Rev. Dr. Alex Thomas (Vicar)No. 2, Banaswadi Road, Bengaluru -560 033Tel: 25479408 (Res.), 25488188 (Office)Mob: 9916880041E-mail: athomasachen@gmail.com

Rev. John P. Varghese (Asst. Vicar)Flat No. 102, Sri Narida Apt., Bens Satya Enclave,

Geddelahalli, Hennur Main Road, Bengaluru 560 043Mob: 9611459832

E-mail: johnpvarghees@gmail.com

PARISH HERALDJanuary - March 2015

e-mail: bemtchurch@gmail.com, parishherald@gmail.comWebsite: www.bemtc.org

Harvest Festival&

Parish Day

From the Vicar’s Desk...Dearly beloved in Christ,We are blessed with another new year. Let us thank God for the blessingsthat our good Lord has showered on our parish and on our individuallives. I thank you all for your overwhelming support and prayer for theparish activities last year. I request your continued prayers and supportfor the various activities of our church.As the number of members in our church is growing day by day, weshould make a deliberate attempt to know each other and we can dothis by participating in the activities of the parish thereby strengtheningour fellowship with one another. One way to foster our fellowship is tostrengthen our area prayer meetings. I urge you to open your houses forarea prayer meetings and to ensure that all are attending the prayermeetings regularly. We also need more participation in the activities ofthe parish organizations like the Youth meetings, Sevika Sanghammeetings etc.We should also be thankful to God for our church and its rich traditionsand practices. We should take deliberate attempt to instill in our younggeneration an interest in participating in the church worship servicesand to encourage them to participate actively in the parish activities.Recently I read an illustration about a family which was on its wayhome from the church. The father was criticizing the sermon, the motherwas finding fault with the choir, and the sister was running down theorganist. They all quieted down in a hurry when little Jimmy said. “Ithought it was a pretty good show for a dime.” This should never happento us. The parents should properly introduce to the young ones ourtraditions and instill in them high opinion of our parish.On January 11th we will have the Harvest festival and on March 22nd

the Parish Day. I solicit your prayerful support to make our HarvestFestival and Parish Day celebrations an occasion to renew ourfellowship and an occasion to thank God for his unconditional loveand abundant grace. I wish you all a prosperous and blessed NewYear. May God bless you all!

Alex Achen25th December, 2014

2

3

Harvest Festival - A NostalgiaWhenever we reflect about Harvest Festival, we are reminded of its connection tothe Old Testament era, when God gave clear instructions to the people of Israel tobring the first fruits from their farm and first harvest of all their labour to theTemple. This constituted the chief source of income for the maintenance of thetemple and its ministers/priest from the tribe of the Levites. There were severalfestivals celebrated by the tribes of Israel and all of them involved making offeringsto God.Some of these traditions have been adapted by the Eastern churches from theirinception. Our church is no exception and has also adopted these traditions asa source of income for its Gospel work. As I look back across my own experienceas a member of this parish, I clearly recall the way we used to carry agriculturalproduce to our parish as thanks giving and the parish used to sell or auctionthese items to generate funds for its maintenance.Here at Bangalore East Mar Thoma Parish, the Harvest Festival collection wasone of the main sources of funds for its social welfare activities such as Housefor Houseless, education aid, etc. Ours being a small community back then, ourfounder members were actively involved in this programme. The preparationsused to start 2-3 months early so as to ensure we achieved a good result. Whenthinking about our Harvest Festival, I am flooded by memories of our eminentfounding members, most of them now resting in their heavenly abode. Wecannot forget any one, but some of the stars keep flashing through the mindmore often: C.T.Philips, Dr. C.T. Mathews, Johnnychayan, A.C. Alexander, M.V.Alexander, C.C. Alexander, Abraham C. John, M.M. Mathai, C.E. Mathai, E. J.George, P.V. George, M.M. Thomas Sr. P.M. Cherian, Abraham Vargis V., K.A.Thomas, T.T. Daniel, Koshy Parakal, Dr. K.T. Abraham and many more. They haveall gone ahead of us into glory but their legacies are our treasure today.The Sevika Sangham also was actively involved in the Harvest Festival Breakfastsale and a wonder-full team was behind it, Late Thankakochamma, ThankamZaachariah, Grace Costa, Chinnamma aunty, Anna Varghese KL were amongthe leaders. Many who were very actively involved members of Sevika Sangham,are in now their old age and unable to participate as before but they are our greatmotivators and are stil l young in spirit. We are now blessed with the pioneersMrs. Annamma Philips, Col. Susy Chacko, Mrs. Aleyamma Koshy, Mrs. MaryKurien, Mrs. Saramma George, Mrs. Annamma Abraham and many more, toonumerous to mention in this brief piece. But we all know who they are and valuethem dearly.Enthused with the spirit of our past and present leaders, we are going to celebrateHarvest Festival 2015 on 11th January 2015 with a commitment to the un-reachedin our society. Let us participate wholeheartedly in this venture and make it a bigsuccess. The Vicars, Executive Committee and Conveners of Harvest FestivalCommittee cordially invite all the parish members and family to prayerfully attendthe event. May the Lord of the Harvest use this occasion to bring a rich harvest oftransformation in the l ives of our struggl ing brothers, sisters and neighbours.Looking forward to seeing you at the Harvest Festival!

John Thomas I.

Parish : Every Sunday at 8.15 a.m.STC : Every Sunday at 7.30 a.m.

except on 1st & 3rd Sunday at 8.30 a.m.

SUNDAY SCHOOL

EDAVAKA MISSION

Intercessory Prayer : Every Wednesday at 10.30 a.m. at ChurchSwanthana & PalanaFellowship & House Visit : Every Friday at 10.00 a.m. onwardsBible Study : Every Thursday at 4.15 p.m. at Church

YUVAJANA SAKHYAMSunday : After 9.30 a.m. Holy Communion

CHOIRSaturday: Choir practice session in the Church during evening.

SEVIKA SANGAMEvery Friday at 4.30 p.m.

Jan. 9th 10.30 am. - Mrs. Lissy Philip, 26, 7th A Cross, New No. 48,Raghavappa Road, Jaibharath Nagar, Blr -33. Ph: 25462406, 9740561954Jan. 23rd 4.30 pm. - Mrs. Ammukkutty Varghese,#M6, MA Cottage, CrossRd, Kammanahalli Main Road, Blr-84 Ph: 25460943, 9343789421LENT PRAYER - 10.30 am at Church at every Saturday - Feb. & MarchFeb. 21st to Mar. 27th - A, B, C&D, E1, E2, F Groups

4

WIDOWS FELLOWSHIPEvery IVth Thursday at 10.30 a.m.

OUR WORSHIP SCHEDULEHoly Qurbana 7.00 a.m Holy Qurbana 9.30 a.m

1st Sunday STC (Mal) Parish (Mal)2nd Sunday Parish (Eng) Parish (Mal)3rd Sunday STC (Mal) Parish (Eng)4th Sunday Parish (Eng) Parish (Mal)5th Sunday ................ Parish (Divine Service Mal)

5

SPECIAL PROGRAMMES

Jan. 1 Parsonage Dedication - 4.30 pm.Jan. 11 Harvest Festival - 7.30 am.Jan. 15-17 Diocesan ConventionJan. 18 Marthoma Centre Anniversary - BeerasandraJan. 26 KNS AnniversaryFeb. 8-15 Maramon ConventionFeb. 15 The Great Lent beginsMar. 1 Sivanapuram Mission AnniversaryMar. 22 Parish Day & Dedication of First Communicants -

8.30 am.Mar. 27 40th Friday - Holy Qurbana - 8.00 am.Mar. 29 Palm Sunday - Hosanna Service - 9.00 am.Mar. 30 to April 5th - Passion WeekApr. 5 Easter Service - 7 am.

One Day Income Collection&

Harvest Festivalon 11th January 2015

Holy Qurbana : 7.30 a.m.Breakfast Sale : 9.30 a.m.Auction starts : 10.00 a.m.Fellowship Lunch : 1.00 p.m.Auction Continues : 1.30 p.m.

Date Service Assisted by Read by Reading

WORSHIP SERVICE SCHEDULE

2015 Less. 1&2Jan. 4 Isa. 61:1-117 am Holy Communion (Mal.) K. M. Varghese (F) Godly Abraham (F) Rev. 5:1-10

(St. Thomas Centre) Mani K. Abraham (F) Jessy Varughese (F) EpistleActs.27:18-26

9.30 am Holy Communion (Mal.) N.T.Easo (A) Bina Sabu (A) Gospel(Church) Cherian Thomas Jr.(F) Thomas Samuel St .Luke4:16-21

Less. 1&2Jan. 11 HARVEST FESTIVAL Prov.20:1-117.30 am Holy Communion (Mal.) Abraham Sam Rom.6:12-21

(Church) K. M. Cherian EpistleGal. 5:16-24GospelSt. Mat.7:15-23Less. 1&2

Jan. 18 ECUMENICAL SUNDAY Num. 11:23-307 a.m. Holy Communion (Mal.) John Philip (E1) M.P. John (F) 1John 3:1-11

(St. Thomas Centre) Aju (F) Kripa Ann Binny (F) EpistleSajan Mathai (C) Eph. 4:1-10

9.30 a.m. Holy Communion (Eng.) Nikhil Varghese (C) Elsa Mathew Gospel(Church) Danish George Eben Sam Mathew St.Joh. 10:7-18

Less. 1&2Jan. 25 Gen. 18:19-337 a.m. Holy Communion (Eng.) Ani Alex (A) Jerusha Joshua 1Pet. 4:7-15

(Church) Rohan (E1) Wesly EpistleJam. 5:13-18

9.30 a.m. Holy Communion (Mal.) Thomas Joseph (A) Gifty Mary Thomas (A) Gospel(Church) Philomon (UTC) George Varughese (Petra)St. Mat. 6:1-9

Less. 1&2Feb. 1 MEDICAL MISSION SUNDAY Job 42:1-127 a.m. Holy Communion (Mal.) K. J. Varughese (A) Sony Varughese (E1) Rev. 22:1-5

(St. Thomas Centre) Nidhin Baby (E1) Jincy Thankachan Epistle2Cor. 12:1-10

9.30 a.m. Holy Communion (Mal.) George Varughese (UTC)Rachel Jayan Gospel(Church) Sonu Varghese Alex Thomas St. John 5:1-9

Less. 1&2Feb. 8 MARAMON CONV. BEGINS Gen. 1:24-317 a.m. Holy Communion (Eng.) Nishu Alex (A) Megha Alex Acts. 10:9-16

(Church) Johnnathan (E1) Aaron Alex EpistleEph. 1:3-14

9.30 a.m. Holy Communion (Mal.) K.M. Varghese (F) Beena Jacob (C) Gospel(Church) John Philip (E1) Joseph Philip (B) St.Luke 18:31-34

Less. 1&2Feb. 15 GREAT LENT BEGINS Gen.45:1-157 a.m. Holy Communion (Eng.) Binoy Abraham (F) Ashish Philip Benjamin (F) Eph. 2:11-22

(St. Thomas Centre) Thankachan (E1) Sherly John (F) Epistle2Cor. 5:16-21

9.30 a.m. Holy Communion (Eng.) Sunny Jacob (E2) Nidhi Gospel(Church) Ani Alex (A) Thomas Samuel St. John 2:1-11

6

WORSHIP SERVICE SCHEDULE

Date Service Assisted by Read by Reading2015Feb. 22 Less. 1&27 a.m. Holy Communion (Eng.) Melvin (B) Dia Joy 2King 5:1-10

(Church) Johnnathan (C) Nithin Kurian Heb. 13: 7-17Epistle

9.30 a.m. Holy Communion (Mal.) Shiji Varghese (F) Rebecca Alexander (C) Rom. 15:7-13(Church) Kunjuvarghese (A) Johnathan Koshy (A) Gospel

St. Mat. 8:1-4Mar. 1 Less. 1&27 a.m. Holy Communion (Mal.) K.J. Varghese (A) John Mathew (F) 2King 4:1-7

(St. Thomas Centre) Aju (F) Sara Kurien (E1) Acts 5:12-16Epistle

9.30 a.m. Holy Communion (Mal.) Ani Alex (A) Santhamma Baby (E1) Heb. 11:1-12(Church) Philomon (UTC) Joel Philip Saji (A) Gospel

St.Luke 5:17-26Mar. 8 Less. 1&27 a.m. Holy Communion (Eng.) Naveen Tom (B) Kavya Jacob 2King20:1-10

(Church) Nikhil Varghese (C) Derin 1Thes. 5:12-22Epistle

9.30 a.m. Holy Communion (Mal.) Manoj Oommen Nidhi Samuel Jud. 1:17-23(Church) Abraham Sam Thankachan (E1) Gospel

St.Mark 7:24-30Mar. 15 Less. 1&27 a.m. Holy Communion (Mal.) Mani K. Abraham Thomas Cherian (F) Exo. 3:11-18

(St. Thomas Centre) Thankachan Sicily Kurien (E1) Rev. 14:1-7Epistle

9.30 a.m. Holy Communion (Eng.) Sunny Jacob (E2) Angila Molly Thomas Acts. 16:25-34(Church) Melvin (B) Abel Thomas Gospel

St.Luke 13:10-17Mar . 22 Less. 1&2

PARISH DAY Deu. 18:15-228.30 a.m. Holy Communion (Mal.) George Varughese (UTC)Litty Mary Thomas (A) 1Pet. 4:12-19

(Church) K.M. Cherian (C) Nishu Alex (A) Epistle2Cor. 1:3-11GospelSt.Luke 18:35-43Less. 1&2

Mar . 27 40th FRIDAY Num. 21:1-98.00 a.m. Holy Communion (Mal.) Heb. 12:1-13

(Church) Epistle1Pet. 1:13-22GospelSt. Mat. 4:1-11

Mar. 29 HOSANNA Less. 1&29.00 a.m. Holy Communion (Mal.) Thomas Joseph (A) Pritina Elizabeth Viju (C) Isa. 56:1-8

(Church) Mani K. Abraham (F) Jeny Jose 1Cor. 3:16-23Epistle2Cor. 6:11-17GospelSt.Mat. 21:1-17

7

COTTAGE PRAYERS

8

GROUP - C

Jan. 18 4 pm Mrs. Aleyamma No. 6/2, New No.12, North Road, Thomas Cooke Town, Bangalore 560084.

Tel: 25468504, 9739835979

Feb. 1 4 pm Mr. George Thomas 49, D’Costa Layout, Cooke Town,Bangalore-85 Tel: 258005169945748557

Mar. 29 5 pm Mr. Varghese 43, D-Costa Layout, 2nd Cross, Alexander St. Marys Town, Bangalore 560084.

Tel: 25479457, 9381322307

GROUP - BFeb. 22 5.30 pm Mr. Daniel Mathew No. 33, 7th Cross, Jaibharath Nagar,

Bangalore 560033. Tel: 254799499980945724

Mar. 3 5.30 pm Mr. Abraham No. 343, 6th Cross, Jai Jawan Nagar,Thomas(Ex.H/Capt.) Subbanapalaya, MS Nagar P.O.,

Bangalore 560 033 Tel: 9916511392

Mar. 22 5.30 pm Mr. Jacob John No. 3, J.C.Os Colony, 3rd Cross,Vivekananda Nagar, Bangalore -33.Tel: 25462470

Jan. 4 6 pm Lt. Col K. C. Thomas H.No.59, K.K. Villa, Sena Vihar,(Christmas & Kammanahalli Main Rd.,New Year Fellowship) Bangalore 560043. Tel: 25458919

9448011552Feb. 1 6 pm Mr. Saji Philip D- 446, Jalvayu Vihar, Kalyan Nagar,

Bangalore 560 043 Tel: 236824469880703083, 8035091887

Feb. 22 6 pm Mr. Thomas Joseph #37A, Eden Villa, 2nd Block, 3rd(Kochumon) Cross, Behind BDA Complex,

HBR Layout, Bangalore 560043Tel: 25432907, 9880514022

GROUP - A

"We have two ears but only one mouth

so that we may hear more and speak less"Zeno

9

GROUP - DJan. 25 4 pm Mrs. Rachel John 101 Cline Mansion, 15/1 Cline Road,

Cooke Town, Bangalore 560005.Tel: 41251232, 9845736664

Feb. 1 4 pm Mr. Thomas Simon T1-Petra Radiance, Kathalipalya MainRoad, Bangalore-38 Tel: 9632716169

Mar. 15 4 pm Mr. George E. 97, Ramakrishnappa Road, Cox Town, Mathew Bangalore-05.

Tel: 25485678, 9448756975

GROUP - E1

Jan. 24 6 pm Mr. Lincoln Kurien TNT Platinum, #2 D, 2nd Floor, 2ndCross, Anjanappa Layout, Horamavu,Bangalore - 560 043 Tel: 9900700900

Feb. 15 6 pm Mr. Mathew T. C 310, Skyline Fountain Head, George Horamavu Agara Road, Next to Maruthi

Vidhyalaya, Babusaheb Palya,Bangalore 560 043Tel: 65472950, 9986867682

Feb. 1 6 pm Mrs. Sicily Kurien 729, Divya Nilaya, 7 B, Main 1st Block,HRBR Layout, Bangalore 560043.Tel: 25456368, 9886199685

Feb. 22 6 pm Lt. Col. Sunil No. 18, Income Tax Colony, Sadanand Abraham Nagar, Indira Nagar P.O.,

Bangalore 560038Tel: 25383079, 9845647582

PARISH DAY CELEBRATION22nd March 2015

8.30 a.m. - Holy Qurbana &Dedication of First CommunionHonouring Senior Citizens

Celebrant:Rt. Rev. Dr. Isaac Mar Philoxenos

followed by Fellowship Lunch

10

GROUP - E2Jan. 3 5.30 pm Mr. George Thomas Thondapurath. No. 41,2nd Main,

Munireddy Layout, Horamavu MainRoad, Banaswadi, Bangalore 560043.Tel: 25421244, 9900280369

Jan. 25 6.00 pm Mr. John Varghese Joji Nivas, No.733, Hoysala Nagar,8th Main, 9th Cross, Dooravani NagarRamamurthy Nagar, Blr.-560016.Tel: 25315048, 9845239331

Feb. 8 6.00 pm Dr. Mathew C.K. 52, Banjara Orchards, Horamavu ,Banaswadi, Bangalore 560043.Tel: 9844010286

Feb. 15 6.00 pm Mr. Manoj Oommen Flat # 204, Block 1, SMR Vinay Estate,Horamavu Signal, Outer Ring Road,Banaswadi, Bangalore 560043Tel: 23682724, 9880583535

Mar. 8 6.00 pm Mr. Libu Thomas No. 4J, Amulya Park Apartments,NRI Layout, Kalkare Cross,Ramamurthy Nagar, Blr 560 016Tel: 9741266911

GROUP - F ( Hennur - Kothannur Group )Jan. 18 4.30 pm Mr. John Mathew Kuriott Shechem, Sy. No. 34/1,

Bilishivale, Hanumanth Nagar,Doddagubbi Post, Bangalore 560077Tel: 8050885025

Jan. 25 4.30 pm Mr. Baby M. Ebenezer, 288-A, Chikkanna Layout,Hennur Village, Kalyan Nagar P.O,Bangalore 560043.Tel : 25432286, 9590206505

Feb. 15 4.30 pm Mr. Jible Mathew B -314, 3rd Floor, V.R.R. Stone ArchShri Bhairaveshwara LayoutDhanvanthri Road, Hennur RoadBangalore 43

Feb. 22 4.30 pm Mr. Sanjay Cherian Block No. -16, Diamond Regency, NearAlpha College of Engineering,Doddagubbi - 560 077Tel: 9845982507, 9902192125

The best advertisement of Christianity is a good life.People read us a great deal more than they read the Bible.

They see us; they only hear about Jesus Christ.

SENIOR CITIZENS COLUMN

11

HEALTH PROBLEMS AMONG SENIORSDr A. J. Thomas

Senior citizenship starts at the age of sixty, the age set by governments in mostAsian countries as the age of retirement. Many senior citizens may reach this agewithout any manifest disease. Some may be overcome by disease even beforethis age.

Two common diseases associated with aging in India are high blood pressureand diabetes. Cataracts affecting vision is a well known condition associatedwith aging. There is no system in the body which is not affected by aging. Theincidence of cancers is also associated with advancing age. Some of thesediseases are associated with an inherited predisposition.

Diabetes, high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, glaucoma (increasedpressure within the eyeball), cancer of the breast and colon are a few examples ofdiseases with a familial predisposition. People with such familial predispositionsshould take special attempts to have screening for these diseases.

Many diseases associated with aging are related to lifestyle – diet, exercise (orthe lack of it) and mental stress. An audit of one’s health taking these intoaccount is a must for people becoming seniors. Many companies provide theseaudits, or health checkups, for their retiring employees. For the majority there isno such facility. The self employed and spouses who have not been in formalemployment are the most vulnerable groups becoming seniors without formalhealth check ups.

DietMany develop food fads which may be detrimental to health, especially amongthe more affluent who can afford the best. The conflict arises when doctors placefood restrictions on say a diabetic. Our calorie intake may be well above ouractual requirements due to our dietary habits. The aging body requires a lot lessof body building or energy giving foods like fats and carbohydrates. Vegetarianfoods help us to restrict calorie rich starches and fats. On the other hand agingalso creates a need to increase some of our essential supplements notably vitaminsand minerals. Calcium in particular has a higher requirement in the elderly tocompensate for the diminished absorbing capacity of the aging gut. Vitamin Ddeficiency is now well recognised as a deficiency in older people. Women needto take more calcium due to the hormonal changes following menopause.Constipation is not uncommon and can be corrected by consuming largerquantities high residue diets, that is, vegetables and fruits. Fresh fruits and

12

juices as opposed to packaged juice for example, the thick packaged mangojuice, is not a measure of the fruit contents but thickening agents added to theartificially coloured, flavoured and sweetened juice.

Oils and FatsVegetable oils, soyabean oil and palmolein are the cheapest and are used toadulterate more expensive oils like sunflower oil. Soya bean oil gives a lot offlatulence and palmolein increased low density cholesterol. A combination ofcoconut oil (increases high density cholesterol) with ground nut oil, gingelly oilor rice bran oil may prove to be a good substitute for the expensive olive oil.They can be used mixed or separately as long as the coconut oil forms about 50%of the intake. Low calorie butter substitutes are more dangerous than butter.

Meat

Broilers are fed a lot of hormones and antibiotics enabling them to attain a weightof about two kilos in five weeks! These hormones could enhance the growth ofany cancer cells developed in the body or give rise to premature hormone changesin children. Green leafy vegetables may suppress growth of cancer cells and alsopromote skin health. Culled layers or broilers used in breeding provide hormonefree meat suitable for traditional chicken dishes requiring prolonged slow cooking.Beef, buffalo meat or mutton as sold in India I would consider as healthy becausethey come from animals which are not artificially fed. Heart muscles and othermuscles are made of red muscles. Consuming this type of red meat is acceptablefrom a health point of view. They can not be compared to the harmful effects ofartificially fed and fattened cattle used for steaks produced in western countries.Fish provide valuable health promoting oils. Small fish are an additional sourceof calcium.

Vegetables

Vegetables such as carrots and pumpkin are a rich source of carotene the yellowpigment which is a precursor to vitamin A. All vegetables with purple pigmentscontain flavinoids including reservatrol which suppress blood pressure and boostimmunity. Purple grapes, red cabbage, prunes, purple “katchil” also containanthocyanins which suppress certain cancers. Purple food also promotes hearthealth, vision and brain power.

Exercise

Exercise promotes blood flow, movement of joints, breathing and helps to reduceweight by burning calories. Brisk walking is the best for seniors. Osteoarthritismanifests as pain in large joints notably hips and knees. This is the price ofoveruse resulting in wear and tear in joint cartilage as a result of being overweight.Overuse of any joint leads to osteoarthritis and is the price many athletes andsportsmen have to pay in later life. Injuries to a joint through accidents alsoresult in osteoarthritis in later life.

13

Mental problemsSenile dementia results from atrophy of parts of the brain. Alzheimer’s is a form ofdementia which results in loss of memory, cognitive faculty (ability to recognise),inability to learn, confusion, mood swings, withdrawal from social activities andfinally loss of body functions. There is no known cure but adopting certainpractices will help to delay the onset. People can delay or minimise risk of dementiaby doing things that keep the brain active. Playing chess or card games likebridge and solving crossword puzzles a healthy lifestyle and diet help to reducethe risk of dementia. A recent study found that individuals who maintain a healthydiet including plenty of vegetables, fruits, fish, milk and unsaturated oils betweentheir forties and fifties had a reduced risk of developing dementia. Omega-3 fattyacids found in sardines, flax seeds, walnuts, almonds, sprouted grains, coconutoil, ashwagantha, turmeric and rosemary also helped against Alzheimer’s disease.

StrokesStrokes result from sudden stoppage of blood to parts of the brain. They arecommon to the elderly. Depending on the extent of the area affected by bloodsupply loss there may be total or partial paralysis. Recovering may be completeor partial. Nursing is the mainstay of management of paralysis. High bloodpressure and diabetes are common predisposing factors. Sudden onset of facedrooping on one side (remember – Face), or arm weakness (remember – Arm), orspeech difficulty (remember – Speech) are all warning signs of a developingstroke. If a person is brought to a major hospital within 4 hours (remember - Time)of any one of these signs occurring then the stroke can be treated so that paralysisis reduced or may even be prevented. Persons, especially seniors with any of thesigns need to be taken immediately to hospital even if the signs disappear beforereaching the hospital. Remember FAST – Face, Arms, Speech and Time and youwill not forget these warning signs and that time is of the essence in stroketreatment.

Heart Attacks

Severe chest pain with profuse sweating and pallor with or without vomiting aresigns of heart attack and require immediate treatment in a hospital.

I hope this article will be of help to our seniors and those who are caring for them.The message of this article should be more relevant to those who are in theirforties or fifties.

Financial planning for retirement is a well established practice. Health planningfor retirement is probably more important than financial planning. Maintaining ahealthy lifestyle and having period check ups by those approaching retirementwill go a long way in preventing many health problems.

I welcome feedback about any other aspects of health which may not have beencovered by this article and will address them in a future bulletin.

Wish you all a very Joyous Christmas and a Healthy New Year!!

14

tami-h-Õew\nsâ-lnXw t]mse-sbs¶ \nXyw \S-̄ o-tS-W-ta...., sbcp-i-te-an³

C¼-hosS Ft¸mÄ Rm³ h¶p-tN-cpw...., A\p-{K-l-t¯msS Ct¸mÄ Ab¡btlm-hm-sb...., s]mt¶ip \cÀ Xncp-_en acWw \n\-¸m³.... XpS-§nb{]i-kvX-amb \nc-h[n ae-bmf ss{IkvX-h-Km-\-§-fpsS cN-bn-Xm-hmWvtami-h-Õ-ew.

P\-\w, _meyw, hnZym-̀ ymkw

tami-h-Õ-e-̄ nsâ ]nXmhv At´m-Wn, Xncp-h-\-́ -]p-c-̄ n-\-Sp-̄ pÅs\¿m-än³Ic Xmeq-¡n-epÅ Xncp-̧ pdw kztZ-in-bm-bn-cp-¶p. Hcp tdma³It¯m-en¡ IpSpw-_mw-K-am-bn-cp¶ At±lw 1837-þ tPm¬ t\mIvkv F¶]mÝm-Xy-an-j-\-dn-bpsS t{]c-W-bn anj-Wdn kmbn-̧ p-am-tcm-sSm¸w kphn-ti-j-{]-hÀ -̄I-\mbn tNcp-Ibpw At´mWn F¶ t]cn-\p-]-Icw Acp-fm-\µw F¶ ]pXnb \maw kzoI-cn-¡p-Ibpw sNbvXp. FÂ.-Fw.-F-kv. anj-\-dn-bm-bn-cp¶ tPm¬ t\mIvkn\v Acp-fm-\-µ-̄ n-t\m-SpÅ hmÕeyw \nan¯wAt±-ls¯ hÕew F¶ Hma-\-t¸-cn-emWv hnfn-¡m-dp-­m-bn-cp-¶-Xv.

Acp-fm-\-µ-̄ nsâ ]p{X-\mbn 1847-þ tamih-Õ-ew P\n-̈ p. Ip«n-bpsS Úm\-kv\m\w \S-̄ nb anj-\-dn-bmWv Ah\v Cu t]cn-«-Xv. asämcpanj-\-dn-bm-bn-cp¶ kmap-th saäoÀ, ]nXm-hnsâ Hma-\-t¸-cmb hÕewIqsS tNÀ¯v Ipªns\ tami-h-Õew F¶v hnfn-̈ p. A§s\ tamibv¡vtami-h-Õew F¶ t]À kn²n-̈ p.

{]mY-an-Ihn-Zym-`ymkw Ign-ª-Xn\v tijw kwkvIr-Xw, Cw¥ojvF¶nh ]Tn¨v tami Hc-²ym-]-I-\m-bn. efn-X-I-e-I-fn P·-hm-k-\-bp-­m-bn-cp¶ At±-lw, kwKo-X-̄ nepw Nn{X-c-N-\-bnepw {]tXyI ]cn-io-e\wt\Sn-bn-cp-¶-Xn-\m kvIqfn B hnj-b-§fpw ]Tn-¸n-¨p. 1868-þ 21-þmwhb-Ên Xncp-h-\-́ -]pcw s\Ãn-¡p-gn-bn a\-then IpSpw-_-̄ n \n¶vdmtl-ens\ hnhmlw sNbvXp.

A²ym-]-I-\mbn PohnXw XpS-§n-sb-¦nepw tami-h-Õ-e-¯nsâB{Klw Hcp kphn-ti-j-I-\m-I-W-sa-¶m-bn-cp-¶p. AXn-\mbn At±lwA²ym-]-I-hr¯n Dt]-£n-¨v, \mKÀtIm-hn-en-epÅ skan-\m-cn-bnÂ\n¶vsshZn-I-hn-Zym-̀ ymkw t\Sn. AXn-\p-tijw kwKo-X-̄ nepw Nn{X-sa-gp-̄ nepwD]-cn-]-T-\-̄ n-\mbn Xncp-h-\-́ -]p-c¯v Xma-k-am-¡n. Nn{X-sa-gp-̄ n t\Snb]cn-io-e-\-̄ nsâ ^e-ambn kphn-ti-j-{]-hÀ¯-\-¯n\v klm-b-I-c-ambthZ-I-Y-IÄ ssÉUp-I-fmbn \nÀ½n-¡p-hm³ XpS-§n. AtX-Im-e¯v Xs¶IÀ®m-S-I-kw-Ko-X-̄ nepw ]mÝm-Xy-kw-Ko-X-̄ nepw IqSp-X {]mhoWywt\Sn.

tami-h-Õ-e-̄ nsâ ae-bmf {InkvXob IoÀ¯-\-§Ä

IÀ®m-S-I-kw-Ko -X-¯nepw ]mÝm-Xy-kw-Ko -X-¯nepw IqSp -XÂ

15

{]mhoWyw t\Sn-b-Xn-\p-ti-j-amWv At±lw {InkvXo-b-Km-\-§Ä cNn-¡p-¶-Xn {i² tI{µo-I-cn-¡p-hm³ XpS-§n-b-Xv. Cw¥o-jnse {]i-kvX-am-bss{IkvX-h-Km-\-§Ä ae-b-fm-¯n-em-¡p-¶-Xn-\m-bn-cp¶p At±-l-¯nsâBZys¯ {iaw. A§s\ At±lw ae-bm-f-̄ n-em¡nb Km\-§-fn {]i-kvX-am-b-h-bmWv Xmsg ]d-bp¶ ]m«p-IÄ.

* bcp-i-te-an³ C¼-hosS

* taÂho-«n tbip lm kvt\l-ambv

Xncp-h-\-́ -]p-cs¯ anj-\-dn-bm-bn-cp¶ kmap-h saäoÀ, tami-h-Õ-es¯ FÂ.-Fw.-F-kv. anj³ Hm^o-kn \nb-an-¡p-Ibpw Ahn-Sps¯ _rl-¯mb ]pkvX-I-k-©-b-̄ nsâ Npa-Xe Gev]n-¡p-Ibpw sNbvXp. CXv Cw¥o-jnepw kwkvIr-X-̄ nepw Xan-gn-ep-apÅ \nc-h[n A]qÀÆ-{K-Ù-§-fp-ambn]cn-N-b-s¸-Sp-hm³ At±-l-̄ n\v Ah-kcw \ÂIn. Bcm-[-\-I-fn D]-tbm-Kn-¡p-hm-\pÅ IoÀ¯-\-§Ä cNn-¡p-hm³ anj-\dn kmbn¸v tami-h-Õ-es¯ \ntbm-Kn-¡p-Ibpw th­ t{]mÕm-l\w \evIp-Ibpw sNbvXp.AXns\ XpSÀ¶v At±lw \nc-h[n {InkvXob IoÀ¯-\-§Ä cNn-¨p.At±lw cNn-̈ hbn hfsc {]i-kvXn-bmÀÖn-̈ Xpw C¶pw tIc-f-̄ nsess{IkvX-hÀ hym]-I-ambn D]-tbm-Kn-¡p-Ibpw sN¿p¶ Nne ae-bmf{InkvXo-b-IoÀ -̄\-§Ä Xmsg ]d-bp-¶h BWv.

* \nsâ lnXw t]mse-sbs¶

* kz´w \n\-¡n\n Rm³ tbip-tZhm

* bcp-i-te-an³ C¼-hosS

* hcnI kpcm-[n] ]c-a-]cm \n³

* imte-an³ A[n-]Xn hcp-¶-Xns\ I­p

* AXn-ib ImcpWy

* cmP cmP ssZh-cmP tbip-a-lm-cm-P³

* ]n¶mse hcnI Ipcn-si-Sp-s¯³

* kvt\l-hn-cp-¶-\p-̀ -hn-̧ m³ kvt\l ssZh-a-¡-sfÃmw

Ah-km-\-Imew

FÂ.-Fw.-F-kv. anj³ Hm^o-kn Ipd-¨p-Imew {]hÀ¯n-¨Xn\vtijw tami-h-Õew Hcp kphn-ti-j-I-\mbn k`m-tk-h-\-̄ n-\n-d-§n. Xncp-¸p-dw, s\Ãn-¡m-¡pgn F¶o Øe-§-fn k`m-ip-{iq-j-I-\mbn tkh-\-a-\p-jvTn-̈ p. 1891 apX Pohn-Xm-h-km\w hsc tami-h-Õ-e-̄ nsâ kIe{]hÀ -̄\-§fpw Im«m-¡-S-bn tI{µo-I-cn-̈ p. 1916 s^{_p-hcn 20-þmw XobXntami-h-Õew A´-cn-̈ p.

k¼mZI³: jnPp AeIvkv

16

The need for Sunday School in today’s worldFeba Mary Kurian, Kammanahall i Sunday School

Nowadays, not many children are interested in going to Sunday School. The numberof students attend ing Sunday School is depleting day after day. Is it because theyfind it too boring? Or is it because they don’t really care much about learning theBible? Whatever may be the reason, the fact remains that Sunday School helps usin many a way.

We live in a world where corruption, greed and wickedness prevails. If we go on withlife without a firm foundation of moral values, we are bound to stumble and fall. Ascliche as it sounds, the Bible is undoubtedly the best source of not only moralvalues, but also guidelines and inspiration.

Our Sunday School teaches, us the Bible and tries to set us on the right path. Nowyou may ask, why do I need to attend Sunday School? Why can’t I just learn theBible at home? Well, the answer is this – If schools d idn’t conduct tests andexaminat ions, then do you think anyone would actually study? Not l ikely. In thesame way, without Sunday School, not many kids would actually study the Bibleand benefit from it.

Sunday School is also a great platform to showcase our talents. The Bible says thatthe one who uses his talents will be given more. Through the Sunday School, onecan showcase his or her talent in singing, dancing, writing, memorizing, acting,etc. One can also make a lot of new friends here.

My grandfather had once told me of a man he knew (Robert Williams). This mangathered all the poor kids in his locality every Sunday evening and after givingthem a snack to eat, he taught them the Bible. Many asked him as to why hestarted a Sunday School instead of an actual school. To this, he answered, “I agree,education and stud ies is a must and it will help us to an extent. But, in the end, it isour bel ief and faith in Christ that really matters.”

Of the 168 hours in a week, we spend only about 2 hours per week for SundaySchool. In other words, we spend only less than 4 percent of our time each week forSunday School and God. And doesn’t God spend His each and every moment lovingand taking care of us?

If we start learning the Bible at an young and tender age, it is bound to be embeddedin our minds for a long time. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way heshould go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” The knowledge of the Bibleand God’s promises will help us in a lot of situations. They will mould us and shapeus into successful and godly people.

To summarize, I would like to say that even though the very thought of coming toSunday School may sound boring, believe me, it will make a positive impact onyour life. It will definitely be a decision you won’t regret in your life.

KIDS CORNER

Jible Mathew, B -314, 3rd Floor, V.R.R. Stone Arch, Shri Bhairaveshwara Layout,Dhanvanthri Road, Hennur Road, Bangalore 43

Binu Alex, Flat No. B - 102, Plama Heights, Hennur Main Road, Bangalore-43

CHANGE OF ADDRESS / PHONE NUMBER

HEARTY WELCOME TO THE NEW MEMBERSDr. Z. Abraham, B-104, Gardenia Jasminoides, Lakshmaiah Garden, Near AgaraLake, Horamavu, Bangalore 560 043. Ph: 9446300368Sanjith Verghese Alex, S1, Petra Corner Stone, 100 Ramakrishnappa Road, CoxTown, Bangalore. Ph: 9972412108Ajin V. Thomas, No. 8, Ground Floor, 5th Cross, 1st Block, Akshay Nagar, T.C. PalyaMain Road, Ramamurthy Nagar, Bangalore Ph: 9686189987Serene Elizabeth, Selva Nivas, 1st Floor, Nr. Matha Bakery, Horamavu MainRoad,Ramamurthy Nagar, Bangalore 560 016 Ph: 7760374884

17

OBITUARY - We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family members of: -Elsie Abraham, W/o. Dr. Z. Abraham, B-104, Gardenia Jasminoides, LakshmaiahGarden, Near Agara Lake, Horamavu, Bangalore 560 043 (3-12-2014)Annamma, Sister of P.C. Abraham, 8/1, 1st Cr. 1st Main, Kalkere Main Rd, Blr.Joshua Varghese S/o. Sabu Varghese, 102, 1st Fl, 533, Elegant Privilege, HRBR,Kalyan Nagar, Blr. (8-12-2014)Ammini Koshy, W/o. Late Koshy Parakkal, No. 21, 5th Street, 1 Main, Bank Avenue,Babusaheb Palaya, Kalyan Nagar, Blr. (27-12-2014)Susy Thomas, W/o. Late Rev. K. Thomas, Perinad (27-12-2014)

CongratulationsThe Bangalore East Mar Thoma Church Con-gratulate Mr. Itty Zachariah on receiving Life TimeAchievement Award from Indian Institute ofArchitects (Karnataka Chapter)

LITTLE SEEDS MONTESSORIA pre-primary with a difference - a wholesome interactive environment -

led by well experienced teachers.Admissions open for children aged 2 1/2 - 5 years.

Located near Hennur Bus Depot (Kalyan Nagar)Contact Gita Abraham 9972854122. Website: http://www.littleseedsworld.com

PLUMBING SERVICECONTACT : VELU

Mob: 9379088102, 8694974076

18

ST. THOMAS CENTRE

Wedding reception Conference Conventions

Retreats Medical and Counseling facilities

#9, Mar Thoma Compound, Off Raghavendra Layout4th Cross, Babusahebpalaya, Kalyan Nagar P.O., Bangalore 560 043

Contact: Mr. Saji M. Jacob Mob: 9886777151Mr. Jacob Thomas Mob: 7760581414Mr. N. T. Easo Mob: 9341257514St. Thomas Centre Office : Tel: 080-25458594E-mail: sthomascentre@gmail.com

ROOMS FOR ACCOMODATION

10 Rooms - Double occupancy

1 Room - Family Room of 4 beds

Dormitory -I - 25 Cots

Dormitory -II - 50 Beds

19

20

Bank Holidays 2015 ( KARNATAKA )SL.NO. DATE DAYS PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 20151 04.01.2015 Sunday Id Milad2 15.01.2015 Thursday Uttarayana Punyakala Sankranti Festival3 26.01.2015 Monday Republic Day4 17.02.2015 Tuesday Maha Shivaratri5 21.03.2015 Saturday Chandramana Ugadi6 01.04.2015 Wednesday Yearly Closing of Bank accounts7 02.04.2015 Thursday Mahaveera Jayanthi8 03.04.2015 Friday Good Friday9 14.04.2015 Tuesday Dr. BR Ambedkar Jayanthi10 21.04.2015 Tuesday Basava Jayanthi11 01.05.2015 Friday May Day12 18.07.2015 Saturday Kutub-e-Ramzan13 15.08.2015 Saturday Independence Day14 17.09.2015 Thursday Varasiddhi Vinayaka Vrata15 24.09.2015 Thursday Bakrid16 02.10.2015 Friday Mahatma Gandhi Jayanthi17 12.10.2015 Monday Mahalaya Amavasye18 22.10.2015 Thursday Maha Navami ayudhapooja19 23.10.2015 Friday Vijayadashami20 24.10.2015 Saturday Last Day of Moharam21 27.10.2015 Tuesday Maharshi Valmiki Jayanthi22 01.11.2015 Sunday Kannada Rajyotsava23 10.11.2015 Tuesday Naraka Chaturdashi24 12.11.2015 Thursday Balipadyami Deepavali25 28.11.2015 Saturday Kanakadasa Jayanthi26 24.12.2015 Thursday Id Milad 27 25.12.2015 Friday Christmas

Merry Christmas and Happy New year