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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 revjogythomas@gmail.com

718.845.2920 718.612.1891

Vice President Mr. Mathew K. Lukose mlukose77@gmail.com

516.932.7606

Secretary Mr. George C Abraham georgecabraham23@gmail.com

516.358.4020

Treasurer Mr. Cherukara P Philipose pcpbabu@hotmail.com

718.359.3158

Accountant Mr. Shibu John

johnms2453@gmail.com 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)