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Click here for Newsletter in PDF
January 2012
Volume 13, Issue 1 |
From the Desk of
Rev. Jai Varghese
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Inside this Issue
1. Message from the Vicar
2. Wedding Anniversaries
3. Birthdays
4. Bible Readings
5. News and Announcements
6. Quiz
7. An Inspiration from heaven
8. Women of Bible
9. Worship Services
10. Deadline for article submission and Acknowledgement |
Power of love, positive values and faith
Three things make a lot of changes in everyone’s and every community’s life
the power of Love, the power of Positive Values and the power of Faith. Word
of God always nurtures and encourages a person to grow and experience the
power of love, positive values and faith. This provides hope, direction and
wisdom in one’s life. These factors lead us beyond our abilities to do
something best for ourselves and others. Bible gives us a lot of examples
about these subjects and pictures how this changes a person’s life in a
dramatic and drastic way.
Love is eternal. Bible is the story of love. It is the story of Gods
love towards men. God the father loved the world so much that he redeemed
the world through giving his son Jesus Christ. Love is not merely one of
God’s attributes; it is the essence of His nature. God is love. The New
Testament uses the Greek word agape to describe God’s love. God’s agape love
differs from human love. Human love is conditional. God’s love is
unconditional. Human love is changeable, God’s love is unchangeable. Human
love is self-seeking. God’s love is self sacrificing. The supreme
manifestation of God’s unconditional, unchanging, self-sacrificing love was
demonstrated on the cross for us. The story of the prodigal son vividly
explains the power of love and its effects in the life of a person involved
and still continues to influence millions of people. God’s love encourages
us to do something. For this we need to connect with Jesus Christ. The more
you are connected the more you are healthier both physically and
emotionally. The less connected you are the more you are at risk. Love is
the most transformative force in the earth. Love changes our attitude and
transforms our self image. Like god himself love never fails, never forgets
and never dies.
Positive value gives us a special power. When we are experiencing the
power of love we can enjoy the power of positive values in our life. Each of
us is motivated to move our lives in certain directions. This motivation is
determined by the values we subscribe to. Without values or beliefs, we
would be mechanical- like beings. Values are an inexhaustible source of
inner power that energizes us, driving us to the heights of success. The
power of positive values in our life prevents us to attract or to do wrong
things. Joseph is the best example for this. His values abstains him from
all dangers and doing evil things. He says how can I sin against my God. The
values of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego help them to take a stand against
the king’s rulings. We should seek and acknowledge God as the source of
power and direction in our lives. In fact, not only do values energize us,
but when we implement them, it energizes everything it comes in contact
with.
Faith plays a pivotal role in a person’s life. Faith has a power.
This power influences a person’s attitude and values, providing meaning and
purpose in life. Faith can transform a person’s life in an unexplainable
way. Faith in Jesus Christ leads us into a qualitative earthly life and it
will qualify us for an eternal life. Faith motivates a person to lead a
meaningful life. Abraham is the greatest example of faith. His faith gave
him the courage to face every consequences of his faith journey and lead a
life of values with the power of faith. He found his strength from his faith
in God. Without faith it is impossible to please our God.
By Gods grace we have all entered into a new year. Our parish is also
entering into a new face of leadership. Our new generations have willingly
come forward and taken the responsibilities of the church. In the history of
the parish two women have been elected to the key post of the parish as Vice
President and Accountant. It gives me great honor and pleasure in
congratulating the new office bearers, may the lord strengthen them to do
their respective work in true spirit. On the 3rd Sunday of this month our
diocesan bishop will be visiting our parish. May god bless us all to work
together for the glory of God.
Rev. Jai Varghese Achen |
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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.
| 2 |
Siby Mathew |
| 3 |
Simon George |
| 4 |
Alex Samuel
Thomas Chacko |
| 5 |
Roy Varghese
Shaji Suresh
Vivek Abraham |
| 6 |
Bilin K. Joseph
Michael N. Esso |
| 8 |
Jai Varghese |
| 9 |
Rajamma Varghese
Sebi Thomas |
| 10 |
Renji Varghese |
| 11 |
Anie Jose |
| 14 |
Ajit Mathew |
| 15 |
Shajan Mampalayil
Sonu Cherian |
| 16 |
Kunjamma Jacob
Mathew Joseph
Sarah A. George |
| 17 |
Jacob K. John
Sosamma Philip |
| 18 |
Nissy S. Mathew
Rubin Thomas |
| 20 |
Bissy George |
| 22 |
Kiran Thomas |
| 23 |
George Joseph |
| 24 |
Gibi Jacob
Suma S. Mathew
Sunil Alexander |
| 26 |
Chinnamma Thomas |
| 27 |
Thampi P. Daniel |
| 28 |
Liz S. Mathew |
| 30 |
Jacob Manaloor |
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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.
| 10 |
Mr. John Manaloor &
Dr. Elizabeth Manaloor |
| 12 |
Mr. Johnson K. George &
Mrs. Manna Johnson |
| 16 |
Mr. Jose P. John &
Mrs. Anie Jose |
| 17 |
Mr. Mathews P. Kurian &
Mrs. Letha M. Kurian |
| 19 |
Mr. Sabu Abraham &
Mrs. Leena Abraham |
| 20 |
Mr. John Philip &
Mrs. Aleyamma Philip
Mr. Thomas George &
Mrs. Bissy George
Mr. Thomas George &
Mrs. Saramma George |
| 21 |
Mr. Jacob Kuruvilla &
Mrs. Susan J. Kuruvilla |
| 30 |
Mr. Thomas Chacko &
Mrs. Elezabeth S. Thomas |
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Prayer Meetings
Young family meeting
Youth Fellowship
Seviaka Sanghom
Edavaka Mission
 | Jan 14, 7:00pm, Edavaka Mission Anniversary 2011 and Inauguration of 2012
activities. |
| 2nd & 4th Mondays: Edavaka Mission Regional Tele Conference Prayer
9pm-10pm |
Yuvajana Sakhyam
Fasting Prayer
Sunday School
| Every Sunday after the Service |
| Singing, Story Telling, Bible Reading and Elocution Competition will be
held on February 11th,2012, at the Church at 9.30 am |
| Sunday School Calendar for the year 2012 can be purchased from Dr.Thomas
or any Sunday school Teachers for 5$. |
Special Programs
| Jan 15 Episcopal Visit |
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Please identify the Bible references, from 1 to 9 from the book of 1 Samuel and
10-12 general from the Bible.
1. The Amalekites take Ziklag.
2. David defeats the Amalekites
3. David recovers all spoils.
4. The death of Saul and his sons.
5. Where from the bodies of Saul and his sons taken?
6. Where the bones of Saul and his sons buried?
7. The song of Hannah.
8. David plans to build a temple.
9. 1 Samuel has ----chapters, -------verses.
10. Peters mother-in-law healed.
11. The Mission of the 12 disciples.
12. Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and see John again those things which
ye hear and see
Please E-Mail your answers before January 22, 2011 to: pdthampi@att.net.
or mail to Dr. Thampi Daniel, PO Box 2552, Lilburn, GA-30048.
Tel: 770-931-3900 or cell 404-290-6120.
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Answers for December Quiz
1. 1 Samuel 26:1-16.
2. 1 Samuel 26: 17-20.
3. 1 Samuel 26; 21-25.
4. 1 Samuel 27: 1-4.
5. 1 Samuel 28: 1-6.
6. 1 Samuel 26: 5-12.
7. 1 Samuel 28: 15-25.
8. 1 Samuel 28: 7-14.
9. 1 Samuel 29: 1-5.
10. John 10:27.
11. Matthew 5:31.
12. John 6:33.
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An inspiration from Heaven
Dannaker was a German Sculptor. He took two years to complete
the statue of Christ until it looked perfect. One day he called a little girl
into the studio pointed to the statue and asked her “Who is that?”
Girl replied “A great man”. Dannaker was disappointed. He took
his chisel and began to make a new statue. He worked six long years and again
invited the little girl and asked “Who is that?” Within few moments tears came
from her eyes. She folded her hands across her chest and said, “Suffer the
little children to come unto me” [Mark 10:14] Dannaker knew he had succeeded.
Later Dannaker confessed that during those six years Christ revealed himself in
a vision. He had seen Christ through his inner eyes. He transferred his vision
to form a marble statue.
Later, Napoleon Bonaparte asked Dannaker to make a statue of
Venus (Roman Goddess of love) he refused and said: “A person who had seen Christ
can never employ his gifts in carving a pagan goddess. My art is a consecrated
work for my savior. Lesson: God speaks through scripture and Bible leads us to
seek God. Pray for the Holy Spirit to illuminate our mind. God speaks through
thoughts. Many years before a wise person suggested “In your thoughts picture
Jesus sitting in a chair in front of you. He began talking to you…. You really
saw Him…. He will guide you.
A ministry within the family:
Looking for good in others Mr. and Mrs. Martins wanted three of their
children to look for good in other people, so three children made a conscious
effort to find daily acts of kindness, love, compassion and generosity in
others. Every evening after the dinner parents asked their children about the
goodness they had observed. Post cards expressing appreciation were mailed to
playmates, Sunday school teachers, school teachers, friends and family members.
These cards were called ‘Thank-U-Gram’. Some people inquired about the source of
these cards. Martins offered free cards to those interested. ‘Thank you for
taking our trash’ a post card to the county employees….’ Thank you for bringing
our mail on a cold day…’ You are wonderful….’ You made my day… ’you are so
kind…’ ‘You are special…’ Grateful kids are happier kids. Better relationships
with friends and family lead to better, healthier lives.
Lesson:- Make an effort to find good in others. Teach gratitude
in early years. Help your kids to make a list of all good things to be thankful
for. Slowly our children will develop wonderful relationships with your family
and friends.
- Philip Chacko
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Women of Bible
EVE- The fairest of all creations
The Bible begins with the story of creations. The book of
Genesis states that God created human being in His own image as both male and
female. It is clear that he intended for them to live in relationship with each
other; and had equal value in his eyes. God said” it is not good that man should
be alone” (Gen: 2;18) Therefore God put man into a deep sleep and formed woman
from one of his ribs and called her Eve, “the mother of all living.”
John Milton in his famous epic “Paradise lost” depicts Eve as
the fairest of all creation who reflected Gods divine perfection. Eve was the
answer to Adams incompleteness. She was there to complement Adam- a helper to
him and to be a wife. This means Eve was created for a position of honor, being
born to life’s loveliest, most lofty throne of glory: “the glory of man” (1
Corinthians 11:7). Eve was the first wife in this world who reflected the glory
of the first husband. She was first in many things, the ‘first tempter, the
‘first mother’ and the first woman to fall in this world. Therefore the life of
Eve gives us a lesson that disobedience to God’s will lead to failure in our
life. But God by His grace uplifted her and placed her as the mother of all
generations. First to fail: The perfect world that God created was thrown into
sin and chaos by Eve’s inability to withstand the temptations offered by the
serpent. She listened to the tempter, involved her husband in rebellion. Now Eve
realized that she, the guilty sinner could still serve her gracious and
forgiving God- by becoming the first mother of all generations. Not only did Eve
experience many firsts, but she, along with Adam, was the first to experience
loss. She had lost her perfect relationship with God (Gen3:8), the bliss of a
sinless marriage (Gen3:12), her lack of acquaintance with evil (Gen 3:22), her
home in the Garden of Eden (Gen 3:23), her son Abel murdered by his brother (Gen
4:8), her son Cain, whom God sent away (Gen: 4:14).She seemed to have no hope
left. But the gift of Seth, whose name means appointed, surely reflected Eve’s
empty heart and her empty barrel of hope.
How do you usually handle your heartbreaking losses? Rather
than plunge into depression, discouragement, or hopelessness, place your god
given faith and confidence in hope filled realities. You are creative,
intelligent and rational. In these ways you are created in God’s image. You are
created to have fellowship and communion with God. You are reflection of God’s
glory. You reflect Him to other people, every time you reach out in love,
perform a deed of kindness, soften your heart in forgiveness, show a little
extra patience, and follow through in faithfulness.
-Annie Varughese
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| Jan 08 |
Sunday |
10:00am |
Holy Communion
Service in English |
| Jan 15 |
Sunday |
10:00am |
Holy Communion
Service in Malayalam |
| Jan 22 |
Sunday |
10:00am |
Praise, Worship and
Holy Communion Service in English |
| Jan 29 |
Sunday |
10:00am |
Praise and Worship
Service in Malayalam |
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Newsletter by email?
If you are interested and not getting the parish newsletter by email already,
please send your request to editor@atlantamarthomachurch.com to subscribe the
monthly newsletter.
| Deadline:
The deadline for submission of articles for publication in the February
2012 AMTC
newsletter is January 24, 2012.
Send articles and ads, if any, to editor@atlantamarthomachurch.com.
Your prompt attention to this deadline is highly appreciated. |
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