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Volume XVIII | No. 5
www.ststephensmtc.org A copy of this bulletin is available online.
Website Invitation Code: kerala
ST. STEPHEN’S MAR THOMA CHURCH
423 DUNHAMS CORNER ROAD
EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ 08816
Vicar | Rev. Varghese Mathew
151 Aspen Dr. | North Brunswick, NJ 08902
MAY
2017
Executive Committee 2017
President Rev. Varghese Mathew 732.353.9470
[email protected] 732.790.2271
Vice President Mr. Joseph Abraham 732.331.4076
Secretary Mr. Seebu John [email protected]
908.392.4253
Treasurer Mr. Sumod Thomas 732.796.4931
Accountant Mr. Jacob Panicker 908.209.4087
Lay leader Mr. Shaiju Cheriyan 732.768.5677
Lay leader Mr. Sunil Thomas 732.397.7218
Choir Mr. Earlin George 732.207.1330
Sunday School Mr. Sony Cherukara 732.966.4246
Youth fellowship Mr. Sunil Kurien 732.546.1468
Sevika Sangham Mrs. Sheeba Johnson 732.319.3319
Edavaka Mission Mr. Thomas George 732.491.3422
Young Family Fellowship Mr. Tharun George 908.616.8717
Yuvajana Sakhyam Mr. Sunoj Mathew 908.217.8816
Senior Fellowship Mr. George Edukula 732.910.6556
Prayer Group 1 Mr. Manoj Mathew 848.219.3724
Prayer Group 2 Mrs. Bibina Varghese 732.422.7128
Prayer Group 3 Mr. John Joseph 732.887.6398
Prayer Group 4 Mr. Varughese Abraham 908.705.7270
Mandalam Mr. John Thomas 848.250.1733
Assembly Mr. Anil Mathew 732.552.8053
Other Contacts
Sunday School Mrs. Christy Abraham 732.418.8840
Youth Fellowship Miss Roshini Reji 848.239.9324
Choir Mrs. Mini Cheriyan 732.579.7558
Yuvajana Sakhyam Mr. Arun Cherian 609.275.1987
Auditor Mr. John Thomas 908.295.7606
Auditor Mr. Samuel John 917.553.9678
Assembly Mr. Shibu Varghese 201.675.9280
Greeting to all in the name of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ We are celebrating May 14th as Mother’s Day. It is a great opportunity to remember the life of our mother’s and praise God for them. Many of our mothers are in suffering and pain
in various situations. Often many of us consider them as a burden today. But we are responsible to care them until the end of their life. In this occasion I would like to share some thoughts regarding the life of Mary, mother of Jesus Christ. The most important biblical woman role model is Mary. In her life we have found a wealth of wisdom to walk with God. Her story illustrates many of the characteristics of the kind of woman God uses to fulfill His redemptive purposes in our world. She is an ordinary woman. There was nothing particularly unusual about Mary. She was not from a wealthy or illustrious family. When the angel appeared to this young teenage girl, she was engaged to be married and was undoubtedly doing what engaged girls do—dreaming of being married to Joseph, of the home they would live in, of the family they would have. She never expect that her life to be used in any extraordinary way. The significance of Mary’s life was not based on any of the things our world values so highly—background, physical beauty, intelligence, education, natural gifts, and abilities. It was Mary’s relationship to Jesus that gave her life significance. “The Lord is with you,” the angel told her (Luke 1:28). That is what made all the difference in this young woman’s life. She is an undeserving woman. God did not choose this young woman because she was worthy of the honor of being the mother of the Savior. The angel said to Mary, “Greetings, you who are highly favored!” (v. 28). That phrase could be translated, “You who are graciously accepted.” It is because of grace not because of anything she have done. Over and over again in Scripture, we see that God chooses people who are undeserving. God didn’t look down from heaven and say, “I see a woman who has something to offer Me. Mary did not deserve to be used by God; to the contrary, she marveled at God’s grace in choosing her. She is a spirit-filled woman. When the angel said to Mary, “You’re going to have a child,” Mary responded, “How can this be? I’ve never been intimate with a man!” God had chosen her for a task that was humanly impossible. In response to Mary’s expression
Achen's Message!
of weakness and inadequacy, the angel promised her God’s strength and adequacy: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you” (v. 35). She is an available woman. Equipped with the promises of God, Mary’s response was simply, “I am the Lord’s servant.... May it be to me as you have said” (v. 38). In other words, “Lord, I’m available. You are my master; I am Your servant. I’m willing to be used however You choose. My body is Yours; my womb is Yours; my life is Yours. ”In that act of surrender, Mary offered herself to God as a living sacrifice. She was willing to be used by God for His purposes—willing to endure the loss of reputation that was certain to follow when people realized she was with child, willing to endure the ridicule and even the possible stoning permitted by the Mosaic law, willing to go through nine months of increasing discomfort and sleeplessness, willing to endure the labor pains of giving birth to the Child. Mary was willing to give up her own plans and agenda so that she might link arms with God in fulfilling His agenda. She is a praising woman. When Mary’s world was turned and she faced with a drastic change in plans, she responded in worship and praise. “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (vv. 46–47). So begins her Magnificat—one of the greatest hymns of praise ever lifted up to heaven. She worshiped God for His wonderful acts, for His mercy, and for choosing her to be a part of His great redemptive plan. She is a wounded woman. Then Simeon looked at Mary at Jerusalem temple and spoke words that she would not fully understand until she stood beneath the cross of her Son 33 years later. On that day she surely remembered Simeon’s words, “A sword will pierce your own soul too” (v. 35). There at Calvary I believe that sword pierced Mary’s soul in more than one sense. First, as a mother she was losing her Son. She was giving up His life. Even as He laid down His life, she gave up her Son for the salvation and the redemption of the world. Dear mothers, have you laid down your children for the sake of Christ and His kingdom? How sad it is on occasion to see Christian parents stand in the way of their children laying down their lives for the sake of Christ. Children and family are God’s great gifts. Like Mary, let’s dedicate ourselves and our family for the fulfillment of the kingdom of God.
A mother’s work is never done, she works from morning until dawn,
she spreads her love and keeps you warm, but only once a year we say mother we wish you
Happy Mother’s Day Rev Varghese Mathew
ANNOUNCEMENTS!
Sevika Sangam
Prayer Line will be held every Wednesday from 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The phone
number: 712-432-1500; Access Code: 289872#
Sevika Sangham meeting will be on Tuesday, May 16th, 10 am at the residence of
Mrs. Shirly Thomas, 1 Bucknell Dr, East Brunswick, NJ, 08816
Sevika Sangham meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 31st, 10 am at the
residence of Mrs. Saramma Kurien, 36 Buttonwood Dr, Marlboro, NJ, 07746
General Body meeting: The next general body meeting will be held on Sunday,
May 14th after service. All members are requested to attend.
5K Run / 2K walk: The first annual St. Stephen’s 5K run/ 2K walk is being held
in North Brunswick Community Park, 2051 US 130, North Brunswick, NJ, 08902.
The run will start at 9 am. All participants are requested to arrive at least by 8:30
am to pick up the bib and race packet.
Edavaka Mission and Senior Fellowship meeting will be held at church on
Saturday, May 13th, at 10:00 am at church.
Area prayer meeting: The Area 3 prayer meeting will be held on Saturday, May
13th at 6:30pm at the residence of Mr. Saju Thomas at 118 Wild Azalea Lane,
Skillman NJ.
Regional retreat: The Region / RAC is having its annual Men’s/Women’s retreat
on Saturday, May 13th from 9AM-3PM at the Christos Mar Thoma Church,
Philadelphia (9999 Gantry Road, Philadelphia, PA 19115). This is for youths ages
21 & above. The main speakers are Mr. Appu Karuvataveetil (Psychologist from
Chicago St. Thomas MTC), and Mrs. Susan Thomas (Social worker from Long
Island MTC). Separate tracks will be scheduled for men and women. The
registration fees are $10 each person. All youth are encouraged to attend. If you
have any questions, please feel free to contact Rev Dennis Abraham.
Date Time Celebrant 1st
Lesson
2nd
Lesson Epistle Gospel
Sunday
School
7
May
Communion with risen Lord in daily life
10:15
AM
Rev. Varghese
Mathew Exod.
40: 34-38
2 Tim
2: 1-13
Phil
3: 8-16
Luke
24: 13-33
Sunday
School
9AM English
14
May
Jesus Christ - The way, the truth and the life
10:15
AM
Rev. Varghese
Mathew Exod.
14: 10-20
Acts
16: 19-24
1 John
1: 1-10
John
21: 20-25
Sunday
School
9AM Malayalam
21
May
Mission as sharing Christ
10:15
AM
Rev. Varghese
Mathew Mic.
4: 1-7
John
5: 1-12
Phil
4: 4-9
Sunday
School
9AM English
28
May
The promise of the Holy Spirit
10:15
AM
Rev. Varghese
Mathew Joel
2: 28-32
Gal
5: 22-26
Acts
1: 1-8
John
14: 15-21
Sunday
School
9AM Malayalam
Luke
24: 36-49
Birthdays 1 Mathew Keecheril (732) 418-1548
1 Moby Annu Thomas w/o Biju Mathew (972) 782-9852
2 Subin Abraham s/o Abraham Varghese (732) 283-2777
4 Anna Thomas w/o Bobby Thomas (732) 873-7580
5 Vino Zachariah (732) 369-3550
5 Annamma Abraham w/o Varughese Abraham (732) 251-1728
5 Azra Joseph d/o Manoj Joseph (617) 639-5511
5 Sohmie R. Steele gd/o Joseph N. John (732) 752-5033
7 Sibi Abraham (732) 200-1737
7 Annie Thomas w/o Iype Thomas (570) 620-0226
7 Aleyamma Kuruvilla (973) 324-2205
8 Vincy Kurien w/o Thomas Kurien (908) 216-5933
10 Pramod Mathew (732) 605-0370
11 Dr. Samuel Thomas (973) 538-1192
11 Nidhi Alexander w/o Seebu John (908) 393-4892
11 Shibu Varghese (Edison) (732) 494-4199
12 Toby Prasad s/o Philip Prasad (732) 967-9272
13 Ashish Mathew s/o Mathai Cherian (732) 561-2181
13 Nidhin Johnson s/o Mathew Johnson (732) 432-6444
13 Thomas Kurien (908) 216-5933
14 Philip Prasad (732) 967-9272
14 Roshan Panicker s/o Jacob Panicker (908) 994-0428
14 Neelu Paul w/o Ragy Thomas (732) 632-8892
15 Annamma Shibu w/o Shibu Varghese (732) 494-4199
15 Ranni Thomas w/o Sunil Thomas (848) 205-2566
15 Saramma Pappachen w/o Andrew Pappachen (973) 227-4129
15 Suresh Mathew (732) 626-3342
15 Alan S. Cheriyan s/o Shaiju K. Cheriyan (732) 593-8032
16 Jincy Varughese d/o Varughese Abraham (732) 251-1728
16 Sheeja Saju Abraham w/o Saju Abraham (732) 605-9888
17 Andrew Pappachen (973) 808-2077
17 Jane Ponnu Sajan d/o Sajan Podikunju (732) 568-4964
17 David John Alexander s/o Dr. Nebu Thomas Alexander (973) 736-0604
17 Leena Sunoj Mathew w/o Sunoj Mathew (732) 8551719
18 Lizy Mathew Thomas w/o Mathew M. Thomas (732) 549-1437
19 Mini Varghese w/o Jacob Varghese (732) 257-0094
19 R. K. Mathew (732) 605-0370
20 Philip Joseph Samuel s/o Samuel Joseph (732) 587-8830
20 Annie Cherian (732) 393-9371
20 Tina Varghese d/o Jacob Varghese (732) 257-0094
21 Noah Abraham Kurien s/o Sunil Kurien (732) 677-2507
22 Susan Matthews w/o John Matthews (732) 356-6192
24 Susan John w/o Sunny John (732) 752-9250
25 Dr. Joseph Prasad (732) 845-0703
25 Sherbin Abraham s/o Abraham Varghese (732) 283-2777
25 Susamma Samuel w/o Samuel Oommen (973) 320-0412
25 Valsamma Mathai w/o Mathai Cherian (732) 561-2181
26 Soji Thomas s/o Abraham M. Thomas (908) 241-0638
26 Shibu Varghese (No. Brun.) (732) 348-8165
27 Joseph John s/o John Joseph (732) 253-7020
27 Benoy Thomas (732) 993-1120
27 Liby Thampy w/o Soji Thomas (908) 241-0638
28 Amal Abraham s/o Byju Abraham (908) 647-5362
28 Ria Varughese d/o Geogie Varughese (732) 355-0830
28 Suman R. John w/o Regi John (732) 613-0623
29 Matthias Alexander Cherukara s/o Sony Mathew Cherukara (908) 336-0501
29 Sumy Philip Cherukara w/o Philip Cherukara (732) 381-3633
29 Molly Mariam Sajan w/o Sajan P. Chacko (908) 964-0735
29 Geetha Varughese w/o Geogie Varughese (732) 355-0830
30 Sajan Podikunju (732) 568-4964
30 Joshua George Thomas s/o Thomas George (732) 658-0944
30 Ragy Thomas (732) 632-8892
30 Ryan Ragy Thomas s/o Ragy Thomas (732) 632-8892
31 Arun Cherian (732) 393-9371
31 Usha George w/o Joby George (908) 309-1810
31 Dale Oommen s/o Samuel Oommen (973) 320-0412
31 Mathai Cherian (732) 561-2181
31 Jilly Samuel w/o Samuel John (732) 230-3747
Wedding Anniversaries 7 Mr. Simon Mathews & Mrs. Annamma Mathews (908) 889-8179
9 Mr. Sam Jacob & Mrs. Aleyamma Manalel (732) 549-8925
9 Mr. Arun Cherian & Mrs. Priya Mathew (908) 720-8543
16 Mr. Seebu John & Mrs. Nidhi Alexander (908) 393-4892
19 Mr. Jeslie Cherian & Mrs. Cripa M. Ninan (732) 654-7756
20 Dr. A. Abraham & Mrs. Aleyamma Abraham (732) 995-2734
20 Mr. Saju Thomas & Mrs. Sosa Thomas (609) 466-1474
21 Mr. Shaiju K. Cheriyan & Mrs. Mini Cheriyan (732) 593-8032
22 Dr. Nebu Alexander & Dr. Sunitha John (973) 736-0604
23 Mr. Daniel Varghese & Mrs. Sosamma Varghese (908) 688-2830
24 Rev Varghese Mathew & Mrs Cijy Varghese (732) 353-9470
26 Mr. Abraham Kurian & Mrs. Anita Abraham (732) 317-1949
28 Mr. Andrew Pappachen & Mrs. Saramma Pappachen (973) 227-4129
28 Mr. Bobby I. Thomas & Mrs. Anna Thomas (732) 873-7580
30 Mr. Soji Thomas & Mrs. Liby Thampy (908) 241-0638
30 Mr. Anish Mathew & Mrs. Nimisha S. Sugu (732) 561-2181
31 Mr. Roy Varghese & Mrs. Reno Ann Cherian (848) 213-6309
YOUTH CHAPLAIN’S MESSAGE Dear Families of the St. Stephen’s Mar Thoma Church, NJ, We have completed another Lenten season. The Sunday after Easter is set apart as “New Sunday,” where the church remembers the resurrection experience of Jesus Christ, but also partakes in the new
life that comes through Him. “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!” (2 Cor 5:17) Christ’s death is signi-fied by His victory over death, on the cross. In the Jewish faith, the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). Christ, through His sacrifice, being the Passover lamb who took away the sins of the world, invites us to experience new life. This comes through reflection and re-pentance. This is vital for enabling us to live a holy life. Sanctification is a continuous process. By accepting Christ as our Lord and Savior, by participating in the sacraments, witnessing His name, and living a sacramental life, we are engaging ourselves in the very salvation plan of God. Furthermore, this experience should be reflected in our faith affirmations. On this new Sunday (Sunday after Easter), we meditate on the post-resurrection appear-ance of Jesus Christ to the Apostle Thomas. Thomas was unable to fully grasp the reality that Christ had risen again. Once he saw and experienced, his faith response & proclama-tion are one of the most theologically profound and meaningful confessions: “My Lord and my God.” Our faith demands a response, through our words and life. This is a salient fea-ture of our faith and a dire need today. Let our life be a response to the good news of Christ’s resurrection. Let us look forward in Christian hope, for His second coming, and prepare ourselves in body, mind, and spirit. Let this new life experience be felt by the community and society. May the blessings of Holy Trinity be with you all. Sincerely, Dennis Achen (Youth Chaplain) Parish Youth Fellowship The Youth Fellowship meets regularly. Please see the announcements from the Youth Fel-lowship secretary or contact me for more details. Campus & House Visits: Visits are scheduled to campuses in NJ & PA. Kindly contact me for more details. Regional & Diocesan YF
• Regional Men’s / Women’s Retreat – Saturday, May 13, 2017 at Christos MTC, PA.
• Diocesan Youth Fellowship Conference – July 27-30, 2017 at the Houston Immanuel MTC.
• Diocesan Youth Fellowship Leadership Conference (21st Session) will be held from January 4-7, 2018 at the Long Island MTC, NY. Youths of age 21 & above are encour-aged to attend. More details will be available soon.
