From the desk of Rev. Simon Behanan

Inside this Issue

1. Message from the Vicar

2. Wedding Anniversaries

3. Birthdays

4. Bible Readings

5. News and Announcements

6. Worship Services

Theme For The Year 2005: Fellowship with God, self and others.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.” Psalm 139:24.

     We love to figure out things: Puzzles, crosswords, television game shows etc, etc. Some thing in us wants to figure out things around us. Most often, we try to figure out puzzles in the life of other people. We enjoy the feelings of achievement and power that come from finding answers and solving mysteries. But we seldom try to figure out unresolved puzzles within us as it is painful and transformative. Moreover we are unable to figure out everything in the world. An outward and inward exploration is always helpful. 

     During his ministry, Jesus had to confront the religious community that was very curious in figuring out the so called pitfalls in Jesus’ ministry. Jesus in turn figured out their intentions of self justification and self elevation in order to hide their shortcomings beneath the mask of religiosity. This could be our problem too. In fact, Jesus would help us search and find our pitfalls and weaknesses. 

     Sri Narayana Guru was a socio-religious reformer who tried to uplift the low caste people in Kerala. He was against idol worship and always encouraged the people to look within themselves to find the idols within them and get rid of them. For that, he installed a big mirror in a public place and encouraged people to better see themselves, their shortcomings and their fragile inner self. 

     The word of God will help us (like a mirror) to see ourselves as it is and figure out the missing pieces in our life puzzles and repair our broken and shattered inner self. Let God search our inner being so as to help us figure out our shortcomings and become transformed selves. 

     The best examination is self-examination and the best scanner is the word of God.

August Birthdays

The vicar and the members of Atlanta Mar Thoma Church wish the following members a very happy birthday. Please plan to attend the celebration communion service on the Sunday following the occasion.

August Wedding Anniversaries

The vicar and the members of Atlanta Mar Thoma Church wish the following members a very happy Wedding Anniversary. Please plan to attend the celebration communion service on the Sunday following the occasion.

Bible Readings for August 2005

Worship Services