Dear Horeb Family,
Let’s thank and praise God for the blessed experiences of the past year, during which we were able to celebrate our 10th year as a parish, and for all the ways we were sustained, comforted, and led forward by His precious hands.
With 2022 now behind us and as we now stand at the threshold of a new year, we find ourselves being granted a new opportunity for new resolutions and decisions in our lives. Yet, many a times, we take such decisions only to be well-forgotten by the end of the year. Otherwise, the situation may be that we find ourselves making those same resolutions again and trying more for them in the new year. Also, do we find ourselves feeling any disappointment or regret regarding certain aspirations we were unable to accomplish or opportunities we missed in the past year? If so, may we begin 2023 and each day to follow by, first and foremost, not worrying about what we don’t have or where we had fallen short but being grateful for all the wonderful things God has bestowed upon our lives. We are living in a world which, with each new year, has been confronting us with new challenges related to climate change, pandemic, political strife, poverty, etc. Amidst these challenges, may we embark upon the New Year with hope, confidence, and conviction that the Good Lord is able to lead us in new and wonderful ways for His glory as we commit all our ways into His hands with rededicated hearts. In this New Year, let us be open to how our lives can be most useful and fruitful in God’s hands for the glory of God. May our lives all the more embrace His promises to fulfill His plans in this new year.
At this time, I express my utmost gratitude to our 2022 Office Bearers and Executive Committee members, as well as all of our Organization office bearers, Buiding Committee members, and A/V team members for their faithful and dedicated service. Let us especially uphold our elected Office Bearers and Committee members for 2023 in our prayers, that they may use their energy, time, and talents in a most blessed manner for the glory of God and be able to lead our parish to newer heights.
May God bless and guide us all to live a meaningful life of worship and witness in this New Year.
Praying for all of us to have a most blessed 2023,
Rev. Arun Samuel Varghese
Please see letter below for an opportunity to volunteer in the India Mission Trip – 2023
The Diocese of North America and Europe of the Mar Thoma Church has decided to organize the India Mission trip to mission fields in Chennai – Bangalore Diocese from July 11, 2023 to July 20, 2023 (excluding travel).
The mission fields to visit are Devanahalli Mission/Hoskotte Mission near Bangalore in Karnataka, India and Navjeevan Mumbai.
Participants will be responsible for purchasing their airfare. For the youth participants, the Diocese, upon completion of the trip and submission of the receipts, will reimburse one third of the airfare. The transportation, food and accommodation in India will be arranged, and the cost per person will be approximately $400.
This will be a good opportunity for the youths to better understand the mission work of the Church and to learn how to be involved in such mission initiatives.
Registration form and the guidelines for the mission trip are available. Youths who are interested in participating are requested to give your names to Diocesan Council Member Dr. Aleyamma Mathew (Elsey) (Convener) at +1 909-964-7829 drelsymathew@gmail.com or to India Mission Sub Committee members Dr. Mariamma Abraham at +1 215-917-2920 dr.mabraham.abraham@gmail.com and Mr. Jibin Mathew jibinamathew@yahoo.com +1 682-552-6853
The last date of registration will be January 15th, 2023 and the total number of participants will be ten on a first come basis.
Sd/-
Dr. Aleyamma Mathew (Elsey) (Convener)