Messenger April 2011

Thomas said to him, “My Lord and My God”. (St. John 20:28)

Issue No. 4 Vol. V

April 2011

A Monthly publication for the St. Thomas Mar Thoma Parish, Kuwait

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P.O. Box 25562 Safat 13116 Kuwait Tel : 2563 5253 (Res.) Mob : 6603 0775 St. Thomas Centre Tel: 2564 7060 E-mail: st.thomasmtcq8@gmail.com www.st-thomasmtckuwait.com

Rev. Thomas Koshy Panachamoottil Vicar fatherpanachi@gmail.com (For Private Circulation only)

Parsonage Location Salmiya, Street 10, Bldg No. 20 1st Floor, Flat No. 14 Al-Dhahok Bin Qays Street Opp. Bestow Super Market

Dearly beloved in Christ, We are in Great Lent. The church observes fasts and feasts in relation to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The church is meditating the salific ministry of her Lord in these days.

It is an occasion for us to prepare ourselves to live in the salvation experience by keeping ourselves more close to our Lord. This should not be seen as an outward expression of renouncing food or abstaining ourselves from worldly passions. Rather this should be treated as a time for us to prepare ourselves to live in or identifying ourselves with the salvation experience of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus.

God’s purpose for fasting is explained in Isaiah 58. God says- He has chosen fasts that loosen the bonds of wickedness, undo heavy burdens, let the oppressed go free, break every yoke, give bread to the hungry, clothe the naked, provide poor with housing & reconcile with the fellow being (6 & 7). Therefore true fast is to change the believer in their way of life by being empowered by God to change the world. May this season be a rediscovery of our self, a celebration of reconciliation in all spheres of our relationships within our family, parish and society at large for a life worthy for our Lord.

Easter calls us to celebrate the Risen life of Jesus. Apostle Paul says, «If the spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you. He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you» (Rom. 8:11). This was the experience of Paul, whose heart was dramatically changed by the resurrected Christ. It is also the experience of people all over the world who have «died» to their old ways so that Christ can live His life through them. This spiritual power is evident only in those who respond to overwhelming evidence for Christ’s resurrection by acknowledging His Lordship in their heart.

Let us surrender our lives to the will of our Lord Jesus and experience a renewed life in the power of His resurrection.

I appreciate all the parishioners for your prayers and participation in the various activities of our parish in the last financial year. I would like to thank the office bearers and the committee members for the service they have rendered for the glory of God amidst their personal commitments.

May the Risen Lord strengthen us to be his witnesses and help us to move onwards our spiritual journey in utmost faith and hope.

God Bless us Yours in Christ Panachamoottil Achen

Visit of our Thirumeni Our Adoor Diocesan Bishop Rt. Rev. Joseph Mar Barnabas Episcopa will be with us from 7th April, 2011 to 11th April, 2011. Thirumeni will be our Chief Guest for our parish day celebration and also His Grace will lead the morning Holy Communion service on Friday, 8th April, 2011. We St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church, Kuwait heartily welcome our founder Diocesan Bishop.

This year’s VBS was conducted from 17th to 25th March, at St Thomas centre, Salmiya; under the able leadership of a well experienced Director Mr. Saji Thomas from the Santacruz MTC in Mumbai. We had a total of 238 children, 32 dedicated teachers and VBS officials. Our kids explored the bible through story, music, art and different activities which was a new experience for everyone. All the kids experienced how great it is to walk in HIS ways, which was the theme of this year’s VBS. The VBS concluded with a dedication session and a final day programme showcasing the lessons learnt by the students.

Easter Service Our Very Rev. George Zachariah will be with us to celebrate the Easter Day Holy Qurbana Service at St. Thomas Centre at 5 a.m. on 24th March 2011. We wholeheartedly welcome George Zachariah Achen to our Parish.

Parish Day – 2011 Let us thank the Almighty for the blessings he has showered on us for the last 4 years. When we look back at each year our Edavaka has grown in various ways with various activities. Once again let us all thank Jesus for keeping us under His Care and providing our every need.

Our 5th Parish Day Celebrations will be held at NECK on Friday 8th April, 2011 at 7.15 PM, and we will be blessed by the presence of our first diocesan Bishop Rt. Rev. Joseph Mar Barnabas Episcopa on this occasion. Other dignitaries from NECK and all Vicars of Mar Thoma parishes in Kuwait will also be attending this function.

Goodbye …….

Our Member Mr. John George (Binu) Member # 262 (Emmaus Prayer Group) has decided to leave Kuwait. Let us thank Binu and family for their fellowship and contributions to our parish and remember them in our prayers. Parish gave a farewell to Binu on March 1st, Tuesday.

Condolence.

St Thomas family conveys our heartfelt condolences to Mr. Alex K. M, (Ararath Prayer Group) on the demise his mother Mrs. Thankamma Mathai (72) Kallarapallikkal, Othara.

St Thomas family conveys our heartfelt condolences to Mr. Mathew K. C. (Ephrath Prayer Group) on the demise his Father Mr. K. C. Chacko (83) Cherukara Kolakkottu Ranny.

St Thomas family conveys our heartfelt condolences to Mr. Shaji Joseph (Kadesh Prayer Group) on the demise his mother Mrs. Akkamma Joseph (76) Kallissery Karuvellil, Chegannur.

St. Thomas family conveys our heartfelt condolences to Mr. Mathai Kochumman & Jolly Mathai Kochumman (Olivet Prayer Group) on the demise her mother Mrs. Aleyamma Thomas (87) Kuzhikavilayil, Manakkala, Adoor.

Our New Officce Bearers (2011 - 2012)

John Alexander

John Varghese

Christy Thomas

Vijoy Alexander

Vice President

Secretary

Trustee - Finance

Trustee - Accounts

66249240 - 25610139

99086449-25627036

97867814-25663520

97100853-22623051

Our Assembly Members (2011 - 2014)

Abraham Stephen

Mathew P. Alexander

Lay Ministrant

Lay Ministrant

66284427-25624177

97835292-25650273

Mon Mathews C. John Boban Varghese K.

Edavaka Dinam Invitation We, the office bearers (2010/2011 & 2011/2012) have great pleasure in jointly inviting all our parish members to our 5th Parish Day/Edavaka Dinam celebrations on Friday 8th April 2011 at NECK Church and Parish Hall. Edavaka Dinam Special Service will start at 7.15 PM followed by a meeting and dinner.

Edavaka Dinam Holy Communion will be at our St. Thomas Centre at 7.30 AM. Both occasions will be consecrated by Rt. Rev. Joseph Mar Barnabas Episcopa.

All Parish Members are cordially invited to attend the Holy Communion at St. Thomas Centre and Edavaka Dinam Special Programs in the evening at NECK. For and on behalf of Office Bearers and Kaisthanasamithi

Manoj M. Mathew / John Varghese

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Nombu Namaskaram Our “Nombu Namaskaram” will be continued as usual everyday at St. Thomas Centre from 7.30 - 8.30 p.m. (except on Tuesdays and Fridays).

REGULAR PROGRAMS AT ST. THOMAS CENTRE Sunday school Senior & Junior Choir Yuvajana Sakhyam Sevika Sanghom Edavaka Mission

: Every Friday at 2.30 PM : All Thursday at 7.30 PM : Every 1st Friday at Centre after the Worship service and 3rd Sunday at Abbasiya : All Saturdays at 5.00 PM : All Saturdays at 7.30 PM

Word of thanks to dear Parishioners………

The year 2010/2011 was a challenging year with greater expectations and many tasks. Depending on God’s mercy and with the relentless support from the Parishioners, both spiritual and material, we were able to stand firm in the midst of challenges. God blessed us wonderfully in many ways and beyond our imagination.

The thought of having a worship place of our own and the arrival of a young and energetic new Vicar Rev. Thomas Koshy Panachamootil have enabled us to think of novel programs. Programs such as “Almaya parishilana kalari”, “Kudumba Naveekarana Dhyanam”, “Sargolsav”, “Youngsters Meet”, “Bible Class” “Thirupiravi” etc. were some of the programs we started during the year.

Usual activities such as Get-togethers, picnics, football tournament, Christmas carol, house-to-house carol rounds, various competitions, Parish Festival, VBS etc. were also conducted colorfully.

God Almighty has provided us the resources to meet our needs much more than expected. The Holy Communion Services, Special Programs and Regular / Routine activities being conducted at St. Thomas Center has undoubtedly given the Parish more enthusiasm and energy. The atmosphere and convenience to communicate with others (with a cup of tea/coffee in hand) after each worship service, is remarkable in improving the Parishioners’ Christian fellowship.

The co-operation and support from our Kuwaiti Sponsor is praise-worthy and we express our sincere thanks to him.

Thanks to Kaisthana Samithi members, Prayer Group Officials, all organizations and sub-committees for their efforts in sharing the responsibilities to make each and every function a success. We are thankful to our Metropolitan Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Mar Thoma, Diocesan Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Mar Paulose Episcopa and our Vicar Rev. Thomas Koshy Panachimoottil for their timely guidance and support.

The Kaisthana Samithi and Office Bearers hereby express the gratitude to all Parishioners for their continuous support and care. We pray to Lord Almighty to bless each and every one abundantly.

Yours sincerely,

Manoj M Mathew for and on behalf of Kaisthana Samithi and Office Bearers

DATE

7:30 AM

TIME ST. THOMAS CENTRE

VENUE

7:30 PM

HALL OF PEACE

1 5 ST. THOMAS CENTRE HALL OF PEACE

7:30 AM 7:30 PM

8 12

ST. THOMAS CENTRE

ST. THOMAS CENTRE

7.00 PM

ST. THOMAS CENTRE

7:30 AM

7:30 PM

ST. THOMAS CENTRE

HALL OF PEACE

ST. THOMAS CENTRE

ST. THOMAS CENTRE

ST. THOMAS CENTRE

7:30 AM

7:30 PM

5.00 AM

8.30 AM

7.00 PM

15 17 18 19 20 21

22

24

26

29

THEME

HOLY COMMUNION

PROGRAMME

Roma 8: 31-39

EPISTLE

Luke 13: 10-17

GOSPEL

Isa. 51: 1-6

FIRST LESSON

Gal. 5:13-24

SECOND LESSON

WORSHIP SCHEDULE FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL 2011

"Jesus who values the Human Person"

Assistance by (Laymen, Lesson Reading & Offertory collection)

Wil be assigned

Ararath

Will be assigned

Olivett

Kadesh

Will be assigned

Acts.

11: 19-26

Heb. 12:1-10

Isa. 42: 1-9

Numb.

21:1-9

Heb. 5: 1-10

Mark 10: 46-52 Matthew 4: 1-11

Zechariah 9: 9-12

2 Corin 4: 1-12 1 Peter 1: 13-22

Mark 11: 1-11

Exodus 12: 1-17

1 Peter 1: 1-25

Heb. 9: 1-15

Matthew 26: 17-30

Isa. 53: 1-12

1 Cori.

11:23-34

Service - 1

Gal. 3: 1-22

1 Cori.

15: 12-20

Zechariah 13: 1-9

2 Kings 4: 27-37

1 Peter 1: 1-9

Service - 2

John 20: 1-18

Exodus 3: 7-15

Heb. 3: 1-19

1 Cori.

15: 42-58

John 20: 24-29

Numb.

21:1-9

1 Thim.

2: 1-7

Gheehon/Shekam

Canaan

Will be assigned

Will be assigned

Will be assigned

Will be assigned

Ephe 1: 3-10

HOLY COMMUNION

HOLY COMMUNION

HOLY COMMUNION HOLY COMMUNION HOLY COMMUNION

Service - 3

"Sandhya Namaskaram"

HOLY COMMUNION

"Faith Proclamation which transcends barriers"

"Coming of the Savior" "Hosana"

"Pezaha" - The rememberance of Salvation

Good Friday - Salvation through Jesus Christ

Easter / Resurrection Celebration of Life

Resurrection - Celebration of Life

Prayer Groups are requested to select and assign appropriate persons as Laymen to assist, Lesson Readers and to collect offertory at Worship and Holy Communion services, both at St. Thomas Center and Hall of Peace. Please co-ordinate with Lay Readers.