MTCSF SEPTEMBER 2024 Newsletter
From the Vicar’s Desk
Dearly beloved in Christ,
September has arrived, indicating that the summer is almost finished and that it’s time to adjust our schedule. Every child and adolescent have gone back to school and started concentrating on their studies. I hope that everyone had a pleasant summer, that being with a family has strengthened your bonds, and that you have all had the opportunity to take the necessary breaks before beginning this new year.
As we follow Him, we follow an itinerary that goes through several stages where we accompany Jesus Christ with our cross: “Whoever does not carry his cross behind me cannot be my disciple” (Lk 14:27). Living a Christian life entails traveling constantly with Jesus. Nowadays, a lot of people claim to be Christians, but in practice, they don’t follow Jesus on his journey; instead, they either start at the beginning and stop there, leave suddenly, or start a new journey with other people. Everybody who walks in this life with Jesus carries their own cross, yet apart from the suffering we go through as His disciples, we also feel the consolation that God gives to His witnesses at every juncture. God is the source of life and our only hope.
I wish you a Happy Labor Day! Enjoy it with your family and friends.
God bless you,
In His service
Sajiachen.
Worship Schedule
| Sunday School 9am; Edavaka Mission Bible Study 9:15am | ||||
| DATE | SERVICE ASSIST | WORSHIP ORDER | LANGUAGE | LAY LEADER |
| Sunday, September 1, 2024 | San Francisco & South Bay | HOLY QURBANA 10 AM | Malayalam | Cherian Philip |
| Sunday, September 8, 2024 | Tri-Valley | HOLY QURBANA 10 AM; Sevika Sanghom Day | Malayalam | Cherian Philip |
| Sunday, September 15, 2024 | Central Valley | HOLY QURBANA 10 AM; Senior Fellowship Day | English | Mathew (Robin) John |
| Sunday, September 22, 2024 | Fremont | HOLY QURBANA 10 AM | English | Mathew (Robin) John |
| Sunday, September 29, 2024 | San Francisco & South Bay | HOLY QURBANA 10 AM | English | Mathew (Robin) John |
SEPTEMBER 2024 Lectionary
| 01 Sep | 08 Sep | 15 Sep | 21 Sep | 22 Sep | 27 Sep | 29 Sep | |
| ദൈവിക സത്യത്തിലേക്ക് നയിക്കേണ്ട വിദ്യാഭ്യാസം (പെന്തെക്കൊസ്തിനു ശേഷം 15-ആം ഞായർ); Education Sunday: Education that leads to Divine truths (15th Sunday after Pentecost) | സ്ത്രീകൾ: സുവിശേഷത്തിന്റെ സാക്ഷികൾ (പെന്തെക്കൊസ്തിനു ശേഷം 16-ആം ഞായർ); Women: Witnesses of the Gospel (16th Sunday after Pentecost) | മുതിർന്ന പൗരരുടെ ഞായർ, മുതിർന്ന പൗരർ: തലമുറകളുടെ മാതൃക (പെന്തെക്കൊസ്തിനു ശേഷം 17-ആം ഞായർ); Senior Citizens Sunday: Senior Citizens – Model for the generations (17th Sunday after Pentecost) | മാർ മത്തായി ശ്ലീഹാ നാൾ; St. Matthew’s Day | വിശുദ്ധ കുർബ്ബാന: ദൈവരാജ്യ മുന്നാസ്വാദനം (പെന്തെക്കൊസ്തിനു ശേഷം 18-ആം ഞായർ); Holy Qurbana: Foretaste of the Kingdom of God (18th Sunday after Pentecost) | ദക്ഷിണേന്ത്യ സഭയുടെ സ്ഥാപകദിനം; Formation of Church of South India | പ്രാർത്ഥന: ദൈവവുമായുള്ള നിരന്തര സംസർഗ്ഗം (പെന്തെക്കൊസ്തിനു ശേഷം 19-ആം ഞായർ); Prayer: Constant communion with God (19th Sunday after Pentecost) | |
| Lesson 1 | Prov 4:1-11 | Ruth 4:1-12 | Gen 48:1-22 | Isa 4:1-6 | Exod 12:21-28 | Ezek 37:15-22 | Prov 30:4-9 |
| Lesson 2 | 1Cor 1:18-25 | Acts 16:11-15 | Phil 2:12-18 | Rev 4:4-11 | Acts 2:42-47 | 1 John 3:1-12 | Acts 12:1-12 |
| Epistle | Rom 11:33-36 | Gal 3:26-29 | 2Tim 4:1-8 | 1Thess 1:2-6 | 1Cor 11:23-30 | Eph 4:1-6 | Eph 3:14-21 |
| Gospel | John 14:5-14 | Luke 8:1-3 | Luke 2:25-38 | Matt 9:9-13 | Matt 26:26-29 | John 17:9-17 | Matt 6:5-15 |
| Evening Reading | Prov 1:1-10 | Prov 27:1-11 | Prov 16:20-33 | Gen 22:1-19 | Ps 133:1-3 | Job 42:1-17 | |
| Jas 3:13-18 | Rom 16:1-6 | Eph 6:1-4 | 1Pet 2:1-12 | 1Cor 10:15-17 | Jas 5:13-20 |
Events this month
Access the calendar here or bookmark this link
- 1 Sep, Sun 9 – 10am Sunday School
- 1 Sep, Sun 9:15 – 10am Bible study – Edavaka Mission, Social Hall
- 1 Sep, Sun 10am – 12pm Holy Communion – Malayalam – Sanctuary
- 2 Sep, Mon 5:30 – 6:30pm Diocesan Edavaka Mission prayer ZOOM
- 3 Sep, Tue 9 – 10 pm Youth Fellowship prayer call ZOOM
- 4 Sep, Wed 8 – 9pm WR Edavaka Mission Meet ZOOM
- 5 Sep, Thu All day Diocesan Sevika Sanghom Vaarom
- 7 Sep, Sat 10 – 11am Edavaka Mission Fasting Prayer – Sanctuary
- 7 Sep, Sat 11am – 1pm YS Fellowship, at Krupa & Ashish’s home
- 7 Sep, Sat 6:30 – 7:30pm San Francisco area prayer, at Boby & Mathew Thomas’ home
- 8 Sep, Sun 9 – 10am Sunday School
- 8 Sep, Sun 9:15 – 10am Bible study – Edavaka Mission Social Hall
- 8 Sep, Sun 10am – 12pm Holy Communion Service – Malayalam (Sevika Sanghom Day)
- 8 Sep, Sun after ASR Sevika Sanghom SURPRISE Classes – sign up with Sapna Cherian
- 10 Sep, Tue 9 – 10 pm Youth Fellowship prayer call ZOOM
- 11 Sep, Wed 8 – 9pm WR Edavaka Mission Meet ZOOM
- 13 Sep, Fri 8pm Tri Valley Area Prayer
- 14 Sep, Sat 6:30 – 8pm Fremont Area Prayer meeting
- 15 Sep, Sun 9 – 10am Sunday School
- 15 Sep, Sun 9:15 – 10am Bible study – Edavaka Mission, Social Hall
- 15 Sep, Sun 10am – 12pm Holy Communion – English
- 15 Sep, Sun 1 – 2pm Sevika Sanghom Sandwich making for Homeless
- 17 Sep, Tue 9 – 10 pm Youth Fellowship prayer call ZOOM
- 18 Sep, Wed 8 – 9pm WR Edavaka Mission Meet ZOOM
- 19 Sep, Thu 8 – 9pm WR Sevika Sanghom Meet ZOOM
- 21 Sep, Sat 11am – 12pm Choir Fellowship
- 21 Sep, Sat 6 – 7:45pm Central Valley Area Prayer Meeting
- 22 Sep, Sun 9 – 10am Sunday School
- 22 Sep, Sun 9:15 – 10am Bible study – Edavaka Mission, Social Hall
- 22 Sep, Sun 10am – 12pm Holy Communion – English
- 22 Sep, Sun 12:45 – 2pm Sevika Sanghom Intercessory Prayer
- 24 Sep, Tue 6:30 – 7:30pm Senior fellowship ZOOM
- 24 Sep, Tue 69 – 10pm Youth Fellowship prayer call ZOOM
- 25 Sep, Wed 8 – 9pm WR Edavaka Mission Meet ZOOM
- 28 Sep, Sat 11am – 12pm Sevika Sanghom Cottage Prayer & Bible Study
- 24 Sep, Tue 66:30 – 7:30pm South Bay area prayer meeting
- 29 Sep, Sun 9 – 10am Sunday School
- 29 Sep, Sun 9:15 – 10am Bible study – Edavaka Mission, Social Hall
- 29 Sep, Sun 10am – 12:15pm Holy Communion Service – English
- 29 Sep, Sun After ASR – Sunday School PTA Meeting
Recap from August 2024
We had an eventful summer, starting with the parish convention, the picnic, celebrating our graduates, worship night, student and teacher dedication and finally the reopening of our Sunday School.
Our parish convention was attended by many of our families and even guests from Silicon Valley, August 2-4, 2024. We were blessed to hear enlightening messages from Rev. Dr. Prakash P. George who served as the Principal and Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Languages at the Mar Thoma Theological Seminary, Kottayam. The theme of the convention was “Living joyfully and gracefully”.
We enjoyed pleasant weather, sumptuous food, joyful company and gleeful games at the picnic held at Quarry Lakes on August 10th. Here are some pictures to spotlight the fun https://photos.app.goo.gl/dUJUwXrPVEWfUmSt5
On August 17th our Youth Fellowship held Worship Night. See the details about the fundraiser below – ‘Update from Mission’. Let us continue to keep the restoration of Wayanad region in our prayers.
Sevika Sanghom has been quietly studying the book of Jude under the tutelage of Mrs. Susan Saji (Kochamma). Who knew one chapter would keep them enthralled for a whole year and more. The next study will start in September on Proverbs 31. If you missed the Study on the book of Jude, mark your calendars and participate in the cottage prayer meeting held on the fourth Saturday of each month at 11am via zoom. Please join the sandwich packing for the homeless on the third Saturday of every month after ASR. A few exciting classes are planned. Please contact Sapna Cherian for more information.
We celebrated 14 graduates this summer. Please continue to pray for them as they embark on the next chapter of their lives. Here is the presentation shared on August 11th to recognize them. 2024-GradCelebration.pptx
Sunday School Students & Teachers
Sunday School and Edavaka Mission Bible Study has resumed on Sunday mornings. Please complete the Sunday School Student Registration for the new academic year: Sunday School Student Registration for 2024-25. There will be a meeting after ASR on September 29th for the Sunday School PTA & Teachers in the sanctuary to discuss any concerns. ~Roshney Pratheep
Vicar’s Car Purchase
Please consider contributing towards the Vicar’s Car Purchase. We need to raise $20,000/- to offset the cost of a new car after the trade-in of the current vehicle. Memo: Vicar’s Car Purchase Fund. We have received $4000/- Thank you to all those who have contributed to the fund. Area Representatives, please encourage your prayer groups to make a contribution.
Update from Mission
Here is a message shared by the Mission Board on the *Wayanad Fundraiser*.
- *Kudos* 🚀 to our Youth for hosting a worship night to raise funds for the Wayanad relief effort. 🌟 Our Christian calling is to glorify God by serving and supporting those in need. Thanks to all who attended and supported the cause. We raised $4,500 from the event. 🙏
- 👉*Total Donation from MTCSF (Including Praise and Worship, Individual Offertory, Mission Board transfer):* $13,761/- (corrected amount). All proceeds will be sent to the Diocese to support restoration efforts.
- 🚨*The last date to send in your donations is 08/30/24.* 🗓️ Thank you for your generous contributions. *Please continue to keep Wayanad in your prayers.*
- Link to watch the recording Worship Night
Upcoming Events
- Sep 5, 2024 Sevika Sangom Vaarom Fest ZOOM (see flyer)
- Sep 15, 2024 – Onam Celebration & Senior Fellowship Worship Service
- Oct 3-6, 2024 – Diocesan Suvishesha Sevika Sanghom Conference (see flier)
- Oct 6, 20th – Harvest Festival
- Oct 6th – MTVEA (Edavaka Mission) Sunday
- Oct 13 – Yuvajana Sakhyam Sunday
- Oct 20 – Youth Fellowship Sunday
- Oct 27 – Family Sunday
- Nov 3 – World Sunday School Day
- Nov 24 – Thanksgiving
- Dec 22, 2024 – First Communicants Celebration
Light to Life Program Update
The mission is to support education, provide food and clothing while fostering emotional, social and spiritual growth of children in need in collaboration with church-related agencies across India. Three new centers have been added recently and need our support.
– Dhekiajuli in Assam
– Sangareddy in Telangana
– Kamshet in Maharashtra
The program is currently supporting close to 400 kids in these newly added locations. Holistic Child Development India ensures that the finances are properly utilized. Sponsorship for one child is $20/month ($240/year). You can receive periodic updates on the sponsored child’s progress. Please reach out to Sincie / Austin for more information.
Pictures
| Picnic Pictures – https://photos.app.goo.gl/escQ9KxEUXW51wNN8 Worship Night: Worship Night |
| Other Diocesan Events Sign up for the conference and reserve your accommodation using the discounts available on the Sevika Sanghom Conference Website Details: www.dssc2024.org |  |
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| 09/01 Lanah Alexander 09/03 Indrawati Joe 09/03 Shweta Sujit 09/04 Aleyamma Thomas 09/04 Merlin Cherian 09/06 Andrew Anish 09/07 Susan Mathews 09/08 Salin Johny 09/08 Smita Mathews 09/08 Sadeep Joseph 09/08 Rohan Zachariah 09/12 Ann Jubin 09/12 Robin John 09/12 Johannah George 09/12 Christina Nibin 09/13 Mary George 09/13 Thomas Alexander 09/14 Binu Chacko 09/14 Sheba Isac 09/14 Roshana Jacob 09/14 Ryan Johnson 09/14 Liya Joseph 09/14 Elizabeth Anish 09/16 Jimmy Philipose 09/16 Mintu Alexander 09/16 Nathan Thomas 09/18 Nicky Chempakasseril 09/18 Michelle Mathew 09/19 Santhosh Abraham 09/20 Mathew George 09/21 Sheena Palachuvatil 09/21 Timothy Philip 09/21 Joel Mathews 09/22 Chrissen Joseph 09/23 Lilly Philip 09/23 Nell Thomas 09/23 Leejo Jacob 09/23 Anisha Thomas 09/23 Delicia Saji 09/23 AMELIA ALEXANDER 09/24 Sunil Cherian 09/24 Shabu Eapen 09/24 Abel John 09/24 Tanya Reuben 09/25 Joanna Priju 09/26 Ammal Jackson 09/27 Joanna Varghese 09/28 Reggie John 09/28 Binesh George 09/28 Bincy Skaria 09/28 Joanna Thomas 09/29 Mathew Thomas 09/29 Thampy Zachariah 09/29 John Chankaramangalam 09/29 Naomi Alex 09/30 Johan George | 09/02 Asha Renji & Renji Puthenpurackal 09/04 Thomas, George & Lisha Paul 09/05 Sunita Philippose & Philip Mathew 09/06 Shanu Thomas & Santhosh Cherian 09/12 Lija Varghese & Liju John 09/14 Biju Lalitha Soman & Preetha Justus Helan 09/16 Gigi & Anu George 09/20 Sidhima Seth & Aakash Jacob 09/22 Valsa & Raju Issac 09/24 Sheryl John & John Abraham 09/25 Deena Philip & Jojy Mathew |
Crossword
Access on website CROSSWORD PUZZLE – Mar Thoma Church of San Francisco
