Jerusalem Marthoma Church Ambarnath Reg No. E-1212 (Under Public Trust Act 1950) Khojgaon, Netaji Bazar P.O., Ambarnath (W) Dist., Thane, Maharashtra-421505 Tel: 0251-2685390 49 th ANNUAL REPORT & Statement of Audited Accounts for the Year 2014-15 and Budget For the year 2015-16
JERUSALEM MAR THOMA CHURCH, AMBARNATH To, Mr/Mrs NOTICE Notice is here by given that the 49 th Annual General Body Meeting of Jerusalem Mar Thoma Church, Ambarnath will be held on Sunday------------------- in the Church, immediately after the Holy Communion service, to transact the following agenda. Celebrating AGENDA 1. Opening Song 2. Prayer & Welcome 3. Presidential Address 4. Presentation & Adoption of the Annual Report of the Parish for the Year 2014-15 5. Ratifying the expenditure incurred in excess of Budget sanction and/or without Budget sanction. 6. To receive, consider and adopt the Income & Expenditure accounts and Balance sheet as on 31st March 2015 along with the report of the external auditors 7. Presentation and adoption of the Budget for the year 2015-16 8. Appointing Statutory Auditor for the Year 2015-16 9. Any other business with permission of the Chair All the Edavaka Sangham members are requested to attend the meeting For and on behalf of the Managing Committee Sd/- M.K.Kuruvilla ( Hon. Secretary)
Jerusalem Mar Thoma Church, Ambarnath 49 th Annual Report and Statement of Audited Accounts for the Year 2014-15 & Budget for the Year 2015-16 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me' Phil. 4:13 INTRODUCTION Dear Parishioners, Our Parish has completed 49 years of glorious existence in Ambarnath. Let us praise & thank the Lord for His guidance through the last 49 years and glorify Him for His faithfulness & kindness. We are celebrating Golden Jubilee in the year 2015. The celebrations of Golden Jubilee Year were inaugurated by our Diocesan Bishop Rt. Rev Thomas Mar Theethose Episcopa on 24 th August 2014. As the first step of the Golden Jubilee celebrations, we have arranged a chain Thanks Giving Prayer on 29 th August 2014, from 9.00 AM to 9.00PM, to praise & thank Almighty God for his abundant blessings and care showered on the Church & each one of the members during the last 50 years. One of the major achievements of the Managing Committee, during the year, was the long awaited approval, for construction of the proposed Parsonage building, obtained from Ambarnath Municipal Council (AMC), in the month of March 2015. I would like to express sincere thanks to our Achan, and the Building Committee members who worked hard for the above achievement. We could not start the construction work of the Parsonage building during 2014-15, due to delay in getting approval of the Plan/permission for construction from AMC. The work will be started immediately and the new Parsonage is expected to be ready for dedication before the closing ceremony of the Golden Jubilee celebrations, in the year 2015-16. I wish all the best to the Managing Committee of 2015-16, to complete the project in time. And also request all the members to remember the project in their daily prayers. Considering the desire/request of many of the members, and as approved by the General Body meeting, request letter was forwarded to the Mar Thoma Metropolitan and Diocesan Bishop for posting an independent Achen to our Parish. I would like to inform that, posting of an independent Vicar to Ambarnath Parish in the current year, is confirmed by the Marthoma Metropolitan. During the Golden Jubilee Year, with great pleasure & prayer, on behalf of the Managing Committee, I would like to submit the 49th Annual Report for the year 2014-2015, Statement of Audited Accounts for the Year 2014-15 and Budget for the Year 2015-16. Secretary
1. OUR PARISH The update of Parish membership as on 31-03-2015 is as under. Number of families as on 31-03-2015 79 Number of total members 290 Number of family joined during 2014-15 01 Number of family left during 2014-15 01 ( Name & contact number of all the members are appended with the report. Change/correction in contact number, may please be intimated to the Secretary) 2. PARISH WEBSITE Since Internet & social media have tremendous influence in our society, we also need the presence of Parish activities in the Virtual World. As decided by the General Body, this year we could procure a domain to host our website with domain name www.marthomachurchambarnath.org. The designing & hosting of the website will be completed shortly. The website will have details about the history of our sabha as well as our Parish. The monthly activities/programmes of the Parish will also be updated in the website on a regular basis. 3. OUR VICAR Rev. Saju Chacko has continued as the Vicar of our Parish during the reporting year also. With his pleasing & convincing attitude, authoritative preaching abilities, love for all mankind and matured responses to adverse situations, Achan has made a name, not only in our Parishes but also among other Christian Churches & other communities in and around Ambarnath & Ulhasnagar. His thoughts and devotions, expressed in the speech and intercession prayer during Holy Communion services are still very much alive in the minds of one and all. Achan is being transferred to Marthoma Parish, Vikhroli, from May 2015. Let us pray to almighty to strengthen Achan & family, spiritually and physically to continue the Mission in the coming years too. Jerusalem family members express our sincere gratitude and thanks to Achen & family. Let us also remember the new Vicar, who is being posted to our Church, in our daily prayers. 4. EPISCOPAL VISIT During the year, our Diocesan Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas Mar Theethose Episcopa has visited the Parish on Sunday 24 th August 2014 and inaugurated the Golden Jubilee celebrations. We thank Lord Almighty for the effective leadership & guidance of our Diocesan Bishop. 5. SUNDAY WORSHIP Worship Services were held in our Church on all Sundays. Holy Communion Services were conducted in Malayalam on the 1 st & 3 rd Sundays of every month, at 9.00 AM Holy Communion service in English were conducted on all 4 th Sundays at 7.00 AM Ordinary services were conducted on all 2nd & 5 th Sundays at 9.00AM by our Lay leaders. Birthday and Wedding Anniversary of our members were felicitated by sending them greetings and through thanksgiving prayer during Holy Communion Services. To promote our children in the spiritual activities, Sunday school children were given participation in Holy Communion Service on every 1 st Sunday, and our Youths were given participation to assist Achan in English Holy Communion Services on every 4 th Sunday.
6. MANAGING COMMITTEE The Managing Committee met 14 times during the reporting year to discuss & decide on various activities/aspects related to construction of parsonage building and smooth functioning of the Parish. Thanks to all the Committee Members for their active participation in the Meetings and sincere co-operation for all the activities during the year. The Name of the Officers Bearers, Managing Committee members, Organization representatives & Internal Auditors of both 2013-14 & 2014-15 are given below Position During the Year 2014-15 For the Year 2015-16 Name President Rev. Saju Chacko Rev. Saju Chacko Vice President Mr. T.C., Varghese Mr. M.K. Kuruvilla Treasurer Mr. P.T. Thomas Mr. T.A. Thomas Accountant Mr. Thomas Varghese Mr. Thomas Varghese Secretary Mr. M.K.Kuruvilla Mr. Binoy Chacko Lay Ministrants Mr. Jiji George Mr. P.M.Chacko Mr. T. A.Thomas Mr. Jiji George Internal Auditors Mr. Varghese J Kuruvilla Mr. Mathew Daniel Mr. Sam Mathai Mrs. Subi Jojo Prayer Group leaders & Committee members Hebron Group Mr. P.M.Chacko Mrs. Molly Reji Committee member Mr. P.M.Kurian Mr. Shaji George Bethel Prayer Group Mr. M.M.Chacko Mr. M.M.Chacko Committee member Mr. Susi Philip Mr. Varghese Mathew Ebenezer Group Mr. M.M.Mathai Mr. M.K.Kuruvilla Committee member Mr. Abraham Benjamin Mr. Varghese John Kuruvilla Shalem Group Mr. G. Pappachan Mr. Alice Samuel Committee member Mr.Mathew Thomas Mr.T.C. Varghese Organization Representatives. Mandalam Member Mr. K.M.Abraham Mr. K.M.Abraham Assembly Member Mr. K.K.Johnson Mr. K.K.Johnson Edavaka Mission Mr. M.M.Chacko Mr. P.M.Chacko Sevika Sangam Mrs. Sherly Abraham Mrs. Aleyamma Chacko Navjeevan Mr. Saj K Samuel Mr. Saj K Samuel Sunday School Mrs. Molly Reji Mrs. Molly Reji Yuvajana Sakhyam Mr. Justin Shaji Mr. Sibi Mathew Senior Citizen Mr. T.C. Varghese Mr. T.C. Varghese
7. GENERAL BODY MEETING During the report year 2014-15, the General Body meeting held Four times. First General Body meeting held on 20 th July 2014 to present the Annual report & Annual statement of account for the year 2013-14 and the Budget for the Year 2014-15 Second General Body Meeting held on 19th October 2014, for approval of the Golden Jubilee Programmes, approval of Parish Directory and approval of the Supplementary Budget (Receipt &Payment) for Golden Jubilee celebrations. Third General Body meeting held on 7 th December 2014, for approval on the request letter to Marthoma Metropolitan, for posting of Deacon and approval of the anticipated overhead expenses for getting the Municipal permission for construction of the Parsonage building. Fourth General Body Meeting held on1 st March 2015 for electing the Office bearers and committee members/prayer group leaders for the Year 2015-16, and Internal Auditor for the Year 2015-16. 8. OBITUARY With deep sorrow, we record the demise of our senior member Shri. Daniel Kochukunju, who was called to eternity to be with our Lord, on 4 th September 2014. We express our heartfelt condolence to the bereaved family members 9. CELEBRATIONS/EVENTS. GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBERATIONS This year we are celebrating the Golden Jubilee of our Parish. Our Diocesan Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr Thomas Mar Teethos Episcopa has inaugurated the Golden Jubilee celebrations on 24 th August 2014. During this occasion we have financially helped an Ambarnath resident for his kidney transplantation. Our Parish also has extended our helping hand towards marriage expense of a member of our Parish. During Golden Jubilee year, we uphold Charity as mainstay of our activities. As part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations, New Year Food fest was arranged on 4 th January 2015. STUDENTS THANKSGIVING SERVICE & EDUCATION SUNDAY Student s thanks giving/dedication service & Education Sunday was held on 15 th June 2014. Children of the Church participated in the thanks giving service and received Blessings, from almighty God to start a successful academic year.. Rev. K.C. Chacko from Mission field Lonavala, was the chief guest, and has given the Education Sunday message.
PARISH DAY CELEBERATIONS 49 th Parish Day of our Church was celebrated on 3 rd August 2014, with various programmes, followed by fellowship lunch. Rev Joji Oommen Philip (Vicar of the Church during 2008-2012) was the Chief Guest. Secretary of the Church has presented a brief report about the Church. In his report, on behalf of the Church, the Secretary has remembered all the past Vicars, ex-members & all the members of the Church who put their valuable time, effort and prayers in building the Church, and expressed sincere thanks to all of them. DIOCESAN SUNDAY Diocesan Sunday was observed on 17th August 2014. Rev.Thomas Kurien, Asst. Director, Navjeevan Centre has officiated the Holy Communion Service. FAMILY SUNDAY & GOLDEN JUBILEE AUCTION We observed Family Sunday on 2 nd November 2014. Rev. A.T Thomas from Kerala has officiated the Holy Communion Service. The concluding meeting of the Annual Convention was also held after the Holy Communion Service. Various items brought by the members were auctioned. Fellowship lunch was also served. HARVEST FESTIVAL Harvest festival of our Parish was celebrated on 16-11-2014. During the Holy Communion service, the members of the Parish participated in Harvest Festival thanks giving prayer and generously contributed their one day income on the blessed occasion The managing Committee expresses sincere thanks to all the members for their sincere participation in the harvest festival celebrations. CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS As usual, this year also all the members were greeted with X mas cards. The birth of Jesus was proclaimed by door-to-door visit of our carol singing group from 19 th December to 22 nd December 2014. X mas Carol Service was held at the Church on 24 th December from 7.30PM, with various cultural programmes by Sunday School Children/Savika Sangham and melodious carol songs by the Church Choir/Prayer Groups. Rev. Mathew George was the Chief Guest. Holy Communion service was officiated at the Church on 25 th December 2014 at 6.00AM by Rev. Mathew George.
WATCH NIGHT SERVICE Watch Night Service started at 9.00 PM on 31 st December 2014. The Service continued until New Year and ended at 12.30 AM with Holy Communion Service. Parish members attended the service & greeted each other on the New Year day. Cake & coffee were served to all the members. NEW YEAR FEST- 2015 A s part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations, New Year Food fest was arranged on 4 th January 2015. Rev. Koshy George, Vicar of St. Gregorios Church, Ambarnath & Rev. Shinu, Methodist Church, Ambarnath were the Chief Guests. Members from about 8 Churches in Ambarnath & Ulhasnagar have participated in various cultural/entertainment programmes and the food fest. Various delicious items were served in the Food fest. We express our thanks & gratitude to Vicars of all the Churches and members, those who have participated and made the food fest a grant success. PICNIC/ GET-TOGETHER A get-together of our Parish members was arranged on 11 th January 2015, at Navjeevan Centre, Murbad. Holy Communion was also officiated in the above location. Thanks to all the Parish members attended the get-together & Holy Communion Service. 50 DAYS GREAT LENT In the year 2014-15, we observed Great Lent of both the year, 2014 & 2015 Special Holy Communion Services on 40 th Friday were conducted on 11 th April 2014 and 27 th March 2015. Refreshments were arranged on both the days. During lent period, Sandhya Namaskaram followed by gospel messages were organized every day in the evening at 8.00 PM, with the leadership of the Four Prayer Groups on rotational basis. The year under report we conducted Passion Week worship services twice. Palm Sundays were observed on 13 th April 2014 and 29 th March 2015. Holy Communion Services were officiated in the Passion Week by Rev. Justin Jose, Narasapuram and Rev. Bipin Mathews, Bangalore, in 2014 & 2015, respectively. Good Friday services were conducted on 18 th April 2014 & 5 th April 2015 at 9.00AM. Easter Holy communion services were conducted on 20 th March 2014, & 5 th April 2015 at 6.00 AM.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL (VBS) This year VBS was held in the Church from 20 th to 26 th October 2014. Many children including children from neighbour parishes have participated in the VBS. The managing Committee takes this opportunity to thanks our Achan, VBS directors, VBS Convener, Teachers, Volunteers, children and the Church members those who have participated & contributed for the success of the VBS. ANNUAL CONVENTION This year annual convention was held from Thursday 30 th October to Sunday 2 nd November. Rev. A.T Thomas from Kerala was the main speaker The messages delivered by him were received by large number of people from our Parish, and neighbour parishes. Let God provide each of us more wisdom to understand the deep meaning of the Word of God. BAPTISM The following child became member of the Church through Holy Sacrament of Baptism Alyssa Bibin-daughter of Mr. Bibin Paul & Frency. We welcome the newly baptized child to the fellowship of the Parish MARRIAGES The following Four marriages were solemnized during the report year; two was solemnized in our Parish and two, in other Parishes. As a token of love, a Holy Bible was presented to the couple who got married in our Church. Jenu Johara George with Libu Mathew Cherian on 04-08-2014 at CMTC Thelliyoor. Mr. Sony Mathew with Minu Abraham on 3-11-2014 at JMTC Ambarnath Ms. Nibi Sara Thomas with Subin Mathew on 15-11-2014 at North Mumbai Marthoma Parish, Mulund Mr. Jaison P Varghese with Jovitha Roy Alex on 22-11-2014 at JMTC Ambarnath On behalf of the Church, I congratulate the couples and wish them to lead a happy Christian family life
10. ORGANIZATIONS & ACTIVITIES Sunday School During the year, 36 Children of our Parish attended the Sunday School, under the able guidance of the Headmistress and dedicated service of our Sunday school teachers. Every First Sunday of the month, the Worship Service was assisted by our Sunday School children Sister Elsa of Sacred Heart Church Ambarnath, has conducted a Counseling Class for our X & XII students and motivated them to do well in the Board Exams. Our Sunday School Children participated in the Talent Completion conducted by Kalyan Centre. The Following children emerged as winners- Ritchie Thomas, Solo 2 nd prize, Rebecca Babu- Bible reading 3 rd prize & Rosann Robin- Solo 3 rd prize. Among the students, who appeared for the birudh Examination, Mervin Benny and Rebecca Babu got more than 90% marks. Let us congratulate all the kids for their achievements. Yuvajana Sakhyam Yuvajana Sakhyam meetings are held on first & third Sundays after the Holy Communion Service. On every 4 th Sunday, members of Yuvajana Sakhyam assist in the Worship Service and also participate in lesson reading. Yuvajana Sakhyam members have actively participated in various activities of the Church like X mas celeberations, door- to- door Carol singing etc. The managing Committee expresses sincere thanks for their active participation in Church activities. Choir The Choir has actively participated in all the Parish programmes, during the year. Thanks to Achen for re-organizing the Church Choir, the Choir Group leader for arranging regular practices and the Choir members for their active participation in the worship services and other parish activities. Edavaka Mission Regular Prayer meetings were held in all the 4 Prayer Groups under the guidance and leadership of Achan and the prayer group leaders. Till June 2014, monthly fellowship prayer meetings were held on every 2 nd Friday at 7.30 PM at the Church, under the leadership of Achen. From July onwords prayer meetings were held at the residence of members on rotation basis. Special prayer meetings are also held at the residence of our members on their personal request.
Senior Citizen Fellowship Senior Citizen fellowship was held on every 3 rd Tuesday at 5.00PM at residence of our Senior Members. This year 10 meetings were held. the We extend our support to this organization and thank all the members for their service to the Church. Savika Sangham Sevika Sangham meetings were held on every 1 st & 3 rd Wednesday at 5.00PM at the residence of members under the leadership of Achan. Sevika Sangham members have actively participated in the meetings. Sevika Sangham members participate in Bible reading during worship on every 2 nd Sunday. They also assist Achan in the worship service on Sevika Sangham Dhinam. This year Sevika Sangham Dhinam was observed on 9 th September 2014. Kalyan Centre Talent competition was conducted at MTC Dombivli on 10 th January 2015. Seven of our members have won prizes in different competitions. The other major activities of the Sevika Sangham are the Medical aid, Educational aid etc. The profit from the Readymade unit and collection /donation from the members, are utilized for the above activities. Fasting Prayer Fasting Prayer were regularly held at the Church at 10.00 AM on every Friday. Thanks to Achan s initiative for scheduling Fasting prayer on every 1 st Friday at the residence of our senior/sick members, those who are unable to attend the fasting prayer at the Church. We request all the members to remember our senior/sick members in their daily prayers. Endowment Fund The interest received from the following endowment funds are being utilized for the purpose mentioned against it. Shri. V.S. Seelas memorial endowment fund. Shri. M.G.Mathew memorial endowment fund. 10. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT Our Trustees have provided timely financial reports, and the fiscal status of the Parish and the Managing Committee has reviewed it on quarterly basis. On behalf of the Managing Committee I would like to express our thanks to the Trustees for their remarkable service during the year 2014-15. The annual statement of Income & Expenditure of the Church for the year 2014-15 & Budget for the year 2015-16 are appended in this report.
11. VISITORS & GUESTS Our Parish was blessed with the presence and leadership of the following distinguished guests during the report year. Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas Mar Thethose Episcopa Rev. Justine Jose Narasapuram Mission field Rev. K.C. Chacko, Mission field Lonavala Rev. Joji Oommen Philip, Vicar- Marthoma Church Dehuroad Rev. Shinu Thomas, Methodist Church, Ambarnath Rev. Thomas Kurien, Asst Director Navjeevan Centre Rev. Isac G Varghese Director Navjeevan Centre. Rev. Mathews George. Rev. A.T. Thomas (Main speaker Annual Convention) Rev. Daniel Vicar-Orthodox Church Rev. Koshy George, Vicar Mar Gregorios Orhtodox Church Rev.Bipin Mathews, Bangalore Mr. Jack Philip Kalyan (W) MTC. Mr.Shiju John Daniel Sister Vinaya- St.Joseph School Ulhasnagar. 12. THANKS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We express our sincere thanks & acknowledgments to:- Almighty God for the marvelous ways in which He has led us since the formation of the Parish. Our Diocesan Episcopa Rt. Rev Thomas Mar Theethos Thirumeni for guidance & support to the Parish. Vicar, Saju Achan, for the dedicated service and dynamic leadership for the last Three years. Architect M/s. Thorat & Mathew Associates for their co-operation & contribution for obtaining permission from Ambarnath Municipal Council for construction of the new Parsonage building. Our Internal Auditors, for completion of internal audit in time. The External Auditors M/s. Mahendra Ganesh Tilak & Co for timely completion of statutory audit. All the families who provided hospitality in various capacities to our invited guests. All the Parish members and all the organizations for their co-operation & support during the year under report. 13. CONCLUSION Let us remember these words taken from the Holy Bible, Acts 4:32, All believers were one in heart and mind; no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared every thing they had. Let us thank God for the marvelous ways in which He has led us since formation of this Parish. We conclude this report with a deep sense of gratitude to God Almighty for all the blessings showered on our Parish during the last 50 years. Let us pray to the almighty for more blessings in the years to come.. For and on behalf of the Managing Committee. (Rev. Saji Thomas) Vicar/President (Mr. M.K.Kuruvilla) Hon. secretary