Vicar | Rev. Christopher Phil Daniel 151 Aspen Dr. | North Brunswick, NJ 08902

Volume XV | No. 4

www.ststephensmtc.com A copy of this bulletin is available online. Website Invitation Code: kerala

ST. STEPHEN’S MAR THOMA CHURCH 423 DUNHAMS CORNER ROAD | EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ 08816

APRIL

2014

Dear St. Stephen’s Family, Greetings in the precious name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! During this month, we will be journeying with Jesus through His Passion, Death, and Resurrection. As we journey with Jesus, it would also be good for us to immerse ourselves in this sacred journey and deepen our commitment to follow the path of Jesus day by day. We have to remember that Scripture not only depicts the journey of Jesus, but also describes our faith journey, providing insight into how we are to live in our world today. This requires us to bring hope, healing, and peace to our world greatly in need of such gifts. And to achieve this purpose, we must rely on the power of God and make good use of it. We are all familiar with the use and misuse of power in our society. Many claim power, privilege, and superiority over others, leading to oppressive attitudes that deprive many of a full and meaningful life. We, as human beings, tend to rely on the power of worldly resources for destructive purposes, robbing many people of a fruitful life. These attitudes and behaviors prevent us from relating to the human family in a life-giving way and from living a Spirit-filled life. In order to live a Spirit-filled life, we need to tap into a greater power – the power of God’s Spirit always available to us. The Easter season invites us to look deep within our own lives, our community life, our nation, and our world. When we reflect on these things, we come to the realization that our lives and even the world that we live in are broken and in need of great healing. This healing can only come about when we live the Spirit-filled life that we have been called to live through the power of the Resurrection. Through the power of the Resurrection we are assured of the fact that nothing in our often discouraging lives can defeat or destroy us. We are told in I Corinthians 6:14 that God who has raised up Jesus from the dead will also raise us up by the same Spirit that dwells in us. This is the promise of life everlasting which gives us great hope. Not only is this our great hope, but it is also our source of immense joy and satisfaction. This is our confidence in God’s Spirit dwelling in each one of us, leading us faithfully every day. God promises that we will never walk alone throughout the journey of life. He promises us the powerful presence of His Spirit. Thus, we need to take time each day to get in touch with the Spirit within each of us. We need to draw on that power and pray that the stones in our lives will be rolled away from our individual, community, and national lives. We must allow the Spirit to shine in and through us so that we can faithfully and courageously walk in the light of the Risen Lord. If we do this, we will bring light, hope, peace, and justice to our own lives and to our broken world. So, what is it that we are waiting for?

Achen's Message!

Easter is a time to renew and deepen our faith, to celebrate and live out our faith as God so desires. A renewal of faith in our individual and family lives will provide us and the church with new energy to carry out the mission of God faithfully and fruitfully by being more authentic witnesses for Christ. We hope and pray that this Easter will be a time of spiritual renewal for us all. May the Spirit of God enable us all to spread the Easter message with cheer and confidence, bringing healing to ourselves and to our world. Wishing you all a Spirit-filled Easter of joy and peace! With love and prayers, Chris Achen and Neethi Kochamma

PRAYER MEETINGS :

Young Family fellowship prayer mee�ng on Saturday April 5th, 2014 at 6pm at the St.

Stephens MTC, 423 Dunhams Corner Road, East Brunswick, NJ . All Young family prayer

group are requested to a.end.

Condolence

St. Stephen’s MTC expresses our deepest sympathy and our hear1elt condolences to the

following families of our parish. Let us uphold these bereaved families, praying for their

comfort and peace.

Mr. & Mrs. Bobby P. Mathew and family and Mr. & Mrs. Philip Mathews and family on the

demise of Bobby's uncle and Sabu's cousin, Mr. Philip O. Thomas (Philadelphia, PA).

Mr. & Mrs. George Edukala and family on the demise of Georgeku.y's brother-in-law,

Mr. M. T. Varghese (Venmony, Kerala, India), and on the demise of Leelamony's

mother, Mrs. Mariamma Abraham (Kangazha, Ko.ayam, Kerala, India).

First Communicant Classes

First Communicant classes will be held on the following dates. Parents, please ensure that

your children a.end these classes or they may not be granted permission to take part in

the First Communicants Dedica�on Service on May 25, 2014.

Sunday, April 6, 2014, aAer the Holy Communion service.

Sunday, April 13, 2014, aAer the Holy Communion service.

Sunday, April 27, 2014, aAer the Holy Communion service.

Sunday, May 4, 2014, aAer the Holy Communion service.

Please note that addi�onal classes may be arranged as the need arises. These will be

informed to you at a later date.

Diocesan Publica�ons:

The following publica�ons are available for sale from the Diocese. Please contact Achen to

purchase these books.

1. Focus on the Word: Journeying with Christ. A Collec�on of Bible Studies. Edited by Dr.

Mathew T. Thomas. $5.00.

2. Churching the Diaspora, Discipling the Families. Theological Reflec�ons on Ministry

among the Diaspora. Wri.en by Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius. $10.00.

3. Church Journeying with Christ. A Collec�on of Ar�cles Tracing the History and Growth

of the Diocese of North America and Europe. Chief Editor: Rev. K. E. Geevarghese. $10.00.

ANNOUNCEMENTS!

Date Time Celebrant 1st Lesson 2nd

Lesson Epistle Gospel

Sunday

School

06

Sun

Restoring Christ (36th Sunday)

10am Rev. Christopher P. Daniel Job

42:10-17

Phil.

2:5-11

Eph.

2:1-10

St.Mark.

10:46-52 9am

Malayalam

13

Sun

Hosanna. Christ the King of Peace

10am Rev. Christopher P. Daniel Zech.

9:1-12

Heb.

5:1-10

Col.

1:15-23

St.Mark.

11:1-11 9am

English

14

Mon

Passion Week (Hasa)

7pm-

8:30pm

Rev. Christopher P. Daniel Lev.

2:1-6

Acts.

13:26-43

St.Mat.

21:23-46

St.Mat.

22:1-14

Sandhya Namaskaram

15

Tues

7 pm-

8:30 pm Sandhya Namaskaram

Isa.

52:1-15

Acts.

13:44-52

St. Mat.

22:34-23:12

St.Mat.

23:13-22

16 Wed

7pm -

8:30pm

Sandhya Namaskaram Isa.

28:14-29

Col.

1:9-22

St. Mat.

24:29-51

St.Mat.

25:1-13

17

Thu

Passover-Holy Qurbana; Jesus the Bread of Life

7pm-

9:30pm

Rev. Christopher P. Daniel Exo.

12:1-17

Heb.

9:1-15

1 Cor.

11:23-34

St.Mat.

26:1-16

English

18

Good

Friday

9am-1pm

First

service Malayalam

Isa.

53:1-12

1Pet.

1:1-25

St.Mat.

26:47-75

Second

service Malayalam

Zech.

13:1-9

Gal.

3:1-22

St.Mat.

27:1-44

Third

service English

Num.

21:1-9

Heb.

3:1-19

St.Mat.

27:45-56

20

Sun

Easter Sunday, Resurrec�on : Celebra�ng New life in Christ

8:30

AM

Rev. Christopher P. Daniel Isa.

60:1-22

1Cor.

15:42-58

1Cor.

15:20-28

St.Luke.

24:1-12

No

School Malayalam

27

Sun

New Sunday-Affirma�on of Christ as Lord and God

10am Rev. Christopher P. Daniel Exo.

3:13-17

Col.

3:1-11

Col.

1:15-23

St.John.

20:24-29 9:00 AM

English

As we are reminded from this passage 1Peter 4: 10 . Each one should use what ever gift he has received to serve others faithfully fully administering Gods grace in its various forms.

Here is the updated list of committee members. Thanks to everyone for com-ing forward to help in various areas of the National meeting. If you would like to be on a committee please don't hesitate to ask, its open to all. We want to thank God for giving us this opportunity through the National Sevika Sangham Conference for his mission work . Thank you to all the members of the St. Stephens MTC for your con-tinued support and assistance as we move forward.

President Rev. Christopher Daniel Vice President Dr. Elizabeth Mammen Prasad Secretary Mrs. Neethi Prasad Trustee Mrs. Suja Abraham Convener Mrs. Sheeba Johnson Prayer Line Mrs. Saramma Kurien Venue/Accommodation Mrs. Sheeja Abraham Choir Mrs. Julie Koshy, Mrs. Ginu Thomson . Mrs. Sittu Matthew Theme/Content Rev. Christopher Daniel, Mrs. Neethi Prasad Program Committee Mrs. Susan Thomas, Mrs. Molly Sajan Reception of Dignitaries Mrs.Annamma John, Mrs.Tina Thomas, Dr.Elizabeth Mammen Prasad Registration/conf. hall Mrs. Rajani Mathew, Mrs. Rani Varghese, Mrs. Shirley Mohan, Mrs. Mini Cherian, Mrs. Jilly Samuel, Mrs. Serah Sunil, Mrs. Sini Saju, Mrs. Pushpa Food Mrs. Annie ( Leela) Thomas, Mrs. Lizzy Mathew, Mrs.Blessy Rony, Mrs. Mini Varghese, Mrs.Jhansi Koshy , Mrs.Suman Reji Souvenir Mrs. Mini Cherian, Mrs. Jilly Samuel Reception/Hospitality Mrs. Manju Joseph, Mrs. Neelu Thomas, Mrs. Somol Mathew, Mrs. Sany Abraham Helpdesk: Mrs.Sheeja Abraham, Mrs. Anitha Blesson , Mrs. Lisa Sony, Dr. Elizabeth Mammen Prasad Entertainment Mrs. Judith Joy George, Mrs. Grace Varghese, Mrs. Rani Shibu ,Mrs. Mini Vinoj Mathew Inaugural Program Mrs. Bibina Varghese, Mrs. Rachel Thomas Transport/Sightseeing Mrs. Roohamma Joseph, Mrs. Rajani Mathew, Mrs. Reena Varghese Medical: Dr. Elizabeth Mammen Prasad, Dr. Suneeta Varkey, Dr. Usha Thomas, Mrs. Sheeba Johnson. Fund Raising Mrs. . Jay a Panicker, Mrs. Susan Thomas, Mrs. Serah Sunil Varghese, Mrs. Manju Joseph, Mrs. Sheeja Abraham, Mrs. Binu Varghese, Mrs. Grace Varghese, Mrs. Molly Sajan Chacko.

Ladies’ Corner

Sevika Sangham prayer meeting at 10am, on Wednesday, April 9, 2014, at the residence of Mrs. Molly Sajan Chacko , 1333 Barbara Ave, Union, NJ 908-964-0735. All Sevika Sangham members are requested to attend. There will discussion on the food planning for Clergy conference , which is being hosted by St. Stephens Mar Thoma Church on Wednesday, April 23th, 2014 , 9am-130pm.

Prayer line conference call: Every Wednesday 9pm-10pm. Phone number 712-432-1500, Access code 289872#

Moderator, Mrs. Sarama Kurian. Please send prayer request to Chris Achen/Neethi Kochamma at cpdachen@gmail.com

All members of the St. Stephens MTC parish are requested to participate. Last 10 minutes of the prayer line will used to update Seviaka Sangham National conference planning.

Weekly fasting contributions: Are going well and we want to thank everyone who is actively participating and for your generous contributions. May God bless you for your continued support. Please forward your $1/day or $5 a week or $20/month or $ 240/year to the following area reps as follows.

Area 1: Mrs. Rena Thomas Area 2: Mrs. Molly Sajan Area 3: Mrs. Grace Varghese Area 4: Mrs. Sarah Thomas Area 5: Mrs. Annama (Leelamma) Varghese.

Please note the fliers for the fundraising are now available. Please pick up your fliers from Mrs. Neeithi Kochamma or Mrs. Sheeba Johnson.

Church Directory The Church Directory is now online on our church website. Visit and review your information and let us know if any discrep-ancies. Church Directory Team

Sunday school Assembly to be led by following grades and dates: April 6th - Grade 4 April 13th - Grade 3 Teachers meeting : After Church service on Sunday, April 6th, 2014 Easter program: All Sunday school kids who are interested in joining Choir for the East-er program, please meet after church service with the Choir team . Choir contacts: Please give your names to Mr. John Joseph 732-887-6398, or Mr. Earlin George 732-207-1330 as soon as possible. Sunday School Diocesan exam : Sunday, May 4th, 2014. Sunday School Anniversary program Saturday, May, 17th 2014 at 4pm.

Sermon Quiz: Chris Achen 1. What was the name of the Achen who visited our parish on March 2, 2014, and in which parish is he currently serving? 2. Which parish did I visit on March 2, 2014? 3. Why did Jesus perform miracles (3 reasons)? 4. How should we respond to Jesus? 5. Whose faith was involved in the paralyzed man’s healing? 6. Does Jesus call us to faith in isolation from other Christians (Yes or No)? 7. Who did Jesus say had a “great” faith? 8. What four types of faith did the person with a “great” faith have? 9. What two types of crippled people did Jesus encounter in the synagogue? 10. What words did Jesus use to give the crippled woman a new identity?

Sunday School Page

BIBLE CHALLENGE

Lent and Holy Week

I D E A T H A F Z A I R E R L

K G O L V D P L Q R M E I Q E

P O N T I U S P I L A T E T N

G B R N N E D T S F Z S R C T

B N D E P B S P O X O A X R G

K Z I Z S E Z R L M Z E U U V

D X T T D U T T O J T W W C C

B T A G S Y R E A D J Y X I S

D P J C D A O R R K R G M F F

D O Q A S N F A E X Y W L I J

I K Y U U P I U Z C D N D X N

E S S Q J I N O W B T U U I I

O E W Z S U O Z O R Q I W O V

J K Z I K C Z J J I J E O N F

K E E W Y L O H I C F O C N O

CRUCIFIXION

DEATH

EASTER

FASTING

FORTYDAYS

HOLYWEEK

JESUS

LENT

PETER

PONTIUSPILATE

RESURRECTION

Submitted by Eric Varghese, Sunday School 8th grade.

Answers provided in the May newsletter.

Birthdays 1 Sittu M. Mathew w/o Saji Mathunni (732) 310-6737

1 Vienna Ann Zachariah d/o Vino Zachariah (732) 369-3550

1 Josh A. Cherian s/o Sabu Cherian (908) 927-9940

2 Bibina T. Varughese w/o Joemon Varughese (732) 422-7128

2 Rachel Oommen w/o Thomas Oommen (732) 906-8830

2 Sahnila Varghese w/o Philip Varghese (908) 380-0599

3 Julie Dilip Abraham w/o Dilip S. Abraham (732) 647-5362

3 Ann Mary Sajan d/o Sajan Podikunju (732) 662 5542

4 Paul Jacob s/o Jacob Mathew (732) 317 2475

6 Roy M. Mathew s/o Mathew M. Thomas (732) 549-1437

6 Nita Elizabeth George w/o Roy Memana Mathew (508) 241-6482

6 Abraham Mathew s/o Anil Mathew (732) 258-8997

7 Raji Renjith w/o Renjith Abraham (908) 241-0638

8 Maya Anna Varkey d/o Thomas Verkey (908) 301-0084

10 Sanjana Ann Renjith d/o Renjith Abraham (908) 241-0638

10 Vinoj Mathew (732) 726-1714

11 Aleyamma Manalel w/o Sam Jacob (732) 549-8925

12 Alan Sajan Chacko s/o Sajan P. Chacko (908) 964-0735

12 Koshy Philip (732) 286-0924

14 Stanley Koshy (732) 2571057

16 Rachel Ragy Thomas d/o Ragy Thomas (732) 632-8892

17 Ron Thomas s/o Jose Thomas (732) 356-8975

17 Miriam M. Thomas d/o Philip M. Thomas (732) 382-0033

18 Jonathan Samuel Abraham s/o Shibu Abraham (908) 213-0087

18 Abigail Vinoj Mathew d/o Vinoj Mathew (732) 726-1714

18 Philip M. Thomas (732) 382-0033

18 Abraham S. Pulimoottil (732) 283-4855

19 Rebecca Marie Varghese d/o Pappen Varghese (908) 281-2188

19 Mariamma Thomas w/o Mammen T. Thomas (732) 422-0701

20 Sunil Skariah s/o K. K. Skariah (908) 822-2737

20 Aleyamma Varghese (732) 355-0611

21 John Joseph (732) 253-7020

21 Reena Thomas w/o Dr. Samuel Thomas (973) 538-1192

22 Reeba Thomas w/o Dhinker Philip (954) 974 3364

23 Bindu Sajan w/o Sajan Podikunju (732) 662 5542

23 Jason Jacob Sam s/o Jacob Sam (732) 980-9154

24 Thomas George (732) 658-0944

28 Dhanya Mary Abraham d/o Abraham Mathews (203) 205-0764

29 Liju Mary Kurien w/o Sunil Kurien (732) 677-2507

30 Joshua John s/o Sunny John (732) 845-9250

30 Ajith Mathews s/o Philip Mathews (732) 297-8303

30 Nithin Sajan Chacko s/o Sajan P. Chacko (908) 265-9487

Wedding Anniversaries 6 Mr. Mathew A. Cherukara & Mrs. Saramma M. Cherukara (908) 686-1061

6 Mr. Nithin Sajan Chacko & Mrs. Akila De Alwis (908) 265-9487

12 Mr. Joseph John & Mrs. Annamma John (732) 752-5033

18 Mr. Samuel Oommen & Mrs. Susamma Samuel (908) 320-0412

18 Mr. Saneeth Zachariah & Mrs. Sona Varkey (732) 960 8665

18 Mr. Sunil S. Varghese & Mrs. Serah Thomas (609) 275-9334

19 Mr. Jacob Samuel & Mrs. Niju T. Samuel (609) 240-4216

23 Mr. Saju C. Abraham & Mrs. Sheeja S. Abraham (732) 605-9888

23 Mr. Binny Thomas K. & Mrs. Mareen Mathew (201) 706-0173

24 Mr. Reji John & Mrs. Suman Reji John (732) 613-0623

28 Mr. Abraham Thomas Mattapallil & Mrs. Susan Thomas (908) 241-0638

29 Mr. Koshy Philip & Mrs. Julie Koshy (732) 286-0924

30 Mr. Thomas Kurian & Mrs. Vincy Kurian (732) 845-0031

Events 2014 Date Events Time

April 13th Sunday Palm Sunday

April 14th Monday Passion Week: Sandya Namaskaram 7pm- 830pm

April 15th Tuesday Passion Week: Sandya Namaskaram 7pm- 830pm

April 16th Wednesday Passion Week: Sandya Namaskaram 7pm- 830pm

April 17th Thursday Holy Thursday 7pm-930pm

April 18th, Friday Good Friday 9am-1pm

First Service : Malayalam

Second Service: Malayalam

Third Service: English

April 20th, Sunday Easter Sunday 830Am-10Am

April 23rd, Wednesday Regional Clergy Meeting at St. Stephens 9am-130pm

Thirumeni in attendance

May 4th, Sunday Sunday School Diocesan Exam

May 11th, Sunday Mothers Day

May 17th, Saturday Sunday School Anniversary . 4pm

May 18th, Sunday Sevika Sangham, Bake sale

May 24th, Saturday Parish Day celebration Thirumeni Visit

May 25th, Sunday Parish day celebration Thirumeni Visit

May 25th, Sunday Thirumeni Visit , first Communicants

June 1st, Sunday Choir Sunday (DSMC Sunday)

June 15th, Sunday Fathers Day

June 20th- June 22nd Family retreat

June 22nd Sunday Public worship at St. Stephens 10am

July 3rd, Thursday St. Thomas day

July 4th Friday U.S Independence day

July 6th, Sunday Tithe Sunday (Special collection)

July 3rd,thur-July 6th sun Junior/Senior Conference

July 10th — 13th Sun VBS

August 2nd Saturday St. Stephens church Picnic Mercer Park 10am-8pm

August 3rd Sunday College Students dedication

August 17th, Sunday Sevika Sangham, Harvest/Bake sale

Sept 7th, Sunday Students dedication / Onam

Sept 14th, Sunday Sevika Sangham Day

Sept 21st, Sunday Senior Citizens day, for ages 70 plus.

Oct 2nd-5th 2014 National Sevika Sangham Confer-ence , Maryland

Oct 5th Sunday Parish Mission Sunday

Oct 12th, Sunday Young families Bake sale

Oct 16 thur-19th Sunday Parish Convention

Oct 19th, Sunday Youth Sunday

Oct 26th, Sunday Family Sunday

Nov 2nd, Sunday World Sunday School day, Daylight Savings time

Nov 23rd, Sunday Auction/ One day salary Contribution

Nov 27th, Thursday Thanksgiving Day.

Nov 29th, 30th House Caroling

Dec 5th, 6th , 7th House Caroling

Dec 12th, 13th, 14th House Caroling

Dec 20th, Sunday Christmas Carol Service 4pm 4pm

Dec 25th, Thursday Christmas Day Service 830am 830am

Dec 31st, Wednesday New Years Eve, Watch night Service 10pm 10pm