newsletter august 2020 · 2020. 8. 9. · newsletter august 2020 from the asst vicar’s desk...

2 Immanuel Mar Thoma Church

Newsletter August 2020

From the Vicar’s Desk

“How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?

How long will you hide your face from me?”

~ Psalm 13:1

Dear Immanuel Family,

A tiny little creature is creating a complete chaos in this world. How long will this pandemic last? We thought it will end soon. But it is escalating. The cry of Psalm 13 is, “How long?” And that’s the question on everyone’s minds these days, too. A How long till there’s a vac-cine? How long will I be cut off from friends and family? How long we need to wait to worship together in Church? How long can we stand it? There’s a light at the end of the tunnel. We are trying to live with the virus around and living with new normals.

The steadfast love of God for you will never cease. Never. His mercies will never come to an end. Never. They will be new every morning, and he will be faithful to bring them to you. His word offers peace to our hearts in hard seasons. It gives us great hope in the battles we face today, like rays of light breaking through the darkest night. For just as sure as the sun comes up every morning, we can be confident that His mercies never end. They are never based on how good we are, but only on His steadfast character. His compassion towards us is fresh every morning, and each day is a gift straight from His hand. We can trust His heart for us.

God often reminds us that He is greater than the problem. He is a God of miracles who works on behalf of His children, even where we can’t fully see. When confident of this truth, we can fully trust Him. We may not understand it all this side of heaven, but God is always faithful. And He can do in just a moment, what it might take years for us to work through on our own. God’s power is still greater than the works of darkness and far stronger than anything we may face here. Whatever's concerning you, entrust it to our powerful God. Talk to Him. He knows your burdens and He cares. The very God who causes the sun to rise every morning, who created us and all that we see, also keeps us safe in His care, and reminds us, He hasn’t lost control. Not ever.

Grace = getting what we don't deserve

Mercy = not getting what we do deserve

And I’m incredibly thankful for both. I’m sure you are too. God is so good, always gracious and loving. Let us experience His powerful presence surrounding you in every way.



Let me take this time to appreciate all those who work diligently behind our School of Gamaliel and Virtual VBS. VBS was a blessing for all the students who attended. Rev. Noble Abraham Achen, who was the VBS leader, lead our children to new heights. Justin and Sheena, the VBS co-ordinators, Anitha Mathew, Aksa Alex, Bincy Puthenmadathil, Joji John, and all our teachers took extra effort to made the virtual experience a reality.

Church celebrate the first Sunday of August as the Mission Sunday. The mission of the church is to know Jesus Christ, to bear the fruit of His Spirit and to witness the Risen Christ. From August 1-15 church observe as the 15 days lent. At the end of the 15 days lent on 1836, Abraham Mal-pan one of the reformation leaders of our church, celebrated the Holy communion in vernacu-lar language (in Malayalam). Till that time the Liturgy was in Syriac Language. This was a radical step on the journey of reformation in Malankara Church. Mar Thoma Church is Apostolic in Origin, Biblical in Faith, Episcopal in Tradition, Evangelical in Principle, Oriental in Worship, Uni-versal in Nature, Ecumenical in outlook, Democratic in function. Let us proud to be a Mar Thomite and let us be Lighted to Lighten the world.

Last month our Metropolitan went through some medical procedures. Let us pray for Tiru-meni’s health and healing. Valiya Metropolitan also need our special prayers. Our leaders of the Church are the gift of God. “Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.” (Heb.13:7)

Rt.Rev.Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius Tirumeni is installed as the Suffragan Metropolitan of the Mar Thoma Church. May our Lord continue to keep Theodosius Thirumeni in His provi-dence to continue the faith journey of the Mar Thoma Church.

The start of the new school year is exciting for our children. But it also prompts a spike in anxiety this year. The new school year will not be as same as the conventional in person study. Re-opening of the schools became a logistic nightmare for parents, students and the teachers. God can make our confusion to clarity. We can experience the presence of God in the midst of chaos. God is the one who gives us wisdom. “Fear of the Lord will bring wisdom” Prov-erbs 9:10. Let us beseech God to give wisdom to all our children. Wishing IMTC progenies, a blessed academic year. We are planning to have the dedication service for our children on Sun-day, August 16, 2020.

Remember we are called to be people of God. Let us place our fear and anxiety in God. His will take care of us.

Be safe in the Arms of God.

Servant in Christ,

From the Vicar’s Desk Cont’d

https://childmind.org/article/helping-children-with-special-needs-go-back-to-school/

https://childmind.org/guide/anxiety-basics/

http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=niv&q=pr+9:10

http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=niv&q=pr+9:10



From the Asst Vicar’s Desk

Dearly beloved in Christ,

Greetings in the matchless name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We are at the end of this year summer season - a time of enjoying the outdoor, vacation and travel. But we remember that problems and precautions connected with the pandemic are still very much a part of our lives. Church as the body of Christ is a community redeemed by Christ's blood, united by faith in Him and empowered by His spirit. It gives more empha-sis to mission activities which means that Gospel should be reach at every-where. Jesus emphasis His vision in programmatic speech which was meant not merely for the economic growth, but a growth that is concentrated on "aam aadmie" that is the common man. People are in two kinds of bondages, political and religious. Religious bondage is more serious than the corrupt political order because there is chance to over through the political order. But religious bond-age is imposed "in the name of God" and people are frightened to act against it. Jesus the son of God came to set sons of man free from the both kinds of activities. God does not wants us to be His slaves, but He wants us to be His friends. "I do not call you servants any longer, but I have called you friends. (John 15:15) Our church is a reformed church and also still give more emphasis to reformation. As a faith community which has to be reformed by the word of God. The dangerous situation of the spiritual community is that all are putting mask and hide their real identity. A true righteous life with solid foundations on the words of Jesus will help us enter the kingdom. Otherwise, "blasting winds and torrential rains" of the attrac-tion of this world collapse our spiritual mansions. Righteousness or spiritually is growing in the word of God. It is not merely on intellectual growth alone, but an integral growth touching all dimensions of life.

Yours in His Ministry

Rev. Saji Albi



2-Aug 10:30 AM

Gospel for all people (Mission Sunday) G3 & English Worship Service

1st Lesson: 2nd Lesson: Epistle: Gospel:

Isa 55:1-5 Acts 10:34-43 Eph 3:1-13 Luke 4:16-22

9-Aug 10:30 AM

The Sacrament of Holy Qurbana: ‘Celebration of Salvation Malayalam Worship Service


Gen 14:17-24 1Cor 11:23-34Ep Cor 10:15-17 Mark 14:12-26

16-Aug 10:30 AM

Reformation Sunday: Faith Com-munity which has to be Reformed by the Word of God English Worship Service


2Kgs 23:1-6 Rev 1:1-9 1Pet 1:13-25 Matt 7:21-27

23-Aug 10:30 AM

Christian witness among people of other Faiths Malayalam Worship Service


Dan 1:1-21 Acts 10:9-16 Pet 2:1-10 Matt 5:13-16

30-Aug 10:30 AM

The Sacrament of Holy Baptism English Worship Service


Exod 14:15-31 Rom 6:1-11 Titus 3:3-8 John 3:1-8

WORSHIP SCHEDULES (AUGUST 2020)



Date Name ID # 1-Aug-20 Mr. & Mrs. Gracious John 599

3-Aug-20 Mr. & Mrs. Mathew Philip 470

4-Aug-20 Mr. & Mrs. Thomas M. Koshy 429

6-Aug-20 Mr. & Mrs. Abraham Mathai 313 Mr. & Mrs. Ajay Thomas 367 Mr. & Mrs. Ronnie Abraham 106

7-Aug-20 Mr. & Mrs. Sabu Podiyan 549

8-Aug-20 Mr. & Mrs. Samuel K. Eapen 168

11-Aug-20 Mr. & Mrs. Binoy Puthenmadathil 540

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Koshy 211

12-Aug-20 Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin George 396 Mr. & Mrs. George John 451

Mr. & Mrs. Manoj George 411

13-Aug-20 Mr. & Mrs. Subi Philip 542

14-Aug-20 Mr. & Mrs. Aby J. Roy 465

Mr. & Mrs. Reni K. Thomas 463

16-Aug-20 Mr. & Mrs. Abraham K. John 500 Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Varghese 298

17-Aug-20 Mr. & Mrs. Varghese George 439

18-Aug-20 Mr. & Mrs. Manoj S. Raju 586

19-Aug-20 Mr. & Mrs. Rengith R. Karikottu 379

20-Aug-20

Mr. & Mrs. Jissan Cherian 233

Mr. & Mrs. Mammen Thomas 608

Mr. & Mrs. Philip George 274

Mr. & Mrs. Thankachan Lukose 217

21-Aug-20 Mr. & Mrs. John G Mathai 408

22-Aug-20 Mr. & Mrs. Robin John Karikottu 629

23-Aug-20 Mr. & Mrs. Koshy Thomas 561 Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Daniel 462

Mr. & Mrs. Thomson Varghese Thayil 607

24-Aug-20

Mr. & Mrs. K.K. John 113

Mr. & Mrs. Kuriakose Thottyil 301

Mr. & Mrs. Shibu Babykutty 550

25-Aug-20 Mr. & Mrs. Shiju George 476

Mr. & Mrs. Yujan Shrestha 526

AUGUST WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES



Date Name ID #

27-Aug-20 Mr. & Mrs. Benson P. Kurian 137

Mr. & Mrs. George Eapen 430

28-Aug-20 Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Kannankara Abraham 626

29-Aug-20 Mr. & Mrs. Cherian P Mathew 639

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Mathew 485

30-Aug-20 Mr. & Mrs. Felix Abraham 265

Mr. & Mrs. Jibin T. Luke 217

31-Aug-20

Mr. & Mrs. George John 187

Mr. & Mrs. Mathews Ninan 363

Mr. & Mrs. Sanil Mathai 590

Mr. & Mrs. Varghese T. Mathai 213

AUGUST WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

NEW MEMBERSHIP

Name Address ID # Prayer Group

Mr Melvin M. Joseph 3803 Wellbon Rd Apt # 1722

641 Other Area Bryan, TX 77801

Mr & Mrs Riju Kuruvilla 22155 Wildwood Park Rd Apt #1421

642 Horeb Richmond, TX 77469

Mr & Mrs V.C. Abraham 4306 Waltson Ridge Ct.

643 Sinai Sugarland, TX 77479

Mr & Mrs John Joseph 11011 Glencorse Ave.

644 Jerusalem Richmond, TX 77407

Mr & Mrs Vinod Thomas 17027 Mahogany Trace Ln.

645 Jerusalem Richmond, TX 77407

Mr & Mrs Sachin Kulkarni 5215 Fountain Brook Ln

646 Sehion Sugar Land, TX 77479



B-Day Name

1-Aug-20 Jonathan Philip

2-Aug-20

Binu Zachariah

Sana Mary Joseph

Vivin G. Varghese

4-Aug-20

AnuMol P.G

Brigith Thomas

Dr. Lila Cherry

Lyla Philip

Rijul Raju

Sindhu George

5-Aug-20

Andrew T. Samuel

Dr. Priya Mathew

Ester Maria A. Thomas

Gijo P. Abraham

Gino P. Abraham

Jilu Anna George

6-Aug-20 Shery Cherian

7-Aug-20

Angie Alexander

Arianna Sarah Abraham

Dimple Monzy Mathews

Nina E. Abraham

Susan John

8-Aug-20

Jisha Varghese Koshy

Joel John Jacob

Mark Ashwin Isaac

Niksy A. Varghese

Sherry Oommen

9-Aug-20 Jeffrin C. Varghese

10-Aug-20

Asha Serah Mathew

Dr. Cindy Jacob

Elizabeth Abraham

Lizy Alexander

Manoj Kanneri

Nisha Varghese

Sarah Prem

B-Day Name

11-Aug-20

Jincy Philip

John Mathew

Jossana Joe

Vasthin Barbara

12-Aug-20

Abin Shibu

Aleykutty George

Jeena Mathew Polachi-rackel

13-Aug-20 Annamma Jacob

Kunjamma Oommen

14-Aug-20

Dr. Sandeep C. Mathew

Jamie Anil Mathew

Jopy Jacob

Joy N. Samuel

Maya Thomas

Reena Jacob

Shincy Mathew Abraham

15-Aug-20

E.K. Kurian

Mathews Abraham

Reni K. Thomas

Shinu Kurian Joy

16-Aug-20

Alwyn Thomas

Dr. Cecil Abraham Cherian

Jeeya Joby

17-Aug-20

Bindu M. Thomas

Cherian Abraham

Susha Thomas

18-Aug-20

Annamma Varghese

Babetta B. Mathai

Benson Mathew

Dr. Anita Rose Joy Thomas

Isaac Philip

Jeslin Jessy Jacob

Mason Valiaparambil

Rani Susan Varghese

Susamma Philip

Varghese P. Varghese

AUGUST BIRTHDAYS



B-Day Name

19-Aug-20

Alan Thomas John

Jetty Felix

Sherin Thomas

20-Aug-20

Abraham Philip

Alvin Mathew

Ancy Samuel

Cyril J. Varkey

Dr. Sheena Itty

Jeffin George Samuel

Marykutty M. Thomas

Rija Acha Vilu

Sofia Elizabeth Cherian

21-Aug-20 Dr. Sheebu Chacko

22-Aug-20

Grace Zachariah

Jonathan Varghese

Shiju Oommen

Solly Mathew

23-Aug-20

Anil Chandy

Nisha Kiran Roy

Reba Thomas

24-Aug-20 Alina Grace Johnson

Anil Valiaparambil

25-Aug-20

Dr.Yujan Shrestha

George Philip

Samuel Koshy

Thomas Chacko

26-Aug-20

Aksa Alex

Anjali Ann Koshy

Jayson K. Varghese

Jibin T. Luke

B-Day Name

26-Aug-20

Joshua Mathew George

Roshan Reni Kavalayil

Thomson Varghese Thayil

27-Aug-20

Annamma Thomas

Beena V. Kalathoor

Dr. Abraham Abraham

Dr. Leena Philip

Elton John Mannil

Kezia Liz Kalloor

Shiney Karikottu

Sosamma Varughese

28-Aug-20

Benjamin E. Thomas

Jacob George Thomas

Joel Philip

Mariamma Jesson

N.K. Chacko

Toby C.Thomas

29-Aug-20

Amos Varghese Abraham

Jack Sam Saban

Nevin Abraham

30-Aug-20

Aleena Marie Varughese

Mia Susa George

Robin Tristan Mathew

31-Aug-20

Aji George Varughese

Christopher M. Anaghan

Jeesa Saraa Isaac

K.Joseph Abraham

Sophia Lizy Alexander

AUGUST BIRTHDAYS



Kanivinte Sangeetham 2020". Our Choir Director, Mr.Saban Sam, won the first prize in the online world wide solo competition organized by St Johns Mar Thoma Church, New York.

BIBLE QUIZ FOR AUGUST 2020 Questions taken from Deuteronomy 21-34 chapters [NIV] 1. Balaam son of----- came from --- ---- ----- ----- . 2. Do not abhor an Edomite,for he is your ----- . 3. Lord showed Moses the whole land from where?. 4. Where did Israelites build an altar of stones?. 5. No prophet has risen in Israel like --- .

Answers for May Bible Quiz Deuteronomy 11-20 1. 11:11, 2. 12:23, 3. 16:16&17, 4. 11:29, 5. 11:6

Congratulations

Saban Sam

ORGANIZATION ANNOUNCEMENTS

Prayer (Monday—Friday) 5:45 am—6:15 am

Prayer Meeting Wednesday & Saturday 7:30 pm

Youth Fellowship (YF) Elevate – every Sunday @3:00 pm

Young Family Fellowship (YFF)

Monthly YFF meeting - August 15, 2020 Saturday @ 6:30 pm

Yuvajana Sakhyam (YS) Meeting – Every Friday @7:30 pm

Edavaka Mission Meeting – Every Thursday @7:30 pm

Sevika Sanghom August 15, Saturday – 9:30 am

Immanuel Middle Aged Family Fellowship (IMAFF)

Monthly IMAFF meeting - August 16, 2020 Sunday @ 7:30 pm

All meetings listed above will be conducted in Zoom Platform

ZOOM ID: 799 998 2537



Condolences

Mrs. Rachel Thomas (Thankamma), 75 years old, w/o Mr. V.S. Thomas, ID 154 of Carmel Prayer Group called to eternal rest on July 20, 2020. Wake Service was held at Immanuel Mar Thoma Church on Thursday, July 23 followed by the funeral service at Forest Park Funeral Home at Westheimer.

Mrs. Marykutty Thomas, 76 years old, Aunt of Mrs. Leelamma Varghese w/o Mr. John Varghese ID 467 of Tabor Prayer Group passed away at Florida. She belongs to Mar Thoma Church of South Florida.

Mrs. Sosamma John, 100 years old, mother of Mr. K.J. Abraham, ID 280 of Bethlehem Prayer Group, called to eternal rest today, July 18. Funeral service will be held on Sunday, July 19 at Salem Mar Thoma Church, South Pampady.

Dr. Philip Keerikattu, 90 years old, our church member and father of Mr. Is-sac Philip ID #636 of Hebron Prayer Group, called to eternal rest on July 7 at Missouri City. Wake Service was held at Immanuel Mar Thoma Church on Saturday, July 11, 2020 followed by the funeral service at South Park Funer-al Home at Pearland.

The Vicars and members of the Immanuel Mar Thoma Church, Houston ex-

press our heartfelt condolences to all the bereaving families and friends. Kind-

ly uphold the bereaving families in our prayers.

Mrs. Annamma John, 84 years old, mother of Mrs. Mary Kuriakose w/o Mr. Kurakose Thottiyil ID 301 and grandmother of Sheba Luke ID 217 of Horeb Prayer Group, called to eternal rest on July 11, 2020 at Kottayam.

Mrs. Mariamma Isac, 100 years, mother of our beloved Dr. Isaac Mar Philox-enos Triumeni, called to eternal rest @ Mavelikara. Funeral Service was held on July 22nd at Cherukole Mar Thoma Church, Mavelikara.



Please remember to Pay!

We can pay either by Check or utilize on-line Method. Paying by Check Make Check payable to “IMTC” and send the check address to:

The Vicar Immanuel Mar Thoma Church 10212 Fountain Gate Dr Stafford, Texas 77477.

On-line Payment:

We can choose one of the following on-line methods to pay church dues:

From your Bank account: Pay Bills; add a new recipient/biller - Immanuel Mar Thoma Church, 12803 Sugar Ridge Blvd., Stafford, Texas 77477, Tel: 713 330 5299. Once the payee is added; click pay and schedule a payment for whatever amount and date you wish to pay. On the reference area please mention your church ID Number and description (annual contribution, donation, birthday…etc.). Finally click Pay this bill. Your bank will automatically send a check to our church on the scheduled date completely free of charge.

Pay Directly to the Church Account Automated transfers from your bank account to church account. Bank Name: TrustMark Account number: 3000153957 Routing number: 065300279 Pay using Paypal Account PayPal @ https://www.paypal.com/us/home; Log-in to your PayPal account, click send and type in our email: [email protected]

Please contact IMC Trustees @ 713-855-7078 / 832-205-6860 for any questions or clarifications.

“Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7

https://www.paypal.com/us/home

mailto:[email protected]



2020 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OFFICE BEARERS

Vicar Rev. Abraham Varghese 713.330.5299

Assistant Vicar Rev. Saji Albin 832.876.4281

Vice President Mr. K.K. John 713.408.0865

Secretary Mr. M.G. Philip 713.385.2355

Treasurer Mr. T.V. Mathew 281.499.7414

Accountant Mr. Mathews Varghese 832.205.6860

Lay Leader (Malayalam) Mr. Koshy Thekkethundiyil 832.567.2498

Lay Leader (English) Mr. Alan P. John 832.877.6873

AREA REPRESENTATIVES

Bethel Mr. Shaji Jacob 832.580.4141

Bethlehem Mr. Christopher George 832.851.3597

Carmel Mrs. Mariamma Oommen 281.734.7093

Ebenezer Mr. Jojy John 832.526.6200

Hebron Mr. John Varghese 832.938.8664

Horeb Mr. Vinu Jacob Mathews 713.922.0785

Jerusalem Mr. Vinod Abraham 832.904.9102

Salem Mr. Jose P. George 832.754.9204

Sehion Mr. Kurian George 281.750.2187

Sharon Mr. Thomas Thyparampil 832.640.1218

Sinai Mr. Sajeev G. Kutty 248.635.6811

Tabor Mr. John Varghese 281.746.0005

CHURCH ORGANIZATION REPRESENTATIVES

Choir Mr.Shibu John 281.236.4121

Edavaka Mission Mr. Reji K. Varughese 281.650.9630

Senior Citizen Mrs. Sara Philip 281.889.8566

Sunday School Mrs. Anitha Mathew 281.691.4922

Sevika Sanghom Mrs. Alice Thomas 713.835.8899

Youth Fellowship Mr. Abhishek V. George 832.868-8259

Yuvajana Sakhyam Mr. Binu Pappachan 405.922.5716

Young Family Fellowship Mr. Smijo Mathew 832.374.9593

DIOCESAN ASSEMBLY & MANDALAM MEMBERS

Diocesan Assembly Mrs. Ani Joji 281.716.0371

Diocesan Assembly Mr. Rajan Daniel 832.628.5481

Diocesan Assembly Mr. Isac Thomas 832.754.3631

Sabha Mandalam Mr. M.A. Varghese 281.541.5673



Vicar:

Rev. Abraham Varghese 10212 Fountain Gate Dr Stafford, TX 77477 Home: 281.561.9147 Cell: 713.330.5299 [email protected] [email protected]

Assistant Vicar:

Rev. Saji Albin 4235 Custer Creek Dr

Missouri City, TX 77459 Home: 832.539.6893

Cell: 832.876.4281 [email protected]

Newly installed Suffragan Metropolitan

Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius

(This newsletter is for private circulation only)

Published by M.G. Philip, Secretary

For and on behalf of Immanuel Mar Thoma Church, Houston

Cell: 713.385.2355, email: [email protected]

newsletter august 2020 · 2020. 8. 9. · newsletter august 2020 from the asst vicar’s desk...

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