DECEMBER 2016 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Transcription

1 DECEMBER 2016 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4: 6-7

2 2016 BOARD OF TRUSTEES OFFICE BEARERS Rev. Shinoi Joseph Mathew K. Thomas Benny Thomas Chacko Mathew Thomas Oonnoonny Yohannan Jacob Dr. Anil Chacko Vicar/President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Accountant Lay Leader (Malayalam) Lay Leader (English) (H) (C) (H) (C) (H) (C) (H) (C) (H) (C) (H) (C) (H) (C) MANDALAM/DIOCESAN REPRESENTATIVES Kalathil Varughese Dr. Ronny Jacob Thomas Rajan Lagi Thomas Mandalam Member Diocesan Council Member Assembly Member Assembly Member (H) (C) (H) (C) (H) (H) (C) - 2 -

3 FROM THE VICAR S DESK P: Praise be to You, O Lord our God forever O God grant us Your blessings. C: All the earth shall bow down before you and give you thanks for Your mercy towards us. P: We praise You, O Lord, because in Your abundant and ever to offer glory and praise to You and to Your only begotten Son and to Your Holy Spirit. C: Amen (Taken from the Order of Worship for Holy Qurbana) Dearly beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, we are in the season where we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. From December 1st onwards, the twenty-five day lent starts. This season is also called the Advent season (in Western Church it is from November 15th to December 25th). The word Advent comes from the Latin word adventus meaning coming or arrival. The Greek word for this is Parousia meaning the coming again or Second coming of Jesus. So Advent is not just the celebration of Incarnation, but also the season where the believing community looks forward for Jesus Second coming. So this is the time for preparation and rededication. The above liturgical prayers have great significance, especially as we reflect on this during the Christmas season. Here the celebrant and the faith community praise the Holy Trinity after partaking in the Divine Fellowship. Based on the above prayers let us reflect on the following thoughts: 1. Eucharistic meal is God s divine providence for us In the Epistle to the Philippians, St. Paul says that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven and of those on earth and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Phil.2:10-11). The universality of Jesus as Messiah is proclaimed here. Jesus is God s greatest divine providence for humanity. St. Paul says, where sin has abounded, God s grace has also abounded all the more (Rom.5:20). God cannot forsake humanity who is created in His own image and likeness. To redeem the fallen humanity He became human without compromising with His Divinity (Eph.3:17-19). Jesus instituted this Holy Eucharist when He was celebrating the Passover meal with His disciples. Passover meal is the meal of celebration of deliverance. The Israelite community ate the Paschal Lamb before their exodus from the land of Slavery (Egypt) to the Promised Land (Ex.12:5-6). John the Baptist, introduced Jesus as the Lamb of God. Jesus is the Lamb of God who not only takes away our sins but also leads us to the promised Salvation (Jn.1:29; Isa.53:7). To the - 3 -

4 thief who said, Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom, Jesus says, Truly I say to you today you shall be with me in Paradise (Lk. 23:41). In celebrating and receiving the Eucharist, we partake in the new Paschal meal (God s heavenly meal) and participate in Jesus death and resurrection. The Eucharist is therefore our participation in the Christ-events birth, passion, death and resurrection (Lk.22:19; Jn 6:35; 51). As a meal brings family and friends together, revealing our closeness and intimacy towards each other, by participating in the Divine meal (Holy Qurbana), we are experiencing this closeness with Jesus Christ whose body was broken and whose blood was shed for humanity, thereby revealing God s special providence to us for our salvation. The bread that is shared among the many during the Holy Qurbana is symbolic of the oneness of the believing community in Christ Jesus and also our closeness with Jesus. The Holy Qurbana not only reveals our closeness, communion, and bond of love towards our Savior, but also deepens that special relationship. St. Paul says, Is not the cup of blessing which we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ. Is not the bread which we break a sharing in the body of Christ? Since there is one bread, we who are many are one body; for we all partake of the one bread (1 Cor.10:16-17; 11:29). 2. Partaking in the Holy Fellowship can either be for our blessings or for our curse. Eucharistic meal is for the faithful. In faith we are called to partake in this fellowship. This faith is as follows: The Holy Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, broken and shed on Calvary for the forgiveness of sins, are given for the health of your body and soul. The celebrant prays here that the Holy Body and Blood which we have partaken be not for our condemnation, but for life and salvation. We should be utmost serious in participating in Holy Qurbana. A lack of faith on the part of the person while participating, and receiving, in the Holy Elements will bring curse on him/her (1 Cor.11:27-29). Only if we receive the Holy Elements in faith will the Holy Communion be a means of Grace and also a source of blessing to us. Holy Communion explains that it is the mystical divine communion of human beings with God, and with each other, through Christ and the Spirit. Every time we partake in the Holy Body and Holy Blood we are experiencing God s divine grace and mercy in our life. In partaking in the Holy Communion, we remember what God has done in our life i.e. giving His only begotten Son for the salvation of whole world. The Eucharist, being the heart and summit of the life of every Christian, not only nourishes our faith in Christ, but also leads us to abundance in life in Christ - 4 -

5 (Eternal life). I am the living bread that came down from heaven; if anyone eats this bread will live forever, and the bread also which I will give for the life of the world is my flesh (Jn.6:51). In participating in the Eucharistic meal we are being nourished spiritually. Holy Qurbana strengthens our bond with Jesus and with each other. God, by giving His self, reflects His love, mercy and care for us. God's whole plan for our salvation is directed in our participation in the life of Christ. In the Eucharist, by eating the Body of Christ and drinking the Blood of Christ, we become united to the person of Christ. He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life and I will raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me and I in him (Jn. 6:54-56). Let me conclude. All other sacraments are bound up with Holy Qurbana, and oriented towards it. There is no feast without fast. As we enter into the 25-day lent season, let us prepare our hearts, mind and soul to accept Jesus in our lives, home, society and everywhere. As the Bible says, there is no room for them (Mary and Joseph) so they laid the baby Jesus in a manger (Lk.2:7). As we celebrate God s incarnation into this world, let Christ find room in our hearts. May God continue to bless us as His community. Rev. Shinoi Joseph Vicar Wishing you all a blessed and merry Christmas (Shinoi achen and family) 2016 PARISH PROGRAM SCHEDULE DECEMBER 12/24 Carol Service 5:30PM 12/25 Christmas Service 12/31 Watch Night Service - 5 -

6 YOUTH CHAPLAIN S CORNER...My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. Luke 1:46-48 I always admired the faith and obedience of Mary as she accepted the will of God. Even though she knew that there would be problems, she happily accepted the role and mission that God gave her. Even though she knew that the mission would be very difficult for her, she considered it a great blessing. She was willing to offer her body as an offering to the Lord, knowing that God would use her for His Glory. This is a challenge to all of us. During the Christmas season, we are all concerned with getting gifts for family members and friends. How many of us even consider getting a gift for God to show our love for Him? So, what is it that the Lord wants from us???? Hosea 6:6 - For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. The Lord wants us to have steadfast love toward Him and all the people and creatures around us. This love is not to be shown just on Christmas, but it has to be shown the entire year. Without such love, our prayers, our songs, and our worship have no meaning. During the time of the prophet Amos, the people did not have a steadfast love for God or for the people around them. So, God commanded Amos to say: Amos 5:21 24 I hate, I despise your festivals, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; and the offerings of well-being of your fatted animals I will not look upon. Take away from me the noise of your songs; I will not listen to the melody of your harps. But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. For our songs, prayers, and worship to have meaning we need to love! We need to have a steadfast love. This love has to be demonstrated. Jesus spent his entire ministry trying to bring justice and salvation into this world. He helped those who could not help themselves, and He also gave His body as a sacrifice to God. Jesus willingly sacrificed his body to do the will of God

7 Like Jesus and Mary, let us love God and those around us. Let us be willing to sacrifice things, including our own bodies to do the will of God. Let us work to establish justice and bring salvation into this world. I and my family would like to wish each and every one of you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. May the good Lord look with favor on you, as He looked with favor on Mary. Yours in Christ's Service, Rev. Shibi Abraham - 7 -

8 ev. Shibi Abraham BIRTHDAYS ~OFFER PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING ON DECEMBER4 th ~ 12/1 Benzy Johny 2219 Elderbury Drive, Westbury, NY /2 Mariamma Mathew 1557 Rosser Avenue, Elmont, NY /2 Sarah John 7 Evergreen Lane, New Hyde Park, NY /3 Aji Philip 916 Berkshire Drive, Westbury, NY /4 Benil Jacob 2 Robbins Lane, Westbury, NY /4 Gibi Babu Philip 20 King Ave, Melville, NY /4 Jonathan M. Thomas 2 Dalton Court, South Huntington, NY /4 Nina R. Thomas 2 Dalton Court, South Huntington, NY /4 Robin Thomas 111 Sigsbee Avenue, Albertson, NY /4 Sibin Mathew 1672 Meadow Lane, East Meadow, NY ~OFFER PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING ON DECEMBER11 th ~ 12/6 Jacob George 719 Carmans Road, Massapequa, NY /7 Shibu Joseph 65 Capri Drive, Roslyn, NY /8 Christian P. Mathew rd Avenue, Floral Park, NY /8 Geevarghese Varghese th Street, Floral Park, NY /9 Dr. Ami Abraham 5 Tudor Road, Hicksville, NY /9 Mathew Daniel th Street, Bellerose, NY /9 Thomas K. Cheriyan 56 Allen Street, Herricks, NY /10 Aleyamma C. Thomas 208 Hathaway Avenue, Elmont, NY /10 Annamma Joseph Street, New Hyde Park, NY /10 Saira Kalathil 1642 Gilford Avenue, New Hyde Park, NY /11 Koruthu Philip 10 Regent Lane, Manhasset Hills, NY /11 Varghese Thomas 864 Bauer Street, Elmont, NY

9 ~OFFER PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING ON DECEMBER18 th ~ 12/12 Abey J. Keneth 21 Ray Street, Hicksville, NY /12 Jensil Varghese Lukose 24 Herkomer Street, New Hyde Park, NY /12 Roman Shaji Alex nd Road, Floral Park, NY /12 Roy Thomas 14 Evans Ave, Albertson, NY /13 Dr. Shobin Oommen 35 Pilgrim St, New Hyde Park, NY /13 Philip K. George 118 Ketchams Street, Syosset, NY /15 Chris John 70 Dennis Street, Garden City Park, NY /15 Shane Tom Samuel 119 Fulton Avenue, Garden City Park, NY /16 Blesson Babu 133 Cold Spring Road, Syosset, NY /17 Akash T. Mathew 80 Crosby Avenue, Albertson, NY /17 Rijo Ninan 66 Barry Drive, Westbury, NY /18 Christine L. Mathew 10 Harkin Lane, Hicksville, NY /18 Soraiya Sona George 8 Yorktown Ct., Deptford, NJ /18 Viny Shaju 151N 12th Street, New Hyde Park, NY ~OFFER PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING ON DECEMBER25 th ~ 12/19 Joel J Biju 280 Jefferson Ave, Amityville, NY /19 Mini Benjamin 104 Nottingham Road, Manhasset Hills, NY /19 Shawn Mathew 20 McKinley Avenue, Albertson, NY /20 Trino Abraham Mathew 58 Haddon Rd., New Hyde Park, NY /21 Jinsa M. Abraham 1978 Marion Drive, East Meadow, NY /22 Hemali Mammen 5 Country Court, Hicksville, NY /22 Rebecca Jacob 8 Dutchess Court, Dix Hills, NY /22 Samantha Jacob 8 Dutchess Court, Dix Hills, NY /22 Shannon Thomas 820 Bryant Avenue, New Hyde Park, NY /23 Susamma Thomas 368 Commack Road, Commack, NY /23 Thomas Oonnoonny 14 7th Street, Garden City Park, NY /24 Jacob T. Chacko 6 Maxwell Drive, Westbury, NY /24 Shawn Varghese Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park, NY /25 Christo Abraham 108 Lincoln St, Elmont, NY /25 Edwin Biju Sam 4 Berwyn Dr, Lake Ronkonkoma, NY /25 James Varghese 1105 Hillside Avenue, Herricks, NY

10 ~OFFER PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING ON JANUARY1 st ~ 12/26 Biju Philip 90 Hillside Lane South, Syosset, NY /26 Leelamma Chacko 11 Burns Avenue, Hicksville, NY /26 Libin M. Varghese 1808 Atherton Avenue, Elmont, NY /26 Mathew Thomas 31 Robbins Lane, Westbury, NY /27 Janie A. Mathew 22 Rose Lane, New Hyde Park, NY /28 Mary Thomas 1850 Lois Place, Merrick, NY /29 Jasmine M. Benjamin 120 South Drive, Manhasset Hills, NY /29 Sara Samuel 11 Chadwick St, Syosset, NY /30 Andrew Parayil Thomas 43 Hook Lane, Levittown, NY /30 Joy Varghese nd Street, Floral Park, NY /31 Aby M. Abraham 5 Tudor Road, Hicksville, NY WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES ~OFFER PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING ON DECEMBER11 th ~ 12/9 Mr. & Mrs. Biju Sam 4 Berwyn Drive, Lake Ronkonkoma ~OFFER PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING ON DECEMBER18 th ~ 12/15 Mr. & Mrs. Jacob Cherian 15 Russell Park Road, Syosset 12/17 Mr. & Mrs. Babu George 114 Haverford Road, Hicksville ~OFFER PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING ON DECEMBER25 th ~ 12/19 Mr. & Mrs. Alvin C. Thomas th Street, Floral Park 12/25 Mr. & Mrs. Justus P. Daniel 3620 Martha Blvd., Bethpage ~OFFER PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING ON JANUARY1 st ~ 12/26 Mr. & Mrs. James Varghese 1105 Hillside Avenue, Herricks 12/27 Mr. & Mrs. Felix M. Thomas 22 Henry Street [Apt 2], Jersey City 12/27 Mr. & Mrs. Sushil Mathew 700 Merrick Road [Apt. 1-0], Baldwin 12/31 Mr. & Mrs. Mathai N. Abraham th Street, Bellerose

11 ORGANIZATIONS AND EVENTS CALENDAR SUNDAY SCHOOL Sunday School Classes will begin at 9:00 AM every Sunday. Parents please ensure your children arrive on time Little Blessings Ministry (Nursery-2nd) and Junior Blessings (3 rd &4th) will be held on all Malayalam & Divine Sunday s at 9:00AM YOUTH FELLOWSHIP ELEMENT 26 Youth Fellowship General Body will take place on December 4th. We ask all youth members to stay back immediately after Holy Communion Service and attend. Youth Fellowship will be Christmas Caroling the first three weekends of December. If you would like us to come to your house to carol, please contact a committee member. o Please note that this is not a fundraising event and meant only for Christmas spirit and cheer Youth Fellowship will be ending off 2016 with our annual end of the year party on December 31st at 7pm in the church auditorium. All youths are invited to attend YOUNG FAMILY FELLOWSHIP Monthly meeting will be held on Sunday, December 18 th, at 3:30 PM at the residence of: Drs. Shobin and Gina Oommen 35 Pilgrim St, New Hyde Park, NY Young Family Fellowship will be participating in Santa s Little Allstars Toy Drive, on Sunday December 4 th at 2:30 PM. This is where children are invited to bring new, nontoxic, unwrapped gifts to be gifted away to pre-selected charities for childres CHOIR Malayalam and English Choir practices will be held either before or after service on their respective weeks YUVAJANA SAKHYAM Monthly meeting will be held on Sunday, December 18 th, at 2:00 PM at the residence of: Mr. & Mrs. Cherian Kovoor 1766 Grant Avenue, East Meadow, NY

12 EDAVAKA MISSION Weekly Bible Study classes will be held every Thursday at 7:30PM at the church SENIOR CITIZEN S FELLOWSHIP Monthly meeting will be announced at a later time SEVIKA SANGHOM Monthly meeting will be held on Sat., December17 th at 10:00 AM at the church SENIOR SAKHYAM FELLOWSHIP During the month of December 2016, Senior Sakhyam is organizing a trip to see the world s most famous tree the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center, NY. The trip is scheduled for the evening of Saturday, December 17, Details will be announced in coming weeks. All parish members are welcome to attend. For information please contact Joseph V. Thomas or Koruthu Mathew

13 CONDOLENCE(S) Mr. K.A. Cherian, 76 years old, was called to eternity on Sunday, October 9 th, in India Late Mr. K.A. Cherian is the brother of: Mrs. Achamma Mathew rd Avenue Floral Park, NY Mrs. Mariamma. Varghese, 85 years old, was called to eternity on Wednesday, November 9 th, in India. Late Mrs. Mariamma Varghese is the mother of: Mr. Yohannan Varghese 25 David Ave, Hicksville, NY Mrs. Mariakutty Mathai, 86 years old, was called to eternity on Monday, November 21 st, in India Late Mrs. Mariakutty Mathai is the mother of: Mr. P.M. Joseph th, New Hyde Park, NY Please uphold the bereaving families in your prayers DECEMBER PULPIT ASSISTANCE & REFRESHMENTS PRAYER GROUP D: MR. SAMUEL V. CHACKO The Vicar and members of the Parish express their sincere thanks to Area Representative Mr. Varghese Lukoseand members of Prayer Group C (Herricks & New Hyde Park)for their assistance at the pulpit, arranging flowers, and providing refreshments during the month of November. During the month of December, the above responsibilities are assigned to Mr. Samuel V. Chackoand members of Prayer Group D (Bethpage, Hicksville, &Plainview)

14 WORSHIP SCHEDULE DATE TIME SCHEDULE AND WEEKLY THEME Sunday 12/04/2016 Sunday 12/11/2016 Sunday 12/18/2016 Sunday 12/25/2016 Saturday 12/31/2016 9:00AM 10:00 AM 10:00 AM 9:00AM 10:00 AM 9:30 AM 9:30 PM English Divine Service Holy Communion Service Malayalam Beginning of Twenty-Five Day s Lent Holy Communion Service English Birth of John the Baptist - Word of God Double edged Sword (Bible Sunday) English Divine Service Holy Communion Service Malayalam Sunday before Christmas - Our Lord Comes Holy Communion Service English Yaldo - Feast of Nativity - A New Dawn Grace upon Grace (End of 25 Days Lent) Holy Communion Service Malayalam Year Ending - Watch Night Service - Taste and See the Lord is God LECTIONARY DATE 1 ST AND 2 ND LESSON EPISTLE GOSPEL Sunday 1Kgs. 19:1-21 Gal. 1:11-17 Luke 1: /06/2016 Rev. 10:1-11 Sunday 11/13/2016 Sunday 11/20/2016 Sunday 11/27/2016 Sunday 11/27/2016 Isa. 7: Pet. 3:8-16 Isa. 11:1-10 1John 4:7-21 Isa. 9:1-7 Heb. 1:1-14 Deut. 28:1-14 Heb. 12:1-13 Titus 2:11-15 Matt. 1:18-23 Rom. 1:18-17 John 1:1-14 2Tim. 2:18-23 Luke 2:1-20 1Pet. 5:6-11 John 7:

15 AREA REPRESENTATIVES Mathew P. Mathew Prayer Group - A centurymaritime@msn.com Mathewkutty Easow Prayer Group - B mathewkuttyeasow@gmail.com Varghese Lukose Prayer Group - C v.lukose30@yahoo.com Samuel V. Chacko Prayer Group D samvchacko@yahoo.com Prayer Group - E Mathai Thomas Prayer Group - F thomasmathait@yahoo.com Joseph V. Thomas Prayer Group - G rejivaliyakala@gmail.com SUNDAY SCHOOL Jibu Abraham Headmaster maha413@yahoo.com YOUTH FELLOWSHIP Shannon Thomas Vice President shannonthomas1222@gmail.com YUVAJANA SAKHYAM Cherian Kovoor Secretary ckovoor@gmail.com YOUNG FAMILY FELLOWSHIP Sabu Abraham Vice President sabu.abraham15@gmail.com CHOIR Stanly Thomas Choir Leader stanlythomas1@gmail.com EDAVAKA MISSION Mariamma Mathew Vice President mariamma4@yahoo.com SEVIKA SANGHOM Leelamma T. Chacko Secretary leelachacko1@yahoo.com (H) (C) (H) (C) (H) (C) (H) (C) (H) (C) (H) (C) (H) (C) (H) (C) (H) (C) (H) (C) (H) (C) (H) (C) (H) (C)

16 SUNDAY SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY