Lighthouse

Message from Achen

Dear Horeb Family,

As we celebrate our 10th birthday as a Parish this month, let us praise God Almighty for the immeasurable grace and countless blessings we have experienced since the inception of the Parish. 

When we look into the Bible, we find that the number 10 embodies completeness, responsibility, and testimony — God speaks ten times before His creation was complete (Genesis 1); God sent ten plagues upon Egypt to bring His complete judgment upon them and bring about the deliverance of the Israelites from their slavery (Exodus 7 – 13); God gave the Ten Commandments to the people of Israel to set them apart as a people for His glory (Exodus 20); Tithe (a tenth) of every earning and produce was deemed holy to the LORD and to be offered as a testimony of faith in the Lord (Leviticus 27:30). 

We are gearing up to enter into this 10th month with our 10th year Family Night Fiesta on Oct. 1st, and it is surely a time for celebrating and rejoicing in God’s goodness.  Yet, moreover, this 10th year of Horeb’s faith journey calls us to greater responsibility and accountability in the plans and path ahead, as we consider how complete we are as a parish and what our testimony of faith is before God and all around us.

As we complete 10 years as a parish, we find ourselves surrounded by a world and times that invoke much uncertainty and doubt and challenge our faith, prompting us to ponder what is reliable, what is worthwhile….

Yet, let us remember and be strengthened by how these 10 years have been the experience of amazing grace and encountering Christ in our lives and journey together.  When we come together for our One-Day Retreat prior to our 10th Parish Day to meditate upon the theme “Rhythms of Hope”, praying that it may be a blessed time that strengthens us to face our plans, our dreams, all that is ahead of us with faith and hope, as well as enables our lives and presence as a worshipping and witnessing community to be heralds of hope to the world.  For that, may God establish the work of our hands for the expansion of His kingdom.

As this month also brings MTVEA Mission Sunday, Family Sunday, and Youth Sunday, along with our annual GGUMC Harvest Dinner since 3 years, may our worship, fellowship, and all ministries be blessed for the glory of God. 

Wishing everyone a blessed month of October!

With prayerful regards,

Rev. Arun Samuel Varghese

Wellness for The Body of Christ

Dr. Mary Mathew (Riya) draws comparisons between our physical and spiritual fitness and the how the choices we make can have positive or negative impacts on the health of both.

Dr. Mary Mathew (Riya) has a Ph.D in Clinical Psychology and Masters in Theology from Fuller Seminary. She is a Psychologist and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice. Riya and her husband, Juby, are the proud parents of Lisann.

Story of David

This month Jonathan Thomas tells us why David is his favorite Biblical character. Video edited by Ruth Jacob.

Song by Sevika Sangham

Sevika Sangham members came together to sing a Malayalam song, "Aradhikkam Namukkorumayode" (Let's Worship in Unity), on Sevika Sangham Sunday, September 11th.

Seniors' Song

Senior members testified about God's unending faithfulness through a Malayalam song, "Rathriyillula ninte Karuthalinum, Raavileyulla ninte vishwasthatakyum", during service on Seniors' Sunday. Girish Simon - guitar, organized the song. Aji Varghese - drums, and Alex Abraham - bass, assisted with the music.