define us through these worldly possessions and exterior image, the Lord acknowledges us by our hearts. One of the greatest kings was considered unworthy based on man s opinion and even sinned against God, yet our Heavenly Father found favor with David, saying he was a man after God's own heart. So what can we do to focus our attention on the things God focuses on? What can we do to have a heart that beats for God? How will you let God use you to build up His Kingdom? Date: July 18th - July 21st, 2013 Venue: Camp Berachah - Speaker: Prijo Thomas Prijo Thomas is a member of the St. Andrews Mar Thoma Church in Yonkers, New York. By God's grace and calling, he has been speaking at churches, prayer fellowships, praise night events, retreats, and conferences for the past 5 years. While attending Baruch College in NYC, he was actively involved with Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, serving on the Executive team for 3 years and as President. Upon graduating, Prijo served as volunteer staff for Intervarsity Christian Fellowship at the City College of New York, for 6 months. Prijo graduated from Baruch College in 2009 and has been working at an investment bank in Jersey City, New Jersey since March National Youth Confernece The 2013 National Conference will be held from Aug 1-4, 2013, at the lush green Mississauga campus of the University of Toronto. The theme of the conference is MOVE, (as in move beyond your comfort zone) which as the name suggests, is something every Christian struggles with in today's world. James 1:22 says "Do not merely listen to the world, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." The goal of this theme is to facilitate a deep introspection within our delegates. REGISTRATION is now open for all those eagerly waiting to confirm their spot! Space is limited and a late fee will apply in June so be sure to register and tell your friends to register as soon as possible! The website to register is ( You can also find more details on the facebook page (

6 Birthdays & Anniversaries 4 Mathew, Julie 5 Abraham, Asher Aaron 9 Abraham, Alex Philip 18 Varghese, Julie 21 Mammen, Susan 22 Thomas, Merry 25 Abraham, Sharmila 28 Mathews, Jiby Mary Executive Committee 2013 Rev. Larry Varghese Vicar Mr. Isaac George Vice President Mr. Rajan Abraham Secretary Mr. Thomas Mammen Treasurer Mrs. Sheeba George Accountant Mr. Manoj Mathew Mr. Thampi Thomas Lay Leaders Mr. Philip Jacob Choir Mrs. Susan Thomas Sunday School Principal 7 MAMMEN, Lejo and Susan 17 PEEDIKAYIL, Titus Kurien and Blessey 21 MATHEWS, Abey and Jiby 26 MATHEWS, Ashby and Inez 29 THOMAS, Dr Sunil and Susan Mr. Joshi John Area Prayer Group Dr. Thomas Mathew Edavaka Mission Mr. Abraham George Young Family Fellowship Mrs. Sherly Saji Sevika Sangham Mr. Raj Abraham Technology Coordinator Horeb MAR THOMA CHURCH Main St., Garden Grove, CA Rev. Larry Varghese Mr. Isaac George Mr. Rajan Abraham HMTC Mr. Thomas Mammen Mrs. Sheeba George