THE EPISTLE. St. Paul s Mar Thoma Church 2425 Gus Thomasson Rd. Mesquite, TX April We re on the web!

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1 ST. PAUL S MAR THOMA CHURCH 2425 GUS THOMASSON RD. MESQUITE, TX St. Paul s Mar Thoma Church 2425 Gus Thomasson Rd. Mesquite, TX Phone: PARSONAGE ADDRESS 5906 BLUE OAK DRIVE GARLAND, TX THE EPISTLE A monthly publication ARTICLES NEEDED! If you would like to submit any articles in English or Malayalam, please send it to: Jacobkab@hotmail.com We re on the web! President Rev. C. K. Koshy Vice President Babu Matthew Secretary Jacob Abraham Treasurer Anil Mathew Accountant Mathewkutty Geevarghese Lay Leaders Rajankunju Chirayil Justin Mathew April 2009 Published by Department of Communications, St. Paul s Mar Thoma Church, Dallas

2 HOLY WEEK PROGRAM April 6 8 (Mon Wed) Evening Worship at 7PM April 9 Thursday Evening Worship & Holy Communion 7pm April 10 Good Friday Service 9am (Part 1 English; Parts 2 & 3 Malayalam) April 12 Sunday Easter Service & Communion 8am ANNUAL GENERAL BODY The Annual General Body Meeting of the St. Paul's Mar Thoma Church Dallas will be held on Sunday, April at the Church, immediately after the Worship Service to transact the following agenda. Agenda 1. Presentation and adoption of the Annual Report of the Parish for the Year Approval of the extra-budgetary/non-budgeted expenses of the Year ended on Dec. 31, Presentation and adoption of the Audited Statements of Accounts of the Parish, of the Year ended on December Presentation and adoption of the Budget Proposals for the Year 2009 (including New Church Construction Project). 5. Other relevant matters, if any with the permission of the Chair. Approval of the Minutes. (Sd/-) Saji P George (Secretary) SPECIAL ATTENTION: Holy Communion Service (in English) will begin at 8.30am on April 19, 2009

3 Prayer Meetings AGAPE LEADER: VINOD CHERIYAN April 5 Sunday 6:30 p.m. at the residence of Mrs. Annamma Abraham MESSAGE FROM VICAR I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. [John 13: 15-17] My dear sisters and brothers in the love of our Lord, J TBD EBENEZER LEADER: LIZY JOHN Through our focused efforts of devotion, worship and disciplining during the Lenten days we become closer to the Lord in our experiences of discipleship. Our life in this world with the stark experiences of struggles, temptations, sufferings and pains is the concrete arena to practice discipleship. Christ s life is the paradigm and the promise for humanity in their struggle of life as experienced real within the sphere of possibilities and limitations. EMMANUEL LEADER: VIJU VARGHESE April 5 Sunday 6:30 p.m. at the residence of Mr. & Mrs. George C. George MANNA LEADER: SAJI P. GEORGE April 18 Saturday 7:00 p.m. at the residence of Mr. & Mrs. Philip Samuel Passion and resurrection becomes real experiences in the life of a disciple. The triumphal entry celebrated on Palm Sunday is followed by crucifixion and resurrection! It is a triumphal entry into the spheres of death. The paradox of humanity is reflected in the cries of Hosanna and crucify him! Hosanna is the cry of hearts with passion with both its dimensions of pain and excitement. It is a following of the One who paves new vision and style of victory, heroism and Lordship. Lordship is overlaid with servanthood! Death is transformed into new and eternal realms of life! Our struggle continues as we move ahead in our efforts to reach higher goals in all terms in our life together as a fellowship of followers. We should be united and dependent on God in these struggles. The spirit of Easter should reinforce in us hope and joy that prevails over any situation of suffering and despair. TBD SHALOM LEADER: ABRAHAM KOSHY Let us discipline ourselves in our ways of discipleship so that the world may experience the presence of the resurrected Lord. May God bless us all, Affectionately yours in the Lord, Koshyachen

4 UNITED TO THE BODY OF CHRIST The following kids were baptized in the recent past: 1. Rithika Grace Reji D/O Reji Thomas & Bindu, Garland. 2. Sarah Lilly Philip D/O Philip Mammaen (Shibu) & Suma, Rockwall. Let us pray that these young ones may grow unto the stature of Christ, and become a blessing to the families, the Church and to the world at large. WELCOME TO THE ST. PAUL S FAMILY (NEW MEMBER) Mrs. Sheena P John was admitted to the membership of the St. Paul's Mar Thoma Church: Address: 6401 Duck Creek Dr. Apt# 2466, Garland, TX (Agape Prayer Group) Lesson 1: Zec. 9:9-17 Lectionary Information Sunday, April 5, (English Service) Hosana - Jesus: the sign of Peace Epistle: Col.1:15-24 Lesson 2: Eph. 2:11-22 Gospel: John. 12:12-19 Sunday, April 12, (Malayalam Service) Easter - Resurrection: "Celebration of Hope" Lesson 1: 2 Kings. 4:27-37 Lesson 2: 1 Cor.15:1-20 Lesson 1: Exo.3:1-15 Lesson 2: Acts.9:1-18 Epistle: Col.3:l-11 Gospel: Luke.24:1-12 Sunday, April 19, (English Service) Jesus' appearance to Apostle Thomas Epistle: 2 Timo.2:1-13 Gospel: John.20:19-29 Sunday, April 26, (Malayalam Service) Walk in the Fellowship of Reconciliation Lesson 1: Eze.36:26-38 Epistle: Philip. 1:12-25 Lesson 2: 2 Thes. 2:13-3:13 Gospel: John.21:l-14 Let us extend her the warmth of fellowship; and wish and pray that together we experience the bliss of the great household of God. ADDRESS CHANGE Babu P Simon 4117 Claridge Terrace Garland, TX (Old Address: 700 Purplesage Dr, Mesquite) Phone : (from Ebenezer to Agape Group) NOT BY BREAD ALONE - Contributed by Miriam Chacko Man does not live by bread alone, but by Beauty, Harmony, Truth and Goodness,Work and Recreation, Affection and Friendship, Aspiration and Worship. When we confront with trials and difficulties, then look on Jesus on the Cross and remember HIS Promises. He assured us to be strong as HE had overcome this world. Man does not live by Bread Alone but by being faithful in Prayer, Responding to the Guidance of the Holy Spirit, Taking up the Cross and follow Jesus Christ also finding and doing the Loving will of God now and upto Eternity. Ref: Mathew 4: 2-11

5 BIRTHDAYS Youth Chaplain s Message Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 1-Apr Andrew Varghese Rowlett 12-Apr Sunil K. Abraham Garland 1-Apr Jane Mathew Mesquite 14-Apr Mariamma Thomas Garland 3-Apr Alice Thomas Mathew Mesquite 14-Apr Rubin Thomas Mesquite 3-Apr John Oommen Garland 18-Apr Omana Cherian Sunnyvale 3-Apr Linda Mathew Mesquite 20-Apr Jolly Babu Rockwall 3-Apr Shibin Mathewkutty Mesquite 20-Apr Lillykutty Thomas Mesquite 5-Apr Lee Mathew Garland 20-Apr Manu Varghese Garland 6-Apr Jaya George Sunnyvale 20-Apr Sally Koshy Mesquite 6-Apr Jaya James Sunnyvale 21-Apr Julie Joseph Garland 6-Apr Jonathan George Cherian Garland 21-Apr Raju Varghese Mesquite 7-Apr Jacob Skariah Garland 22-Apr Suja Thomas Mesquite 7-Apr Kezia Cherian Sunnyvale 22-Apr Tom Thomas Garland 8-Apr Anisha Sarah Mathew Sunnyvale 25-Apr Kushy Mathew Mesquite 9-Apr Joann Babu Simon Garland 25-Apr Saji P. George Sunnyvale 10-Apr Ashwin A Varghese Rowlett 27-Apr Grace George Mesquite 10-Apr Hansa Abraham Dallas 28-Apr Anish Mathew Thomas Garland 10-Apr Jini Ann Abraham Dallas 28-Apr Asish Mathew Sunnyvale 10-Apr Nidhin Thomas Garland 28-Apr Joselin Mathew Rowlett 10-Apr Suja Mathews Garland 28-Apr Mohan Philip Rockwall 11-Apr Alen Sam Koshy Garland 29-Apr George Mammen(Sunil) Rockwall 30-Apr Kripa Thomas Sunnyvale WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES 1-Apr Mrs.&Mr. Edison K. John Garland 6-Apr Mrs.&Mr. George C.George McKinney 15-Apr Mrs.&Mr. Joseph Abraham(Suresh) Mesquite 25-Apr Mrs.&Mr. Philip Samuel Sunnyvale 27-Apr Mrs.&Mr. Simon P. P Mesquite 30-Apr Mrs.&Mr. Skariah P.M. Garland Christ Is RISEN! HAPPY EASTER! What does the Cross and Resurrection of Christ teach us? How can the message of Easter change our lives and those around us? Easter is the Festival of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is the time of year that the Church around the world together proclaims our freedom from sin and victory over death through the blood of Jesus Christ on the cross. Through the cross and in the resurrection, Jesus Christ shattered the common conceptions of unity, love and hope that had shackled humanity far too long. On the night of His Last Supper, Jesus said Drink from it all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins (St. Matt. 27). Thus, through His blood Christ has unified all humanity beyond racial and geographical borders. As well, in His sacrificial death He showed the depth of love that is beyond selfish desires and physical or material aims. In His resurrection He has proved that a physical or earthly death is not the end but, an open door towards eternity. As such, the empty tomb is the message of hope no matter the struggles, pain or even death. Yet, the message of the resurrection must

6 be our witness to the world. And so, we must break down the barriers that segregate us and unify, share and live selflessly the character of love to all humanity and shine the light of hope amongst the struggling and suffering. Will you take up the call to live the message of Easter? The famous legend of the dogwood tree reveals just how this tree continues to be a witness to Cross and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The legend begins like so: At the time of Christ's crucifixion the dogwood tree was as tall as the oak and other forest trees. Its wood was so strong and firm that it was chosen for the cross. The tree was very upset to be used for such a purpose and Jesus understood. So he told the tree, "Because of your sorrow and pity for my sufferings, I promise this: never again will the dogwood tree grow large enough to be used for a cross. Henceforth it will grow slender, bent, and twisted. Bright red fruit will represent the blood of Christ, and dogwood blossoms will be in the form of a cross- two long petals, and two short petals. In the center of the outer edge of each petal there will be nail prints- brown with rust. And in the center of the flower will be a crown of thorns as a reminder of my death upon the cross." May God empower us all to be witnesses of His Resurrection through our lives, words and thoughts!!! Your brother in Christ, Jaisen Achen revjathomas@yahoo.com SUNDAY SCHOOL: Regular classes at 8.45am. Saturdays at 10 am - Diocesan Exam preparation. Sunday, April 19 - Sunday School 8:30 am SEVIKA SANGHAM: April 12 Breakfast Sale Church Activities YOUTH FELLOWSHIP:.April 12 Annual General Body Meeting YUVAJANA SAKHYAM: April 12 at 4 pm Fellowship and Fun at Sunnyvale Park April 19 Mazhaveena Pattu PARISH MISSION: Fridays, at 7pm - Bible Study/Prayer fellowships at the Church. Sundays 9-9:30am - Intercessory Prayer CHOIR: Sundays - Practice sessions after Holy Qurbana. SPECIAL PRAYER: Fridays, April 3, 10, 17, and 24 from 9.30 to 11.30am - The residence of Mrs. & Mr. Jaisy & Raju George, 922 Dandelion Dr, Mesquite, TX. Christian - Contributed by P. P. Cherian Church Building Update The front tower is up, structural corrections almost done and rest of the purlins will be completed by first part of next week. Then final structural inspection will be taken place and move to next phase of millwork, roofing and shell. Thanks to all the members and continue to pray for His providence. One short note: The contractor has requested that due to the hazardous conditions that exists on a construction site, please DO NOT visit the site without the permission of the contractor. You may visit the site only by standing at the streets near the building. I'm not shouting "I'm clean living.'" I'm whispering "I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven." I don't speak of this with pride. I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide. I'm not trying to be strong. I'm professing that I'm weak And need His strength to carry on. I'm not bragging of success. I'm admitting I have failed And need God to clean my mess. I'm not claiming to be perfect, My flaws are far too visible But, God believes I am worth it. I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heartaches So I call upon His name. I'm not holier than thou, I'm just a simple sinner Who received God's good grace, somehow!