Edition

58 / August 2013

PA RISH M ESSENGER
The Mar Thoma Parish Perth

GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit (1 Cor 12:4)

MESSAGE FROM OUR VICAR

His Will and Ours

I will what thou willst-only keep me sure Thus thou are willing: call to me now and then So, ceasing to enjoy, I shall endure With perfect patience-willing beyond my ken, Beyond my love, beyond my thinking scope; Willing to be because thy will is pure
the rat. We maybe in rebellion, but we are princes in rebellion. It has been said that God does not love a weary collapse. He does our wills to merge with his will. Then we become partners and friends. He is not a tyrant: we are not cowering slaves. We are his daughters and sons. To know His will at all times is not possible, we willing. Without being sure of His will, we still have to choose a course, often with a prayer that He will call now and then and that He will forgive if we have misunderstood. And He will. but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night. (Ps 1:2)

Willing thy will beyond all bounds of need to pray, keep me sure that thou art hope (Anonymous)
When Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane cried not as I will, but as thou will, his own will did not die. He was embracing his Fathers will. There is a difference between surrendering and embracing. To give up your own will to someone in one thing; to join your will with another is something different. You still have your will. When God created us with free will, he made us different from a dog that has no will but his masters, different from the bird that yields only to instinct. Even when we sin we have wills, wills that disobey their Maker. Never are we reduced to being mere mammals, cousins of

May our good God bless you all, Wi t h p r aye r f u l regards, Mothy Achen

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CHURCH SERVICE & AREA ACOLYTES

Date 04 Aug 2013 (Malayalam) 11 Aug 2013 (English) 18 Aug 2013 (Malayalam) 25 Aug 2013 (English) 01 Sep 2013 (Malayalam) 08 Sep 2013 (English) 15 Sep 2013 (Malayalam) 22 Sep 2013 (English) Theme Mission Sunday - The Church that has to Introduce Jesus The Gifts of the Holy Spirit Reformation Day: The Authority of the Word of God Fruit of the Spirit Education DayEducation: Quest for Divine Knowledge Sevika Sanghom Day: Motherhood Senior Citizen dayHopeful Old Age 1st Lesson Isaiah 55:1-13 Joel 2:29-32 Exodus 20:1-17 Genesis 33:1-17 Proverbs 4:1-19 1Samuel 1:20-28 Joshua 14:6-15 Genesis 24:1-14 Exodus 14:15-31 2nd Lesson Acts of the Apostles 16:19-34 1 John 2:7-17 Revelation 1:1-9 2 Peter 1:3-10 1 Corinthians 2:1-9 Ephesians 6:1-9 Ephesians 6:10-20 Hebrews 13:1-6 Revelation 7:9-17 Epistle Acts of the Apostles 26:24-29 1 Corinthians 12:1-12 2 Timothy 3:14-17 Galatians 5:16-24 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 2Timothy 1:1-10 Titus 2:1-7 Ephesians 5:21-32 Romans 5:1-11 Prayer Group Fremantle

Joondalup & North of River

Canning Vale

Willetton

Murdoch

Fremantle

Joondalup & North of River

TheSacrament of Marriage

Canning Vale

29 Sep 2013 Salvation The Gift of (Worship Service) God

Yuvajana Sakhyam

P Greek, me romeon: a n in g in t r o d u c t io n p r e fa c e . or The Prom e o n is a n in t r o d u c t o prayer. In ry the Prome on, we see grace and k m e r c y fr o m our Lor Jesus Chr d is t .

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NEWS FROM YOUR PARISH MINISTRIES

YOUTH FELLOWSHIP Youth Fellowship meets third Saturdays of every month at 03:00pm at the residence of a parish member. Encourage all youngsters of our parish to participate in the activities of the Youth Fellowship. For further details, please contact Mr Vitty Jacob (youth@perthmarthoma.org.au). SUNDAY SCHOOL Regular Sunday School on all Sundays before the Holy Communion Service. Contact: Mr Ninan Thomas or Mrs Babbin Mathews for further details (sunday-school@perthmarthoma.org.au). EDAVAKA MISSION Edavaka Mission meets at the residence of a parish member every month. For further details, please contact Mr Solomon Jacob.

PARISH CHOIR Parish Choir meets for practice every Sunday after the Holy Communion Service at Murdoch Worship Centre. For further details please contact Mr. Ginsu Ninan (choir@perthmarthoma.org.au). SENIOR CITIZENS FELLOWSHIP Senior Citizens Fellowship meets fourth Saturdays of every month at 12:00pm at the residence of a parish member. For further details, please contact Mr Retnarajan. SEVIKA SANGHAM Sevika Sangham meets once every two month at the residence of a parish member. Encourage all women in our parish to participate in the activities of the Sevika Sangham. For further details, please contact Mrs Mary John (sevika@perthmarthoma.org.au).

FOR YOUR PRAYER

Pray for our Parish, Vicar and the members; Pray for all our Parish Organisations and for all their activities; Pray for our Sunday School kids and teachers; Pray for this nation and its government; Pray for world peace and for all war torn countries; and Pray for the youth of our parish for them to have a blessed and God fearing future.

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AREA PRAYER GROUP MEETINGS

Area Prayer Group Canning Vale Fremantle Joondalup Murdoch North of River Willetton Date & Time TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA 10th August at 6:00PM Venue (residence of) TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA Mr Shibu Mathew Representative Contact Vicar Mr Anish Varghese Mr Binu Jacob Mr Shaji Mathews Mr Joji Varghese Mr Benny K David

BIRTHDAY AND WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

BIRTHDAYS AUGUST 2013
James R Rajesh (2 August) Jinu Johnson (3 August) Samuel C Thomas (6 August) Sharan Ann Solomon (7 August) Linda Susan Mathew (9 August) Moitree Dey Thomas (11 August) Anil George (12 August) Alexia Mathew (16 August) Viji Komattu Mathews (22 August) Anju Joham Parayil (23 August) Ann George (24 August) Thomas Kurian Parayil (25 August) Dr. Cherukara Philips Thomas (29 August)
God Created You with his own hands; He Knows your name and your thoughts; He Blesses you with life, with love; And the joy of another year to know him. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL!! May the Almighty God continue to bless your family more and more in the coming years. May you be an inspiration and example for others in the days to come. WISHING ALL THE CELEBRANTS HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY AUGUST 2013

Samuel Francis & Elizabeth Francis (1 August) Philin Mathew Philip & Dr. Jinu Mary Eappen (15 August) Sanju John & Neeta Sanju (19 August) V John Zachariah & Sarina John (23 August)

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EVENTS - AUGUST 2013

WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Malayalam Service Holy Communion Service every rst and third Sundays at 10:00 am. English Service Holy Communion Service every second and fourth Sundays at 10:00 am and Divine Worship Service on other Sundays at 10:00 am. Special thanksgiving prayers will conducted for birthday and wedding anniversaries during the communion services. The Bible study, on the Gospel according to Mathew lead by our Vicar, starts at 09:00am every Sunday.

CONDOLENCE

With heart felt sorrow we inform you the demise of Mr. Mathews Philip (78), father of Mr Reji Philip (Willetton Prayer Group) on Monday 01st July 2013 in Mumbai, India. Mar Thoma Parish Perth expresses heart-felt condolence to the bereaved family members on the sad demise of their beloved one. May the Lord strengthen and comfort them with His abundant Peace.

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THOOLIKA
Fifty years together as husband and wife
BY MR C J JOHN & MRS MARY JOHN

Few people look at us with curiosity, some with admiration, others ask how did you tolerate each other. how did you survive; newly married couple comment .. so now you agree on everything, no difference of opinion? We thought it worth giving a interested. summary of the past 50 years, for those who may be

In 1963, the time we married in a very conventional way, the scenario was quite different from today; there were denite expectations about the mans and womans role. Mary says Lot of informal counseling was given by elders how I should look upon and respect my husbands family members, how loud and how often I can express my views, if at all I had a view different from theirs etc . Me, the eldest daughter in a nuclear family, having held different responsibilities, had to be careful in my manner. I think I passed the test of being a modest, homely bride. His family accepted me. Johny, being the youngest of seven children , was mamas darling boy and had his dreams about a sunny future . In a way it was an advantage for me, ammachy, his mother always had a very special affection for me and the children , and we reciprocated it. She would keep all the goodies she got from relatives in Malaysia and Gulf countries for us. She was a bit worried that our girls did not have gold chain and bangles like others. They still remember the summer holidays we spent with ammachy in Ayroor, picking mangoes, and manjadi kuru , fetching milk from the neighbours house , participating in carol singing in the church we worshiped and the local friends. Our grand children were fascinated to see and realise the country roots of their mother and aunty, when they went there. Both of us, bride and groom, did not understand the essence of all the exhortation by The Most Rev. Yuhannan Thirumeni nor the beautiful wedding chants by the achens and the commitment that we made in the presence of friends and relatives, less than a hundred, in the excitement of the day. But as time passed and we faced the hard realities of life they became meaningful , and held us together in all adversities .[ I listen with great attention now, when attending a marriage service] (Cont.... Page 8)

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THOOLIKA (CONT.....)

First year of marriage we lived in two worlds, me in Coimbatore to fulll my bond to serve the college and he in Birmingham, U.K. doing a P.G .course. The only means of communication was the weekly letter , and the photographs or gift sent thro some friend . No telephone call, no direct conversation. Johny says it was a very difcult period, away from family and the new wife, I did not feel any better; but that short separation cemented our love and longing for each other. However, we were together for the second anniversary and started living together in the outskirts of the beautiful hill-station, Shillong , in the new house built for us . All staff and students living in one campus like a family, tho from different parts of the country .The principal and wife were missionaries from U.K. He was a brilliant scholar, all rounder, made up a song we are all like birds in the wilderness, down in UCC. I felt just that way in spite of Johnys efforts to make me happy; being far away from family and the busy life I was used to. We dreamt that both of us being well qualied, will be able to live comfortably and work in the same place very soon. It was not so, except in the last lap of our carrier before retirement from the same Union Christian College . We have two children, they were born in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh where grandfather worked with the YM.CA. When Renu was born Johny was away in UCC, anxiously waiting for news which he got by telegram, after 24 hrs. He was able to see he in a months time. Traveling with the baby to Shillong , by train, plane and road for days was an ordeal; relatives or friends in Madras, Calcutta and Gawhati helped . Before Premu was born the next year, Johny had come over to Karnataka; We joined him and children started school there. We were together and enjoyed bringing them up. We worshiped in the C.S.I English Church . From Ankola an achen came once a month to conduct a Marthoma service in Hubli where we lived. There were some good friends who cared and helped. At the end of six years both of us were about to loose jobs and we had to move. Johny was appointed in a good college in Virudunagar in Tamil Nadu , a rural area . There were no good schools. One year they had home schooling . Next year I joined Cochin (Cont.... Page 9)

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THOOLIKA (CONT.....)

Reneries School and children could study there. They got the best education possible those days, to develop their talents in sports, music , leadership and literary activities. and were able to get into the Christian Medical college Vellore, eventually. Johny had to be alone, could come home for few days once a month and it was a special family time. We missed him a lot but absence made the hearts grow fonder. We lived 16 years in Ambalamugal renery quarters . There was a united Marthoma-CSI church and congregation. Our family participated in Sunday school ,choir and all activities of the parish. Again another movement for Johny to Chungathara in Malabar as the Founder principal of the Marthoma college. A lot of settlers had migrated from the old Travancore State, there were eleven Marthoma parishes, besides all other denominations. The College had few buildings in a fairly big campus; needed lot of funds and support to bring it to some standard. The deep faith and vision of late Easo Mar Themotheus Thirumeni, combined with the hard work of the young members of staff helped me to build it up and introduce good traditions for the following generations says Johny, remembering those early days. I was all alone, the family still in Ambalamugal . Day to day challenges of building up a brand new college , taking decisions , nding funds, managing a peaceful atmosphere all seemed to be beyond me, but Gods hand was there always, particularly in times of crisis. I was able to be with the family most week ends, that was a big consolation. As we were thinking of a celebration for our 25th anniversary, there came the big blow. I lost my job, had to come away from Chungathara, before I could complete things I wanted to do. I was most disappointed; struggled to see Gods purpose in this. The family nance had to be stretched, fees for children in Vellore, paying mortgage for the house to be paid and so on. Children were very understanding. They minimised their expenses and we sailed thro troubled waters somehow. But stopping active work at 54 years because I could not nd a suitable job at that age , was disheartening for both of us. Johny says Then, out of blue came an invitation from UCC Meghalaya, where I had worked 22 years before. to be the principal. It appeared impractical as we thought of all the difculties we faced to reach there in the past. After the 1970s refugee problem, North Eastern States were not so friendly to people from the rest of India . It will be a risk , we have to live separate alone again, so I asked a months time to think and reply . (Cont.... Page 10)

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THOOLIKA (CONT.....)

Other friends and colleagues from UCC wrote encouraging letters. visit there and then say yes or no.

We thought

well

We could not wait because Gods appointed time had already come . An SOS call from an M.P in Delhi, contacting to say there is an emergency, the ofciating principal is hospitalised , join UCC immediately. I had to yield .yes, it was gods call. Both of us went together, as it was school holidays; again the long distance, botheration of setting up a house did not know what life was going to be Now there was electricity . but no phone facility yet . For all requirements big and small one had to run to the city, 20k.m. away from the campus by private transport. The university also was far. The College was all set to start Science stream , teachers had to be recruited. [They like their own people to be employed even if they are not good enough. ] I had to be cautious. To look after a campus where all boys and girls are in residence, to maintain discipline preventing use of cigarettes, drugs and drinks, to bring salary money over a lakh rupees thro the lonely jungle roads and distribute cash [ there is no bank in the campus,] to guard the territories from frequent encroaching, to keep peace between different tribal students who do not see eye to eye, were all Herculean tasks. After a month Mary had to go back to Kerala. She says with a heavy heart, I left , just trusting God, that He will take care of Johny, come what may. I do not know how he will manage There is no way to know what is happening except thro the letters which take more than a week to reach here or there. But most of my fears were unnecessary. Students and staff members were ready to help in their own friendly ways. There was good support and so much trouble also. The Former principal , a veteran who built up the college was once beaten up by politicians. Our quarters with glass windows was stoned more than once; we got threatening letters, were challenged in person sometimes but we survived. The tribals are simple and affectionate folk but often could not see the wisdom in disciplining and were very sensitive about their own tribal identity. There was always a good Christian atmosphere; morning and evening worship , SCM and religious activities, manual work projects ,sports and games, cultural dances and celebrations to engage students. (Cont.... Page 11)

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THOOLIKA (CONT.....)

After one year Mary joined me ; Home Science Department was started and she worked for 5 years, Basic facts about hygiene, specially in kitchen , safe drinking water, healthy cooking and eating and child rearing practices were new information; as they went back and lived among their people, it beneted communities. We visited most of the N.E. states, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, sites of second world war and war cemeteries. Johny worked as Director of Student Development Services in St Antonys college Shillong for 2 years after retiring from UCC. Premu got married to Alex they worked in Saudi Arabia for a while and moved to Perth. Our rst grandson was born we got the good news in UCC, after few hours. and saw him before he was one year old. Renu did her bond in Ankola Ashram hospital and joined for P.G. back in Vellore. We trusted God more and more in times of despire and miraculously overcame problems. Once we were stranded in Gawhati airport , there was all Assam bundh by student unions. No vehicle to go back . The Lok Sabha Speaker, Mr.Sangma, a Garo who knows about the college was coming from Delhi and going to Shillong. He gladly gave us a lift in one of the accompanying vehicle, and we reached safe! When we left, both of us had a sense of accomplishment; that it was not merely a job but a call from God which we responded to eight years, in our own humble ways. We had no idea how we would live comfortably the rest of our life without an income. In 1997 we came to Perth to be with the children and the young grand children. We had to be oriented to new attitudes. We found elderly people living independently healthy and happy lives, not worrying about their age. So both of us get involved in different activities inside and outside home. We go for long walks together and visit friends living close by. We encourage each other to pursue individual interests .Johny likes reading. and writing and has learnt some household chores. I like gardening, music etc. We have travelled to Cairns, Melbourne, Sydney ,Kalgoorly and Albany We go to India and go round visiting relatives and friends as much as we can. Past 15 years of our retired life, part of it in our Tiruvella house and most of it here , has been smooth and lively. God has given us many blessings which we thought we had (Cont.... Page 12)

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THOOLIKA (CONT.....)

missed. It is a unique joy and comfort to be with children and watch the little boys growing up . In His time, He makes all things beautiful Weve experienced it. With the hymn writer Ajit Kumar we like to sing Ithratholam Yahova sahayichu , Ithratholam Daivam enne nadathi Onnum illaymayil ninenne uyarthi , Ithratholam yahova sahayichu The Australian Government recognises Senior Citizens achievements. We received letters of congratulations from the Governor General , Prime minister, Opposition leader , Premier of W.A and other political leaders, local and national. Thanks to all of them. Thanks to all parish members and friends who sent cards. greeted thro phone calls and personally. Above all we thank and praise God Almighty for enabling us to be healthy worship and enjoy the celebration. Yes, July 18th 2013 was an important milestone in our family life. John and Mary 7 Renou Way, Bateman W.A to attend

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LITTLE HANDS
QUIZ NO. 0009
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. What gift did Salome, daughter of Herodias, ask for after she danced for Herod? How did Samson kill all the people in the temple? Which musical instrument did David play for Saul? What was Esau doing while Jacob stole his blessing? Why did Jacob initially send Josephs brothers into Egypt? Who was Davids great friend? Who said thy God shall be my God? Which of Christs belongings did the soldiers cast lots for after they had crucied him? What does the name Emmanuel mean? What does James say we should do if we lack wisdom?

Please email your answers to admin@perthmarthoma.org.au. Please do so with your parents permission. (The winners and the answers will be published in the following months newsletter)

Answers of Quiz No. 0008

Winners of Quiz No. 0008 Abel Mathews & Shradha Mariam Shibu shared the rst place with maximum correct answers. Congrats to all who participated. 1. 2. Pharisees and Sadducees (Mark 10:2) Raised him from the dead (John 11:43-44) 3. Mt. Sinai (Exo 34:32) 4. David (1 Kings 2:12) 5. Carpenter (Matt 13:55) 6. With a kiss (Luke 22:48) 7. Threatened to divide the child (with a sword) (1 Ki 3:25) 8. Isaac (Gen 22:9) 9. In the temple (Luke 2:42-46) 10. A ghost (Matt 14:26)

Inviting articles from our kids for this section. Please note all articles required to be published the following month must reach the Webmaster by email (admin@perthmarthoma.org.au) on or before 20th of the current month. Please restrict your passages to half a page or around 200-250 words.

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MESSENGER NOTES
Please feel free to drop in your comments and suggestions regarding our Parish Messenger at admin@perthmarthoma.org.au. We are looking for articles to be published in our monthly newsletter. Those who can write articles, poems, drawings (kids) please contact the Webmaster at admin@perthmarthoma.org.au. This is another opportunity to use our God given talents for the Glory of God.

PARISH BANK ACCOUNT DETAILS the Commonwealth bank

BSB 086 136 865 285 498 Account# -

preferred transaction mode is electronic transfer to the Parish account.

For more information, please contact Rev Mothy Varkey (Vicar) Mob: 0426 283 829 Landline: 08 6161 6797 email: vicar@perthmarthoma.org.au Mr Christy Tom (Secretary) Mob: 0431 479 134 email: secretary@perthmarthoma.org.au Webmaster email: admin@perthmarthoma.org.au

The Mar Thoma Parish Perth, P.O. Box 3104, Shelley, WA 6148
for private circulation only

The Mar Thoma Parish Perth

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