Volume XVI | No. 6 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

JUNE 2015

Executive Committee 2015

President Rev. Christopher Phil Daniel 732.568.4853 (H)

cpdachen@gmail.com 732.754.8131 (C)

Vice President Mr. Iype Thomas 732.371.4321

Secretary Mr. Shibu Varghese gracyshibu@hotmail.com

201.675.9280

Treasurer Mr. Shibu Varghese (Edison) 732.371.1144

Accountant Mr. Samuel John 917.553.9678

Lay leader Mr. Koshy Philip 732.286.0924

Lay leader Mr. Blesson Joseph 610.438.1688

Choir Mr. Earlin George 732.207.1330

Sunday School Mr. Santhosh George 716.430.1393

Youth fellowship Miss. Jincy Ann Varghese 732.251.1728

Sevika Sangham Mrs. Sheeba Johnson 732.319.3319

Edavaka Mission Mr. Thomas George 732.491.3422

Young Family Fellowship Mr. Reji K. Thomas 732.568.1754

Yuvajana Sakhyam Mr. Shaji Koshy 732.203.0503

Prayer Group 1 Mr. Daniel Varghese 908.591.3621

Prayer Group 2 Mr. Mathew M. Thomas 908.247.2960

Prayer Group 3 Mr. Mathews Philip 908.625.7500

Prayer Group 4 Mr. Sunil Varghese 609.213.6804

Prayer Group 5 Mr. Varughese Abraham 908.705.7270

Mandalam Mrs. Bibina Varughese 732.422.7128

Assembly Mr. Shaiju Cherian 732.593.8032

Other Contacts

Sevika Sangham Mrs. Annie (Leela) Thomas 732.371.1234

Sunday School Mr. Sony Cherukara 908.336.0501

Youth Fellowship Miss. Ashwini Varghese 732.494.4199

Choir Mr. John Joseph 732.887.6398

Young Family Mr. Abraham Kurian 832.230.9324

Yuvajana Sakhyam Mr. Koshy Philip 732.286.0924

Auditor Mr. Saji Mathunni 609.297.8825

Auditor Mrs. Christy Abraham 732.418.8840

What do people gain from all the toil at which they toil under the sun?...There is

nothing new under the sun. Ecclesiastes 1:3, 9b

Dear St. Stephen’s Family, Grace and peace to you all in the name of the Holy Trinity! We are indeed blessed to be able to experience the diverse seasons of the year. Each and every season has its own beauty, splendor, and purpose. This year, our winter was long and harsh; our spring seems to have flown by; and now we are on the brink of the summer season. We are now entering into a season in which we can experience the bright radiance of the sun and the warmth of nature. Through the season of summer, God gives us the privilege to experience “life under the sun.” In the book of Ecclesiastes, the author speaks about “life under the sun.” He seems to find no meaning in the lives that people lead. He seems to think that everything in life is meaningless, and that is why he even declares that “there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9b). However, we have to dig deeper into the meaning of these words. If we take them at face value, we will come to a point where we will convince ourselves to believe that life itself is without purpose. For the author, life is only meaningless when life is defined as an existence apart from God. Without God, life will be meaningless. “Life under the sun” will be without purpose or meaning if it is a life separate from the Lord. Our relationship with God is what gives life meaning and purpose. The experiences of human life are brought to completion and fulfilment when God is present. Apart from God, nothing awaits us and nothing will be “new” under the sun. As Christians, our life in not a life of this world or a life “under the sun,” but our lives should be lives that are “in the Son.” Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Lord and Savior of the world, came to this earth to give us life and give it to us abundantly. He came to this earth to reconcile the brokenness of the relationship that had existed between God and human beings. He came to give new meaning and new purpose to life. Jesus Christ has also proclaimed to us that a life without Him will be rendered useless and meaningless. We have to abide in Him and experience the transforming presence of His grace. We must seek to lead our lives “in the Son” and we must ensure that our lives are “under the reign of the Son” as well. We must give control of our lives to Him who gives us life so that our lives are used for their intended purpose.

Achen's Message!

Summer may be a time where many of us choose to spend some time to relax and rejuvenate. This type of rest and relaxation is very much needed in a society that is always fast-paced and constantly moving. However, we need to find our rest “in the Son” so that His radiant light and embracing warmth can continue to enrich and inspire us. Only when Christ is in us and we lead our lives under His reign for Him will our lives be channels of blessings to others and only then will we be able to glorify God. May our life in the Son, under His reign, be filled with grace and blessings! With love and prayers, Chris Achen and Neethi Kochamma

VBS

June 25, 26 6:30pm June 27 10am

For all kids up to 8th grade! Plan to join us!

Sunday School Fair Sunday June 7th after Holy Communion Service VBS This year VBS will be held from Thursday June 25th to Sunday June 28th. Father’s Day Sunday June 21st Area # 4 Prayer Meeting Sunday June 21st 6.30 PM at the residence of Mrs. & Mr. Seebu John, 117 Mountainside Lane, Bridgewater, NJ 08807. Tel# 908 393 4892. Church Prayer Meeting Sunday June 28th 5.00 PM at the residence of Jonah and Angelica Varughese, 9 Glover Rd, Milltown, NJ 08850. Tel# 732 422 7128. Sevika Sangham Prayer line Every Wednesday from 9PM to 10PM Moderator Mrs. Saramma Kurien Phone Number 712-432-1500, Access code 289872# Please send your requests to Chris Achen or Neethi Kochamma at cpdachen@gmail.com Edavaka Mission Prayer Meeting Saturday June 6th 10.00 AM at Church. Junior & Senior Conference, 2015 RAMAPO COLLEGE, 505 RAMAPO VALLEY RD., MAHWAH NJ. JULY 16TH—19TH, 2015. Please note that the registration process will be online and use the link (www.mtcjuniorseniorconf.com) to register.

ANNOUNCEMENTS!

Date Time Celebrant 1st

Lesson

2nd

Lesson Epistle Gospel

Sunday

School

7

Jun

Students Sunday - Wisdom from Above

10.15 AM

Rev. Christopher Daniel

1 King 3:16-28

Jam. 1:1-8

Phil. 4:4-9

St. Luke. 10:21-24

Sunday School 9:00AM

Malayalam

14

Jun

Creation Proclaims Glory of God - Environmental Sunday

10.15 AM

Rev. Christopher Daniel

Prov. 8:22-31

Rev. 21:1-8

Phil. 1:9-20

St. Luke 8:22-25

No Sunday School

English

21

Jun

Creation Proclaims Glory of God - Environmental Sunday

10:15 AM

Rev. Benoy Thomas

Isa. 6:1-8

1 John. 5:1-12

2 Thes. 2:13-17

St. John 4:13-26

No Sunday School

Malayalam

28

Jun

Cost of discipleship

10:15 AM

Rev. Christopher Daniel

Dan. 6:11-23

Heb. 11:23-40

2 Cor. 6:11-18

St.Mark.10:35-45

No Sunday School

English

Birthdays 1 Geogie Varughese (732) 355-0830

2 Nitha Elizabeth Jomy w/o Jomy John (848) 248-0053

3 Sanjini S. John w/o Earlin George (732) 494-5088

6 Rajiv John s/o Joseph N. John (732) 752-5033

7 Mariamma Thomas w/o C. Thomas (908) 925-9476

7 Sisilly Jacob w/o Mohan G. Jacob (973) 992-0138

10 Noel Varughese s/o Sunil Varughese (609) 275-9334

11 Thomas Abraham (718) 967-7178

13 Neha R. John d/o Rajiv John (732) 752-5033

13 Joanna George d/o Santhosh George (732) 297-8412

18 Jessica Thomas d/o Thomas George (732) 658 0944

20 Rohan Joel Thomas s/o Sumod Thomas (973)-271-9495

21 Thomas Mathew (973) 285-4373

21 Riya C. Varkey d/o Thomas Varkey (908) 301-0084

22 Shirley M. Thomas w/o Philip M. Thomas (732) 382-0033

22 Namita R. Thomas d/o Regi Thomas (732) 568-1754

23 Annamma Mathews w/o Simon Mathews (908) 889-8179

24 Samuel Joseph (732) 587-8830

25 Kevin Kurian Thomson s/o Thomson Chacko (908) 251-5707

25 Nia S. George d/o Earlin George (732) 494-5088

26 Benjamin Abraham (732) 617-2005

27 Aaron M. George s/o Shaju George (908) 668-4949

27 Stanley Sunoj Mathew s/o Sunoj Mathew (732) 855-1719

28 Tony M. Cherukara (908) 397-2621

29 Mathew J. Thomas s/o Jos Thomas (732) 356-8975

29 Betsy Avinash w/o Avinash Thankachan (732) 549-1437

29 Jomy John (848) 248-0053

30 Jacks George s/o George Edukala (732) 389-8482

Wedding Anniversaries 5 Mr. Joseph V. Joseph & Mrs. Roohamma Joseph (610) 438-1688

6 Mr. Sunny John & Mrs. Susan John (732) 845-9250

7 Mr. Sumod K. Thomas & Mrs. Rekha A. Dan (973) 271-9495

13 Mr. Abraham Varghese & Mrs. Mary Abraham (732) 283-2777

17 Mr. Sunil M. Thomas & Mrs. Rani S. Thomas (732) 636-2838

25 Mr. Manoj Mathew & Mrs. Jolly Mathew (732) 494-0889

29 Mr. Mathew M. Thomas & Mrs. Lizy M. Thomas (732) 549-1437

Events Calendar 2015 Date Event Time

Jun 7 Sun Sunday School Fair After Church

Jun 21 Sun Father’s Day

Jun 25 Thu VBS

Jun 26 Fri VBS

Jun 27 Sat VBS

Jun 28 Sun VBS

Jul 2 Thu Diocesan Family Conference

Jul 3 Fri Diocesan Family Conference

Jul 4 Sat Diocesan Family Conference

Jul 5 Sun Diocesan Family Conference

Jul 16 Thu Junior/Senior Conference

Jul 17 Fri Junior/Senior Conference

Jul 18 Sat Junior/Senior Conference

Jul 19 Sun Junior/Senior Conference

Jul 25 Sat Church Picnic

Aug 9 Sun Theethos Thirumeni’s visit/First Com-munion/College Students Dedication Ser-vice/Graduation Appreciation

Aug 22 Sat One Day Parish Convention

Aug 30 Sun Onam Lunch/YFF

Sep 6 Sun Students Dedication Service

Sep 12 Sun Yuvajana Sakhyam Harvest sale

Sep 13 Sun Sevika Sangham Day

Sep 20 Sun Senior Citizens Day

Sep 26 Sat Edavaka Mission Center Meeting 9.00AM

Oct 4 Sun Edavaka Mission Day

Oct 8 Thu Sevika Sangham Diocesan Conference

Oct 9 Fri Sevika Sangham Diocesan Conference

Oct 10 Sat Sevika Sangham Diocesan Conference

Oct 11 Sun Sevika Sangham Diocesan Conference

Oct 18 Sun Youth Sunday

Oct 24 Sat One Day Parish Convention

Oct 25 Sun Family Sunday

Nov 1 Sun World Sunday School Day

Nov 22 Sun Thanksgiving Sunday Day/Offertory

Nov 29 Sat House to House Carol

Crowns Of Honor The Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom are stored securely and protected within the Tower of London under 24-hour guard. Each year, millions visit the display area to “ooh and aah” over these ornate treasures. The Crown Jewels symbolize the power of the kingdom, as well as the prestige and position of those who use them. Part of the Crown Jewels are the crowns them-selves. There are three different types: the corona-tion crown, which is worn when an individual is crowned monarch; the state crown (or coronet), which is worn for various functions; and the con-sort crown worn by the wife of a reigning king. Different crowns serve differ-ent purposes. The King of heaven, who was worthy of the greatest crown and the highest honor, wore a very different crown. In the hours of humiliation and suffering that Christ experienced before He was crucified, “the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe” (John 19:2). That day, the crown, which is normally a symbol of royalty and hon-or, was turned into a tool of mockery and hate. Yet our Savior willingly wore that crown for us, bearing our sin and shame.

The One who deserved the best of all crowns took the worst for us.

Crown Him the Lord of life: Who triumphed o’er the grave; Who rose victorious in the strife

For those He came to save. —Bridges/Thring