Bethel Mar Thoma Church Philadelphia, PA

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."

John 16: 3

Bethel Mar Thoma Church, 532 Levick Street, Philadelphia, PA 19111 www.bethelmtcphila.org

Diocesan Bishop

Rt. Rev. Dr. Issac Mar Pheloxenos Episcopa Sinai Mar Thoma Center 2320 S. Merrick Avenue Merrick, NY 11566 Tel: (516) 377-3311

Vicar

Rev. Saju Chacko 6329 Palmetto Street Philadelphia, PA 19111 Tel: (215) 725-9774 , (215) 480-3752 Email: revsajuchacko@gmail.com

Youth Chaplain

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Vice President P.J. Varghese 215-694-4074

Secretary Varghese N Mathew 215-464-4118

Treasurer Varkey Koshy 267-387-6350

Accountant Varghese Kunjachen 215-856-9241

Lay Leaders Jinu Jacob Varghese Thomas Mathai

215-909-1155 215-856-7052

Mandalam Member Deenamma Thomas 215-342-0237

Assembly Member Kuriyan Kunchandy 215-412-2252

Yuvajana Sakhyam Mathew K George 267-349-8337

Church Choir Varughese Abraham 267-968-3185

Sunday School Christina George 215-847-7076

Edavaka Mission Paulose Philipose 215-464-2187

Sevika Sanghom Sheela Rajan 215-677-2810

Youth Fellowship Celena George 215-847-2937

Church Building Convener Shaji Joseph 267-372-2521

PRAYER GROUP REPRESENTATIVES

Bethany Mathew Koshy Thomas Chacko 215-960-8309

Ebenezer Jose P Thomas Varghese Abraham (Viji)

267-686-1014 267-443-0222

Emmanuel Cherian Chacko Jossey Joseph 215-671-3789

Salem Annie Mathai 215-856-7052

ORGANIZATION OFFICE BEARERS FOR 2019

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Superintendent Janice James 215-475-2391 Vice President Susan Abraham 267-241-2151 Secretary Christina George 215-847-7076 Joint Secretary Tina Joseph 215-301-7292 Treasurer Rajany Mathew 215-906-8632

YUVAJANA SAKHYAM Vice President Jincy George 267-997-4445 Secretary Mathew K George 267-349-8337 Treasurer Alphy Tom Jose 267-686-1021

SEVIKA SANGHOM

Vice President Laila Alex 215-688-7103 Secretary Sheela Rajan 267-237-0789 Treasurer Jainamma Cherian 267-671-2200

EDAVAKA MISSION Vice President M.K. Samuel 215-464-5213 Secretary Paulose Philipose 215-464-2187 Treasurer P.J. Varghese 215-694-4074

CHURCH CHOIR Vice President Thomas Chacko 267-269-6619 Malayalam Director Varughese Abraham 267-968-3185 Secretary Rony Abraham 267-506-3444 Treasurer Marykutty Varghese 267-312-9730 English Director George Jacob 717-561-2260 English Secretary Aswin Joseph 215-856-9204

YOUTH FELLOWSHIP

Vice President Jebby Varghese 240-253-3545

Secretary Celena George 215- 847-2937

Treasurer Jithu Thomas 215-722-8372

AUDITORS

Auditor 1 Abraham M Varghese 215-919-5249

Auditor 2 Varughese Philip 215-934-7212

ECUMENICAL REPRESENTATIVES Rep. 1 Tinu Mathew 215-342-0237 Rep. 2 Deepa Thomas 215-722-8372 Rep 3 Marykutty Varghese 215-856-9241 Rep 4 Josy Joseph 215-464-0418 Rep 5 Mathew K George 267-323-1097

FROM THE DESK OF VICAR

Beloved in Christ, Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

“Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared ”(Buddha)

Being happy in one’s own life situations and making others happy is one of the most difficult tasks in life.2 Corinthians chapter 2 shows that when the Corinthians behaved inappropriately St. Paul was distressed and when they repented his heart pounded with joy. This was not the result of a natural temperament but the fruit of true fellowship with his Lord. Even in the midst of personal trials and tribulations encountered in the ministry, Paul was not indifferent to the joys of his converts. And when, those who pained him with their misconduct came to their senses, he rejoiced with them too. If there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents, surely he most resembles the father in the heaven. If one has the mind to forgive others, it will definitely lift one’s mind to celestial levels of joy. Happiness needs to be like a stream and should flow from one to another.

We are in another season of Lent. The first 40 days remind us of Jesus’ fasting and victory over evil and remaining 10 days of the passion of Jesus Christ. This lent is a preparation to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection over death and sin.

“When I survey the wondrous cross on which the prince of glory died my richest gain, I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride” I express my sincere thanks to the members those who rendered the prayerful support to the church activities. Especially thanks to the office bearers and other committee members of 2018. Let me welcome the new office bearers and committee members. I expect your prayerful support. Yours Lovingly, Saju Achen

LECTIONARY

Date Lesson Epistle Gospel Theme

Mar.3 Isa.58:1-14 Rom.2:1-10 2Cor.5:16-21 St. John 2:1-11 Beginning of Great lent

Mar.10 Esth.4:1-17 Acts 15:6-21 Rom.15:7-13 St. Mark 1:40-45 Christ presence with the

outcast

Mar.17 2Sam.12:1-14 Acts.8:9-17 Gal.3:10-14 St. Mark 2:1-12 Release from the burden of sin

Mar.24 Isa.45:1-8 Acts 10:24-33 1 Cor.1:20-25 St.Matt.15:21-28 Faith expression of the

marginalized

Mar.31 Nah.1:1-5 Acts 16:25-34 Acts 4:32-37 St. Luke 13:10-17 Transforming the oppressive

structures

Apr.7 Gen.26:12-33 2 Chr.11:20-31 2 Cor.1:3-11 St. Mark 10:46-52 Cross a model to discipleship

Apr.14 Zech.9:1-12 1 Tim.4:6-16 Heb.5:5-10 St. Luke 19:28-30 Hosanna: Lord save us

Apr.18 Exod.12:1-17 Heb.9:1-15 1 Cor 11:23-34 St.Matt.26:1-16 Passover Eucharist: Fellowship

in the suffering of Christ

Apr.21 Gen.23:1-19 Col 3:1-11

1 Thess 4:13-18 St.Matt.28:1-10 Easter: Celebration of

resurrection

Apr.28 Gen.28:10-22 Acts 20:7-12 1 Thess 1:2-10 St. John 20:24-29 New Sunday “Proclamation of

the faith of the Church

LESSON READING & OFFERTORY COLLECTIONS 03/03/19 Ebenezer Prayer Group 04/07/19 Bethany Prayer Group 03/10/19 Sunday School Day 04/14/19 Sunday School & Youth 03/17/19 Salem Prayer Group 04/21/19 Ebenezer Prayer Group 03/24/19 Sunday School & Youth 04/28/19 Sunday School & Youth 03/31/19 Emmanuel Prayer Group

40th Friday Holy Communion Service

Combined service with the Mar Thoma Parishes in Philadelphia held on

2019 April 12th ,7.00 pm at Ascension Mar Thoma Church

Address change: George Varghese (Raju) AC#89 2718 Springhouse Road Philadelphia, PA 19114 Varghese Thomas AC#80 1730 Teesdale St. Apt-11, Philadelphia, PA 19111 Phone number Change: Paulose Philipose: 215 464 2187

ANNIVERSARIES

Happy Anniversary to ...... 3/6 Mr & Mrs Shaji Thomas 3/8 Mr & Mrs Suresh Thomas 4/10 Mr & Mrs Thomas K Mathew 4/11 Mr R Mrs Alex Thomas 4/12 Mr & Mrs Joseph V Kuruvilla 4/14 Mr & Mrs Philip T Mathew 4/17 Mr & Mrs P. J John 4/21 Mr & Mrs Jebby Varghese 4/22 Mr & Mrs Manoj Samuel 4/23 Mr & Mrs Roy Jacob 4/24 Mr & Mrs Varghese Abraham

PARISH PROGRAM SCHEDULE - MARCH

Date Time Program Venue

March 1(Fri) 10.00 am Combined fasting Prayer at the

residence of Mr. Varghese N. Mathew

123 Pocasset Street 19115.

Mar. 2 (Sat) 9.00 am World day of Prayer: St. Gregorios Orthodox Church

Bensalem

Mar.3 (Sun) 9.00 am Sunday School Church Mar.3 (Sun) 10.30 am Dio Sunday Holy Communion

(Mal.) Rev. Jogy Thomas

Church

Mar.9 (Sat) 10.00 am Sevika Sangham at the residence of Mrs. Deenamma Thomas

1137 Alton Place,19115

Mar.10 (Sun) 9.00 am Sunday school Church Mar.10 (Sun) 10.30 am Holy Communion (Eng.)

Rev. Prince Varghese Church

Mar.13(Wed) 10.00 am Parish Mission Church Mar.15(Fri) 10.00 am Combined Fasting Prayer Church Mar.17(Sun) 9.00 am Sunday School Church Mar.17(Sun) 10.30 am Holy Communion (Mal.) Church Mar.22 (Fri) 10.00 am Fasting Prayer Church Mar.23 (Sat) 9.00 am Sevika Sangham Parish Mission

Region Meeting Church

Mar.24 (Sun) 9.00 am Sunday School Church Mar 24 (Sun) 10.30 am Holy Communion (Eng.) Church Mar.29 (Fri) 10.00 am Fasting Prayer Church Mar.31 (Sun) 9.00 am Sunday school Church

PARISH PROGRAM SCHEDULE – APRIL / MAY

Date Time Program Venue

Apr.5 (Fri) 10.00 am Combined Fasting Prayer Church Apr.6(Sat) 10.00 am Sevika Sangam at the residence of

Mrs. Saji John 120 Grenville Cr, Churchville,18966

Apr.7 (Sun) 09.00 am Sunday School Church Apr.7 (Sun) 10.30 am Holy Communion (Mal.) Church Apr.10 (Wed) 10.00 am Parish Mission Church Apr.12 (Fri) 10.00 am Fasting Prayer Church Apr.14 (Sun) 09.00 am Sunday School Church Apr.14 (Sun) 10.30 am Holy Communion (Eng.)

Hosanna Sunday Rev. Dr. Moni Mathew

Church

Apr.15(Mon) 6.30 pm Sandhya Namaskaram Church

Apr.16(Tue) 6.30 pm Sandhya Namaskaram Church Apr.17(Wed) 6.30 pm Sandhya Namaskaram Church Apr.18 (Thu) 6.30 pm Passover Service and Holy

Communion (Mal.) Church

Apr.19 (Fri) 9.00 am Good Friday service Church Apr.21 (Sun) 9.00 am Easter Service and Holy

communion (Mal.) Church

Apr.26 (Fri) 10.00 am Fasting prayer Church Apr.27 (Sat) 6.00 pm Bethany Area Prayer at the

residence of Mr. Jacob T. Philip 8204 Rose Petal Dr. 19111

Apr.28 (Sun) 9.00 am Sunday School Church Apr.28 (Sun) 10.30 am Holy Communion (Eng.) Church

MAY May 3(Fri) 10.00 am Combined Fasting prayer Church May 5 (Sun) 9.00 am Sunday school Church May 5 (Sun) 10.30 am Holy Communion (Mal.) Church May 5 (Sun) 12.00 pm Bake Sale by Sevika Sangham Basement Hall May 8 (Wed) 10.00 am Parish Mission Church May 10 (Fri) 10.00 am Fasting Prayer Church May 11 (Sat) 9.30 am Earth Day by Sunday School Church May 12 (Sun) 9.00 am Sunday school Church May 12 (Sun) 10.30 am Holy Communion (Mal.)

Mother’s Day Church

BIRTHDAYS

Happy Birthdays to .... 3/1 Mary C Mathew 4/5 April Joseoh 3/1 Suraj M Thomas 4/5 Elizabeth Ittyipe 3/2 Riji A George 4/9 P.M Philip 3/3 Marykutty James 4/9 P.J Varghese 3/3 Thomas C Varughese 4/9 Paulose Philipose 3/4 Premji Ooommen 4/9 Aswin Mathew 3/5 Cherian Kunjachen 4/12 Annie Samuel 3/5 Licykutty Skariah 4/13 Sonia Stanley 3/5 Rekha S Thomas 4/15 Tina Joseph 3/6 Jocelyn Kuryan 4/15 Rincymol Korah Philip 3/7 Elizabeth George 4/16 Christin Nainan Skariah 3/9 Ruben Jacob George 4/16 Asha Susan Varghese 3/10 Gia Roseann Philip 4/17 Kevin M Rajan 3/10 Deenamma Thomas 4/18 Dann Abraham Varghese 3/13 Anju Varughese 4/18 Valliath Thomas George 3/16 Jincy John 4/18 George Thomas 3/17 Shirley Mathew 4/19 Mathew Philip 3/17 Mariamma George 4/19 Steffi K Skariah 3/20 Varughese Abraham 4/19 Sini Shelby Philip 3/22 Ajini Varughese 4/19 Thomas Abraham 3/23 Jerry Koshy 4/20 Marykutty Varghese 3/23 Maju Mary Mathew 4/20 Vibin Skariah 3/23 Ayden Mathew 4/20 Valsamma Jacob 3/24 Annamma Koshy 4/21 Julie Amith 3/26 Alphi Tom Jose 4/21 Sara J Varghese 3/27 Previn Koshy John 4/21 Prabhu Jacob Thomas 3/27 Jaisy Annie George 4/23 Edicheria Skariah 3/28 George A George 4/23 Sojel Abraham Sunny 3/29 Jiji Thomas 4/24 Mathew George 3/30 Jasmin Mathew 4/26 Amminiamma Varughese 3/31 Divya Mariam Joseph 4/26 Larissa Joseph 4/1 Nicholas Shajil Philip 4/27 Jacob T Philip 4/1 Aleena Thomas 4/27 Rajan T Philip 4/4 Nevin George John 4/27 Justin Thomas