FROM THE VICAR S DESK

Transcription

1 FROM THE VICAR S DESK The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ by the Apostle or Evangelist (Taken from the Order of Worship for Holy Qurbana) Dearly Beloved in Christ Jesus, Last month we tried to understand the significance of the Epistle reading during the Holy Communion service. This month we will try to explore the significance of Gospel reading during Holy Communion service. The liturgy of the Word has a special significance in Holy Communion service. The Liturgy of the Word includes four readings of Bible and a sermon (preaching). The Gospel portion is read only after the other three readings i.e. 1 st lesson, 2 nd lesson and the Epistle portion. This signifies that Gospel is the fulfillment of all the other readings. Thus Gospel reading is the epitome or climax of the Liturgy of the Word. I would like to make four important significance in relation to reading of the Gospel. 1. Gospel is Jesus the Christ The Greek word for Gospel is euangelion which means good news or glad tidings and this good news is Jesus the Christ, the God incarnate of the Blessed Virgin Mary. (Jn 3:16). So Gospel is only one i.e. Jesus Christ but there are four version/writings of Jesus Christ i.e. of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. These writing are words and deeds of Jesus the Christ. The good news for the world is that God has incarnated and has redeemed the world through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. So the Gospel is Jesus Christ. He is the Gospel from God the Father and in believing in Him is eternal life. He is the Logos, the Word of Life from Above. 2. Gospel reading signifies Christ Presence Our worship are the proclamation of the salvific work of God in Jesus Christ. The words of Jesus are life-giving words that leads one to eternal life. Before Gospel is read Deacon announces, let us stand in silence, awe and reverence and listen to the proclamation of the living Word of God from the Gospel of Jesus Christ, our Lord. The congregation is reminded to stand and be silent. There should not be any movement or any sort of

2 FROM THE VICAR S DESK CONT D disturbance during this time. Jesus Christ himself is the GOSPEL, listening from Gospel signifies listening to Jesus himself. Therefore through Gospel, Jesus is speaking to his people. So reading from the Gospel signifies the presence of Jesus Christ himself in our midst. So one has to be cautious of not to dishonor Jesus who is speaking to us through Gospel. 3. Gospel is Life Giving Proclamation St. Paul says For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek (Rom1:16). The Gospel proclaims life and salvation to the world through Jesus Christ as against the sin of humanity which brought damnation and death. Jesus through his sacrificial death and resurrection on the Cross redeemed the humanity from the evils of sin. So Jesus is the Life and Salvation to the world. Jesus is the absolute truth of the salvation history. So reading of Gospel affirms that salvation is possible only in and through Jesus Christ who is God incarnate of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In reading the Gospel this salvation is proclaimed and the covenantal relationship between God and humanity is remembered. 4. In Listening to Gospel we proclaim our belief and faith The Holy Scriptures are read not only for instructional purposes but these words also lead the worshiping community to repentance and sanctifications. Thus liturgy of the word enable us to partake in the Holy Qurbana. When the celebrant elevates the Bible and says The Holy Gospel of our Lord, the Congregation glorifies God the father and seeks God s blessings upon the world. In reading, listening and preaching the Gospel portion we profess our belief and affirm our faith in Jesus Christ. In other word the community affirms and proclaims the absoluteness of truth of the Gospel as written in the Bible. May God keep us in His Warm and comforting Embrace. Rev. Shinoi Joseph Vicar 2

3 YOUTH CHAPLAIN S CORNER Wait or weight? Many of you will have seen the film "Chariots of Fire", an outstanding film about a Christian Eric Liddell, who refuses to run in the prestigious 100 meters in the 1924 Paris Olympics because it involved racing in a preheat on a, which Liddell believed to be a ungodly use of. Liddell was probably the fastest man alive at that time and had been the favorite to win it for Britain. The Press and even the Prince of Wales tried to talk him into running but he refused. Instead, he went to the Scottish Presbyterian church that and read the lesson from Isaiah 40. And verse 31 seems to capture the situation. However, he was given the chance to race for Britain in the 400 meters a race he had never even run before. And God honored him for his stand. Liddell ran the 400 meters at a 100 m pace. The experts thought he was running the first 100 meters too fast and would tire later in the race. But he was able to run the 400 meters and won the gold medal for Britain in that Olympics. Liddell was completely depending on God for his choices and he 'waited' on the Lord for his life and God gave him success. The word "wait" does not suggest that we sit around and do nothing. It means "to hope," to look to God for all that we need. This involves meditating on His character and His promises, praying, and seeking to glorify Him. In Hebrew (qavah kav-waw ) the figurative meaning of the word is to bind together like a cord. The literal meaning of the word is hope. Our world is giving a lot importance to the 'weight' and the fitness industry is flourishing rampantly. We do everything possible to maintain our weight and use all the resources for a long lasting life. But that weight is temporary and perishing but God wants us to invest on what is non perishing and important in our lives. Waiting upon the lord is eternal and we are giving our complete trust in God and hoping to live with him eternally. Isaiah chapter 40 talks about the the blessings that we receive when we wait upon the Lord. Isiah says 31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. There are three blessings that will be given to those who wait. They will renew their strength, they will sour on wings like eagles, and they will run and not grow weary and will walk and not be faint. Let us wait upon the lord and He will give His strength. V. M. Mathew Achen Youth Chaplain DO SOMETHING The next one-day mission activity at New York City Rescue Mission will be on October 4 th from 1PM-7PM. Kindly pray and participate in this mission activity. For more details, please contact Rev. V.M. Mathew Achen at vmmallappally@yahoo.com 3

4 BIRTHDAYS Mathai Koshy Sirley J. Babu Stefan K. Philip Reni Benjamin Ruth Mariam Zachariah October 1 47 Barry Drive Westbury, NY October , 257th Street Floral Park, NY Main Parkway, Plainview, NY October South Drive Manhasset Hills, NY October Bregman Avenue OFFER PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING ON OCTOBER 5 TH Philip K. Mathew Abraham Mammen Leelamma Daniel Rev. T.C. Mammen Sheryl Joseph October 6 19 Main Parkway Plainview, NY October 7 90 Birchwood Drive Herricks, NY , 249th Street Bellerose, NY Bellmore Rd N. Bellmore, NY October 9 65 Capri Drive Roslyn, NY

5 Jensil Philip Mary Philip Elizabeth Thomas Roy Mathew Jeff James Smitha Koshy Jibi Binoy Dr. Anil Chacko Dr. John Benjamin Aincy J. Keneth Shobin J. Chacko October Lords Way Manhasset Hills, NY Hillside Lane South Syosset, NY Bryant Avenue 189 Canterbury Road Williston Park, NY October , Hillside Avenue Herricks, NY Wedgewood Drive Westbury, NY Merrick Avenue Merrick, NY October Beech Place New Milford, NJ Nottingham Road Manhasset Hills, NY Ray Street Hicksville, NY , 78th Avenue OFFER PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING ON OCTOBER 12 TH Ramani D. Thomas Josh P. Mathew Nicholas Mathew Philip October 13 1 Clinton Street, Hicksville, NY Andrews Rd Mineola, NY Cypress Lane Westbury, NY

6 Mathew Sabu Suja Joseph Shibu Varghese Melvin Cherian Kurian Luxuly Abraham Gracy Babu Jairus Thomas Mathew Bindu Varghese October Rott Kamp Street Valley Stream, NY Violet Lane Levittown, NY Bretton Road Garden City Park, NY October , 77 th Avenue October Chaffee Ave Albertson, NY October , 257 th Street Floral Park,NY October Rosser Ave Elmont, NY Tudor Road Hicksville, NY OFFER PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING ON OCTOBER 19 TH Yohannan Varughese Derryl Thomas Bobby Mathews Cherian Kovoor Josiah G. Mathew October David Avenue Hicksville, NY Tinkers Place Hicksville, NY Greentree Road Mineola, NY October Grand Avenue East Meadow, NY Green Valley Road East Meadow, NY

7 Thomas K. Cheriyan Jr. Jaiya Benjamin Aiden Thomas Binoy Babu George Deepa N. Jacob Amy Jacob Blessy J. Mathew October Allen Street Herricks, NY South Drive Manhasset Hills, NY Merrick Avenue Merrick, NY October , 257 th Street Floral Park, NY Cliff Lane Levittown, NY October Casper Avenue East Meadow, NY October Crans Street Elmont, NY OFFER PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING ON OCTOBER 26 TH Elizabeth A. Chacko Dr. George K. Cheriyan Roy Mathews Dr. Benson Babu Shajan Samuel October Beech Place New Milford, NJ October Allen Street Herricks, NY October Madison Street Elmont, NY Cold Spring Road Syosset, NY Maxwell Drive Westbury, NY

8 Annie Sabu Neppu Mathew Jason Philip Joji Joseph Jennifer A. Kaithavana Sharon George Thomas Chacko October Kingston Street 274 Divonshire Drive 1671 Pershing Street Valley Stream, NY Empire Street Elmont, NY Highland Avenue October Broadway 21-27, 4 th Avenue Garden City Park, NY OFFER PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING ON NOVEMBER 2 ND W E D D I N G A N N I V E R S A R Y Mr. & Mrs. Abey Kaithavana October Highland Avenue OFFER PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING ON OCTOBER 5 TH Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Dethose Dr. & Mrs. Zachariah Varghese October 7 42 Monterey Drive Manhasset Hills, NY Bregman Avenue 8

9 October 8 Mr. & Mrs. Thomas K. Cheriyan 56 Allen Street Herricks, NY Mr. & Mrs. Aby Abraham October 9 5 Tudor Road Hicksville, NY OFFER PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING ON OCTOBER 7 TH Mr. & Mrs. Roy Mathew October Canterbury Road, Williston Park, NY OFFER PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING ON OCTOBER 12 TH Mr. & Mrs. Jacob Thomas October 17 3 Prose Street Hicksville, NY OFFER PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING ON OCTOBER 19 TH Mr. & Mrs. Lagi Thomas October 24 1 Tinkers Place, Hicksville, NY OFFER PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING ON OCTOBER 26 TH Mr. & Mrs. K. C. George Mr. & Mrs. Jacob T. Chacko October Broadway 6 Maxwell Drive Westbury, NY OFFER PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING ON NOVEMBER 2 ND 9

10 Day Date & Time October 19 TH, :00PM October 25 TH, :30PM AREA PRAYER MEETINGS Area Prayer Group C B Hosting Family Address & Phone Mr. & Mrs. Thampi Samuel th Avenue Mr. & Mrs. Roy Mathews 1584 Madison Street Elmont, NY THANKS The Vicar and Members of the Parish express their sincere thanks to Area Representative Mr. Jibi P. Mathew and the members of Prayer Group G (Albertsom, Garden City Park, Manhasset Hills, Mineola, Roslyn, Roslyn Heights, Searingtown & Williston Park) for their assistance at the pulpit, arranging flowers and refreshments during the month of September. During the month of October, the above responsibilities are assigned to Area Representative Mr. Mathai Thomas and the members of Prayer Group F (East Meadow, Levittown, Massapequa, Merrick, Syosset & Westbury) PULPIT ARRANGEMENTS AND REFRESHMENTS Month Hosting Prayer Group and Area Representative October Prayer Group F: Mathai Thomas November Prayer Group C: John Chacko December Prayer Group A: Thomas David 10

11 ORGANIZATION CALENDAR FOR OCTOBER 2014 LIMC FAMILY TALENT NIGHT 2014 Family Talent Night will be re-scheduled to a later date and announced in Church. CHOIR Malayalam Choir practice will be held every after the Worship Service. English Choir practice will be held every after the Worship Service until 2:30PM. DIVINE WORSHIP SERVICE There will be English Divine Service on October 12 th, 2014 & October 26 th, 2014 beginning at 9:00 AM. Let us use this time to prepare ourselves with open hearts and open minds together as a Christ Centered Community. EDAVAKA MISSION Edavaka Mission meets every Thursday at 7:30PM at the following locations: Date 10/02/2014 Location Address & Phone Long Island Mar Thoma Church 10/09/ /16/ /23/ /30/2014 Residence of Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Thomas 41 Diamond Street Elmont, NY / (516) Long Island Mar Thoma Church Long Island Mar Thoma Church Long Island Mar Thoma Church 11

12 ORGANIZATION CALENDAR FOR OCTOBER 2014 CONT D SENIOR CITIZEN S FELLOWSHIP Monthly Meeting will be held on Friday, October 17 th, 2014 at 7:00PM at the Church. SEVIKA SANGHOM Monthly meeting date/time to be announced in Church. SUNDAY SCHOOL ( School Anniversary will be held on, October 19 th, YOUNG FAMILIES FELLOWSHIP There will be a bake sale / plant sale held on, October 12 th All are welcome and encouraged to participate in the sale. Monthly meeting will be held on, October 26 th, 2014 from 3:30PM 5:30 PM at the residence of Mr. Shaun & Mrs. Salomi Thomas 12 Royal Way, Manhasset Hills, NY / (516) YOUTH FELLOWSHIP ELEMENT 26 Meetings date/time to be announced in Church and via . If you would like to receive notifications about dates/times of upcoming meetings, please contact Mr. Alex atx7248@gmail.com. 12

13 CONDOLENCES The Vicar and members of the Parish express their heartfelt condolences to the following family members, their relatives and friends as they mourn their departed souls: The Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Mar Coorilos Valiya Metropolitan of Malabar Independent Syrian Church, Thozhiyoor Mrs. Aleyamma Thomas (83 years old) in Vennikulam, Kerala on September 5th, She is the mother of Mr. John Pazhayidathu (70 Dennis Street, Garden City Park, NY 11040). Please continue to uphold these families in your prayers. 13

14 TENTATIVE 2014 PARISH PROGRAMS OCTOBER 10/2-10/5 Sevika Sanghom National Conference in Maryland 10/5 Edavaka Mission 10/10-10/12 Yuvajana Sakhyam National Conference in Toronto 10/19 Family & School Anniversary 10/26 Youth NOVEMBER 11/1 Regional World School Day Celebrations 11/2 World School Day 11/9 Yuvajana Sakhyam Day 11/14-11/16 Youth Fellowship Conference 11/30 Thanksgiving DECEMBER 12/5-12/7 Christmas Carol House Visiting 12/12-12/14 Christmas Carol House Visiting 12/19-12/21 Christmas Carol House Visiting 12/24 Christmas Carol Service 12/25 Christmas Day Holy Qurbana 12/31 Watch Night Service 14

15 LECTIONARY SCHEDULE Day and Date 1 ST and 2 ND Lessons Epistle Gospel 10/05/2014 Amos.7:10-17 / 1Pet.2: Thes.4:1-8 St.Luke.10: /12/2014 Isa.42:16-20 / Acts.3: Cor.12:1-10 St. John.5:1-9 10/19/2014 Gen.41:37-43 / Phil.3: Tim.4:7-16 St.Luke.10: /26/2014 Josh.24:14-22 / Titus.2:1-8 Eph.3:14-21 St. Luke.19:1-10 WORSHIP SCHEDULE Day and Date Time Schedule & Weekly Theme 10/05/ /12/ /19/ /26/ :00 AM 9:00 AM 10:00 AM 10:00 AM 9:00 AM 10:00 AM Holy Communion Service English Witness of the People of God (Voluntary Evangelist s Day) (17th after Pentecost) English Divine Service Holy Communion Service Malayalam Accept the difference of God s Creation / Day for mentally and physically challenged and palliative Patients (18th after Pentecost) Holy Communion Service English Spirituality of Youth in the modern age Youth (19th after Pentecost) English Divine Service Holy Communion Service Malayalam Faith that has to be formulated in family. Family (20th after Pentecost) 15

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