St. John s Mar Thoma Church 90-37 213th Street Queens Village, NY 11428 If undeliverable, please return to: St. John S Mar thoma ChurCh 90-37 213 Street, Queens Village, NY 11428 Worship Sunday 9:00 am Sunday School After Worship www.stjohnsmtcny.org Vicar: Rev. Issac P.Kurien vicar4stjohns@gmail.com 16 1
Vicar / President OFFICE BEARERS / BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR 2016 Rev. Issac P. Kurien Church 718-468-4141 2 718-465-2358 (Par.) 516-445-8552 Vice President Mr. Mathew P. George 516-742-3686 Secretary Mr. Zachariah Mathai (Aji) 917-208-1714 secretary4stjohns@gmail.com Treasurer Mr. Philip Oommen 718-776-2585 Accountant Mr. Abraham Thomas 347-693-5263 Lay Ministrants Mr. Zachariah Mathai (Soman) Mr. Justin Sam 516-328-8791 718-343-5036 Sabha Mandalam Mrs. Elizabeth Philip 516-781-0205 Dio. Assembly Organizations: Mr. Eapen K. George Mr. Saji Thomas Mr. Roy C. Thomas 718-343-0505 516-775-1512 718-347-0346 Choir Mr. Samuel Thomas 516-216-5051 Edavaka Mission Mr. C. K. Mathai 516-437-0979 Senior Citizens Mr. C. V. Simonkutty 516-742-3520 Sevika Sangham Mrs. Mercy Thomas 718-347-0346 Sunday School Mr. Johnson P. Philip 516-739-3744 Young Families Mr. Melvin John 718-343-0002 Youth Fellowship Mr. Shawn Zachariah 516-328-8791 Yuvajana Sakhyam Mr. Jinu Zacharia 516-974-9980 Prayer Group Representatives: Bellerose Mr. Munna V. Sam 718-343-5036 Eastern Long Island Mr. Varghese Chacko 516-433-3870 Elmont / West Hemp. Mr. K. Idichandi 516-437-8562 Floral Park / Glen Oaks Mr. Mathew Thomas 718-343-1054 Garden City Park Mrs. Annamma Mathews 516-747-5473 New Hyde Park East Mr. John Thomas 516-352-3054 New Hyde Park West Mr. Stanley Pappachan 516-352-0810 Palli Bhagom Mr. T. M. Thomas 718-217-1740 Auditors: Mr. Bob Abraham 516-603-3898 Open Youth Chaplain: Rev. Shibi Abraham 516-437-0425 SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS Superintendent: Johnson Philip H-516-739-3744; C-516343-4036 Nursery Juniors, Grade 6 Christine Thomas 516-216-5051 Laila George 631-462-1648 Dana Philip 718-465-3952 Sherry John 718-614-3731 Kindergarten Junior High, Grade 7 Sharon Varughese 516-974-4823 Teena Mathew 516-488-2629 Denson George 516-474-9716 Cyril Abraham 516-777-0791 Aji Thomas 516-741-0465 Primary Juniors, GR. 1 Junior High, Grade 8 Ginsey George 631-265-5730 Sherly Ninan 516-488-2574 Joash Mathew 516-450-7301 Sunitha Chacko 917-699-4451 Primary Juniors, GR. 2 Seniors, Grade 9 Austin Sanu 646-670-1190 Mercy Babu 516-538-2833 Devin Thomas 516-974-3130 Anchi Mathews 718-347-3488 Primary Juniors, GR. 3 Seniors, Grade 10 Rachel Philip 516-326-2629 Santhosh George 516-298-0901 Jerrel Abraham 516-492-5117 Swithin Titus 718-217-0463 Joel Thomas 516-640-7949 Primary Juniors, GR. 4 Senior High, Grade 11 Rachel George 718-468-1224 Mathew P. George 516-742-3686 Rena Titus 201-370-6697 Charles Abraham 718-551-1779 Primary Juniors, GR. 5 Senior High, Grade 12 Joann Johnson 516-739-3744 Philip Varghese 718-347-2709 Stacey Mathew 516-616-9446 Binu Chacko 347-262-8211 CHURCH FACILITIES MAINTENANCE TEAM Mr. Mathew Thomas Cvr 917-539-1652 Mr. Bob Abraham 516-603-3898 Audio/Video Systems Team Mr. Binu Eapen 516-519-8017 Mr. Bob Abraham (516) 603-3898 Mr. K. Idichandy 516-437-8562 Mr. Sam George (516) 581-6128 Mr. Saji Thomas 646-591-8465 Mr. Munna V. Sam (718)343-5036 Mr. Abraham K. Varughese 516-358-3669 Mr. Shawn Zachariah (516)3057287 Parsonage Reconstruction Committee Convener: Mr. Sabu Lukose 516-902-4300 Mr. Thomas M. George 631-462-1648 Mr. Roy C. Thomas 718-347-0346 Mr. K Idichandy 516-437-8562 Mr. Chacko Thomas 718-776-8103 Mr. John Mathews 516-747-5473 Mr. John T. Varkey 516-233-1128 15
HAPPY AUGUST WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES TO 1. Moliamma & Thomas P. Chacko 2. Merlyn & Ben David 3. Anju & Lino Alex 4. Sarah & Mathew George 5. Smithamol & Samge T. Chacko on August 7 6. Sherin & Robin K Abraham 7. Aleyamma & Joy A. Chacko 8. Lincy & Eapen K. George 9. Alice & Babu Thomas 10. Jolly & Abraham Philip 11. Subini & Philip K. Thomas 12. Jenney & Joji Mathew 13. Beena & Munna V. Sam 14. Nija & Ashok G. Mathai on August 14 15. Kunjunjamma & Kurian M. Alex 16. Laly & Koruth George 17. Mary & George Samuel 18. Miriam & Joseph C. Mathew 19. Anita & Sabu Simon 20. Sherly & Ninan Abraham 21. Legi & Denny K. Isaac 22. Manju & Melvin John 23. Sherry & John Zachariah Oommen 24. Susan & Paul Abraham 25. Joys & Johnson P. Philip 26. Roseena & Manoj Samuel 27. Riya & Tony Jacob Thomas 28. Rena & Swithin Titus 29. Leena & Rinny Jacob Chacko 30. Bhavna & Abe Mathews on August 21 31. Jobina & Anish Abraham 32. Jessica & Jaison Joseph 33. Bimi & Tony Jacob 34. Leelamma & T. S. Mathai 35. Rijo & Alan Eapen Alexander 36. Geena & Thejas Philip 37. Sheila & Koshy George on August 28 38. Aleyamma & C. K. Mathai 39. Rosamma & M. M. Mathew 40. Rincy & Kevin Thomas 41. Annie & Samuel Thomas 42. Suthe & Saju V. Simon 43. Alice & Mathew K. Cherian 44. Annama & John Thomas on September 4 14 MESSAGE FROM THE VICAR Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Greetings to you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ The first Sunday is set apart as mission Sunday. Most often we define mission as something which is happening in remote or undeveloped area for the upliftment of the downtrodden. In one word - charity. But mission is different from this concept. In bible the thrust of mission can be seen from Genesis to Revelations. The church exists because of mission. Mission gives meaning to the functionality of the church. Each person who is saved by the cross is a missionary and works for the extension of the Kingdom of God. Do participate in mission where we are. In Luke 10 Jesus was sending 72 and said to them The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. It shows the urgency of our participation in mission of God. We are having our mission of getting position and power. But the mission of Jesus is different. It is participation in the Mission of God. The church doesn t have a mission. But participating in the total mission of God. Let us be missionaries or mission field. God always extends his call to participate in the mission of God, mission of peace giving, and proclaim that the kingdom of God at hand. Without the conviction of the truth we cannot fulfill the mission responsibilities entrusted in us by God. Always remember Mar Thoma church is a missionary church. This month we have two programs, Parish Camp and Parish Youth Fellowship Retreat. I urge the members to participate. May the God almighty bless each one of us. 3 With prayers Rev. Issac P Kurien
YOUTH CHAPLAIN S MESSAGE...At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom. A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance" (Jawaharlal Nehru ) Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ: As August 15th, approaches many of us will remember some of the great names and events that brought about India s independence. India s independence came at a great cost to our parents and grandparents. But a new nation was born through their hard work and struggle. Our freedom from sin also came at a great cost, the life of our Lord, Jesus the Christ. Christ died not only to free us from sin, but to also to create a new nation, a holy nation. But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. (1Peter 2:9) We should always remember that we are part of a holy nation, and act as citizens of that nation. We should always remember the cost of the establishment of this nation, the ultimate sacrifice. The pain and death of a sinless person for each and every one of us. We are Lighted To Lighten. We are to proclaim what Jesus has done for us. We are to share the light, the life, and freedom that only Jesus provides to those that are still in darkness. May God enable all of us to be a faithful priesthood and a holy nation. Yours in Christ's Service, Rev. Shibi Abraham HAPPY AUGUST BIRTHDAYS TO 1. Titus K. Johnson 2. Toby P. Joseph 3. Pexi Mariam Mathai 4. Justin Babu 5. Philip Thomas 6. Sherine Thomas 7. Sajan Jacob 8. Ryan John Samuel 9. Susannamma Cherian 10. Renjith Koshy Mathew 11. Titus T. Mathew 12. Rachel Varghese 13. Lino Alex 14. Allen Abraham 15. Ryan Sam Koshy on August 7 16. Marykutty Abraham 17. Calvin Sam 18. Chris George Isaac 19. Sabu V. Simon 20. Kitty Alexander 21. Shibe Mani 22. Albert Sanu Mathew 23. Merlyn Bijoy 24. Kesten Joseph Kurian 25. Christina Thayil 26. Linsy Benjamin 27. Ezra Joseph Mathai 28. Annamma Thomas 29. Bijoy Abraham 30. Savanna Skylar Chacko 31. Jiya Jinu 32. Daniel Abraham Anish 33. Sheba Mani on August 14 34. Grace Daniel 35. Jobi K Oommen 36. Celine Biju Cherian 37. Stanley Philip 38. Denny K. Isaac 39. Tony Jacob 40. Darren Ninan Anish 41. Preston Benjamin David 42. Abraham Kuruvilla 43. Annie Mathew 44. Jason J. Mathew 45. Abraham K. Varughese 46. Angelina Elsa Mathew 47. Anita Mohan 48. Jain Thomas Joseph 49. Ashlin T. Thomas 50. Julia Thomas on August 21 51. Ans Joseph 52. Abin Binu Mathew 53. Cherish P. James 54. Christine Anil Philipose 55. Ansu Varghese 56. Bency George 57. Joel John 58. Justin T Mathew 59. Jim John Mathew 60. Kevin S. Mathew 61. Sanu Mathew 62. Sneha Bijoy 63. Shiju John 64. Neethu Ann Joseph 65. Abia J. Panicker on August 28 66. Charley Mathew 67. Thomas C. Mathew 68. Stacy Samuel 69. Abraham Alexander 70. John Skariah 71. Kurien M. Alex 72. Alison G. Philip 73. Elizabeth Samuel on September 4 4 13
Death of a Hero This trapper s wife was brought to the Alaska wilderness. She died when their child was about two years old. To go out in the woods in the course of this trapping, the trapper had sometimes left the child for a few hours in the care of their faithful dog. One afternoon, when he was out, a terrible blizzard came up. The storm was so terrible that he had to take refuge in a hollow tree to save his life. At daybreak he rushed to his cabin. The door was open. His dog who looked at him from the corner of his eyes was covered with blood. The father s blood froze in his veins. Just one thing had happened his dog had turned wolf and had killed his child. He reached for the ax and in a moment the same was buried into the skull of his trusted animal. Like a maniac he scanned the scene. In hopeless desperation he uncovered the gruesome remnants of his cabin. Tipped over, the cracked furniture was telling a story of a battle that had taken place here an hour before. A faint cry came from under the bed. Again his heart seemed paralyzed. There he found his offspring safe and sound. Just a moment of pause to cuddle his dear one in his arms and he was to determine whence the blood on his dog came. The answer came just a second later. The sad riddle was solved. In a remote corner, there it was a dead wolf, his huge mouth showing fangs intended for the baby which his faithful dog had saved. Just a moment of caution and he could have held both his child and his hero dog in his arms. Remorse took over instead. This is a story that my Mother told me as a young lad. Don t be hasty. Weigh things carefully before you strike. When your blood pressure gets up, count ten. School Thy Feelings, Oh, My Brother is one of the best bits of advice ever given. Beware of mistakes made in taking too seriously circumstantial evidence. Think before you act. Don t forget that truth is very often stranger than fiction. - Marvin O. Ashton WORSHIP SCHEDULE FOR AUGUST August 7 Holy Communion Service; Malayalam, 9:00 AM Yuvajana Sakhyam Sunday; Mission Sunday No Praise & Worship; General Body Meeting 1st Lesson: 1King 17:1-15 Alexander Achenkutty 2nd Lesson: Jude 17-25 Kitty Alexander Lay Assistant: Jinu Zachariah Epistle: Gal. 2:1-10 Gospel: St. Mat. 22:1-14 August 14 Holy Communion Service; English, 9:00 AM The Sacrament of Holy Qurbana Praise & Worship by Sunday School Sermon: Jonathan David Prayer: Abin Mathew 1st Lesson: Exo. 12:1-14 Abraham Philip 2nd Lesson: 1Cor. 11:23-33 Anchi Mathews Lay Assistant: Shajan Mathew Epistle: 1 Cor. 10:15-17 Gospel: St. Luke 22:7-20 August 21 - Holy Communion Service; Malayalam, 9:00 AM The Supremacy of the Word of God Praise & Worship by Sunday School Sermon: Stella Mathew Prayer: Julia Thomas 1st Lesson: Exo. 7:1-7 Abraham P. Joseph 2nd Lesson: 2 Tim. 3:10-17 Lincy George Lay Assistant: M. Thomas Epistle: Gal. 1:6-9 Gospel: St. Mat. 5:17-20 August 28 - Holy Communion Service; English, 9:00 AM Celebrant: Rev. Shibi Abraham Peace in the midst of violence Praise & Worship by Youth Fellowship Sermon: Youth Felloswhip Prayer: Youth Fellowship 1st Lesson: 1 Sam. 24:1-12 Floral Park/Glen Oaks 2nd Lesson: Rom. 12:14-21 Floral Park/Glen Oaks Lay Assistant: Floral Park/Glen Oaks Epistle: Eph. 6:10-20 Gospel: St. Mat. 5:17-20 12 5
PRAYER GROUPS & ORGANIZATIONS AREA PRAYER MEETINGS Bellerose Saturday, August 6, 5:00 pm Benni Mathew, 95-15 226 Street, Floral Park 516-328-1035 Elmont & West Hempstead Sunday, August 14, 7 pm Idichandy Kuttikattu 1356 Rosser Avenue, Elmont 516-437-8562 Garden City Park Sunday, August 7, 7:30 pm Regi John, 93 Third Street Garden City Park 516-741-2560 New Hyde Park West Sunday, August 7, 5 pm Oommen Philip, 511 N. Second Street, New Hyde Park 718-776-2585 Eastern Long Island Saturday, August 6, 7:30 pm Philip Thomas 74 Syosset Cir. Syosset 516-921-8023 Floral Park & Glen Oaks Sunday, August 21; 7 pm TBA New Hyde Park East Saturday, August 13, 7 pm Manoj Samuel 7 Allen Street, Hicksville 516-396-0504 Palli Bhagom Sunday, August 21, 5 pm Binu Mathew, 218-15 94th Avenue, Queens Village 718-715-1303 Bible Quiz -Test your knowledge - The Book of Genesis 1. What was the name of the son of Adam and Eve who was given to replace Abel? 2. Who was the oldest man in the Bible and how many years did he live? 3. How many of each of the clean animals came into the ark? 4. How many times was the dove sent out of the ark? 5. Who was called a mighty hunter in Genesis 10? 6. What is the name of the city where God confused the languages? 7. Who was Abram s father? 8. What was the name of the city where Lot moved to after separating from Abram/Abraham? 9. In Genesis 14, who was the King of Salem? 10. After Sarah died, who was Abraham s wife? 11. What was the name of Jacob and Leah s daughter? 12. Which of the two dreamers in prison with Joseph was executed? ALTAR BOYS AND COVENANT GIRLS ASSIGNMENTS Date Altar Offertory & Kiss of Peace 8/7 Rohit Mathew Abilene T. Anil 8/14 Cifin Sajan Calvin Sam 8/21 Ajay Benjamin Abilene T. Anil 8/28 Chrismal B. Abraham Alvin Lukose Rohit Mathew, Abilene T. Anil Reena Mathew, Stefie Thomas Cifin Sajan, Calvin Sam Sefia Thomas, Semantha Thomas Abilene T. Anil, Chrisen Elias Bijoy Reena Mathew, Sefia Thomas Chrismal B. Abraham, Alvin Lukose Stefie Thomas, Semantha Thomas (Genesis 30:20, 21); 12. Baker (Genesis 40:22) Answers- 1. Seth (Genesis 4:25); 2. Methuselah, 969 years (Genesis 5:27); 3. Seven (two of each for the unclean) (Genesis 6:19, 20; 7:2, 3); 4. Three times (Genesis 8:8-12); 5. Nimrod (Genesis 10:8, 9); 6. Babel (Genesis 11:9); 7. Terah (Genesis 11:31); 8. Sodom (Genesis 14:12; 19:1); 9. Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18-20); 10. Keturah (Genesis 25:1); 11. Dinah 6 11
August 5; 7:30 PM, (Friday) CHOIR PRACTICES Malayalam: Every Sunday after service unless announced otherwise EDAVAKA MISSION PRAYER MEETINGS At church August 12; 7.30 PM (Friday) August 19; 7:30 PM (Friday) August 26; 7.30 PM (Friday) At Church At Church At Church SEVIKA SANGHOM PRAYER MEETINGS August 3, 10 AM (Wednesday) August 11, 10 AM (Thursday) August 17, 10 AM (Wednesday) August 25, 10 AM (Thursday) August 31, 10:00 AM (Thursday) Fasting Prayer at Church Lizy Chacko, 260-66 73rd Avenue, Glen Oaks Aleyamma John, 127 South Drive, Manhasset Hills Annamma Mathews, 7 Third Street, Garden City Park Lilly Simon, 76th Fourth Avenue, Garden City Park 718-343-1091 516-233-1128 516-747-5473 516-742-3520 Sevika Sanghom National Conference- October 6th-9th Hosted by St. Mathew s Mar Thoma Church, Toronto Theme: Women; Hands to Work; Heart to God Early Reg. by July 15- $75, late fee $25; Conf. fee $275 Sevika Sanghom Trip; December 7th to Radio City Music Hall $100 per person; Contact Lilly Simon or Sosamma Thomas 10 7
Aug. 6, 5 pm SENIOR CITIZENS FELLOWSHIP Benni Mathew 95-15 226 Street, Floral Park 516-328-1035 Aug. 21; 1:30 PM Aug. 14, 1 pm Health & Recreational Program Every Wednesday at the church at 6 pm Conference prayer at 8:30 AM every Sunday YUVAJANA SAKHYAM Anil Baby Philipose 505 Lakeville Rd., New Hyde Pk. YOUNG FAMILIES FELLOWSHIP Bobby & Jubie Mathews 44 Knolls Dr., New Hyde Pk. YOUTH FELLOWSHIP August 5, 6 pm YF Meeting Church August 19, 6 pm YF Meeting Church CONGRATULATIONS Tenil and Ans (East Meadow) at the arrival of Amelia Sara Mathew THANK YOU Elmont & West Hempstead area prayer group parishioners and Mr. Idichandy Kuttikattu for assisting with the church services and for preparing coffee for the social time during the month of July. Floral Park & Glen Oaks area prayer group will assist in the church services and social hour during the month of August. CONDOLENCES TO. Thomas George (Saju) and family at the passing of his sister in Kerala. 8 516-352-4746 516-240-6921 Programs for the Year No. Program Date 1. Yuvajana Sakhyam Sunday August 7 2. College Students Dedication August 21 3. Parish Camp August 26-28 4. Sevika Sanghom Day September 4 5. School Students Dedication September 4 6. Diocesan Senior Conference Sept. 28-Oct. 1 7. Senior Citizen Day October 2 8. Christian Family Dedication Day October 23 9. Parish Convention October 27-30 10. Sunday School Day November 6 11. Unity Sunday November 13 12. Thanksgiving Day Lunch & Auction November 24 13. Family Night November 26 14. Parish Day December 4 15. House Caroling Dec. 2-4, 9-11, 16-18 16. Christmas Eve December 24 17. Christmas Day Service December 25, 8 am 18. Watch Night and New Year Day Service December 31 9