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***************************** EPIPHANY MAR THOMA CHURCH NEWS LETTER MAY 2016 WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE. FAITH IS A JOURNEY NOT A DESTINATION. 35 Years

EPIPHANY MAR THOMA CHURCHepiphanymarthoma.org/Newsletters/2016/May_2016.pdf · Tinu Thomas Isac Brooklyn 05-03 K. O. Thomas Bellerose 05-03 Subash Thomas Bellerose 05-03 Lena George

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Page 1: EPIPHANY MAR THOMA CHURCHepiphanymarthoma.org/Newsletters/2016/May_2016.pdf · Tinu Thomas Isac Brooklyn 05-03 K. O. Thomas Bellerose 05-03 Subash Thomas Bellerose 05-03 Lena George

*****************************

EPIPHANY MAR THOMA CHURCH

NEWS LETTER MAY 2016

WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE

POSSIBLE.

FAITH IS A JOURNEY NOT A DESTINATION.

35 Years

Page 2: EPIPHANY MAR THOMA CHURCHepiphanymarthoma.org/Newsletters/2016/May_2016.pdf · Tinu Thomas Isac Brooklyn 05-03 K. O. Thomas Bellerose 05-03 Subash Thomas Bellerose 05-03 Lena George

Executive Committee 2016

President / Vicar Rev. Jogy Thomas [email protected]

718.845.2920 718.612.1891

Vice President Mr. Mathew K. Lukose [email protected]

516.932.7606

Secretary Mr. George C Abraham [email protected]

516.358.4020

Treasurer Mr. Cherukara P Philipose [email protected]

718.359.3158

Accountant Mr. Shibu John

[email protected] 718.336.0849

Lay Leader (Malayalam) Mr. M.V. Varghese 516-673-4583

Lay Leader (English) Mr. Roshan T Varughese 516.326.9138

Mandalam/Sabha Council Rep: Mrs. Mariamma Abraham 516.812.9148

Diocesan Assembly Rep. Mr. James Alex 516.640.5588

Diocesan Assembly Rep. Mr. Jason Thomas 917.414.8924

Representatives of Organizations

Sunday School Mr. Oommen K. Varghese 516.285.9142 Edavaka Mission Mr. M.C. Varughese 516.825.3895 Sevika Sanghom Mrs. Sosamma Kurian 516.596.7514 Yuvajana Sakhyam Mr. Roshan Alexander 516.808.7116 Youth Fellowship Ms. Ancy Rose Oommen 516.616.4599 Choir Mr. Shibu S Baby 347.623.1324

Representatives of Area Prayer Groups

Astoria/Jackson Hts./Flushing Mr. Anil T Thomas 973.659.3414

Coney Island Mr. Saji K Varughese 718.332.2751 Ridgewood/Wyckoff Mr. Eapen Mathew 718-381-4549

Bellerose/Queens Village Mr. Thomas Vadakedathu 718.464.0695 Floral Park Mr. Mathew Varughese 718.347.7165 Elmont/Rosedale/Valley Stream Mr. Mathew N Varughese 516.285.5753 New Hyde Park Mr. Rinu Varughese 516.673.4583 Garden City Park Mr. John Mani 516.414.4986 Long Island Mr. Biju M. Varughese 516.750.5474

Auditors

Mr. Abraham Thomas 717.343.7622 Mr. George Kuruvilla 516.616.4576

Page 3: EPIPHANY MAR THOMA CHURCHepiphanymarthoma.org/Newsletters/2016/May_2016.pdf · Tinu Thomas Isac Brooklyn 05-03 K. O. Thomas Bellerose 05-03 Subash Thomas Bellerose 05-03 Lena George

Vicar’s message:

Dearly Beloved in Christ,

Greetings to all in the precious name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

It gives me immense pleasure and honour to address you all through this

newsletter. I have penned my thoughts while still in my present assignment . I

am keenly looking forward to meeting you all and taking charge as your new

Vicar. I trust the abundant grace of God is at work among you all.

Through this newsletter I would like to draw your attention to the action plan

for the month of May 2016. The first Sunday of May is being observed as

'Bhoobhavana danam Day', the second as 'Mar Yohannan Sleeba Nal', the

third as 'Penthikusthi Perunnal' and the fourth as DSMC Sunday. I request you

all for your whole-hearted support and prayerful presence for all the

programs and activities of the Church.

According to Dr. John Scott "Christianity is in its very essence a resurrection

religion. The concept of resurrection lies at its heart. If you remove it,

Christianity is destroyed." So the resurrection experience is the motivating

factor that challenges us to commit ourselves to the mission and ministry in

and around the world more dearly and clearly. This experience helps us to

retreat, reflect and interpret the present and enables us to understand the

necessity of our willingness to suffer.

In St. Lk 24:13-27 we see the two disciples leave Jerusalem with their

dreams shattered, but the risen Christ sets out to travel with them in their

pilgrimage as a co -traveller. In this passage it is very clear that these two

disciples failed to recognise the resurrected Christ because of their own

perception mixed with disappointment and worries. This event reminds us,

that the resurrected Christ is always present with us, even though

unrecognised in the most unlikely situations of the Journey of our life. The

Page 4: EPIPHANY MAR THOMA CHURCHepiphanymarthoma.org/Newsletters/2016/May_2016.pdf · Tinu Thomas Isac Brooklyn 05-03 K. O. Thomas Bellerose 05-03 Subash Thomas Bellerose 05-03 Lena George

presence and fellowship of the resurrected Christ gives us comfort , when we

are in pain and in sorrow ,and solace in times of failure and affliction. It is our

faith and witness that as a Christian we are all co-workers of the resurrected

Christ and He is our co-traveller.

Also the meeting experience of the resurrected Christ with the disciples

at their home reminds us that the understanding of the scripture will be

possible only in fellowship with the risen Christ. In Verse 27, after meeting the

risen Lord, the disciples immediately leave Emmaus and return to Jerusalem '

the city of Shalom' to share their experience of meeting the risen Lord.

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, we have been called as a Church to

share this experience of meeting the risen Lord with others. May the Lord

continually bless each one of you with the peace of the risen Lord and enable

us to participate in the mission of the Church where-ever we are.

Together we can work towards creating a vibrant and spiritually blessed

community.

Yours in Christ

Rev. Jogy Thomas

Page 5: EPIPHANY MAR THOMA CHURCHepiphanymarthoma.org/Newsletters/2016/May_2016.pdf · Tinu Thomas Isac Brooklyn 05-03 K. O. Thomas Bellerose 05-03 Subash Thomas Bellerose 05-03 Lena George

SUNDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE Date Time Program Special Observance

Sunday

May 1

9.00 AM

Praise & Worship

(English) Mission in Christ’s

Spirit 10.15 AM

Holy Communion

(Malayalam)

Sunday

May 8

9.00 AM Praise & Worship

(Malayalam) Led by the Spirit

10.15 AM Holy Communion

(English)

Sunday

May 15

9:00 AM

Praise & Worship

(English) The Feast of Pentecost

10.15 AM

Holy Communion

(Malayalam)

Sunday

May 22

9:00 AM Praise & Worship

(Malayalam)

Trinity Sunday

10:15 AM Holy Communion

(English)

Sunday

May 29

9:00 AM Praise & Worship

(Malayalam) Divine Revelation in

Worship 10:15 AM

Holy Communion

(English)

LECTIONARY

Date 1st Lesson 2

nd Lesson Epistle Gospel

May 1 Lev:25:1-17 Acts.7:54-60 Gal. 4:1-7 St.Mat.28:16-20

May 8 Eze.36:24-36 Rom.8:12-17 Acts.1:12-14 St.John.14:25-31

May 15 Isa.6:1-11 Acts.2:1-13 Rom.8:26-30 St.John.16:6-16

May 22 Gen.18:1-15 1 John.5:6-12 2 Cor.13:11-14 St.Mark 1:1-11

May 29 1 Kings.8:26-43 Rev. 14:1-7 Acts 16:19-31 St.Mark 1:21-28

ASSISTANCE & USHERING -2016 Month Prayer Group

May Floral Park

June Elmont/Rosedale/Valley Stream

July New Hyde Park

Page 6: EPIPHANY MAR THOMA CHURCHepiphanymarthoma.org/Newsletters/2016/May_2016.pdf · Tinu Thomas Isac Brooklyn 05-03 K. O. Thomas Bellerose 05-03 Subash Thomas Bellerose 05-03 Lena George

AREA PRAYER MEETINGS

Date & Time Area Residence

Sunday

May 1

Bellerose

Queens Village

Glenoaks

TBA

Sunday

May 1

7.00 PM

Floral Park TBA

Sunday

May 8

5.00 PM

Ridgewood

Wyckoff

Mr. P.V. Abraham

1884 Willoughby Ave

Ridgewood, NY 11385

Ph: 718-366-8703

Saturday

May 14

6:30 PM

Coney Island

Mr. Pappy Philipose

2603 Hubbard St

Brooklyn, NY 11236

Ph: 347-374-4153

Sunday

May 15

6:00 PM

New Hyde Park

Mr. Mathew Abraham

1001 Whittier Ave

New Hyde Park, NY 11040

Ph: 516-437-0025

Saturday

May 21

7:00 PM

Garden City Park TBA

Sunday

May 22

7:00 PM

Long Island

Mr. George Mathew

1772 Willis Ave

Merrick, NY 11566

Ph: 516-379-9846

Saturday

May 28

6:30 PM

Elmont/Rosedale

Valley Stream TBA

SENIOR CITIZENS FELLOWSHIP MEETING

SATURDAY MAY 14, 2016 AT 10:00 AM IN THE CHURCH.

ALL SENIOR CITIZENS ARE REQUESTED TO

PARTICIPATE IN THIS MEETING.

Page 7: EPIPHANY MAR THOMA CHURCHepiphanymarthoma.org/Newsletters/2016/May_2016.pdf · Tinu Thomas Isac Brooklyn 05-03 K. O. Thomas Bellerose 05-03 Subash Thomas Bellerose 05-03 Lena George

SEVIKA SANGHOM DATE & TIME EVENT RESIDENCE

Thursday

May 19

10.00 AM

Elmont/Rosedale

Valley Stream

Long Island

Bible Study

Mrs. Marykutty Thariath

134-16, 243 Street

Rosedale, NY 11442

Ph: 718-712-0736

Friday

May 27

10.00 AM

Fasting Prayer

Mrs. Sally Abraham

116 Sylvia Lane

New Hyde Park, NY 11040

Ph: 516-358-4020

SUNDAY SCHOOL

DATE TIME EVENT

May 2016 Every Sunday

9:00 AM to 10:00 AM Sunday School Class

MAY 1 - DIOCESAN EXAMINATION

JULY 7-10: JR. SR. CONFERENCE

JULY 21-23: VBS

Condolences: Mr. Abraham Mathai (75 Yrs), our beloved member who was residing at 205 Village Ave, Elmont, NY 11003, passed away on April 7, 2016. Viewing service was held on April 10th at Park Funeral Chapels in New Hyde Park and Funeral service was held on April 11 at Epiphany Mar Thoma Church. Mr. Abraham Mathai was one of the founding member of our Parish and he was a dedicated and active member. The Vicar and members of Epiphany Mar Thoma Church express our deep felt condolence to the bereaved family and please uphold this family in our prayers.

MALAYALAM CHOIR

Choir practices will be held on the following Sundays: May 1st and 15th at

9.00 AM in the church. All choir members are requested to attend the

practice.

Page 8: EPIPHANY MAR THOMA CHURCHepiphanymarthoma.org/Newsletters/2016/May_2016.pdf · Tinu Thomas Isac Brooklyn 05-03 K. O. Thomas Bellerose 05-03 Subash Thomas Bellerose 05-03 Lena George

YOUTH FELLOWSHIP

1. There will be a Men's Fellowship Meeting Friday May 13th at 6PM at Roshan and

Rohit Varughese's house 113 Patton Blvd New Hyde Park NY 11040 2. There is a NERYF Women's Conference at St. Andrew MTC on Saturday May 14th at 8am 3. There will be a BASIC meeting on Friday May 20th at 6:30PM at Ria Roy's house 21 Tenafly Drive New Hyde Park NY 11040 4. Our church will be hosting our 4th annual Revival Night on Saturday June 4th. The theme will be "Hearing God Amidst the Noise" and is taken from 1 Kings 19: 11-12.

CHURCH YEAR PLAN-2016 July 10 : Parish Day/Episcopal Visit/1st Communion July 30 : Parish Picnic August 5-7 : Family Retreat August 14 : New Academic Year Service August 28 : NAY Service/New Graduates Thanksgiving September 4 : Harvest Festival September 23-25 : Parish Convention November 27 : Thanksgiving Service November 27 : Christmas Door to Door Carol December 24 : Christmas Carol in the Church December 31 : Watch Night and New Year service

Page 9: EPIPHANY MAR THOMA CHURCHepiphanymarthoma.org/Newsletters/2016/May_2016.pdf · Tinu Thomas Isac Brooklyn 05-03 K. O. Thomas Bellerose 05-03 Subash Thomas Bellerose 05-03 Lena George

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS TO:

Bob M. Mathai New Hyde Park 05-01

Chacko K. Jacob Brooklyn 05-01

Caroline Daisy Varghese Syosset 05-01

Cerrill Mathew Manhasset Hills 05-01

Joslyn Mary Mathew Charlotte 05-01

Annamma Abraham Floral Park 05-02

Aleyamma Varughese Elmont 05-02

Priya George Glen Oaks 05-02

Annamma George Floral Park 05-03

Tinu Thomas Isac Brooklyn 05-03

K. O. Thomas Bellerose 05-03

Subash Thomas Bellerose 05-03

Lena George Albertson 05-04

Liju D. Mathew Brooklyn 05-05

Shaji Varghese New Hyde Park 05-05

Deepak Mathew New Hyde Park 05-05

Elizabeth Koshy Queens Village 05-05

Chacko M. Jacob Elmont 05-05

Thomas Mathai Bellerose 05-06

Prasad K Mathews Glendale 05-06

Mariamma Abraham Astoria 05-07

Aleyamma George Floral Park 05-07

Asha Jacob New Hyde Park 05-07

Mariamma Mathew Garden City Park 05-07

Shibu Varughese East Meadow 05-08

James Mathew Manhasset Hills 05-09

Varughese Alex Floral Park 05-09

Reena Biju Thomas Valley Stream 05-09

Regy John Commack 05-11

Jessy Annie Abraham Hicksville 05-11

Thadathil Philip Mathew Bellerose 05-12

Renu Tom Thomas Weston 05-12

Javanika Philipose Brooklyn 05-13

Page 10: EPIPHANY MAR THOMA CHURCHepiphanymarthoma.org/Newsletters/2016/May_2016.pdf · Tinu Thomas Isac Brooklyn 05-03 K. O. Thomas Bellerose 05-03 Subash Thomas Bellerose 05-03 Lena George

Baby Thomas Fresh Meadows 05-13

Jason V. Thomas Woodside 05-13

Alex D. John New Hyde Park 05-13

Prasad George Kew Gardens 05-13

Ammini Samkutty New Hyde Park 05-14

Mariakutty Daniel Elmont 05-15

Sosamma Thomas Floral Park 05-15

Jacob George Glen Oaks 05-15

Mariamma Abraham Brooklyn 05-15

Annamma Philip Elmont 05-15

Annamma Philip East Meadow 05-16

Joshua Thomas Eappen Merrick 05-16

Annie Varghese Daniel Franklin Square 05-17

Mathews Kurian East Meadow 05-17

Glory Chacko New Hyde Park 05-17

Kristen Ann Philip Elmont 05-17

Daniel P. John New Hyde Park 05-17

Susan Isac Brooklyn 05-18

James Alex East Meadow 05-18

Brittany Sara Thomas New Hyde Park 05-18

Saramma Varghese Merrick 05-18

Sony Joseph Bellerose 05-18

Vinson Alex East Meadow 05-18

Annamma Mathew Albertson 05-18

Mariamma Mathew New Hyde Park 05-19

Elizabeth Mathew Oilville 05-19

Mariam John New Hyde Park 05-19

Eapen V. Thomas Woodside 05-19

Jaison Philipose Flushing 05-20

Jaya K. Varghese New Hyde Park 05-20

Gifty Thomas Abraham Merrick 05-20

Susan Alex Thomas Elmont 05-20

Susan Mathew New Hyde Park 05-20

Sia Miriam Thomas East Setauket 05-20

Page 11: EPIPHANY MAR THOMA CHURCHepiphanymarthoma.org/Newsletters/2016/May_2016.pdf · Tinu Thomas Isac Brooklyn 05-03 K. O. Thomas Bellerose 05-03 Subash Thomas Bellerose 05-03 Lena George

Lizy Bains Elmont 05-20

Bobby Bains Elmont 05-20

Mary Susan Samuel Mineola 05-21

Thomas Mathew Manhasset Hills 05-21

Oommen George Garden City Park 05-21

Isaiah Vengal Mathew New Hyde Park 05-21

Shebin Thomas Elmont 05-22

Rev. Sonu Varughese Richmond Hill 05-22

Austin Shaji Varghese New Hyde Park 05-23

Tom B. Thomas Weston 05-23

Liju Daniel Mathew Brooklyn 05-23

Sosamma Thomas Elmont 05-23

Rinu Varughese New Hyde Park 05-24

Samuel Alexander Elmont 05-24

Serena Shibu Kew Gardens 05-25

Joshiah Reji Phillips Westbury 05-25

Mathew Varghese New Hyde Park 05-25

Icy Alexander Queens Village 05-25

George P. Jose Glen Oaks 05-25

Leena Jacob Brooklyn 05-25

Princy George Brooklyn 05-25

M. A. John New Hyde Park 05-25

Susan J. Daniel Garden City Park 05-25

Mathew Cherian Oilville 05-26

Thomas Easow Richmond Hill 05-26

Mathew George Glen Oaks 05-26

Elizabeth Jacob Brooklyn 05-26

Kavitha M. Mathew Brooklyn 05-26

Saramma Raju Oommen Floral Park 05-26

Sheena Varghese New Hyde Park 05-26

Saramma Abraham Ridgewood 05-27

Joshua Varghese Elmont 05-27

Thankamma Varghese Elmont 05-27

Daniel C. Mathew New Hyde Park 05-27

Page 12: EPIPHANY MAR THOMA CHURCHepiphanymarthoma.org/Newsletters/2016/May_2016.pdf · Tinu Thomas Isac Brooklyn 05-03 K. O. Thomas Bellerose 05-03 Subash Thomas Bellerose 05-03 Lena George

Anila Varghese Valley Stream 05-28

John K. Thomas Queens Village 05-28

John Varughese New Hyde Park 05-28

Thankamma Abraham Floral Park 05-28

Valsamma Achenkunju New Hyde Park 05-28

Lisamma Abraham Brooklyn 05-28

Valsamma Abraham Merrick 05-28

Roy P. Varghese New Hyde Park 05-28

Dijina Mathew Syosset 05-28

Mercy Simon Bellerose 05-28

Skariah T. Samuel Mineola 05-29

Hema Mathew Garden City Park 05-29

John Mathew Little Neck 05-29

Mariamma Jose Manhasset Hills 05-29

Jessy George Queens Village 05-30

Laisamma John New Hyde Park 05-30

M. V. Varghese New Hyde Park 05-30

Nikhil C. Mathew New Hyde Park 05-30

Michael A. Thomas Randolph 05-30

Mary Abraham Brooklyn 05-30

Ricky V. Johnson Glen Cove 05-30

Sangeetha Susan George New Hyde Park 05-30

Shyji Philip Mathai East Meadow 05-30

Pappy Philipose Brooklyn 05-30

Susamma Thomas Saji West Hempstead 05-30

Thomas Ellil Mathew Hicksville 05-30

Sameer Mathai New Hyde Park 05-30

Leelamma Thomas Valley Stream 05-30

Subi Thomas East Setauket 05-31

Sherly Shaji New Hyde Park 05-31

Tesna A. Cherian Ridgewood 05-31

Chinnamma John Elmont 05-31

John Varghese Deer Park 05-31

Page 13: EPIPHANY MAR THOMA CHURCHepiphanymarthoma.org/Newsletters/2016/May_2016.pdf · Tinu Thomas Isac Brooklyn 05-03 K. O. Thomas Bellerose 05-03 Subash Thomas Bellerose 05-03 Lena George

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY GREETINGS TO:

Thomas John Floral Park 05-01

Thomas Mathew Mineola 05-03

Kevin B. Thomas Weston 05-03

K. O. Thomas Bellerose 05-03

M. V. Varghese New Hyde Park 05-03

Benjamin Varghese Queens Village 05-07

Saju John Brooklyn 05-08

Isac Thomas Brooklyn 05-09

Thomas K. Mathew West Melbourne 05-10

Geevarghese Johnson Glen Cove 05-10

George Thomas Albertson 05-11

Jerry George Albertson 05-12

Saji K. Varghese Brooklyn 05-13

M. C. Abraham Richmond Hill 05-14

Abraham K. Daniel Ridgewood 05-15

Jacob Idiculla Elmont 05-15

George P. Thomas Garden City Park 05-16

Abraham P. Chacko Floral Park 05-18

Jacob K. Mathew Garden City Park 05-19

Abraham Thariath Rosedale 05-19

Chacko Varughese East Meadow 05-19

George Mathew Merrick 05-19

Thomas K. Varghese Baldwin Harbor 05-20

Thomas Chacko New Hyde Park 05-23

George Mangalathil East Meadow 05-23

Baby Thomas Fresh Meadows 05-23

Shaji Samuel Dix Hills 05-25

Varughese Alex Floral Park 05-25

Thomas Eappen Merrick 05-25

Saji George Merrick 05-26

Johnkutty V. Koshy Jamaica Estates 05-26

John K. Thomas Queens Village 05-26

Dr. Varughese Cherian Dix Hills 05-27

Page 14: EPIPHANY MAR THOMA CHURCHepiphanymarthoma.org/Newsletters/2016/May_2016.pdf · Tinu Thomas Isac Brooklyn 05-03 K. O. Thomas Bellerose 05-03 Subash Thomas Bellerose 05-03 Lena George

Dr. Jinu Thomas Hicksville 05-28

Soji M. Varghese Syosset 05-28

Shibu S. Baby Kew Gardens 05-29

Regy John Commack 05-29

Cherian K. Thomas Floral Park 05-30

Raju T. Oommen Floral Park 05-30

Achenkunju T. Oommen New Hyde Park 05-30

Bilji Varghese Franklin Square 05-31

This life can beat us down with trials, sorrows and debilitating worries. When it seems hopeless, God’s messages about our future hope can deeply encourage us.

Isaiah 9:7

Page 15: EPIPHANY MAR THOMA CHURCHepiphanymarthoma.org/Newsletters/2016/May_2016.pdf · Tinu Thomas Isac Brooklyn 05-03 K. O. Thomas Bellerose 05-03 Subash Thomas Bellerose 05-03 Lena George

FROM DIOCESAN EPISCOPA: I greet you all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I consider it a great privilege to serve

the Diocese of North America and Europe, as the Diocesan Bishop starting April 2016. I am

conscious of the magnitude of the challenges and responsibilities that I have to shoulder in

the coming years. I thank God for the committed leadership of the Diocesan Bishops in the

past and the participation and involvement of the clergy and Laity in managing the affairs of

the Diocese.

Praise God for the immense possibilities bestowed upon the Mar Thoma community in this

Diocese of North America and Europe. The commitment of the members and the matured

leadership of the elders make the Diocese a welcoming place for many who come as seekers

of truth and spiritual growth. I appreciate all who served in the Diocese during the past

years and for their leadership in the smooth functioning of the activities with renewed vision

and dedication. The untiring efforts of Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius will be

remembered especially for the progress achieved in the mission initiatives through the

Diocese. I thank God for his ministry for the last seven and a quarter years in the Diocese

and pray that God will continue to bless him in the new responsibilities in Mumbai Diocese.

As I look to the future engagements in this Diocese. I see good prospects and potentials. I

do seek the cooperation of all members in the activities of the Diocese. It is necessary to

find out the key areas to focus on when engaging with the people, which would be

considered as the primary function as far as a faith community is concerned. Firstly, we

need to work hard in building the community, which includes children, youth, women, and

senior members. Secondly, proclamation of the Gospel as a mission mandate needs to be

taken seriously within the parishes and homes. Thirdly, the commitment to serve the

humanity should continue as the prime motive in the diaconal ministry of the church.

The Church is called to witness Jesus Christ, our Lord and Master. As a witnessing

community, it is essential to share the goodness we received and the spiritual insights that

we have inherited. This needs to be expressed through the creative involvement of all

members within the community and also through the mission initiatives in the wider

society. Let the motto of the Mar Thoma Church ‘Lighted to Lighten’ inspire us to enlighten

the hearts and minds, and give new vision for the transformation of the lives of people. Let

us uphold the ethos of the church and continue to be a beacon of light.

The question one needs to ask is: Can we remain complacent with the achievements of

which we are proud of? The struggles of the people and the new challenges that we face in

everyday life need to be addressed with decisive will and creative power.

Let the spirit of oneness in the bond of love prevail at all times. Let us praise God for the

wonderful ways by which God guides us. We should continue to serve the people and the

nation through our positive creative contributions. Yes, the God of grace and mercy, who

led us thus far, will protect us from all evil and lead the church in the future to do His will

for His glory.

With regards,

Rt. Rev. Dr. Isaac Mar Philoxenos

(From Diocese of North America and Europe The Mar Thoma Besorah) The Besorah is an Official Publication of the Diocese of North America and Europe.

Page 16: EPIPHANY MAR THOMA CHURCHepiphanymarthoma.org/Newsletters/2016/May_2016.pdf · Tinu Thomas Isac Brooklyn 05-03 K. O. Thomas Bellerose 05-03 Subash Thomas Bellerose 05-03 Lena George

YOUTH CHAPLAIN’S CORNER.

Why am I so sad? Why am I so troubled? I will put my hope in God, And once again I will praise Him,

My Savior and my God. Psalms 42: 5

I remember once reading “Today, people have more, but enjoy less.”

Even though God has greatly blessed us, many of us still lack the ability to enjoy

one of God greatest gift: LIFE. We spend most of our time feeling sad, troubled or

depressed. We spend too much time thinking about negative things that happened

years ago.

The person who wrote Psalms 42 experienced a great deal of pain and

suffering. This person was in exile and bearing the insults of those around him.

This person even asks God “Why have you forgotten me?”(Verse 9).

But it is hope that keeps this person going. In verse six it is written “Here

in exile my heart is breaking, and so I turn my thought to Him.” In the midst of the

pain and suffering, this person focuses his thoughts and hopes on God. Perhaps, he

remembers the stories told to him by his parents and grandparents of their great

and powerful God. Or perhaps, he thinks of all the times in the past that God has

helped him. He realizes that God is his Savior and God will give what is needed to

overcome the pain and the depression. It is this faith that gives the person joy.

Because, only a joyful person can truly praise God.

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ: I realize that many of us are bound

not physically but mentally and emotionally. We spend too much time focusing on

the negative things that have happened to us. There is a passage from Phil 3:13-14

that reads “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I

do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things

which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in

Christ Jesus.”

Let us pray to God that He gives us the ability to overcome the negative

things that we have experienced in the past. That we can forgive those who have

wronged us. That we can overcome the sadness and depression that we are facing

and enjoy all of God’s gifts, especially one of His greatest gift, LIFE and boldly

we press toward to the future in Jesus. Then all of us can truly praise God.

Yours in Christ's Service,

Rev. Shibi Abraham

Page 17: EPIPHANY MAR THOMA CHURCHepiphanymarthoma.org/Newsletters/2016/May_2016.pdf · Tinu Thomas Isac Brooklyn 05-03 K. O. Thomas Bellerose 05-03 Subash Thomas Bellerose 05-03 Lena George

Jesus endured a suffering beyond all

comprehension. He bore the punishment for the sins of

the entire world! For all the evil that everyone of us from

the beginning of our species has perpetrated, He paid

the penalty. None of us can comprehend that suffering.

Though he was innocent, He voluntarily took upon

Himself the punishment we deserve. And why?

Because He loves us. It is like He was saying, “I know

you don’t understand why I permit every evil. It’s not

possible for you to understand yet. But just to show you

that you can trust me, I’m going to suffer with you.”

Would you like to have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ? You can start by saying this simple prayer:

Lord Jesus, I need You. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make the kind of person You want me to be. Amen

Page 18: EPIPHANY MAR THOMA CHURCHepiphanymarthoma.org/Newsletters/2016/May_2016.pdf · Tinu Thomas Isac Brooklyn 05-03 K. O. Thomas Bellerose 05-03 Subash Thomas Bellerose 05-03 Lena George
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Sunday School Committee 2016

Superintendent Mr. Oommen K. Varughese

Secretary Miss. Sherin J Daniel

Treasurer Mr. Jinu M Joy

Edavaka Mission Committee 2016

Vice President Mr. George T Thomas

Secretary Mr. M. C. Varughese

Treasurer Mrs. Mariamma Lukose

Sevika Sanghom Committee 2016

Vice President Mrs. Mariamma Abraham

Secretary Mrs. Susan Kurian

Treasurer Mrs. Aleyamma Thomas

Yuvajana Sakhyam Committee 2016

Vice President Mr. James Alex

Secretary Mr. Roshan Alexander

Treasurer Mr. Shibu Cheriyan

Youth Fellowship Committee 2016

Vice President Miss. Asha Jacob

Secretary Miss. Ancy Oommen

Treasurer Mr. Alvin Mathew

Joint Secretary Mr. Joshua Mathew

Malayalam Choir Committee 2016

Leader Mr. Shibu S Baby

Assistant Leader Mrs. Susan Saji

Secretary Mr. Abraham K Daniel

Treasurer Mrs. Mariamma John

English Choir Committee 2016

Leader Mr. Joshua Mathew

Assistant Leader Miss. Annie Jacob

Secretary Miss. Gilsy Saji

Treasurer Mr. Roshan Varughese

Senior Citizens Fellowship Committee 2016

Secretary Mr. M. V. Varghese

Treasurer Mr. John K. Thomas

Young Family Fellowship Committee 2016

Secretary Mr. Shibu Mathew

Treasurer Mr. Jacob D Koshy

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Epiphany Mar Thoma Church News Letter

Published by: Epiphany Mar Thoma Church Inc.

103-05 103rd

Street

Ozone Park, NY 11417

Phone/Church: 718-848-5231

Phone/Rectory: 718-845-2920

Website: www.epiphanymarthoma.org

(For private circulation only, E&OE)