1 St. John’s Mar Thoma Church 90 - 37 213 TH STREET, QUEENS VILLAGE, NY www.stjohnsmtcny.org Vicar: Rev. Biju P. Simon Worship - Sunday 9:00 am| Sunday School - Sunday 12:00 pm 2 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2025 Vicar Rev. Biju P. Simon 516 - 560 - 9220, 718 465 2300 [email protected] Vice President Mr. Eapen K. George 718 - 753 - 4772 Secretary Mr. Zachariah Mathai 917 - 208 1714 [email protected] Trustee Mr. Beji T. Joseph 516 - 220 - 5344 [email protected] Accountant Mr. Sanu Mathew 646 - 261 - 7017 Lay Ministrants Mr. Binny John Mr. Jess J. Chacko 516 - 830 - 5352 718 - 300 - 3866 Sabha Mandalam Mr. Thomas C. Mathew 516 - 996 - 6065 Diocesan Assembly Mr. Jain George Mr. Roy C. Thomas 516 - 225 - 7284 516 - 587 - 1924 Diocesan Assembly (EN) Mr. C V. Simonkutty 516 - 742 - 3520 Organization Representatives Edavaka Mission Mr. Abraham C. Thomas 516 - 359 - 4451 Parish Choir Mr. Samuel Thomas 516 - 216 - 5051 Senior Fellowship Mr. M. Thomas 917 - 741 - 1747 Sevika Sangham Mrs. Jessy Lukose 917 - 612 - 1913 Sunday School Mr. Mathew Eapen 516 - 853 - 4929 Young Family Fellowship Mr. Biju Mathew 516 - 603 - 3499 Youth Fellowship Ms. Gina George 917 - 400 - 3562 Yuvajana Sakhyam Mr. Saj Samuel 551 - 227 - 0070 Prayer Group Representatives Bellerose Mr. Varughese P. Abraham 718 - 343 - 9344 Eastern Long Island Mrs. Aparna Santhosh 516 - 445 - 4935 Elmont & Franklin Square Mr. Shibu Pappachan 929 - 438 - 9702 Floral Park & Glen Oaks Mr. C. K. Mathai 516 - 279 - 9709 Garden City Park Mr. Mathew P. George 516 - 503 - 1735 New Hyde Park East Mr. Bitto Cherian 516 - 618 - 9767 New Hyde Park West Dr. Anna Abraham 516 - 492 - 0450 Palli Bhagom Mr. George Cherian 718 - 614 - 1909 Auditors Mr. Biju Chacko 516 - 996 - 4611 Mrs. Liji Isaac 516 - 787 - 5437
3 MESSAGE FROM THE VICAR Dearly beloved in Christ, Greetings in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, one true God. Jesus replied, “... so if the Son sets you free, you will be free in- deed. - St. John 8:36 The summer is already in full swing. During this season, every- thing seems more vibrant, hopeful, and liberating. On the third of this month we observe St. Thomas day. Tradition holds that St. Thomas vis- ited the coast of Malabar, India, in the 1st century C.E., where he preached the gospel of Jesus Christ to our ancestors and became a martyr for Christian faith. We also celebrate the nation's 249 th Independence Day on July 4. Freedom is not free - it comes at a cost. In Paul s letter to the Gala- tians (5:1), he reminds us: It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery (NIV) ”. Martin Luther, the Reformer, once said: A Christian man is the most free lord of all, and subject to none; a Christian man is the most dutiful servant of all, and subject to every- one. Christian freedom is experienced fully when it is exercised re- sponsibly and in service to others. On another note I want to thank our Yuvajana Sakyam for lead- ing the church's annual family retreat in the month of June. It was indeed a spiritual awakening for all who participated. Looking ahead the following are some events planned this month for the formation of our faith: Vacation Bible School (VBS) organized by our Sunday School Diocesan Youth Fellowship Conference (DYFC) in Atlanta, GA Basketball Fellowship Annual Parish Picnic Special Holy Qurbana for Seniors, conducted by Rt. Rev. Mathews Mar Seraphim Episcopa (Bishop; Adoor Diocese of the Mar Thoma Church), to be held on Friday, July 11, at 10:30 AM Let us keep all these programs in our prayers We have entered the third quarter of this year and let us thank God for His countless blessings and guidance that we have experi- enced for the last six months of the financial year 2025. May the Al- mighty Lord be with us and bless our ways and ministry in this faith journey. With prayerful regards, Rev. Biju P. Simon Vicar 4 WORSHIP SCHEDULE FOR JULY JULY 6; DIVINE WORSHIP - MALAYALAM 9:00 AM Tithe Offering Sunday Life for the Creator 1st Lesson Mal. 3:5 - 12 Abraham C. Thomas 2nd Lesson Phil. 4:10 - 20 Jeny Jose Epistle 2Cor. 8:1 - 15 George Thomas Gospel Mark 12:41 - 44 JULY 13; HOLY QURBANA ENGLISH - 9:00 AM Clergy Sunday Jesus Christ: Icon of ordained ministry 1st Lesson Ezek. 33:1 - 9 Brendon John 2nd Lesson 1Pet. 5:1 - 11 Abigail Alexander Epistle Eph. 4:7 - 16 Noble Jacob Gospel Matt. 9:35 - 38 JULY 20; HOLY QURBANA - MALAYALAM - 9:00 AM Holy Baptism Uniting with Christ 1st Lesson Josh. 3 Stanley Pappachan 2nd Lesson Acts 18:1 - 11 Jerry Abraham Epistle Rom. 5:20 - 6:8 Renjith Mathew Gospel John 3:1 - 8 JULY 27; HOLY QURBANA - ENGLISHJ 9:00 AM Training for the ministry of the Kingdom of God 1st Lesson Dan. 1:1 - 15 Justin Joy 2nd Lesson Acts 28:17 - 30 Rachel Jacob Epistle 2Tim. 2:1 - 13 Saj Samuel Gospel John 8:31 - 36
5 CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS SENIOR FELLOWSHIP Tuesdays; 10 AM Health & Recreation Prog. at Church SEVIKA SANGHOM Thursdays; 10:00 AM Prayer Meetings at Church EDAVAKA MISSION Fridays; 7:30 PM Prayer Meetings at Church SUNDAY SCHOOL Sundays; 12:30 PM Classes suspended in July and August YOUNG FAMILY FELLOWSHIP No meeting scheduled in July YOUTH FELLOWSHIP July 11 at 7 PM Kayla George 19 Hancock Ct., South Setauket YUVAJANA SAKHYAM July 20; 12:30 PM Prayer Meeting at Church AREA PRAYER MEETINGS BELLEROSE EASTERN LONG ISLAND No prayer meeting scheduled in July No prayer scheduled due to picnic ELMONT & WEST HEMPSTEAD FLORAL PARK & GLEN OAKS Sunday, July 13; 7:00 pm M. E. Alexander 1325 Post Avenue, Elmont (516) 209 - 2618 No prayer meeting scheduled in July GARDEN CITY PARK NEW HYDE PARK EAST No prayer meeting scheduled in July No prayer meeting scheduled in July NEW HYDE PARK WEST PALLI BHAGOM Sunday, July 27 at 7:00 PM Boney Joseph 1924 Plymouth Drive. Westbury (347) 946 - 4444 No prayer meeting scheduled in July 6 Glory be to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit - One true God! Amen! Dearly beloved in Christ, Summer is upon us! And with it come beach days, family vacations, weddings, BBQs, work mixers, late night outings, lazy Sundays, and just about every kind of gathering we can think of... and let us be honest, maybe a few creative excuses, too!. But in the midst of these joyful moments, we must be reminded of something deeply important: Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. St. Matthew 26:41 These words of our Lord, spoken in the Garden of Geth- semane, lead us to reflect on two simple, yet vital truths: 1. Do Not Try to Do this Alone When Jesus said, The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak, He was not con- demning His disciples He was naming a reality that all of us face. Left to our own strength, we are prone to distraction, temptation, and spiritual fatigue. That is why Jesus first told them: Watch and pray. We are not meant to walk this journey of faith alone. Nor does God expect us to walk this life's journey by ourselves. Rather, He lovingly equips us with His Word, His holy sacraments, and the fellowship of the Church to help us trim away all that keeps us from Him. It s easy to get caught up in our own plans, thinking we can manage everything. But doing so leads to exhaustion and ultimately, failure. The Lord knows our weaknesses. What He desires is our willingness to turn to Him, to trust Him, and to lean on His strength each day. 2. Do Not Give Up Jesus words also remind us that failure and weariness are part of the journey. We will stumble. The flesh will at times overpower the spirit. And in those moments, the evil one rejoices because discouragement leads to spiritual paralysis. But hear this, beloved: Christ s response to our weakness is not condemnation it is compassion. Just as He told the woman caught in sin, Go, and sin no more, He calls us to acknowledge, repent, confess, and keep moving forward towards Him. The lure of comfort, complacency, and self - gratification is powerful. But with God s grace and a spirit of persistence, we can overcome it. As we read in St. Matthew 17:21, when Jesus freed the boy possessed by evil spirits, He revealed that these battles are only won through prayer and fasting. So, during this season of heatwaves, yes let us go to weddings, the BBQs, beach days, and family gatherings, all of it; enjoying the blessings of community and cre- ation. But in all these moments, be called to love and celebrate differently. Be pre- sent with a heart full of joy and anchored in Christ. Let us watch and pray. Let us be comforters to those who are weary. Let us fast, meditate on God s Word, and shift from self - centeredness to God - centeredness. In doing so, we will discover strength, joy, and deep spiritual renewal, even in the midst of this summer sea- son. Wishing you all a great Summer, and for the days ahead. May the grace of our Lord continue to guide us and uphold us in every season. Amen. Yours In Christ, JVarghese Achen YOUTH CHAPLAIN S MESSAGE
7 Valsa & Mathew Abraham 4 Shibi & Binu Samuel 5 Saramma & Abraham Thomas 5 Mercy & Roy C. Thomas 5 Delcina & Thomas T. Zachariah 6 Chellamma & Chacko K. Thomas 7 Selin & Binu Mathew 8 Neethu & Denson George 11 Debby & Sijo B. Koruth 12 Jolley & Jacob L. Changarampallil 12 Aniamma & M. E. Alexander 12 Offer Prayer on July 13 Hema & Baby Sam Samuel 14 Jerry & Boney Simon Joseph 14 Wincy & Sajan Jacob 14 Anie & Joji Varughese 15 Shoba & Sanu Mathew 16 Swana & Joel P Thomas 20 Blessymol & Justin Daniel 20 Offer Prayer on July 20 Hema & Baby Sam Samuel 14 Jerry & Boney Simon Joseph 14 Wincy & Sajan Jacob 14 Anie & Joji Varughese 15 Shoba & Sanu Mathew 16 Swana & Joel P Thomas 20 Blessymol & Justin Daniel 20 Offer Prayer on July 27 Aleyamma & Abraham K. Varughese 29 Saramma & Philip M. Kallumpurathu 29 Annamma & Alexander George 31 Offer Prayer on August 3 Happy Anniversary WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES IN JULY July 25, 7 pm Trinity Lutheran Church, 5 Durham Road, New Hyde Pk. 8 BIRTHDAYS IN JULY Nisha Abey 1 Mathew P. Mathew 1 Eva Mathew 1 Danica Viola Simon 1 Mathew P. Thomas 1 Jacob L. Changarampallil 2 Philip Mathew 2 Leena Rinny 2 Saju V. Simon 2 Sini M. Cherian 3 Leni Georgekutty 3 Gabriella S. Mathew 3 Thankachan Lukose 4 Amelia Sarah Mathew 5 Ryan George 6 Neal George 6 Nefia Biju Chacko 7 Rena Titus 8 Bevitha Abraham 11 Alby Binu Eapen 11 Siby Mathew 11 Ani S. Thankachan 11 Neethu John 12 Shany M George 13 Philip Thomas 13 Offer Prayer on July 13 Susan John 14 Reena Mathew 14 Susamma Alexander 15 Manju Marylin John 15 Susan Kurian 16 Hema B. Sam 16 Shana Varghese 16 Pulivelil P. Varghese 16 Rebekkamma T. Chacko 17 Siril Cherian 17 Shebin Sam 17 Kayla Lovely George 18 Steven Mathew Gill 18 Arun S. John 18 Sandra Maria Roy 18 Roseena Samuel 18 Sherin E Johnson 19 George Kurien 19 Offer Prayer on July 20 Annette Mary Ajai 21 Thomas John 21 Jacob T. Joseph 21 Sneha Elsa Mathew 21 Joy M. Samuel 21 Anumol Thomas 22 Shoba Mathew 23 Malia Samuel 24 Sneha Susie Joseph 25 John K Oommen 25 Susan Abraham 27 Sosamma David 27 Suseel Thomas 27 Offer Prayer on July 27 Isabelle C. A. Zachariah 27 Elizabeth Abraham 28 Thomas Mathew 28 Stephen Mani 29 Shinoth T. Mathew 29 Aithan Abraham Mithosh 29 Elizabeth Samkunj 29 Abe M. Thomas 29 Elsamma Abraham 30 Bob Abraham 30 Leelamma Jacob 30 Athira Sosa John 30 Princy Tinu Thampy 30 Abraham Thomas 30 Shalini Roy 31 Babu Thomas 31 Offer Prayer on August 3
9 DATES TO REMEMBER July 3 St. Thomas the Apostle s Day July 3 - 6 Diocesan Family Conference July 11; 10:30AM Holy Qurbana for Seniors; Celebrant Rt. Rev. Mathews Mar Seraphim Episcopa July 16 - 18 Vacation Bible School July 26 Church Picnic at Eisenhower Park August 14 - 17 Junior Senior Conference August 17 College Bound Seniors Dedication August 24 Harvest Auction August 31 School Going Students Dedication August 31 Youth Fellowship 5th Sunday Holy Com- munion; hosted by St. John YF September 6 First Day of Sunday School September 13 DSMC Choir Festival; Long Island MTC September 14 Sevika Sanghom Day September 21 Senior Citizen Day September 27 Harmony Music Program September 27 Regional Talent Festival; Long Island MTC October 4 YS Regional Kalamela at St. John s October 5 Edavaka Mission Sunday October 11 St. John s Family Night October 19 Yuvajana/Youth Sunday October 23 - 26 Parish Convention October 26 Family Sunday October 26 Yuvjana Sakhyam Food Sale November 2 World Sunday School Day/St. Thomas MTC November 15 Yuvajana Sakhyam Kalamela hosted by St. John s Yuvajana Sakhyam November 30 Thanksgiving Service and Lunch 10 AUDIO / VIDEO TEAM - [email protected] Justin Mathew Jerin Jose Thomas C. Mathew, Regi George Alvin Francis, Jeron Chacko Anil Philippose, John Mathew Binny John, Febin Kuruvilla Binu Thomas 516 - 322 - 3919 WEBSITE ADMINISTRATOR Sanu Mathew 646 - 261 - 7017 WEBLINKS CHURCH ZOOM MEETING LINK: HTTPS://US04WEB.ZOOM .US/J/6526148353 Church Online Directory hnttps://members.instantchurchdirectory.com/ App Store: Instant Church Directory Church Website - www.stjohnsmtcny.org Diocese Website - https://marthomana.org/ Mar Thoma Website - http://marthoma.in/ App Store: MARTHOMIAN Annual Picnic Saturday; July 26; 9 am to 4 pm Eisenhower Park East Meadow Parking Area 2 Picnic Area: Pear & Peach
11 SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHE RS SUPERINTENDENT: Mathew Eapen - P: 516 - 853 - 4929 Nursery Grade 6 Christine Thomas 516 - 713 - 2725 Jaisy Mathew 347 - 666 - 5505 Gina George 917 - 400 - 3562 Minti Thomas 516 - 661 - 8168 Kindergarten Grade 7 Melini Valle 347 - 933 - 2470 Suby Mathew 516 - 661 - 8168 Jeron Chacko 917 - 868 - 1379 Benita John 929 - 245 - 0070 Grade 1 Grade 8 Jerry Joseph 516 - 360 - 6663 Sunitha Chacko 917 - 699 - 4451 Ginsey George 631 - 619 - 6869 Jessy Lukose 917 - 612 - 1913 Joash Mathew 516 - 450 - 7301 Grade 2 Grade 9 Angelina Alexander 516 - 401 - 8236 Anchi Mathews 516 - 469 - 1526 Sneha Saj 516 - 424 - 6558 Hema Sam 646 - 291 - 9246 Nigel Oommen 516 - 800 - 7104 Grade 3 Grade 10 Rachel Philip 516 - 326 - 2629 Bently Joseph 516 - 643 - 4212 Noel Oommen 516 - 998 - 6443 Binu Daniel 917 - 597 - 6630 Grade 4 Grade 11 Rena Titus 201 - 370 - 6697 Teena Mathew 516 - 578 - 2966 Lizi Mathew 516 - 426 - 0377 Alex Abraham 516 - 637 - 0154 Grade 5 Grade 12 Leena Abraham 917 - 817 - 5115 Philip Varghese 718 - 347 - 2709 Jins Moncy 516 - 503 - 6019 Binu Chacko 347 - 262 - 8211 Ashish Abraham 516 - 554 - 1947 Substitutes Beji Joseph 516 - 220 - 5344 Koruth George 516 - 354 - 7552 Mathew Eapen 516 - 853 - 4926 Mercy Babu 516 - 859 - 5473 12 St. John’s Mar Thoma Church 90 - 37 213 th Street Queens Village, NY 11428 If undeliverable, please return to: