*****************************
EPIPHANY MAR THOMA CHURCH
NEWS LETTER
SEPTEMBER 2016
SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM
OF GOD !
FAITH IS A JOURNEY NOT A DESTINATION.
36th Year
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
Vicar’s message:
Greetings to you all in the matchless name of our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ. It gives me immense pleasure to address you all through this month
News Letter. We have entered the last quarter of this financial year and let
us thank God for His innumerable blessing, which are beyond our
description and measure. The family retreat and the parish picnic of our
Church were arranged in a meaningful way. Once again I would like to
congrats all office bearers, the subcommittee members and the Church
committee members for your timely effort and leadership. Most of the
families have participated Good Samaritan fund collection and the new
academic year collection. The Good Samaritan collection will be utilized
for the home for homeless project (Snehadhanam) of the Church. I express
my sincere thanks to all those who have contributed sincerely.
“The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom” (Psalms 111: 10a). We have
been blessed with a large number of students in our church. I hope that all
have enjoyed the summer vacation. Congratulations for your good
performance during the last academic year. A new academic year is going
to start shortly. This is the time to rededicate ourselves before God, the
source of all wisdom and knowledge. The new academic year service and
the honoring of the new graduate were conducted meaningfully. The
special offertory collected through this service will be utilized for providing
financial assistance to the economically backward student. The new
academic year Sunday school classes begin in the first week of September.
May I request all children to attend the classes promptly and
systematically. The new Sunday school academic year dedication will be
held on September 11, 2016. The Sunday school teacher’s dedication will
be held on 4th September, 2016.
Epiphany MTC family retreat 2016 was held on August 5th to August 7th at
the Eddy Farm Retreat Center, Sparrow Bush, New York. The theme was
“Celebrating the Pilgrimage” based on Genesis 12:1. Rev. Denny Philip,
Diocesan Secretary, Rev. P.M.Thomas, Rev. Jogy Thomas, Mr. Shibu
Mathew and Mrs. Betsy Mathew were the leaders. Nearly 100 parish
members participated. Sessions were arranged in two tracks – one for the
youth and young families and the other track for the general participants.
Overall, the retreat was a time for reflection, self assessment,
transformation and great blessing for all the participants.
The Edavaka Mission convention was held on August 12t to 14th, 2016 in
the Church. Dr. Thomas George (St. George MTC, Fort Kochi) was the
speaker. The theme was “the Characteristics of Christian faiith”. As
christian believers we need a clear understanding about God's blessing
and a faithful life. It was a time for contemplation and dedication for all
the participants. I would like to express my sincere thanks to all members
and office bearers of the Edavaka Mission for your timely leadership and
cooperation.
As a called community, we all are the stewards of God's Grace and our
discipleship is not an expression of a position but it's a disciplined and
loving life style. To reveal Christ always through his life was a constant
desire in Paul's heart. In Phil 3:8, Paul says “For his sake I have suffered the
loss of all things, and I regards them as rubbish” - these words depict the
depth of Paul's relation to Christ. Paul repeatedly says that Christ is the
Gospel- there is no other Gospel but Christ. This Gospel renews us daily –
in fact the renewal of the Church is based on the Gospel. Reformation is
an ongoing process. It should reflect in our whole life. The Holy Spirit, who
refreshes us each day, strengthens us to spread the Gospel of Christ – this
is our great calling.
Let us become living witness always revealing Christ – the real gospel to
the world today. May the Almighty Lord be with us and bless our ways and
ministry in this faith journey.
With Prayerful Regards,
Jogyachen, August 23rd, 2016.
SUNDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Date Time Program Special Observance
Sunday
September 4
Education-A Ministry
of the Church 9:30 AM
Holy Communion
(Malayalam)
Sunday
September 11
9:00 AM Praise & Worship
(Malayalam) Women’s Ministry
Sevika Sanghom Day 10:15 AM
Holy Communion
(English)
Sunday
September 18
9:00 AM
Praise & Worship
(English) Caring & Accepting
the Elderly
Senior Citizens Day 10:15 AM
Holy Communion
(Malayalam)
Sunday
September 25
9:00 AM
Praise & Worship
(Malayalam) One true God and
People of other Faiths.
10:15 AM Holy Communion
(English)
LECTIONARY
Date 1st Lesson 2
nd Lesson Epistle Gospel
Sept. 04 Neh:8:1-8 Acts.18:24-28 James.3:13-18 St.Luk.4:16-22
Sept. 11 Judges.4:4-16 Phil.4:1-7 Rom.16: 6-16 St.Mark.14:3-9
Sept. 18 Gen.46:1-7 Phile.8-22 2 Tim.1:3-14 St.Luk.2:25-38
Sept. 25 Amos 9:1-12 Acts.10:34-43 Rom.2:17-29 St.John 12:20-26
ASSISTANCE & USHERING -2016 Month Prayer Group
September Long Island
October Astoria/Jackson Hts/Flushing
November Coney Island
December Ridgewood/Wyckoff
AREA PRAYER MEETINGS
Date & Time Area Residence Sunday
September 4
Bellerose
Queens Village
Glenoaks
TBA
Sunday
September 4
7.00 pm
Floral Park
Mr. Thomas C Varghese
79-07, 267 Street
Floral Park, NY 11004
Ph: 718-646-4943
Saturday
September 10
7.00 PM
Coney Island
Mr. Chacko K Jacob
2676 Hubbard St
Coney Island, NY 11235
Ph: 718-743-6160
Sunday
September 11
6:00 PM
Ridgewood/Wyckoff
Mr. P.V. Abraham
1884 Willoughby Ave
Ridgewood, NY 11385
Ph: 718-366-8703
Saturday
September 17
5:00 PM
Astoria/Flushing
Jackson Hts
New Jersey
Mr. Anil T Thomas
24 Davis Ave
Randolph, NJ 07869
Ph: 973-659-3414
Sunday
September 18
7:00 PM
New Hyde Park
Mr. Daniel P John
603 White Ave
New Hyde Park, NY 11040
Ph: 516-488-5467
Saturday
September 24
Elmont/Rosedale
Valley Stream
TBA
Sunday
September 25
6:30 PM
Long Island
Mr. Mathews Kurien
942 Maple Lane
East Meadow, NY 11554
Ph: 718-974-0496
EDAVAKA MISSION COTTAGE PRAYER MEETINGS: TBA
SENIOR CITIZENS DAY. – SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18. All senior citizens are requested to attend the meeting on this day. Seniors who just turned 75 Yrs of age will be honored with a “Ponnada”. Please contact Mr. John K Thomas or Mr. M.V. Varghese for more details.
SEVIKA SANGHOM DATE & TIME EVENT RESIDENCE
September
Coney Island
Bible Study TBA
Thursday
September 8
10.00 AM
Queens-
Village/Bellerose
Floral Park
Bible Study
Mrs. Mary Cherian
79-58, 264th Street
Floral Park, NY 11004
Ph: 718-347-1928
Thursday
September 15
10.00 AM
Elmont/Rosedale
Valley Stream
Long Island
Bible Study
Mrs. Marykutty Mathew
137 Circle Dr East
Elmont, NY 11003
Ph: 516-233-2011
September
New Hyde Park
Garden City Park
Bible Study
TBA
Friday
September 16
10.00 AM
Fasting Prayer
Mrs. Annamma Philip
2070 Renfrew Ave
Elmont, NY 11003
Ph: 516-326-1872
17TH DIOCESAN SEVIKA SANGHOM CONFERENCE, OCT. 6-9, 2016.
HOSTED BY ST. MATHEWS MAR THOMA CHURCH, TORONTO, CANADA.
REGISTRATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE WITH SEVIKA SANGHOM
SECRETARY SUSAN KURIAN.
DEFENSIVE DRIVING CLASS: SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 11- AFTER SERVICE.
TRIP TO LANCASTER : SHOW “SAMSON” – TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18.
PLEASE REGISTER YOUR NAME WITH SEVIKA SANGHOM COMMITTEE MEMBERS.
SEVIKA SANGHOM REGIONAL KALAMELA – SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29
HOSTED BY EPIPHANY MAR THOMA CHURCH.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
DATE TIME EVENT
September 2016 Every Sunday
9:00 AM to 10:00 AM Sunday School Class
NEW ACADEMIC YEAR BEGINS ON SEPTEMBER 4.
REGIONAL TALENT FESTIVAL ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
AT ST. THOMAS MAR THOMA CHURCH, YONKERS, NY.
Condolences: Mr. Varughese Chacko (93 Yrs), Father of our member Mr. Chacko- Varughese, 82-69, 250th Street, Bellerose, NY passed away in Kerala on July 26, 2016. Funeral service was held on July 31st at Chunakara Mar Thoma Church, Kerala. Mr. Reji Mathew (26 Yrs), our beloved member who was residing at 675 Crans St, Elmont, NY passed away on August 1, 2016. Wake service was held on August 8th at Park Funeral Chapels in New Hyde Park and the Home going Service was held on August 9th at Epiphany Mar Thoma Church and at Greenfield Cemetery at Uniondale, NY. Reji was a well known youth Lay Leader of our Church and a man of good moral values. He will be deeply missed. The Vicar and members of Epiphany Mar Thoma Church express our deep felt condolence to these bereaved families. Please uphold these families in our prayers.
Reji V Mathew (1990 – 2016)
MALAYALAM CHOIR
Choir practices will be held on the following Sundays: September 4th & 18th
at 9:00 AM in the church. All choir members are requested to attend
the practice.
Epiphany Basketball Tournament
We will be hosting our very first Basketball Tournament on September 3
rd 2016. Our vision for this tournament is to be able to unite our sister Mar
Thoma Parishes in Christ throughout both the Northeast and Southeast region. With the potential proceeds we receive from this tournament, we would like to be able to continue this tournament into an annual event and also donate to the Homes for the Homeless organization. This tournament is being funded solely on donations, sponsorships and fundraising, so we are in need of your help. If you are interested in supporting us and this tournament financially either through donation or sponsorship, please contact Sherin Daniel and she will be able to assist in explaining the details. We humbly ask our church members to keep the success of this tournament in your prayers and pray God allows this event to be made possible. God Bless!
CHURCH YEAR PLAN-2016 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
BIRTHDAY GREETINGS TO:
Jason Thomas Mathew Hicksville 09-01
Varghese Mathew Albertson 09-03
Christy Rose Oommen Floral Park 09-03
Sharon S. Cherian Floral Park 09-03
Justin Mathew Floral Park 09-04
Tina M. Koshy North Woodmere 09-04
Mathew John Hicksville 09-04
Dr. Susan Lukose Syosset 09-04
Rebeka Elsa Thomas Long Island City 09-04
Aleyamma John Little Neck 09-05
Grace Varghese Jackson Heights 09-05
Gracy Varghese Baldwin Harbor 09-06
Joe P. Thomas Brooklyn 09-07
Ryan A. Mathew Staten Island 09-08
Ashley Mary Mathew Fresh Meadows 09-08
Aby Varghese Merrick 09-08
Susan B. Jacob West Hempstead 09-08
Sona Cherian Floral Park 09-09
Andrew Yohan Koshy North Woodmere 09-09
Elizuba Ammu Thomas Hicksville 09-09
Tania Elizabeth Jose Glen Oaks 09-10
Bijumon Varghese New Hyde Park 09-10
Sapna Samuel Dix Hills 09-10
Lena M. Mathew New Hyde Park 09-10
Money John Brooklyn 09-10
P. V. Kurian Merrick 09-10
Rita Mary Thomas Monroe 09-11
George Thomas Albertson 09-11
Joshua Matthew Chacko New Hyde Park 09-12
Thomas John Floral Park 09-12
Saramma Cherian Floral Park 09-12
Anne George Kew Gardens 09-12
Indu S. Mathew Brooklyn 09-13
Noble George Abraham New Hyde Park 09-13
Jax Drew Cherian Floral Park 09-13
Sosamma Jacob Elmont 09-14
Libi Abraham North Woodmere 09-14
Siju John Brooklyn 09-15
Biju Varghese Elmont 09-16
Yohannan Cherian Floral Park 09-16
Jolly Y. Mathunny New Hyde Park 09-17
Alex Abraham Mammen New Hyde Park 09-17
Sarah Johnkutty Jamaica Estates 09-18
Jacob Chacko Elmont 09-18
Sophiya Varghese East Meadow 09-18
Anjana Thomas Elmont 09-19
Isaac Ignatius New Hyde Park 09-19
Christin Mathew Elmont 09-19
Nicole Hendrix Cherian Floral Park 09-19
Shilpa P. Thomas Bellerose 09-19
Bejoy Bains Elmont 09-19
Sam Alexander Elmont 09-20
Mikayla Prema Daniel Elmont 09-21
Sherin S. Shibu Kew Gardens 09-22
Kevin N. Jose Manhasset Hills 09-22
Dennis K. George Bellerose 09-22
Mariamma John Hicksville 09-22
Rachel Abraham Woodside 09-24
Juhi Ann Thomas Muttontown 09-24
Abraham Thariath Rosedale 09-25
Shine Abraham Elmont 09-26
Mathew Varghese Abingdon 09-27
Isabelle Shyla Koshy North Woodmere 09-27
Dr. Tony Abraham Floral Park 09-28
Cherian Abraham Woodside 09-28
Reyna Mary Mathews Floral Park 09-28
Riya Mary Mathews Floral Park 09-28
Maxwell Daniel Thomas Fresh Meadows 09-28
Ryden Mathai Thomas Fresh Meadows 09-28
Shawn Abraham Floral Park 09-28
Bobby Kurian Merrick 09-29
Nithin Mathew New Hyde Park 09-30
WEDDING ANNIVERSARY GREETINGS TO:
Varughese Mathew New Hyde Park 09-02
Bijou Mathew New Hyde Park 09-05
Saji T. Varughese West Hempstead 09-07
Thomas Mathew Williston Park 09-08
Unni Abraham Little Neck 09-08
Abraham P. Mathew Floral Park 09-10
Abraham Thomas Muttontown 09-10
Thampankunju Varkey Manhasset Hills 09-12
John Varughese New Hyde Park 09-14
Abraham Thomas Bellerose 09-15
George Mathew Floral Park 09-15
Dr. Cherian Alexander New Hyde Park 09-15
Chelippallil John New Hyde Park 09-16
Iype Philip Elmont 09-16
Thomas T Mathai Brooklyn 09-17
Mathew Punnamoottil New Hyde Park 09-19
Skaria Varughese Richmond Hill 09-22
Abraham Mammen New Hyde Park 09-24
Anil Jacob Elmont 09-24
Libu Abraham Brooklyn 09-25
Roshen Mathew Huntsville 09-26
Jimmy M. Joy New Hyde Park 09-27
Bobbie Mathew New Hyde Park 09-28
FROM DIOCESAN EPISCOPA: Dearly Beloved,
Greetings to all in the name of Jesus Christ! With the blossoming of greenery we
experience freshness. How beautiful it is to see the environment created by God, which He
has entrusted to human beings to shape and sustain. This summer we had many conferences
focusing on human responsibility in a world created by God.
The Regional Family Conference in Edmonton during the first week of July was on the
theme ‘Be a Good Steward’. The world created by God was ‘good’ in every sense but sadly
it is either being polluted or destroyed through human selfishness and greed. Bringing back
the lost glory to the environment and the world is the mission of restoration inaugurated by
Jesus Christ and entrusted to the faithful followers in the Church.
The Junior-Senior Conferences held in the 1st and 2nd weeks of July at Ramapo College,
New Jersey, motivated hundreds of children to refresh their understanding of scripture and
renew their commitment to Christ. The theme ‘Blueprint – Your Story God’s Design’
helped them to see how they reflect the design of God and how to live according to God’s
plan. The Sunday school teachers took a lot of effort to organize the conferences in the best
manner possible.
The Yuvajana Sakhyam Conference held in Chicago dealt with ‘Re-Presenting Christ in a
Chaotic World’, which was another eye opener to the realities of the world and to respond
to the call of caring for fellow human beings and preserving lives in this universe.
The Conference of the Voluntary Evangelists Association during the fourth week of July in
Philadelphia studied the theme, ‘Arise and Go: the Call and Commission’. The participants
felt the need to renew their vision and participate in the mission of Christ, which is a
mandate given to all who accept the Lordship of Christ. Therefore, it is desirous of the
faithful members of the church to express Christ-likeness in life and work.
This vision was visible in the members of the Diocesan Youth Fellowship who gathered in
Calvin College, Grand Rapids, for their conference and studied the theme ‘I Am With You’.
It was a reminder to the young minds that they are not alone, but God walks with them in
their journey and we need everyone to accompany one another in the spiritual pilgrimage.
I thank God for the active participation of all our organizations in the life of the church. It is
our wish and prayer that God may continue to give new insights to all members of the
church to be a part of changing the lives of people. I trust God will guide us in facing the
struggles of life and working for the glory of God. Let us uphold everyone in prayer and do
the best we can for enhancing God’s kingdom in this world.
With prayers and 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.
YOUTH CHAPLAIN’S CORNER.
"Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, "but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised" - Proverbs 31:30 ‘Gray hair is the crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.’ – Proverbs 16: 32 This month in September, the Mar Thoma Church celebrates Suvisesha Sevika Sangham Day and Senior Citizens Day. It is important that we realize the importance of these two groups: women and the elderly. Both groups are an important part of our society and our church, but both groups are often not given the respect the Bible shows they deserve. Women: When God created mankind, He created both "male and female." Both were created in God's image and both were given the responsibility of exercising authority over God's creation. The man was created first but he needed companionship and a helper, so God created a woman. Man is incomplete without woman. Because she is called a "helper" does not imply that she is inferior to man. The same Hebrew word translated as helper is used of God in His relationship to Israel (Ps 33:20; 70:5). Even though ancient Israel was a male dominated culture, some of the finest leaders in Israel were women: victories were sometimes won because of the courage of one woman (Judges 4-5; 9:54; Est 4:16). God revealed His Word through prophetesses (Judges 4:4). The heroes of faith mentioned in Hebrews 11 include Sarah (v. 11), Moses' mother (v. 23), and Rahab (v. 31). But it is Jesus that exemplified God’s view of women. He allowed women disciples to accompany Him and His male disciples on their journeys (Luke 8:1-3). He talked with the Samaritan woman at Jacob's Well and led her to a conversion experience (John 4). It was the apostle Paul who wrote, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Gal 3:28). Elders In ancient times authority was given to older people with wider experience. These were often considered the most qualified to hold places of leadership. In the Old Testament those leaders associated with Moses in governing the nation of Israel were called "the elders of Israel" (Ex 3:16; 24:1), "the elders of the people" (Ex 19:7), or the "seventy elders" (Ex 24:1). Once the Israelites reached the Promised Land, groups of elders ruled in each city. These elders were viewed as the representatives of the nation and its people. These leaders were responsible for legal, political and military guidance and supervision. A similar approach was followed in the early church. Elders were associated with James in Jerusalem in the local church's government (Acts 11:30; 21:18) and, with the apostles, in the decision of the early church council (Acts 15). Elders were also appointed in the churches established during the apostle Paul's first missionary journey (Acts 14:23). Elders played an important role in church life through their ministry to the sick (James 5:14, 15). They were apparently the teachers also in a local congregation. In addition to ministering to the sick, their duties consisted of explaining the Scriptures and teaching doctrine (1 Tim 5:17; 1 Peter 5:5). This month as we celebrate Sevika Sangham Day and Senior Citizens Day, let us remember that it is the will of God that all his children, regardless of race, color, age, or sex should be loved, honored, and respected. Women and elders have contributed greatly to the advancement of God’s Kingdom here on earth. Their knowledge, experience, and love have changed the world.
Yours in Christ's Service,
Rev. Shibi Abraham
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
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)