Download - Edition 58 - News Letter August 2013

7/27/2019 Edition 58 - News Letter August 2013

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PARISH MESSENGER

TheMarThomaParishPerth

Edition58/August2013

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit(1 Cor 12:4)

GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT


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he Mar Thoma Parish Perth www.perthmarthoma.org.au

I will what thou willst-only keep me sure

Thus thou are willing: call to me now and then

So, ceasing to enjoy, I shall endure

With perfect patience-willing beyond my ken,

Beyond my love, beyond my thinking scope;

Willing to be because thy will is pure

Willing thy will beyond all bounds of

hope (Anonymous)

When Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane criednot as I will, but as thou will, his own will did

not die. He was embracing his Fathers will.

There is a difference between surrendering and

embracing. To give up your own will to

someone in one thing; to join your will with

another is something different. You still have

your will.

When God created us with free will, he made

us different from a dog that has no will but his

masters, different from the bird that yields only

to instinct. Even when we sin we have wills,

wills that disobey their Maker. Never are wereduced to being mere mammals, cousins of

the rat. We maybe in rebellion, but we are

princes in rebellion.

It has been said that God does not love a weary

collapse. He does our wills to merge with his

will. Then we become partners and friends. He

is not a tyrant: we are not cowering slaves. Weare his daughters and sons.

To know His will at all times is not possible, we

need to pray, keep me sure that thou art

willing. Without being sure of His will, we still

have to choose a course, often with a prayer

that He will call now and then and that He

will forgive if we have misunderstood. And He

will.

but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and

on His law he meditates day and night. (Ps

1:2)

May our good

God bless you all,

W i t h p r a y e r f u l

regards,

Mothy Achen

MESSAGE FROM OUR VICAR

His Will and Ours
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Promeon:Greek, mean ing introduction orpreface.

ThePromeon i s an introductoryprayer. In the Promeon , we seekgrace andmercy from ourLordJesus Chris t.

CHURCH SERVICE & AREA ACOLYTES


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YOUTH FELLOWSHIP

Youth Fellowship meets third Saturdays of

every month at 03:00pm at the residence of a

parish member.

Encourage all youngsters of our parish to

participate in the activities of the Youth

Fellowship. For further details, please contact Mr

Vitty Jacob ([email protected]).

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Regular Sunday School on all Sundays before

the Holy Communion Service. Contact: Mr Ninan

Thomas or Mrs Babbin Mathews for further

details ([email protected]).

EDAVAKA MISSION

Edavaka Mission meets at the residence of aparish member every month. For further details,

please contact Mr Solomon Jacob.

PARISH CHOIR

Parish Choir meets for practice every Sunday

after the Holy Communion Service at Murdoch

Worship Centre. For further details please contact

Mr. Ginsu Ninan ([email protected]).

SENIOR CITIZENS FELLOWSHIP

Senior Citizens Fellowship meets fourth

Saturdays of every month at 12:00pm at the

residence of a parish member. For further details,

please contact Mr Retnarajan.

SEVIKA SANGHAM

Sevika Sangham meets once every two month

at the residence of a parish member.

Encourage all women in our parish to

participate in the activities of the Sevika Sangham.For further details, please contact Mrs Mary John

([email protected]).

NEWS FROM YOUR PARISH MINISTRIES

FOR YOUR PRAYER Pray for our Parish, Vicar and the members;

Pray for all our Parish Organisations and for all their activities;

Pray for our Sunday School kids and teachers;

Pray for this nation and its government;

Pray for world peace and for all war torn countries; and

Pray for the youth of our parish for them to have a blessed and God

fearing future.
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BIRTHDAYS AUGUST 2013 WEDDING ANNIVERSARY AUGUST 2013

James R Rajesh (2 August)

Jinu Johnson (3 August)

Samuel C Thomas (6 August)Sharan Ann Solomon (7 August)

Linda Susan Mathew (9 August)

Moitree Dey Thomas (11 August)

Anil George (12 August)

Alexia Mathew (16 August)

Viji Komattu Mathews (22 August)

Anju Joham Parayil (23 August)

Ann George (24 August)

Thomas Kurian Parayil (25 August)

Dr. Cherukara Philips Thomas (29 August)

Samuel Francis & Elizabeth Francis (1 August)

Philin Mathew Philip & Dr. Jinu Mary Eappen (15August)

Sanju John & Neeta Sanju (19 August)

V John Zachariah & Sarina John (23 August)

God Created You with his own hands; He Knows your

name and your thoughts; He Blesses you with life, with love;

And the joy of another year to know him.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!

May the Almighty God continue to bless your family more and

more in the coming years. May you be an inspiration and

example for others in the days to come.

WISHING ALL THE CELEBRANTS HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!

AREA PRAYER GROUP MEETINGS

BIRTHDAY AND WEDDING ANNIVERSARY


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WORSHIP SCHEDULE

MalayalamServiceHolyCommunionServiceeveryfirstandthirdSundaysat10:00am.

EnglishServiceHolyCommunionServiceeverysecondandfourthSundaysat10:00amandDivine

WorshipServiceonotherSundaysat10:00am.

Special thanksgiving prayers will conducted for birthday and wedding anniversaries during the

communionservices.

TheBiblestudy,ontheGospelaccordingtoMathewleadbyourVicar,startsat09:00ameverySunday.

EVENTS - AUGUST 2013

CONDOLENCE

With heart felt sorrow we inform you the demise of Mr. Mathews Philip

(78), father of Mr Reji Philip (Willetton Prayer Group) on Monday 01st

July 2013 in Mumbai, India.

Mar Thoma Parish Perth expresses heart-felt condolence to the bereaved

family members on the sad demise of their beloved one. May the Lord

strengthen and comfort them with His abundant Peace.


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Few people look at us with curiosity, some with admiration, others ask how did you tolerate

each other. how did you survive; newly married couple comment .. so now you agree on

everything, no difference of opinion?

We thought it worth giving a summary of the past 50 years, for those who may be

interested.

In 1963, the time we married in a very conventional way, the scenario was quite different

from today; there were definite expectations about the mans and womans role. Mary says

Lot of informal counseling was given by elders how I should look upon and respect my

husbands family members, how loud and how often I can express my views, if at all I had a

view different from theirs etc . Me, the eldest daughter in a nuclear family, having held

different responsibilities, had to be careful in my manner. I think I passed the test of

being a modest, homely bride. His family accepted me. Johny, being the youngest of seven

children , was mamas darling boy and had his dreams about a sunny future . In a way it

was an advantage for me, ammachy, his mother always had a very special affection for me

and the children , and we reciprocated it. She would keep all the goodies she got from

relatives in Malaysia and Gulf countries for us. She was a bit worried that our girls did not

have gold chain and bangles like others. They still remember the summer holidays we

spent with ammachy in Ayroor, picking mangoes, and manjadi kuru , fetching milk from

the neighbours house , participating in carol singing in the church we worshiped and the

local friends. Our grand children were fascinated to see and realise the country roots of

their mother and aunty, when they went there.

Both of us, bride and groom, did not understand the essence of all the exhortation byThe Most Rev. Yuhannan Thirumeni nor the beautiful wedding chants by the achens and

the commitment that we made in the presence of friends and relatives, less than a hundred,

in the excitement of the day. But as time passed and we faced the hard realities of life they

became meaningful , and held us together in all adversities .[ I listen with great attention

now, when attending a marriage service]

(Cont.... Page 8)

THOOLIKA

Fifty years together as husband and wife

BY MR C J JOHN & MRS MARY JOHN


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First year of marriage we lived in two worlds, me in Coimbatore to fulfill my bond to serve

the college and he in Birmingham, U.K. doing a P.G .course. The only means of

communication was the weekly letter , and the photographs or gift sent thro some friend .No telephone call, no direct conversation. Johny says it was a very difficult period, away

from family and the new wife, I did not feel any better; but that short separation cemented

our love and longing for each other.

However, we were together for the second anniversary and started living together in the

outskirts of the beautiful hill-station, Shillong , in the new house built for us . All staff and

students living in one campus like a family, tho from different parts of the country .The

principal and wife were missionaries from U.K. He was a brilliant scholar, all rounder,

made up a song we are all like birds in the wilderness, down in UCC.

I felt just that way in spite of Johnys efforts to make me happy; being far away from

family and the busy life I was used to.

We dreamt that both of us being well qualified, will be able to live comfortably and work in

the same place very soon. It was not so, except in the last lap of our carrier before

retirement from the same Union Christian College .

We have two children, they were born in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh where grandfatherworked with the YM.CA. When Renu was born Johny was away in UCC, anxiously

waiting for news which he got by telegram, after 24 hrs. He was able to see he in a months

time.

Traveling with the baby to Shillong , by train, plane and road for days was an ordeal;

relatives or friends in Madras, Calcutta and Gawhati helped . Before Premu was born the

next year, Johny had come over to Karnataka; We joined him and children started school

there. We were together and enjoyed bringing them up. We worshiped in the C.S.I

English Church . From Ankola an achen came once a month to conduct a Marthoma

service in Hubli where we lived. There were some good friends who cared and helped.

At the end of six years both of us were about to loose jobs and we had to move.

Johny was appointed in a good college in Virudunagar in Tamil Nadu , a rural area . There

were no good schools. One year they had home schooling . Next year I joined Cochin

(Cont.... Page 9)

THOOLIKA(CONT.....)


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Refineries School and children could study there. They got the best education possible

those days, to develop their talents in sports, music , leadership and literary activities. and

were able to get into the Christian Medical college Vellore, eventually.

Johny had to be alone, could come home for few days once a month and it was a special

family time. We missed him a lot but absence made the hearts grow fonder. We lived 16

years in Ambalamugal refinery quarters . There was a united Marthoma-CSI church

and congregation. Our family participated in Sunday school ,choir and all activities of

the parish.

Again another movement for Johny to Chungathara in Malabar as the Founder principal

of the Marthoma college. A lot of settlers had migrated from the old Travancore State,there were eleven Marthoma parishes, besides all other denominations. The College had

few buildings in a fairly big campus; needed lot of funds and support to bring it to some

standard. The deep faith and vision of late Easo Mar Themotheus Thirumeni,

combined with the hard work of the young members of staff helped me to build it up

and introduce good traditions for the following generations says Johny, remembering

those early days. I was all alone, the family still in Ambalamugal . Day to day challenges

of building up a brand new college , taking decisions , finding funds, managing a peaceful

atmosphere all seemed to be beyond me, but Gods hand was there always, particularly intimes of crisis. I was able to be with the family most week ends, that was a big consolation.

As we were thinking of a celebration for our 25th anniversary, there came the big blow.

I lost my job, had to come away from Chungathara, before I could complete things I

wanted to do. I was most disappointed; struggled to see Gods purpose in this. The

family finance had to be stretched, fees for children in Vellore, paying mortgage for the

house to be paid and so on. Children were very understanding. They minimised their

expenses and we sailed thro troubled waters somehow. But stopping active work at 54years because I could not find a suitable job at that age , was disheartening for both of us.

Johny says Then, out of blue came an invitation from UCC Meghalaya, where I had

worked 22 years before. to be the principal. It appeared impractical as we thought of all

the difficulties we faced to reach there in the past. After the 1970s refugee problem,

North Eastern States were not so friendly to people from the rest of India . It will be a

risk , we have to live separate alone again, so I asked a months time to think and reply .

(Cont.... Page 10)

THOOLIKA(CONT.....)


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Other friends and colleagues from UCC wrote encouraging letters. We thought well

visit there and then say yes or no.

We could not wait because Gods appointed time had already come . An SOS call from an

M.P in Delhi, contacting to say there is an emergency, the officiating principal is

hospitalised , join UCC immediately. I had to yield .yes, it was gods call. Both of us

went together, as it was school holidays; again the long distance, botheration of setting

up a house did not know what life was going to be

Now there was electricity . but no phone facility yet . For all requirements big and small

one had to run to the city, 20k.m. away from the campus by private transport. The

university also was far. The College was all set to start Science stream , teachers had tobe recruited. [They like their own people to be employed even if they are not good

enough. ] I had to be cautious. To look after a campus where all boys and girls are in

residence, to maintain discipline preventing use of cigarettes, drugs and drinks, to bring

salary money over a lakh rupees thro the lonely jungle roads and distribute cash [ there is no

bank in the campus,] to guard the territories from frequent encroaching, to keep peace

between different tribal students who do not see eye to eye, were all Herculean tasks.

After a month Mary had to go back to Kerala. She says with a heavy heart, I left ,

just trusting God, that He will take care of Johny, come what may. I do not know how he

will manage There is no way to know what is happening except thro the letters which

take more than a week to reach here or there. But most of my fears were unnecessary.

Students and staff members were ready to help in their own friendly ways.

There was good support and so much trouble also. The Former principal , a veteran who

built up the college was once beaten up by politicians. Our quarters with glass windows

was stoned more than once; we got threatening letters, were challenged in person

sometimes but we survived.

The tribals are simple and affectionate folk but often could not see the wisdom in

disciplining and were very sensitive about their own tribal identity. There was

always a good Christian atmosphere; morning and evening worship , SCM and religious

activities, manual work projects ,sports and games, cultural dances and celebrations to

engage students.

(Cont.... Page 11)

THOOLIKA(CONT.....)


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After one year Mary joined me ; Home Science Department was started and she worked

for 5 years, Basic facts about hygiene, specially in kitchen , safe drinking water, healthy

cooking and eating and child rearing practices were new information; as they went backand lived among their people, it benefited communities.

We visited most of the N.E. states, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, sites

of second world war and war cemeteries.

Johny worked as Director of Student Development Services in St Antonys college Shillong

for 2 years after retiring from UCC. Premu got married to Alex they worked in Saudi

Arabia for a while and moved to Perth. Our first grandson was born we got the good news

in UCC, after few hours. and saw him before he was one year old. Renu did her bond inAnkola Ashram hospital and joined for P.G. back in Vellore.

We trusted God more and more in times of despire and miraculously overcame problems.

Once we were stranded in Gawhati airport , there was all Assam bundh by student unions.

No vehicle to go back . The Lok Sabha Speaker, Mr.Sangma, a Garo who knows about

the college was coming from Delhi and going to Shillong. He gladly gave us a lift in one of

the accompanying vehicle, and we reached safe!

When we left, both of us had a sense of accomplishment; that it was not merely a job but acall from God which we responded to eight years, in our own humble ways. We had no

idea how we would live comfortably the rest of our life without an income.

In 1997 we came to Perth to be with the children and the young grand children. We had to

be oriented to new attitudes. We found elderly people living independently healthy and

happy lives, not worrying about their age. So both of us get involved in different activities

inside and outside home. We go for long walks together and visit friends living close by.

We encourage each other to pursue individual interests .Johny likes reading. and writing

and has learnt some household chores. I like gardening, music etc.

We have travelled to Cairns, Melbourne, Sydney ,Kalgoorly and Albany

We go to India and go round visiting relatives and friends as much as we can.

Past 15 years of our retired life, part of it in our Tiruvella house and most of it here , has

been smooth and lively. God has given us many blessings which we thought we had

(Cont.... Page 12)

THOOLIKA(CONT.....)


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QUIZ NO. 0009

1. What gift did Salome, daughter of Herodias, ask for after she danced for Herod?

2. How did Samson kill all the people in the temple?

3. Which musical instrument did David play for Saul?

4. What was Esau doing while Jacob stole his blessing?

5. Why did Jacob initially send Josephs brothers into Egypt?

6. Who was Davids great friend?

7. Who said thy God shall be my God?

8. Which of Christs belongings did the soldiers cast lots for after they had crucified him?

9. What does the name Emmanuel mean?

10. What does James say we should do if we lack wisdom?

Please email your answers to [email protected]. Please do so with your parentspermission.

(The winners and the answers will be published in the following months newsletter)

Winners

of Quiz No. 0008

Abel Mathews

&

Shradha Mariam Shibu

shared the first place with

maximum correct answers.

Congrats to all who

participated.

Inviting articles from our kids for this section.

Please note all articles required to be published the

following month must reach the Webmaster by email([email protected]) on or before 20th of the

current month. Please restrict your passages to half a

page or around 200-250 words.

LITTLE HANDS

Answers of Quiz No. 0008

1. Pharisees and Sadducees (Mark 10:2)

2. Raised him from the dead (John11:43-44)

3. Mt. Sinai (Exo 34:32)

4. David (1 Kings 2:12)

5. Carpenter (Matt 13:55)

6. With a kiss (Luke 22:48)

7. Threatened to divide the child (with

a sword) (1 Ki 3:25)8. Isaac (Gen 22:9)

9. In the temple (Luke 2:42-46)

10. A ghost (Matt 14:26)
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For more information, please contact

Rev Mothy Varkey

(Vicar)

Mob: 0426 283 829

Landline: 08 6161 6797

email: [email protected]

Mr Christy Tom

(Secretary)

Mob: 0431 479 134

email:

[email protected]

Webmaster

email: [email protected]

The Mar Th ma Parish Perth, P.O. Box 3104, She ley, WA 6148

for private circulation only

MESSENGER NOTES

Please feel free to drop in your comments and suggestions regarding our Parish Messenger at

[email protected].

We are looking for articles to be published in our monthly newsletter. Those who can write articles,poems, drawings (kids) please contact the Webmaster at [email protected]. This is another

opportunity to use our God given talents for the Glory of God.
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Download - Edition 58 - News Letter August 2013

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