GREETINGS IN THE NAME OF THE LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST! I praise God for the opportunity He has provided us to support the less privileged ones through the HAR-VEST FESTIVAL, as we have collected about 10000$ through the auction by members. I would request all who could not participate on that week to support our Mission Activities in India and in USA, by giving their donations for Missions to reach our goal of 17000$. The Mission Board of Our church is considering avenues where we would utilize our Funds for Mission in India and USA.

The month of October brings to us a time when we begin to change our attitude as the light saving phe-nomenon comes to an end and the change in climatic conditions that adorns our life style. This is month is also affectionately called as “Spook-tober” by those who love Halloween and all its associated festivities. Amid the Celebration, for the college students, October means Midterms. It’s Scary that we are already at a point where midterms is sneaking upon. The strength that we can gather comes from the Lord Almighty to face every challenge that comes Our way. Isaiah 41:10

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

With the faith in God, let us overcome every trial and tests that come our way as the Lord provides us the Courage required. Having courage doesn’t mean you will never fear or tremble; it does not mean you will not have inner turmoil. Having courage purely means you will do what’s right, regardless of the consequences. The apostle Paul struggled with the matter of pleasing God or win-ning the approval of others. He lost lot of his friends as he stood for God and His Faith was strong. He knew that Pleasing God must come first in His Life the others did not matter much. This reminds me of the Words of Martin Luther, fiery reformer of the 16th century, when he risked his life by appearing before the German Diet in the city of Worms, “…I cannot and will not recant any-thing, for to act against our understanding of God is neither safe, nor open to us. On this I take my stand. I can do no other. God help me. Amen.” (T. M. Lindsay, A History of the Reformation).

Through the centuries God’s Leaders have made their stand with courage. They stood for truth, integrity and righteousness, no matter what their field of labour. Now it’s our turn. Can we stand firmly on the faith of God and witness to this world. Let us join to gather the strength to do what God wants us to do, which we define as ‘God’s purpose for me in this world’

May the Lord Almighty strengthen us to be courageous and to withstand every trial in life with the faith in Lord Jesus Christ.

Rev John Geevarghese (bencyachen4u@gmail.com)

Vicar SFO MTC

NEWSLETTER OCTOBER, 2017

MARTHOMA CHURCH OF SAN FRANCISCO

FROM THE VICAR

Page 2 October Newsletter

UPCOMING EVENTS

Date Event

Oct 7 Fasting Prayer 10:00 AM at Church

Oct 8 Yuvajana Sakhyam Sunday

Oct 12-15 XVIII Diocesan Sevika Sanghom Conference, Ney York

Oct 14 Yuvajana Sakhyam Cottage Prayer @ Anu and Roshini Philip’s residence

Oct 15 Youth Fellowship Sunday

Oct 27-29 Church Annual Convention/ Family Sunday

Area Date Host

San Ramon Friday, October 6, @8:00 PM Mr Sam Joshn and Ansu

Central Valley Saturday, October 21 @11:00 AM Mr Kenny Mathew and Susan Mathew

AREA PRAYER

MEETINGS

Date Service Assisting Area

Oct 8th Malayalam Service @10:00 AM Yuvajana Sakhyam

Oct 15th English Service@10:00 AM Youth Fellowship

Oct 22th English Service @10:00 AM San Ramon

Oct 29th Malayalam Service @10:00 AM San Francisco and South Bay

HOLY

COMMUNION

Page 3 October Newsletter

Day Wedding Anniversary

5 Mathew Jacob & Baby Jacob

7 Dr. Memuriyil M. Thomas & Valsamma Thomas

9 Abraham Mathew & Sunu Easow

15 Titus M. George & Darlena David

22 John V. Mathew & Santhamma John

22 Linil Kurien & Priya Kurien

24 Mathew Varughese & KochuThresia Varughese

24 Mani R. John & Anitha Paul

25 Roji Roy & Nisha Roy

27 Shaji Mathew & Daisy Mathew

29 Shino Kurian & Nora Kurian

BIRTHDAYS

1 Rosin Tharakan 10 Abin John 22 Aiden Alexander

1 Abby Cherian 11 Aleyamma Thomas 22 Asha George

1 Hannah Jacob 13 Shaun Ninan 22 Elizabeth Chandy

2 Anna Mathews 14 Rachel Johnson 22 Sreya Mathew

2 Annamma Kurian 14 Sally Kurien 23 Abigail Anish

2 Santosh Palackamannil Abraham

15 Leelamma Philip 23 Noel Mammen

3 Shino Kurian 15 Mathew Jacob 26 Cherian Mathews

4 Sumeetha Jacob 16 Beena Jacob 27 Roshan Mathews

5 Roshney Pratheep 17 Michelle George 27 Shija Johnson

5 Dhanya Mathew 18 Julie George 28 Deena Alexander

5 Libby Kurien 18 Kurian Thomas 29 Sarah Thomas

6 Susan Thomas 19 Jacob Cherian 29 Jaiden George

7 Isabel Roy 19 Rhea Skaria 29 Ethan Anikathil

7 Mathews Issac 19 Daniel George 30 Anoushka Samuel

8 Nisha Alex 20 Alexei Godfray 30 Manasi Mathew

9 Anila Thomas 20 Josie Varghese

WEDDING

ANNIVERSARY

CROSSWORD PUZZLE, Isaiah 17-20 NIV

Onam Celebrations