The 26th Mar Thoma Family Conference, hosted by the San Francisco Mar Thoma Church of Bay Area, a small parish of about 200 families, led by its vicar, Rev. James M Koshy Veeramala, from July 24th to July 27th, 2008, at the prestigious Marriott Hotel, in Santa Clara California, has been deemed to be one of the best in the past 10 years. 

This Conference was graced with the presence of Rt. Rev. Dr. Zacharias Mar Theophilus Suffragan Metropolitan and Rt. Rev. Dr. Euyakim Mar Coorilos Episcopa, along with other prominent leaders including Mr. Rajkumar Ramachandran, Rev. Dr. Jacob T. David, Rev. C. K. Koshy, Rev. Manoj Zachariah, Mr. Neil Mammen, Dr. George Varghese, to name a few, who all delivered thought-inspired messages on the theme ‘For Such A Time As This….’ taken from the book of Esther 4: 14. 

It was unique in many ways, attracting the highest attendance of delegates (more than 800) from different churches of the Diocese of America and Canada,  nearly 40 clergy and their families, highest participation and involvement of the youths in various facets, first ever live webcast of the conference inaugurated by the Mayor of Santa Clara, Patricia M Mahan, with over a 100 successful logins everyday, very effective online registration set-ups, and many more firsts. 

The hard work, unity, dedication, commitment and leadership of over 22 committees over the past 2 years contributed to the success of the Conference and this has been evident in the manner in which all the 4 days’ activities were organized. 

The sightseeing tours were so popular that people came days ahead to visit the prominent places such as San Francisco, Napa Valley, Monterey Bay, and other places of interest before making it to the Conference. 

Inaugral day commenced with flag presentations, processions, catchy Welcome and Theme songs, lamp lighting ceremony, release of the Souvenir book as well as the Yuvajana Sakhyam song book, culminating with cultural programs by the members of the San Francisco church, including Koladi, Maargam Kali, songs, dances and skits by various age groups.

The evening also included inaugural speeches from other high level dignitaries such as Mr. Ashok Sinha, Consul for Community affairs, (Consulate General of India), Rev. Fr. Daniel Pullelil, Vicar of Gregarios Orthodox Church and Rev. Biju S Cherian, Diocesan Secretary. 

Each day began with Meditation and Intercessary Prayers, followed by youth-led Praise and Worship songs and a full fledged 55 member choir leading the hymns and devotional songs. 4 simultaneous tracks were organized for the different age groups discussing family oriented topics. Even the little kids had their own Sunday School sessions with Bible games, Story telling, Music and Arts and were wonderfully entertained by the famous puppeteer, Tony Border.

Evenings were organized with talent programs from the participants of various churches, fun games among the youths and adults, a witnessing and dedication program, opportunities to socialize with the dignitaries and fellow delegates and even included a symposium conducted between parents and youths of the Conference trying to address current issues that are of concern to them. 

The participants had the privilege of feasting on a wide variety of international cuisines on all the 4 days, drawing applause from many, for the caterers’ efficient and tasty service. 

The final day culminated with a Holy Communion Service that was put together so carefully, complete with ushers that helped finish the whole event very smoothly, and also included the passing of the torch to the Immanuel Mar Thoma Church, Houston, for hosting the 2009 Family Conference. 

All in all, God’s grace and blessings were very evident in each and every activity of this ‘Conference with a Difference’.