VOLUME 328 / APRIL 2017 E. M. P. T. Y FROM DEATH TO LIFE BU T G O D, W H O I S R I C H I N M E R C Y ALIVE TOGETHER WITH CHRIST.

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1 VOLUME 328 / APRIL 2017 E. M. P. T. Y FROM DEATH TO LIFE BU T G O D, W H O I S R I C H I N M E R C Y B E C A U S E O F H I S G R E A T L OV E W I T H W H I C H H E L OV E D U S. E V E N W H E N W E W E R E D E A D I N T R E S PA S S E S, M A D E U S ALIVE TOGETHER WITH CHRIST Ephesians 2:5

2 MESSAGE FROM YOUTH CHAPLAIN I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith - 2 Timothy 4:7 St. Paul in his final discourse is writing to Timothy regarding his imminent departure as he is going to face the persecution at the hands of the Romans. Paul was beheaded by the Romans. Expecting his execution he was ready to face it with courage as he had a hope. What was the hope? The hope of the crown of righteousness. Do we fear death? A Christian should not fear death. A life with a perspective of eternity should be our ground. St. Paul is well confident of the life that he has spent. Are we confident that our life is spent meaningfully for the Lord. Let us take certain urgent steps 1) Fight the good fight The Damascus experience was the turning point in the life of Paul. His perspectives changed. He considered knowing Christ as the greatest treasure. Do we have a Damascus experience? He had lots of struggles too. He always compared the life of a Christian with an athletic race. To win the race discipline is needed. The body has to be subjected to strict discipline. What is the good fight? St. Paul had a struggle with the flesh. We don t know what is the thorn that he had but one thing is evident that Jesus said My grace is sufficient for you for my power is made perfect in weakness. In this world also we have a struggle with the flesh like food, sex, money, the attractions of this world etc. This is a struggle. How can we fight against this? We cannot rely on our power but only on the power from above. Yes that s the power of the Holy Spirit and His Grace. A daily walk with the Lord is essential. The daily bread devotion guide had a beautiful quote Knee mail is faster than . We have to fall on our knees and invest spiritually for our children and the church. Fasting and prayer is very essential for our spiritual walk with the Lord. Fast at-least one day for your children in a month. 2) Finish the race John Stephen Akwari an athelete from Tanzania participated in the Olympics In the marathon event he had run about 30km and met with an injury in his leg and had to travel 12kms more. But he did not quit. Though he was the last he decided to finish the race. He responded by saying that My country has not just sent me to start the race but also to finish the race. Yes my dear friends we cannot quit in between. We have to endure hardship and struggles "All heaven is interested in the cross of Christ, all hell terribly afraid of it, while men are the only beings who more or less ignore its meaning." - Oswald Chambers

3 MESSAGE FROM YOUTH CHAPLAIN but hold on to God. We have to finish the race. We are witnessing many people in society committing suicides, quitting faith but let me tell there is no escape route other than finishing the race with the hope of receiving an imperishable crown from our Lord. 3) Keep the faith It may sound very simple but its not. The real test is in times of struggles and adversities. Faith is tested. Faith is trusting in the truth.the truth is Jesus Christ. St. Paul is telling that the truth has to be spoken cut and clear not according to the itching ears of the people. Putting away all the myths and relying on the truth (sound doctrine) is the need of the hour. Let us also pray for those who are being persecuted for faith. Conclusion- I and my family first of all thank God Almighty for His guidance and strength throughout the past three years. I give all Glory to God. Secondly I thank the church for giving this opportunity and especially Rt. Rev. Geevarghese Mar Athanasius Suffragan Metropolitan for his care and guidance provided to me in our ministry here. Thanks to all the vicars and assistant vicars Rev.Daniel Mammen, Rev. Benny V. Abraham, Rev. Thomas Zachariah, Rev.Joe Mathew, and their families. Gratitude to all the office-bearers and the committee members during my tenure. Token of love to Johnchayan, and Shaji who took care of us. Last but not the least thanks to all my small and beautiful children, youths and elders who have encouraged us and prayed for us. Signing off Yours in His Service Rev. Roby J. Mathew, Linsa, Joel & Jocelyn KAISTHANA SAMITHI MEETING The 12th Kaisthana Samithi meeting for the year will be held on Friday, 21st April at the EMTM hall at 6:30pm. All Kaisthana Samithi members are requested to attend the meeting. "Our old history ends with the cross; our new history begins with the resurrection." - Watchman Nee

4 LECTIONARY & AREA ASSISTANCE SCHEDULE DATE THEME 1ST LESSON 2ND LESSON EPISTLE GOSPEL AREA 30-Mar 31-Mar 01-Apr The Restoring Christ Job 42:10-17 Philippians 2:5-11 Ephesians 2:1-10 St. Mark 10:46-52 Barsha JA Sunday School Trinity Sunday School 06-Apr 07-Apr 08-Apr Spirituality that overcomes temptation - 40th Friday Numbers 21:1-9 Hebrews 12: Peter 1: :1-11 Karama A Rolla Ajman Bur Dubai B 09-Apr Hosanna - Christ the Lord of Peace (Theological Seminary Day) Zechariah 9:1-12 Hebrews 5:1-10 Colossians 1:15-23 St. Mark 11:1-11 Karama B 10-Apr Sandhya Namaskram Isaiah 63:7-19 Hebrews 2: :15-23 Parish Mission 11-Apr Sandhya Namaskram Zechariah 21:1-16 Ephesians 2: :1-28 Yuvajana Sakhyam 12-Apr Sandhya Namaskram Leveticus 16: John 4:7-20 St. John 6:60-70 Sevika Sangham 13-Apr Passover Thursday. Holy Qurbana - Christ the Bread of Life Exodus 12:1-17 Hebrews 9: Corinthians 11: :17-30 Sr. Citizen's Fellowship Good Friday (1st Service) Cross - Self giving love of Christ Isaiah 53: Peter 1: :47-75 Parish Mission Yuvajana Sakhyam 14-Apr Good Friday (2nd Service) Cross - Self giving love of Christ Zechariah 13:1-9 Galatians 3: :1-44 Sunday School (JA) Sunday School(Trinity) Good Friday (3rd Service) Cross - Self giving love of Christ Numbers 29:1-9 Hebrews 3: :45-56 Sr. Citizen's F'ship Sevika Sangham 15-Apr Holy Saturday: Hope for the New Life Ezekiel 37: Peter 3:17-22 Romans 6: :62-66 King Faisal St. - Shj 16-Apr Resurrection: Celebration of New Life in Christ Isaiah 60: Corinthians 15: Corinthians 15:20-28 St. Luke 24:1-12 English Service 20-Apr 21-Apr 22-Apr New Sunday - Christ Lord and God to us Genesis 3:13-17 Colossians 3:1-11 Colossians 1:15-23 St.John 20:24-29 Clock Tower Satwa Ras Al Khor / Int'l City 27-Apr 28-Apr 29-Apr Imitation to Christ s Hospitality Genesis 18:1-10 Romans 12:9-16 Hebrews 13:1-8 St. John 21:1-14 Al Maktoum B JA Free Zone Al Maktoum A 4-May 5-May 6-May Communion with Risen Lord in Daily Life Exodus 40: Timothy 2:1-13 Philippians 3:8-16 St. Luke 24:13-33 Naif Road JA Ind. Area / DIP Frij Murar 11-May 12-May 13-May Jesus Christ - The way, truth and life Exodus 14:10-20 Acts 16: John 1:1-10 St. John 14:1-7 Kuwait Hospital Al Quoz Hor Al Anz / Garden City "That Jesus of Nazareth died upon a cross is mere matter of history; that He who did so die was the Christ the Son of God is entirely a matter of revelation." - Sir Robert Anderson

5 PASSION WEEK 2017 PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS April 9th Sun pm Hosanna Service (Malayalam) April 10th Mon pm Sandhya Namaskaram April 11th Tue pm Sandhya Namaskaram April 12th Wed pm Sandhya Namaskaram & 8.30 pm Maundy Wednesday Service Holy Communion (English) April 13th Thu pm Pessaha Service (Malayalam) April 14th Fri am Good Friday Service (Malayalam) 6.00 pm Good Friday Service (English) April 15th Sat pm Easter Service (Malayalam) April 16th Sun am Easter Service (English) Please note that the regular 8.00 am service will not be held on Saturday, April 15th at the Holy Trinity Church compound. CONDOLENCES Mr. M C Chacko, 77 years, father of Mr. Sunny Chacko (Holy Trinity Church prayer group member) passed away 27th February Mrs. Aleyamma John, 87 years, mother-in-law of Mr. Alexander George (Jebel Ali area prayer group member) passed away 5th March Mr. M K Kora, 80 years, father-in-law of Mr. Mathai K M (Kuwait Hospital Area prayer group member)passed away 12th March Mrs. Thankamma Koshy, 85 years, mother of Mr. Koshy John (Naif Road prayer group member) passed away 10th March Mr. N T George, 83 years, father-in-law of Mr. Roy Thomas (Al Shaaab A prayer group member) passed away 13th March Mr. Varghese Philip, 64 years, brother-inlaw of Mr. Kurien Thomas (Frij Murar prayer group) passed away 24th March Mr. M.T. Chacko, 79 years, brother of Mr. John M Thomas (Al Warqa / Rashidiya prayer group member) and Mr. Mathew Thomas (Karama A prayer group member) Machathil House, Valakuzhy passed away 23rd March Dubai Mar Thoma Parish expresses heart-felt condolences to the bereaved family members on the sad demise of their beloved ones. May our Almighty Lord strengthen and comfort them. MALANKARA SABHA THARAKA: Mar Thoma Church publication Malankara Sabha Tharaka for yearly or renewal of subscription please contact the coordinator: Jobi Joshua "Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection, not in books alone but in every leaf in springtime." - Martin Luther

6 Celebrating Years 100th Birthday wishes from The Dubai Mar Thoma Church to our beloved His Grace The Most Rev. Dr. Philipose Mar Chrysostom Valiya Metropolitan. Let us continue to thank God for Thirumeni's wonderful life and great ministry to the church and society. "It has been the cross which has revealed to good men that their goodness has not been good enough." - Johann Hieronymus Schroder

7 Glt «al c h v oîp lzc«from THE PARISH SECRETARY Cª ±dl o g h i v CTlJi i c «Ac gl μ J Ù j ¼ Ac ±Lp¹w i «cájw i «c½ T o tlêì d Y l c oí ±Y«At ¼. CTlJi T 2017~2018 ±dlt c ltn ¾ g jl p J qi «, 2017~2020 ltn ¾ og ±dy c b hßk«, g±a oc Ao«fë F¼ li k ¾ ±dy c b J qi «Y j ºT l u al«j d cvj. o Lhh i Y j ºT c h K Éjh i Gl j T «al c h v D¾ oîpl «cz i «Cª YyX v As i ¼. ±J oí l Ê d V c gl i «, ±J m hjx i «, Dit r ¼v ci «b c ¼ Cª a c¹q v, dª k o më p i T l Jw ch ±d O ac«b JÙY X. S u ±J oí l c T J T ±J m j ¼. Cc Q l ¼Y S u A. ±J oí A ±Y F¼ v Q l ¼. C w S u QV v Q l ¼ Y, F ¼ oîp μ Fc lù Y¼ u Gv μ J T al d ±Yc k ¾ l m o k ±Y. (Lk..2:20). Di t r ¼ Jt l c½ T Q l Y k Ù F¼ c «Ds ly X«. im Jt l c J X l c ¾ BÅ tïh i B±Lp T Cª Q l Yi ±Y Y Tt¼ v, F ±dy fü¹q «Y ohi h s l Ji «, Al c JÙ h l c ¾ g L «ch kg Ji «Oà «. im Jt l Ê o ¼ b «C CT¹w F «Hr º J sjq i j «. Hj w h ¾lj v c ¼ l Y oíc i Q l Ø w Ai w H T ¼. A j«gj J J qi X GJc i al c né«. Hj k «l Y oíyi T l m Ú Y j μs i l u o tïhy Jw J Ji. im Oj ±Y k A cj«jço È J q d k Jlk«Hy jço È h ±Yh, hs μ, hj μ Dit r ¼ C¼ «c ½ T «ch lù Q l ¼lc «J T BX. Q l Y Ê o K k «a :K k «, GYlÌi k «±J oí l c T «Bi j ¼Y BX Q l Y oªg L «. im l Ê djo m ±m ni v im l c T H «Bi y¼ Hy d «±oí Jw im l Ê J j m u O l k «Al c T «Bi y¼. Alj X Di t Ê Ba o l mnjt. Aly T Q l Y«ch «h Y Ji J. J m ±m ni v, oîp T G±fp «Q tò CTlJ o±j s CHURCH EXECUTIVE FOR THE YEAR Mr. M. A. Abraham (Vice President) Mr. Alexander Mathai (Secretary) Mr. Joseph John (Trustee) Mr. Saji George (Accountant) Mr. Sam Michael (Lay Leader - Malayalam) Mr. Biju Sam (Lay Leader - English) "Jesus cannot forget us; we have been graven on the palms of his hands." - Lois Picillo

8 ORGANISATION NEWS MAR THOMA SUNDAY SCHOOL, DUBAI AT JEBEL ALI CHURCH Sunday school s regular classes are being held every Friday from to after the Holy Qurbana service at The Mar Thoma Parish - Dubai, Jebel Ali. FRI, 7th Apr 17 FRI, 14th Apr 17 Individual class Drawing & Colouring Competition (11:45 AM to 12:30 PM) (10:45 AM to 11:30 AM) No Sunday School Good Friday FRI, 21st Apr 17 FRI, 28th Apr 17 FRI, 5th May 17 No Sunday School - Parish farewell meeting to Rev Roby Jacob Theme / Singing class/ Individual Class (10:45 AM to 12:15 PM) Essay Writing competition for Young Adults (12:15 PM to 1 PM) Solo ( Eng / Mal) Preliminary rounds for Junior / Intermediate / Seniors / Young Adult Regular SS class for Preschool / Nursery / Beginner / Primary For any further information, kindly contact Sunday school Head Master K M Abraham or Secretary Jones Daniel VBS 2017: Date & Time : Friday, 16th June 2017 to Friday, 23rd June 2017 Venue : The Mar Thoma Parish, Dubai. Theme : Thy Kingdom Come (Mathew 6:10) Dubai Mar Thoma Sunday school invites applications from dedicated and experienced teaching and non-teaching staff for VBS Application forms are available at Sunday office. Kindly submit your duly filled application forms to the Sunday School officials. Eben George Philip, VBS Convener Jills Varghese, VBS Asst. Convenor, Trinity SS TRINITY SUNDAY SCHOOL AT HOLY TRINITY CHURCH Regular classes are held every Saturday from 10:15 am to 12 noon at the Trinity Church compound. Saturday, 1st April : Education Blessing Day- Holy Communion Service will be held at 7:30 am at Trinity Church. Saturday, 8th April : Trinity Sunday School Anniversary and Farewell to our Youth Chaplain Rev. Roby Jacob Mathew and Family will be held at Hall No:E4 from 10:30 am. All are Cordially Invited. Saturday, 15 April : NO Sunday School (Passion week) For further details please contact Mr.Alex Abraham on or Secretary Mrs. Mini Susan Thomas on INVITATION Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures for ever (Ps 107:1) TRINITY MAR THOMA SUNDAY SCHOOL th Anniversary Farewell to Rev. Roby Jacob Mathew Venue: E4 Hall 1 st Floor, Trinity Church, Dubai Date: 8 th April am All are cordially invited "The resurrection gives my life meaning and direction and the opportunity to start over no matter what my circumstances." - Robert Flatt

9 SEVIKA SANGHAM Sevika Sangham meets every Saturday, Sunday and Monday evening at five different areas as mentioned below. Unit 1 Sunday: Unit 2 Monday: Jebel Ali Ind. Area / Jebel Ali FZ / Al Quoz /Gardens / Barsha / Al Warqa- Rashidiya/ Ras Al Khor - International City. Contact: Mrs Mercy Varghese , Jumeirah / Satwa / Karama A / B / C / Bur Dubai A / B / Holy Trinity Area. Contact: Mrs Mariamma Thomas , Unit 3 Saturday: Al Maktoum A / Al Maktoum /B / Naif Road / Frij Murar / Kuwait Hospital Area / Clock Tower / Hor Al Anz & Garden City. Contact: Mrs Jancy Philip , Unit 4 Monday: Al Shaab A / Al Shaab B / Abu Hail-Mamzar / Al Nahda Dubai / Al Ghusais A / Al Ghusais B / Muhaisnah A / Muhaisnah B / Al Towar. Contact: Mrs Silvy Mathew , Unit 5 3rd Sundays: Al Nahda Sharjah / Al Khan / King Faisal, Sharjah / Rolla-Ajman. Contact: Mrs Betty Thomas , A combined meeting is held at Holy Trinity Church, Hall No. F-2 every 4th Monday of the month. For further details contact Secretary Mrs. Elsy Chacko / SEVIKA SANGHAM FASTING PRAYER Sevika Sangham conducts fasting prayer every 2nd, 3rd & 4th Wednesdays from 9.30 am to am at Holy Trinity Church (F2 Hall). Please contact Convenor Mrs. Marykutty Alexander on PARISH MISSION DAY & DATE PROGRAM VENUE Friday - 07-Apr-2017 Regular 10:45 AM Bethel Carmel Hall Friday - 14-Apr-2017 Good Friday NA Friday - 21-Apr-2017 No Meeting - Parish Sent Off to Rev - Roby Jacob Mathew NA Friday - 28-Apr-2017 Regular 10: 45 AM- Khudubha Sangam Bethel Carmel Hall Friday - 28-Apr-2017 Parish Mission Cottage Prayer TBA ORGANISATION NEWS Parish Mission meets every Friday at am at the Bethel Carmel Hall. For further details please contact Secretary Jacob Mathew CHOIR Parish Choir - Malayalam: Practice is held on every Friday from pm at Easow Mar Timotheos Hall. Saturday Choir Practice at Trinity Church Compound is held before the morning service. For further details please contact: Koshy C. Thariyan Parish Choir - English: Practice is held in Church every Friday after English Worship from 2.30 pm onwards. For further details please contact:jeevan Zachariah The cross is proof of both the immense love of God and the profound wickedness of sin. John MacArthur

10 ORGANISATION NEWS YUVAJANA SAKHYAM Yuvajana Sakhyam meets every Friday at 10:45 am at Bethanya Hall after Service. Encouraging all Yuvajana Sakhyam members of our parish to participate in the regular activities of Sakhyam. For further details, please contact Please contact YS secretary Mr. Paul Ninan on or Job Cell Convener : Mr. Anson Jerrin on or jobcelldmtys@gmail.com. Prayer Cell Convener: Mr. Anoop C. S. on YUVAJANA SAKHYAM PROGRAMMES FOR THE MONTH APRIL 2017 DATES PROGRAMMES TIMING REMARKS 07.Apr.2017 Regular Sakhyam Meeting am Bethanya Hall 14.Apr.2017 No Regular Meeting 21.Apr.2017 Regular Sakhyam Meeting am Bethanya Hall 28.Apr.2017 Praise And Worship am Bethanya Hall Dubai Mar Thoma Yuvajana Sakhyam cricket team lifted the 2nd runners up trophy during the centre Yuvajana Sakhyam cricket tournament held at Abu Dhabi. YOUTH FELLOWSHIP Youth Fellowship meets every Friday at am at the Jebel Ali Parsonage. We would like to encourage all the youngsters of our parish to participate in the activities of the Youth Fellowship. For further details, please contact Secretary - Allen Easow Philip on This quarter's Center meet will be held in Fujairah on 7/4/2017 at 12:00pm. Cottage Fellowship: This month's cottage fellowship will be held on 8/4/2017 at 7:30 pm. We will be using this meet to bid farewell to our Youth chaplain. Confirm you presence to Karun Bobban or Lovin Easo at the earliest. YF picnic held on 10/03/2017 at the Sharjah National Park. SENIOR CITIZENS FELLOWSHIP The Senior Citizen's Fellowship anniversery meeting is scheduled for 8.00 pm on Wednesday 26th April 2017 at the Arabian Suite Hotel Apartment, Mankhool Area, Bur Dubai. Requesting all Senior Citizens (above 55 years) to attend the meeting with prayers. For further details please contact Mr. M.A. Abraham God proved His love on the Cross. When Christ hung, and bled, and died, it was God saying to the world, I love you. - Billy Graham

11 PARISH NEWS ANOOP V. ZACHARIAH Satwa Trinity MTC, Mekkozhoor A846 GEORGE MATHEW Satwa Ebenezer MTC, Peroorkada G345 GIJO MATHEW Bur Dubai - B Sehion MTC, Varicadu G346 JOHN NIBIN VARUGHESE Karama- A Bethel MTC, Nellimala J660 P.T. JAIN THARAKAN J Al Warqa / Rashidiya Immanuel MTC, Thevalakkara SAJI JOSEPH S Al Warqa / Rashidiya Immanuel MTC, Poomala, Pennukkara SUNIL VARGHESE Ras Al Khor / Intl. City MT Syrian Church, Baroda S407 ANISH P. THOMAS A Al Quoz Zion MTC, Moonnukallu, Kottamonpara EBY VARGHESE Al Nahda Dubai St.Thomas MTC, Nilambur E072 REJO JOHNSON Al Quoz MTC, Baroda R142 REJU THOMAS Al Quoz Christos MTC, Mylom R143 JIJU VARGHESE J Ras Al Khor / Intl. City Melelbhagam Bethel MTC, Elathoor A hearty welcome all new members to the Mar Thoma Parish Dubai. Please keep in touch with the Vicars and respective prayer group leaders of the Church. FAREWELL Mr. P. John and family (J19) of Al Shaab prayer group has left back to his hometown in Kerala after being here in the UAE for the last 44 years. Mr. P. John has been an active member in all the Church activities throughout and has served in the Church Executive, Sunday School, Yuvajana Sakhyam and other areas. Dubai Mar Thoma Parish would like to thank the members and their families for the fellowship and active participation here and pray that God will continue to use them for the extension of His kingdom. "Christ has not only spoken to us by his life but has also spoken for us by his death." - Soren Kierkegaard

12 BUS ROUTES (REVISED WEF OCTOBER 2016) BUS ROUTE 1 Al Nadha - Al Ghusais - Al Shaab - Clock Tower 2 Al Baraha - Marcopolo Hotel - Al Maktoum Hospital - Naif Road - Al Riqqa 3 Sonapur - Rashidiya 4 Bur Dubai - Karama - Satwa 5 Al Quoz CO-ORDINATORS Mr. Girish Mathew Mr. Johnson Philip Mr. Biju John Mr. Babu Varghese (Bobban) Mr. Mammen V. J / Mr. K.J. Joseph (Jose) / Mr. Jacob Mr. Binny Daniel Mr. Varghese Mr. Gracious Paul Mr. Binu Varghese Mr. Saji George International City Mr. Nithin Johnson Dubai Investment Park Mr. Raju Yohannan Jebel Ali Industrial Area Mr. Monachen Varghese Mr. Alex Jebel Ali Free Zone (South Accomodation) Mr. Babu Varghese Mr. Jose Jebel Ali Free Zone (North, West Old accomodation) Mr. Thampan Chacko For more details contact BUS CONVENOR: O.T. Mathukutty KARUTHAL: Karuthal is a local project to share with the concerns among the less privileged in the UAE. Members interested in using their time and God given gifts in sharing with their needs and concerns are welcome to become a part of this team. For further details contact Convenor Mr. K. A OFFICIALS FOR THE YEAR : O. T. Mathukutty (Vice President) Abraham George (Secretary) Skariah John Parayil (Treasurer) Samson P. Samuel (Accountant) Suresh Mathews (Lay Leader - Malayalam) Biju Sam (Lay Leader - English) For any Church updates & any other information please feel free to contact the Vicars or any of the above. For more information, please contact: Rev. Thomas Zachariah (Vicar) Jebel Ali Parsonage P.O. Box: 2591, Dubai, UAE T: , F: M: E: thomaszac65@gmail.com Rev. Joe Mathew (Asst. Vicar) Dubai Al Nahda Parsonage Flat # 303, Bin Juma -1, Al Nahda T: , F: M: E: joemathewachen@yahoo.in CARETAKERS: Shaji , John Rev. Roby Jacob Mathew (Youth Chaplain) Sharjah Al Nahda Parsonage P.O. Box: 2591, Dubai, UAE T: M: E: revrobyjm@gmail.com The Mar Thoma Parish, P.O. Box: 2591, Dubai, UAE Church Office Tel: Website: For private circulation only.