I M M A N U E L M A R T H O M A C H U R C H ,
1 2 8 0 3 S U G A R R I D G E B L VD.
S T A F F O R D , T X 7 7 4 7 7
V I C A R
R E V . D R . E A P P E N V A R G H E S E
1 0 2 1 2 F O U N T A I N G A T E D R . S T A F F O R D , T X 7 7 4 7 7
H O M E : 2 8 1 . 5 6 1 . 9 1 4 7
C E L L : 7 1 3 . 3 3 0 . 5 2 9 9
E M A I L : V I C A R @ I M M A N U E L M T C . O R G
A S S I S T A N T V I C A R
R E V . S A N T H O S H T H O M A S
7 4 0 7 N E U C E S C R ,
M I S S O U R I C I T Y T X 7 7 4 5 9
C E L L : 8 3 2 . 8 3 7 . 4 7 2 1
E M A I L : A S S T . V I C A R @ I M M A N U E L M T C . O R G
(This newsletter is for private circulation only)
Published by P. M. Jacob, Parish Secretary
For and on behalf of Immanuel Mar Thoma Church, Houston
Cell: 832.567.0745, email: secretary@immanuelmtc.org
N E W S L E T T E R
N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 3
Immanuel Mar Thoma Church
Houston, TX
w o r s h i p S c h e d u l e N O V . 2 0 2 3
Nov. 05
World Sunday school day: chil-
dren to be partakers
10.30 am English HQ assisted by Sunday school 1st Lesson
2nd Lesson
Epistle
Gospel
Prov. 3: 1-8
1 John 3: 1-12
Eph. 6: 1-4
John 6: 1-14
Nov. 12
Renewal of the Church
9.30 am Malayalam HQ assisted by Edavaka
Mission
1st Lesson
2nd Lesson
Epistle
Gospel
Isa. 49:1-6
Acts 16:19-34
Gal. 1:11-17
Luke 12:41-48
Nov. 19 Hope Sunday: Differently Abled
10:30 am English HQ assisted by HOPE parents
& volunteers
1st Lesson
2nd Lesson
Epistle
Gospel
Isah. 35:1-10
Acts. 14:1-10
1Thes. 5:12-22
Luke : 14:12-14
Nov. 26
Yuvajana Sakhyam Sunday
8.00 am G3 CFF & English HQ assisted by CFF Lesson
2nd Lesson
Epistle
Gospel
Zach. 2: 10-13
Rom: 1:1-7
1 Cor: 1: 26-31
Luke 1: 26-38
10.30 am Malayalam HQ assisted by Yuvajana
Sakhyam
Lesson
2nd Lesson
Epistle
Gospel
Dan. 1: 11-17
1 Pet 3: 13-18
1 Tim: 4: 11-16
Matt. 7: 21-27
Dec. 03
The meeting that shares the
good news of salvation
8.00 am English HQ assisted by the Sehion area
prayer group
1st Lesson
2nd Lesson
Epistle
Gospel
Gen. 33: 1-15
2 Cor. 1: 3-10
Rom. 15: 5-9
Luke 1: 39-45
10.30 am Malayalam HQ assisted by the Sharon
area prayer group
1st Lesson
2nd Lesson
Epistle
Gospel
Gen. 33: 1-15
2 Cor. 1: 3-10
Rom. 15: 5-9
Luke 1: 39-45
JUBILEE PROJECT FOUNDATION STONE
LAYING CEREMONY
October 22, 2023
Blessing the Foundation Stone
Laying the Foundation Stone
2023 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
OFFICE BEARERS
Vicar Rev. Dr. Eappen Varghese 713.330.5299
Assistant Vicar Rev. Santhosh Thomas 832.837.4721
Vice President Mr. K.K. John 713.408.0865
Secretary Mr. P.M. Jacob 832.567.0745
Treasurer Mr. T.V. Mathew 281.499.7414
Accountant Mr. John K. Philip 832.744.0271
Lay Leader (Malayalam) Mr. Saji John 847.903.6505
Lay Leader (English) Mr. Navid John 281.788.6233
AREA REPRESENTATIVES
Bethel Mr. Mathews Varghese 832.205.6860
Bethlehem Mr. Varghese Rajesh Mathew 832.630.0748
Carmel Mrs. Mariamma Oommen 281.734.7093
Ebenezer Mr. K.T. Sajee 281.750.5141
Hebron Mrs. Susmy Prasanth 713.923.0778
Horeb Mr. Rajan Daniel 832.628.5481
Jerusalem Mr. Daniel Varghese 908.591.3621
Salem Mrs. Annamma Jacob 832.332.1007
Sehion Mrs. Mariamma Abraham 516.467.7926
Sharon Mrs. Elizabeth Benni 832.462.9383
Sinai Mr. Philip Mathew 682.246.1255
Tabor Mr. John Varghese 281.746.0005
CHURCH ORGANIZATION REPRESENTATIVES
Choir Mr. Derrick Kurian 832.744.1664
Edavaka Mission Mr. Mathew T. Scaria 281.857.5611
Senior Fellowship Mrs. Sara Philip 281.889.8566
Sevika Sanghom Mrs. Lata Mathews 832.205.6861
Sunday School Mrs. Bincy Puthenmadathil 832.215.2462
Young Family Fellowship Mr. Ninan Philip Kalloor 281.995.8124
Youth Fellowship Mr. Alan John 832.877.6873
Yuvajana Sakhyam Mr. Sajan John 832.429.5353
DIOCESAN ASSEMBLY & MANDALAM MEMBERS
Diocesan Assembly Mr. Binu Pappachan 405.922.5716
Diocesan Assembly Ms. Jewel Zachariah 832.334.8622
Diocesan Assembly Mr. Siju Philip 516.503.5589
Sabha Mandalam Mr. M.G. Mathew 281.857.3088
OTHER ELECTED MEMBERS
IMC Administrator Scheduler Mr. Zachariah Koshy 281.780.9764
IMC Facility Manager Mr. John Varghese 832.938.8664
IMC Facility Manager Mr. John P. Mathew 832.656.1836
Technology Director Mr. Abraham Kurien 832.623.2330
AUDITORS
Auditor
Mr. John Varghese 832.938.8664
Auditor Mr. Aju John 832.846.0763
F R O M T H E V I C A R ’ S D E S K
Dearly Beloved in Christ,
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
As we enter the month of November, the world around us is adorned with vibrant
hues of autumn, and there is a tangible sense of change in the air. November invites
us to pause, reflect, and embrace the spirit of gratitude. As a faithful community, we
are called to reflect on the many blessings that have been bestowed upon us. Even in
times of uncertainty and challenges, we can find reasons to be thankful. The simple
act of being alive, surrounded by loved ones, and having community of faith to turn to
is a blessing that we should never take for granted.
One of the most beautiful aspects of November is the celebration of Thanksgiving. It’s
a time when families come together to share a meal and express their gratitude for
the abundance in their lives. Let us not forget that the act of giving thanks is not
limited to one day but is something we should practice daily. Take a moment each
day to count your blessings, no matter how small they may seem, and thank God for
His abundant grace. Look around us and recognize the beauty in the world, the love
of family and friends, and the countless gifts that grace our life. In gratitude, we find
contentment, and in contentment, we find peace.
Let us also remember those who are less fortunate, especially as the weather gets
colder. Let us extend a helping hand to those in need, whether it be through donating
warm clothing, volunteering at a local shelter, or simply offering a kind word to
someone who is struggling. In doing so, we embody the spirit of love and compassion
that Jesus taught us.
As we approach the Advent season and prepare our heart and mind for the coming of
Christ, let us do so with hearts full of gratitude. Let us prepare not only for the
celebration of Jesus’ birth but also for the ongoing presence of Christ in our lives. The
word ‘Advent’ itself means ‘coming’ or ‘arrival’ and during this sacred season, we
focus on the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Just as the world awaited
His birth over two thousand years ago, we now await His coming into our hearts and
lives in a deeper and more meaningful way. This year’s “house to house” caroling is
starting from this month. All are expected to cooperate prayerfully.
Our Diocesan Episcopa Rt. Rev.Dr.Isaac Mar Philoxenos Thirumeni have blessedly
laid the foundation stone for the construction work of our Jubilee Project. As a result
of our prayers and working together for a long time, we were able to start this
construction work. Hope everyone will pray and wholeheartedly support for the
completion of the same on time.
May this be a month of reflection, gratitude, and generosity. Let us be mindful of the
blessings we have received and share them with others, for it is in giving that we
receive, and in gratitude, we find true joy. In unity and faith, let us walk together
through this season of Advent, embracing the hope, peace, joy, and love that it brings
into our lives.
In His Service,
Rev.Santhosh Thomas, Asst. Vicar.
Family, a place of forgiveness...
There is no perfect family.
We do not have perfect parents - you are not perfect yourself.
We do not marry a perfect person or we do not have perfect children.
There is no healthy marriage or healthy family without the exercise of
forgiveness. Forgiveness is the medicine of family joy and happiness
Forgiveness is vital to our emotional health and spiritual survival. No
matter the offence or who is the offender. Without forgiveness, the
family becomes an arena of conflict and a fortress of evil.
Without forgiveness, the family becomes sick and unhealthy.
Forgiveness is the asepsis of the soul, the purification of the spirit and
the liberation of the heart. No sin is too big to be forgiven.
He who does not forgive does not have peace in his soul and can not
have communion with God.
Keeping heartache of unforgiving in your heart is a self-destructive
gesture. It's autophagy.
Those who do not forgive are physically, emotionally and spiritually ill.
And they will suffer in two ways.
For this reason, the family must be a place of life and not a place of
death; a place of forgiveness, a place of paradise and not a place of
hell; A healing territory and not a disease; an internship of forgiveness
and not guilt.
…...POPE FRANCIS
N O V . B I B L E Q U I Z Q U E S T I O N S
Bible Portion: Proverbs 1-10 Chapters
1. What is the beginning of knowledge?
2. King Solomon instructs us to look at the ant and learn what?
3. What happens when you rebuke a wise man?
4. The Lord does not let the ------- go hungry. Fill in the gap.
5. A wise son brings --- to his father. Fill the gap.
Answers for October Bible Quiz:
-------------------------------------------
1) 139:4, 2)140:1-3, 3)141:5, 4) 144:4, 5) 150.
[ Psalms 137-150]
C o n d o l e n c e s
Mr. Joy Zachariah, 76 years old, older brother of Mr. Mathew
Zachariah ID # 165 of the Sinai area prayer group was
called to eternal rest in Kallissery, Kerala.
The Vicars and members of the Immanuel Parish express
our heartfelt condolences. Kindly uphold the bereaving fam-
ily members in your thoughts and prayers
SOUTHWEST REGIONAL YOUTH FELLOWSHIP RETREAT
The Southwest Regional YF Retreat will be held on November
17th - 19th at Latham Springs Camp and Retreat Center. We
strongly encourage all youth between the ages 12 and 18 to
register and attend this retreat. Early Bird registration ends on
October 13th.
C A M P S / R E T R E A T S
C A L E N D A R
Yuvajana Sakhyam Cottage Prayer Meeting:
On Sunday, November 5th right after the worship service at the
residence of Mr. Prashanth & Susmy (ID # 429). Their address is:
2607 Seabold Dr., Missouri City, TX 7745
O R G A N I Z A T I O N A N N O U N C E M E N T S
Sunday School
Nov.: Sunday school starts @ 9.30 am
Nov. 4: SWR Center B Teacher’s Training
Nov. 5: World Sunday School day
Sevika Sanghom Nov. 11: SWR Center B Kalamela at
St.Thomas MTC from 8 am to 4 pm
Edavaka Mission
Prayer Meeting @ 7.30 pm via Zoom
(Every Thursday)
Senior Fellowship
Nov. 04: Monthly Meeting @ 10.00 am
Nov. 16: Pakalveedu gathering
Nov. 23: HQ in Malayalam @ 10 am
HOPE Nov. 19: HOPE Sunday
IMAFF
Nov. 04: Prayer meeting @ 7.00 pm at V.M .
Georgekutty’s residence in Pearland (ID 548)
AREA PRAYER
GROUPS
Horeb area prayer meeting: Friday Nov. 3rd
@ 7.00 pm at the residence of Mrs. Annam-
ma Lukose (ID # 217). Address: 5402 Mason
Glen Ct., Sugar Land, TX 77479.
Sehion area prayer meeting: Saturday Nov.
4th @ 6.30 pm at the residence of Mr. Thom-
as P.John (ID # 437). Address: 6914 Pebble
Ridge Trail, Missouri City, TX 77459
Sinai area prayer meeting: Saturday Nov. 4th
@ 7.30 pm at the residence of Mr. V.M.
Georgekutty (ID # 548). Address: 2910 Sil-
houette Bay Dr., Pearland, TX 77584.
Sehion area prayer meeting: Saturday Nov.
11th @ 7.15 pm at the residence of Mr.
Mathew Varughese (ID # 677). Address: 4719
Pecos Ridge lane, Sugarland, TX 77479.
Ebenezer area prayer meeting: Sunday
Nov.12th @ 6.00 pm at the residence of Mr.
Ajay Thomas (ID # 276). Address: is 2902
Auburn Path, Sugarland, TX 77479.
N E W J U B I L E E P R O J E C T F U N D -
R A I S I N G I N I T I A T I V E S
1. Donor Tree:
Church Members who have donated more than $15,000 dol-
lars towards the Jubilee Project will be recognized on a donor
tree that will be featured on a wall in the Jubilee Hall.
2. Room Sponsorships: Church Members or church
organizations will have the opportunity to sponsor a new
room that will be constructed as a part of the Jubilee project.
Sponsors will be recognized on a 15 x 12-inch plaque
that will be placed at the door entrance to that room.
Available rooms (as of 10/27/23) are as follows:
Multipurpose Rooms (1) @ $25,000.
We have received sponsorships for the following:
Jubilee Hall = $50,000.00
Basketball Court @ $50,000.00
Basketball Court @ $50,000.00
Multi-purpose Room = $25,000.00
Multi-purpose Room = $25,000.00
HOPE room for $25,000.
Clergy Room = $15,000.00
Meeting Room = $15,000.00
N o v e m b e r 2 0 2 3 W E D D I N G
A N N I V E R S A R I E S
Jacob John Susan John 10-Nov
John K Philip Ajini John 10-Nov
Samkuty Mathew Liziamma Mathew 10-Nov
Joji Itty Ani P. Varghese 10-Nov
Sam M. George Lincy E. George 10-Nov
Joby George Cherian Bianca Thresia Alexander 11-Nov
Tom Mathew Dr. Priya Mathew 12-Nov
Lijoy Samuel Magie M. John 12-Nov
Mathew Mammen Shoba Sara Mathew 13-Nov
Alexander Jacob Sherly Mariam Mathew 14-Nov
Philip Mathew Renjitha Philip 15-Nov
Cyril J. Varkey Sonia Babu 16-Nov
Bobby Kalathoor Sarah Philip Kalathoor 17-Nov
Mathews Varghese Lata Mathews 17-Nov
K. A. Mathew Mariamma Mathew 18-Nov
Manoj Kanneri Sony Sam Jacob 18-Nov
Sam Chacko Darly Sam 19-Nov
Mathew Varghese Reena M. Varghese 19-Nov
Prasad Kunjukunju Jolly Prasad 20-Nov
Aju Kurien John Jesmin Aju John 20-Nov
Anil Mathew Bindu Anil Mathew 22-Nov
John C Varkey Sujamol John 22-Nov
Thomas Varghese Annamma Varghese 23-Nov
Varghese Matthew Saramma Mathew 23-Nov
Dr. George Mammen Geeta Mammen 24-Nov
Thomas John Renu Thomas John 24-Nov
Thomas K. Puthenmadathil Marykutty Puthenmadathil 27-Nov
V. Varghese Rachel Varghese 28-Nov
Cherian K. Abraham Valsamma Cherian 28-Nov
Aji George Varughese Ruby Varughese 28-Nov
P.I. Cherian Daisy Cherian 28-Nov
Thomas Varghese Daisy Varghese 29-Nov
Thomas Cheriyan Suja Cheriyan 29-Nov
Itty Oommen Kandathil Aleyamma Itty 29-Nov
N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 3 B I R T H D A Y S
Soniya Kuruvilla
1-Nov
Jeffery Sam Saban
Serena Alyse Pappachen
Sneha Susan Binu
Thankam Abraham
Robin T. Mathew
2-Nov
Marilyn Varghese
Leah Anna Grace Luke
Jiny Eapen
Luke Mathew Ninan
Lucas Samuel
Nitya Chacho Mamattil
Deepa Thomas
Ninan Philip Kalloor
3-Nov
Shalini Pappachan
Sinu Thomas George
Liny Chacko
Sano Samuel
Purva Vinay Panchal
4-Nov
Saban P Samuel
5-Nov
John K Philip
Ayden Benneykutty
Shibu P. Varghese
Leelamma Thomas
Christina Philip Oricompil
6-Nov
Sibin Chacko
Bino Thomas
Maya Valiaparambil
Shiji Kuruvilla
Dr. Susan Ninan Mathew
Toji M. Samuel
7-Nov
Ponnamma George
Nathan Zack Pappachen
Varghese Rajesh Mathew
Jacob Dennis Mathew
Mary Abraham
8-Nov
Thomas M. Varghese
Savannah Sapna John
Grace Jereesh John
Pradeep P. Thomas
9-Nov
Aaron Thomas
Katelyn Marie Thomas
Sarah Roshan Varghese
Isaiah Mathew Abraham
Joseph Varghese
10-Nov
Dave Reji Kurian
Sherry Joshy
Johanna M. Varghese
Keziah Grace Sajo
Anup Titus
Raju Varghese
11-Nov
Ryan Abraham
Mini T. Luke
Angela R. Eapen
Kristin Aliya Sajo
Jalaja Joseph
Beena M. John
12-Nov
Jelin Jose
13-Nov
Rhea M. Mathew
Sajan David Mathew
Taijus John Mathew
Bijoy Puthenmadathil
Renil John Cherian
N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 3 B I R T H D A Y S
Lillian Grace Samuel
14-Nov
Evelyn Payton Philip
Leah Ann Mathew
Shaiji Thomas
Sally J. Samuel
15-Nov
Jamie George
Abraham P. Mathew
Ricky Kuruvilla
Naysa Alex
Merlyn Maria Varghese
Jerrin Saji John
Sara Thomas
16-Nov
Akash Daniel Mathew
John Jacob
Christian Gracious John
Abiel Kurian
Lucas Kurian Samuel
17-Nov
Aleyamma Abraham
Liny Kalathoor
Thomas Abraham Pullattu
Rahul Mathew Abraham
Susan Punnoose
Adriel Abram Mevin
Alwina M. Thomas
18-Nov
Micah Cherian Mathew
Dr. Latha Manoj George
19-Nov
Jaiden Shibu
Daniel Jim Green
Teena Mathew
Hozanna Mariam George
Mathew C. M.
20-Nov
Nikhil Mathew
Rayna Mary Mathew
Mariakutty Yohannan
21-Nov
Thankamony Varghese
Jaise K. Johnson
David Prize
Sherryl S. Mathew
Alyssa Daniel
Jaiden George
Joel Philip John
22-Nov
Prasanth K Krasta
Nathaniel J. Roy
Rajeev Thomas
Hannah Titus
Dr. Jessen Ann Rajan
Mariyamma Thankachan
Mohit Kanneri
Jerin G. Joseph
23-Nov
Sharon R. Varghese
Brian Abraham
Ajay Thomas Mathew
Bibin George
Betty Thomas
Sosamma Varghese
24-Nov
Sunitha Elsa Valayil
Thomas Samuel
Mariamma Mathew
Mary Mathew
25-Nov
Achamma Varghese
Jolly C. Kurian
Reji Eapen
Aleayamma Koshy
Blessy Johns Abraham
Aria Elizabeth Mathew
Derrick Manosh Thomas
Sony Siju Varghese
Anil Jacob John
Roshini Babu
Anil Philip Varghese
Usha Kuruvilla
26-Nov
Shalini Sarah Thomas
Shini Shaji
Samkuty Mathew
Kezia Jacob
N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 3 W E D D I N G S
Elizabeth Raju
27-Nov
Sarah Varghese
Rachelamma Koshy
Rosakutty Samuel
Jerrin T. Varghese
Neha M. George
Karen Sara Koshy
Lesiley Susan Mathew
Mariamma Thomas
28-Nov
Bob Varghese
Ethan Kuriakose Luke
Annie Philip
Evelin Mary Sam
Mariamma Philip
N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 3 B I R T H D A Y S
Roni Mathew Lisa Mathew 1-Nov
Joby Zachariah Reeja Joby 2-Nov
Eype P. Thomas Mariamma Eype 3-Nov
Abraham Mannaickal Shyla Abraham 4-Nov
Mammen Mathew Susan Mathew 5-Nov
Dr. Sherwin B. Oommen Savannah Sapna John 5-Nov
George M. Abraham Leena Abraham 7-Nov
Sam Thomas Annamma Thomas 7-Nov
Jayson John Soumya Mariam Oommen 8-Nov
Shibu Varghese Preethy Philip 8-Nov
Bhasilal Mathai Valsa Mathai 9-Nov
Varghese Philip Thankamony Varghese 9-Nov
Achamma Mathew
29-Nov
Benny Kalathoor
bhigith V. George
Anwin Saji
M. K. Thomas
30-Nov
John Chacko
Ancy Thomas
Cherian Zachariah
Ajel. M. John
Isaac Chandi Thomas
Zeema Daniel
Ethan Varghese Thayil
