Newsletter December 2020 · 2020. 12. 6. · Benzy Thomas Peter V. John Gia Isabelle Abraham...

2 Immanuel Mar Thoma Church

Newsletter December 2020

From the Vicar’s Desk

Dearly beloved in Christ,

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11

Dearly beloved Immanuel Family,

We have arrived in the last month of the strangest year in most of our lives. Little, if anything, has been normal this year. It is already certain that Christmas won’t be normal either. And yet, God intervenes in the normal, and the unusual, to make them wondrous.

God sent his Son to be born, not in a sanitized, cutesy little stable warmed by the bodies of freshly washed, fragrant smelling animals. It was a manger with foul smell and unclean surroundings. Mary was called to be the mother of the Savior, but God did not save her from the stigma of being pregnant without the benefit of marriage. This birth took place far away from family and friends, and it happened under awful con-ditions. God intervenes in the unusual, to make it wondrous. That is the specialty of Christmas.

On that starry night, shepherds were grazing their sheep at night. That was normal at sometimes of the year, unusual at others. Whichever it was in this case, God made it wondrous when the angel appeared and told them, “unto you is born a Savior.” The heavenly choir sings the first carol for the shepherds, which is unusual for them. “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” God intervenes in the normal, and the unusual, to make it won-drous and unique.

During this Pandemic, everything seems to be unusual, even Christmas. But God can turn these unusual into wondrous and joyful. Just as the angels said these words to the shepherds, so we should listen to them today: “Do not be afraid; for see — I am bringing you good news of great joy for all people; to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Christmas is God’s presence and promise. God is present with us in the midst of the chaos and calamities of this world. Christmas is God’s invitation to accept God’s peace, which is called, Sha-lom and to become peace-makers in this world.



From the Vicar’s Desk…... Cont’d

Last month we experienced God’s intervention during the surgery of our Saji Achen. As Immanuel family we together prayed for Achen. God was gracious and heard our cry. Achen is coming back to normal and needs one more procedure, which will be in two week’s time. I thank everyone who supported and prayed for Achen during this difficult time.

This year we will not be able to visit everyone’s house at Christmas. We are planning to have the spirit of the house to house caroling on Decem-ber 20, 2020. The carol team will be singing the carols and it will be broadcasted via zoom. We need everyone’s participation. Christmas eve also will be held via zoom on December 24

th. We will have a special year-

end retreat on December 29 & 30th which will be in English. Rev. Prince

Varghese Madathileth, a vibrant young Achen will be the main speaker for the retreat. On December 31

st watch night service will be held from

9.30 pm via Zoom.

God does not provide us with the road maps for the New Year, but God offers God’s companionship in our journey of life and faith. It is when we have a firm grip on this companion’s never-wavering hands, that we will be able to take a leap into an unknown new year.

Let our hearts be light and our days be merry and bright this Christmas season.

May Immanuel be with you all.

Servant in Christ,

Anu Achen

Merry Christmas

&

Happy New Year



WORSHIP SCHEDULES (DECEMBER 2020)

Church Services can be viewed thru YouTube. YouTube can be assessed from

church website www.immanuelmtc.org

6-Dec 10:30 AM

(Birth of John the Bap-

tist)

Malayalam Service

1st Lesson:

2nd Lesson:

Epistle:

Gospel:

Isa 55:6-13

Heb 4:1-13

Gal 1:11-17

Luke 1:57-66

13-Dec 10:30 AM

(Annunciation to Jo-

seph)

English Service

1st Lesson:

2nd Lesson:

Epistle:

Gospel:

Zeph 3:14-20

Rom 1:5-16

Phil 4:4-10

Matt 1:18-23

20-Dec 10:30 AM

(Our Lord is Coming –

Sunday before Christ-

mas)

Malayalam Holy Communion

Service

1st Lesson:

2nd Lesson:

Epistle:

Gospel:

Mic 4:1-7

1John 4:7-21

Rom 1:8-17

John 1:1-14

25-Dec 9:00 AM

(The Birth of our Lord )

English Holy Communion

Service

1st Lesson:

2nd Lesson:

Epistle:

Gospel:

Mic 5:1-9

Col 1:13-20

Gal 4:1-7

Luke 2:1-14

27-Dec 10:30 AM

(Joyful Expectation of

Christ’s Coming)


Service

1st Lesson:

2nd Lesson:

Epistle:

Gospel:

Mal 3:13-18, 4:1

-2

Acts 1:6-11

1Thess 4:13-18

Mark 13:28-37

31-Dec 9:30 PM

(Year Ending – Watch

Night Service )


Service

1st Lesson:

2nd Lesson:

Epistle:

Gospel:

1Sam 7:5-17

1Pet 5:6-11

Heb 13:7-11

Luke 12:22-34



DECEMBER WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

Date Name ID # 11-Dec-20 Mr. & Mrs. Riju Kuruvilla 642

14-Dec-20 Mr. & Mrs. Regi C. Pappachan 588

15-Dec-20 Mr. & Mrs. Aju Abraham John 455

Mr. & Mrs. Jijo C. Abraham 566

17-Dec-20 Mr. & Mrs. Mathew Zachariah 165

19-Dec-20 Mr. & Mrs. Roy Thomas 618

21-Dec-20 Mr. & Mrs. Raju John 296

Mr. & Mrs. Robin Mathew Thomas 435

22-Dec-20 Mr. & Mrs. Monzy Mathews Anaghan 585

23-Dec-20 Mr. & Mrs. Thomas V. Cheriyan 567

25-Dec-20 Mr. & Mrs. Gigi V. Mannil 409

26-Dec-20

Mr. & Mrs. Jim Sam Green 591

Mr. & Mrs. Koshy Samuel 356

Mr. & Mrs. Vilu K. Varghese 547

27-Dec-20

Mr. & Mrs. Ajay Thomas 276

Mr. & Mrs. Prasanth K Krasta 429

Mr. & Mrs. Shiju T. Abraham 615

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Daniel 497

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas V. Mathew 128

Mr. & Mrs. V. C. Abraham 643

Mr. & Mrs. Varghese Kunchacko 433

28-Dec-20 Mr. & Mrs. Jacob John 391

29-Dec-20 Mr. & Mrs. Abraham Philip 155

30-Dec-20

Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Thomas 121

Mr. & Mrs. Oommen Zachariah 252

Mr. & Mrs. Reji Eappen 402

Mr. & Mrs. Varghese K. Oommen 264

Mr. & Mrs. Varghese Rajesh 647

31-Dec-20

Mr. & Mrs. Aby Joy 330

Mr. & Mrs. Jacob John 390

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas P. John 437



DATES TO REMEMBER

Dec 20 @ 6:30 pm House to House Carol Singing

Dec 24 @ 6:30 pm Christmas Eve Program

Dec 29 & 30 @ 7:00 pm Year End Retreat (English)

Dc 31 @ 9:30 pm Year End Retreat & Watch night

HOUSE TO HOUSE CAROLING

This year we will not be able to visit everyone’s house at Christmas. We are planning to have the spirit of the house to house caroling on Decem-ber 20, 2020. The carol team will be singing the carols and it will be broadcasted via zoom. We need everyone’s participation.

CHRISTMAS EVE PROGRAM

Christmas eve also will be held via zoom on December 24th

@6:30 pm. English and Malayalam Choirs will perform on December 24th. Sunday School play will be also telecasted.

YEAR END RETREAT

We will have a special year-end retreat on December 29 & 30

th which will be in English. Rev. Prince Varghe-

se Madathileth, a vibrant young Achen will be the main speaker for the retreat.

Rev. Prince Varghese

Madathilet

On December 31st watch night service will

be held from 9.30 pm via Zoom



DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS

B-Day Name

1-Dec-20

Aleena Koshy

Andrew Ajit Koshy

Annamma M. G.

Daisy Varghese

Darly Sam

Elizabeth Benni

Fiji C. George

Hanah Liz George

Jessy Jacob Sam

Juliet S. Abraham

Mathew Varghese

Saramma Thomas

Thankachan N. Samuel

Thomas Mathew

Thomas Thyparampil

2-Dec-20

Jessy Thomas

Marykutty Varghese

Sheril Mathai

Shiju T. Abraham

Susan Thomas

3-Dec-20

Benzy Thomas

Gia Isabelle Abraham

Isabella Marie Eype

Sandy Eapen

Sreya Varghese

Sunila Abraham

4-Dec-20 Jomon Kurian Thomas

Mikhael Mathew Karikottu

5-Dec-20

Abraham Mathai

Alexander Samuel

Sheen Reni Kavalayil

Victor Varghese

Zachariah T. Kalathoor

Zaryan Mathew Sibin

6-Dec-20

Binu Pappachan

John G Mathai

Mariamma Chandy

Nevin Abraham

B-Day Name

7-Dec-20

Binson B Thomas

Dancy John

George Eapen

Reenu Sara Mathew

Siby Mathew baby

8-Dec-20

Lisa Mathew

Pamela Abraham

Princy Prasad

9-Dec-20

Alina Varkey

Reena Joe Varghese

Robin Thomas

Shirin Mathai

Teena M. Samuel

10-Dec-20 Jiana Saira Kuruvilla

11-Dec-20

Jacob Sam

Kurian Varghese

V.M. Georgekutty

12-Dec-20

Aaron S. George

Johnson G. Varughese

Noah Alex

Peter V. John

Robby T. George

Sumy Jacob

13-Dec-20

Aaden James Abraham

Alexander Bennykutty

Geethu Angel Jacob

14-Dec-20

Jacob K. Chacko

Melvin M. Philip

Shan M. Prem

Sherly Philip

15-Dec-20

Aashna Susan Varkey

Amit John Joseph

Justin J. Mathew

Leena Riju Kuruvilla

Mathew Arun Thomas

16-Dec-20

Christopher George

Dr. Sajan K. Eapen

Jeff Abraham



DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS

B-Day Name

16-Dec-20

Mohan John Thomas

Sherin Ann Thomas

Thomas Abraham

17-Dec-20

Ashley Merin Sam

Binsu Oommen

Dr. Jessy Skaria

Dr. Leenu Mary Abrahan

Dr. Ronnie Abraham

Jarren Chacko

John Joshy

Lally Thomas

Nimmy Mathew Abraham

Reni P Raju

Saramma M. Philip

Sophia A. James

18-Dec-20 Dona E. Varghese

Vinson Thomas

19-Dec-20

Joel J. Eapen

V.C. Abraham

Vivek Samuel

20-Dec-20

Justin Thomas

Mullasaril Abraham Joseph

Serah Sabu

Shoba Sara Mathew

21-Dec-20 K.John Abraham

Tinish Thomas

22-Dec-20 David Mathew George

Mathews K. Alexander

23-Dec-20

Mathew Jacob

Rev. Abraham Varghese

Sam M. George

Samuel K. George

24-Dec-20

Abraham Joseph

Aida Mary George

Carol A. George

Dr. Anish G. Mammen

Maya Grace Eype

25-Dec-20 Jeena Saji

B-Day Name

25-Dec-20

John Jesson

Joshni M. John

Leny E. Keerikkattu

26-Dec-20

Binoy Puthenmadathil

Donia Ann Kurian

Joseph Joseph

Mathew Mammen

Sion Samuel Alexander

Sonia Babu

27-Dec-20

Aaron Thomas Samuel

Arianna Ann Thomas

Dr. Anju Chacko

Mila Ann Mathew

Reeba Elizabeth George

Reju Eapen

Soumya Mariam Oommen

Stacy Thomas

Thomas V. Cheriyan

Tom Mathew

28-Dec-20

Binta C. Varghese

Biya Aleena Mathew

Manoj Abe Varghese

Shobid Varghese

29-Dec-20

Elizabeth Cherian

Justin K. Varghese

Thomas John

30-Dec-20

Ashley M. Jacob

Crisvin T. Sajee

Ethan Eapen Titus

Maggie Thomas Koshy

Princey Terish Mathew

Sherry S. Mathew

31-Dec-20

Abigail Varghese

Bibin Abraham Thomas

Joel Zachariah Kalathoor

Layla Susan Cherian

Sheba A. Mathew

Thakadiyil V. Mathew



BIBLE QUIZ FOR DECEMBER 2020 Bible portion taken from Judges 10 to 21 chapters: 1. Name the Judge who tore his clothes? 2. "You are sterile and childless, but you are going to conceive and have a son" who

told to whom? 3. Who nagged and prodded Samson to reveal the secret of his great strength? 4. What did Samson ask God in his final prayer? 5. Name the Judge who had 30 sons and 30 daughters and all married outside of his

clan? Answers for November Bible Quiz Judges 1 to 10 chapters 1. 1:2-3, 2. 3:15, 3. 4:18-19, 4. 10:4, 5. 6:24

GENERAL BODY NOTICE OF IMMANUEL MTC EDAVAKA MISSION

A general body of the Immanuel Mar Thoma Church Edavaka Mission will be held through ZOOM platform on Thursday, December 17

th, 2020 after the regular prayer

meeting to transact the following agenda. AGENDA

1. Election of office bearers for the year 2021

Vice President Secretary Treasurer Auditor Committee members 2. Audited account for the South West Region Conference

3. Any other business with the permission of the chair

The annual meeting of the Diocesan Assembly of the Diocese of North America

and Europe of the Mar Thoma Church is scheduled to be held at the Carmel

Mar Thoma Center. Atlanta on Saturday, December 12, 2020 from 10:00 am to

2:00 pm. Arrangements also will be made to attend the meeting via Zoom for

members who can not attend the meeting in person due to covid 19 pandemic.



Immanuel Middle Age Family Fellowship (IMAFF)

The Immanuel Middle Age Family Fellowship (IMAFF) will have the next meeting on

December 27 at 7 pm on the Church Zoom Platform. During this meeting 2021 office

bearers will be selected.

IMAFF soliciting generous donation for their year-end mission drive to support following

organizations:

1. Dharma Jyothi Vidya Peeth. This is an education organization which trains

layman and missionaries for Evangelism in Delhi and surrounding areas. The or-

ganization is part of the Mar Thoma Educational Society. However the funding for

Faculty Members and Students are via donation and charitable contributions for

the Member Churches from different parts of the world. Here is the breakup of the

immediate needs for the institution. Faculty Members Sponsorship 2.5 Lakh Ru-

pees ($ 3,400.00) per year. Student Sponsorship 60,000 Rupees ($ 820.00) Per

Year.

2. Mar Thoma Evangelistic Association, Thiruvalla. Due to covid-19 there is phenom-

enal income drop and has requested contribution to assist in the Evangelistic work

all over India.

Checks or EFT via Zelle can be paid to Immanuel Mar Thoma Church. Ref. Dharma-

jyoty/MTEA.

Sevika Sanghom A general body of the Immanuel Mar Thoma Church Sevika Sanghom will be held through ZOOM platform on Saturday, December 12th, 2020 @5:00 pm to transact the following agenda. AGENDA

1. Election of office bearers for the year 2021

Vice President Secretary Treasurer Auditor Area Committee members

2. Any other business with the permission of the chair



ORGANIZATION ANNOUNCEMENTS Morning Prayer (Monday—Friday)

5:45 am—6:15 am

Prayer Meeting Saturday 7:30 pm

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

Young Family Fellowship (YFF) Monthly YFF meeting - December 19, 2020 Saturday @ 6:30 pm

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

Edavaka Mission Meeting – Every Thursday @7:30 pm

Senior Fellowship December 5, Saturday - 10:00 am

Sevika Sanghom December 12 & 19, Saturday – 9:30 am

Immanuel Middle Aged Family Fellowship (IMAFF)

Monthly IMAFF meeting - December 27, 2020 Sunday @ 7:00 pm

All meetings listed above will be conducted in Zoom Platform

ZOOM ID: 799 998 2537

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT

Saleh Rose Varghese, baby girl, born to Arun &Sharon, ID # 221 of Sharon prayer Group on Nov 4. Congratulations to Arun &Sharon and grandparents Mrs. & Mr. Joseph Varghese.

Leah Ann Grace Luke, born on to Jibin & Sheba Luke ID 217 of Horeb Prayer Group on Nov 2nd. Congratulations to Jibin & Sheba and grand parents Mr. & Mrs. Thankachen Lukose ID 217 and Mr & Mrs. Ku-rakose Thottiyil ID 301.

Evelyn Peyton Philip, baby girl born to Dr. Cindy Jacob & Richard Phil-ip ID 504 on Nov 14. Congratulations to Cindy & Richard and also the grandparents Mr. & Mrs. Chacko Jacob.



REMEMBER we are in the last month of 2020 Payment Option: As we approach the financial year ending your committed giving is important to keep our operations and ministries running and to accomplish our vision for His kingdom. After all, it is your personal statement of faith that God has His hand on the work of the church, that He will always provide, and will bless your commitment. At this time a special request to all our beloved members to please consider your generous contribution towards 1day income and Christmas collection which is our major source of loan payment for Immanuel Center and we have a personal loan balance to be paid off. As you all aware by now we have moved our bank accounts to from Trust mark to Bank of America in order to satisfy banking needs of our Church in a better way especially during this time of social distancing.

Traditional: Mail checks to; Immanuel Mar Thoma Church, 12803 Sugar Ridge Blvd., Stafford, Texas 77477 On-line: Zelle Transfer: Immanuel Mar Thoma Church; [email protected]; On the reference area please mention your ID # and description of payment i.e. annual contribution, One day in-come, Christmas donation, birthday…etc.. Online Checks: Your Bank account; Pay Bills; add a new payee - Im-manuel 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 contri-bution, One day income, Christmas donation, birthday…etc.). Finally click Pay this bill. Automated transfers from your bank account to church account. Bank Name: Bank of America Account number: 586038835305 Routing number: 111000025 PayPal @ https://www.paypal.com/us/home; Login to your PayPal account, Click send and type in our email: [email protected]

Please contact IMC Trustees T.V. Mathew @ 7138557078/Mathews Varghese @ 8322056860 for any clarifications.

mailto:[email protected]://www.paypal.com/us/homemailto:[email protected]

Immanuel Mar Thoma Church


Condolences

Ms Rasala Jacob, 69 years old, father’s sister of Rev. Saji Albi, Asst. Vicar of Immanuel Mar Thoma Church, has taken into heavenly abode on Nov 19 at Calcutta, India.

Mrs. Aleyamma Koshy, 96 years old, mother of our member Mr. Koshy Samuel (Sabha Council Member) ID 356 of Sehion Prayer Group taken to eternal rest at Punnacadu, Kerala.

Mrs. Annamma John, 74 years old, mother in law of Mr. Saji John ID 297 of Sharon Prayer Group, called to eternal rest at Othera, Kerala.

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

ston express our heartfelt condolences to all the bereaving families and

friends. Kindly uphold the bereaving families in our prayers.



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

Immanuel Mar Thoma Church


Newsletter December 2020 · 2020. 12. 6. · Benzy Thomas Peter V. John Gia Isabelle Abraham...

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