Dearly Beloved in Christ, By now, we have heard about the natural calamities which took place in Kerala, India. Many of us have some form of connection with God s own country. Friends and relatives have been affected by this flood in one way or another. As you know, I WAS IN Kerala, and directly witnessed the storm and its catastrophic effects. Many people I have spoken to have indicated that they haven t experienced such a storm (of this magnitude) in their lifetime. The force and large-scale of flood waters also resulted in landslides and rockfalls. Hence, FROM THE VICAR many homes were severely damaged to the point of being inhabitable or being destroyed. News reports are indicating that the flood waters have slowly started to recede. However, many are still left homeless, displaced, and have lost their livelihoods. More than 300 people including children, and also much wildlife have perished. Many farmers have lost their harvest, many shopkeepers have lost their merchandise considering this was the Onam season. However, millions of people from around the world have offered their prayers and support. Many people from around India have come to Kerala to selflessly volunteer in the rescue and recovery efforts. I am very happy to see the efforts the Mar Thoma Church in coordinating and leading in the rescue and recovery efforts. Many of our Mar Thoma churches have opened up their parish halls, and other buildings as camp centers for people to seek refuge. Our Bishops, Achens, Evangelists, along with many volunteers are earnestly working towards the relief and recovery of our people. In light of recent events, I would like to share a few thoughts: 1. Praying earnestly Though may of us are thousands of miles away from the disaster zone, there is one thing we can do: PRAY. Never underestimate the power of prayer. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6) God hears the prayers and cries of His people. This is the need now. In the midst of the busy-ness of life, can we take time to pray for the people of Kerala? 2. Understanding the situation and need MARTHOMA CHURCH OF SAN FRANCISCO NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2018 As in any event in history, we need to have an in depth understanding. We are aware about conflicting reports in the news and social media. However, seek the true facts. This will enable us to extend appropriate support for the
people. Also, contact your friends, relatives and church/community members. Extend your prayers and support. I believe this will mean a lot for the people of Kerala. Can we be in solidarity with the people? 3. Support The people here are in need of support. Not only for rescue, recovery & relief, but also for rebuilding. God has given to each of us accordingly. Let us give accordingly. However, be aware of fund raisers being set up by private entities, like individuals. I have been informed that a few of the fundraisers being set up on social media or in person are the work of scam artists. Please exercise caution and discretion when giving to different causes, and make sure the entity is genuine before giving. As intimated to us by the Metropolitan s Kalpana, and from the Diocesan Bishop, our offertory for August 19 was also used for this cause. The church is encouraging donations, which will in turn be handed over for the needs of the people. I exhort our faith community to contribute to this cause 4. Live a life of Hope Considering the circumstances and the people affected, it is easy for us to get discouraged and to lose hope. During the trials & tribulations of life, we cannot lost faith and hope, because they are sustained through Christ Jesus, our eternal Savior and refuge. He is our strength, and we patiently await His second coming. This gives us hope. We need to hope for the future, and encourage other fellowship brothers and sisters to do the same. (1 Peter 5: 6-10) 5. Pledging to take care of our God-given planet One of the discussions which is a bone of contentment is ecology and the need to develop an eco-sensitive lifestyle given the current circumstances. Can we hear the cry of the land? This is not the time to delve into the politics of ecology, but rather, the material & theological implications of our actions towards this planet. in the book of Genesis 2:15, it says: The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it. What is our responsibility and participation in maintaining planet Earth? Please continue to pray for the people of Kerala. Also, we are in the month of September. Our children have entered a new academic year. In addition, our Sunday school classes begin. I humbly request the parents and teachers to cooperate and support this ministry. Remember: parents and family members are the primary spiritual educators of our children. The Sunday school will reinforce what is taught at home. How can something be reinforced if it is not taught? May the blessings of the Triune God be with us all. Yours in Christ s ministry, Dennis Achen Vicar Page 2
Dearly beloved in Christ, Greetings to all in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ! FROM THE SECRETARY Torrential rain created flood has devastated Kerala with about 500 lives lost and massive crop and property damage amounting to roughly $3 billion. Thank you all for your generous donations towards the flood relief fund. The floods of 2018 may have caused widespread destruction, but they have not destroyed Kerala s will to move forward. Let's keep our state in our prayers to be back in green and prosperous soon and show the world what kindness and caring means. We had great turnout for our Annual Parish Picnic and Retreat in August. Thanking everyone who managed these events and participated in it. We also had the Student/Teacher dedication last month. Upcoming programs in September: Happy Onam to everyone! Traditional Onam Sadhya will be served on Sunday September 9 at social hall after the service. Please join and enjoy the delicious sadhya. There will not be any cultural programs this year. Let this Onam be a celebration of spirit of unity and compassion that has brought everyone to stand by Kerala. Sevika Sangham Day will be observed on Sunday September 9. This year s theme is Women - Partners in God s Liberation. Our sevika sangham members are actively involved in all church activities, and will be leading the worship service on Sevika Sangham day. The Sunday school academic year will start on September 9. I hope and pray that the new year will be a true blessing for all the teachers and students. Looking forward, our Parish Convention is next month. Dr. Thomas George who is the founder of Life Renewal International Ministries will be the keynote speaker. Please keep all these events/programs in your prayers. May the good Lord be with us all. Yours in His Ministry, Roy Chacko Parish Secretary Page 3
Date Service Assisting Area September 2nd Malayalam Holy Communion Service @9:00 AM San Francisco and South Bay September 9th Malayalam Holy Communion Service @10:00 AM Central Valley September 16th English Holy Communion Service@9:00 AM San Ramon September 23rd English Holy Communion Service@ 10:00 AM Fremont September 30th Malayalam Holy Communion Service@ 10:00 AM San Ramon HOLY COMMUNION PRAYER MEETINGS September 1st September 1st September 14th September 15th September 22nd September 22nd Edavaka mission Fasting Prayer @ 10:30 AM at Church Fremont area prayer at the residence of Kuruvilla Jacob & Beena Jacob @ 6:30 PM San Ramon Area Prayer at the residence of Shoby Cherian and Rekha George @ 8:00 PM Central Valley Area Prayer at the residence of John Mathew @ 5:30 PM Young Family Fellowship prayer meeting at Church Social Hall @ 10:00 AM San Francisco Area Prayer at the residence of George Kaithara and Shantamma George @ 6:00 PM Page 4
Date September 9th September 9th September 9th Event Sunday School First Day Sevika Sangham Day Onasadya UPCOMING EVENTS Page 5
3 Indrawati Joe 14 Liya Joseph 23 Nell Thomas 3 Shweta Sujit 14 Roshana Jacob 24 Abel John 4 Aleyamma Thomas 14 Ryan Johnson 24 Shabu Eapen 4 Merlin Cherian 16 Jimmy Philipose 24 Sunil Cherian 6 Andrew Anish 16 Mintu Alexander 24 Tanya Reuben 7 Susan Mathews 16 Nathan Thomas 25 Joanna Priju 8 Paul Johny 18 Michelle Mathew 26 Ammal Jackson 8 Sadeep Joseph 19 Santhosh Abraham 28 Annamma Kurian 8 Smita Mathews 20 Mathew George 28 Bincy Skaria 12 Ann Jubin 21 Joel Mathews 28 Binesh George BIRTHDAYS 12 Johannah George 21 Sheena Palachuvatil 28 Joanna Thomas 12 Mathew John 21 Timothy Philip 28 Mani John 13 Mary George 23 Anisha Thomas 29 George Zachariah 13 Thomas Alexander 23 Delicia Saji 29 John Chankaramangalam 14 Elizabeth Anish 23 Leejo Jacob 29 Mathew Thomas 14 Gena Thomas 23 Lilly Philip 30 Johan George Day Family 2 Renji Puthenpurukal & Asha Renji 4 George Thomas & Lisha Paul 5 Philip Mathew & Sunita Philippose 12 Liju John & Lija Varghese 14 Biju Soman & Preetha Helan 16 Sabu & Anu George 22 Mathews Issac & Valsa Isaac 24 John Abraham & Sheryl John WEDDING ANNIVERSARY 25 Thomas Mathew & Ann Philip 28 Mammen Thomas Family Page 6
Page 7 CROSSWORD PUZZLE Isaiah 49-51 NIV
Page 8 Annual Church Picnic
Page 9 Parish Retreat
Page 10 Student-Teacher Dedication