P A R I S H

2 0 1 1 F E S

M E S S E N G E R
T I V E E D I T I O N

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS!

My dear brothers and sisters, Christmas is yet again around the corner. It is, possibly, the most celebrated of all festivals. It cuts across all social barriers and religious denitions. And it has been so from the beginning, as is indicated by the response of the wise from the east and the shepherds. They represented the response of the nonJewish world. The catalyst for their response was the star they saw in the sky. They star, as a symbol, rises above all socially erected divisions and exclusions. It is there for all to see, if they wish to. What makes Christmas enduringly universal? Obviously, it cannot be on account of the externals of Christmas, such as carols, cakes, cards, Santa Claus, Christmas trees and so on. Nor can it be because of the Nativity Narrative itself: cows, manger, angels, Herod and the like. All these neries draw meaning from the core of the event. However, all these festivities do not exhaust the

Christmas is not the good news of God giving us an expensive gift, but God giving himself in Jesus Christ. This is the refrain that we hear again and again in the carols. Christ continues to take on esh when people commit themselves to their creator. New Nazareths a r e m a d e, n e w B e t h l e h e m s happen as we come to faith in Christ. We are the sites of new Nazareths and Bethlehems. For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). I wish you all very meaningful Christmas and blessed New Year! God bless! With Love and Care, Mothy Achen

From the Vicars Desk

meaning and the reality of Christmas.

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SERVICE SCHEDULE

Parish Activities and Events

Sunday School No Sunday School classes until February 2012 Sevika Sangham The Sevika Sangham members get together for fellowship once in every three months. Please contact Ms. Shushana George for more details. Edavaka Mission Edavaka Mission meetings are held on 4th Saturdays of every month. Please contact Mr. Sam Koshy for details. Senior Citizens Fellowship Senior Citizens Fellowship meetings are held on 4th Saturdays of every month. Please contact Mrs. Mary John for more details. Youth Meeting Please contact youth group Secretary Mr. Vitty Jacob for more details. Parish Choir Regular practice sessions of the Parish Choir are conducted after the Sunday service at Murdoch University Worship Centre. Those interested in joining our Parish Choir may please contact the Choir Co-coordinator Mr. Philin Philip. Area Prayer Meetings North of River Prayer meeting conducted fourth Sunday of every month at 6:00 PM. Please contact Mr. Sajan Jacob for more info. No Prayer meeting for this month. South of Leach Highway Prayer meeting conducted rst Sunday of every month at 6:30PM. Please contact Mr. Shaji Mathews for more info. No Prayer meeting for this month. North of Leach Highway Christmas Dinner on 18 December 2011. Please contact Mr. Jinu Johnson for more info. Freo & Others Prayer meeting conducted second Saturday of every month at 6:30PM. Please contact Mr. Raja Gopal for more info. No Prayer meeting for this month.

03 December 2011 Parish Christmas Carols at Shelley Anglican Parish - 6:30PM

04 December 2011 Holy Communion Service in Malayalam - 9:00AM 09 - 11 December 2011 - Parish House Carolling 11 December 2011 Divine Service in English - 9:00AM 16 - 18 December 2011 - Parish House Carolling 18 December 2011 Divine Service in Malayalam - 9:00AM

25 December 2011 Holy Communion Service in English 9:00AM - Christmas Service

31 December 2011 Watch Night Service at Shelley Anglican Parish - 10:00PM

Venue: Murdoch University Worship Centre (near Car Park 5)

The Mar Thoma Parish Perth!

www.perthmarthoma.org.au

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Birthdays December 2011

Dr Lekha George (3 December) Abel Varukunnel Mathews (4 December) Alex Varghese (6 December) Vitty Varghese Jacob (12 December) Smitha Jacob (13 December) Joel Raja (15 December) Mabel Mathew (16 December) Reny Elizabeth Mathews (17 December) Alara John (21 December) Allen A George (22 December) Margret Thomas (24 December) Jerry Cherian (27 December) God Created You with his own hands; He Knows your name and your thoughts; He Blesses you with life, with love; And the joy of another year to know him. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!

Wedding Anniversaries December 2011

Jinu Johnson & Sheen Jinu (19 December) Ninan K Thomas & Elizabeth Ninan (20 December) James R Rajesh & Dhanya Rajesh (29 December)

May the Almighty God continue to bless your family more and more in the coming years. May you be an inspiration and example for others in the days to come. WISHING ALL THE CELEBRANTS HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY!!

The Mar Thoma Parish Perth!

www.perthmarthoma.org.au