APRIL - JUNE 2023

THE GOOD NEWS HERALD

Official Newsletter of the Mar Thoma Church of Greater Washington

From the Vicar's Desk

Church Worship Schedule
Dearly Beloved in Christ,

Sundays at 10:15 a.m.

"Jesus himself came up and walked along with them."

(St. Luke- 24:15) First and Third Sundays -

English Holy Communion

We are in the middle of another great lent season of the

Christian calendar and the beginning of another spring Second and Fourth Sundays
-
season, which brings happiness and hope to the nature,
Malayalam Holy Communion
and all of us. These days we observe the lent and

remember the passion of our Lord. Even though it is

challenging for us to keep a different spiritual,
Mar Thoma Church
physical, and material life pattern, it is possible only if
of Greater Washington
we set apart time for meditation.The cross of Christ 322 Ethan Allen Ave,
has been the subject of our meditation and thought Takoma Park, MD 20912
these days. In this world, there are experiences of
rejection, failure, pain, and even persecution in
everyone's life, but these are not the end. The www.marthomawashington.org
resurrection event guarantees hope and victory for all 301 655 9080
redemptive suffering and pain in the world.

THE GOOD NEWS HERALD PAGE 01

From the VICAR's desk
This is how the cross of Christ becomes a power source of
endurance and a meaning to all existing suffering. The
resurrection of Jesus Christ gives us hope for a new life.
With its hopeful signs of new buds and flowers, spring May
brings happiness to all; Easter brings joy and peace. the God
of hope
In April, we commemorate the love of Jesus through his
fill you
death and resurrection. Let us thank the Lord for bringing
us to this great season. I request all of you to participate
with all
earnestly and prayerfully in the Holy Week worship joy and peace
services, Palm Sunday, and Easter Holy Qurbana and get as you
blessed. trust
in him,
May is remarkable for Mother’s Day, and June is
so that
memorable for Father's Day. Parents are beautiful gifts of
God. Let us thank and appreciate our mother and father for
you may
their sacrificial love and life for us. In June, we will overflow
celebrate the graduation of our youngsters from school and with hope
colleges. Let us pray for their successful completion and by
bright future. The Sunday school exams will be on May the power
21st, and the Junior-Senior Conference will be in end of
of the
June; please send your children for both.
Holy Spirit.
I thank all the office bearers, Mandalam representatives,

Diocesan Assembly representatives, executive members,

organizational office bearers and executive members, and Romans 15:13

non-organization representatives who served and guided the

parish for 2022, for their meaningful and dedicated service

for the upliftment of the church. And I welcome those who

took the responsibilities for 2023.

I thank all the parishioners for their wholehearted

cooperation and prayerful participation in the parish
activities. Many among us are undergoing difficult times,
like the loss of dear ones, physical illness, and emotionally
vulnerable situations; let us uphold them in our prayers.

THE GOOD NEWS HERALD PAGE 02

 From the VICAR's desk
Sometimes uncertainties in life and daily challenges might
have smothered our confidence in our Lord. Believing in
His resurrection strengthens our hope, renew our certainty, For God
and be our most significant victory. so loved
the world
I request all members to attend the regular services and
that he
prayer meetings in person and via technological platforms.
gave his
In addition, area prayers and organizations are starting
in-person meetings at home. Those who wish to do it at one and only
their home, please get in touch with the representatives or Son, that
secretaries. whoever
believes
The gloominess of the winter in both humans and the
in him
nature is slowly getting away. Spring is upon us with its
shall not
enchanting brightness. Our faith will also be renewed and
reaffirmed through our meditations on the passion of
perish
Christ and resurrection. but have
eternal life.
May the resurrected Christ help us to continue our journey

with Him meaningfully.

John 3:16
Happy Easter
With love and Prayers,

Byju Thomas Achen

I am the resurrection and the life. The one who

believes in me will live, even though they die.
Happy Easter
John 11:25

THE GOOD NEWS HERALD PAGE 03

 Sunday Schedule - Second Quarter
02 April Hosanna: Jesus’ Entry into Jerusalem-Alternative Style of
Theme
English Service Kingship
@ 10 am

( Lanham/Bowie Prayer
Lessons Zech 9:1-12 Heb 5:5-10
Group)

Epistle &
Assisted by Gospel Col 1:15-23 Matt 21:1-17
Mr. Abey Thomas

09 April Theme Easter: The Celebration of New Life, End of Great Lent
English Service 8 am
(Rockville/Gaithersburg Lessons Isa 60:12-22 1Cor 15:42-58
Prayer Group)

Epistle &
Assisted by
Gospel 1Cor 15:20-28 Mark 16:1-8
Mr. Abey Thomas

16 April Theme Jesus Christ who Restores

Malayalam Service

(NOVA Prayer Group)

Lessons Genesis 32:22-32 Colossians 3:1-11

Assisted by Epistle &

Mr. John Attumalil Gospel Colossians 1:15-23 John 20:24-29

23 April Theme Jesus Christ who Transforms Human Situations

Malayalam Service
(Yuvajana Sakhyam) Lessons Genesis 18:1-10 Romans 12:9-16

Epistle &

Assisted by Hebrews 13:1-8

Gospel John 21:1-14
Mr. John Attumalil

30 April Theme Resurrected Lord the Co-Traveler

English Service
(Youth Fellowship)

Lessons Exodus 40: 34 - 38 Acts 27:27-37

PRAISE AND WORSHIP @ 10 am

Epistle &
Assisted by 2 Corinthians 1:3-10 Luke.24:13-35
Mr. Abey Thomas Gospel

07 May Metropolitan’s Fund Bhoo-Bhavana Dana Prasthanam

Theme
English Service Remember the little ones
(YFF)
Lessons Deuteronomy 15:7-11 Acts 4:32-37

Assisted by
Mr. Abey Thomas
Epistle &

Gospel 2 Corinthians 8:1-19 Matthew 25:31-46

14 May Theme Be Witnesses of the risen Lord

Malayalam Service
(Parish Mission) Lessons Isaiah 43:1-10 Hebrews 12:1-13

Assisted by Epistle &

Mr. John Attumalil 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 Luke 24:36-49

Gospel

THE GOOD NEWS HERALD PAGE 04

 Sunday Schedule - Second Quarter
21 May Theme Promise of the Holy Spirit
English Service 9:30 am
(Silver Spring Prayer Group)

Lessons Isaiah 59:20-60:3 Acts 1:12-14

Assisted by Epistle &

Mr. Abey Thomas Gospel Ephesians 6:10-20 John 16:5-13

28 May Theme The Feast of Pentecost (Sacred Music Sunday)

Malayalam Service
(Lanham/Bowie Prayer
Lessons Joel 2:27-32 Galatians 5:22-26
Group)

Assisted by Epistle &

Mr. John Attumalil Gospel Acts 2:1-12 John 14:14-21

04 June
English Service Theme Medical Aid Offertory of the Clergy
(Rockville/Gaitehrsburg
Prayer Group) Lessons 1 Kings 3:3-14 1 Corinthians 1:18-25

Epistle &
Assisted by
Gospel Ephesians 1:15-19 Luke 2:41-52
Mr. Abey Thomas

11 June Theme Enviornmental Sunday – To Till and Keep

Malayalam Service
(NOVA Prayer Group) Lessons Genesis 2:4-15 Revelation 22:1-5

Assisted by Epistle &

Mr. John Attumalil Colossians 1:9-20 Luke 12:24-27

Gospel

18 June Theme Worship: Celebration of the Faith

English Service
(Sunday School) Lessons Revelation 4:1-11

Isaiah 6:1-8

Assisted by Epistle &

Mr. Abey Thomas Ephesians 3:14-19 Luke.18:1-14

Gospel

Theme Discipleship: Call for Mission

25 June
Malayalam Service
Lessons Jeremiah 1:1-11 Acts 9:1-15
(Parish Mission)

Assisted by Epistle &

Mr. John Attumalil Gospel 1 Timothy 1:12-17 Mark 3:13-19

THE GOOD NEWS HERALD PAGE 05

 SPRING

The sky speaks of wonders.

And the grandeur
Of God Almighty.
The flowers, the birds
And all that is alive.
Smile wonderfully!
As they bloom
And spread their wings.

God is in everything.
Complete and wonderful.

- Anu Kochamma

THE GOOD NEWS HERALD PAGE 06

 SCHEDULE FOR HOLY WEEK AND EASTER SERVICE

April 2nd Holy Communion in English

Palm Sunday at 10 am

Evening Worship at 7.00 PM

April 3rd Monday NOVA

Evening Worship at 7.00 PM

April 4th Tuesday
Lanham / Bowie

Evening Worship at 7.00 PM

April 5th Wednesday
Silver Spring

Evening Worship at 6.30 PM and

April 6th
Holy Communion in Malayalam
MaundyThursday
Gaithersburg / Rockville

April 7th
Service at 9:30 am
Good Friday

April 9th Holy Communion in English

Easter Sunday at 8.00 AM

THE GOOD NEWS HERALD PAGE 07

 SCHEDULED EVENTS FOR SECOND QUARTER

Sunday school parents teachers

April 2
meeting

May 14 Mother's day celebrations

May 21 Diocesan sunday school exam

May 28 Choir Sunday

Last day of Sunday school

June 11 Salute to the graduates of 2023

June 17 ECKC Fund raising event

June 18 Father's day celebrations

Junior - Senior conference

June 29 - July 2 Bryn Athyn College, 2945 College Dr,
Bryn Athyn, PA.

THE GOOD NEWS HERALD PAGE 08

 SCHEDULED EVENTS FOR SECOND QUARTER

Sevika Sanghom Meetings Parish Mission Meetings

April - TBD Saturdays, April 1 and April 22

at 7:30 pm (virtual via Zoom)
Friday, May 5
Saturdays, May 6 and May 20
at 7 pm (virtual via Zoom)
at 7:30 pm (virtual via Zoom)

Friday, June 9 Saturdays, June 3 and June 17

at 7 pm (virtual via Zoom) at 7:30 pm (virtual via Zoom)

Yuvajanasakhyam Meetings Young Family Fellowship

Meetings
Thursday, April 13
at 8:00 pm (virtual via Zoom) April - TBD

Thursday, May 11 Saturday, May 13

at 8:00 pm (virtual via Zoom) at 7:00 pm (In person meeting)

Saturday, June 10
Thursday, June 8
at 7:00 pm (In person meeting)
at 8:00 pm (virtual via Zoom)

THE GOOD NEWS HERALD PAGE 09

 SCHEDULED EVENTS FOR SECOND QUARTER

Please note that Holy Communion

Service will begin at 9:30 am during
summer break, starting June 4th.

Bible class and Prayer

meeting:
On Fridays (starting May 19) at
7 pm @
15400 New Hampshire Ave.
Silver Spring, MD

THE GOOD NEWS HERALD PAGE 10

 BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT

Our members Mr. Noel Abraham John and Mrs. Tessy Varghese
were blessed
with a baby girl, Zeah John Noel, on March 16th, 2023.

May God bless Zeah with all His love, care, and happiness.

THE GOOD NEWS HERALD PAGE 11

 OBITUARY

Mrs. Annamma Chacko (age 94), mother of our member Mrs. Mariamma Chacko
(Marykutty), and of our former Vicar Rev. Jacob Matthew, was called to eternity
on January 15, 2023.

Mr. P.K. John (age 64), brother-in-law of our member Mrs. Susan Mathew, was called to
eternity on January 25, 2023.

Mrs. Anita Mary Oommen (age 47) daughter of our members, Mrs. Susan and
Dr. P.K. Poulose, was called to eternity on February 2, 2023.

Mr. George Varughese (age 67), brother-in-law of our member Mr. Varughese Thomas
( Joy) , was called to eternity on March 16, 2023

The Marthoma Church of Greater Washington expresses our deepest sorrow and
support for the bereaving families.

THE GOOD NEWS HERALD PAGE 12

 April May
Mrs. Beena Varghese 4/1 Mr. Jacob Mammen 5/1
Mr. Jacob Poulose 4/2 Mrs. Susamma Joseph 5/4
Mrs. Alice Veppumthara 4/2 Mr. Indra Bhanu 5/7
Mrs. Saramma Thomas 4/4 Mrs. Elizabeth Nisha Varughese 5/8
Mrs. Beena Susan Abraham 4/4 Mr. George Parakamannil 5/8
Mr. Roby Chacko Jacob 4/6 Mrs. Annamma Philip 5/8
Dr. Saji Thomas 4/8 Mr. Sunny Mathews 5/9
Ms. Eva Maria Varghese 4/8 Ms. Sabine Varghese 5/9
Mrs. Christie Susan Ninan 4/9 Mr. Thomas. K. Varghese 5/9
Mr. Joshua Rajan 4/10 Mr. Yohan John Balan 5/9
Mr. Abraham Parangot 4/11 Mrs. Rosamma Chacko 5/10
Mr. Roshin Mathai Joseph 4/12 Mrs. Elizabeth Joseph 5/10
Ms. Shany Philip 4/12 Mrs. Mariyamma Shibu 5/10
Mr. T.A. Chacko 4/12 Mr. Viju Mathew 5/10
Mrs. Hannah Thomas 4/13 Mr. John J. Ayrookuzhiyil 5/11
Ms. Meera Kattappuram 4/13 Mr. Rajan Skariah 5/11
Mrs. Mariamma Eapen 4/14 Mrs. Elsy Thomas 5/12
Mr. Shibu Thomas 4/15 Gena Mary John 5/13
Jessicah Bhanu 4/16 Maya Rachel Abraham 5/14
David Abraham Karakkattu 4/16 Benjamin Tharakan 5/14
Mrs. Rita Roy 4/17 Mrs. Sheelamma Thomas 5/14
Ms. Maya Susan Varghese 4/19 Mrs. Mariamma Abraham 5/15
Brielle Susan Mammen 4/20 Mr. Thampi Joseph 5/15
Dr. Chacko Abraham 4/20 Mr. Vinoj Kurian 5/16
Mr. George Thomas 4/21 Mrs. Usha Ravi 5/16
Mrs. Sarah J. Varghese 4/21 Jancy Ann Samuel 5/16
Mrs. Sneha Tinu 4/22 Benjamin Thomas Mathews 5/17
Mr. Anil Shaji 4/22 Mr. Samuel C. George 5/17
Mr. Sunil Shaji 4/22 Mr. Victor E. Kuttikattu 5/17
Meghna Thankam Bobby 4/23 Ms. Ashley Thomas 5/18
Mrs. Aneena Abraham 4/24 Mrs. Sosamma Thomas 5/18
Mrs. Jolly Chandy Thadathel 4/26 Mr. Joy Kaippallil 5/18
Jeslin Viju Mathew 4/26 Dr. Annie Jacob 5/22
Jayan Zachariah 4/27 Mr. Johnson Thankachan 5/22
Mr. Alexander Chonai 4/30 Mr. Shaji Thankachan 5/24
Mrs. Shantini Kurian 5/24

Dr. Alison Cheng
Dr. Elizabeth Thomas
Mrs. Mercy Sam
5/24
5/25
5/25
Mr. Sam Thomas 5/27
Mrs. Annamma Thomas 5/28
Leah Mary Mathew 5/28
Mr. John C. Philipose 5/29
Ms. Aanju Kaippallil 5/30
Mrs. Lala Alexander 5/30
Mrs. Jolly Joseph 5/30
Joseph K. Mathew 5/30
Mrs. Shanu Thomas 5/30
Dr. Sheela Panicker Jacob 5/31
Mr. Justin Varghese 5/31
Dr. Anita Kattappuram 5/31

THE GOOD NEWS HERALD PAGE 13

 June

Mrs. Elizabeth Jacob 6/1

Thomas Cherian 6/1
Mr. Thadathel Thomas Chandy 6/1
Ms. Sheelu Samuel 6/3
Mr. Reuben Thomas Abraham 6/4
Ms. Emily Thomas 6/4
Ms. Alisha Thomas 6/4
Mrs. Sosamma Jacob 6/4
Devin D. Eapen 6/5
Dr. Mathew. T. Thomas 6/5
Priya Ann Samuel 6/8
Mrs. Mary Abraham 6/9
Joshua Abraham 6/9
Dr. Anson Jacob Joseph 6/10
Jacob Saji 6/10
Mrs. Mariamma Jacob 6/10
Angie Beth Varughese 6/12
Philip Vanathu Samuel 6/12
Mr. Benjamin Koshy 6/13
Dr. Abe Titus Veppumthara 6/13
Ms. Nisha Elizabeth Thomas 6/14
Mr. Matthew Parangot 6/14
Mrs. Sissy John 6/14
Mr. George K Veppumthara 6/14
Dr. P. P. Chacko 6/15
Mr. Vimal Mathew Jacob 6/16
Dr. Jacob Oommen 6/16
Mr. Alexander Attumalail 6/17
Mrs. Jubi Joseph 6/19
Mr. Steven George 6/20
Mr. C. P. Mathew 6/20
Mrs. Christa George 6/20
Arin Mathew Eapen 6/21
Mr. Ben Thomas 6/22
Mrs. Anisha Ninan 6/22
Priya Lilly Cherian 6/22
Mrs. Nina K. Thomas 6/22
Mrs. Nancy Thomas 6/23
Matthew Abraham Karakkattu 6/23
Sam K. Easaw 6/24
Elijah Abraham Mathew 6/24
Daniel Vanathu Samuel 6/24
Sophie Marie Ninan 6/24
Leia Rachel Koshy 6/24
Mr. Babu Varghese 6/26
Dr. George Vergheese 6/27
Mrs. Aleyamma Parakamannil 6/28
Joshua George Franklin 6/28
Dr. Dennis T. Cherian 6/30

THE GOOD NEWS HERALD PAGE 14

 Wedding Anniversary

April

Mr. Poozhikalayil C. Chacko & Mrs. Mariamma Chacko 4/6

Mr. Jacob Kottackattu Thomas & Dr. Leelamma Panicker Jacob 4/7
Mr. Indra Bhanu & Mrs. Jubi Joseph 4/7
Mr. Sam Thomas & Mrs. Elsy Thomas 4/8
Mr. Kristian Thomas & Mrs. Hannah Thomas 4/10
Mr. Abraham G. Veppumthara & Mrs. Alice A Veppumthara 4/11
Mr. Pulithitta Thomas Philip & Mrs. Mariamma Philip 4/17
Mr. Thomas Alexander & Mrs. Mary A Thomas 4/19
Mr. George Parakamannil & Mrs. Aleyamma Parakamannil 4/20
Mr. Sam Michael & Mrs. Mercy Sam 4/22
Mr. Joseph K. Thomas & Mrs. Susamma Joseph 4/23
Mr. Noel Abraham John & Mrs. Tessy Varghese 4/23
Mr. John Varghese & Mrs. Elizabeth Varghese 4/25

May

Mr. Abraham Parangot & Mrs. Annie Parangot 5/3

Mr. Thomas Varghese & Mrs. Susan Varghese 5/3
Mr. George K. Veppumthara & Mrs. Sosamma Veppumthara 5/8
Mr. Subin Mathew Jacob & Mrs. Pamela Sarah Kurian 5/10
Dr. Thomas Ninan & Mrs. Saramma Thomas 5/13
Mr. Cheriyan Joseph & Mrs. Elizabeth Joseph 5/19
Mr. Babu. T Kottakuzhiyil & Mrs. Suja Kottakuzhiyil 5/20
Dr. Roy Gabriel & Mrs. Vimala Roy 5/25
Mr. George Thomas & Mrs. Annie Thomas 5/28
Mr. John Daniel & Dr. Jenny Ann Philip 5/28
Mr. Sanu Mathew & Mrs. Aneena Abraham 5/29

THE GOOD NEWS HERALD PAGE 15

 Wedding Anniversary

June

Mr. Abe Zachariah & Mrs. Bindhu Zacahriah 6/3

Mr.Biju Mathew Kattappuram & Dr. Anita Kattappuram 6/4
Mr. Rajan Skariah & Mrs. Mini Rajan 6/6
Mr. Samuel Ninan & Mrs. Jiji Ninan 6/10
Dr. Timothy V. Joseph & Mrs. Laya Joseph 6/12
Mr. Rajan Ninan & Mrs. Mariamma Ninan 6/13
Mr. Varughese Thomas & Mrs. Pushpa Thomas 6/15
Mr. Roby Chacko Jacob & Mrs. Sheena Aleyamma Jacob 6/21
Mr. Thomas P. Philip & Mrs. Annamma Thomas 6/21
Mr. Varghese Thomas & Mrs. Julie Thomas 6/22
Dr. Abe T. Veppumthara & Dr. Allison Cheng 6/24
Mr. Aji Eapen & Mrs. Rupa Eapen 6/24
Mr. Shibu John & Mrs. Shana Shibu 6/27
Mr. Abey Thomas & Mrs. Tini Thomas 6/30

THE GOOD NEWS HERALD PAGE 16

 Highlights from the first quarter of 2023

Martin Luther
King Day Service
Project - Youth
Fellowship

Youth Fellowship
cottage prayer -
February 2023

YFF - February
2023 meeting

THE GOOD NEWS HERALD PAGE 17

 Highlights from the first quarter of 2023

World Day of Prayer

- March 2023
Sevikha Sanghom
worship service

Youth Fellowship
cottage prayer -
March 2023

THE GOOD NEWS HERALD PAGE 18

 Mar Thoma Church of Greater Washington
2023 Executive Committee

Office Bearers

Vicar/President Rev. Byju Thomas 301-655-9080

Vice President Dr. George Vergheese 240-535-7796
Secretary Mr. Pence Jacob 614-537-0753
Trustee (Finance) Mr. John Ayrookuzhiyil 240-328-0479
Trustee (Accounts) Mr.George Samuel 240-535-1006
Lay Ministrant (English) Mr. Abey Thomas 301-728-1284
Lay Ministrant (Malayalam) Mr. John C. Attumalil 410-569-6485

Diocesan Assembly/ Mandalam representatives

Assembly Member Mr. Thomas Koshy 240-464-5530

Mandalam Member Mr. Shibu Samuel 301-346-6133

Area Prayer Representatives

Silver Spring Mr. Babu Kottakuzhyil 301-792-0207

Silver Spring Mr. George Philip 301-741-5358
Lanham/Bowie Mr. Chacko Daniel 301-346-7051
Lanham/Bowie Mr. Jobi Joseph 240-917-8268
Gaithersburg/Rockville Mrs. Saramma Thomas 240-426-4449
Gaithersburg/Rockville Dr. George K. Varghese 240-506-3400
Northern Virginia Mr. Thomas K. Varghese 703-728-6846
Northern Virginia Dr. Dennis Cherian 202-489-2380
Richmond Bobby Mathews 804-454-6398
Richmond Cherian K. Abraham 404-642-3303

Organization Representatives

Choir Mr. Sanu Mathew 973-914-9195

Parish Mission Dr. Thomas Ninan 240-426-4355
Senior Citizens Mrs. Lizy Vergheese 301-655-6484
Sevika Sanghom Dr. Elizabeth Thomas 703-994-9952
Sunday School Mrs. Mary Samuel 240-505-1705
Young Families Mr. Reuben Abraham 240-751-5099
Youth Fellowship Mr. Robin Ninan 301-332-7355
Yuvajana Sakhyam TBD xxx-xxx-xxxx

THE GOOD NEWS HERALD PAGE 19

 "Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not
in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime."
-MLK

May the season of spring and Easter reminds us of

new beginnings and transformations;
and fill us with hope.