ST. Thomas Mar Thoma Church, NY 34 Morris Street, Yonkers, NY 10705 http://www.stthomasmtc.org MAY 2018 Vicar/President: Rev. Jaisen A. Thomas Hm: 914-376-6530 * Cell: 914-450-3162 * revjathomas@yahoo.com Secretary: John Abraham Ph: 845-634-9319 * secretary@stthomasmtc.org NEWSLETTER VOL. XL NO. 5
WORSHIP SERVICE SCHEDULE Date Time Worship Sun, May 6 9.30 AM English Holy Communion Service. Sun May13 9:30 AM English Holy Communion Service Sun May 20 9:30 AM Malayalam Holy Communion Service Sun May 27 9:30 AM Malayalam Holy Communion Service LECTIONARY Date 1st Lesson 2nd Lesson Epistle Gospel Tues May 1 Gen. 1:26-2:3 Jam. 5:1-6 2 Thes.3:6-15 St.Mat. 11:28-30 Sun May 6 Ezek. 34:15-24 2 Cor. 8:1-9 Acts 4:32-37 St.Luke. 19:1-10 Tues May 8 Isa. 41:1-14 Rev. 1:1-20 1 John. 5:1-12 St.John 21:20-25 Thur May 10 Exo. 14:10-20 Acts. 16:19-34 1 John1:1-10 St.John 14:1-7 Sun May 13 Isa. 40:25-31 Acts.1:1-11 Acts.1:12-14 St.John. 14:25-31 Sun May 20 Ezek. 37:1-14 Acts. 2:1-13 Titus. 3:5-8 St.John. 16:5-15 Sun May 27 Gen. 1:1-28 1 John. 1:1-10 2 Cor. 13:11-14 St.John. 1:1-18 Tue May 1 Sun May 6 Tue May 8 Thur May 10 Sun May 13 Sun May 20 Sun May 27 May Day IMPORTANT DAYS Christ s Invitation to participate in Caring (Metropolitan Fund) 5th Sunday after Easter St. John s the Apostle Day Sulokho: Ascension of our Lord - Christ: Lord for All (40th Day after Easter) Waiting upon the Holy Spirit Feast of Pentecost - Come Holy Spirit Renew Us (50th Day after Easter) Trinity Sunday We worship the Triune God (First Sunday after Pentecost) Sacred Music Sunday 2
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Peer Pressure: Triumph over the Trial! Peer pressure is one of the greatest struggles we face in our lives regardless of our age. It really doesn t matter how faithful or devout we may be, there are always going to be people who try to negatively pressure or influence us in different ways. So, does that mean we have to give in? Of course not! Overcoming peer pressure may be difficult and painful (it may mean losing a friend or popularity) but, remember it s one of the building blocks toward personal integrity and Christian witness. Now, think about the last time you experienced negative peer pressure. How did you react? Could you have handled it differently? How does the Bible teach us to react in such a situation? Read DANIEL 1 Peer Pressure, an experience allowed by God Often times when faced with pressures and temptations it is easy to feel that perhaps God is absent in our experiences. In Daniel 1:2, we read that The Lord let King Jehoiakim of Judah fall into his [King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon] power Clearly, this passage suggests that the suffering, slavery and exile the Israelites experienced was of the will, knowledge and even plan of God. Additionally, it is important to note the use of the title Lord for God which is more general as compared to the term, Yahweh, which would be more specific to the nation and people of Israel. Yet, in this first chapter of Daniel the title Lord is ethnically nonspecific emphasizing the limitless breadth of God s power even through other nations and kings. That is, this passage reaffirms the omnipotent (all powerful) presence and work of God that is not confined by any social or political border. Thus, it is the revelation that in all trials and difficult experiences God is simply not a passive observer but, an active presence in and through others in different situations and settings. As such, peer pressure may be understood as the next step towards better understanding the purposes of God. Peer Pressure, as imposing of an alternative identity Identity is a most sacred and essential element of any person or community. According to the Bible, we understand that our identity is grounded in the image of God and in the call to follow Jesus Christ as children of God. However, peer pressure is often manipulative in that it seeks to impose an alternative and new identity on the individual. In verses 3-7, we read of the ingenious method by which King Nebuchadnezzar exercises his control over the Israelite nobles. He does not torture, harm or even threaten them. Yet, he selects young men of royalty and nobility who are handsome and mentally acute and begins to teach and train them in the language, literature and culture of the Babylonians. Furthermore, King Nebuchadnezzar assigns them new Babylonian names by which they are from now on to be identified. This method of subtle cultural assimilation is one of the most effective means of establishing control over an individual or community. As such, in a most efficient manner King Nebuchadnezzar had intended to further his political and personal aims by shaping the physical, mental and spiritual character of the young and impressionable Israelite elite. Likewise, peer pressure is often not a forceful attack; rather, it is a clever and effective means of control by undermining our physical, mental and spiritual character. Continued on Page 10.. 3
Prayer Meetings Area Date Location Yonkers South (McLean Ave) Upper Westchester/ CT Queens/Long Island Yonkers East (Central Ave) Sunday May, 6 6:30 PM Saturday May, 12 6:30 PM Sunday May, 13 6:30 PM Saturday May, 19 6:30 PM Mrs. Marykutty Varghese 64 Linn Avenue, Yonkers, NY (914) 963-0514 Mr. Thankachen Geevarghese 67 Sylvan Road, Portchester, NY (914) 939-0282 Mr. T. P. Jacob 1 Duke Drive, Manhasset Hills, NY (516) 365-3750 Mr. Mathew John 16 Simpson Place, Yonkers, NY (914) 346-5859 Rockland Yonkers North (Broadway) Sunday May, 20 6:00 PM Sunday May, 27 6:30 PM Mrs. Rosamma K. Mathew 37 Headden Drive, Spring Valley, NY Mr. K. C. Thomas 360 Edwards Place, Yonkers, NY (914) 963-3499 Organizational Meetings Sunday School Sunday School : All Sundays at 12:30 PM (After Service) G.L.O.W Retreat May 5th Saturday at 10:00 AM at church A special day for Mothers and Daughters All girls 8 and up are requested to participate with Moms DIOCESAN Exam : May 20th At 12:00 Noon S.H.I.E.L.D Retreat May 26, Saturday (Venue TBA) 4
Organizational Meetings Organizational Retreat May 6 th, Sunday, After service At Church Edavaka Mission Event Date & Time Location Wednesday Prayer Meeting May 2, At Church 7:00 PM Prayer Meeting Wednesday May 9 At Church 7:00 PM Prayer Meeting Wednesday May 16 At Church 7:00 PM Prayer Meeting Wednesday May 23 At Church 7:00 PM Prayer Meeting Wednesday May 30 7:00 PM At Church Sevika Sangham Event Date & Time Location Friday Friday Prayer May 4 At Church 10:00 AM Friday Friday Prayer May 11 At Church 10:00 AM Friday Friday Prayer May 18 At Church 10:00 AM Friday Friday Prayer May 25 At Church 10:00 AM 5
May BIRTHDAYS Bronx/Yonkers South Mr. Roshan Abraham 472 Bronxville Road 2 Mr. Varghese George 221 Rumsey Rd. Apt 2A 10 Mrs. Aleyamma Varghese 133 Van Cortland Pk. Ave. 11 Austin Meppurathu Varghese 115 Alder St, South 11 Mrs. Marykutty Chacko 181 Devoe Avenue 20 Mrs. Aleyamma Varghese 89 Travers Ave 20 Mr. Jolly Eapen 26 Bruce Avenue 25 Sherry John 46 Leroy Ave 25 Mr. Qubin Jose 89 Travers Ave 26 Mr. John Mathai 67 Raybrook Road 28 Shynu Abraham 212 McClean Ave # D1 30 Mrs. Celine George 109 Alder Street 30 Abraham Mathew 212 McClean Ave # D1 31 Mrs. Molly Varghese 221 Rumsey Rd. Apt 2A 31 Manhattan/New Jersey Mr. Varghese Easo 701 Plympton Street 1 Mrs. Sunitha Punnoose 2 Morcom Terrace 12 Thomas Mr. Philip M. Philip 29 High Mountain Drive 18 Mr. Jacob Philipose 442 Golf Ave. 20 Mr. Uthup Varkey 401 Madison Avenue 20 Mrs. Ancy Veny Easo 257 Bradley Ave. 25 Mrs. Alice John 59 Highview Ave. 29 Ms. Nicole Rebecca Philip 29 High Mountain Drive 30 Queens/Long Island Mr. Daniel Gee Varghese 462 Richmond Road 2 Mr. Jacob Ninan 71-17 Little Neck Parkway 3 Mrs. Mary Jacob 1 Duke Drive 8 Mrs. Achamma Rajan 261-15 Hillside Ave, Apt #1 15 Mr. T. T. Ninan 10 Genessie St 16 Mr. T. P. Jacob 1 Duke Drive 18 Ms. Listy Price 61-55 Junction Blvd # 23K 19 Mr. Justin Jacob 1 Duke Dr 20 Rockland Mr. Samuel E. Oommen 24 Harmony Rd. 1 Sara Ann Thannickal 231 North Little Tor Road 4 Mrs. Anitha V. Oommen 6 Mayfield Street 10 Mrs. Susamma Samuel 24 Harmony Rd. 10 Mrs. Lali Jacob Oommen 892 Route 9W 12 Mr. John Thomas 135 Lake Nanuet Drive 12 Mr. Aju Puthenveedu Daniel 72 Middletown Rd 14 Sophia Elizabeth Samuel 24 Harmony Rd. 14 Mr. Sabu George 4 Michael Drive 17 Mr. Jerry George 7 Lowerre Place 18 6
May BIRTHDAYS cont... Mrs. Gina Varughese 24 Reginald Drive 18 Mrs. Sheeba Koshy 10 Sturbridge Court 20 Mr. Mathew Ouseph 4 Arrow Lane 20 Mrs. Jeny Sabu 4 Michael Drive 20 Mr. Raju Varghese 54 Tamaract Ln 20 Benjamin Ouseph 4 Arrow Lane 21 Mrs. Suja Ouseph 4 Arrow Lane 25 Mr. Sabu Joseph 2 Edgewood Dr 26 Mr. Roji C. Mathews 231 Morton Avenue 26 Mr. Raju V. Joseph 9 Spray Court 27 Mrs. Saji Cherian 27 Hemptor Rd 28 Mrs. Achamma George 7 Lowerre Place 28 Mr. George John 86 Susan Drive 28 Mr. Koshy M. Thomas 10 Sturbridge Court 28 Mrs. Subi John 86 Susan Drive 29 Mrs. Saramma Binu 22 Old Brick Road 30 Mrs. Rachel Mathew 128 East Phillips Hill Rd. 30 Mrs. Annamma Bejoy Thomas 30 Phyllis Drive 30 Mr. Binu K. Abraham 22 Old Brick Road 31 Mrs. Marykutty Mathew 280 Cottage Rd 31 Steven Suju Samuel 24 Harmony Rd. 31 Mr. Mathew Varghese 280 Cottage Rd 31 Upper Westchester/CT Mr. Geevarghese Kochumman 288 Fisher Ave 2 Mr. Roni Mathew 6 Glen Ave 3 Mr. Johnkutty Geevarghese 36 Archer Ave. 4 Mr. Pallickal Easo Koshy 7 Bonnie Meadow Rd 5 Mr. Thomas Mathai (Father) 315 7th Avenue 10 Dr. John Thomas 38 McKinley Place 10 Ms. Rachel Kurian 1822 Morris Lane 17 Dr. Varghese P. John 51 Betsy Brown Road 18 Mrs. Sheeba Johnkutty 36 Archer Ave. 20 Mr. Nithin Mathew John 39 Brookland Farms Road 21 Mrs. Ponnamma A. Joshua 276 Hall Ave. 23 Ms. Jessica Varghese 2 Mountain Farms Road 24 Joshin Johnkutty 36 Archer Ave. 25 Mr. Abraham Koshy 315 7th Avenue 25 Mr. Daniel P. K. Vaidyan 131 Harvard Drive 25 Mr. Pallickal Kuruvilla Easo 5 Overhill Road, Elmsford, NY 10523 29 Mr. Philip Kayalvarathu 11 Hillandale Ave 30 Mrs. Beena Philip 11 Hillandale Ave 30 Mr. Leejoe Kuruvilla 5 Overhill Road, Elmsford, NY 10523 31 Yonkers East Mr. Anil Kuruvilla 78 Amherst Drive 5 Jonathan P. Thomas 500 Bronxville Road 5 7
May BIRTHDAYS cont... Mikita Aby Varughese 2210 Central Park Ave. #2 6 Mr. Thomas M. Thomas 9 Roxbury Drive, Apt #3 8 Mr. John P. Thomas 31 Monrovia Blvd 9 Mr. Jeffin Varughese 60 Windermere Drive 9 Mrs. Jessy Kuruvilla 45 Bonaventure Ave, 12 Sera Mariam Mathew 16 Simpson Place 14 Mr. Joel C. Johnson 49 Patton Drive 16 Mr. Jestin John Mathew 52 Whitman Rd. 20 Mr. Thomas Mathew 16 Astor Place, 2nd Floor 20 Mrs. Valsamma Thomas 9 Roxbury Drive, Apt #3 20 Mrs. Mariamma Abraham 138 Candlewood Drive 24 Ms. Teena S. Alex 2 Simpson Place 25 Mr. Jacob Vaidian 222 Roundhill Drive 25 Mr. Saji Varughese 60 Windermere Drive 25 Ms. Julie Jacob 16 June Street 26 Ms. Kristin K. Cherian 5 Piper Court 28 Mrs. Jaya S. Varughese 60 Windermere Drive 29 Mr. Kunjumon T. Cherian 5 Piper Court 30 Alvin John 35 Linda Lane 30 Mrs. Densy Johnson 49 Patton Drive 30 Mrs. Jessy John Mathew 52 Whitman Rd. 30 Mr. Abey Varughese 2210 Central Park Ave. #2 30 Mrs. Mini Aby Varughese 2210 Central Park Ave. #2 30 Mr. Saju M. Alex 2 Simpson Place 31 Mr. Mathew John 16 Simpson Place 31 Mrs. Susan Thomas 1055 Dobbs Ferry Rd. 31 Yonkers North Mrs. Lovely V. Yohannan 10 Hudson view Drive 4 Mr. Tomlin C. Tom 385 Prescott Street 8 Mr. Tom C. Thomas 385 Prescott Street 13 Mrs. Annee Cheriyan 421 North Broadway #27 15 Mrs. Lizy David 1532 Nepperhan Ave 15 Mr. Y. Varghese 9 Emerald Street 15 Mr. Cheriyan Varughese 421 North Broadway #27 18 Ms. Reba Varghese 10 Hudson view Drive 26 Mrs. Rachel Samuel 377 N. Broadway, Apt. 208 27 Mrs. Lissy Varghese 26 Emerald Street 30 Mrs. Annie Raju George 194 Osmun Place 31 Yonkers West Mr. Shelby Johnson 80 Riverdale Ave, Apt 8C 6 Mr. George V. Mathai 396 Beleuve Ave 17 Mrs. Kunjamma Yohannan 103 Midland Ter. 19 Mr. Varghese Jacob 28 Montclair Road 22 Mr. Yohannan Yohannan 103 Midland Ter. 25 Dr. Jereesh T. John 5 Marlboro Lane 31 8
May Wedding Anniversaries Bronx/Yonkers South Mr. Raju Varghese & Mrs. Aleyamma Varghese 19 133 Van Cortland Pk. Ave. Manhattan/New Jersey Mr. Samuel Ninan & Mrs. Aleyamma Ninan 11 707 Cottage Place Queens/Long Island Mr. Lukose K. Koshy & Mrs. Aleyamma L. Koshy 16 88-40 Winchester Blvd. Mr. Jacob Ninan & Mrs. Sunu Jacob 21 71-17 Little Neck Parkway Mr. Jobby Thomas & Mrs. Jaime S. Thomas 28 8 Locust Lane Mr. George David & Ms. Ruby Abraham 29 7641-261th Street Rockland Dr. Bijo Chacko & Mrs. Shirley Issac Chacko 7 51 Alexander Drive Mr. Bino Chacko & Mrs. Betsey Chacko 10 137 Lake Region Blvd Mr. M. C. Chacko & Mrs. Aleyamma Chacko 10 8 Flint Drive Mr. Rajan Chacko & Mrs. Marykutty Rajan 17 5 Lester Drive Mr. Ullas P. Thannickal & Mrs. Suja Thannickal 20 231 North Little Tor Road Mrs. Rosamma K. Mathew & Mr. Mathew K. Cherian 23 37 Headden Drive Mr. Levan G. Thomas & Tina Thomas 27 10 Carbery Ct Mr. Sunil M. Varughese & Mrs. Gina Varughese 29 24 Reginald Drive Mr. Thomas John & Mrs. Lisamma Thomas 30 99 Union Road, Apt. H44 Upper Westchester/CT Mr. Johnkutty Geevarghese & Mrs. Sheeba Johnkutty 2 36 Archer Ave. Mr. Jacob Mangattu George & Dr. Anila Marie George 23 11 Chimney Pot Lane Mr. Jonathan Andrew Freeland & Mrs. Diana 25 1 Walnut Avenue Yonkers East Mr. Josen Joseph & Mrs. Jane Josen 10 43 Shoreview Drive, Apt #3 Mr. Royce Varghese & Laura Beth Fitzsimmons 20 108 Cook Ave 9
CONDOLENCE Johncy Thomas from Texas went to be with the Lord. He is the nephew of our members, N. J. Mathai, Nellickal John Mathew and Sosamma John. Funeral service was held on Monday, April 23 rd in Texas. Mr. P. J. Joseph, went to be with the Lord, brother of our member Mrs. Achamma Eapen, and uncle of Mr. Jolly Eapen and Mr. Joseph Eapen. Funeral services were held on April 20 th in Pamppady, Kerala On behalf of St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church, I express our sincere condolences to the bereaving families and pray that God give them sufficient courage, strength and peace to face this difficult time. Please uphold the families in your prayers. Vicar s Message continued from Page 3. Peer Pressure, Opportunity for witness Although, most of us don t welcome peer pressure it may provide us an opportunity to experience the grace and power of God. However, that essentially depends on how we react to peer pressure in our lives. In verse 6, we read among them indicating that Daniel and his three friends were just a few among the other Israelites who had been brought before the palace master. However, in verse 8-10, we understand that Daniel s decision to avoid the royal rations of food and wine was firm and unwavering amidst the many Israelites who had succumbed to the King s dietary demands. It conveys the clear message that Daniel and his three friends chose to be different (even under a foreign control at the risk of death) and depend on God for their health and security. In such an unlikely predicament of foreign control and exile, Daniel and his three friends become witnesses of God by their actions and determination. In verse 17, we read that to these four young men God gave knowledge and skill in every aspect of literature and wisdom. In verse 20, King Nebuchadnezzar testifies that he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom. Clearly, when these young men chose God above fear, temptation, peer pressure and the authority of the King they chose victory and became the instruments of God s work within the palace and in the land of Babylon. The foods we eat and the substances we drink, the clothes we wear and words we speak generally express our self-identity and commitments. Therefore, peer pressure can provide us the greatest opportunity to witness the presence and work of God in our lives. We may only overcome when we understand that God is above all. And so, if we chose to remain committed in our faith and spiritual identity, no matter the predicament, he will strengthen us beyond measure. May God Almighty strengthen us to stand boldly for Him at all times and in all places! Love and Prayers, Your brother in Christ, Jaisen Achen 10
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE - 2018 Position Name Home Phone Vicar/President Rev. Jaisen Thomas (914) 376-6530 Vice President Mr. John C. Thomas (914) 457-8197 Secretary Mr. John Abraham (845) 634-9319 Treasurer Mr. Biju Varghese (845) 268-0887 Accountant Mr. Ullas Thannickal (845) 638-8075 Lay Leader - Malayalam Mr. Varghese George (914) 207-6465 Lay Leader - English Mr. Roshan Abraham Thomas (914) 963-3524 AREA PRAYER GROUP REPRESENTATIVES Manhattan/NJ Mr. Jacob Varghese (201) 384-0041 Queens/LI Mrs. Mary Jacob (516) 365-3750 Rockland (Spring Valley) Mr. Suju Samuel (845) 426-6635 Rockland (Outside Spring Valley) Mr. Aju Daniel (914) 255-8478 Upper Westchester/CT Mr. John Daniel (845) 240-1578 Upper Westchester/CT Mr. John P. Varghese (914) 939-0064 Yonkers East Mr. Josen Joseph (914) 346-8644 Yonkers North Mr. K.C. Thomas (914) 963-3499 Yonkers South/Bronx Mr. Thomas John (914) 965-3979 Yonkers West Mr. Jishu Samuel (914) 690-4868 MANDALAM & DIOCESAN REPRESENTATIVES Sabha Mandalam Mr. Thomas Oommen (516) 796-2672 Diocesan Representatives Mr. Samuel K. Samuel (914) 693-8490 Mr. Sunil Varghese (845) 268-3647 Mr. Nobin Vaidian (914) 337-2470 ORGANIZATIONAL REPRESENTATIVES Choir Mrs. Sherly Thomas (516) 796-2672 Edavaka Mission Mr. K. G. Varghese (914) 202-7093 Sevika Sangham Mrs. Sosamma Abraham (845) 426-2327 Sunday School Mr. T.P. Jacob (516) 365-3750 Youth Fellowship Mr. Austin M. Varghese (914) 968-7856 Young Family Fellowship Mr. Norman Jones (914) 879-8653 Yuvajana Sakhyam Mr. Jibu Varghese (914) 968-2677 AUDITORS Mr. Samuel Ninan (201) 692-0649 Mr. Thankachan Geevarghese (914) 939-0282 11
Please return to: Anil Abraham 138 Candlewood Drive Yonkers, NY 10710 FIRST CLASS MAIL If undelivered FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church 34 Morris Street Yonkers, NY 10705 STAMP! THANK S FOR PICKING UP NEWSLETTERS. YOU ARE HELPING THE CHURCH SAVE. EVERY PENNY COUNTS. 12