I M M A N U E L M A R T H O M A C H U R C H ,
1 2 8 0 3 S U G A R R I D G E B L VD.
S T A F F O R D , T X 7 7 4 7 7
V I C A R
R E V . J O S E P H J O H N
1 0 2 1 2 F O U N T A I N G A T E D R . S T A F F O R D , T X 7 7 4 7 7
H O M E : 2 8 1 . 5 6 1 . 9 1 4 7
C E L L : 7 1 3 . 3 3 0 . 5 2 9 9
E M A I L : V I C A R @ I M M A N U E L M T C . O R G
A S S I S T A N T V I C A R
R E V . S A N T H O S H T H O M A S
6 8 4 2 B E A R S P A T H L A N E
M I S S O U R I C I T Y , T X 7 7 4 5 9
C E L L : 8 3 2 . 8 3 7 . 4 7 2 1
E M A I L : A S S T . V I C A R @ I M M A N U E L M T C . O R G
(This newsletter is for private circulation only)
Published by P. M. Jacob, Parish Secretary
For and on behalf of Immanuel Mar Thoma Church, Houston
Cell: 832.567.0745, email: Secretary@immanuelmtc.org
Immanuel Mar Thoma Church
Houston, TX
N E W S L E T T E R
D e c e m b e r 2 0 2 4
Merry Christmas
W o r s h i p S c h e d u l e D e c e m b e r 2 0 2 4
Dec. 01 Beginning of 25 Days Lent; Meeting of Virgin Mary & Elizabeth
8:00 AM
English HQ assisted by Horeb Area Prayer Group
1st Lesson
2nd Lesson
Epistle
Gospel
Exod. 7:1-7
Acts. 9:26-31
Rom. 15: 5--9
Luke 1: 39-45
10:30 AM
Malayalam HQ assisted by Jerusalem Area Prayer
Group
1st Lesson
2nd Lesson
Epistle
Gospel
Exod. 7:1-7
Acts. 9:26-31
Rom. 15: 5-9
Luke 1: 39-45
Dec. 08 Birth of John the Baptist: the child set apart for
the divine plan
8:00 AM
G3 & English HQ assisted by YF
1st Lesson
2nd Lesson
Epistle
Gospel
Mala. 3: 1-4
Acts. 16:1-5
2 Tim. 1:3-10
Luke 1:57-66
10:30 AM
Malayalam HQ assisted by Salem Area Prayer
Group
1st Lesson
2nd Lesson
Epistle
Gospel
Mala. 3: 1-4
Acts. 16:1-5
2 Tim. 1:3-10
Luke 1:57-66
Dec. 15 Annunciation to Joseph: Joseph - the model of discipleship
10:30 AM English HQ assisted by Sehion Area Prayer Group 1st Lesson
2nd Lesson
Epistle
Gospel
Isa. 7: 10-17
1Thess 5:12-22
2 Peter 1: 5-11
Matt 1:18-23
Dec. 22 Arrival of the Savior of the World
8:00 AM
G3 CFF & English HQ assisted by CFF
1st Lesson
2nd Lesson
Epistle
Gospel
Isa. 11: 1-9
Acts. 3:19-26
Heb. 1:1-12
John 1:9-18
10:30 AM
Malayalam HQ assisted by Sharon Area Prayer
Group
1st Lesson
2nd Lesson
Epistle
Gospel
Isa. 11: 1-9
Acts. 3:19-26
Heb. 1:1-12
John 1:9-18
Dec. 25 Birth of Jesus Christ: Peace on Earth
9:00 AM
English HQ assisted by Sinai Area Prayer Group
1st Lesson
2nd Lesson
Epistle
Gospel
Mic. 5: 1-9
Gal. 4: 1-7
Phil. 2:5-11
Luke 2:1-14
Dec. 29 God who led us till now
10:30 AM
English HQ assisted by YF
1st Lesson
2nd Lesson
Epistle
Gospel
1 Sam. 7: 1-12
Rom. 8: 31-39
2 Thess. 2:13-15
Matt. 11:25-30
Dec. 31 Into the New year with the God of Hope
6:00 PM
G3 & English HQ assisted YF
1st Lesson
2nd Lesson
Epistle
Gospel
Jer. 29: 8-14
Jude 20: 25
Eph. 4:17-24
Matt. 7:7-12
9:00 PM
Retreat / Malayalam HQ assisted by Tabor Area
Prayer Group
1st Lesson
2nd Lesson
Epistle
Jer. 29: 8-14
Jude 20: 25
Eph. 4:17-24
T h e B i b l e
The Bible has 3,566,480 letters, 810,677 words, 31,175 verses, 1,189 chap-
ters, and 66 Books. The longest chapter is the 119th Psalm. The middle
verse is in the 8th verse of 118th psalm. The longest name is in the 8th
chapter of Isaiah; it contains 18 letters.
The word “and” occurs 46,627 times, the word “Lord” 1855 times. The 37th
chapter of Isaiah and the 19th chapter of 2 Kings are alike. The longest
verse is Esther 8:9, the shortest is John 11:35. Ezra 7:12 has all the letters
of the alphabet except the letter J. The name of God is not found in Esther.
The word “boy” occurs in the Bible three times and the word “girl” two times.
Christ is the key to the entire book.
3 0 t h P A R I S H D A Y E V E N T S
Then Samuel took a stone and
set it up between Mizpah and
Shen, and called its name
Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the
LORD has helped us.” 1 Samu-
el 7:12
2024 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
OFFICE BEARERS
Vicar Rev. Joseph John 713.330.5299
Assistant Vicar Rev. Santhosh Thomas 832.837.4721
Vice President Mr. Mathew T. Scaria 281.857.5611
Secretary Mr. P.M. Jacob 832.567.0745
Treasurer Mr. Joy N. Samuel 832.606.5697
Accountant Mr. Johnny M. Mathew 281.704.6901
Lay Leader (Malayalam) Mr. Jeffrin. C Varghese 346.888.7189
Lay Leader (English) Mr. Ajel John 281.854.8078
AREA REPRESENTATIVES
Bethel Mr. Mathews Varghese 832.205.6860
Bethlehem Mr. Varghese Rajesh Mathew 832.630.0748
Carmel Mr. Mathew P. Varghese 832.771.4723
Ebenezer Mr. Jacob Kunnumpurathu 713.254.9448
Hebron Mr. John K. Philip 832.744.0271
Horeb Mr. Rajan Daniel 832.628.5481
Jerusalem Mr. Abraham Komattu 281.750.5837
Salem Mrs. Annamma Jacob 832.332.1007
Sehion Mrs. Mariamma Abraham 516.467.7926
Sharon Mr. Thomas Thyparampil 832.488.0545
Sinai Mr. Philip Mathew 682.246.1255
Tabor Mr. John Varghese 281.746.0005
CHURCH ORGANIZATION REPRESENTATIVES
Choir Mr. Bibin George 713.922.8232
Edavaka Mission Mr. Alexander Jacob 469.982.1576
Senior Fellowship Mrs. Sara Philip 281.889.8566
Sevika Sanghom Mrs. Lata Mathews 832.205.6861
Sunday School Dr. Anita Joy Thomas 630.864.1375
Young Family Fellowship Mr. Ajay Thomas 281.948.5114
Youth Fellowship Mr. Daniel Kalathoor 281.967.0607
Yuvajana Sakhyam Mr. Christopher George 832.851.3597
DIOCESAN ASSEMBLY & MANDALAM MEMBERS
Diocesan Assembly Mr. Binu Pappachan 405.922.5716
Diocesan Assembly Ms. Jewel Zachariah 832.334.8622
Diocesan Assembly Mr. Siju Philip 516.503.5589
Sabha Mandalam Mr. M.G. Mathew 281.857.3088
OTHER ELECTED MEMBERS
IMC Administrator Scheduler - -
IMC Facility Manager Mr. John Varghese 832.938.8664
IMC Facility Manager Mr. John P. Mathew 832.656.1836
Technology Director Mr. Abraham Kurien 832.623.2330
AUDITORS
Auditor
Mr. Sam Thomas 832.868.5465
Auditor
Mr. Aji Daniel 214.995.4232
F R O M T H E V I C A R ’ S D E S K
Message from the Vicar
Dearly beloved in Christ Jesus,
As a faith community, we are invited during this season of Advent
to meditate on the profound event of “Word becoming flesh,” - the
mystery of Incarnation. Does this event pose any implication to our
notions concerning God and how does it shape our life and witness
as Christians? The Incarnation reminds to us that the ways of God
are wonderful and surpass human comprehension. The birth of
baby Jesus in the humble manger reminds us that, “God is so
great that he can become small. God is so powerful that he can
make himself vulnerable and come to us as a defenseless child, so
that we can love him.” Greatness is no longer about power,
prestige, worldly grandeur and extravaganza, but about humility
self-giving love and accessibility to others. God in Christ Jesus
identifies the divine self with the poor, homeless, migrants,
vulnerable and dependent. Therefore, it is among those at the
margins that we need to seek the presence of the divine. But, if our
focus is elsewhere, on success, influence, power and luxury, we
risk missing the true presence of God. If our Christmas celebration
is overshadowed by excessive consumerism, overindulgence in
partying, merry-making and feasting, without deeper reflection on
the meaning of Incarnation, it is reduced to a mere cultural festivity.
May our Christmas celebrations reflect the true meaning of
Christmas.
Let us pray and meditate this old prayer: “Lord, fill our hearts with
the quite silence of the night on which your Almighty Word leapt
down out of your royal throne, and came to visit us in great
humility.”
We, the Vicars, and our families, wish you all a Blessed Christmas!
Rev. Joseph John
J U B I L E E P R O J E C T U P D A T E
A r e a P r a y e r M e e t i n g s
AREA PRAYER
GROUPS
Sharon area prayer meeting is arranged to be held
on Saturday December 28th at 6:00 pm at the resi-
dence of Mr. Thomas Thyparampil (ID # 190). Ad-
dress: 10915 Ashland Bridge Ln., Sugar Land, TX.
Hebron area prayer meeting is arranged to be held
on Sunday December 29th at 6:30 pm at the resi-
dence of Mr. Jama Sam (ID # 474). Address: 3115
Aldridge Dr., Missouri City, TX 77479.
Construction activities are progressing per schedule. Waterproofing and
insulation of the gymnasium have been completed and the masonry has
started. Exterior work for both the extension and gymnasium should be
completed by the end of December. After this the construction activities
will focus on interior work. As we have utilized most of the funds raised for
the project, we have started making payments using the loan from the
bank. As per the General Body’s decision, each family is to contribute a
minimum of $5000 towards the project. Please continue to support the
project financially so that we can minimize the loan amount from the bank.
Above all, please continue to remember the project in your daily prayers.
H o u s e T o h o u s e C h r i s t m a s C a r o l R o u n d s
2 0 2 4
Z E L L E P A Y M E N T S
Email address for the transaction is:
U p c o m i n g E v e n t s
12/06 - House to House Christmas Caroling starts
12/24 - Christmas Carol Service
12/30 -12/31 – Year End Retreat
As every one knows, the sole source of funding for operating the church is
through the generous donations of its members. We are in the last month of
the year, yet it’s worrisome that we have collected only 40% of the budget-
ed annual contributions. Out of the 515 families, only 336 families have paid
any subscription at all. 178 families shows zero amount.
Kindly do your part to support the church financially. Please pay your sub-
scriptions, One Day income, and other dues now rather than wait till the end
of December.
A n A p p e a l f r o m t h e T r u s t e e s
O n e C a l l N o w
Apart from announcements during service and newsletters, we use One
Call Now communication platform to disseminate key information regarding
church service and other activities. If you are not receiving regular emails or
voice calls from parish, please contact the parish secretary.
w w w . I m m a n u e l m t c . o r g
We invite members to check out the updated church website with new fea-
tures and functionalities at www.immanuelmtc.org. There are several new
features like updated lectionary, Bible Verses in three different languages,
various channels for our organizations, exclusive channels for media that
include podcasts, video and photo galleries, exclusive section for our church
history, and that of the North American Diocese.
D E C E M B E R W E D D I N G
A N N I V E R S A R I E S
Nikhil George & Lincy George 8-Dec
Riju Kuruvilla & Leena Riju Kuruvilla
11-Dec
Regi C. Pappachan & Joice Regi
14-Dec
Aju Abraham John & Jopy Jacob
15-Dec
Mathew Zachariah & Rosie Mathew
17-Dec
——- ———
—-
Roy Thomas & Asha Roy
19-Dec
Raju John & Rebecca Raju
21-Dec
Robin M. Thomas & Dr. Sheila Mary Thomas
21-Dec
Monzy Mathews Anaghan & Dimple Monzy
22-Dec
Thomas V. Cheriyan & Elizabeth Thomas
23-Dec
Gigi V Mannil & Saleen V. John
25-Dec
Jim Sam Green & Simi M. John
26-Dec
Thomas V. Mathew & Achamma Mathew
27-Dec
Ajay Thomas & Anna George
27-Dec
Prasanth K Krasta & Susmy Susan Koshy
27-Dec
Varghese Kunchacko & Dolly Varghese
27-Dec
Thomas Daniel & Jainy Joseph Daniel
27-Dec
Shiju T. Abraham & Pamela Abraham
27-Dec
V.C. Abraham & Mariamma Abraham
27-Dec
Jereesh T. John & Nisha Jereesh
27-Dec
Jacob John & Annamma John
28-Dec
Abraham Philip & Daisy A. Philip
29-Dec
Dijo Mathews & Cristelle Mary Mathew
29-Dec
Daniel Thomas & Aannamma Daniel
30-Dec
Oommen Zachariah & Marykuy Varghese
30-Dec
Varghese K. Oommen & Elizabeth Varghese
30-Dec
Reji Eapen & Sajini Reji
30-Dec
Varghese Rajesh Mathew & Sissimol Easo
30-Dec
Aby Joy & Mini Joy
31-Dec
John Jacob & Geethu Angel Jacob
31-Dec
Thomas P. John & Elizabeth Thomas
31-Dec
Thomas Chacko & Jessy Thomas
31-Dec
C o n d o l e n c e s
Mr. Kavanal Thomas, 78 years old, uncle of Mrs. Asha Thomas (ID # 445)
of the Horeb area prayer group was called to eternal rest in Enathu, Kera-
la.
Mr. Kurian Thomas, 73 years old, brother of Mrs. Annamma John (ID #
113) of the Carmel area prayer group was called to eternal rest in Detroit,
Michigan.
Mrs. Thankamma John, 80 years old, mother of Mr. John Varghese, (ID #
520) of the Hebron area prayer group was called to eternal rest in Puthen-
cavu, Chengannur.
Mr. Abraham P. John, 70 years old, father of Mr. Mevin John Abraham (ID
# 565) of the Bethlehem area prayer group, was taken to his heavenly
abode in Houston. Texas
Mr. James George, 76 years old, brother of Mr. Jose P. George (ID # 171)
of the Salem area prayer group, was taken to his heavenly abode in Pasa-
dena, TX.
Mr. V.K. Samuel, 76 years old, father of Bindu Kalloor (ID # 509) of the
Sehion area prayer group was taken to his heavenly abode in Ezhamku-
lam, Kerala.
Mrs. Mariamma George, 77 years old, mother of Mr. John G. Mathai (ID #
408) of the Bethlehem area prayer group was taken to her heavenly
abode at Aranmula, Kerala
The Vicars and members of the Immanuel Parish express our heartfelt
condolences. May our thoughts and prayers comfort and console the
families during this time of bereavement.
Sunday School 9:30 am: Sunday school starts
Jan. 12: Sunday school Exam
Senior Fellowship Dec. 07: Monthly Prayer Meeting @ 10 am
Dec. 12: Pakalveedu Fellowship @ 10 am
Dec. 19: HQ in Malayalam @ 10 am
YFF
Dec. 14: Prayer Meeting @ Ninan Kalloor’s resi-
dence
Edavaka Mission Dec. 30: Year End retreat @ 6 pm
Dec. 31: Year End retreat @ 9 pm
O R G A N I Z A T I O N A N N O U N C E M E N T S
D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4 B I R T H D A Y S
Saramma Thomas
1-Dec
Thomas Mathew
Thomas Thyparampil
Mathew Varghese
Annamma M. G.
Thankachan N. Samuel
Darly Sam
Daisy Varghese
Andrew Ajit Koshy
Fiji C. George
Aleena Koshy
Elizabeth Benni
Hana Liz George
Sheril Mathai
2-Dec
Susan Thomas
Marykutty Varghese
Jessy Thomas
Shiju T. Abraham
Sandy Eapen
3-Dec
Isabella Marie Eype
Sreya Varghese
Benzy Thomas
Sunila Abraham
Gia Isabelle Abraham
Jomon Kurian Thomas
4-Dec
Mikhael Mathew Karikottu
Abraham Mathai
5-Dec
Zachariah T. Kalathoor
Zaryan Mathew Sibin
Sheen Reni Kavalayil
Victor Varghese
Mariamma Chandy
6-Dec
John G Mathai
Binu Pappachan
Nevin Abraham
Dancy John
7-Dec
Siby Mathew baby
Binson B Thomas
George Eapen
Reenu Sara Sam
Lisa Mathew
8-Dec
Princy Prasad
Pamela Abraham
Sneha Anish
Teena M. Samuel
9-Dec
Robin Thomas
Reena Joe Varghese
Shirin Mathai
Alina Varkey
Royce Chankurethu Samuel
Jiana Saira Kuruvilla 10-Dec
Kurian Varghese
11-Dec
V.M Georgekutty
Raveena Sosa Jacob
12-Dec
Peter V. John
Sumy Jacob
Johnson G.Varughese
Aaron S. George
Noah Alex
Aaden James Abraham
13-Dec Geethu Angel Jacob
Alexander Bennykutty
Shan M. Prem
14-Dec
Jacob K. Chacko
Mathew Arun Thomas
15-Dec
Justin J. Mathew
Aashna Susan Varkey
Amit John Joseph
Leena Riju Kuruvilla
Mohan John Thomas
16-Dec
Thomas Abraham
Jeff Abraham
Dr. Sajan K. Eapen
Sherin Ann Thomas
Christopher George
Kevin Santhosh
Anjaly Skaria
D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4 B I R T H D A Y S
Dr. Leena Mary Abraham
17-Dec
Dr. Ronnie Abraham
John Joshy
Lally Thomas
Jarren Chacko
Sophia A. James
Binsu Oommen
Reni P Raju
Dr. Jessy Skaria
Saramma M. Philip
Nimmy Annie Abraham
Vinson Thomas
18-Dec
Dona E. Varghese
Joel J. Eapen
19-Dec Vivek Samuel
V.C. Abraham
Sonia Tom
20-Dec
Justin Thomas
Mullasaril Abraham Joseph
Serah Sabu
Shoba Sara Mathew
Shaun M. Varghese
Sunil Thomas
K.John Abraham
21-Dec
Tinish Thomas
Shreya Anish
Sruthi Anish
David Mathew George
22-Dec
Mathews K. Alexander
Mathew Jacob
23-Dec
Samuel K. George
Sam M. George
Nataliya Lynn Thomas
Abraham Joseph
24-Dec
Dr. Anish G. Mammen
Carol A. George
Maya Grace Eype
Aida Mary George
Joshni M. John
25-Dec
John Jesson
Joseph Joseph
26-Dec
Cassie Thomas
Sonia Babu
Sion Samuel Alexander
Donia Ann Kurian
Binoy Puthenmadathil
Mathew Mammen
Soumya Mariam Oommen
27-Dec
Aaron Thomas Samuel
Reju Eapen
Dr. Anju Chacko
Reeba Elizabeth George
Tom Mathew
Thomas V. Cheriyan
Mila Ann Mathew
Arianna Ann Thomas
Maia Johny
Manoj Abe Varghese
28-Dec
Biya Aleena Mathew
Shobid Varghese
Binta C. Varghese
Nora Sam
Elizabeth Cherian
29-Dec
Rio Ayun Roy
Thomas John
Justin K. Varghese
Caleb Dennis Mathew
Melvin Abraham
30-Dec
Juliet Sarah Abraham
Princey Terish Mathew
Ashley M. Jacob
Arun M Jayaprakash
Crisvin T. Sajee
Ethan Eapen Titus
Maggie Thomas Koshy
Thakadiyil V. Mathew
31-Dec
Joel Zachariah Kalathoor
Bibin Abraham Thomas
Abigail Varghese
Abiya Mariam Lijoy
Sheba A. Mathew
Layla Susan Cherian
Ivana Rency
