From the desk of Rev. Simon Behanan

Inside this Issue

1. Message from the Vicar

2. Letter to the Editor

3. Wedding Anniversaries

4. Birthdays

5. Bible Reading for November

6. Announcements from the Vicar

7. Deadline for article submission

9. Answers to last months quizzes

10. Bible Quizzes: English

HE TOOK A LITTLE CHILD

He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them "whoever welcomes one of these children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but one who send me." Mark 9:36,37. Also read Mark 10:13-16.

In November, we celebrate the World Sunday School Day. Jesus invited children in order to bless them. We are to do the same. Jesus took a child and placed him in the middle of the community. We are to place the children in the middle of our community. Jesus exalted the children as an example in the Kingdom of God. We are to do the same. Jesus said that we are to become like children to inherit the Kingdom. Becoming like children is probably the most difficult part of a Christian life, but we have no choice. We usually thrive to become like adults, but often loose the childness. Being child and becoming child like is not a weakness, but in fact an evidence of strength that amounts to spiritual maturity. All children are people and all people are children. We do not and should not loose childness as we grow old. We need to learn from children about being human as well as disciples of Jesus. Being a child is a model for humanity in its fullness because it includes dependency and the freedom to live with a degree of vulnerability. The following story, told by a Sunday school teacher, is indeed an eye opener.

Every Sunday, I gather with the children on the chancel steps for a brief conversation. One Sunday, every year, we talk about the stained glass window, in our sanctuary, of Jesus with the children. I remind them that Jesus said "to such belongs the kingdom of heaven." And I often ask them why did Jesus say that everyone must become like a child? On one such occasion, nine year old Barry responded very quickly to this question. "I know, I know!" he said, "because if everyone is a child, then no one would hurt children anymore." Barry had spoken a truth!

The little boy was right. Our attitude toward children is shaped by our understanding of being a child. If we hold that childhood is merely a stage we must pass through on our way to becoming a full human, i.e., an adult, then it is difficult to honor a child with respect. We wrongly measure the worth of all persons, including children, according to adult standards. If we believe, however, that every adult is "struggling toward childhood," that we never fully outgrow "childness," then perhaps, as Barry said it, "no one would hurt children anymore."
CHILDNESS AND CHILDLIKENESS ARE KEYS TO THE KINDGOM OF GOD!

In His service,

Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor
It was refreshing to see the families sitting together in church for the service a few Sundays ago. It eliminated "kid static", a syndrome brought on by a child's inability to decide whom to sit with, Mom or Dad, and therefore ends up commuting between the two, often interrupting the church service. Isn't it time we dismantled archaic customs that have no perceivable benefit?

Sam I Johnson

Are you tired of trash TV?
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Philip Chacko

November 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.

November 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.

Bible Readings for November 2002