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
N E W S L E T T E R
AU G U S T 2 0 2 4
Immanuel Mar Thoma Church
Houston, TX
W o r s h i p s c h e d u l e A U G U S T 2 0 2 4
Aug. 04 Mission: Proclamation & Acts of the Kingdom of God
8:00 AM English HQ assisted by Horeb area
prayer group
1st Lesson
2nd Lesson
Epistle
Gospel
Isa. 6:1-8
Acts 19: 8-12
Rom. 1: 8 –17
Matt. 10: 7-16
10:30 AM Malayalam HQ assisted by Jerusalem area
prayer group
1st Lesson
2nd Lesson
Epistle
Gospel
Isa. 6:1-8
Acts 19: 8-12
Rom. 1: 8 –17
Matt. 10: 7-16
Aug. 11 Freedom in Christ
10:30 AM Malayalam HQ assisted by Salem area Prayer
group
Lesson
2nd Lesson
Epistle
Gospel
Exod. 3: 7-14
Gal. 5: 1-14
Rom. 6:15-23
John 8:31-36
Aug. 18 Reformation based on the values of the Kingdom of God
10:30 AM English HQ assisted by Sehion area
prayer group
Lesson
2nd Lesson
Epistle
Gospel
2 King 23: 1-3
1 Pet. 1:13-25
1John 2:13-17
Matt.23: 23-28
Aug. 25 Theological Education for faith Nourishment
8:00 AM G3 CFF & English HQ assisted by CFF 1st Lesson
2nd Lesson
Epistle
Gospel
Deut. 6:1-9
Acts 28: 23-30
2 Tim. 3:10-17
Matt. 13:18-23
10:30 AM Malayalam HQ assisted by Sharon area Pray-
er group
1st Lesson
2nd Lesson
Epistle
Gospel
Deut. 6:1-9
Acts 28: 23-30
2 Tim. 3:10-17
Matt. 13:18-23
Sept. 01 Education that leads to Divine truths
8:00 AM English HQ assisted by Sinai area
prayer group
1st Lesson
2nd Lesson
Epistle
Gospel
Prov. 4:1-11
1 Cor. 1:18-25
Rom.11:33 -36
John 14: 5-14
10:30 AM Malayalam HQ assisted by Tabor area prayer
group
1st Lesson
2nd Lesson
Epistle
Gospel
Prov. 4:1-11
1 Cor. 1:18-25
Rom.11:33 -36
John 14: 5-14
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 832.938.8664
Auditor
Mr. Aji Daniel 832.846.0763
I N T E R - P r a y e r G R O U P B I B L E Q U I Z
C O M P E T I T I O N S
Date of competition: 8/31/2024
Guidelines
1. Questions will be based on the “Book of Amos, Colossians, and St.
James liturgy, from confession onwards”. Reference versions are
“New International Version” (NIV) for English Bible and “Bible Society
of India” for Malayalam version
2. Each prayer group can send a team with a minimum of three and a
maximum of 5 members strictly belonging to that prayer group
3. Church members of all age group and genders are eligible to
participate
4. Team roster must be submitted to the quiz coordinator no later than
5:00 pm on August 18, 2024.
5. In the case of any dispute, the decision of the quiz master shall be
final
P A R I S H P I C N I C
F R O M T H E V I C A R ’ S D E S K
Dearly beloved in Christ Jesus,
The month of August marks the beginning of a new academic year. Let me
wish God’s abundant blessings and guidance on our dear students,
teachers and all those involved in educational activities. The word of God
reminds us that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” All
those who pursue wisdom and understanding are called to live in
“reverential awe of God’s sovereignty, goodness and mercy and in
obedience to and relationship with him.” If we strive to develop committed
and sincere relationship with God, we will be able to relate well with others
and live meaningful lives. Education is not just about accumulating
knowledge and information or securing good grades, but also about
growing up to become good, compassionate, and responsible human
beings.
I encourage all our dear students to set aside time to read and meditate on
the word of God regularly and pray as you commence your study sessions
at home. Be diligent in attending Sunday School classes and worship
service. Help your parents with various tasks at home. Be kind and
courteous to others. Always remember that God has a great plan for our
lives – “For surely, I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for
your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope” (Jeremiah
29: 11).
As parents, we must remember that our own lives and example have the
greatest influences on our children. No amount of advice or exhortation
can substitute for the power of our actions. As the saying goes, “Children’s
ears may be closed to advice, but their eyes are always open to example.”
We need to introspect our lives, make necessary corrections where
needed, and rise to the challenge of parenting our children in ways God
wants us to do.
"It is with great sorrow that we heard about the multiple landslides
triggered by heavy rains, causing death of many innocent lives and
destruction of at least two villages in the picturesque Waynad district in
Kerala. Let us pray for the consolation and relief of all those affected by
this natural disaster. Let us pray for God's guidance and blessing on the
rescue and rehabilitation efforts."
Prayerful Regards
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
Jerusalem area prayer meeting is scheduled to be
held on Friday August 9th at 7:00 pm at the resi-
dence of Mr. Shaiji Thomas (ID # 659). Address:
20310 Port Bishop Lane, Richmond, TX.
Hebron area prayer meeting is arranged to be held
on Sunday August 11th at 7 pm at the residence of
Mr. Varghese Zachariah (ID # 614). Address: 5511
Havelock Ln., Missouri City, TX.
Horeb area prayer meeting is arranged to be held on
Saturday August 17th at 6:30 pm at the residence of
Mr. Mammen Mathew (ID # 104). Address: 5827
Berkshire Ridge Dr., Sugar Land, TX.
Sinai area prayer meeting is arranged to be held on
Saturday August 17th at 6:30 pm at the residence of
Mr. Sabu Podiyan (ID # 549). Address: 13412 Ra-
vens Park Ln., Pearland, TX.
Carmel area prayer meeting is arranged to be held
on Saturday August 24th at 6:00 pm at the resi-
dence of Mr. K.K. John (ID # 113). Address: 907
Piedmont St., Sugar land, TX.
Sehion area prayer is arranged to be held on Sun-
day, August 25th at 6.30 pm at the residence of Mr.
Raju John (ID # 296). Address: 4923 Bellmead Dr.,
Missouri City, TX .
Bethel area prayer meeting is arranged to be held on
Saturday August 24th at 6 pm at the residence of Mr.
Abraham Mathai (ID # 473). Address: 6906 Senebe
Way, Missouri City, TX.
Construction activities are continuing for the Jubilee Project. The contrac-
tor Is working with Centerpoint Energy and Fort Bend MUD on approvals
and routing of water and electrical utilities to the new facilities. Foundation
preparation and concrete pouring for the Jubilee hall will occur in the next
few weeks. Steel structure for the gymnasium is expected towards the end
of August.
Please continue to support the project financially through new donations
and by paying off your pledges. Also, please participate in the personal
loan initiative which would help us in reducing the loan amount that we
have to borrow from the bank at high interest rate. Above all, please re-
member the project in your daily prayers.
Superintendent: Mr. Jim Thomas
Associate Superintendent: Miss. Asha Philip
Secretary: Miss. Jasmine Abraham
Treasurer: Mr. Jojy John…..Congrats to the new team!!!
S U N D A Y S C H O O L O F F I C E B E A R E R S ( 2 0 2 4 - 2025)
Z E L L E P A Y M E N T S
Making Payments to Church Using Zelle
Zelle is a faster method of payment, that is protected by online en-
cryption and can be done with just a few steps using your phone or
PC. This mode of payment transfer, offered by the 7 largest banks
in the US, is one of the safest alternatives to sending cash or a
check in the mail. and that money is automatically deposited into
the recipient’s bank account and doesn’t incur any fees.
Email address for the transaction is:
B I R T H A N N O U N C E M E N T
Baby girl Celeste was born to Anju & Lijo on July 6
th
in New York. Congrat-
ulations to the proud parents and grandparents Mr. M.G. Philip & Mini of
the Bethel area prayer group.
A U G U S T W E D D I N G
A N N I V E R S A R I E S
Justin J. Mathew & Sonia Tom 26-Aug
Stanley Varghese & Julin Varghese 26-Aug
Jibin Abraham Varghese & Adia Michelle Reyna 26-Aug
Benson P. Kurien & Anna Laura Dominguez 27-Aug
George Eapen & Acha Ann Grace Jacob 27-Aug
George Thomas & Deepa Thomas 28-Aug
Thomas Mathew & Suni Mathew 29-Aug
Cherian Palackamannil Mathew & Bincy Mathew 29-Aug
Jibin T. Luke & Sheba A. Kuriakose 30-Aug
Felix Abraham & Jetty Felix 30-Aug
George John & Lalimol John 31-Aug
Varghese T. Mathai & Saramma Mathai 31-Aug
Dr. Mathews Ninan & Tina Ninan 31-Aug
Sanil Mathai & Zeema Daniel 31-Aug
U P C O M I N G E V E N T S
8/9-8/11 - Southwest Regional Sports Tournament
8/31 - IMTC Inter-Prayer Group Bible Quiz
9/7 - Parish Picnic @ Kitty Hollow Park, M. City
9/20 - 9/22- Parish Convention
10/26 - Auction (Tentative)
11/17 - Parish Day
11/30 —House to House Christmas Caroling
12/24 - Christmas Carol Service
12/30 -12/ 31 – Year End Retreat
A U G U S T W E D D I N G
A N N I V E R S A R I E S
Gracious John & Joyce John 1-Aug
Mathew Philip & Saramma M. Philip 3-Aug
Thomas M Koshy & Aleayamma Koshy 4-Aug
Chacko Mathew & Susan Mathew 5-Aug
Dr. Ronnie Abraham & Dr. Leenu Mary Abrahan 6-Aug
Abraham Mathai & Legi Abraham 6-Aug
Ajay Thomas & Jessey Thomas 6-Aug
Sabu Podiyan & Beena Sabu 7-Aug
Rony Johnson & Shani Johnson 7-Aug
Samuel K. Eapen & Josephine Samuel 8-Aug
Thomas Koshy & Rachel Thomas 11-Aug
Binoy Puthenmadathil & Bincy Puthenmadathil 11-Aug
Manoj George & Dr. Latha Manoj George 12-Aug
George John & Renimol George 12-Aug
Jack Sam Saban & Aleena Jacob 12-Aug
Subi Philip & Anisha Philip 13-Aug
Reni K. Thomas & Sheen Reni Kavalayil 14-Aug
Aby J. Roy & Asha Elizabeth 14-Aug
Thomas Varghese & Sheeba M. Varghese 16-Aug
Abraham K. John & Baizil S. John 16-Aug
Rev.Joseph John & Nisha Joseph 17-Aug
Dr. Varghese George & Dr. Jessy Skaria 17-Aug
Manoj S. Raju & Bettina Manoj Raju 18-Aug
Rengith R. Karikottu & Shiney Karikottu 19-Aug
Jissan Cherian & Shanthi Cherian 20-Aug
Philip George & Amminiamma George 20-Aug
Mammen Thomas & Jolly Mammen 20-Aug
John G Mathai & Solly Mathew 21-Aug
Robin John Kaarikottu & Elizabeth Rachel Karikottu 22-Aug
Shaiji Thomas & Girija Shaiji 22-Aug
Paul Thomas Varghese & Jean Mary Thomas 22-Aug
Thomas Daniel & Susamma Thomas 23-Aug
Thomson Varghese Thayil & Susan Thomson 23-Aug
Dr. Thomas Kannankara Abraham & Dr. Anita Rose Joy Thomas 23-Aug
Abraham John & Annamma Abraham 23-Aug
K. K. John & Annamma John 24-Aug
Kuriakose Thottyil & Mary Kuriakose 24-Aug
Shibu Babykutty & Anu Shibu 24-Aug
Abraham Mathew & Thankam Abraham 24-Aug
Shiju George & Tina George 25-Aug
Dr. Yujan Shrestha & Mekha S Thomas 25-Aug
C o n d o l e n c e s
1. Mr. John Jacob, 70 years old, brother of Mrs. Mariamma George (ID #
171) of the Salem area prayer group was called to eternal rest in Charlotte,
North Carolina.
2. Mr. E.C. Jacob, 77 years old, father of Mrs. Sony Sam Jacob (ID # 563)
of the Sehion area prayer group was called to eternal rest in Ponpally,
Kottayam.
3. Mrs. Susy Shaju, 69 years old, sister of Mr. Mammen Mathew (ID # 104)
of the Horeb area prayer group and sister of Mr. Sam Mathew (ID # 241) of
the Salem area prayer group was called to eternal rest in Ernakulam , Kera-
la.
4. Mrs. Mary Jose, 75 years old, mother of Mrs. Shiney Eapen (ID # 186) of
the Hebron area prayer group was called to eternal rest in Idukki, Kerala.
5. Mr. Philip Daniel, 85 years old, father of Mrs. Beena Abraham (ID # 568)
of the Sehion area prayer group was called to eternal rest in Kozhenchery,
Kerala.
6. Mr. P.K. Francis, 91 years old, brother-in-law of Mr. George Thomas (ID #
132), Mr. George Joseph (ID # 174), Mr. George John (ID # 187), and Late
Mr. George Philip (ID # 253) all from the Tabor area prayer group was
called to eternal rest in Chennai, India.
7.Mr. K.V. Yohannan, 82 years old, brother of Mrs. Annamma Samuel (ID #
166) of the Sharon area prayer group was called to eternal rest in Moovat-
tupuzha, Kerala.
8.Mrs. Annamma Philipose, 85 years old, mother of Mr. George Philip (ID #
581) of the Sinai area prayer group was called to eternal rest in Thrissur,
Kerala.
The Vicars and members of the Immanuel Parish express our heartfelt con-
dolences. May our thoughts and prayers comfort and console the families
during this time of bereavement.
Sunday School Aug. 3: Sunday school Regional Competitions
Aug. 18: Sunday school Anniversary
Aug. 18: Sunday school Students Dedication
Aug. 25: First day of Sunday school classes
CFF Aug. 16: 7 pm at Church
Senior Fellowship Aug. 3: Monthly prayer meeting @ 10 am
Aug. 8: Pakalveedu Fellowship @ 10 am
Aug. 15: HQ in Malayalam @ 10 am
Yuvajana Sakhyam
Aug. 25: prayer meeting @ the church after ser-
vice.
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
A U G U S T 2 0 2 4 B I R T H D A Y S
Jonathan Philip
1-Aug
Ashron R. Johnson
Teena Thomas
2-Aug
Sandra Sara Santhosh
Vivin G. Varghese
Binu Zachariah
Sana Mary Joseph
Dr. Lila Cherry
4-Aug
Anumol P.G
Rijul Raju
Sindhu George
Esha Mary Abraham
Lyla Philip
Andrew T. Samuel
5-Aug
Jilu Anna George
Dr. Priya Mathew
Gino P. Abraham
Gijo P. Abraham
Ester Maria A. Thomas
Shery Cherian
6-Aug
Arianna Sarah Abraham
Susan John
Dimple Monzy Mathews
Angie Alexander
Isabella Mary Jacob
Sherry Oommen
8-Aug
Niksy A. Varughese
Joel John Jacob
Mark Ashwin Isaac
Jeffrin C. Varghese
9-Aug
Joseph K. T.
Sruthi S. Daniel
Elizabeth Abraham
10-Aug
Nisha Varghese
Lizy Alexander
Sarah Prem
Asha Serah Mathew
Dr.Cindy Jacob
Manoj Kanneri
Erick Santhosh
Jincy Philip
11-Aug
John Mathew
Vasthin Barbara
Shreya Sara Thomas
12-Aug
Abin Shibu
Jeena Mathew Polachi-
Annamma Jacob
13-Aug
Kunjamma Oommen
Vanson M. Samuel
Maya Thomas
14-Aug
Dr. Sandeep C. Mathew
Joy N. Samuel
Reena Jacob
Shincy Mathew Abraham
Jopy Jacob
Mathews Abraham
15-Aug
E. K. Kurian
Shinu Kurian Joy
Reni K. Thomas
A U G U S T 2 0 2 4 B I R T H D A Y S ( c o n t )
Alwyn Thomas
16-Aug
Jeeya Joby
Dr. Cecil Abraham Cherian
Joby George Cherian
Cherian Abraham
17-Aug
Bindu M. Thomas
Susha Thomas
Varghese P. Varghese
18-Aug
Babetta B. Mathai
Rani Susan Varghese
Mason Valiaparambil
Annamma Varghese
Jeslin Jessy Jacob
Benson Mathew
Dr. Anita Rose Joy Thomas
Susamma Philip
Isaac Philip
Sarah Thomas
Jetty Felix
19-Aug
Sherin Thomas
Alan Thomas John
Mathew Cherian
Cassian P. Kurien
20-Aug
Abraham Philip
Jeffin George Samuel
Cyril J. Varkey
Marykutty M. Thomas
Dr. Sheena Itty
Luca Agith Mathew
Alvin Mathew
Sofia Elizabeth Cherian
Ancy Samuel
Aleykutty George
21-Aug
Dr. Sheebu Chacko
Grace Zachariah
22-Aug
Shiju Oommen
Solly Mathew
Jonathan Varghese
Anil Chandy
23-Aug
Nisha Kiran Roy
Reba Thomas
Alina Grace Johnson
24-Aug
Anil Valiaparambil
Shani Johnson
Samuel Koshy
25-Aug
George Philip
Thomas Chacko
Dr. Yujan Shrestha
Joshua John Thomas
Jibin T. Luke
26-Aug
Anjali Ann Koshy
Roshan Reni Kavalayil
Aksa Alex
Thomson Varghese Thayil
Jayson K. Varghese
Sosamma Varghese
27-Aug
Beena V. Kalathoor
Shiney Karikottu
Elton John Mannil
Dr. Leena Philip
Kezia Liz Kalloor
Dr. Abraham Abraham
Annamma Thomas
Toby C.Thomas
28-Aug
Mariamma Jesson
Joel Philip
Nisha Jereesh
Nevin Abraham
29-Aug
Ligy Anish
Praveen Philip Sunny
Jack Sam Saban
Aleena Marie Varughese
30-Aug
Robin Tristan Mathew
Mia Susa George
K. Joseph Abraham
31-Aug
Sophia Lizy Alexander
Aji George Varughese
Christopher M. Anaghan
Jeesa Saraa Isaac
