MELBOURNE MAR THOMA CHURCH

September 2023

I N T H I S I S S U E

- Vicar's Message

- Events

- Sunday School

- Sevika Sanghom

- Youth

Our theme for this month is "Celebrations through Acts of Sacrificial Love."

We concluded the month of August with the joyful observance of the harvest festival,

Onam. This occasion holds significant socio-political meanings while also symbolizing

unity, love, and hope across generations. As a parish, we united to celebrate the Kerala

fiesta, a time of wonderful fellowship and togetherness. It was heartening to witness parish

members of all ages come together, and showcasing their talents on stage. A heartfelt

appreciation to all who contributed to the success of this event.

As Christians, our profound hope rests in the glorious return of our Lord Jesus. This hope

finds its foundation in the salvation history unveiled on Calvary's cross. We are entrusted

with the role of messengers of this salvation, carrying its transformative message to all

acknowledge the pivotal role of women and their ministry, and honour the seniors who

paved the path for our faith journey. The 17th and 24th of September are designated as

Sevika Sanghom Day and Senior Citizens Day, respectively.

The various organizations within our parish have successfully concluded their annual

meetings. Gratitude is extended to all office bearers, committee members, and the entire

parish for their dedicated ministry throughout the year. Our parish general body meeting is

scheduled for September 3rd, and I humbly ask for your prayerful participation. With our

community expanding, it is our duty to address the evolving needs of our parishioners.

Let's pay attention to the well-being of our senior citizens, extend our warmth to those who

travel from afar to join us, and offer the much-needed spiritual guidance to our youth.

29th and September 1st, 2023, at the Dr. Alexander Mar Thoma Memorial Auditorium in

Thiruvalla. This gathering holds immense significance for our church. Request your

prayers for the success and fruitful outcomes of this meeting.

Congratulations to Mr. Robin K Thomas from Adelaide for his election as a Sabha Council

member from the MSAN Diocese.

Let us extend a warm welcome to our new members and families: Jaison Thomas, Alan

Mathews, Boby & Nivea, Anup & Deepa, and Jomon & Roshni. May the Lord shower His

abundant blessings on their journeys ahead.

As we navigate through September, let our actions be guided by prayer, reflection, and

love.

skits. Heartfelt appreciation to each organisation for their captivating contributions: North

B's Kuttanadan Fusion Dance, Central A's "Lord of The Harvest, Lord of Rejoicing," North

West's thought-provoking skit "Namukku Enthu Onam Bro," the Sunday School students'

cultural fusion 'Interweaving Rhythms of Faith & Culture', North A's timeless

"Mizhiyariyathe," South's spirited "Ona Paattin Thaalam Thullum," Sevika Sangham's

graceful "Grace Carriers," Youth's comedic skit, Young Family Fellowship's vibrant

"Colours of Onam," Central B's enchanting folk song, and the unifying Vanchipattu.

As we welcomed the Onam season, Kerala Fiesta 2023 became an emblem of unity and

devotion. It demonstrated how the love of Christ binds diverse talents within the church

and community, harmonizing them into a symphony of worship and celebration. The event

the impact of unity, artistic expression, and faith in bringing people together to honor the

teachings of Christ and embrace the festive spirit of Onam.

An archdeacon is a term derived from two Greek words, "arch" meaning chief, and

"diakonos" meaning minister. The Syriac form of this term translates to "chief among

shepherds." In ecclesiastical contexts, an archdeacon holds a significant role as the chief