Vicar's Message
Dearly Beloved in Christ,
Let’s thank God for all His blessings throughout the month. It’s not because we are worthy, but because He made us worthy. Let’s praise God together.
This month is significant for many reasons, one of which is that the 23rd is Thanksgiving Day. This country places great importance on celebrating Thanksgiving. Families and relatives come together to thank God for His guidance. This sentiment is not only held by those who were born here but also by everyone who has come to this country. The first group who arrived had a primary interest in worship and evangelism. Yet, the diverse multicultural community now celebrates it. I believe that all of us, including ourselves, need to reflect on the true purpose of this celebration.
This country excels in many ways, and I believe it is largely due to its people's gratitude towards God. As a part of the Marthoma Church community, we too have many reasons to be grateful in this land. So, let’s celebrate, draw closer to God, and enjoy His blessings.
One major reason for our gratitude is our Sunday School. We are celebrating World Sunday School Day on the 5th of this month, acknowledging the opportunity our children have to study 'The Book' (the Bible). Our youth and children are the future of the Church, and it's essential to lay a strong foundation through Sunday School studies.
On the 12th, we will observe Unity Sunday, representing the universal Church and worshipping God together. The Marthoma English Worship at the CSI Church will be at 2 pm. Let's come together, worship the Lord, and glorify His name.
We have only one more month to express our gratitude to God for another blessed year. As we thank Him, let’s also begin preparing for the new year.
As we're now in cool November, let's pray to God for a blessed month. We trust in His ability to shield us with His grace, as we are His children and He is our refuge.
Let’s hope for a wonderful month and celebrate it with the Lord. Every family and all its members are in our prayers. We are all safe under the mighty wings of our Creator and Sustainer God.
May God bless you all.
Lovingly,
Kochummen Achen
Horeb MTCLA
First Communion Reflection
On October 14th, 2023, 14 kids at Horeb MTCLA had the privilege of receiving their First Communion. I was one of those kids, and I want to share what the experience meant to me. In my earlier Sunday School classes, I had learned about the different sacraments, including Holy Communion.
So when I learned that Thirumeni would be visiting our church and I would have the opportunity to receive my First Communion, I was quite excited. Before we could receive the Communion, we had to attend two classes conducted by Geevarghese Kochummen Achen that helped us understand in detail the true meaning of this sacrament, as well as our responsibilities as Holy Communicants.
In these classes we learned about the different elements of Holy Communion, the liturgy, and the various bible verses associated with Holy Communion. We learned that Holy Communion is a dominical sacrament, meaning that it was instituted by Jesus.
By taking Holy Communion, we are following what Jesus has commanded us to do. When we eat the bread and drink the wine, we are remembering and acknowledging the sacrifice Christ made when he died on the cross for us. We are remembering Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection.
The bread symbolizes his body, and the wine symbolizes his blood. These classes were both enlightening and eye-opening and helped me truly understand the importance of Holy Communion.
I reflected on these insights on the actual day when Thirumeni blessed us and we became First Communicants.
Receiving my First Communion was a significant moment in my spiritual journey that helped me better understand an important sacrament and helped me grow closer to God.