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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 V D .
S T A F F O R D , T X 7 7 4 7 7
Immanuel Mar Thoma Church
Houston, TX
V I C A R
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
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)
N E W S L E T T E R
D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3
Published by P. M. Jacob, Parish Secretary
For and on behalf of Immanuel Mar Thoma Church, Houston
Cell: 832.567.0745, email: [email protected]
w o r s h i p S c h e d u l e D e c . 2 0 2 3
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 |
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 |
Dec. 10 | John The Baptist: Greatest among those born of woman | ||
8.00 am | G3 & English HQ assisted by YF | 1st Lesson 2nd Lesson Epistle Gospel | Mala. 3:1-4 Acts 13:17-26 1 Cor. 4:1-6 Luke 1:57-66 |
10.30 am | Malayalam HQ assisted by the Sinai area prayer group | 1st Lesson 2nd Lesson Epistle Gospel | Mala. 3:1-4 Acts 13:17-26 1 Cor. 4:1-6 Luke 1:57-66 |
Dec. 17 | Joseph: a man of higher justice | ||
10:30 am | English HQ assisted by Tabor area prayer group | 1st Lesson 2nd Lesson Epistle Gospel | Zeph. 3:14-20 1 Cor. 13:1-13 Rom. 14:13-19 Mat.: 1:18-23 |
Dec. 24 | Coming of the Savior | ||
10.00 am | Malayalam HQ assisted by the Bethel area prayer group | Lesson 2nd Lesson Epistle Gospel | Isa. 11: 1-9 1 John: 4:7-16 Acts: 3: 19-26 John 1: 14-18 |
Dec. 25 | Birth of savior: Good news to all | ||
9.00 am | English HQ assisted by Bethlehem area prayer group | Lesson 2nd Lesson Epistle Gospel | Micah. 5:: 1-9 Phil.: 2: 5:11 Gal.: 4: 1-7 Luke 2: 1-14 |
Dec. 31 | With Christ into the New year | ||
10.00 am | G3 & English HQ assisted by YF | Lesson 2nd Lesson Epistle Gospel | 1 Sam.:. 7:: 1-12 Rev.: 21: 1:8 Rom..: 8: 31-39 Matt : 5-1-12 |
9.00 pm | Retreat / Malayalam HQ | Lesson 2nd Lesson Epistle Gospel | 1 Sam.:. 7:: 1-12 Rev.: 21: 1:8 Rom..: 8: 31-39 Matt : 5-1-12 |
D E C 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
F R O M T H E V I C A R ’ S D E S K
Nikhil George | Lincy George | 8-Dec |
Riju Kuruvilla | Leena Riju Kuruvilla | 11-Dec |
Regi C. Pappachan | Joice Regi | 14-Dec |
Aju Abraham John | Jopy Jacob | 15-Dec |
Mathew Zachariah | Rosie Mathew | 17-Dec |
Anup Titus | Teena Mathew | 18-Dec |
Roy Thomas | Asha Roy | 19-Dec |
Raju John | Rebecca Raju | 21-Dec |
Robin M. Thomas | Dr. Sheila Mary Thomas | 21-Dec |
Monzy Mathews Anaghan | Dimple Monzy Mathews | 22-Dec |
Thomas V. Cheriyan | Elizabeth Thomas | 23-Dec |
Gigi V Mannil | Saleen V. John | 25-Dec |
Jim Sam Green | Simi M. John | 26-Dec |
Thomas V. Mathew | Achamma Mathew | 27-Dec |
Ajay Thomas | Anna George | 27-Dec |
Prasanth K Krasta | Susmy Susan Koshy | 27-Dec |
Varghese Kunchacko | Dolly Varghese | 27-Dec |
Thomas Daniel | Jainy Joseph Daniel | 27-Dec |
Shiju T. Abraham | Pamela Abraham | 27-Dec |
V.C. Abraham | Mariamma Abraham | 27-Dec |
Jereesh T. John | Nisha Jereesh | 27-Dec |
Jacob John | Annamma John | 28-Dec |
Abraham Philip | Daisy A. Philip | 29-Dec |
Dijo Mathews | Cristelle Mary Mathew | 29-Dec |
Daniel Thomas | Aannamma Daniel | 30-Dec |
Oommen Zachariah | Marykutty Varghese | 30-Dec |
Varghese K. Oommen | Elizabeth Varghese | 30-Dec |
Reji Eapen | Sajini Reji | 30-Dec |
Varghese Rajesh Mathew | Sissimol Easo | 30-Dec |
Aby Joy | Mini Joy | 31-Dec |
John Jacob | Geethu Angel Jacob | 31-Dec |
Thomas P. John | Elizabeth Thomas | 31-Dec |
Thomas Chacko | Jessy Thomas | 31-Dec |
Ink Pot
December
Dearly Beloved in Christ,
Man’s maker was made man, that He, Ruler of the stars, might nurse at His mother’s breast; that the Bread might hunger, the Fountain thirst, the Light sleep, the Way be tired on its journey; that the Truth might be accused of false witness, the Teacher be beaten with whips, the Foundation be suspended on wood; that Strength might grow weak; that the Healer might be wounded; that Life might die. (Augustine of Hippo).
We are in yet another Advent. Our Lord is coming. Let’s prepare for the Lord. Christmas is not simply a celebration. It defines our nature. It defines our salvation. It defines the meaning of our life. St, Athanasius of Alexandria said, “God became human, so that, human may become divine”. The contemporary world, the world of sensual pleasures, presents a false account of the human and divine. In this context, the human nature that God manifests in Christ brings the natural human nature. To be natural means, to be as God intends, to be in the state in and for which God created us.
Incarnation is the identification of holiness with the natural state, which is clear perception. But the condition that we experience as habitual is opposite to clear perception; it is a state of bondage to images that are seen as the objects of the mind’s satisfaction. God’s revelation in Christ is the revelation of true human nature, which is not in bondage of objective world, but that has a clear vision of the world and life. We must acquire a clear vision of the world and life. This is the intention of incarnation. So do not stop in caroling, singing and celebration, but search for better human formation, better human qualities according to the will of God.
Let this be a time to think and meditate about our human nature. What kind of human being are we. What we should be. Let the journey to Bethlehem be a journey to the true human nature within us.
As we approach the end of 2023, let’s thank God for the grace and mercies that we experienced throughout the year. Let’s look forward to the new year 2024 with hope and goodwill. Let us dedicate ourselves, our families, and the parish once again to do the will of God.
We, both the vicars and our families wish you all, the Immanuel family a blessed Christmas and blessed New Year.
Rev. Dr. Eappen Varghese Vicar
D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3 B I R T H D A Y S
C A L E N D A R
Mathew Jacob | 23-Dec | Manoj Abe Varghese | 28-Dec |
Samuel K. George | |||
Biya Aleena Mathew | |||
Sam M. George | |||
Shobid Varghese | |||
Nataliya Lynn Thomas | |||
Abraham Joseph | 24-Dec | Binta C. Varghese | |
Nora Sam | |||
Dr. Anish G. Mammen | |||
Elizabeth Cherian | 29-Dec | ||
Carol A. George | |||
Maya Grace Eype | Rio Ayun Roy | ||
Aida Mary George | Thomas John | ||
Joshni M. John | 25-Dec | Justin K. Varghese | |
John Jesson | Caleb Dennis Mathew | ||
Joseph Joseph | 26-Dec | ||
Princey Terish Mathew | 30-Dec | ||
Sonia Babu | |||
Sion Samuel Alexander | Ashley M. Jacob | ||
Arun M Jayaprakash | |||
Donia Ann Kurian | |||
Binoy Puthenmadathil | Crisvin T. Sajee | ||
Mathew Mammen | Ethan Eapen Titus | ||
Soumya Mariam Oommen | 27-Dec | Maggie Thomas Koshy | |
Aaron Thomas Samuel | Thakadiyil V. Mathew | 31-Dec | |
Joel Zachariah Kalathoor | |||
Reju Eapen | |||
Dr. Anju Chacko | Bibin Abraham Thomas | ||
Reeba Elizabeth George | |||
Abigail Varghese | |||
Tom Mathew | Abiya Mariam Lijoy | ||
Thomas V. Cheriyan | |||
Sheba A. Mathew | |||
Mila Ann Mathew | |||
Layla Susan Cherian | |||
Arianna Ann Thomas | |||
Maia Johny | Ivana Rency |
Mr. Philip Thomas (id # 522): 14918 Wood Swallow Way, Cypress, TX 77429.
Mr. Alexander Jacob (id # 630): 11319 Ashford Pond Dr., Sugar Land, TX 77478
Mr. Joy N. Samuel (id# 173): 2727 San Bernard Dr., Fresno, TX 77545
D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3 B I R T H D A Y S
C O N D O L E N C E S
Robby T. George | 12-Dec | Dr. Leenu Mary Abrahan | 17-Dec |
Peter V. John | Dr. Ronnie Abraham | ||
Sumy Jacob | John Joshy | ||
Lally Thomas | |||
Johnson G.Varughese | |||
Jarren Chacko | |||
Aaron S. George | |||
Sophia A. James | |||
Noah Alex | |||
Binsu Oommen | |||
Aaden James Abraham | 13-Dec | ||
Reni P Raju | |||
Geethu Angel Jacob | Dr. Jessy Skaria | ||
Alexander Bennykutty | Saramma M. Philip | ||
Melvin M. Philip | 14-Dec | Nimmy Annie Abraham | |
Shan M. Prem | Vinson Thomas | 18-Dec | |
Dona E. Varghese | |||
Sherly Philip | |||
Joel J. Eapen | 19-Dec | ||
Jacob K. Chacko | |||
Vivek Samuel | |||
Mathew Arun Thomas | 15-Dec | ||
V.C. Abraham | |||
Justin J. Mathew | |||
Sonia Tom | 20-Dec | ||
Aashna Susan Varkey | Justin Thomas | ||
Amit John Joseph | Mullasaril Abraham Joseph | ||
Leena Riju Kuruvilla | Serah Sabu | ||
Mohan John Thomas | 16-Dec | Shoba Sara Mathew | |
Thomas Abraham | Shaun M. Varghese | ||
Jeff Abraham | Linu Abraham | 21-Dec | |
K.John Abraham | |||
Dr. Sajan K. Eapen | |||
Tinish Thomas | |||
Sherin Ann Thomas | |||
Shreya Anish | |||
Christopher George | |||
Sruthi Anish | |||
Kevin Santhosh | |||
David Mathew George | 22-Dec | ||
Anjaly Skaria | Mathews K. Alexander |
Mr.Thomas Mathew, 61 years old, brother of Mr. Mohan John Thomas (ID # 358) of the Tabor area prayer group was called to eternal rest in Dubai.
Mr. P.V. Mathew, 91 years old, father of Mr. Charly P. Mathew (ID # 257) of the Ebenezer area prayer group was called to eternal rest in Athikayam, Kerala.
Mr. Jacob Thekil, 69 years old, brother-in-law of Mr. Raju M. Karikottu (ID # 144) of the Sharon area prayer group was taken to his heavenly abode in Houston, Texas.
Mr. K.E. Eapen, 88 years old, father of Mr. Joe Eapen (ID # 203) of the Bethel area prayer group and brother of Mrs. Rachelamma Koshy (ID # 183) of the Bethel area, and cousin of Mr. T.V.
Mathew (Id # 115) was called to eternal rest in Kavungumprayar, Kerala.
Mr. M. M. Varkey, 95 years old, father of Mr. Joseph Varkey (ID # 232) of the Horeb area prayer group was called to eternal rest in Niranam, Kerala.
The Vicars and members of the Immanuel Parish express our heart- felt condolences. Let us uphold the bereaving family members in our thoughts and prayers.
D e c B I B L E Q U I Z Q U E S T I O N S
Bible portion Proverbs 11 to 20 chapters.
-----------------------------------------------------
Pride follows by ---- but with humility comes ----- . (Fill the gap).
Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a to any people. (Fill in
the gap).
What makes a face cheerful ?.
A man can avoid evil through the fear of whom ?.
What is the splendor of the old ?.
Answers for November Bible Quiz [ Proverbs 1-10]
1. 1:7, 2. 6:27, 3. 9:8-9, 4. 10:3, 5. 10:1 .
Sunday School | Dec.: Sunday school starts @ 9.30 am | ||
Dec. : Service Project: Toy and Food Drive | |||
Sevika Sanghom | Dec. 9: Monthly meeting @ 9.30 am | ||
Prayer Meeting @ 7.30 pm via Zoom | |||
Edavaka Mission | (Every Thursday) | ||
Dec. 02: Monthly Meeting @ 10.00 am | |||
Senior Fellowship | Dec. 14: Pakalveedu gathering | ||
11/26/23 (Sun.) | Sinai area | ||
12/02/23: (Sat.) 12/03/23: (Sun.) | Sehion area Sharon area | ||
House To House | 12/08/23: (Fri.) 12/09/23: (Sat.) 12/10/23: (Sun.) | Horeb area Jerusalem area Hebron area | |
Christmas Caroling | 12/15/23: (Fri.) 12/16/23: (Sat.) 12/17/23: (Sun.) | Ebenezer area Salem area Bethel area | |
12/22/23: (Fri.) | Bethlehem area | ||
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
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
D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3 B I R T H D A Y S
Saramma Thomas | 1-Dec | Abraham Mathai | 5-Dec | |
Thomas Mathew | Zachariah T. Kalathoor | |||
Thomas Thyparampil | Zaryan Mathew Sibin | |||
Mathew Varghese | Sheen Reni Kavalayil | |||
Annamma M. G. | Victor Varghese | |||
Thankachan N. Samuel | Mariamma Chandy | 6-Dec | ||
Darly Sam | John G Mathai | |||
Daisy Varghese | Binu Pappachan | |||
Andrew Ajit Koshy | Nevin Abraham | |||
Fiji C. George | Dancy John | 7-Dec | ||
Juliet S. Abraham | Siby Mathew baby | |||
Aleena Koshy | Binson B Thomas | |||
Elizabeth Benni | George Eapen | |||
Hana Liz George | Reenu Sara Sam | |||
Sheril Mathai | 2-Dec | Lisa Mathew | 8-Dec | |
Susan Thomas | Princy Prasad | |||
Marykutty Varghese | Pamela Abraham | |||
Jessy Thomas | Sneha Anish | |||
Shiju T. Abraham | Teena M. Samuel | 9-Dec | ||
Sandy Eapen | 3-Dec | |||
Robin Thomas | ||||
Isabella Marie Eype | ||||
Reena Joe Varghese | ||||
Sreya Varghese | ||||
Shirin Mathai | ||||
Benzy Thomas | ||||
Alina Varkey | ||||
Sunila Abraham | ||||
Royce Chankurethu Samuel | ||||
Gia Isabelle Abraham | ||||
Jiana Saira Kuruvilla | 10-Dec | |||
Jomon Kurian Thomas | 4-Dec | |||
Kurian Varghese | 11-Dec | |||
Mikhael Mathew Karikottu | ||||
V.M Georgekutty |
Church Members who have donated more than $15,000 dollars to- wards the Jubilee Project will be recognized on a donor tree that will be featured on a wall in the Jubilee Hall.
Room. Sponsors will be recognized on a 15 x 12-inch plaque.
Multipurpose Room (1) @ $25,000 each.