newsletter september 2020 · 3 immanuel mar thoma church newsletter september 2020 we are planning...

2 Immanuel Mar Thoma Church

Newsletter September 2020

From the Vicar’s Desk

I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord!” Ps. 122:1

All of this came as a bit of a surprise to me over the past five months. We were compelled to be at home. The pew of Immanuel Church was waiting to receive the worshippers, Sanctuary was awaiting to hear the beautiful chants and sweet smelling fragrance. Immanuel Center was longing to hear the echo of the little ones. The 14 acres of land was empty. On Aug 23, 2020 when I entered the holy ‘Madbaha’ again after a long gap, my eyes were filled with tears. It was a special experience of both joy and gratitude. I hope every one of you will have the same experience after coming back to the church again. Let us thank God for his mercy and kindness towards us.

“When I asked God for strength, He gave me difficult situations to face. When I asked God for intelligence, He gave me puzzles in life to solve. When I asked God for happiness, He showed me some unhappy people. When I asked God for wealth, He showed me how to work hard. When I asked God for favors, He showed opportunities to work hard. When I asked God for peace, He showed me how to help others. God gave me nothing I wanted, He gave me everything I needed.” These beautiful words are true in our lives too. God gave us everything we needed. So we cannot weep or murmur because we didn’t get something. Always be thankful to God for everything.

September 6, Sunday we are celebrating as Labor Day. We need to remember our first generation diaspora community who worked hard for establishing the churches and faith communities. Many people lost their jobs and going through economic crisis. The frontline workers and essential workers worked hard dur-ing this pandemic.

Dearly beloved in Christ,



We are planning to begin this year’s Sunday School classes virtually from September 06,

Sunday onwards. “Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”. Our children should “crave pure spiritual milk to grow up in salvation”. I urge all the parents of IMTC to encourage your children from age 4-18 to partake in the Sunday school sessions this year. It is the time to imbibe the spiritual lessons and grow in full stature of Jesus Christ. Mrs. Anitha Mathew, Alex Varghese and Joji John were the office bearers of our Sunday school for last two years. I acknowledge their hard work and selfless labor for the extension of His glory. We have our new office bearers Aksa Alexander (superintendent) Bincy Puthenmadathil (asst. superintendent) Saro Thomas (secretary) and Shincy Abraham (trustee). I wish and pray that the Sunday School be a channel for our children to reach the Kingdom of God. A team of dedicated teachers are helping our children to see the hidden treasures of the Bible.

Second Sunday of September is the Sevika Sanhgam day. IMTC sevika sang-ham is known for their compassionate charity works. Even at this time of crisis, they opened their hands to help out many people. IMTC sevika sangham is publishing a book for the first time. I appreciate the office bearers and sevika sangham members for their relentless services. Women are the prayer warri-ors and home makers. Women can influence their children and grandchildren. St. Paul writes to Timothy that his mother & Grandmother Lois and Eunice were godly women and they instilled the faith traditions to Timothy. It is our duty to pass on the great faith traditions to our generations.

Third Sunday of September is the senior fellowship Sunday. Immanuel family is blessed with more than 250 seniors. They are our parents and we are their chil-dren. We are enjoying the fruits of their yesterday’s physical labor and the blessings of their yesterday’s spiritual labor. Their prayerful tears and tearful prayers are really a blessing. Let us honor our parents and spend time with them. They lived their yesterdays for our better tomorrows.

We are preparing for our Inter-Prayer group quiz, Parish convention and Parish day in the month of October. Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Mar Paulos will be the chief guest for our Parish day on October 25. Kindly uphold these events in our fami-ly prayers.

Let us be strong in our faith.

Servant in Christ,

Rev. Abraham Varghese

Vicar

From the Vicar’s Desk Cont’d



WORSHIP SCHEDULES (SEPTEMBER 2020)

06-Sep 10:30 AM

Education for Liberation

English Holy Communion Service

1st Lesson:

2nd Lesson: Epistle: Gospel:

Prov 8:1-12 Acts 8:26-38 Col 1:24-29 Mark 6:34-44

13-Sep 10:30 AM

Women Change Makers: (Sevika Sanghom Day)

Malayalam Holy Communion

Service

1st Lesson:


Num 27:1-11 Acts 16:11-15 Rom 16:1-6 John 4:27-30

20-Sep 10:30 AM

Elderly generation: Custodians of Fruitful Life (Senior Citizen Day)

English Holy Communion Service

1st Lesson:


2Kgs 23:1-6

Rev 1:1-9

1Pet 1:13-25

Matt 7:21-27

27-Sep 10:30 AM

Unity of the Church

Malayalam Holy Communion

Service

1st Lesson:


Ezek 37:15-22 1John 3:1-12 Eph 4:1-6 John 17:20-26

Sunday school Sunday School begins on September 6 ,2020 at 9:00 am through Zoom media. The

meeting details are below.

Zoom Meeting ID: 914 0028 9683 Passcode: SS2020 Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/91400289683?pwd=ZzBaNGorSi96NU51bitYanF3czdPUT09

Looking forward to seeing you all for a year filled

with fun, favor, and God's word.

Sunday School teachers dedication will be held on September 5,

2020 @5:30 pm.

https://zoom.us/j/91400289683?pwd=ZzBaNGorSi96NU51bitYanF3czdPUT09



SEPTEMBER WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

Date Name ID # 1-Sep-20 Mr. & Mrs. Vijo Zachariah 252

2-Sep-20

Mr. & Mrs. Allen J. Jacob 372

Mr. & Mrs. George C Philip 581

Mr. & Mrs. Jeffin Georgie Samuel 173

Mr. & Mrs. Justin J Samuel 610

4-Sep-20 Mr. & Mrs. George K. Eapen 134

Mr. & Mrs. Vinney Samuel 388

6-Sep-20 Mr. & Mrs. Yohannan Mathunny 130

7-Sep-20 Mr. & Mrs. Reji John 386

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Abraham 385

10-Sep-20

Mr. & Mrs. Abraham Varughese 589

Mr. & Mrs. Alex Thomas 360

Mr. & Mrs. Blessy Johns Abraham 446

Mr. & Mrs. Charlie P. Mathew 257

Mr. & Mrs. Mathai P. Koshy 109

11-Sep-20 Mr. & Mrs. Philip M. Abraham 140

12-Sep-20 Mr. & Mrs. John P. Mathew 347

13-Sep-20 Mr. & Mrs. Kurian George 571

14-Sep-20 Mr. & Mrs. N.K. Chacko 325

15-Sep-20

Mr. & Mrs. Anil Valiaparambil 510

Mr. & Mrs. Binu Alexander 502

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Mathen 449

Mr. & Mrs. Toji M. Samuel 138

16-Sep-20

Mr. & Mrs. Kuruvilla John 302

Mr. & Mrs. Reno Samuel 481

Mr. & Mrs. Saji T. Koruthu 272

18-Sep-20 Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Varkey 232

Mr. & Mrs. Roy Jacob 355

20-Sep-20 Mr. & Mrs. Aby V. George 464

22-Sep-20 Mr. & Mrs. Joy N. Samuel 173

26-Sep-20 Mr. & Mrs. Varghese Sebastian 384

27-Sep-20 Mr. & Mrs. Liju James 127

28-Sep-20 Mr. & Mrs. Mathew C. Samuel 138

Mr. & Mrs. Richard Philip 504

29-Sep-20 Mr. & Mrs. Ajay J. Sam 258

Mr. & Mrs. Rejeev Thomas 472

30-Sep-20

Mr. & Mrs. George Mathew 122

Mr. & Mrs. George Varghese 620

Mr. & Mrs. Premdas Mammazhyil 387

Mr. & Mrs. Reju Eapen 468



SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS

B-Day Name

1-Sep Adam T. Thadikkal

Susamma Thomas

2-Sep Vino Cherian

3-Sep

Ann Liz Terish

Anna Laura Dominguez

Chacko Jacob

David Thomas Mathew

Jessin Thomas Abraham

Raymond Christopher George

4-Sep

Asha M. Philip

Keira Malini Thomas

Rhiana Pappachan

Seena M. Keerikattu

5-Sep

Dr. Julie Ann Mathew

Joe B. Varghese

Josh B. Varghese

Shejo Joe Cherian

Sonia Varghese

Tina George

6-Sep

Jacob John

Joshua Chacko

Praveen Varghese Philip

Sheena Mathew

7-Sep

Elizabeth J. Thomas

Joseph Chandy

Sanjay Philip

Sanjna John

8-Sep Dr. Sam Joseph

Sara Sam

9-Sep

Bini George

Cherian K. Abraham

Edwin Kuruvilla

Mekha S Thomas

B-Day Name

10-Sep Ansu J. Abraham

Sonia Mariam Sajo

11-Sep

Emil Mathew Mathews

Ron Kuruvila Varghese

Ryan John Varghese

12-Sep

Alexander Samuel

Anna George

Betsy Sam

Jason Varghese

John Varughese

Rachel Mathew

Shreya S. Joy

13-Sep

Arun T. Benni

Gene G. Abraham

Jacob John

Johnson Thomas

Reji V. Kurian

14-Sep

Abraham K. John

Ajay J. Sam

Issac Chacko Philip

Jims P. Varghese

Libi Abraham

Preethy Philip

15-Sep

George John

George M. Abraham

Jibin Philip

Kiara Philip

Saramma Shaji

Thomas K Varughese

16-Sep

Annette A. Varghese

Dr. Reji John

Rev. Jaison A Thomas



SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS

B-Day Name

17-Sep

Eype P. Thomas

Lejoy V. Mathew

Melvin Abraham

Suja Jackson Jacob

18-Sep

Arlene Ann Thomas

Joshua Matthew Jacob

Mattson Thomas

Nikha Elizabeth John

Oommen K. Mathew

Ryan John

19-Sep Abiya Rachel

Sherly Thomas

20-Sep

Dr. George Mammen

George Mathew

Levi Samuel

22-Sep

Bobby Mathew

Brinda Grace Varghese

Dan M. Sanil

Emil Ann George

Eric Philip George

Ryan C. Roy

Siju Varghese

23-Sep

Ancy John

Angelynn Reni Kavalayil

Suja Cheriyan

Suja T. Keerikattu

Thompson Jacob

24-Sep

Ginu Varghese

Jacob Kunnumpurath

Lena Abraham

B-Day Name

24-Sep

Liju James

Nirmal K. Mathew

Silas Mathew Jacob

Somy Samuel

Thomas Daniel

25-Sep

Aleyamma Idiculla

Annamma Thomas

Caleb Ambalavelil Thomas

Emma Elizabeth Abraham

Susamma George

26-Sep

Alexander Ajo Thomas

Dr. Laji James

Jane Chacko

Jeffin Anil Mathew

Jimmy George

27-Sep

Anugraha Elsa Johnson

Joel C. John

Mariamma Thomas

28-Sep

Annie Varghese

Dr.Abraham Chacko Jr

Ethen George Shetty

Jennifer S. George

Koshy Thekethundyil

Lino Samuel

Liya Joby

Siby P. Mathew

29-Sep

Josna Joe

Shane S. Mathew

Sharon E. Jacob

30-Sep Annie Ponna Thomas



Yuvajanasakhyam

Immanuel Marthoma Yuvajanasakhyam has taken on a new project to help Kadappa mission field in India. IMTC Yuvajanasakhyam is opening a new window to spread the gospel news by supporting a project called “Sakhyam Gramam” which is part of the Kadappa mission field by plant-ing 500 mango saplings for the sustenance of the locals who are living in the dark.

Your prayers and financial support would be much appreciated. Please contact Yuvajanasakhyam committee members for more details

Edavaka Mission

Edavaka mission day will be observed on Sunday October 4th, 2020. In connection with Edavaka mission day, a special prayer meeting is scheduled to be held on October 3rd, Saturday @7:30 pm through Zoom platform. Rev. Mathew John ( MTVEA - General Secretary, Thiruvalla) will be speaking from the word of God.



ORGANIZATION ANNOUNCEMENTS

Prayer (Monday—Friday) 5:45 am—6:15 am

Prayer Meeting Wednesday & Saturday 7:30 pm

Youth Fellowship (YF) Elevate – every Sunday @3:00 pm

Young Family Fellowship (YFF)

Monthly YFF meeting - September 19, 2020 Saturday @ 6:30 pm

Yuvajana Sakhyam (YS) Meeting – Every Friday @7:30 pm

Edavaka Mission Meeting – Every Thursday @7:30 pm

Sevika Sanghom September 12, Saturday – 9:30 am

Immanuel Middle Aged Family Fellowship (IMAFF)

Monthly IMAFF meeting - September 20, 2020 Sunday @ 7:30 pm

All meetings listed above will be conducted in Zoom Platform

ZOOM ID: 799 998 2537

BIBLE QUIZ FOR SEPTEMBER 2020

Questions taken from Joshua 1-10 chapters [NIV]

1. Joshua sent two spies from where to look over the land of Canaan.? 2. Where did Joshua set up 12 stones taken out of Jordan ? 3. The manna stopped for Israelites after they--------------- ? 4. Whose house was spared when Jericho was destroyed? 5. Joshua tore up his clothes and fell face down to the ground before the Ark of the

Lord. When?

Answers for August Bible Quiz Deuteronomy 21-34

1. 23:4, 2. 23:7, 3. 34:1, 4. 27:4-5, 5. 34:10

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT

Ruth Philip, baby girl, born to Rimla & Anub Philip of Jerusalem Prayer

Group (ID #491) on August 28, 2020. Congratulations!

Immanuel Mar Thoma Church


Condolences

Mrs. Chechamma Oommen, 92 years old, Grandmother of Mr. Stanley Varghese (ID 482) of Bethlehem Prayer was taken to heavenly abode on August 1. Funeral service was held on August 3 at St Thomas Mar Thoma Church, Ni-ranam.

Mr. Philip Thomas, 66 years old, brother of Mrs. Marykutty Thomas w/o Mr. Monachen Thomas ID 334 of Bethel Prayer Group passed away at Manganam, Kottayam. Funeral Service was held on August 12 at St. Peter’s Mar Thoma Church.

Mrs Accamma Koshy, 84 years old, our church member, ID

278 of Bethlehem Prayer Group called to eternal rest on Au-

gust 12, 2020. Wake Service was held at Immanuel Mar Tho-

ma Church on Monday, August 17 followed by the funeral

service at Forest Park Funeral Home at Westheimer.

Mrs. Thankamma Mathai, 81 years old, mother of Mrs. Saleen

V. John w/o Mr. Gigi V Mannil, ID 409 of Sinai Prayer Group

passed away on August 18. Funeral Service was held on Au-

gust 19 at Mulund, Mumbai.

The Vicars and members of the Immanuel Mar Thoma Church, Houston ex-

press our heartfelt condolences to all the bereaving families and friends. Kind-

ly uphold the bereaving families in our prayers.



Reopening Plan Church attendance in person is not mandatory.

It is voluntary.

To participate, you will need to pre-register for your desired service time and reserve your spot, as only 30 families or 100 members will be permitted en-try until further notice or removal of social distancing restrictions from federal, state and local authorities.

*Face coverings will be required (age 9+) during worship while the Fort

Bend County's Face Covering Order remains in effect.

Critical Guidelines for Resuming Public Worship

Anyone planning to attend should be symptomfree and not considered “at risk.”

If you feel sick – you must stay home!

If you feel well but are running a fever – you must stay home!

If you feel well but are sneezing or coughing frequently – please stay home.

Do not shake hands or engage in physical contact when greeting others (outside your household).

Practice good hygiene:

Do not touch your face.

Frequently, wash hands with soap and hot water for more than 20 sec-onds.

If you must sneeze or cough – use a tissue, or the inside of your elbow.

Avoid prolonged close proximity when socializing.

Use hand sanitizer (place at the entrance and inside the sanctuary). Simplified Flow Chart for Worship

A. Park Vehicle.

B. Enter ONLY through the Front Right Church Door marked “ENTER” leading to the front lobby.

C. Volunteers will do body temperature checks at the front lobby.

D. Use hand sanitizer before entering the church (Hands-free Hand sanitizer is on the wall)

E. Follow usher’s guidance.

F. Move to a sanctuary pew location where marked.

G. When Holy Communion is offered, follow the guidelines providing by Ushers.

H. You may leave your financial gift in the offering plate located at the front of the sanctuary.

I. At the conclusion of worship, exit through the sanctuary doors on the Left side marked “EXIT”.



General Guidelines Selecting and Registering for Church Service

Attendance is limited to 30 families/100 spaces per service! Register on our website at www.immanuelmtc.org/registration . Registra-

tion link also sent via email. Each Service is limited to 30 families/100 members. You are allowed to come for service only after receiving the confirm email or text from Secretary. If you have not received confirma-tion, please assume that your space is not reserved and refrain from at-tending service.

General Guidelines for Parking and Entering the Sanctuary

You may utilize any of our parking spaces.

***However*** only the Church Main entrance doors are available to enter the church. Side doors are not allowed to enter the church.

An usher will guide you to one of the designated places to sit. Please follow usher’s guidance.

General Guidelines for Your Health and Safety During Worship

Because your health and safety are our highest priority…

All hymnals have been removed. Hymns will be projected on the vid-eo screens.

The order of worship will be on the screens.

Offering plates will NOT be passed around. You may leave your fi-nancial gift to the Lord by placing it in the front of the church.. You can pay by Check or one of the online methods (Detailed instructions are listed below)

Volunteers will disinfect inside the sanctuary and all surfaces that hands touch between services (e.g. door handles, railings, bathroom fixtures, etc.)

Achens are available at the conclusion of worship but will not be shak-ing hands or engaging in physical contact.

Please monitor and limit your contact with members outside your household.

General Guidelines for Restroom & Drinking Fountain Usage

You are encouraged to use the restroom at home before attending wor-ship service to minimizing the use of Church Restrooms due to limita-tions.

Minimize the use of Church Restrooms. One person at a time. Avoid drinking from Church Fountains. Bring bottled water for your use.

http://www.immanuelmtc.org/registration



Reopening Plan Cont’d

Please note that as per CDC, the safest way to minimize chances of con-

tracting COVID-19 due to the possibility of being an asymptomatic carrier is

by self-quarantining and maintaining limited interactions between yourself

and other individuals outside of your family. There will always be a greater

than zero risk as we attempt to resume in-person worship. However, all the

measures listed above, limited occupancy and sanitizing protocols, are

made with the utmost concern of providing a safe worship environment. If

you have any doubts, fears, or concerns, we kindly request you refrain from

attending for your own best interest. We appreciate your caution and care

for yourself and fellow parishioners.

If You Prefer to Worship Virtually Through Technology

LIVESTREAM – through YouTube, Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m.

WEBSITE – immanuelmtc.org where you can access “YOUTUBE”.



Please remember to Pay!

We can pay either by Check or utilize on-line Method. Paying by Check Make Check payable to “IMTC” and send the check address to:

The Vicar Immanuel Mar Thoma Church 10212 Fountain Gate Dr Stafford, Texas 77477.

On-line Payment:

We can choose one of the following on-line methods to pay church dues:

From your Bank account: Pay Bills; add a new recipient/biller - Immanuel Mar Thoma Church, 12803 Sugar Ridge Blvd., Stafford, Texas 77477, Tel: 713 330 5299. Once the payee is added; click pay and schedule a payment for whatever amount and date you wish to pay. On the reference area please mention your church ID Number and description (annual contribution, donation, birthday…etc.). Finally click Pay this bill. Your bank will automatically send a check to our church on the scheduled date completely free of charge.

Pay Directly to the Church Account Automated transfers from your bank account to church account. Bank Name: TrustMark Account number: 3000153957 Routing number: 065300279 Pay using Paypal Account PayPal @ https://www.paypal.com/us/home; Log-in to your PayPal account, click send and type in our email: [email protected]

Please contact IMC Trustees @ 713-855-7078 / 832-205-6860 for any questions or clarifications.

“Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7

https://www.paypal.com/us/home

mailto:[email protected]



2020 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OFFICE BEARERS

Vicar Rev. Abraham Varghese 713.330.5299

Assistant Vicar Rev. Saji Albin 832.876.4281

Vice President Mr. K.K. John 713.408.0865

Secretary Mr. M.G. Philip 713.385.2355

Treasurer Mr. T.V. Mathew 281.499.7414

Accountant Mr. Mathews Varghese 832.205.6860

Lay Leader (Malayalam) Mr. Koshy Thekkethundiyil 832.567.2498

Lay Leader (English) Mr. Alan P. John 832.877.6873

AREA REPRESENTATIVES

Bethel Mr. Shaji Jacob 832.580.4141

Bethlehem Mr. Christopher George 832.851.3597

Carmel Mrs. Mariamma Oommen 281.734.7093

Ebenezer Mr. Jojy John 832.526.6200

Hebron Mr. John Varghese 832.938.8664

Horeb Mr. Vinu Jacob Mathews 713.922.0785

Jerusalem Mr. Vinod Abraham 832.904.9102

Salem Mr. Jose P. George 832.754.9204

Sehion Mr. Kurian George 281.750.2187

Sharon Mr. Thomas Thyparampil 832.640.1218

Sinai Mr. Sajeev G. Kutty 248.635.6811

Tabor Mr. John Varghese 281.746.0005

CHURCH ORGANIZATION REPRESENTATIVES

Choir Mr.Shibu John 281.236.4121

Edavaka Mission Mr. Reji K. Varughese 281.650.9630

Senior Citizen Mrs. Sara Philip 281.889.8566

Sunday School Mrs. Anitha Mathew 281.691.4922

Sevika Sanghom Mrs. Alice Thomas 713.835.8899

Youth Fellowship Mr. Abhishek V. George 832.868-8259

Yuvajana Sakhyam Mr. Binu Pappachan 405.922.5716

Young Family Fellowship Mr. Smijo Mathew 832.374.9593

DIOCESAN ASSEMBLY & MANDALAM MEMBERS

Diocesan Assembly Mrs. Ani Joji 281.716.0371

Diocesan Assembly Mr. Rajan Daniel 832.628.5481

Diocesan Assembly Mr. Isac Thomas 832.754.3631

Sabha Mandalam Mr. M.A. Varghese 281.541.5673

Immanuel Mar Thoma Church


Vicar:

Rev. Abraham Varghese 10212 Fountain Gate Dr Stafford, TX 77477 Home: 281.561.9147 Cell: 713.330.5299 [email protected] [email protected]

Assistant Vicar:

Rev. Saji Albin 4235 Custer Creek Dr

Missouri City, TX 77459 Home: 832.539.6893

Cell: 832.876.4281 [email protected]

(This newsletter is for private circulation only)

Published by M.G. Philip, Secretary

For and on behalf of Immanuel Mar Thoma Church, Houston

Cell: 713.385.2355, email: [email protected]

newsletter september 2020 · 3 immanuel mar thoma church newsletter september 2020 we are planning...

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