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
O c t o 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 O c t . 2 0 2 3
Oct. 01
Christian presence in Differing
Life Spaces
8.00 am English HQ assisted by Hebron area
prayer group
1st Lesson
2nd Lesson
Epistle
Gospel
Isa. 49: 1-6
Acts 16: 19-34
Gal. 1: 11-17
Luke 12: 41-48
10:30 am Malayalam HQ assisted by Horeb area
prayer group
1st Lesson
2nd Lesson
Epistle
Gospel
Isa. 49: 1-6
Acts 16: 19-34
Gal. 1: 11-17
Luke 12: 41-48
Oct. 08
Differences & Dignity of all crea-
tion
8.00 am G3 & English HQ assisted by the YF 1st Lesson
2nd Lesson
Epistle
Gospel
Isa. 35:1-10
Acts.14:1-10
1Thes. 5:12-22
Luke 14:12-14
10.30 am Malayalam HQ assisted by the Jerusa-
lem area prayer group
1st Lesson
2nd Lesson
Epistle
Gospel
Isa. 35:1-10
Acts.14:1-10
1Thes. 5:12-22
Luke 14:12-14
Oct. 15 Youth with Christ
10:30 am English HQ assisted by Salem prayer
group
1st Lesson
2nd Lesson
Epistle
Gospel
Dan. 1:11-17
1 Pet. 3:13-18
1Tim. 4:11-16
Matt 7:21-27
Oct. 22
Family, an Expression of the
Kingdom of God
9.00 am Malayalam HQ assisted by Sehion area
prayer group
PARISH DAY
Lesson
2nd Lesson
Epistle
Gospel
Josh.24: 14-22
Acts 10: 1-8
Eph: 5: 21-33
Luke 10: 38:42
Oct. 29
Confession : Sacrament of Rec-
onciliation with God and Human
10.30 am G3 & English HQ assisted by the YF 1st Lesson
2nd Lesson
Epistle
Gospel
Gen. 45: 1-15
1 Cor. 6: 1-11
2 Cor. 5: 16-21
Matt 22: 35-40
Inviting all youth and young adults ages 12-24 to an important
open discussion on a topic that affects many young adults today -
Gender Dysphoria
Date: Saturday, October 7th, 2023 | Time: 10:30 am | Location:
IMTC
In today's rapidly changing world, questions and concerns related
to gender identity and the dilemmas faced by young adults can be
complex and sensitive. This discussion aims to create a safe, col-
laborative, and supportive space for you to share your thoughts,
learn from others, and explore how to navigate these issues.
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
Ink Pot
From the Desk of the Vicar…
Greetings in the name of the Lord,
Mar Thoma Church is an Eastern Church. It is a Biblical-based and mission-oriented
church. It is a reformed church, but not in the protestant or western way. We follow
Eastern practices in worship. It is important that we know and understand our worship
and practices as well as the meaning of the signs and symbols of the worship.
We stand and worship. Why do we stand to worship? In the ancient Roman Empire,
people would stand in the presence of the emperor. When the emperor is around the
citizens and the subjects will stand in reverence. For Christians, Jesus Christ is the
Lord, God, and King. In the worship service, God is present. God is enthroned in the
sanctuary (Isaiah 6: 1). As God is enthroned, the worshippers stand and worship the
Lord. Sthaoumen kalose (Syriac words), which we use in the worship service means
‘let us stand in reverence’. The Nicene council instructs the Christians to stand and
worship. It also indicates that we worship, the risen God. Standing indicates
resurrection.
We worship facing the East. According to Rev. Dr. K. V. Mathew, there are two
reasons for facing the East. God is metaphorically described as the sun of
righteousness (Malachi 4: 2). Secondly, Eden, the garden of God’s presence, is in the
East (Genesis 2: 8). It is also believed that our Lord will come again from the East. It
is in anticipation of the second coming we worship facing the East. Scientifically, the
earth rotates eastward. Standing towards the east helps us to be in accordance with
the motion of the earth and compatible with cosmic energy. The church building also
faces the East. The congregation faces the East in prayer and in worship. It sets the
right direction in worship and offers uniformity. It may be a mistake to relate it with
sun worship.
We must respect the worship. Worship is not a program. It is an interaction with God,
the eternal one. All the congregation who come to the church must pay serious
attention to this. It is so sad to see our people spending time in the fellowship hall, in
the lobby, and gathering in the office of the trustees at the time of the worship service.
It is an irreverence to worship. I also encourage our members to participate in the
Bible study program and in all the spiritual nurturing and get edified.
October is an important month for the Immanuel Mar Thoma Church. We celebrate
our 29th Parish Day. Diocesan Episcopa is visiting our parish on 22nd October. We
are looking forward to the laying of the foundation stone of the Jubilee project. We
have our parish convention on the third week of the month. 7th October, we are
conducting a program on ‘Gender Confusion’ organized by the parish with the support
of the Medical Ministry and YF for the teens and the youth. Kindly encourage them to
participate. May the Grace of our Lord be with all.
Rev. Dr. Eappen Varghese
Vicar
C A L E N D A R
SOUTHWEST REGIONAL YOUTH FELLOWSHIP RE-
TREAT
The Southwest Regional YF Retreat will be held on No-
vember 17th - 19th at Latham Springs Camp and Retreat
Center. We strongly encourage all youth between the ag-
es 12 and 18 to register and attend this retreat. Early Bird
registration ends on October 13th.
H A G A R F U N D D R I V E
Hagar Fund drive has already started. Please give your dona-
tions to the Sevika Sanghom office bearers
God’s Emergency Numbers
When in sorrow - call John 14
When you are lonely or fearful - call Psalms 23
When you want to be fruitful - call John 15
When you have sinned - call Psalms 51
When you grow bitter and critical - call 1 Corinthians 13
When you worry - call Matthew 6: 19-34
When you feel down and out - call Romans 8: 31-39
When you are in danger - call Psalms 91
When your faith needs stirring - call Hebrews 11
When God seems far away - call Psalms 139
When others fail you - call Psalms 27
When you leave home to labor or travel - call Psalms 121
When you want assurance - call Romans 1: 1-30
For Paul’s secret of happiness - call Colossians 3: 12-17
For Paul’s idea of Christianity - call 2 Corinthians 5: 15-20
When the world seems bigger than God - call Psalms 70
Bible portion Psalms 137-150
1. I praise you because I am ------ and ----- made. (Fill in the gaps)
2. Who made their tongues as sharp as a serpent?
3. Let a righteous man strike me it is a --- --- ---; let him
rebuke me --- --- --- --- - (Fill-in the gaps)
4. Man is like a breath; his days are like a fleeting shadow.
Who said this?
5. Name the Psalm in which all lines say "praise the Lord”?.
Answers for September Bible Quiz. Psalms 121 to 136.
1. 122:3, 2. 125:1, 3. 126:5, 4. 127:3, 5. 136.
O C T . B I B L E Q U I Z Q U E S T I O N 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
Sunday School
Sunday school starts @ 9.30 am
Oct. 28: Hallelujah Night @ 5 pm
Sevika Sanghom Oct. 14: prayer meeting @ 9.30 am
Hagar Fund Collection - please donate
Edavaka Mission
Prayer Meeting @ 7.30 pm via Zoom
(Every Thursday)
Senior Fellowship
Oct. 07: Monthly Prayer Meeting @ 10.00 am
Oct. 12: HQ in Malayalam @ 10 am
Oct. 19: Pakal Veedu @ 10 am
HOPE Oct. 01: Volunteer training after service
IMAFF Oct 20: Prayer meeting @ 7.00 pm at IMTC
AREA PRAYER
GROUPS
Hebron area prayer meeting: Saturday October
7th at 7.00 pm at the residence of Mr. Reji V. Ku-
rian (ID # 400). Address: 7327 Love Creek, Mis-
souri City, TX. 77459.
Hebron area prayer meeting: Sunday October
15th at 7.30 pm at the residence of Mr. Saji Pappa-
chan (ID # 657). Address: 2715 San Bernard Dr.,
Missouri City, TX. 77545.
Carmel area prayer meeting: Friday October 20th
@ 7.30 pm at the residence of Mrs. Lally George
(ID # 198). Address: 1218 Mountain Lake Dr., Mis-
souri City, TX 77459.
Sinai area prayer meeting: Saturday October 21st
at 7.30 pm at the residence of Mr. Sajeev G. Kutty
(ID # 486). Address: 2709 Wild Lilac Dr., Pearland,
TX. 77584.
Hebron area prayer meeting: Sunday October
29th at 7.00 pm at the residence of Mr. Thomas K.
Varghese (ID # 378). Address: 4711 Wildhorse Ct.,
Missouri City, TX. 77459.
Horeb area prayer meeting: Friday Nov. 3rd @
7.00 pm at the residence of Mrs. Annamma Lu-
kose (ID # 217). Address: 5402 Mason Glen Ct.,
Sugar Land, TX 77479.
C o n d o l e n c e s
1. Mrs. Saramma Chacko, 89 years old, elder sister of Mr. Mona-
chan Thomas, ID # 334, of the Bethel area prayer group was called
to eternal rest in Ayroor, Kerala.
The vicars and members of the Immanuel Parish express our
heartfelt condolences. Kindly uphold the bereaving family mem-
bers in your thoughts and prayers.
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 9/28/23) are as follows:
Basketball Court (1) @ $50,000.00
Multipurpose Rooms (2) @ $25,000 each.
We have received sponsorships for the following:
Jubilee Hall = $50,000.00
Basketball Court (1) @ $50,000.00
Multi-purpose Room (1) = $25,000.00
HOPE room for $25,000.
Clergy Room = $15,000.00
Meeting Room = $15,000.00
Please mark your calendars and save the date !
Oct.13-15 Parish Convention
Oct. 22 Parish Day
Oct. 22 Jubilee Project Foundation Stone Laying
Oct. 22 Send-off - Philoxenos Thirumeni
Oct. 28 Annual Auction
Oct. 28 Hallelujah Night
Dec. 01 House to House Christmas Caroling (Tentative)
Dec. 23 Christmas Carol Service
Dec. 29-31 Year end Retreat
U P C O M I N G E V E N T S
H A P P Y 2 9 t h A N N I V E R S A R Y . . .
We are getting close to celebrating the 29th parish day of our Im-
manuel Mar Thoma Church. Our church came into being 29 years
ago. To be exact, it was on October 2, 1994 that we celebrated the
inaugural Holy Communion along with the laying of the foundation
stone by the then Diocesan Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Zacharias Mar The-
ophilus.
We have experienced 29 years of God’s faithfulness. It’s an oppor-
tune time for us to reflect on the abundance of grace that we have
received over the years. It’s a time to look back and thank God for
the many ways in which He has so faithfully led us. Hitherto, God
has been good to us and in turn our hearts should be filled with
gratefulness and thanks.
The courage and vision of the pioneering leaders of the church is
remembered with thanks at this time. Also, we acknowledge and
appreciate the struggles and sacrifices of all our founding families.
God placed us here as a church to be His witnesses. We journeyed
together thus far to become a blessed worshiping community. May
our life and mission continue to bring glory and honor to God.
P.M. Jacob, Secretary
Kindness…….
is more than a deed, It’s an attitude, an expression, a look, a touch.
It’s anything that lifts up someone.
O C T O B E R 2 0 2 3 B I R T H D A Y S
Rosie Mathew
1-Oct
Anisha Philip
Ajo T Koruthu
2-Oct
K. J. Abraham
Addyson Hope Varghese
Varkey T. Varkey
3-Oct
John Kurien
Nakul P. Joy
Terish Mathew Thomas
Rincy Jacob
Susan V. Kattappuram
Varghese K. Idiculla
4-Oct
Samuel K. Samuel
Acsah Beth Joseph
Sosamma Varghese
Sherin M. John
Joshua Dennis Mathew
Rony Johnson
Jissan Cherian
5-Oct
Reyan Abraham
Nikhil Raphael James
6-Oct
Ishaan Joseph James
M.M. Thomas
Jacob Thomas
Sheena Abraham
Rupesh Koshy
Gijitha Jacob
Joe P. Varghese
7-Oct
Rija Dena Roby
Shanthi Cherian
Kuruvilla Velangadan
Sara Chacko
Aji Varghese
Stephen Kattuvilath Varghese
Chandler J. George
8-Oct
Timothy Ajay Thomas
Daniel Varghese
Anugraha Ann Jeffrin
Edwintom Joseph
Sherline Rachel David
Stanley Jacob
9-Oct
Sheeba M. Varghese
Shawn Samuel Oommen
Neal Johny
Arun Abraham
10-Oct
Jesmi Jacob
Sarah Marie Thomas
Ajo Thomas
Sachin Kulkarni
Annamma Abraham
Christina Ann John
11-Oct
Brady Varkey Mathew
Christian Alexander
Mathew
Mercy Varghese
12-Oct
Varghese T. Mathai
Benjamin M Ninan
Lian Jacob
Yohannan Mathunny
13-Oct
Angel Annie Philip
Thomas Koshy
Baizil S. John
Belinda Roy Thomas
Robin John Kaarikottu
Sosamma Samuel
Naveen Varghese
14-Oct
Shane V. Matthew
Sharon A. Matthew
Annamma Mathai
Evelyn Marie Mathew
Shogan Reni Kavalayil
Josiah Jacob
Isabelle Ann Mathew
Cyril Thomas
15-Oct
Joel M. John
Mariam Vicky Varghese
Shibi Babu
Reena George
O C T O B E R 2 0 2 3 B I R T H D A Y S
Febin Jose
16-Oct
Acha Ann Grace Jacob
Leah Philip
Jewel Elise George
17-Oct
Sosamma Mathew
Nidhin Mathew Varghese
Minal Thomas
Biju J. Thomas
Aannamma Daniel
18-Oct
Crystal N. Samuel
Neethu T Kourth
Shibu John
Jaeron George Mathew
Johan Sajeev
Chris Sajeev
Sheela George
Sneha M. John
19-Oct
Mereena Mathew
Ethan Joji
George P. Thomas
Julia Vera
Selah Ann Jacob
20-Oct
V.J. Thankachan
Saramma Rajan
Caroline Suzanna Chacko
Sindhu P. Mathew
Thomas O. Keerikattu
22-Oct
Mithun Mathew Thomas
Anil K. Oommen
23-Oct
Elias Koshy
Shawn B. Varghese
Emarie Mariam John
Neil Abraham
Mathew Daniel
Gena Ceana Abraham
Dr.Tara Ninan
Naysa Ann Shybu
Amy Mercy Sinu
Elizabeth Thomas
Neha Abraham
Thomas Samuel
24-Oct
Lincy Ann George
Manoj George
Julie Varghese
Jonah Mathew
Sosamma George
Jonah Mathew
Christopher Chacko
25-Oct
Dr. Thomas Kannanka-
ra Abraham
Sujith Kurian
Angel Mary Roy
Caleb George Eapen
26-Oct
Tony V. Philip
Magie M. John
Riya Regi
Justin J. Samuel
Thomas Mathew
27-Oct
Dannie N Jacob
Dr. Varghese George
Gracy Thomas
Riju Kuruvilla
Susamma Oommen
28-Oct
Ruby Varghese
Shiney SusanThomas
Daniel T. Mathew
Reuben Kurian Thoams
P.I. Cherian
Daisy A. Philip
29-Oct
Shane V. Jacob
Shiju Kuruvilla
Abel Philip
Ann Philip
Thomas Varghese
30-Oct
Sherin E. Varghese
Emmanie Olivia Thom-
as
Jince Jacob
Talia Mathew
Jacob K. Alexander
Michele Mariam Jacob
Tessy Eapen
31-Oct
Shibu Thomas
Joyce John
Elijah Sunny Praveen
O c t o 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
Naveen Varghese & Christina Jose 3-Oct
Siju Philip & Nisha John 4-Oct
John Kurien & Mariamma J. Kurien 5-Oct
Jacob Thomas & Lally Thomas 6-Oct
Mathew Jacob & Sumy Jacob 6-Oct
Preven C. Jacob & Tina V. Philip 7-Oct
Reji V. Kurian & Mini T. Luke 7-Oct
Cecil Koshy Mathew & Lesiley Susan Mathew 7-Oct
Dr. Abraham Chacko Jr & Priya Ann Chacko 8-Oct
Zachariah Koshy & Grace Zachariah 9-Oct
Shiju Pappachan & Anjaly Skaria 10-Oct
Sam Rajan Daniel & Courtney Woodson 12-Oct
Saji Mathew & Mereena Mathew 16-Oct
Santhosh Paul Joseph & Roshini E. Joseph 16-Oct
Varghese Koshy & Jessy V. Koshy 17-Oct
John Joshy & Aleykutty Joshy 18-Oct
Saji John & Anitha Philip 18-Oct
Ricky Kuruvilla & Monica Mathews 20-Oct
Philip Thomas & Susha Thomas 20-Oct
Samuel K. Samuel & Mariamma K. Samuel 21-Oct
Aswin Cherian Mathew & Evelin Mary Sam 22-Oct
Rev. Eappen Varghese & Mary Neena Varghese 23-Oct
Oommen K. Mathew & Mariamma Oommen 23-Oct
M. A. Varughese & Annas M. Varughese 24-Oct
Toby C.Thomas & Jamie S. Thomas 25-Oct
George Jacob & Reena Jacob 26-Oct
Vinod Abraham & Manju Abraham 27-Oct
Dr. Sajan K. Eapen & Dr. Julie C. Eapen 27-Oct
Santhosh J. Kalathra & Jiny Kalathra 28-Oct
Jacob John & Gemini Jacob 29-Oct
V.J. Thankachan & Mariyamma Thankachan 30-Oct
